School Thoughts and 4 Singles w/ 12012!

Lately I’ve been so tired. Just yesterday I had some problems with my comp, so I spent a couple of hours in the wee hours of the morning fixing the problem. Although, that made me sleep a bit better afterwards and all is somewhat well now. I just can’t wait to move in the dorm now since I just finish packing for school today. Well, not quite finish. I still have some items that I can’t pack now but at least I got the big things out of the way. School should be fun I hope, but I might be overdoing it a bit on my classes. After all of the pressure from my parents to sign up for more classes, I signed up for 18 units and now they’re hinting for me to drop a class. Argh. 18 units is a lot since I also have to work but it’s such a hassle having to drop a class, etc. etc. Though, I have to seriously go over this problem. I don’t want to buy all the materials in the class and then drop later on… books are expensive and I’m broke if you don’t know. -_-

Is 18 units too much for me to handle? Hmm… I’m probably going to stay in my room most of the time anyways since there isn’t really any place (safe place) to go in Riverside, seriously. Not on University Ave. anyways, I’ve been hearing some stories. o___o I’ll just have class, work, and maybe one or two clubs that I’ll join. *sigh* Now I have to make a resume, toodles. Enjoy the 4 new singles below. Well, 12012 is just a couple of months old.

12012 – Heart [A+B+C Types] (all 3 singles A, B, and C are zipped together)

Released: 05.10.06

Artist: 12012
Single: Heart [A+B+C Types]
Bitrate: 320 kbps

12012 is just L-O-V-E. If you are a fan of hardcore rock and don’t mind mild screams, this is the single for you. =] This hot visual kei band features one of the best vocals and sounds from the JROCK world.

- DL HERE -

YUI – I remember you

Artist: YUI
Single: I remember you
Bitrate: 320 kbps

No worries here, this is soft and mild JPOP. =] No introductions here, her voice and songs should be familiar to most JPOP fans. ^__^ Right?

- DL HERE -

Eh, Just An Album.

Enjoy this old album by the pillows. =]

Artist: the pillows
Album: Fool on the planet
Released: 02.07.01
Bitrate: 128

This CD has the best tracks released by the pillows. It was released a while ago but it’s still good so check this album out!

Tracks:
01. Fool on the Planet
02. Swanky Street
03. I think I can
04. Instant Music
05. TRIP DANCER
06. ONE LIFE
07. Climbing on the Roof
08. Midnight Down
09. CARNIVAL
10. Let’s see, if that’s true or not
11. LITTLE BUSTERS
12. Ride on shooting star
13. NAKED SHUFFLE
14. Funny Bunny
15. Strange Chameleon
16. HYBRID RAINBOW
- DL HERE -

That Ill Feeling

I’ve been feeling a bit sick lately. It’s all entirely my fault though, I sleep with the window a bit open and the morning chill is getting to me. Well, lately the weather is unpredictable and I don’t have time to look up the weather forcast for each day. Oh well. I just hope the chill doesn’t affect me to the point where I can’t help my sister move for school this weekend. There are a lot of heavy luggage that I don’t want her moving nor my parents. =] … Just being the good sister haha. Oh and did I mention I’m getting a haircut most likely tomorrow? Yeah, but I’m just going to keep the old layer look I have now and shorten it a bit. I like short hair… and bangs, but I’m not allowed to have bangs. *sigh* … And the world turns.

Anyways for the Japanese music lovers out there, expect a delay in updates but there will be one this weekend. I don’t know when but just check back. =]

4 Albums, 2 Singles, and A Lot of JPOP

Ah, I just came home from four hours of shopping today. =] Now I’m tired and my feet are sore, but whatever.  I’ve managed to buy a couple of awesome shirts that I need for school.  With emphasis on the word ‘need,’ haha.  So for now, I’m just going to lounge around the house and try to pack for school.  I’ve started packing in late August but it looks like I still have a long way to go.  I can’t decide and sort through what I should bring, what I need, and what needs to stay home.  Meh, I’ll figure it out in my last week… hopefully. =]

I’ve upped 4 albums and 2 singles up on rapidshare and it took a while. ^^ So go enjoy them!

Miyavi – Miyaviuta – Dokuso
- DL HERE -

He’s hot. His voice is hot.  Need I say more?  This album is just hot. =] haha. <3 <3 <3

Se7en – I wanna
- DL HERE -

Oh man, the lyrics on “I wanna” the first track just killed me. =] I’m not a fan of Se7en but I still listen since the vocal reminds me a lot of Suga Shikao.  Not as good as Shikao, but pretty darn close.

Suga Shikao – PARADE
- DL HERE -

Suga Shikao wows me with all of his albums and this is no exception.  Although his voice doesn’t change a lot in the duration of his album, he’s one of the few that can do that and still have a lot of loyal listeners that aren’t bored.  He is <3

YUKI – WAVE
- DL HERE -

YUKI has a great voice; it’s unique and extremely different from other pop singers.  Haha, but I think she should stay away from the engrish.  The track, “YUKI – 07 – Hei! Yu!” annoyed me and I had to skip through it.  Otherwise, this album is a must listen.

GARNET CROW – Maboroshi
- DL HERE -

“まぼろし” or “Maboroshi” is the first track of their new single and it’s awesome. =]  I love the usual vocal and the soft melody of the song that is Garnet Crow’s trademark.  The second song, “Holy Ground” is a slower pace once and has been featured before.  It is the re-release of it as “~just like a dejavu arrangement~”, but it still encompasses the original sound as you have heard before.  Garnet Crow is <3

mihimaru GT – mihimagic
- DL HERE -

I’m not actually new to mihimaru GT but I don’t listen to them a lot.  Although I do have a reason ^^ and it’s not that I hate the vocals but it’s a bit irritating.  The songs on this album are not exactly slow or fast paced, it’s just happy.  Too happy. I also love the titles on some of the song.  I was laughing when I saw, “Hello! Pansy!!” =]

6 Anime/JPOP Singles and Hasty Reviews

I’m exhausted, so here are just some good singles for you to sample.   These are new releases of JPOP and anime singles, the OPs and/or EDs. Yeah and don’t pay a lot of attention to the hastily put together reviews.  I’m half-asleep right now but I don’t want to hit my pillow yet… I still have some things to take care of.  ENJOY!

Coyote Ragtime Show OP ED Single – COYOTE Naoki with Power Sound Sana
- DL HERE –

The opening of Ragtime Show is good stuff.  That’s one of the reasons why I picked up the anime in the first place.  The reason I dropped it was something else I mentioned before haha.  Anyways, once you get first the western feel of the opener, it’s actually an upbeat and catchy song.  Try it and you’ll like it. =]

Usuragu Kioku is the ending song and it’s quite good too.  Although it’s not as action packed as the OP, it brings out the other side of the anime.  While the main plot of the anime is made up of action scenes, the relationship of the characters make up the latter part of the show.  The ED song and animation manages to show their interaction without dialog and that makes it excellent in my eyes.

AAA – Let it beat
- DL HERE –

Well, I haven’t been a big fan of AAA ever but I still got this single just to see if I’ll maybe like them a bit more now.  Oh how could I have been so wrong?  The first track, “Let it Beat!” didn’t wow me at all and it actually annoyed me because of the techno beat.  It sounds just like any other typical popish songs.  Ah!  Just my luck, the third track is the instrumental version of Let it Beat!  What luck! Meh.

The second track Dragon fire is a bit better, but it’s bland.

BLEACH OP4 Single – TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT BEAT CRUSADERS
- DL HERE –

Err, yeah.  This is the new OP single for Bleach.  I haven’t been watching Bleach in a while and was a bit surprise when this single popped up.  I’m not a fan of Beat Crusaders but I love the single cover and the track listing on the back with the scribbles.  Typical Beat Crusaders style that I like, too bad their music doesn’t suit me.

GLAY – Natsuoto – Henna Yume THOUSAND DREAMS
- DL HERE –

Let me just tell you have much I love GLAY.  However, I am still surprise to hear that “Natsuoto,” is a slow paced song.  Don’t get me wrong, the song is good- it’s just strange haha.  Oh well, the next two songs in the single are the usual.  I just love his voice.

Honey and Clover ED Single – Waltz Suneohair
- DL HERE –

If you don’t know, I’ve never watched this anime nor have I ever listened to their music.  I just happen to come across this anime a lot and I couldn’t resist getting the single.

w-inds. – Boogiewoogie 66
- DL HERE –

I love w-inds. like you wouldn’t believe it. =]  Haha, but I ‘m not a fan of their fashion.

Driving Test

Oy! I passed my driving test today with zero errors and it’s my first test! Whee! Haha, I’m a bit excited and tired right now. =]  This was actually unexpected since I only had about 13 hours of driving and don’t you need at least 50 hours to be adequately prepared? Oh well, I’m just happy and happier to beat my dad’s record.  He had the least amount of mistakes in the house and now the title is mine.  Yeah, we’re competitive haha.  Ah, life is good.

I think I’ll take a short/long nap and I’ll upload some graphics or song requests later. =]  I haven’t forgotten about you guys, my requester.

4 Anime OSTs & A Lovely Day

I’m feeling happy so I decided to up some newly released OSTs. =]  Yep, all because I manage to sign up for a class I needed at the last minute when there was an opening.  Also, to those that requested single songs from these OSTs, this is a bonus, yes? Enjoy!

Saiunkoku Monogatari OST 1
Even though I don’t like this anime, the music is decent.

- DL HERE -

Bleach OST 2
I still prefer the first OST for this series.

- DL HERE -

Honey and Clover OST
Hmm… I never watched this and actually I haven’t listened to this OST yet.

- DL HERE -

Welcome to the NHK! OST
Good music =]

- DL HERE -

Anime: My Impressions, Picks, Drops, Rants, etc.

Well I should write a blog for the anime index soon enough, so here it is. =]

IMPORTANT NOTE:  I’ve received comments from some friends and people who visit this site on why they see boxes on my page at certain places.  No, it’s not an error or decoration, it’s Japanese characters/text.  In order to be able to read the text, install the language package for your windows or whatever OS system you’re using.

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I might even want to start a semi-anime blogging thing here, but there are already too many out there and I’m lazy and lacking in time to do such thing.  We’ll see…

For some time now, I’ve been dropping, re-watching, and started watching different anime.  It’s amazing how my sane, yes sane self can keep track of all that I’m following.  I usually would be attracted first to the summary and then the designs for the character.  The plot is fitting to be third on my anime browsing list.  Why bother watching an anime that has a decent to good plot only to be revolted by the terrible backdrop or character designs.  That makes no sense to me.

Anyways, I’m currently going through a lot of summer scheduled anime that’s airing… right now.  I have dropped a few and picked up some from past airing anime and summer ones.  It’s a matter of how long the anime will keep my interest.  Let’s start with the ones I’ve dropped and no, I’m not going to type summaries and the whole deal.  That’s why the ANN links are there, click. ^^

[side note] – No, I don’t usually follow the manga for the anime I watch.  The only exception is Hellsing and only Hellsing.

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Dropped Series:

• Utawarerumono / うたわれるもの / Shadow Warrior Chronicles / The One Being Sung – [more info here]

- The main reason I dropped Utawarerumono is because it started to lag.  It just dragged on constantly with half-baked plots and yes, plot holes.  Although I don’t expect much from a hentai game turned clean anime series.  The only exception is Air TV since Fate/ stay night died on me halfway. 

- If you’re expecting another reason, can you say… harem?  Well, it was a hentai… yes?

• Bleach / ブリーチ - [more info here]

- It’s actually a shame that I dropped this series.  I was up to the 50th episode or so when the story just died and senseless, annoying fillers started.  Even with the newly generated plot that some people have been telling me about and urging me to re-watch Bleach, I just can’t.  To me, Bleach died the moment it reached the half-way mark of 100 episodes.  Why on earth do you need more than a couple of story arcs?  The story and the antics gets old fast and the comedy aspect of it just dies on you.  I just don’t like most long term anime series.  I was suffering through Fushigi Yuugi and almost killed myself to get through Rurouni Kenshin after the last couple of arcs.  Ah, but I don’t hate those two series nor Bleach all that much.

- There are only two things that I like about Bleach.  One, I like the sleek character designs. In fact, one of my favorite designs since it strays away from the generic designs you see a lot in the anime world.  Two, this series got me exposed to HIGH and MIGHT COLOR or HaMC.  This rock group lead by a female vocalist is one of my favorites today.  A good replacement for Do As Infinity since they broke up a short time ago and sent me into a frenzy.

• NANA / ナナ - [more info here]

- The series is just boring and the character designs are awful.  I hate it with some sort of passion as I’ve hated most shoujo anime.  Girl goes to Tokyo to follow her lover, relationship goes rocky, etc.  This is just overdone.

• Inukami! / いぬかみっ! - [more info here]

- Um… it is funny but it’s so perverted.  I don’t want to see one more naked male with an elephant’s head covering you know what.  Spare me from the sight. 

- It’s a lot easier in terms of Witchblade (the anime listed 2nd to last on this list) to watch since the sexual scenes are somewhat funny.  Still, why would I want to watch that. -_-  I’ve gotten fed up with the fan service and the slapstick comedy.

• ZEGAPAIN / ZEGAPAIN -ゼーガペイン – [more info here]

- I rather be watching Gundam Wing, GDS, Gundam etc. rather than watching this.  Heck, throw me Bubblegum Crisis.

• Tsubasa Chronicle  / ツバサ・クロニクル / Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE - [2nd Season - more info here]

- Oh it lags so much.  Yes, it’s by CLAMP and it’s beautifully animated with wonderful BGMs, OPs/EDs, etc., but stop lagging.  Filled with staring contest and just a couple scenes of slow fighting stretched out over many arcs, the slow pace just kills it.  The manga is slightly better, but I still don’t like it.  Except for the costume designs..

•   .hack//Roots – [more info here]

- Please, for the love of all .hack// fans, please BANDAI… please oh please stop milking this series.  I’ve had enough of AU .hack// related things.

- This particular show boasted new characters, but the first half was made only to explain “The World”- the online game which this series is about.  Not exactly an exciting opening, you think?

• Coyote Ragtime Show / コヨーテ ラグタイムショー – [more info here]

- I just decided to drop it and clear it from my HD to save space.  There isn’t a reason why it was dropped, only because I was reformatting my comp. and I needed to fit all my files on my external HD without burning anything out on DVDs because I’m lazy.  Yeah.

• Good Witch of the West – Astrea Testament / 西の善き魔女 Astraea Testament – [more info here]

- Ugly characters and an uglier plot.

• The Third – [more info here]

- I dropped it because the action in the first half of the series suddenly slowed down.  It just wasn’t fun to watch anymore.

• Night Head Genesis / ナイトヘッドジェネシス  - [more info here]

- The two main characters try so hard to be cool in their sleek, black overcoat and their psychic abilities.  Oh, spare me the cheese.

- For some reason, the characters remind me of Jyu Oh Sei… well, doesn’t it?

• Saiunkoku Monogatari / 彩雲国物語 / Tale of Saiunkoku – [more info here]

- The designs on the font part of each character’s hair makes it look like they’re all wearing wigs.  Plus, I hate the slow pace this series is settling in and the of course… the male harem.  This again, what’s with the harem and whatever happened to love triangles?  Those would be much more fun to watch at the moment.

• Witchblade / ウィッチブレイド - [more info here]

- The graphics looked so good and the OP song, “XTC” reeled me in, but there are so many sexual innuendo.  If the series would’ve toned it done a bit, I would have stuck to it and perhaps even like the anime, but nope.  After the couple of starter episodes it actually got to the point where I was uncomfortable watching the scenes play out in front of me.  There isn’t anything explicit, but the innuendos, oh my.  Stay away from this one kids.

• SIMOUN / シムーン - [more info here]

- Well, I only have three words for this anime…  —> What the hell?

- Just during the OP animation, I immediately thought this was hentai until the fansubbing group said in bold letters using a lot of exclamation points stating that it is indeed not.  Uh, the kissing scenes reeking of Lolita-ness is frankly not my type of anime or anything to watch.  If it’s shoujo-ai or shounen-ai, count me out.  The only exception to the shounen-ai is LOVELESS and that’s all.

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Currently watching:

• Ouran High School Host Club / 桜蘭高校ホスト部 / Ouran Koukou Host Club – [more info here]

Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 24:50 / Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4):

- This is one of the few good comedy genre anime that I came across.  At first I didn’t want to pick up the title because of the oblivious male harem, but I decided to preview the first episode only after I saw Sakamoto Maaya on the list of seiyuus.  I couldn’t resist ^^… I love her voice.  Anticipating the worse, the series is actually good.  BONES did a fantastic job on the production for this anime.  I wonder how big of a budget did they have for the clean cut animation?

- The plot is actually enjoyable since this is the first harem type series that doesn’t deal or even go into the romantic aspect of the characters.  Instead it deals with the struggles and strengths of each characters, which is perfect for me.  Although I enjoy action and horror, a lot, character building and comedy works for me too.

- Oh and I went into fan girl mode after hearing the seiyuus for Tamaki and Kyoya. I <3 Masaya Matsukaze and Mamoru Miyano!  Especially Mamoru, his voice is perfect for ‘King’ Tamaki. =]  I think I just found a new bishie. <_<  Cut me some slack, I’m a fangirl.

• xxxHOLiC / XXX ホリック – [more info here]

Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:00 / Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:00

- One of my favorites from CLAMP.  This is a suspenseful, comedic, and in a sense educational anime.  I’ve learned quite a lot about spirits, holidays, and just the Japanese culture from this and yes, the information is pretty much accurate.  I actually took some time to look up most of the content I saw in this anime.

- That being said, I just like this anime.  Although it can be slow at times since it doesn’t offer a lot of action scenes, but it’s all worth it to watch Watanuki burn up over Black Mokona. =]  Cute!~ And did I mention Suga Shikao sings the opening? <3 <3 <3

- My only complaint is the varying quality of the animation.  One episode can be decent and the next, downright ugly.  It looks like Production I.G doesn’t consider this one of their big hit series.  They’re probably putting in a lot of dough for Chevalier… which brings me to the next anime.

• Le Chevalier D’Eon / シェヴァリエ ~Le Chevalier D’Eon~ – [I love this anime, so summary it is ^_^ or more info here]

- For those who enjoy Blood+ and Production I.G anime… watch this. The story involves D’Eon, who has lost his sister in a serial murder that he is trying to solve and take revenge. It is set in France where he is part of the King’s secret police force. Once he is involved in the case, clues led him to Russian and French nobles. He swears his loyalty to the King but it looks like even the King is hiding something from him. Clues such as H:O and nqm leads him deeper into the mystery and closer to his death. 

- Violent mystery, blood writings, bible allusions, beautiful character designs… and a heavy Engrish ED from Miwako Okuda.  A must watch and the cool thing is that D’Eon is an actually person, look him up. ^^

- Yes, the character designs are beautiful and so is the backdrop.  I like how the characters have full lips, similar to Blood+ instead of the simple line you find on most anime characters.  My only complaint is the choppy animation. Although it’s not at all noticeable unless you pay attention to the horse riding scene and a few other.

- Okay, scratch that… my other complaint is that this anime was aired in August, a month worth of waiting in-between for the second episode.  Then after all that waiting, I realized I had to wait another week since they re-aired the first episode before starting the second.  Meh.  Plus, the fan sub groups are a bit behind on this anime.  It looks like it hasn’t generated enough interest for some more groups to pick it up.  This said, I’ve been watching the raws religiously. ^^

• Demashitaa! PowerPuff Girl Z / 出ましたっ！パワパフガールズZ / And They’re Off! Powerpuff Girls Z – [more info here]

- Uh, read the title and don’t ask me why I’m watching this.  I like it, that’s all but I do like the parent version of PPG more haha.

• Ergo Proxy / エルゴプラクシー - [more info here]

- This is on hiatus for now.  I just don’t feel like watching raws and having to pause and go back to catch a lot of words since I’m slow with Japanese.  I always have some friends helping me get through the raws. -_-

- But this is a must watch for the futuristic storyline or just for the character designs- if you are a Witch Hunter Robin fan.  You’ll see what I’m talking about.

• Blood+ / ブラッドプラス – [more info here]

- One of the best series I’ve seen after Witch Hunter Robin.  Before coming upon this on the Production I.G official website, I was a bit miffed after not finding a good vampire series since the Hellsing manga.  Blood+ is a lifesaver since it fished me out from my pit of despair and reenergized me with the twisted, dramatic plot that shapes Blood+’s uniqueness and the beautiful artwork.  Did I say beautiful?  I meant dropped-dead gorgeous.  Just take a look at Hagi playing his cello… [fan girl mode]… *squeals*

- The OP/ED songs and animations are to die for too.

- [SPOLIER, well just a bit]  Although recently, I’ve been devastated when one of my favorite character was killed off.  I don’t mind it that much but the setup for his death was pointless and lame.  Yes, lame.  That’s the only word that popped into my head when I saw the dying scene and my mouth hit the desk.  So far, that has been the fifth or more lame death setup.  I lost count somewhere in one of the arcs.  I will not forgive the producers if they kill off one more character.  I don’t expect a happy ending for this series… with the genre being horror and all, but just don’t kill off the main characters.

- Oh, the most important information of all- this is an AU of the movie released before and the manga, Blood: The Last Vampire 2002.  This series actually has a separate running manga in a magazine at the moment.

• Higurashi no Naku Koro ni / ひぐらしのなく頃に / The Moment the Cicadas Cry - [more info here]

- No exactly my favorite to watch but at least it’ll pass some time when I’m bored. 

- I learned that many people think that the blood, gore, and suspense in this anime is terrifying.  I just don’t get it though, I don’t find Higurashi scary at all.  I’m probably immune to all of it after watching so many horror flicks, it is my favorite genre after all.

• Welcome to the NHK! / NHKにようこそ！ – [more info here]

- I’m a bit disappointment with the adaptation of the animation.  The animation isn’t all that bad except the inconsistent character designs.

- The main reason I picked this anime to watch was because of the rather interesting subject the story touches upon.  The main character is a hikimori, a person who fears the outside world.  It gives us an in-depth look into the problem of modern society as more characters are introduced.  Although a serious subject, the anime also have many comedic scenes to lighten the mood. 

• Hellsing OVA – [more info here]

- I just love anything and everything Hellsing.

- This OVA was actually what I was looking for after the disappointment of the 13 Gonzo produced episodes.  The style, the plot, and the BGM portrays the manga better than the previous adaptation of this whole charade.  It’s quite hard to find an animation that follows its manga counterpart, when the manga is the parent, nowadays.  Though only 2 OVAs have been released to this date, I am in love with both.  Hirano-san writes an awesome story and Alucard is always a plus.  Who doesn’t like Dracula? =]

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Meh, don’t mind any misspelled words or grammatical errors.  I’m too lazy to go back and check everything so I just read spell check.  I typing this in order to calm my nerves because of all the frustrating paperwork I have to do for school.  That being said, I need a beta reader.  Anyone interested? haha.  Seriously, I doubt that’s going to happen.

Some Problems and Miwako Okuda’s Album

It’s been depressing lately, ever since I found out about my bandwidth cap on my resnet connection for my dorm room. From what I read, I get a 5 GB uploading and 2 GB downloading cap per week. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t be much of a problem for users who only blog, browse, or do their homework. Alas, I’m an exception. How am I going to game? Is this a sign I should stop and study more? Haha, I don’t think so. We’ll see what happens once I get to school. There should be exceptions or that rule is just to scare off people who illegally download things. Why? Well, think about the CS majors haha, what a pain they’ll face. So for about an hour I checked out the appropriate site about the whole bandwidth ordeal, but like always, the UCR websites are anything but informative. It wouldn’t hurt them to update once in a while would it?

Oh, I just reformatted my computer and thank goodness I did it. I was having some problems with shutting down windows and something was eating up a lot of memory. I did a complete scan of my HD but there was nothing so I just re-installed everything. -_- There shouldn’t be anything there anyways since I constantly do scans. For now, I still haven’t install Photoshop or some of my personal, non-homework related programs. I’m in my lazy mode. Although I did have my dad give me back my other HD. My HD overheated in the HD enclosure and started giving me problems. Thankfully, I figured out the problem before it melted all the glue in the enclosure and ruin the HD. That would have been devastating since I have 200 GB of personal things on it. So that’s that, I still need to burn my things out on DVDs. Frankly, I don’t trust my HD- it’s a Seagate and it has been giving me way more problems than my Maxtor. If Western Digital would go on sale more often then I’ll buy them, but Seagate has rebates haha. Yes, I’m cheap… school is expensive.

Anyways, this upload is the new release of Miwako Okuda’s album, Kimi wo Omou. This slow pace album is a must for all hardcore soft pop fans. It’s zipped and is 126 MB and it’s upped on rapidshare.

Artist & Album: Miwako Okuda – Kimi wo Omou
Tracks:

- DL HERE -

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