LMN J Music Top 30 Countdown 2013.10.17
Sometimes, you have to scour deep to find sensational music.
Among the abundance of songs debuting this week are a variety of gems from Indies artists -- many of whom remain unknown to the general public. Generally speaking, publicity is everything. However, I personally couldn't care less about it, so let's get straight to business.
First up we have ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE. Talk about good times, if you're ever feeling down, "Forever" is the song to listen to. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm certainly not ready for summer to be over. The high quality duet and overwhelming feeling of an easy life in a tropical flat share defines this song. It soothes your heart and soul.
When seeking relaxation, one should also contemplate listening to REALies and UNiTE. "Iroha Uta" is another beauty from REALies, following-up on "LiNE" released earlier this year. "Misora Musubi" is further evidence that UNiTE is no longer anything close to what it was back in the days of "world wide wish". It is disappointing to see the change, since I truly enjoyed the earlier style, but at the same time, a welcome sight: the new UNiTE is also very good in its own way.
Once the relaxation effect kicks in, one shall seek Rock. Female vocalists embracing this genre rank high among my list of respected artists, as evidenced by LiSA, I-RabBits etc. Next in line is Sonoko Inoue: sexy, fascinating, and simply mind-blowing. "Unmeisei Believer" is one of the best female-vocal-rock releases in recent memory, and I am left speechless. It's hard to believe that she's only 15 years of age - many of the idol obsessed girl groups could learn a thing or two about passion from her.
Although when it comes to passion, the new locofrank album hits it hook, line, and sinker. All you have to do is listen to "STARLIGHT" and watch the PV. Words are no longer necessary to describe the amazing overflow of extravagant passion that encompasses this masterpiece. locofrank has been around for a long time now, and I surely wish more people would take notice.
Now that we have passion, let's top it off with some straight up, smooth Visual Kei. Synk;yet appears to be the prime candidate this week. Simply put, "Cross of sin" is an marvelous piece, complete with a nice flow of quality sounds from start to finish. The hook is, of course, the best part, but the rest of the song is amazing in its own way. In the end, this is another Indies gem to add to the playlist.
Then again, sometimes, you want something more. Of course, Indies music isn't everything. There's a reason DaizyStripper and R-Shitei both ranked at the top last week, and it seems that Miliyah Kato and MEJIBRAY are following up on that from two different angles. With "Lonely Hearts", the theme surrounds finding hope in an endless cycle of bullies, harassment, and tarnished reputations. The PV is a story of an innocent girl falling victim, and then falling dead. Bitterness is linked to hopelessness, and this world is... Much is the same with MEJIBRAY. "Shuuei" is probably the closest thing to the music style of the now disbanded & (AND Eccentric Agent), and it is beautiful. As always, this band simply goes above and beyond your expectations. Long story short, just another outstanding performance to add to the long list of gems released this year and in years past.
Featured Artists;
12012
A (ACE Anonymous Confederate Ensemble / エース)
ALSDEAD
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Angelo
DaizyStripper
DOWNER (ダウナー)
FABLED NUMBER
FEST VAINQUEUR
the GazettE
GReeeeN
JUJU
Jupiter
KAMIJO
LiSA
locofrank
megamasso (メガマソ)
MEJIBRAY
Miliyah Kato (加藤ミリヤ)
NIGHTMARE (ナイトメア)
REALies
Royz
R-Shitei (R指定)
Sonoko Inoue (井上苑子)
Synk;yet
UNiTE (ユナイト)
vistlip
Viewer Voting will now resume:
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Vanquish L.L.
LMN J Music Executive Producer
LMNjmusic2011 / LifeMusicNetwork