I like Kira☆Pika

I finally sat down tonight and started up the coupling track to the IMO cringe inducing Hana wo Pun, Futari wa NS. And I really like it! From the opening chords of music I knew I would like it. It’s gentle and relaxing and has none of the spazztastic grating of the A-side. I really like the piano. It adds a classy and soft effect to the song, I might be biased though, having played the piano enthusiastically as a little girl.

The PV is really sweet in its simplicity. Koharu looks amazing, I think she’s growing to be quite the beauty and I’m interested to see what her 2nd solo photo album will be like. I must also say that I really like that hairstyle on her. Mai is cute as well though at times she appears really shy about looking at the camera and looks everywhere but, especially at the end of the PV. Even though her voice is still somewhat nasal due to her adolescence, it already has a very mature quality to it that will make her quite the vocalist as she ages.

I think Tsunku would have been much smarter to make Futari wa NS the debut single of Kira☆Pika. I know they’re ultimately aimed for children, but even as a small child I seriously doubt I would have taken to a song about wiping your nose. Besides, it’s the adults with the $$ to spend and if they don’t have patience to listen to an overly nasal and repetitive song, it isn’t going to be purchased. Mini Moni was for kids as well, but at least their songs were quality and easily accessible for grown ups as well.

Catching up on PVs

I’ve been really really busy lately, what with the move, my new job and everyday life. Finding a moment to myself this afternoon I decided to do some catching up on PVs sitting on my desktop and waiting to be viewed.

Utada Hikaru - Kiss & Cry
Wow! I really like this song! The song has a great beat and sound and really reminds me of Hikki’s older works. It really stands out from her recent releases for the fact that it sounds like her older stuff, and somehow I think that’s a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, I think Colors, Passion & Keep Tryin’ are absolutely amazing songs, but it was Automatic, Addicted to You and Sakura Drops that made me a fan of her music.

Buck-Tick - Alice in Wonder Underground
First off, Atsushi in a top hat? Can I marry you please? At first I wasn’t quite sure what I thought of the song as it didn’t grab me right off the bat like their last single, Rendevous, had. However as the song continued I really started to get into it. It’s got a great drum beat driving it along. Did I mention Atsushi is HOT in the video? I thought I would again. By the second time through it I was really liking it and know I’ll be buying the single. I love me some Buck-Tick. Undead Rasputin in the video…. that guy is creepy.

Chocolove from AKB48 - Mail no Namida
A ballad, but with a terrific danceability to it. Seriously, AKB48 have proven themselves beyond a doubt to me as a great new idol group. I don’t understand all the lyrics, but despite the title of the song it feels like it has an underlying uplift to it. That could be my imagination though so don’t take my word for it. Jet back to the 80s during the bridge with a synthesizer solo! I’m not sure if there’s another version of the PV though as the one I watched appeared to have no ties to their previously released (now infamous) Ashita wa Ashita no Kimi ga Umareru.

Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai - Itoshiki Tomo e
I love this song 500 times more than their first release. You have no idea. I found Bokura ga Ikiru my Asia boring and the PV looked like a deodorant commercial (in my opinion). I don’t think I’ve listened to it more than 5 times since it’s been released. Itoshiki on the other hand I love. It sounds fantastic and the PV has a great summer morning after the rain feel to it. It’s very airy and refreshing. I was really struck by Risa in this song, her voice sounded very mature. Natsumi looks great as always, and Koharu really shines. The harmonies overall in this song are beautiful.

AKB48 - Boku no Taiyo
This is a really nice upbeat song along the lines of Bingo! It sounds like it would be right at home on the soundtrack of an anime. Another really great summeresque single. I really like it but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before so I don’t really have much more to say about it.