Enka Special: Akina Nakamori

“Sake shall be tepid, grilled squid is enough for accompaniment.
Women shall be quiet, dim lamp is enough for light.
I am drinking full of pain, and a painful memory is going by.
A tear drops , and I start singing “boatman’s song”……..”

I’m a big fan of Enka.

“Enka is usually singing sad aspects of life, irrecoverable destiny, desertion by the lover. It is an expression of love, but love will never be successful and sorrow and tear follow happy memories. It can also be a song of a woman who is resentful to her destiny as her lover is gone to another woman. Anyhow Enka is song of resignation. Resignation must be sweet so that it is endurable.

According to the orthodox explanation, Enka began shaping itself by story-tellers on the street at the end of 19th century. They sang interesting stories with some melody. They “act” one-man theatre. The word “En” originally comes from “act”.”

-http://www.okada.de/archive-japanasitis/enka/enka.html

 

Traces of Enka can be found peppered in various anime series, used to establish scenes in Ginza (where they play enka music in bars), historical Japan and when associated with the Yakuza.

 

In Gintama, Gin-san’s landlord Ms. Otose runs a bar that has Enka music playing in the background which is based off reality. Mushishi dedicates episode 25 to a biwa musician that sings sad songs on her plight. And of course, Seto no Hanayome sets the comedic standards for using “Namida Ichirin” everytime Seto-san goes into her Sakura Fubiki mode (Cherry Blossom Storm mode). Enka is heard in the background of most anime scenes that feature a lonely roadside stall etc. And this is not limited to just anime. It applies to j-doramas as well.

 

Thus, it can be seen that this genre has become a cliche commonly used in the entertainment industry. So I was trilled to find Akina Nakamori’s 25th anniversary album.

Her voice is one of Japan’s national treasures. These songs make everything in today’s J-pop industry seem like fluffy pink candy floss. The emotions sung into words are simply intoxicating. And it’s not just about the voice. The instrumentals are equally beautiful, filled with haunting solos from traditional Japanese musicial instruments and blissfully free of synthesised technology. And I love the album cover art. Sadly, I haven’t managed to come across a high quality scan of it yet.

Akina Nakamori’s Enka cover album release! Includes ten Enka songs selected with her fans’ vote.

Artist: Akina Nakamori/中森明菜
Title: Enka/ 艶華-Enka-

Tracklists:

1. 艶華I(Instrumental)
2. 天城越え
3. 無言坂
4. 氷雨
5. みちづれ
6. 空港
7. 越冬つばめ
8. 艶華II(Instrumental)
9. 悲しい酒
10. 舟唄
11. 石狩挽歌
12. 矢切の渡し
13. 夜桜お七
14. 艶華III(Instrumental)

(320kbps / 111mb)
Buy | Download (MU) | Download (Sendspace)|

Instrumentals available here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LULMHK01

Ten

Zwei;Lena Park-R x J Single;Backdancers! OST

Disclaimer: All downloads are for trial purposes only. Please delete files after 24hrs. If you really like the songs, you can support the artiste by purchasing their albums online at http://www.cdjapan.co.jp or other online music stores.

Artist: Zwei
Single: 1+1=2

Ten’s Thoughts:

1+1=2 is quite cute. I think its the emphasised drum beats. But the thing that caught me attention in this album is がらくた. I love がらくた. It’s so unlike the usual Zwei. They sound so gentle and feminine as all the heavy instrumentals have been toned down considerably for most of the song.

On a random note, I am amused by the multiple shares of Yuna Ito’s new single. She’s that popular ne?

Tracklists:

1.	1+1=2
2.	がらくた
3.	1+1=2  (Instru.)
4.	がらくた (Instru.)

(192kbps/27mb)

Buy | Download

Lena Park- You Raise Me Up

Tracklist:
1. Inori~ You Raise Me Up
2. You Raise Me Up (English vers.)
3. Inori~ You Raise Me Up (Instrumental)

Ten says:

This has been taking its own sweet time to be released. Opening theme for Gonzo’s Romeo x Juliet. I have to say that the anime opening sequence is one of the best this season. I am quite bummed from work so little ramblings from me this time round.

(320kbps/32MB)
Download Here

Backdancers! OST

Ten says:

The movie was pretty decent. It’s about how four dancers made their way from being ‘back dancers’ for an idol to superstars of their own merit. There was no big climax but I liked the simplicity of it all. And it was enjoyable for there was dancing, music and just people having fun.

This OST is packed with a number of solid dance/groove music that I find addictive. Famous names include Koda Kumi’s Butterfly, m-flo’s chronopsychology and ex-Speed member Hiro’s Itsuka Futari de.

Tracklist:

01. Upside Down – GTS Feat. Melodie Sexton
02. Precious Message – LISA & 舞音
03. Ready for you – ARIA & LEO
04. Get on the Floor – 天上智喜 & DOGMA
05. Butterfly – Koda Kumi
06. Beautiful Life – ARIA
07. Chronopsychology – m-flo
08. HELLO – Ram Rider
09. 粋な一日 – Never Land
10. 人混みの中のダイヤモンド – 阵内孝则
11. identity – 长谷部优
12. My Generation – Mayu & the Super Tigers
13. いつか二人で(Live ver.) – hiro & 阵内孝则

*Note that the file is a bit queer as the volume of the song has been increased automatically. Beats me on how this happens.

(224 Kbps/86MB)
Download Here

Ten

Devil May Cry: The Pilot Episode that Kicked-Ass

Let’s just say that I am so infatuated with this first episode of Devil May Cry aka DMC that I couldn’t resist but take screencaps, as seen on the left.

The animator within me was in awe of the slick and edgy directing of the anime. The cuts and shots made kept me at the edge of my seat (or rather, bed).

The style of this anime reminded me of those old detective murder mysteries. Character-wise, Dante is one cool dude. He has Gintama Gin-san’s, I-Don’t-Give-a-Damn vibe as well as his sweet tooth.

Lighting was played with within DMC to its advantage. It gets the top score for quality of editing and cinematography. Fight scenes were gorgeous, especially the theatre sequence where there was innovative use of the theatre sets and stage lights.

In comparision to the artistic direction, this opening story was okayish introducing Dante and his fetish for Strawberry Sundaes. It could have been a boring plot if not for the slight twist at the end.

Overall, this series shows much promise and I am waiting anxiously for more.

I am, unfortunately, unacquainted with the game from which this anime originated from. Otherwise, the gamer in me would definitely have more to rant and rave about.

Now some Wiki info on DMC:

Devil May Cry is an anime series based on the video game series created and owned by Capcom. It debuted on the WOWOW TV network in Japan on June 14 of 2007, and will run 12 episodes.

The show is produced by the anime studio Madhouse and is directed by Shin Itagaki. Bingo Morihashi, one of the writers for the second, third and fourth games, is also on the writing staff.

A teaser-trailer, released on the show’s official site, featured pre-production artwork of Dante, the primary protagonist and playable character of the video games, and confirmed him as the show’s main protagonist.

A second trailer released at the 2007 Tokyo International Anime Festival showed actual animation from the show and included a character and cast list, featuring both new characters and other characters from the games.

In the beginning of June, the entire first episode was released to Asian countries Excluding Japan. The first episode aired in Japan on June 14.

- Wikipedia

Seiyuus include:

• Dante – Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa
• Trish – Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka
• Lady – Voiced by: Fumiko Orikasa
• Patty – Voiced by: Fukuen Misato
• Morisson – Voiced by: Akio Ohtsuka

Ten

Screencaps:

Anime Music Plug: Mamoru Miyano, Romi Paku & Chiaki Ishikawa (updated16/6)

Disclaimer: All downloads are for trial purposes only. Please delete files after 24hrs. If you really like the songs, you can support the artiste by purchasing their albums online at http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/ .

16/6/07 Update:

Artistes：Romi Paku x Mamoru Miyano / 朴ロ美×宮野真守

Title：FIGHT!

Release Date：13/6/07

Ten’s Trivia and Thoughts:

As previous introduction, below, Mamoru Miyano is a seiyuu, voicing famous anime characters like Light from Deathnote and Tamaki from Ouran Host Club. In this new single, he has joined voices with another veteran in the voice-acting world: Romi Paku.

She is the voice behind Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist and Nana Osaki from NANA. For her efforts, Romi Paku won “Best Main Character (female)” for her portrayal of Nana Osaki in the first Seiyu Awards. Romi Paku also sang the ending theme for the recent Murder Princess OVAs, titled “Naked Flower”, in which she voices the main character Farlis. And that sums up the seiyuu trivia.

After listening through the whole single, this is my take on the songs:

Fight! Features both Romi and Mamoru. I find it amusing to note that Romi’s voice is energetic, full of power, while Mamoru is the more laid-back and passive one in this song. Overall, it’s a cute collaboration and they sound pretty good together. Sounds like a Digimon opening song. Which is good, because I think the Digimon series have great opening tracks.

URAHARA is Romi’s solo. And she totally rocks my boat. She has a raw quality in her voice. And I would describe her voice as a cross between ANGELA and Koda Kumi. URAHARA is fun to head-bop to and made me want to pick up my imaginary guitar and rock along with it. This song has a rock vibe, complete with obvious drum/percussion work and a guitar solo during the break between verses. I could imagine Romi in Mika Nakashima’s shoes as Nana from Blackstones.

暖かい刻につつまれて belongs to Mamoru. It’s a slow song and quite plain compared to his Kuon single. I like Mamoru, but this song wasn’t flattering to his voice IMO. However, in 暖かい刻につつまれて Mamoru displays his high notes and it sounds quite good.

ミニドラマ「Fight!」is not so much a song, but banter between Romi and Mamoru. IT IS ADORABLE! My japanese is limited at best, but I still enjoying their conversation. Romi-san was basically playing around with Mamoru-san, making him say embarassing things. It is cute how Romi was dominating the dialogue and poor Mamoru tried the grapple with the situation.

ミニドラマ「URAHARA」is a scripted radio play, I think, based off the song. It has Romi in Shibuya angsting, wondering about life. Then comes along Mamoru who is masquerading as a foreigner and causes a scene. (I Think) He basically irritates Romi with lousy foreign accents asking moronic questions. It is quite funny as Mamoru gets the chance to get back at Romi for tormenting him in the previous track.

ミニドラマ「暖かい刻につつまれて」like the previous track, this track is another story based off the song. It shows the softer side of both Seiyuus. The plot goes along the line of Romi and Mamoru as a couple that are breaking up as Romi has to leave for somewhere, England I think. Mamoru sounds absolutely romantic and sexy in this track. Romi also adopts a docile persona that is a striking contrast from the rest of the single. Their dialogue is so sweet and lovey-dovey that I got goosebumps.

Listening to this whole single really made me respect anime Seiyuus for their versatility. It’s amazing how they can use their voices to infuse life into the characters to make a story realistic.

Tracklist:

1. Fight!
2. URAHARA
3. 暖かい刻につつまれて
4. Fight!(instrumental)
5. URAHARA(instrumental)
6. 暖かい刻につつまれて(instrumental)
7. ミニドラマ「Fight!」
8. ミニドラマ「URAHARA」
9. ミニドラマ「暖かい刻につつまれて」

(320kbps/105MB)
Download Here

—

Me again. More japanese music from anime themes. I really like Mamoru Miyano and hope that he does manage to get into mainstream J-pop, if he hasn’t already done so.

Single: 宮野真守/Mamoru Miyano- 久遠/ Kuon
Release date: 23/5/07

Tracklist:

1. 久遠/ Kuon
2. いつか/ Itsuka
3. 鋼鉄三国志スペシャルCDドラマ/ Koutetsu Sangokushi Special CD Drama
4. 久遠(instrumental) / Kuon (instrumental)
5. いつか(instrumental) / Itsuka (instrumental)
+Booklet scans included

Ten’s Thoughts:

This is one talent person. He is the award winning voice behind famed anime characters like Death Note’s Light Yagami and Ouran Host Club’s Tamaki Suou. More of his seiyuu achievements can be found on wikipedia. This single “Kuon” is his first and includes the ending theme for the anime Koutetsu Sangokushi. As the anime itself is based off the Chinese Classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, Kuon has a distinctive oriental twist. Momoru Miyano’s voice is soothing, making it easy to listen to the track on repeat. I get nostalgic when listening to Kuon as it is one of those emotional songs that gently urges you to reminisce, maybe due to Momoru’s haunting vocals. His voice is not powerhouse material but rather the healing type, if I were to categorise.

Itsuka on the other hand, is a more upbeat song also with a tinge of the Chinese influence mixed with a modern beat. It’s catchy and good to chill to, but doesn’t have the emotional pull of Kuon.

Personally, I find songs that I want to sing to the kind I keep permanently on my playlist. And Kuon found it’s way onto my A-list. I even find myself singing to the intrumental piece with lyrics from here. Hence, I strongly recommand anyone who is looking for something new to listen to to give this single a try. Afterall, I noticed a lack of male solo singers around here, compared to their female counterparts.

(320kbps/56MB)
Mega Upload: Download here
Sendspace: Download here

Artiste: 石川智晶/Chiaki Ishikawa
Single: Uninstallアンインストール/Little Bird
Release Date: 13/6/07

Tracklist:

1. Uninstall
2. Little Bird
3. Uninstall (without vocals)
4. Little Bird (without vocals)
+Booklet scans included

Ten’s Thoughts:

I fell in love with Chiaki Ishikawa’s voice back when she was in See-Saw, collaborating with composer Yuji Kajura (who I absolutely adore). Her voice is like aged wine, rich and mature. Both tracks are the opening and ending of the anime Bokurano.

Chiaki Ishikawa’s voice fits for the anime Bokurano that deals with an adult themed sci-fi/fantasy plot involving children dying to save the world from destruction. Uninstall sets the context of the anime aptly although the constant repeat of the word “Uninstall” irks me a little. Still, I like the atmospheric quality of the song and Chiaki’s vocals are fantastic. Little Bird is subtle compared to the first track as it serves as the same anime’s ending theme. This track has features Chiaki singing in a higher range as if soaring, figuratively like a bird. Harps in the background give the song a lullaby feel, with a violin solo in the middle that makes the whole piece dreamy and serene. Not as dramatic as Uninstall, but leaves a long lasting feeling of peacefulness.

(320kbps/52MB)
Megaupload: Download Here
Mediafire: Download Here

Ten

Gackt- Returner ～闇の終焉～

Gackt-sama!!!

Official release date: 2007年06月20日

Tracklist:

1. Returner～闇の終焉～

(192kbps/5.58MB)
Download Here

Note: The first ten seconds sounds a little dodgy as this is a PV-rip of sorts.

Ten

Hayate no Gotoku! Ep. 8- The Neko Moe-Loli episode

HnG! Ep.8 was a paradoxical episode as at first glance, I thought it was catered to fufill the desires of fanboys that watch this slightly harem anime. Then I realised that the character subjected to portray all the classic Moe criteria was Hayate.

For those still left in the dark, the person in the sailor-styled school uniform, complete with the cliche bow on the head, is Hayate. Hayate is male by birth, ambigious by nature.

Here is Hayate again in a neko-loli costume, forced upon him by two over enthusiatic ladies. His image complete with uber moe lines like, “You’re horrible” said with the intent of invoking pity.

The episode wouldn’t have been complete without pink shoujo-bubble and sparkles, plus kira-kira sfx.

What I find amusing is that Hayate looks more adorable/cute than any other the other girls in the anime. This episode would make the Fujoshi ladies happy. Cross-dressing always makes people happy.

Ten

I couldn’t resist. Evil must be shared.

Nodame Cantabile is a popular manga that was serialised into,first, a Dorama feat. Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi then later an anime series. The interesting thing about Nodame Cantabile is that it revolves around classical music. The dorama OST is filled with classical orchestra pieces as well as Piano solos etc. However, there is a quirky side to Nodame Cantabile which involves songs of dubious nature that have been included in this single.

Tracklist:

1. おなら体操 (歌: 上野樹里/Ueno Juri)
2. 恋のGカップ
3. プリごろ太のテーマ (プリごろ太マーチ)
4. おなら体操 カラオケ -Instrumental-
5. 恋のGカップ カラオケ -Instrumental-

Ten’s Thoughts:

Track 1 is the song that Nodame composes and forces the fan-wielding sensei to dance to:
Cute and adorable and makes no senses whatsoever. It was created to teach kids about farting?! Nevertheless, I love Ueno Juri.
Track 2 is the song that the twins from S-oke sings during one of the Karaoke sessions:
I actually like the melody but the lyrics are beyond ridiculous as it is titled–> G-cup of Love. And amusing piece to listen to while getting drunk.
Track 3 is the Puri Gouta(?) anime within Nodame Cantabile theme:
*speechless*

Download here

Also, I found this website that has the latest J-pop single/album releases. It’s all very exciting for me but the links don’t seem to be cooperating with me. *RAWR* It’s in Japanese but easy to navigate as all the labels are in English. Check it out here.

Recently I watched Lucky Star Ep 7

The music never ends… (Updated 3/6/07)

I’m back with more music!!

Disclaimer: All downloads are for trial purposes only. Please delete files after 24hrs. If you really like the songs, you can support the artiste by purchasing their albums online at http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/ .

I have been waiting three years for this. And I am so happy that it came as a day early as a birthday present. *WooT*

Chihiro Onitsuka- Everyhome (30/5/07)

Tracklist:

1. everyhome
2. MAGICAL WORLD
3. 秘密 (translation: Secret)

Download here
(320kbps/31.4MB)

*new update

Kokia- Aihakikoeru (2007/5/23)

アーティストについて
01. いつか誰かを愛した時
02. 宇宙が・・・
03. アヒルのココロ
04. 二人の娘
05. 覚醒~open your eyes
06. cocoro
07. HUMANITARIAN
08. so bad so bad
09. やさしくされるとやさしくなれる花
10. ぬくもり~aigakikoeru~
11. why do I sing?
12. あたたかい場所
13. 祈りにも似た美しい世界
14. 命の光(Japan only)
15. ありがとう・・・(from KOKIA 2007)

(192kbps/104MB)

Ten’s Thoughts:

Kokia has a very unique voice quality that works well with slow songs. I love listening to her songs when I feel pensive and thoughtful. The majority of the songs in this album are the type I like. But she has one or two weird songs like “アヒルのココロ”, where she quacks… literally.

Download here

Nodame Cantabile 2nd Ending Single:
Sagittarius by SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH

Tracklist
01. Sagittarius
02. Macbeth
03. I’m Waiting for the Man

Ten’s Thoughts:
This single is a quirky change from the previous single I shared. “Sagittarius” still retains the soothing , groovy feel of “Allegero Cantabile” but is more bit more laid back than the latter for it is an ending theme for the anime “Nodame Cantabile”.

“Macbeth” is just wild, reminding me of a rock concert. Nearly scared the hell out of me when I was listening to it while falling asleep as it was shockingly heavy on the instrumentals. “I’m Waitng for the Man” is probably best described as a mid point between the other two tracks in the single.

Download Here
(192kbps/19.77MB)

“Seto no Hanayome” Live Song (left):
Lunarian by LUNAR

Tracklist:

01. Lunarian
02. Lunarian -instrumental version-

“Seto no Hanayome” Live Song (right):
your gravitation by SUN

Tracklist:

01. your gravitation
02. your gravitation -instrumental-

Ten’s Thoughts:

Being a lazy person, I zipped both singles in one download file. But both songs are pretty good. “Lunarian” is upbeat and happy. It also has some cute bits and I found it fitting to listen to while brushing my teeth. A great start up to my day. This song was meant for Lunar, whose stage persona is the Loli-moe neko girl.

“your gravitation” was sung by Lunar in the anime initially, but I think it was later sung by Sun in this single. I am quite confused about this bit and need to watch episode 8 to find out more. Anyway, “your gravitation” is not ditzy happy like “Lunarian”. It sounds more mature and has a hint of Angela, singer of plenty Gundam Seed/Destiny themes. Nevertheless, the song is catchy and has earned a place on my iPod playlist.

In general, these two song belong to the part of the anime where San and Lunar compete as Idols. So these two songs have that “Live” performance feeling.

Download both singles here
(320kbps/47.47MB)

Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! Original Soundtrack II
Street Release Date: May 23, 2007
Composer: Yasuhiro Misawa

Tracklist:

DISC 1
01. Kaze no Toori Michi
02. Houkago
03. Taisetsu na Basho
04. Ever Green piano Ver.
05. Yakyoku
06. Omoi
07. Cinnamon Sugar Raised
08. Yuukage
09. Semarikuru Fuan
10. OUTBREAK
11. Shoujo no Yuuutsu
12. Yuunagi
13. Sakura iro no Mirai
14. Saishuppatsu
15. Koko Kara Hajimaru Monogatari
16. Tomodachi Kara Nakama he
17. A Happy Life (Saishuu Hanashi Ver)

DISC 2
01. Chi Gu Ha Gu
02. 100 Carat Jewel
03. News Why Mo Mo
04. Seio Gakuen Kouka

Ten’s Thoughts:

I like this OST. Partly because I am a Manabi fan. It’s good music to fall asleep to, or study with. There is variety within the OST that ranges from light-hearted tracks to dramatic and emotional instrumentals. The style is quite polished and doesn’t rely on heavy duty synthesising and weird zing-zang sounds to spice up the songs. There are some vocal tracks sung by the seiyuus, including Aya Hirano. If there is one song I would recommend from this OST, it’s “Seio Gakuen Kouka” (download above). Sung by seiyuu Horie Yui, this song is simple and beautiful.

“Seio Gakuen Kouka” is actually a school song. And I wish my school song sounded as sweet. As an avid Cardcaptor Sakura fan, I know the anime’s discography by hard and “Seio Gakuen Kouka” brings back memories of those nostalgic days. Horie Yui’s voice has an innocent and genuine vibe that I appreciate. *sigh* Listening to this makes me warm and fuzzy within.

Download here
(320kbps;138.12MB)

Dennou Coil Soundtrack Ongakushuu
Street Release Date: May 23, 2007
Composer: Saitou Tsuneyoshi

Tracklist:

DISC 1
1. Prism TV EDIT
2. Yochou
3. Ankoku no Machi Kara no Dasshutsu
4. Kanashimi no Kako
5. Torri no Machi
6. Isekai
7. Kage
8. Shinpi
9. Kanashimi
10. Fushigi na Koe
11. Yuuki
12. Machi no Tomoshibi
13. Shizuka na Yoru 1
14. Shizuka na Yoru 2
15. Egao
16. Warudakumi
17. Nazo
18. Yuuyake
19. Yuujou

DISC 2
1. Sora no Kakera TV EDIT
2. Takurami
3. Tomadoi
4. Kaze
5. Gyouretsu
6. Komorebi
7. Tatakai
8. Taiji
9. Kodomo no Asobi
10. Michibiku Mono
11. Kodou
12. Hikari Sasu Michi
13. Hyouryuu
14. Shissou
15. Kodoku
16. Todokanu Omoi
17. Aseri
18. Hizunda Fuukei
19. Dennou Toshi

Ten’s Thoughts:

Honestly, I haven’t watched the anime, except for the trailer. But Honey-Sempai is a devout Dennou Coil fan and his enthusiasm affected me enough to find out more. This OST has a “Miyazaki” feel. Once again, good study/work/sleep music. The highlights of this OST is the anime opening and endings, sing by Ikeda Ayako.

The two tracks (with individual download links above), are soooooo gooooood that both Honey-Sempai and I have been trawling online sources to find out more of this singer. I can’t even explain how much I love the songs, so just go and download it. I wish the single for the songs will come out soon so that I can play it on repeat forever.

Download here
(320kbps; 195.5MB)

Well, I think this is it for all the music pimping. I am running out of things to upload and review. Probably move on to anime and game rantings.

Ten

More Anime Music Pimpage

As you probably can tell by now, I have too much free time on my hands.

Disclaimer: All downloads are for trial purposes only. Please delete files after 24hrs. If you really like the songs, you can support the artiste by purchasing their albums online at http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/ .

“Lucky Star” Opening Theme Single
Motteke! Sailor Fuku by Various Seiyuus
(320kbps; 48.57MB)

01 – Motteke! Sailor Fuku
02 – Kaeshite! Knee Socks
03 – Motteke! Sailor Fuku (off vocal)
04 – Kaeshite! Knee Socks (off vocal)

Ten’s Thoughts:
“Motteke! Sailor Fuku” is TEH SONG of this anime season. It brings back memories of The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi’s Hare Hare Yukai. Give it a little time before Gundam models dancing to this track is posted on youtube. It oozes cuteness from beginning to end and after fifteen times on repeat, it still gets you dancing and singing along. After the twenty-fifth time hearing this, it starts sounding as painful as Mikuru’s debut single. Mi mi mi mi ku ruuuuu….

“Kaeshite! Knee Socks” is not as psychotically happy as the above, but just as infectious.

Download here

“Seto No Hanayome” Opening Theme Single:
Romantic Summer by Momoi Haruko & Nogawa Sakura
(320kbps; 32.2MB)

01 – Romantic summer
02 – Namida Ichirin
03 – Romantic summer instrumental version
04 – Namida Ichirin instrumental version

Ten’s Thoughts:
I actually like “Romantic Summer” more than “Motteke! Sailor Fuku”. The animation that goes with this opening is cute: San-chan’s yakuza boss father playing the drums in a band ^^”. They also threw in the a little lip syncing ala Chobits. (Let me be with youuuuuuu….). “Namida Ichirin” is an insert song of the anime and plays everytime San-chan goes into her Chivalrous Spirit mode. I love it. The song just reminds me of the 1960s, Yakuza, Kimonos and Sakura Petals. Things that make up my romantic fetishes.

Download here

“Seto No Hanayome” Ending Theme Single :
Ashita he no Hikari by Hinoi Asuka
(320kbps; 64.48MB)

01- 明日への光
02- VOICES
03- 君がいた場所
04- 明日への光（Instrumental）
05- VOICES（Instrumental）
06- 君がいた場所（Instrumental）

Ten’s Thoughts:
I honestly wasn’t attracted by “Ashita he no Hikari”. But when I listened to the other two songs in this single, I fell head over heels in love with Hinoi Asuka. I can’t explain why. I just like these songs alot. Its the way her voice, and the music is mixed to create a haunting melody. It reminded me of “Glory~ Kimi Ga Iru” from One Piece by a certain member of Speed that I can’t remember right now.

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“Nodame Cantabile” Opening Theme Single:
Allegro Cantabile by SUEMITSU & The SUEMITH

1. The Time SUEMITSU Met NODAME
2. Allegro Cantabile Sound
3. Sonatine
4. La Chanson De L’adieu

Ten’s Thoughts:
This single is simply awesome. Not your typical J-pop. Its a clever hybrid of classical pieces and modern day japanese music. Clearly not meant for to appeal to the commercial audience. Very nice and soothing to listen to. As an anime opening, it managed to capture the spirit of Nodame Cantabile and is a refreshing change from all the happy/hyper anime openings so far.

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Ten