Rin’ – Tradition and Elegance

As far as traditional music goes, I’m a big fan. Especially groups that blend traditional instrumental music and the melodies with the sounds and influences of contemporary Western popular music. Rin’, composed of Tomoca Nagasu, Mana Yoshinaga, Chie Arai- creates their own special ethereal and elegant music using instruments such as the oto, jushichigen, shamisen, biwa and shakuhachi. Let me just say that I’m in love with the shamisen. =]

I recently came across them when a friend shared Rin’s latest album with me and it somehow struck a cord. The instrumental music is soothing and not at all boring to say the least. I detected hints of modern pop and even electronic and dance music. Quite a combination to create a new path for traditional music. It’s just eerily beautiful once you hear the melody and the vocal.

Sadly, I’m a bit disappointed to find only a small fan base online and zero to nil in the US. I’m sure many are thrown off by the word “traditional.” but trust me, this is anything but. I uploaded the album with the thought of encouraging more people to sample the music and seek out Rin’s other CDs that has been amazing people in Japan and internationally, like me.

More information about them can be found on their official website: www.avexnet.or.jp/rin

Album: 時空 (Jikuu) [1st Album]
Released: 05.12.04
- DL HERE -

Tracks:
01 – 時空 (Jikuu)
02 – Sakitama ~幸魂~ (Sachi Tamashii)
03 – 八千代ノ風 (Yachiyo no Kaze)
04 – 普遍 (Fuhen)
05 – 雅 (Masa)
06 – weakness
07 – 道心 (Doushin)
08 – Smile on (English ver.)
09 – Will
10 – サイの神 (SAI no Kami)
11 – Eternal

Comparing Old and New Ayumi – The Pop Goddess

One of the first Japanese pop artists I listened to is Hamasaki Ayumi. I would say her songs are the typical pop that you would hear either in English or other languages. The only difference is… well I couldn’t find any. The lyrics are fair enough and the melodies are decent. Unfortunately she started changing her style.

I don’t blame her for the attempt to draw in listeners and retain old fans, but I just don’t like it. Then again, I may just be that old grouchy fan who is reluctant to accept change. Although it could be that my taste in music has changed drastically. I’ve recently found myself drawn more to pop rock. Something along the lines of Garnet Crow and HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR. Yet, I’m simply loyal to my favorite artists, no matter how much change they would eventually go through as the years pass. It’s just the matter of me being in my comfort zone. I hate to venture out to find new artists in different genres only to be disappointed in the end. Yes, that happens a lot. Especially Japanese rap- horrible, horrible music, but I never did like rap in the first place. Lately, I’ve been listening to Enka and traditional Japanese instrumental songs, but that’s another story. =]

Judge for yourself, below are three of her older singles and her newer one.

Title: Blue Bird
Released: 06.23.06
- DL HERE -

Title: Startin’/Born to Be…
Released: 03.08.06
- DL HERE -

Title: Fairyland
Released: 08.03.05
- DL HERE -

Title: HEAVEN
Released: 09.14.04
- DL HERE -

Some Sakura Renders

These are 4 Card Captor Sakura renders featuring just Sakura! Take it and use it if you want. =] I added the 2 pt. lines to make the renders stand out. If you don’t like the emphasis of the lines, you can email me a request and I’ll change it for you.

- DOWNLOAD LINK -

6 Textures by sargent_rose

A special thanks to Rose for making these awesome textures. Feel free to use them for personal purposes only. Credit is not required but it’s welcome. =]

- DOWNLOAD LINK -