This is a first of three. One thing common between them is that there’s a sense of funkiness in the music. Even though they may not exactly fit the show, they will eventually (to me, at least). Off we start then to my first pick:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Golden Time Lover (OP3)
To describe this song, here’s what my lil sis said when she first watch this opening: “wow, so funky eh?” Funky, it is. When I first listened to the full version (because the PV, which you can find below, came out a few weeks before it’s first broadcast as the opening theme), I was pretty worried that it might not fit the show. It worked then, and it’ll go on till the end of this year.
Sukima Switch – Golden Time Lover
coming soon, the next session. hint: sukima switch and this artist come from the same agency. go crack that brain of yours.
With all new theme songs out (I assume), it’s time again to announce my pick. If the title post wasn’t enough for a hint… can’t say I pity you but I pity you (doesn’t really matter if you get it or not).
Anyways,
Minami – We say hello (Aoi Bungaku Series ED)
This song came as a surprise to me. See, stories from Aoi Bungaku Series are serious, and knowing Madhouse, they can really do serious shows (so serious, it can bore some viewers to dead *recalls big sis quitting Shigurui midway*). Yet, to put this as the ending theme is actually uplifting, as if taking away the negativity and bringing out a smile or sort. I like the jazzy feel; the singer’s singing voice and the piano playing blends very well. I look forward to listening to the full version, which I guess will be available in the soundtrack (just a guess, ya?).
abingdon boys school – From Dusk Till Dawn (DARKER THAN BLACK – Ryuusei no Gemini ED)
110% my favourite. As mentioned in previous posts (refer below), this is abs’s 4th straight anime-related single, which is coming out on December 16 (by the way, instead of going lengthy, I have shortened abingdon boys school to abs. Easier that way). Although some in the Internet really don’t fancy it, I think it’s absolutely wonderful. Simply rock ballad, in my opinion, and it fits for an ending theme (unlike STRENGTH. from Soul Eater, which feels more of an opening). Props to the group for giving this show a great song (check out the official web’s gallery. Lovely images).
Aoi Bungaku Series (premieres 2009/10/10): Produced by Madhouse, this series include a collection of six stories written by famous Japanese authors in the early 1900s. This gives me the opportunity to discover other literary works from Japan, having read those from Kirino Natsuo, Tanizaki Junichirou, and my all-time favourite, Murakami Haruki. In addition, there will be original character designs by famous mangaka, namely Obata Takeshi (Death Note), Kubo Tite (BLEACH) and Konomi Takeshi (Prince of Tennis). Personally, I’m more interested in Kubo-sensei’s design (I’m not being biased here. Seriously).
Kuchu Buranko (premieres 2009/10/15): This is on the noitamina slot (I have a feeling I’m gonna be a noitamina nut). Taking charge of this show is the team that brought us Mononoke (another favourite of mine). I like how each story in Mononoke was interpreted with its unique, experimental visuals and I expect no less from Kuchu Buranko (with all those unusual cases being solved by a rather unorthodox psychiatrist).
Something in common between my picks: they’re after-midnight shows. Bwahahahahah….
OP: 「ツキアカリのミチシルベ」(Tsukiakari no Michishirube) / Stereopony
ED: 「From Dusk Till Dawn」 / abingdon boys school (rejoice, lil sis!)
On the OP artist: Stereopony’s anime related songs include Hitohira no Hanabira (BLEACH); Namida no Mukou (Gundam OO S2)
On the ED artist: Honestly, I was hoping for abs to do the OP but oh well. Regardless, for a record, this will be their 4th consecutive anime-related single of 2009. (If you haven’t noticed: 1st – STRENGTH. (Soul Eater); 2nd – JAP (Sengoku BASARA); 3rd – Kimi no Uta (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0).)
My comment on the article: I rather be healthy than being stressed all the time, even if it means getting mozzy bites on my legs every day (when I do get bitten, there’s always Axe Oil for relief XD). Avoid Aedes, though; they’re little scary monsters.
(read the whole interview to find out why he is the ‘teioh’ (of BL that is).)
Regarding the first question, being one of his audience for the past years (can’t really remember when but I was sure he’s my first favourite male seiyuu), I like to listen to his deep voice. One will most likely listen to that in one of his many imposing or manly characters, e.g. Dante (Devil May Cry), Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Last Order Final Fantasy VII), Kirihara Naoto (Night Head Genesis), Tatsumi Seiichirou (Yami no Matsuei) and most of his BL (aka Boy’s Love) roles, including Nakajima Hideaki (Gakuen Heaven). His latest work that I’ve watched was Katakura Kojuurou in Sengoku BASARA (can’t wait to listen to him again in the 2nd season XD).
Even so, he’s actually versatile. This can be seen through his roles in Bleach (roles because he voiced three characters). One perfect example I can give, though, is his character in Damekko Doubutsu as Yunihiko (the one that looks comically like a unicorn). He could immediately switch from a hig-pitched to a low-pitched voice. Well, other guy seiyuu can do that but considering most of his roles that require him to go deep, this is rather impressive.
…well, unless it’s TOO dirty, or stinky like those almost unmanageable houses in Anthea Turner: Perfect Housewife (almost because at the end of each episode, those houses look clean. Haha). Anyway…
Out of curiosity, I went to Anime News Network to find the English cast listing for Devil May Cry, specifically the English voice behind Dante (turned out to be Reuben Langdon, who also did Dante’s voice in the game starting from Devil May Cry 3). So, again, out of curiosity, I went to YouTube to have a listen, which turned out to be okay. (I still and always will find Morikawa Toshiyuki’s voice in the Japanese version sexy XD).
But Dante’s voice isn’t the focus of this post (sorry to those who’re interested in him *bows in apology*). It’s about a scene in Episode 1 whereby Patty (the blonde little girl) mentioned something that caught my attention. Watch the clip below, starting from 5:50 to 6:07.
the Japanese version
the English version
For variety purposes, I put up both languages, but whatever the language is, it implies the same thing:
“He (Dante) won’t be able to attract the ladies with his lack-of-style convertible”.
I don’t know much about romance (’cause I’ve never been in a relationship so far) but to be honest, if it looks fine (as in not-so dirty and all), I don’t mind the red convertible. Sure it looks kinda retro but for someone who’s a little old-fashioned (and has a whole lot of imagination) like me, it feels nostalgic. Driving out, especially in the countryside, listening to whatever music there is (btw, the BGM in that particular scene is Life is on you, available on the soundtrack).
About “how we get there is more important than the destination” in terms of romance, like I said, I can’t really comment. Something to think about then…
To those who happen to stumble upon this post, do drop a reply. Looking at things from a different perspective is always fascinating.
Fukuhara Miho’s Let It Out, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s 2nd ending theme. This is absolute love. The moment I heard her strong vocals coming in, I found myself amazed. Listen to it and you’ll know why.
Fukuhara Miho – LET IT OUT (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ED2)
But there are a few that caught my attention. Call them ’special mentions’. The first is (of course) abingdon boys school’s Kimi no Uta (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 OP). Not as great as JAP or STRENGTH. but I found myself liking it after a while. Besides, you don’t expect a disaster story to have a hyper rock opening now, do you?
abingdon boys school – Kimi no Uta (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 OP)
Secondly, M/elody by Tsuji Shion (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 ED). Just relaxing *imagines listening to this song while driving in the countryside*.
Tsuji Shion – M/elody (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 ED)
Finally, the latest BLEACH ending theme, Mad Surfer by Asai Kenichi, who reminds me of those rock veterans (i.e. Mick Jagger or Steve Tyler). I’ll most probably go la la over this song whenever I go sot. Not to mention how colourful the ending clip is, too XD.
