LMN J Music Top 30 Countdown 2014.07.03
For a long time, I could not see eye-to-eye with all of the people who've endorsed DIAURA over the years. That may very well change with the release of "Horizon".
For the first time in, ever, I am listening to an DIAURA song on repeat. There is a certain quality to this song - something I can't quite describe - that has me addicted. The PV reminds me of Satsuki's "SYMPATHY". The song itself? I'm not quite sure what it reminds me of - all I know is that it is very pleasant to hear in the background while I get work done. "Silent majority", the other DIAURA gem released on the same day, is also quite impressive. I prefer "Horizon" but strongly recommend that you listen to both.
What may be even more amazing is D. There are very few artists who succeed in producing top-tier quality instrumental masterpieces consistently, and D is one of them. Not too long ago, I considered Matenrou Opera to be among the artists on the list, but that's something we'll discuss in the coming weeks. For now, "Tsuki no Sakazuki" is awesome. Be sure to hear the song in full.
"B.A.B.Y.", SuG's second work since de-hiatus, has been subject to quite a lot of dissing from the fans. I really don't understand what the problem is: positive energy, easy-going lyrics, entertaining video...what's there to not like about it? Sure, it doesn't have the dark feel from the Lollipop Kingdom days, but "B.A.B.Y." isn't all that different from SuG's previous line of work.
KAMIJO is also taking a fair degree of heat for "Moulin Rogue". That, I can sort of understand. This is the type of song that truly appeals well to one crowd, and is absolutely loathed by the rest. There is no middle ground. It's either you like it, or you don't. In all honesty - it doesn't do it for me.
What does do it for me is My Dragon. I know some people will loathe it, but it is what it is. I love the lyrics, and I love the way it is composed. The Visual Kei scene is often linked to pessimism and gore, and that's fine - I like it that way. But there also exists the optimism side to it, and I like that as well. My Dragon represents the latter.
Lastly, let's talk about Lolita23q. Yes, I know the band isn't in this video - Soshi is - and so is ALDEBARAN. When Lolita23q disappeared more than a year ago, I was devastated. That may be exaggerating a bit, but I was knocked out to say the least. Lolita23q was borderline Top 10 for me at that point, and the thought of never hearing anything new was disheartening.
Then, a few months ago, I hear about ALDEBARAN. I go on to hear the preview for "Kotoba". A few weeks later, I hear the song in full. A few days later, it ranks at the top in my play count for the week. Just like with DIAURA, it makes for a perfect background music. The most notable aspect is the lyrics: the impact of words on one's heart and emotion is deeply conveyed, something similar to that of vistlip. With less public recognition, apparently, since finding the actual lyrics to the song was near impossible. I couldn't find a copy of the CD at any store I dropped by in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Akihabara etc. and the lyrics aren't posted online. (special thanks to the guy uploading a karaoke clip of him singing the song for finally leading me to it). I look forward to what ALDEBARAN has to offer in the future.
Featured Artists:
Acid Black Cherry
Aimer (エメ)
ALDEBARAN (アルデバラン)
Alice Nine
ALSDEAD
Asriel
Berryz Kobo (Berryz工房)
BIOSPHIA
D
DaizyStripper
Dangan NO LIMIT (弾丸NO LIMIT)
DIAURA
DIV
FEST VAINQUEUR
flumpool
Golden Bomber (ゴールデンボンバー)
KAMIJO
landz.
LIPHLICH
LiSA
LOST ASH
My Dragon (マイドラゴン)
MY FIRST STORY
NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST
Purple Stone [Opening Theme]
REALies
ROTTENGRAFFTY
Royz
Sadie
Shounenki (少年記)
Silhouette from the Skylit
SuG
vistlip
ViViD
xTRiPx
Yanaginagi (やなぎなぎ)
LMN J Music Top 30 Countdown 2014.07.24 Viewer Voting Form:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MK7J68P
LMN J Music Facebook:
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P.S. I am hoping to release at least one more countdown, before the end of the month. If you wish to vote, please do so right away since I don't plan on keeping the voting form open for an extended period of time.
Vanquish L.L.
LMN J Music Executive Producer
LMNjmusic2011 / LifeMusicNetwork