JunPara was open for public in ED video during Blood-C premiere event on July 1, also aired in NicoLive. I didn’t win the lottery ticket but kinda glad Nana didn’t sing it live so I didn’t miss much. xD

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1piD2oMSqBI

I’ve heard JunPara live in Station 8 last week, and as I thought it really has strong Phantom Minds vibes. Well same composer (Yoshiki Eriko) and lyricist (Nana) so yeah. Granted that this ED version lacks impact. 92 seconds don’t do this song justice since I was really blown away with its live performance. m(_ _m) It’s been a while since I REALLY like a Nana song on the first loop. I hope we could get a longer version next, hopefully in tonight’s Smile Gang.

CD cover was also out!

FINALLY Japanese clothes on CD cover!!! Nana looks great in red lately, brings out her matured charm. I’m not one of those lolicon fans yeah. ^^; With this it’s settled that Junpara’s color is red. :3

Extracted the flash from Nanaparty too.


Lovely. Really can’t wait to see the PV since even Nana said it’s awesome like a movie.

Did you like it?

C is for CD!

I’ve read a couple of reviews here and there.. One thing I noticed: people expect / think too much. So I tried another approach.. Instead of listening in one go to critique it, I opted to enjoy the album when I walked home / in train.. works wonder. So if you just want to read another negative review, go somewhere else

I’ll slip in some booklet shots (only Nana in regular cover costume for now) in between. It’s purposely crappy so you need to buy the CD I really do not have a scanner here btw.

Just a few words before we move on. I really think that an idol’s music is mostly a matter by perception, unlike normal music fans who don’t even care what happens to the singer. This easily explains the deaf fanboys/girls lol, but actually the same applies to those anti-Nana, or the recent trend I noticed: anti-Nanatard.

Nana’s too famous for her own good she’s like Apple or Naruto or Justin Bieber (lol sorry for the weird analogy I’m sleepy) which are actually not bad, but some people just couldn’t stand their fans and that makes them hate the idol/product/anime too. It sounds shallow/childish but it happens more often than I thought.

I listen to other singers too so (maybe) I’m not that deaf yet, but can’t say I’m not biased. My fondness of Nana is herself in a whole. Definitely initiated by her voice, but then I grew to like her as a person, with behind the scenes, radio shows, interviews.. and of course, the awesome concerts. Maybe that explains the many CD that I (and many other fans) bought regardless of what we think of the music: to support Nana. I can go on longer about “supporting” but let’s save it for another day. =)

OK, IMPACT EXCITER was released exactly 1 year and 1 month after UD.. it’s been a very busy year for Nana with Music Japan, Kohaku & its promotions, FC event, 2 months concert tour, 3 new singles, while still doing fair share of seiyuu work. I can imagine how IE was created in a rush in the past 3 months. And she also needs to practice for LIVE GAMES.

16 tracks seem a lot, but 1/3 of them aren’t new. This brings us to the fact that the past 3 singles were a letdown for many fans. But hey, while Mugen the song is indeed lolwut, the c/w tracks are OK. Yes, Nanoha singles duo can’t compete with Inosuta or Etabure, but they’re still AWESOME in concerts. Juujika and Unchain sound great, and I’m still in love with Polaris.

Not mind-blowing doesn’t make it automatically bad.

Oh well. On to the tracks.

1. TIME TO IMPACT EXCITER
2. NEXT ARCADIA
Not the first time Nana did an instrumental opening track that follows to the first track, remember THEME OF MAGIC ATTRACTION ~ through the night? But this is actually better. Didn’t get the song at first, but now totally loving it. I don’t like Nana’s altered voice, but the rest is awesome, and naturally the Wed Jpop live is totally impacting and exciting!

3. ミュステリオン
Am I the only one who doesn’t hate Musterion? Yes the tempo is indeed messy, and the voice dragging was kinda pointless. But it’s rocking pretty cool. Or maybe I’ve been brainwashed, can’t escape from this song everywhere I went! ^^;

4. Silent Bible
Still think it’s much better live.

5. Young Alive!
One of my favorite. It’s catchy fun, and definitely has a nice feeling to it.. I’m not surprised they picked this for Tower Records opening call. Also reminds me of Dear Dream.

6. SCOOP SCOPE
Sounds like a new cute dance number. I’m already imagining stuff xD tho hopefully it’s nothing like Perfume’s dance lol. I guess there’s no “futuristic” theme without having a song full of electronic beats like this.

7. DRAGONIA
The song was written with Romance of Three Kingdoms in mind, so it clearly shows in the arrangement. Kinda sounds like some epic anime/game OST, but it’s a hit for me.

8. 夢幻 (Mugen)
Even after 9 months and seeing it live twice, I still can’t bring myself to listen without cringing.. Too bad we can’t kick this out of the album. xD

Half time break xD

9. 夏恋模様 (Karen Moyou)
Yay ballad finally, and coming after Mugen it’s godsent. Pretty generic summer love song that fits the season (trying to channel Hoshizora?), but hey who doesn’t buy that.

10. 恋の抑止力-type EXCITER- (Koi no Yokushiryoku)
Normal arrangement is better. How many times have I said don’t distort Nana’s voice? Glad the song itself is one of Nana’s better chara-song, so still acceptable.

11. PHANTOM MINDS
Still sounds amazing.

12. ストロボシネマ (Strobe Cinema)
Being new ending theme for M no Sekai’s gives this song a permit to be too sugary, bubbly, and maybe hated by fans who also hated Gozen Reiji.. but I think both songs are cute, even the funny way Nana’s singing. :3 Perfect for encore.

13. 囚われのBabel (Toraware no Babel)
Finally a real dance song! And this time without attempting to make anyone go on diet. Funny that despite the attempt to be futuristic with eurotrance synths, it sounds like it’s coming from some 80s idol ^^;

14. アルビレオ (Albireo)
Nana’s self-composed song. I wish she rediscover her Violetta or Supagen talent rather than Seven. Had some nice vocals, but the song is kinda draggy and boring. I bet she won’t perform it again after LIVE GAMES.

15. Don’t be long
Another Nanoha song to fill in the blank. Really an IN song lol. I used to dislike this since it pales in comparison to Pray’s hawtness, especially when watching the movie. I’m now OK with this song, just wishing it was Polaris or Unchain instead. ^^;

16. 7月7日 (Shichigatsu Nanoka)
Mature, elegant, soothing… probably one of Nana’s best album closure song. I like how Nana’s vocal really shines here, mostly only accompanied by Mika’s harp.. kinda reminds me of Eternal Diva songs in a way.

Overall.

I’m clueless why they distorted Nana’s voice just for the sake of the “futuristic / outer space” theme, knowing vocal is definitely her strongest feature. Hello, Mr Producer? Otoh this makes me believe most of the songs would sound MUCH better in the concert since she can sing normally, so my opinion on IE might change after GAMES.

The whole experimenting thing remind me of Minorin’s albums, but hey this isn’t Nana’s 2nd or 3rd album, they should know better. It seems funny that NOW only they try new genre instead of polishing what she’s good at. And don’t get me started with the incoherent flow. They only did the opening and ending properly, but in between it’s like a shuffled playlist.

In the end of the day, I’m NOT disappointed with IE. I just think it could be better given more development time. Tbh IE feels more like an attempt to catch up with LIVE GAMES dates than pure musical purposes. Nana should reconsider her priority.

O yeah, other good thing is I don’t feel the need to skip any song (I skip Shonen in UD). I like most of the new songs, esp dying to experience NEXT ARCADIA live. ;A; If I have to name songs I’d rather delete from the album, it’s just Mugen and Albireo (sorry, Nana). But otherwise I really enjoyed the album.

..

I’m not sure if the DVD is leaked in torrents? Planning to review it when I’m less busy.

KYAA. IKR. <33

DRAGONIA
[audio:dragonia.mp3]
Lyricist: Hibiki
Composer: Junryu
Arranger: Fujita Junpei (Elements Garden)

OMG I LOVE THIS! Finally an epic upbeat Nanaish track we all love to otagei to (because it’s superfast and impossible to sing in karaoke). As expected from the guy who blew me away with Minorin’s Aoi Kotou. So far the best song of IE yeah.

アルビレオ (Albireo)
[audio:albireo.mp3]
Lyricist / composer: Mizuki Nana (SUPER GENERATION, Violetta)
Arranger: Fujima Hitoshi (Elements Garden)

Nana’s original track for the new album. Damn it totally sounds like some anime song I can’t remember now because I haven’t slept properly since last Friday. Not too bad from the short snippet, better than SEVEN.. just well, a bit too animu-ish..?

NHK MAG NET

And then there is this 45 minutes of this Nanalicious video.. just watch it here for now.. probably the HD torrent will leak out before I have time to review the whole thing so just a quick look at the important parts… ^^;

Albireo recording footage starts from 18:55 ..

Nana has to take off her necklace before singing haha. And cool watch spotted, need better res to see what brand! xD

It’s not Nana if she doesn’t finger tap. A LOT.

Making of MUSTERION followed right after. The world needs NANA CLIPS 5 BADLYYYYY DO YOU HEAR THAT KING RECORDS!!

*gasp* was Nana trying to look sexy?! …

…. you know what, it kinda works. *nosebleeds*

Totally loved it when she dropped the mic stand. xD

I’m sorry I’m sorryyyyy~~~ roflmao.

Only 3 more weeks until the album release! Dang want to hear 7月7日 now.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtdqPGDRDo8

Don’t think they will take it down so I just youlink it.

Artists in order of appearance:
- (oh so obvious!) NANA! .. what great start to get my attention haha.
- May’n
- YUKARIN!!! ;A; Finally! This is her first time making it to Anisama CD!
- Kishow (GRANRODEO)
- Ayane kyaaa. I’ve been a fan since last year’s Anisama.
- Itou Kanako
- Ayane + Itou Kanako.. don’t tell me they will do a duet later. Does not compute.
- ALL
- Ishikawa Chiaki
- Ishikawa Chiaki + Faylan .. now now, this duet might be epic.
- ALL
- Faylan~~
- May’n
- May’n + Kurinoko .. lol they can compete who has bigger cheeks. xD

…and that’s it for now, but I get the idea.

It’s not too bad. At least it’s a proper encore song that we can actually wave our hands to! I approve of this way more than last year’s upbeat animu-ish song… as if we hadn’t otagei enough in the past 6 hours.

Same combo like last year: Kurinoko composed, Makkun wrote the lyrics (duh, who else could come up with such Engrish).

The slow tempo (and the Nana start) kinda reminds me of Animelo 2006 theme OUTRIDE.. tho I liked that more.

The remaining artists (credited) that didn’t make it to the preview:
ALI PROJECT, Okui Masami, JAM Project guys, Chihara Minori, Nanri Yuuka, fripside, Momoi Haruko

To be released on 23 June 2010.

Who cares about the song quality cuz YES THE PV EXIST so make sure you preorder the right thing. Extra 690 yen for Nana + Yukarin + Minorin + Ayane + Faylan on the same screen.. not sure if my weak nose can handle it. ;A;

Damn Nana looks wonderful in that Astrogation hairdo and yes, finally a blog update. Thanks for those who asked if I’m dead. Dead lazy for blogs, yes, but my Nana-loving spirit never dies. I’m doing something that will change my Nanaism forever, but more into that later.

Anyways into the big deal. I’m sure most of you know that Nana’s upcoming album is titled IMPACT EXCITER. Hands up all of you who had even the slightest lewd thoughts upon hearing that inappropriate Engrish. I’m guilty too xD Let’s just say I’m glad LIVE GAMES isn’t titled LIVE EXCITER. ^^;

ミュステリオン PV

And here we go, the first song from the album: ミュステリオン .. Yes I think it should be MUSTERION instead of MYSTERION (cos then it should be ミステリオン). But it could be MUSTARD for all I care, it sucks. >_<

Well MUSTERION with U is Greek for “mystery”, and boy it’s a mystery how Shihori can rock Chinmoku no Kajitsu and Dear Dream but totally fails on this one. Youtube it for radio rip, it’s not worth my bandwith.

BUT hey, PV is totally a different story. Here we go, 30 secs promo of awesomeness.

[media id=22 width=480 height=270]

..which can be summed into three words: EYE PATCH NANA. ♥

Okay, I can hear some old men protesting about the rather-strong Nazi influence but holysh–that’s a damn wicked symbol. NANAISM IS OFFICIAL GUYS. xD

And of course, FEMALE BAND MEMBERS!! No more random guys. And no, don’t get me started with Cherry Boys, they’re old men.

In short (oh yes she’s in shorts too!! kyaa xD): need full clip asap.

Young Alive! stream

[audio:youngalive.mp3]

Just aired on Smile Gang a few hours ago, so finally I did something on time? ^^; Nice title, too, first time I heard Nana said it, I was like “wtf is a yangguraibu?”

Song was written by Miyake Hirofumi which could be this bassist? Anyway it’s very pop and Dear Dream-ish fun, I like it! :3

There are 3 more songs that have been announced, and most likely we’d get to hear all of them before the big release date. Stay tune!

[audio:mugen.mp3]

Now I see how this costume (from White Album concert) fits the song!

It’s different compared to the usual Agematsu/Nana collaboration, not just to Shin Ai. It feels really dramaticized and emotional, befitting the “unreal / fantasy” theme of the song. I really got into it after a few repeats.

As anyone would have said, it’s totally not Shin Ai. For once, it sounds to me more progressive rock than ballad, especially with the guitar solo. I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, but Nana really excels in conveying her feelings to a song. I feel emo already But yeah, I think Mugen represents the painful side of love, compared to the hopeful Shin Ai.

I also can’t imagine waving white lights to this song. I’m thinking more like medium-tempo wave of red lights, or maybe even UO.

Can’t wait for the PV and hearing this live in the FC Event! xD

Another track of the new single has been announced, titled Dear Dream.

It’s gonna be the new ending theme for the retarded TBS show “Card Gakuen”, the one that has Gimmick Game as its opening theme.

The song is composed and written by Shihori, the cute 1980-born who brought us the epic Chinmoku no Kajitsu, my personal fave track in Ultimate Diamond.

Etsuraku Camelia @ Live Diamond~ <3

Also a good news: annoucement of NANA MIZUKI LIVE DIAMOND×FEVER! It will be released on December 23, 2009.

The awsm package will include obviously her longest concert ever clocking at 4.5 hours LIVE DIAMOND @ Seibu Dome, and the final day of LIVE FEVER tour @ Budokan (fff–not the day when she cried for the birthday present / Shin Ai topping Oricon). We also get both days’ Making Of.

First press, as usual, will come housed in special packaging.

POWER GATE @ Live Fever~ <3

Here comes the price.

Bluray (3 discs): 9,900 yen
DVD (5 discs): 9,900 yen

The number of discs is surprising, I must say. But with King Records Quality and at least 8 hours of Nana and probably few flashes of my face *runs*, I think the price is fair. Tho I can’t help but cough blood, thinking about the doubles I might be getting..

..but anyway, I just hope the Christmas rush won’t delay my package again. I surely don’t want people to think I always look depressed on Christmas like last year (well, waiting for Fighter BD made me anxious).

Anisama Goods Set A, which is a pretty good deal for 10,000 yen:
- Eco-bag, looks crappy but pretty strong.
- Black towel.. sold out in the first day.
- The fan thing that nobody used cos it might break easily.
- Anisama wristbands for both hands.
- Orange wrist lights, which I didn’t use cos I’ve got my awsm sticks.
- Pamphlet, which is pretty boring cos they just put the most current official pics.
- Orange shirt, my preference over the two designs (and Nana wore it in encore!).

Extra purchases:
- Black shirt. Just because.
- Anisama x 5pb Original Live Commander, a.k.a the penlights belt. Bought cos it looks funny. No I did NOT wear it like this during the live, I swear!
- 5th Anniversary DVD containing PV for all 5 theme songs and Making Of Re:Bridge.. not sold outside Japan.
- Re:Bridge CD, which got me free printed autographs of the artists (the square paper).

Anisama Pamphlet
Sorry bout the size, but no point uploading it if you can’t read the individual artist messages.

Day 1.
- Arika’s doll is so cute! Why can’t see bring lolitas on stage instead of the traps?
- ELISA approves pedobear.
- Itou Kanako lol calligraphy? As expected from the ancient witch doctor.
- Colourful Hocchan.. okay is she 17 or 7..?
- Shokotan WTF.
- Aww, that’s a pretty cute version of Minorin. No comment on her usual alien font.
- I never knew Miyano Mamoru draws a boob on his autograph.. *runs*

Day 2.
- Oh yeah, GACKT is also an ancient being, hence the caligraphy.
- Yukari-hime~~~!! That looks like her a lot~
- Hirano Aya’s self-portrait also looks like her a lot.
- The contrast between Yui-nyan and Suara is awsm lol.
- Yousei Teikoku’s logo is really cool.
- Faylan’s is unexpectedly cheerful lol.
- Nana’s sign and her usual unreadable message. But hey mini Nanette!

Other Pics
Outside the building there was a stand with the goods signed by the artists… how I just want to break the showcase and steal some.

Signed bags and shirts.. Faylan’s sign is pretty cute. The rest (from left): m.o.v.e, angela, May’n

Nana autographs~~ <3 as expected she got a special spot.. you can also see Re:Bridge CD signed by Makkun and Kurinoco. Sorry can’t help the reflection btw.

Flower arrangements only for Nana from fans, NHK, Tokyo FM, Tales of Symphonia, S.C. NANA..

CD/DVD Loot
..that I bought hurriedly in Sunday morning lol, so not as many as usual. Some were bought in July, tho I believe I missed lots of stuff but yeah can’t remember exactly.

(from top row)

1. Sakakibara Yui / Phantasm (CD+DVD) (buy)
Probably the coolest Yui-nyan act ever! Bonus DVD is a secret live cosplaying as the smexy Ayase from rock band FES (from Chäos;HEAd animu).

2. Nico Nico Douga Selection ~Sainou no Mudazukai~ (CD) (buy)
Literally means ~Wasting Talent~ lolol. The only reason why I bought this retarded CD is obviously track 13 JAM Project / Omoide wa Okkusenman!! I suppose this is because of the immensely mind-blowing Anisama 2008 top batter. The CD version is even better with Makkun!

3. Horie Yui / Honey Jet!! (CD) (buy)
Not all that good, but enjoyable for a fan of Hocchan’s sweet voice, especially that track with full Engrish lyrics. Okay to be honest I just want the awsm poster (pics below).

4. Faylan / mind as Judgment (CD) (buy)
Seems that everyone fell in love with this hawt newcomer lol. Screw Gamers for giving me Canaan postcard, I want a Faylan photo! Just look at that back CD cover~ xD ..hmm she can make a good Alphard.. *runs*

5. Okui Masami feat. May’n / Miracle Upper WL (CD) (buy)
To be honest, I really love this. Ok, maybe 90% because of the amazing PV and the fact I saw it live. They really look like sisters (..I would have said mother-daughter, but one looks too young and the other looks too old..). I want the PV~!!

6. Agematsu Mika / Best (CD) (buy)
Yes bought for the harp version of Super Generation. Don’t look at me like that. xD

7. savage genius feat. Ohmi Tomoe / maze (CD) (buy)
Love the song tho I never bothered to watch Pandora Hearts.

8. FictionJunction / Everlasting Songs (CD) (buy)
Been forgetting to buy this since it came out early this year. Finally bought it.. and hey, I got two postcards. I shall look at them everyday to remember the girls’ names. So that cute girl is Kaori.. hmmm.

9. Okui Masami / Self Satisfaction (CD) (buy)
Title is LOL but somewhat appropriate. She covers the songs that she previously arranged for other singers.. and while I only heard half of the original versions, I must say Makkun’s versions are mostly stronger and better.

10. Suara / adamant faith (CD) (buy)
I got two bonus cos my friend didn’t want his. The 2nd photo is so funny, it took me couple of minutes to find Suara amongst the trees. She blends in! *runs* adamant faith sounds like a lesser Musouka (glad she didn’t sing this in Anisama), but the ballad c/w is instant love.

11. Suara / Kizuna (CD) (buy)
Eh.. I haven’t really listened to the CD.. but so far I like it better than Taiyou to Tsuki. As usual I have no complaints on Suara’s voice and skill. Kizuna is way more lively with more variants for her to explore, tho the CD cover continues to be boooooring (isn’t that just a new Amaneuta cover or what?)

12. m.o.v.e / Anim.o.v.e01 (CD+DVD) (buy)
AWSM version of Sousei no Aquarion (omfg yuri) made me buy this. Another better God Knows version won’t hurt also. xD The DVD features footage of the last live of m.o.v.e with t-kimura, who will focus on production and not performing on stage anymore.

13. Momoi Halko / Ai no Medicine ~Anisama Version~ (CD)
New version of Momoi’s debut song that was also performed in Anisama. Compared to the original, it’s more lively and Momoi’s vocal definitely improved over the year. Mugi mugi~~♪ The c/w track “Galge” is a nice surprise too, it’s a catchy Akibapop song that was featured in a Wii game a while back.

1. Chihara Minori / Parade (photobook)
This thing is DAMN HEAVY like srsly torturing to carry this around (and I had to buy multiple copies for other people $@!#!). The photo is its Gamers store bonus.

2. Chihara Minori / Parade (DVD) (buy)
..the alternate cover doesn’t help the hideous rooster costume. I must say I’m disappointed with the lack of audience sound during the concert, so what’s the difference of watching this and listening to the CD?

3. Chihara Minori / Parade (BD) (buy)
Crow costume is even scarier. Price freaking kills, tho I still dislike the concert part for the stated reason above. Bought anyway cos of the drool-worthy Message 2.5 – 2 hours documentation of the live rehearsals and tours. I wonder if I should review this for those who don’t have Bluray players? Hmm..

4. Mizuki Nana / Ultimate Diamond (CD/CD+DVD) (buy)
… times three. GEE I WONDER WHY. So yeah I own 4 in total, with the 1st one I bought online. The delicious big thing is the LP cover from Gamers, also bonus photo.

5. Sakamoto Maaya / We Are Kazeyomi! (DVD) (buy)
Haven’t watched it yet. Really an impulsive purchase. I guess that’s the effect of hearing the live version of Yubiwa.

6. Tamura Yukari  / Dreamy Maple Crown (BD) (buy)
SOOO awesome in big screen and 5.1 speakers. Now THIS is a real live concert (yes I’m looking at you Parade). I wanted to review this but always got carried away watching it. The videos are up in Youtube anyway so no point. Lemme just say, Yukarin IS  a cult.

7. Okui Masami / GIGS 2007 Masami Life (DVD)
Also haven’t watched. Bought cos GIGS DVDs are pretty hard to get lol.

On to the showcase..

The store bonus posters!
There are still more but these are instant wins that got into my wall~

The very last Sofmap bonus poster, lucky~~~

Live Diamond official promo poster, from the CD booth in Seibu Dome.

Nobody looks better in pink than Yukari-hime. Gamers store bonus for buying the bluray. The top part (the title) glitters! Kira kira ☆

Animate store bonus for Honey Jet!! Cuteness overload (;A;)

..that’s about it, until the next Japan trip! Now lemme go back to eating my instant noodles..