Magi-Kat presents "Morning Meteora"

A sandwiched farewell to Biyuuden (OH NOES! Magi-Kat's rambling again!)

nobody@vox.com(Magi-Kat) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:58:19 -0400

I’ve been away from this blog for so long that it’s probably forgotten (or is it?). I thank TLS’s survey for giving me a reason to post a new subject, along with Henkka’s comment for giving me the confidence to blog.

See, I’ve somewhat lost the want, the confidence to blog with how gimmicky the subject matter was becoming, along with how my blog appears to be “not as good” as the others covered on IW. My attempts at blogging for other subjects is proving somewhat difficult because there are so many to choose from. The fact my computer broke down mid-May further made me away from the blogging board (the survey was posted from my mom’s computer). I mean, it was at the point I was making a post with the following paragraphs:

It’s time to sit down here again. April 23rd was the 6-month anniversary of the day “Morning Meteora” hit the cyber airwaves. I had a few things planned: a revised version of that disgraceful essay comparing Koharu Kusumi and Chester Bennington, a long essay about my past, or a list of things a la Pagoda. One idea was one asking “What’s wrong with Morning Meteora?” and “How I can improve as a blogger?”

How can I improve as a blogger? I may not have had the same “blogging fire” as I did back in late 2007 (most likely induced by school and the fact I grew new interests and somewhat moved away from H!P and Linkin Park) but part of me doesn’t want this blog to die so easily. This was such a great hobby for me and a good way for me to express my feelings and share them with those who share them. Isn’t that the point of blogging anyway?

However, while it’s nice to be back like my favorite idols (Mako-chan, Aibon, Kaorin, Tsuji-chan, Gomaki) and express my desires of writing on new subject matter, that’s not what this post is about (though I’d like to cover all of these comebacks and other current events at a later date). This post is about…

V-u-den_Fleur_de_Fleur

…them.

February 2008

Farewell, Biyuuden, for you have joined the cover crowd. No wonder nobody likes H!P anymore (save for the Gatas and the Hannah Montana of Morning Musume).

I mean, seriously, I don’t even like the song they’re covering but now I’ll force myself to like it for Biyuuden’s sake. I was expecting a single that closes the great (to the fans and the jerk-off wota) Biyuuden catalog but instead, it’s an ode to Rika’s Musume days. I guess it won’t be that bad after all. Goodbye, Biyuuden, goodbye. Reminds me of a Spice Girls song but I’ll get to that when they’re disbanding. (I just hope that the PV isn’t as bad as for “Jaja Uma Paradise,” which I doubt considering Biyuuden’s “Some Boys’ Shrew in Touch ‘n Catch Screw Paradise” image). *Loses points for the lame Maki Goto reference*.

April 2008

V-u-den’s new song hits the airwaves and it’s rather good. It nearly brought tears to my eyes (and listening to “Leave Out All the Rest,” which will be Linkin Park’s next single, isn’t helping). Well… I wish I could write more about it but that’s for another entry. I will say this though: the b-side being solo songs for each member was a nice touch. Kudos to Tsunku, his posse, and UFA!

The covers looks heavenly also, though I’d think the regular edition would’ve been the purple cover (since the limited edition covers are supposed to be somewhat “better” and “more marketable” since they’ll be here for a short time). I mean, they look as though they could spread their wings and fly into Hello! Heaven. Either way, they look lovely.
The PV is a fine tribute to the friendship the group had (and yay! No “Jaja Uma Paradise Part 2”!). Sales were declining since their debut single and it brings great closure to the Biyuuden PV collection. The white background in one scene reminds me of the “Itoshiki Tomo e” PV from more than half a year ago. The scenes with them on the beach only amplify the sentiment of the single. (Either way, the PV and it being a better one than “Jaja Uma” was a dream come true)

Now, I wish Biyuuden the very best and this was the perfect ending song. May seem cheap but it’s the thought that counts (and indeed, it has the same sentiment). Now… let’s try to speculate the futures for the legends:

Rika Ishikawa would continue as a member of Ongaku Gatas, no doubt. Why should we even worry about that?

Erika Miyoshi, originally selected to be in a “new unit,” goes into a solo career. Either that or: form a group with some people or 2. Form a group with Yui. Since the latter hasn’t materialized, it appears that Erika-chan will be a soloist.

Yui Okada joins a unit of her fellow Eggs. Why am I also thinking of Yui going solo also? Can’t she go into modeling and let her assets do the talking? Then again, why waste someone like her? She has fans, a good appeal to wota. Knowing UFA, she’ll be put somewhere. As of now, however, it appears that she is a soloist like her former bandmates.

Well, farewell fellow graduates (I graduated from high school three days ago so I often consider myself "graduating" alongside these three). Let’s go towards the future!

Let’s brighten up the future with the latest fruit to bloom in the Field of Berryz:

Berryz Koubou - Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance

Kawaii, silly, very Berryz-ish, it’s just a good song! Why?

A cool dance that I know fans will be dancing to. (If I can grow the guts to dance to an idol song, I would. I mean, I tried to dance to “Anataboshi” but I kept chickening out).
A rockin’ song that is a reminiscent of their earlier releases.
I knew it was going to have a silly side judging by the title itself. Personally, I’d never think I’ll like the song but I’ve proven myself wrong. I like this song even more than “Dschingus Khan” even!
I heard a lot of praise for more even line distribution. Now, I’m not as familiar with the “voices” and the faces as much as other fans so I’ll take their word for it.
I can sense that the lyrics, despite its silliness, has a “Go for it! Chance!” message. It’s just intuition and I’ll save it for when translations come out.

Now that the Berryz have lightened things up a bit, I’ll be signing out now!

The Rambling Magi-Kat
(Yuke Yuke! Banza~i!)

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Linkin Berryz and Cutie Park: LP meets the Hello! Kiddies

nobody@vox.com(Magi-Kat) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:04:49 -0400

Special thanks to Radicalipton in advance for the inspiration of this entry’s topic:

Speaking of Linkin Park, you might want to check out Chinamist's fine remixes on YouTube (formerly of the extinct but excellent Stage6 site), in which he interfaces Linkin Park songs (3 to be exact) with Berryz Kobo PV footage. Crazy? Yes, but it really works!

I decided to check out the videos (turns out there’s actually five Hello! Park videos instead of three but how was Big Bad Rad supposed to know? Only the Berryz had straightforward names and you’d have to be a LP fan to know that the two C-ute videos were of the same caliber as well).

First vid
Video Name: C-ute A Peace of My Head
Hello Kiddie Group: C-ute
Linkin Park Song: “A Place for My Head” from Hybrid Theory (2000)
My Two Cents: Putting aside obvious errors in the name, this is an example of the footage blends about almost exactly to the song. For example, the first few seconds blend almost as though they were made to “A Place for My Head” (considering it wasn’t released as a single). While the “You tried to take the best me. Go away” part was a little questionable (the first few seconds was rather energetic, unless you consider the rhythm of Chester’s vocals. When he starts screaming and the music goes on again, the dancing becomes slow but again, it’s okay if you consider the constant flow of the music). I also likes the small breaks near the end. The choreography provides a nice fusion of rock and little idol kids.

It was also interesting to see Cuties “rapping” and “singing”/“screaming” Mike and Chester’s respective parts (I think it was Saki was appeared to be doing Mike’s lines for the most part, though she also “does” Chester’s lines at some parts. Maimi also joins in some parts).

One additional little highlight from me is Maimi in the beginning. There are no words spoken in the beginning so the vid (the footage provided for said part) gives the impression that she is imitating the bass.

One last thing from me is that the lyrics, when put into the perspective of the Hello! Project, could be descriptive of the feelings of the harshness of the idol industry and the fans/wotas involved from the idol’s point of view (i.e. Maki Goto).

C-ute A Peace of My Head

Second vid
Video Name: C-ute What I've Done
Hello Kiddie Group: C-ute
Linkin Park Song: “What I’ve Done” from Minutes to Midnight (2007)
My Two Cents: This little vid incorporates not only concert footage but also behind the scenes footage and clips from the “Tokaikko Junjou” PV as well, making it a well-rounded piece.

The black-and-white outtakes show their funny side, adding some sentimentality to the work. It was like watching an episode of LPTV (think the backstage footage you see on Single Vs), only with C-ute.

Now comes my little critique of the PV footage used. Chinamist was right to use “Tokaikko Junjou” for the mood and the setting blends well with the LP, almost like watching a C-ute cover of “What I’ve Done” (you’d have to often remind yourself that it’s not -it would be considered an OPV-). For example, when Chisato bounces the baseball, showing her hand at “…with the hands of uncertainty” and when Maimi takes the baseball and chucks it towards a river, almost symbolic of the song’s “moving on from the past” message. The choreography also fit with the song (I’ve overused this phrase. I apologize).

I also admire the ending, also using the “Tokaikko Junjou” PV, with a closeup of the face and then fading into a background.
When put into Hello! Perpsective: The song itself is about accepting your faults and moving on with the past (duh. I said that before). We can interpret this as C-ute moving on from their past as background dancers and “indies” singers into a future as full-fledged idols, competing against “oneesan” Berryz and “oneesama” Morning Musume. Then again, this “accept what’s yesterday, move on with tomorrow” attitude can be applied to any Haropro group or any music act in the world (like the Mikan Controversy and the present issue with “LALALA”).

C-ute What I've Done

First vid for the Berryz.
Video Name: Linkin Berryz Part1
Hello Kiddie Group: Berryz Koubou
Linkin Park Song: “Numb” from Meteora (2003)
My Two Cents: Using slowed-down footage from a Haromoni@ (that is where it’s from, right?) performance of the Berryz Single Everyone Hates Nowadays (aka “Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi”), this Meteora gem of a closer (it’s the last song on the album) is Berryfied in the best way possible. Choreography and timing praise is abound.
When put into Hello! Perpsective: The song talks about the strain coming from the pressure to live up to someone’s standards. We’ve seen it all before in our lives as wota - idols “letting us down” when they “do something wrong” or out of what we’d expect them to be. Some wota even believe that an idol should stay within what we think of them forever. It could be a message from the idol to the wota (and idol management because they play a role too) about this issue.

Linkin Berryz Part1

Second for the Berryz.
Video Name: [Linkin Berryz] Part2
Hello Kiddie Group: Berryz Koubou
Linkin Park Song: “Breaking the Habit” from Meteora (2003)
My Two Cents: The Dance Shot version of the “Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi” PV is the primary source of footage for this OPV. However, unlike the slowed-down live performance, this is sped-up.

The blending of Hello! Choreography and Linkin Lyrics are practically spot on (much like “Cutie Park”’s “A Place for My Head”). In fact, this is probably the video that has the most precise timing of the Berryz with the Linkin (except with the ending; I think it should have been slower. Although, that’s going with the music. If you go with the sound effects and whatnot, you can say they’re on-key. Plus, the ending effect certainly makes up for it.

(BTW this was my first Linkin Park song).
When put into Hello! Perpsective: The name of the song says it all - breaking a bad habit that tears you life apart from limb to limb. When Mike Shinoda wrote this song, it was dedicated to a friend of his who was terribly addicted to drugs yet was unable to quit. While the Hello! Project at large aren’t for the most part drug junkies (then again, we have smokers and leg-spreaders within H!P, along with blogger-made accusations of Kusumi Koharu -and even Tsunku- being on drugs), the “break a bad habit” theme can be seen within idol culture. One example is the scandals (Aibon anyone?). In fact… we all have bad habits that we wish to break, don’t we? I’m sure that our idols have some too under those smiles and smirks.

Part2

Third for the Berryz.
Video Name: Linkin Berryz Part3
Hello Kiddie Group: Berryz Koubou
Linkin Park Song: “Faint” from Meteora (2003)
My Two Cents: Like Part 2, the Dance Shot version of the “Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi” PV is the primary source of footage for this OPV. However, unlike its predecessor, it’s at normal speed.

It’s like the Berryz are getting accurately timed videos (not that C-ute has off videos - they’re pretty good) because it’s almost like the dance was designed for this song! (Okay, there’s an obvious effect near the end but still). I don’t really have anything to highlight other than it being 100% “Linkin Berryz.” (If Chinamist was practicing his transitions and his timing in the other vids, I’d say he has gotten it down pact with this one. Five stars! Two thumbs up! Two “rock on” horns up as well!).
When put into Hello! Perpsective: The lyrics suggest a want (or need) to be noticed after circumstances and that attention will be given, “like or not.” Another expression of the idol and their life, their circumstances, their “need for attention” to not only the wota and the idol management but also the world at large. The song also expresses a need for whoever they’re talking to “don’t turn their back on them” for “they won’t be ignored.”

Linkin Berryz Part3

This makes a nice finale to the series (along it being one of my favorite Linkin Park songs).

Now, the videos overall were pretty well-done imho. While in some videos, things were a little off, Chinamist provided a fascinating bridge between the alternativeness that is Linkin Park and the idolicious goodness that is the Hello! Project (using the Kiddies as examples). Also in Chinamist’s channel are videos featuring Buono! and Lucky Star (along with more Berryz and C-ute videos) combined with a variety of artists like TM Revolution, Judy & Mary, and even those guys who did “YATTA!” so feel free to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=chinamist

This is Magi-Kat saying that when you’re a Hello! Project fan (or wota), there are those little things that give you away, you know?

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Because I'm lazy...

nobody@vox.com(Magi-Kat) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:14:50 -0500

(Karma's going to haunt me)
Since I’m too lazy to write full-fledged entries (along with the fact I was polishing up an entry from months ago), here’s another cheap Ping Pong Pinpoint (and that is why no one reads this blog).

C_misc_19

Labcoat Worker Sentenced for Not-so-benign Bennington Stalking! A laboratory worker recently has been sentenced to 24 months (two years) in prison for stalking Chester Bennington, hacking into his cell phone account and getting at some rather sensitive stuff. Thank goodness she was captured because it’s hard being a celebrity (as this shows). *thinks of the many wota that stalk their favorite idols*. (I was going to make this a full-fledged rant full of snark but I lost the motivation after a few hours). More info: La Cruces Sun-News, Optimum Online News.

421px-Renai

“Café Buono” is molto buono! Pretty much every Buono fan can agree with me - their first album is rock-hard awesome (in the beginning. It becomes okay after a while. Wait, the entire album was okay/good). (I might review it on another entry if I get to it… and whoever said “Internet Cupid” sounds like Perfume was dead-on. I mean, at parts, it sounds like “Computer City” and “Electro World” fused together). I must also admit this: I might like Momoko because she doesn’t sound like she has helium in her lungs (I’ve somewhat grown a slight intolerance towards squeaky voices and even had begun to associate it with poor singing skills, unfortunately. There are some squeakies who can sing (*coughWcough*) but…).

【Dohhh UP!】Berryz kobo - Genghis Khan PV(Berryz工房ジンギスカン PV)

Berryz conquers the Hello! World with “Dschinghis Khan”! Seen the PV and the covers for this little Berry-licious single. You have failed to disappoint me, you seven, and you might regain my love for you guys (if not, already has). And now for something completely different: “KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!” *shot*.

Morniten10

“Resonant Blue” is a possible “cool”! I have heard reports of Morning Musume’s upcoming single being a cool, mature single a la “Egao YES Nude” (This is coming from an article on HNPH). Hmmm… I’m still going to wait and see. Ganbare, Musume!

Kamei_Eri_1810

What the Shell? The Turtle “Scandal” that is Alive, Dead, and Undead! At first, I believed it. (Yeah, I was a sucker for what was written). Now that analysis has come in (and the heat died down), I don’t really believe it. No one seems to care so oh well. So, who’s the next Musume to be framed? Takahashi? (Good for the Trashers, Bad for the Toasters). Tanaka? (Same deal). Niigaki? Kusumi? Michishige? Mitsui? The Pandas? Who? Anyway, let’s all watch and eat popcorn as this whole thing passes. I’m not much of an Eri fan (but I like her more than the other 6th Gen members) but I wouldn’t want her to leave; Morning Musume is in too delicate a state to lose a member. I’d rather have it after a member has joined (and after quite some time for the 8.5th Gen to adjust, which I’d leave to you more observant fans and wota to determine).

Fujimoto_Miki_1129

Fujimoto’s in a Spring Play. Fujimowota: Whooooooot! Me: Moving on. (Oh, happy (early) birthday, Miki!).

405px-Jaja

Another H!P Cover is Revealed. Farewell, Biyuuden, for you have joined the cover crowd. No wonder nobody likes H!P anymore (save for the Gatas and the Hannah Montana of Morning Musume).

Due to me not really having a preference for Berryz and C-ute and actually paying attention to each individual member, you might not see Paul’s poll save for the Musume (but don’t I have to make one with all three groups, just to be fair? After all, they are constantly battling for the “flagship” spot). Sorry.

Instead, I’ll post this Morning Musume Ranking from American Wota.

Rank	Name
1	Kusumi Koharu
1	Takahashi Ai
3	Mitsui Aika
4	Qian Lin
4	Li Chun
6	Kamei Eri
6	Niigaki Risa
8	Tanaka Reina
8	Michishige Sayumi

Why am I not surprised (though I am surprised Risa's at that place but after than the Top 5, it's a somewhat equal amount of "meh").

Until the next (more meaningful) entry,
Magi-Kat out!

And a happy belated birthdays to: Morning Musume member Junjun (20 on the 11th), Melon Kinenbi member Shibata Megumi (24 of the 22nd), C-ute members Nakajima Saki (14 on the 6th), Yajima Maimi (16 on the 7th), and Hagiwara Mai (12 on the 7th)
Don't forget to wish Melon Ohtani Masae a happy 26th today!

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亜衣ってなあに？(Happy Birthday Aibon, pyon!)

nobody@vox.com(Magi-Kat) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:25:49 -0500

Dearly beloved, today/night we pay tribute to one of the Hello! Projects most loveliest idols to have ever graced the stage: Kago Ai.

Kago_Ai_1507

Yes, today is Aibon’s 20th birthday and now she’s an adult in the eyes of the Japanese society at large (and that newsperson was unfortunately wrong in saying she’d make a comeback then. Then again, we’ve pretty much given up on that long ago).

Kago-chan has brought a degree of cuteness that is only something she’d bring to the table (along with her beacon of hope Nozomi Tsuji-Sugiura). After joining Morning Musume in 2000, this young 12-year-old from Nara-ken brought joy to our hearts. Her babylike face, her sweet vocals, everything! (Magi-Kat, you need organize this entry better, dudette).

When I came into liking Morning Musume in November 2003, Kago and her chum were still Musume. However… I don’t even know how I’ve gotten into this girl. Was it Mini Moni? (It’d had to be it!) Was it… I don’t know (Magi-Kat, you muddler!).

When W came around, of course, I looked into the unit. In fact, it became my favorite H!P act after Morning Musume and the one to replace the disbanded Mini Moni. Although I haven’t seen their PVs until late last year, I was delirious and deranged for W! Then… came the train wreck to crash my H!P happiness for the time being….

That train wreck was Kago Ai’s smoking scandal. I was saddened by the news and was even more shocked at how Aibon broke the law! For the time being, I had to concentrate my energies on Morning Musume and my growing interest in Koharu’s career later on. Now that Aibon’s been expelled for being a return visitor to Scandal Land, I had to find an alternative to Aibon. Nono gave me hope with her “Athena” song (even if it’s a remake of a Morning Musume song) and Gyaruru but I quickly lost it after she left the limelight with a bun in her oven.

Fast forward to now: Kago Ai is 20 and doing who knows what. Nozomi’s resting from the birth, even cooking up a “Sugiura Special” for her hubby and Koharu’s releasing more anime-related stuff (I’ve finally downloaded her album… unfortunately, at this time, I’ve somewhat gotten out of Koha-chan). At this time, I’ve gotten over W’s demise and moved on with myself. However, no matter what happens, Kago-chan (and Nono) will remain my #1 favorite H!P member, even as an ex.

So, happy birthday, Kago Ai.

In other, more heartwarming news:

604px-Lalala_Shiawase_no_Uta_limited

C-ute’s new song is super special awesome! For some reason, the song reminds me of Aqua and other bubblegum dance acts *is hit in the face with a pie*. I never really could hear the song in the Kouhaku performance and at this point separated the song from its origins. *Is pied even more for her liking the song*. I actually like this song more than “Tokaikko Junjou” *booed and pied especially for that*. I know C-ute has to move on as a group to dethrone Morning Musume as the flagship group, along with their comrades in Berryz, </sarcasm> but I’m a sucker for songs like this so forgive me. I might watch the PV later… *is pied until she is unrecognizable*.

Morning Musume’s new single = “Resonant Blue.” Alright, home girls, don’t disappoint, Magi-Kat! With a new single comes a new chance to shine (especially for the 8th Gen) so ganbare!

Same goes for you, Berryz, and that new PV. In fact, that goes for Tsunku and everyone else in UFA! If you ripe little Berryz and your C-ute comrades steal my heart like you’re beginning to, I might be able to get back into you guys again. Buono’s definitely helping you on your trek. Just for that, here’s a little treat for you H!P Kiddies fans!

Miku, Rin, and Len doing Buono!

Getting back to the subject of Kago Ai’s birthday, joyeux anniversaire! Here’s a little birthday greeting from Chester and Friends (although it may be insulting to some people):

Cock Roach - Chester Bennington (Linkin Park)

Magi-Kat out (and be thankful I made an appropriate "pyon!" reference than a stupid "Bon kyu! Bon kyu! Bomb" pun the title)!

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