[Album] J-Pop: An Introduction (and discussion)

Hate to be a completely anal git, but it's not "LOVE Appears", the album is called "LOVEppears". FYI.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I have it, and whilst it's not the best album from Hikki (I'm rather partial to "Deep River" myself) it is still a very good album. If you've enjoyed the songs you've heard so far I can't imagine you'll be disappointed, that's for sure. "Keep Tryin'" = <3

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Scarletdeath

Younha and YUI aren't even in the same genre.

Instruments don't define a genre. I'd agree with vemp, they are of a similar style/genre, the "acoustic guitar-piano-folk-pop" type thing. However, I would disagree with vemp about new artists - it just so happens that I like acoustic pop so have mentioned artists falling into that 'genre' here, that doesn't make them the only new artists out there, in fact there's plenty of others with different styles (I believe Yuna Ito has been mentioned in this thread, for example).

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Well that was her previous single no doubt as there's most certainly piano in her actual new single. I know this as she sits at a piano in the PV and plays it.

FELIPE NO

She didn't really go 'gothic', she just did a slightly more rock-y song is all. I liked it, though the new one is even better. Funky PV too.

Speaking of funky songs, I just heard a sample from the c/w to YUI's new single. It's called "Cloudy" and it's good, very good (from whats I heards anyways). I'm so looking forward to my copy of that arriving. ^^

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by vemp

I guess my lack of exposure to other artists made me state my conclusion.

Which was kind of my point.

Also, what soulsteelgrey said. It wasn't the same as her other stuff, but it still felt like Younha, only rockier. I like that Younha is playing with her sound a little, there's no harm in it, and I liked that single.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Just seen the PV for Tomiko Van's new single 『閃光』 (Senkou), out 27th September. It's pretty damned good, and somewhat reminds me of DAI's style of music than the stuff on 『Farewell』. Go check it out. For those interested in buying there are CD only and CD+DVD versions.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I really want to see the Tokyo Friends stuff but don't know where to start hunting for J-Dramas with English subs, plus I've got soooo much to watch already. As for the music, I think generally it's her songs or b-sides and stuff, and well I'll definitely be able to tell you as I have the Tokyo Friend Movie soundtrack on the way. ^^

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Whee, good to see some love for Aichan. She does indeed rock.

For those who like her, and if you haven't already, I highly recommend picking up her LOVE COOK Concert Tour DVD that was released a couple of months back. It is very, very, very good.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Another random recommendation for y'all: Takaoka Ai - "acoustic love". I've been listening to this album pretty much all of today and it's good. Very good. For those who can't quite guess it's acoustic music of a guitar-based variety. Go check it.

And here's something I haven't done for a while, a round up of releases so you know what to expect over the coming months...

----------------------

== SEPTEMBER ==

[ 20/09/2006 ]
As I may have mentioned a couple of times in passing, the lovely YUI is releasing her new single I remember you. As well as the standard release there's a special limited edition version with DVD, though from word on the street is that last week most places were reporting that they were unable to offer the limited edition due to demand, some even cancelling existing pre-orders.

Also out is a new single from PUFFY, Hazumu Rhythm, their first release since an album back in June. The single is a collaboration with the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.

Those missing (now solo) misono fronted day after tomorrow after they disbanded can look forward to a couple of releases; Selection Best Album will feature 15 fan selected tracks, or for the real diehard fan you might want to get your hands on the 3,000 copy limited edition complete Best, a stunning 4 CD and 2 DVD set.

[ 27/09/2006 ]
Speaking of now solo front ladies, the 27th sees the release of Tomiko Van's second single Senkou. Will be available as CD only and CD+DVD.

The lovely Fayray finally releases a new single, Hitori Yori Futari, the first release since album Hikari to Kage back in January, so about time.

Also out on the 27th, LOVE CONCENT, a new album from hitomi. No, not a typo, that is seemingly a word. A limited edition CD+DVD is available and will include, as well as a DVD, a twenty-eight page photobook shot in LA.

ayaka, who recently impressed with Real Voice, releases 4th single mikazuki. There's some very impressive buzz surrounding this, so keep an eye out for it. Also, watch out for an upcoming album.

Rounding off the big releases for the 27th is a fourth video collection from Hikki. The imaginatively titled UTADA HIKARU SINGLE CLIP COLLECTION VOL. 4 will be available as a single DVD and double DVD limited edition. The second disc, for those lucky to nab a copy with it, will feature recording footage from an Internet live of Be My Last and Passion.

== OCTOBER ==

[ 04/10/2006 ]
The beginning of October starts with GARNET CROW releasing a new album, THE TWILIGHT VALLEY, which will be available as CD or CD+DVD.

Not only that, but ex-MoMusu member Natsumi Abe releases her new single amasugita kajitsu.

[ 11/10/2006 ]
A week later another ex-MoMusu member, this time the lovely Maki Goto, releases the follow up to Glass no Pumps, SOME BOYS! TOUCH. A limited edition version includes a DVD. Also out the same day is a new Maki live DVD, Maki Goto Secret Live.

Tommy heavenly6 returns with the single Lollipop Candy♥BAD♥girl. The song is rumoured to have a running-time of ten-minutes, thirty-one seconds, which is quite something. A limited edition will come with a DVD containing PVs.

Following on from 4 hot wave comes Koda Kumi's new single, the double a-side yume no uta / futari de.... A CD+DVD version is available with the DVD containing the PVs, which are apparently connected. Also, the songs have the same music but different lyrics, or something equally weird.

[ 25/10/2006 ]
Fellow avex star (and if rumour is anything to go by, rival) Otsuka Ai releases her new single renai shashin. Again, available as CD only or CD+DVD with the DVD featuring the PV.

BoA's next single hits shelves. Currently untitled the release will be, surprise surprise, available as a CD only or CD+DVD package. Limited first pressing editions will apparently feature a bonus track.

Also out at the end of October is a second single from Morning Musume's 7th gen wonder Koharu Kusumi (or rather Kirari Tsukishima starring Koharu Kusumi), entitled BALALAIKA. A limited edition first press edition is available, goodies to be confirmed.

== NOVEMBER ==

[ 01/11/2006 ]
Starting off November misono (ex-dat fronter and sister to a certain Kumi) releases her, currently untitled, fourth single. As with her other singles, and a lot of people's, it will be available as CD only or CD+DVD.

[ 08/11/2006 ]
Morning Musume release single number 31. Still untitled the single is available as a regular CD affair, or as one of two limited editions: a CD+Photobook, or CD+DVD.

And proving it's not just the summer that sees some love, m-flo continue their 'm-flo loves' series with m-flo loves BONNIE PINK with the release of single Love Song.

[ 22/11/2006 ]
At the end of November, and not long after her second solo release, Tomiko Van will be releasing her third single. Currently untitled it will be available as CD only or CD+DVD.

Hikki also releases a new single, the first since ULTRA BLUE. boku wa kuma will be available as a CD only and, to mix things up, a CD+Picturebook, with the picturebook illustrated by Utada herself.

On the album front, Yaiko (Yaida Hitomi) releases a currently untitled 6th album. Limited first pressing editions will come with different jacket artwork, a slipcase, as well as a DVD including the PV clips for "Go my way" and "STARTLiNE", and other footage.

So all in all, a lot to look forward to over the coming few months. ^^

How ya doing, buddy?

joey: Yes, I'm aware of the situation with I Wish and Kawashima Ai. That first post is in need of a serious overhaul, artists missing, updates and what-not, but the thing is it's a huge job. That took me ages to do back when I had a large amount of free time. I don't these days and am very busy so I apologise but for now it's going to have to remain somewhat out of date.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by vemp

hm, what if we make a wiki for this, aside from just updating the first post?

Actually that has already happened. All the information I wrote in that first post became the beginning of THEPPN Wiki. I didn't get much credit for it at the time, and it's obviously expanded a huge amount since then, but that did happen. I might revise my first post to link to that site and other information resources and provide a little guidance but that'll still take some effort that I can't spend right now.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by DarkWingedAngel

Question: I've been trying to get a hold of Ayumi Hamasaki's Arena Tour 2005. Does anyone have it or can find me a torrent for me? I've looked for awhile but haven't found a working one. They're all dead. Thanks.

Dare I suggest you actually buy the DVD: CDJapan | YesAsia

I've had yifei's album arrive today, along with the Tokyo Friends The Movie: Music Collection, which turns out to be a CD+DVD, plus some cool looking badges. Woot.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Multiregion DVD players are dead cheap these days. Although I'm fortunate enough in region 2 (UK) I have a Sony multiregion player I got years ago and it was very reasonably priced back then (and reasonably priced for the UK at that). You should look into getting one if you want get future Japanese DVDs, like concerts and the DVDs that come with albums/singles, etc.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

That's true, I use AnyDVD from SlySoft which is equally effective. If you're happy watching stuff on your PC then definitely a good idea.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Flara

edit// ooh yeah OP!!! What's on the dvd for the tokyo friends movie music collection???? IF THE MOVIE COMES WITH IT I SWEAR I WILL BUY IT RIGHT NOW!!!

Not 100% sure as it's all still sat in its wrapping on my desk at the moment. I think soulsteelgray is correct though.

As for I remember you, well I've got into lots of details with various people about that song and I'm pretty sure I've mentioned stuff here too but don't recall fully. It's a song inspired by YUI's work on "Taiyou no Uta" and as a way for her to say goodbye to the character. The PV is a collaboration with the director from the film and the keen eyed will spot the non-too-subtle use of same locations.

It's a gorgeous song and a great PV and I can't wait for my copy (limited edition woot) to arrive. I also have the Premium Edition of the DVD on order.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

She is indeed, and she's wonderful in it (if you need English subs I have some I worked on that I can send).

Speaking of YUI, my copy of I remember you arrived today. Limited edition including DVD and even a packet of seeds too. <3

I also got my copy of GAM's debut single too. ^^

How ya doing, buddy?

The answer to your query is this: "1 litre of tears"

I don't know Sawajiri Erika at all but I know she's in that and that people loved her in it. Another sob-story character and she's got people invested in it. It's clever marketing and good work so I can't say I'm surprised by its success at all.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Actually it's going to be available as two limited editions, a CD+DVD and a CD+Photobook (probably mini-PB in actuality). I know this as I have both versions pre-ordered. XD

As for what it'll be, well at this stage your guess is as good as mine. I'm hoping for something upbeat and fun. ^^

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Or Makoto, no, because they both left back in July (well, technically August for Mako). So this will be an 8-nin single.

FELIPE NO

OK, the thread's been quiet for far too long for my liking.

In some random news: Aya Matsuura has a new album coming out, called "Naked Songs", though she might have some trouble singing it just now as she has had to cancel part of her tour due to a jaw injury.

Speaking of Ayaya; H!P super-unit GAM (Ayaya + Mikitty) have a new single coming out - "Melodies". The PV is, how should I say, interesting. I'm not sure what the concept behind the PV is, but it's certainly going to go over well with a guys and girls of given persuasions shall we say. It's a really good song too.

I've known about this for a while, but didn't really want to mention it until there was more definite news, but it looks like YUI's next single will be "Rolling Star" and song she performed live a few months back and which has just become the new opening for anime series "Bleach". Like I say, it's not confirmed yet, but in all likelihood this will become her next single, following up the entirely wonderful "I remember you".

There's probably lots more by mind is blank right now.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

ayaka's previously annouced first album ("First Message"), which was subsequently cancelled, or rather postponed, is now going to be released on 1st November. Given the quality of her singles this is one to keep an eye out on.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Flara

OP, have u seen the PV yet?

Come on, it's me, of course I have. I've also got both limited editions pre-ordered and look forward to them arriving with Koha-chan's new solo effort (which is ace btw).

Yeah, everyone looks cute in it, though Aichan, Koha-chan and Sayummy most (well so I think ).

It's looking like YUI's new single will be "Rolling Star" and will be out in January. There's also a strong rumour that a second album is being recorded and will arrive in February. Unsurprisingly this has me very excited on both counts. Very, very, very excited. ^__________^

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Yes SD, I have told you about ayaka, a number of times in fact. I've also posted about her here. For example, this post which can be located just a few above yours:

Originally Posted by OmagnusPrime

ayaka's previously annouced first album ("First Message"), which was subsequently cancelled, or rather postponed, is now going to be released on 1st November. Given the quality of her singles this is one to keep an eye out on.

I own "I believe" and "Real voice" so can confirm that she's very good.

Also, YUI's new single is confirmed. "Rolling Star" hits shelves 17th January. Woot.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

*joins in with slapping vemp... just for fun though*

Seriously dood, what the hell, 5Gb?!

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?