Goodbye to a Decade. Gokurasama, 2009!

Here's a not-so brief recap of my life from 2000 to 2009. No big accomplishments. But I take life as it is (with a grain of salt) and although resolutions aren't my thing, this is definitely the right time for a milestone post :)

My head's merely going with what I can dig up from my weak memory.

1. [2000] Final year of school life. Aah~ the bittersweet times of being a teenager.


2. Death of my love for L'Arc~en~Ciel. It was a joy knowing them but I have moved on. Thank you for introducing me to Jrock, Hyde-san ;)


3. Malay-dominated Matriculation course in Pulau Pinang killed my English. Seriously. So few English-speakers to befriend. Malay songs rotted my brain :[


4. Death of a loved one [2002]: My mother. Al-Fatihah.


5. Shortly after that, I enrolled at UKM studying Computer Science. Another major reason why my English proficiency died. XP


6. But if it wasn't for UKM, I wouldn't have berjinak (sorry, can't find a better word for it) with Korean entertainment. And I wouldn't have met my beloved separate-end-of-the-Pole twinnie Farah. ♥


7. Koreans overtook my heart. I flitted around a lot at first before stopping at Shinhwa and Park Hyo Shin. Hmm actually I've now cut down to only Shinhwa. Even just the six of them hurts my money.


8. Rise and fall of a kingdom. Heart still pains over this. "Gaining Through Losing" is an apt metaphor.


9. SHINHWA IN SINGAPORE! Enough said. *eyes crinkle from awesome unforgettable memories*


10. The trials and tribulations brought us all closer. ILY, Orenji Famili.


11. My slow but sure return to Japanese rock with the help of several bands I call my saviours: Gazette [2006], MUCC [2006], RENTRER EN SOI [2008].


12. My very obvious rekindled love for LUNA SEA [2007]. They were my sole reason I could survive in Penang for 1 year without reliable Internet connection. Although I couldn't forgive them for disbanding, their comeback made me realise where my loyalty truly lies.


13. A 'steady' career working with Elderaan Technologies, if I may call it that, ensures that I have an almost steady supply of Kpop and VK. And no, I'm not thinking of continuing my studies.


14. Har har. So much for Kpop eh? Jaded-ness has ruined my respect for the Korean music industry. Goodbye, fake love.


15. Family rifts. I'm neither here nor there nor on the fence. I sway whenever it pleases me. However, I will NOT end this cold war with that asshole of a person I should be calling Brother.


16. Sarina Abdullah Thani and Siti Aishah Khairazan (+ her sporting hubby). My bestfriends and soulmates? ILY as well. ♥


17. My disgraceful yet verrry satisfactory downfall into Johnny's and Associates fandom. All thanks to KinKi Kids, my newest heroes who protected me from a period of depression during early 2009.


18. Japan. Oh my God, JAPAN. My utmost travel dream came true. ♥♥


19. Visual Kei and Orenji Famili. Highly impossible to be crossed over was my first thought. LOL. Look at us now. We're even holding concert nights :D


20. Two weddings in a year [2009]. My eldest brother and my younger brother.

A lot of good and bad things happened this year. I may have even changed a bit eventhough I'm still generally young at heart. *cough*

I dunno if I'll be able to think up of more because you're in danger of falling asleep from boredom. Guh.

December VK Reviews

After yesterday's heavy spazzing over KinKi's lovelove performance on Music Station Live, today I shall handcuff myself to the keyboard and write an overdue VK review post. Who shall I eliminate today? Hmm...

Oh! I've finally listened to Plastic Tree! PuraTori's been around for a long time, ne? During my first few years of VK fandom, I found their music to be too soft (?). But being a judgemental fool, I cursed them for being as un-Jrock as Ryuichi's solo career without even understanding what the meaning of Rock is.

I was too absorbed in Diru, Laruku, Luna Sea and Pierrot that I kept comparing other groups with them. So I wasn't an exceptional Jrock VK fan back then boooo and was stuck in that mode until only recently (ehh the past 2 years, prolly). Maa maa, experimentation in a period where torrents and broadbands didn't exist was truly a barrier.  Augh! Why do I suddenly sound like an old woman?!

Obachan here would like to suggest all readers to put aside all reservations and listen to as many numbers of bands so in the future it'll be easier for you to go "I've heard this before" and "They write better songs now". Then you can show off to other people the total of bands you've heard or liked! 8D

[ reviewer!Arfah: "Is that the whole point of this story, obachan?!!" ]

Title: NOW Band: girugamesh Verdict: 3 stars. First of all, what's with the cover art? Yeesh. giru's suffering the same Gazette-like symptoms of churning out the typical heavy-beats-and-heavy-riffs but lacks depth and skill. I can't name one that really captures my attention except 'Arrow' due to its milder course while everything else sounds the same after 2-3 plays. A pity 'crying rain' isn't included, it could've been their only salvage. Go for: 'Arrow', 'I Think I Can Fly'.

Title: ドナドナ (Dona Dona) *AWEFUCKINGSOME* Band: Plastic Tree Verdict: 5 stars. Brilliant! Not what I thought I'd be expecting, a different path from the usual roads I tread but not bad. If you like kei (of Kannivalism) then this band's an excellent choice to like. Dona Dona is wrought with emotive calm and expressive riffs. Ryutaro's voice took me a while to get comfy with, but it suits them. But what I'm in love with is the instrumental: 'Anten'. A subliminal song, from its calming melody to the epic entrance at 3:20. Go for: 'Anten', 'sunset bloody sunset', '1999', 'Fukuro', 'Gagaji'.

Title: GHOST†HEART *HOT* Band: Lovely Mocochang aka LM.C Verdict: 4 stars. I'm surprised I've never once reviewed them. They're my guilty pleasure :3 Sort of I'm getting back at Kirito for breaking up Pierrot so I'm gonna like Aiji's band more than Angelo. Never had the chance to collect their discog but from what I do have, none are disagreeing with me. This single's pretty decent and 'A Blueberry Night' is cute. Mmm can't think of what to say. Need to find their albums. Go for: 'GHOST†HEART'.

++ Bonus review

Title: Murder Scope *HOT* Band: Matenrou Opera Verdict: 3.5 stars. Ohkaay, I was so wrong to have given them such a low rating for 'Anomie'. Their live tracks are really good! I may need to give that album another chance *sheepish smile*. In the meantime, the 2 new songs are majorly awesome especially the title track. Go for: 'Murder Scope', 'Cocoon', 'Hiai to Melancholy (Live)', 'Eve (Live)'.

++ Super Bonus: Highlight of the month

Title: Canticum Band: forbidden days rhapsody Comment: fdr is founded by Mika (ex-RENTRER EN SOI drummer). Look out for their 1st mini album! No uploads in sight yet, but the CM is up at his official site which also serves as theirs. Mika previewed their first trance/house song called 'Refill (Rough mix)' in August and it was awesssome so I've been waiting for something from them since then. Sounds promising!!

Friggin' Making Me Poor

Oi. Oi. Oi. Enough with the barrage of information!

My heart is still struggling to recover from abs' sneak peek song off their new album. And then realising I'm a few days late to listen to SUGIZO's latest 2 digital singles caused a blow to my pride. Now SUGIZO's telling me to save up for yet another solo concert DVD. Okay so there's no official announcement of a release yet, but how else would he be earning his money??

Oh EFF all you rich old fogeys. Can't a girl enjoy the coming new decade with a lot of money in her pocket? You jusssst had to, huh? Grrrrrr.

At the moment I can foresee BIG $$$ loss in the year 2010:

1. abingdon boys school [Abingdon Road] - Jan 27


2. KinKi Kids J concert DVD - sometime during summer?


3. Middle East trip


4. Japan trip savings (for 2011)


5. Koichi BPM 2009 DVD


6. Sugi's DVD


7. Shinhwa? I doubt they'll have anything important but you never know.. huhuh


8. Starbucks coffee - thank you, addiction

Hmm. What else?

Anyhoo. Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

VK Night Out 1 update

It was fun! We should do this more often. But then that'd mean I'll have to download more concerts, ne?

Alice Nine is a talented bunch, actually. My bad for dissing them all this while. ^^;;

Luna Sea. Ohhh Luna Sea. I will never tire watching your reunion concert. In fact it always somehow tears me up inside that you guys are no longer together. But... all breakups lead to truer love, imo. Sugizo's  actively saving the Earth and spreading his Divaness self onto so many different projects. Shinya's, well, still the unsung King of Drummers. J is seriously successful now and and and his marriage (sorry Farah, I forgot he got hitched this year). Ryuichi is happily married and bounced back to the correct path with Tourbillon. And thanks to Ryu, Inoran is not all alone anymore.

Next band? Hmmmmmm what do you we rock out to abingdon boys school? Mish, when are you free? 8D

Welcome Back, Yaracchi!

Ish verrrry happeh to read his name in the same paragraph as Yone, Macchin, Tsuyo, Koichi and the word 'concert'.

Yaracchi mentioned in his Jweb about his new hairstyle for J Con, and from misosiru's translations it made quite an impression on the audience. MWAAAAH I cannot wait to see pics/fancams but anyway, he's now back and safely ensconced in KinKi's arms. Yay! Machida and Yonehana, please tie him up so he won't run away anymore! D:

Also, the above link has a surprising fact as to why Koichi only appeared during the baseball match on last Saturday's sports day. Johnny-san had to call him up because he was still sleeping! (KinKi prolly started rehearsing already)

Maybe the reason Tackey became captain was because of this as well? tsktsk

Suteki KinKi Winter

Tsuyoshi kissed Koichi. On the *lips. Again.

（*＾＾）＾*）☆ chuu!

It's only been the second day of KinKi-san's J concert tour but seems like the frugal weather in Hokkaido has warmed up their spirits and fired up their LURVE!! ♥

Happy touring, my loves. I can hardly wait for the Tokyo con to see more action! Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ

* Awaiting confirmation from more con repos.

Visual Kei sleepovers

Since Fridays are 'Whee No Work!' days this month and Mish is on holiday, lets have Visual Kei concert screenings? I have Luna Sea and Luna Sea and SUGIZO and abingdon boys school and Rentrer en Soi (and X Japan if anyone is interested in old men).

I'm willing to share fandoms :)

It's December!

I may have given too much slack towards KinKi's J album. Replayed the coupling songs on 'Swan Song' single and they were soooo good. So now I can't help but think that they somehow dropped their, cough, high standards. Honestly, I do like the new songs on this album. But after a moment of pondering, I felt it won't be sufficient to keep us fans satisfied for the next year or two... Since the both of 'em will be focusing on solo activities in 2010.

No KKL for another year. 12 additional months of T-O-R-M-E-N-T, I tell you.

Oh well. At least I'll have something which I sincerely, from the deep of my heart, hope will happen next week at KinKi's winter concert: The Return of Yaracchi! This guy's been missing from KinKi and Koichi related events since February (after Endless SHOCK '09) by keeping himself busy in butai after butai after butai.

Doesn't he miss MA? Doesn't he miss Kochan? *sigh* Oh sure~ he did express his sadness at being absent from the KinKi you 2008 Tour but from the way he's being worshipped by the Juniors now, who knows what he's thinking, ne?

Either that or he's being forced against his will to become a trainer to those wimpy looking Kisumai/ Kiz-My-Ft2.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="He could very well be in chains right at this moment!"][/caption]

I'm evil for wishing my guy to lose all his other theatre opportunities. Just so long as Yara returns to his 'once upon a time we were happy' family unit! Hence old boy Macchin can take a breather and gain weight. THAT man looks too deathly thin now.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Once upon a time, there were four... (clockwise from L: Machida/Macchin, Akiyama/Akki, Yara, Yonehana)"][/caption]

I. Miss. Musical. Academy! (and Akki, oh, Akki!)

Jettai ni! J dake ni.

My baby's here!

Kochan and Tsuyo reached Farah's office this morning. Even though I don't celebrate Christmas but I'm gonna treat it like an X'mas prezzie xD~~~ *drools* It's a day earlier than the release. Which is why we love CDJapan so much, ne? *kyaas over first official new KinKi release purchase*

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="282" caption="Jettai ni... (Zettai ni...) KinKi Kids Forever."][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="282" caption="Miskin pun miskin lah. J dake ni."][/caption]

Silvery shine and sleeping Kochan is win although the photoshoot's kinda boring after flipping through it twice.

The main highlight of J for me is obviously the willowy 'Kaze no Sonetto' (Sonnet of the Wind). It's very Shock!Koichi-ish and hearing Tsuyo singing it is an even bigger plus. Hmm yup, definitely loving the ballads more. Can't wait to see them dance to 'Houseki o Chiribamete' (Scatter Gems) because I absolutely LOATHE the pathetic 'Swan Song' performance that everyone else claims to like.

Maaaybe the album is a tad safe by Jyaniz standard without all the embellishment and heavy reliance on dance numbers. I guess it's definitely better than Phi which was un-KinKi, right? Melancholy and ballads suit them to a T so the undeniable allure to this is the calmness. Not for people looking for fast and fun KinKi. Yet after a degree of time everyone would need to wind down from the harshness of life and to listen to something slow and relaxing. Desu yo ne?

I quote from this LJ: "the 'J' stands for Jack as in the 11th card in a suit for a deck of cards and this, their 11th album. The Journey into the next decade, and how they Just wanted to simply, directly, bring these 11 tracks and 11 photographs (in the cd liner) to the fans. (Hence most marketing for this, the regular edition, list the total track number as '11 + 1' instead of 12."

The Junction?

CD Japan shipped out my baby J this afternoon! *breathes deeply to remain calm* If I'm lucky, I'll meet up with Farah tomorrow... oops, later tonight after work. I'm gonna need that few precious hours of serious discussion to vent and spazz about some random Jyaniz stuff. Lol.

Some KinKi fans are - for the lack of a better word - bitchy about the minimalist J Album promotion, concept and sub-par performance. I think they're still disgruntled over the Moody!KinKi appearance on FNS. But I'm so far unaffected by their spoilers and critic because I want to keep this magical feeling of purchasing my first KK 'new release'.

What's making my mood worse is the fact that SMAP is associating themselves more and more with Tohoshinki. I really don't get their marketing ploy here. What on earth can SM achieve by leeching from an almost down-and-out (no offence cos I do like SMAP) Johnny's idol group? What on Planet 51 is SMAP Manager-san (the one rumoured to be fighting over successor rights with Julie Kitagawa) trying to do?

Ohkaaay let's skiiiip to the Happy News for today:

KinKi held a secret live for 250 FC members at an underground tunnel in Shibuya. This secret event invited those exclusive few to a venue that was not informed beforehand, whereby the fans were 'smuggled' to this under construction J-shaped building for a short acoustic performance of their songs. I wonder whose pocket did all that money come from? [Read more here]



J = Junction? Junction in life? KinKi reaching a junction? What? *shrugs* We'll just have to wait and see, ne?

So there it was, a tiny bit of fodder for the nasty fans to chew on regarding the enigma of their currently tagline-less album. Personally, I think they're doing a great job so far. Reserving judgement til my package arrives.

Stripping for Free Candy

Friendster changed their design, huh? Trying to save themselves from dying, I see.

Oh heeeey! I owe candies to Shu and Mish for unconsciously causing me to include DaizyStripper into my Favourite Young Bands list. I stumbled upon the 'Brilliant Days.' song that Mish posted at FB after she was introduced to it by Shu.



I should have downloaded their mini-album last month when it was released but just never got around to it. Or the truth was... Since I firmly believe that the most important thing a band should portray is 'Music over Physical Appearance', their oshare look kinda turned me off back then as the stereotype bouncy-cutesy-AnCafe-ish-poprock which I strive to stay away from.

Seriously speaking, they sound pretty polished for a 2 year old group.  Not to mention, very different from my initial assumption. So from now onwards I will not judge a band by its 'pink factor' facade. *chants mantra*

DaizyStripper have both successfully fooled and ensnared me. Huzzah!

My formula to choosing a band is: emotive/unique vocals and memorable songs unique to that band and strong bassist or two guitarists. Looks are a plus, but it's no biggie. Luna Sea and L'Arc~en~Ciel taught me that.

OH! I think we should start calling Jrock as Visual Kei (VK). I've stuck to the old term for sooo many years and even passed it on to Mish and the others. Cough, I think only foreigners called it that. A confused store employee at HMV Shibuya spent 20 minutes figuring out that we were looking for the Visual Kei shelf. Gomen!

Awww but I'm reluctant to restructurise my archives and tags and basically my brain for that.

Diru and babies and dating

Random title, I know. *pats self on back*

Dir en grey's new single 'Hageshisa to, Kono Mune no Naka de Karamitsuita Shakunetsu no Yami' is out today! I'm not warming up to the death metal-ish title song yet but the remade/remastered 'Zan' and 'Shokubeni' versions are awe-fucking-some. 'Zan' was one of the two Diru songs that first got me into listening to J-metal back in 1999 while 'Shokubeni' also happens to be a fave from their Vulgar album (2003). Although I'm no big fan of Kyo's growling ever since Withering to Death but these two oldies have made an exception. This move to revolutionise their classic hits deserves two thumbs up! :)

Anyway, I was googling for updates on Inocchi and Asaka Seto's upcoming baby when I read the below and facepalmed myself for not knowing any sooner. Guh.

Aya Ueto? Eew. But yay for Aoi Yuu! I like her.

Seto Asaka is Expecting; Reporters Swarm Inohara Yoshihiko in Taiwan (Posted 19 September 2009)
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net

Japanese idol group V6 were in Taiwan yesterday to promote their upcoming concerts in November. However, all the attention was on Inohara Yoshihiko as he had announced earlier that his wife, actress Seto Asaka, is pregnant. Reporters were keen on asking Inohara his impressions on becoming a father, but Inohara decided to play dumb, only quietly thanking the reporters before changing the topic and asking them back in Taiwanese whether they've eaten yet. When asked whether his luck in love has transmitted to other members, specifically hinting at Morita Go, who's been in a long term relationship with 'Abarenbo Mama' actress Ueto Aya, and Okada Junichi, who is dating 'Hana and Alice' actress Aoi Yuu, Inohara only laughed as his glanced at his bandmates. Everyone else avoided the question and did not answer.

Inactive Lull

So many things happened: Japan, friends, kenduris, etc but I can't come up with something brilliant to update here.

Gomen. I seeeeriously need unlimited broadband to maintain this at home. Sigh.

I'm falling...

*sings Koichi's song* "... falling in love with you."

Sorry, Tsuyo. Your new songs are a tad too oyaji-ish for me lately (I miss Endlicheri!)

After dozens of listening to Koichi's BPM Tour (short for 'Best Performance and Music'), I have decided to buy the DVD if he ever releases it. His sexy tunes are definitely not your run-of-the-mill KinKi Kids style but it suits him perfectly like a sarung nangka baluts a... well, nangka of course.

I'm starting to appreciate his music more after noting how awesome he sings solo LIVE. Studio recordings doesn't do him justice. Which is basically why I fell 100% for him from the Endless Shock musical, ne?

Besides, I'd love to watch cameos by Tsubasa (who came onstage) or Yara and Johnny-san (who stayed backstage). Oh please please please.

A summary of the week:

• Inocchi is going to be a papa soon! Omedetou~


• Tsuyo's new show 24CHANNEL offers lots of cuteness to glomp on. Doesn't even reach 20 mins so I wonder what his '100 Things Tsuyoshi Wants To Achieve' would be?


• Chemical Pictures' single is out for leeching. Heheh. Sorry, JImi. I promise to buy your first album.


• Watch Oguri and Mizushima on Domoto Kyodai (subbed by newshfan). If only to lol at the fans for kyaa-ing at a KinKi Kids Love moment. Have I mentioned that I LOVE it when KinKi fans unanimously go "KYAA~"?


• Stressful week. Even more stress coming. As if we're not understaffed yet. Pfft.


• Oh, our Japan Muslim Package thingy is cancelled. Like, BOO!! We've been shoved around by 2 agencies, so we'll just go ahead with the free and easy option. Tak sempat nak wait for other packages.

I seeeeriously don't know why it's so bloody fucking hard to get a vacation?

Oct Updates

1. Sushi Tei played Luna Sea's "I For You" yesterday ♥ Chou uresshi!


2. Kochan's Best Performance & Music solo concert tour ends today. Eventho I wasn't there, great job Kochan *thumbs up*


3. Koichi has confirmed that KinKi will be celebrating New Year in Tokyo. Yay for NagasexKoichi and JunichixTsuyo!


4. Chemical Pictures' new single is absolute PWN. Sad that Schwarz won't be apart of them anymore tho. He makes CP's sound dreamier. T_T


5. 2 more weeks to Japan... but still no confirmation from J-Horizons. sigh.

No Time

My Jrock mode has been off for roughly a month now. I'm guessing since the illegal download crackdown got tougher on J-music, there aren't as many people willing to sacrifice their souls cyber identities anymore?

Quite a few new releases that I was supposed to look up this month but I don't think I can remember now hmm blame it on my anxiousness to fly to Japan. Cough or it may be thanks to the distraction of a certain concert DVD by a certain duo cough.

But nevermind that, I'll find something soon. But it sure ain't gonna be Gazette, ugh, because instinct tells me they're not moving anywhere into the direction I assume they would take after DIM. Although I am tickled by Go's effort (since he's sworn off giving them an actual try) in reviewing their latest single "BEFORE I DECAY".

Sugizo's busy with a capital B as usual. However, he's promised that he'll present us something new soon. *jots down on note to buy his Rise to Cosmic Dance DVD when in Osaka*

Better yet... *jots down all the cds/dvds I think I can afford to buy in Osaka or Japan*

Eid Mubarak!

An advanced Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to my fellow friends and readers :D



I'll be spending a week in Johor (Thu to Fri in JB) and will be back on Wednesday. Have a great time eating and fattening our fat arses. Mwahaha.

For some reason I'm being really perky, eventhough I should be at home PACKING but I'm not... and our tour package is yet to be confirmed... and I'm leaving a lot of work to be handled by some 2 persons in the office... so yeah, anyway... KinKi made me super happy today because they'll be releasing a NEW SINGLE next month.

And if my trip is double triple confirmed, it might overlap with the single release day! GOSH! *dies of happiness*

Countdown to DVD

Johnny's Entertainment intends to tease us into a crescendo by releasing two beautimous (but simply not enough) clips from the KinKi you DVD.

15++ days to complete spazzing meltdown. xDD

"Mou Kimi Igai Aisenai": One of their best (underperformed) ballads from the 2000 album (D album).



And of course, it doesn't hurt to release yet another Live Version PV of "Garasu no Shounen" :D



In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out how to make my dvd drive region free. *shrugs* A few confusions here and there but once I follow the instructions down to pat, it'll mostly be attainable before it gets here.

However happy the clips have made me, there's still that niggling worry after this afternoon's highly disappointing news from our travel agent. Looks like nobody wants to go to Japan all of a sudden.

I mean yeah sure the swine flu is really bummer and all... but c'mon. I think Japan's pretty safe as compared to other Asian countries (including our beloved Malaysia). *double shrug*

May God show us another sign.

Lazyin' with True Blood

I have got 5 to 6 new VK releases to review but the words aren't flowing out very well. If and when I can stop obsessing about True Blood then maaaaybe I'll get them up in oh a coupla weeks. Or more.

Or perhaps only by the time my KinKi you DVD is here ^^;; Either way, I CAN'T WAIT! Nyahahahaha.



SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI MERDEKA! Stay at home if you haven't made plans. Otherwise make sure to avoid overly crowded places where there might be chances of catching some other person's flu. There ain't nothing worse than getting sick during puasa and since this bad weather's not making the illness heal any faster it's better safe than sorry, right?

Raya Cards

Lawa sangat plak aku buat e-greetings utk GSC nih =__=;;

*sends for approval*

I'm tired of making a lot of versions due to cough komen membina cough so this time around I'm gonna do it right and all purty!

You can see em up at the site oh in about 2 weeks or so.

Pissy

My downloads aren't working, this computer chugs like a steamengine, Firefox is being a bitch, Farm Town is loading so friggin' slow tonight and I can't even get episode 4 of True Blood to load!

So when one of my old random schoolmate tries to sidle up to me and ask stuff I consider personal about my coming Japan trip without a simple introductory "Hello, how have you been?" or "Hi, long time no see"... I'm going to be all pissy and rude with her regardless of whether it's Ramadhan or not.

Isn't it annoying when someone, whom you aren't even chummy with during highschool in the first place, messages you out of the blue thinking you'd be all friendly now? Er hello? Do you even know me that well?

Have the decency to warm up to me first please. Then and only then you may cut to the chase and ask me who I'm going with and if you 'know' these friends of mine. Pffft.

It's like an indirect breach into your personal space wtf. And I LOVE my wall-high-1m-wide No Entry Zone which is exclusive only to people I care about.

Sounding pushy and vague, I can't even tell if she's merely making a bad start of a cordial conversation or she seriously wants to join me and my friends. But I'd like to keep this trip 'VIP Only', thank you. What makes you think I'd let you jump on the bandwagon we've worked so hard to build, huh?

Just the other day I told my twinnie on how I deal with friends I've lost contact with. But this is an exception, k? Our conversations were like so few that I doubt it could reach 1 hour totalled up.

Crazy Tats

Was looking for karasu. But found Bluck Tlick.

Was looking for Bluck Tlick. But found GeKiGaKutai.

MUCC makes me go round in circles :S

Happy circles, that is. Because now I have reasonable proof to remind myself why I don't like girugamesh's 'MUSIC'.

The album features a notably heavier sound than their previous album, with a more "aggressive, destructive, and power" sound. Drummer Ryo comments that during touring, the band felt as if "there was something missing in our [Girugamesh's] songs", and the band "wanted to make our songs a little bit harder with an "edge." The band collaborated on "Patchwork", "Stupid" and "Crazy-Flag" with label-mates Tatsurou and Miya of Mucc, and with Miya as the co-producer for the album.

Stumbled upon this forgotten fact at Wiki about girugamesh (the album) by girugamesh (the band, aka Gilgamesh) because Google led me to other random searches for "Jack in the Box 2009". Miya and Tats combi is the love. In fact I love this album the best out of all giru's work.

I shall go now and continue my relentless search. Pbhht! :P

Notes:

karasu = session band covering Kuroyume; consists of Tatsurou (MUCC), Hiroto (A9), and names I don't remember from Sadie and JealKB and um yeah one other guy sorry.

Bluck Tlick = Tatsurou's previous session band; covered... you guessed it: Buck Tick.

GeKiGaKutai = Miya (MUCC) has his own session band? Download!!

Gwailo VK

I thought Elec/Jimi is the only gaijin making waves in VK Land. Who knew there'd be an American band touring the indie underworld over there in Japan?

They're called L2D: Love Twice Despaired.

Really good! I seriously hope they make it big. And I hope Jimi knows them so there'll be more insider gossip news!

August VK Reviews

Title: Ain Soph Aur *AWEFUCKINGSOME* Band: RENTRER EN SOI Verdict: 4.5 stars. 3 years ago, having a weakness for strong vocalists, Satsuki's lyrical prose and emotive voice inspired me to follow them. Their guitar play and compositions changed drastically throughout their 6 year stint. Highlighted in this compilation are hits from the effeminate (pre-) Sphire Croid era with songs like the wondrous "Shinwa", "Full Moon" and "Eyes of Forest" which I have only begun to familiarize with. Their later major albums started the expansion to Europe based tours and at that time RES' music swerved to angura-kei territory with "THE ABYSS OF DESPAIR", "I HATE MYSELF AND WANT TO..." and "PROTOPLASM". The crown definitely goes to their 2008 works especially "STIGMATA" and "Last Scene" which in their final year happens to be their finest products. 32 of their best hits will not revive them, no matter how many times I replay this. They held so much promise that it's a shame for Visual Kei to lose one of its better bands. RES' powerful combination could've outdone so many bands of recent times that lack the quality they had. But they were ill fated to break during their prime. Sigh. Go for: 'Shinwa', 'STIGMATA', 'LAST WORD [ ]', 'Last Scene', 'JUST MAD PAIN', 'wither', 'JUDE', 'Eyes of Forest', 'I HATE MYSELF AND WANT TO...', 'Full Moon'. New songs: 'STAY GOLD' & 'Tsuki ga Maioriru Koto no Nai Daichi'.

Title: UROBOROS Delux Unplugged Disk (First Press Limited Edition) Band: Dir en grey Verdict: 4 stars. Honestly there ain't much to review about this disk except that the four unpolished songs are definitely out of character. What you have here is Kyo's crisp voice bleeding your ears off (in a good way). The amount of changes he's screwed his voice over has culminated into this ingenious and mature style which I can't help but be grateful for. The packaging is a beauty in brooding black and red. And weighing at almost 2 kg, I lugged this back home on the LRT with a crick in my left shoulder for 2 days! But it and the bargain price are so worth it. I only need to figure out what to do with the LP records... *sweatdrops* Go for: -

Title: under-world Band: Merry Verdict: 1.5 stars. I downloaded this in February right before my old PC went kaput and after I recently successfully got to save all that data, I thought "Yay! Something to review in early August" but uhm I remember now why I don't like Merry. There are a few acceptable songs only because the rest is poorly written and leaves you wishing they'd pick up a few copycat abilities. They used to be monotonous and boring. But now this album is just unbelievably lazy. Go for: 'Piranha', 'Canary', '[human farm]'.

+ Bonus review: I’ve been unable to download Luna Sea’s GOD BLESS YOU concert for a year so when I found this cough pirated version at Amcorp Mall... (Insert squealing fangirl). Had I not felt the inexplicable pull to enter the pirated DVD shop I always ignore, I guess until forever oso I wouldn’t be able to watch the full concert. Since it’s expensive and it’s in sucky Region 1! Sigh. Anyway, since I’d already spazzed about the performances here, I’ll only spazz review on the DVD aspect and features.

Title: GOD BLESS YOU ~One Night Déjàvu~ DVD*AWEFUCKINGSOME* Band: LUNA SEA Verdict: 5 stars. The lighting, the passionate crowd, the unseen moments and sheer brilliance of the production captured in this DVD is the best way to experience a Luna Sea concert. There are almost no areas left untended by cameramen and seeing how vast the minimalist stage is, pretty amazing shots of the band and pans of the whole stage are abundant. I just love the swift camera work: plenty of close-ups on those legendary twirls and spins by J and Ino and oooh the beautiful shots with one or two members (especially when Sugizo and Ino are at the wings) aligned in the background of the same frame while Ryu gets emo in the foreground. I also really love the amount of screen time Inoran is given here *pinches his cheeks*. The ‘Miracle at Holy Night' TV broadcast of the concert has a couple of missing content here and there. So now I finally get to see the Shinya drum solo get rescued by J's rowdy bass solo and then the performances for "Fate" and "Mother". I've seen the cut-down version of this concert for the nth time and this DVD twice, but it hasn't become stale and I doubt it ever will be. So if anyone wants to try listening to Luna Sea, I'd suggest them to watch this first rather than downloading their full discography (I can pinjamkan too). The perfection of this concert will bowl you over, I promise. Go for: 'Rosier', 'Déjàvu', 'Desire', 'TONIGHT', 'Fate', 'Breathe'.

Title: Kimi no Uta PV *HOT* Band: abingdon boys school Verdict: 5 stars. YES! A hot new song to go with an equally hot PV. 10 seconds into the intro and you instinctively know these folks won't be disappointing you this time. I love the burnished tint and the Babylon-esque ruins as if abs dropped into a Lost-slash-Transformers movie set. Even the whole wind whipping works wonders with their cool hoodies. Can't wait for the new single AND album. Go for: -

Warped

"..living as a captive of destiny or not is something each person decides for oneself, so I think there is no one right answer...

..supposing that I accepted ah, this is my fate, it would probably be a little boring since I won't feel any drive. Then I wouldn't be able to grow, I wouldn't be able to be visited by good encounters either. There really isn't any meaning to things like that. So, I think that living a life where I believe in myself and am not influenced or bewildered by other people's words is fine..."

Article: "Destiny", Domoto Tsuyoshi (Wink Up 2009)

Credit: mangenhougo @ LJ

Of course, one has to be a real narcissist like Tsuyo to continue on living with a strong believe in just your own self while disregarding other elements.

What he says is true, some of it at least.

Choosing which Fate or Destiny that I'd want to believe in sounds like a good advice for others, but let's just say I'm not strong enough.

Ah Long Cometh

I hate PTPTN.

They sent a nonsensical letter telling me since I haven't paid my debt for months there is a 'tunggakan' and therefore I am required to pay the outstanding amount within 'EMPAT BELAS (14) HARI' from the day this said letter was printed.

It was dated 24 July 2009.

I received it yesterday, 4 August 2009.

Tell me, should I blast their hotline and spill whatever swearword I could come up with at their stupendously idiotic system?

F***! There isn't even an indicator in the letter nor the system (E-FES) which states what the bloody hell that 'tunggakan' is for. I just paid a rough figure that is close to the amount of my 'Kos Pentadbiran Terkumpul'.

Celebratin' the VK Festival in October...

...at home, wallowing while packing for my Japan trip since I'll only be departing on that 24th October. At least I should be packing on that day because we haven't even gotten confirmation from the tour agent.

Sorry lah Ah Jess, I can't kidnap Hiroto for you. Wish I could be there to kidnap other people as well but looking at the ticket price pun I feel like dying already.

V-ROCK FESTIVAL 09

The lineup looks pretty amazing.

Saturday's highlights: abingdon boys school, D'espairsRay, Angelo (to hear Kirito live!), PENICILLIN, Sex Machineguns. You don't get this much old-school in joint cons anymore so it'd be cool. And hey, Marilyn Manson?

Sunday's look more fun tho: Kagrra,, DuelJewel, existtrace, Gazette, LM.C, Sadie, Versailles.

Naaaaasib baik MUCC is not listed, Luna Sea and Rentrer en Soi are disbanded and um Yoshiki just had his surgery otherwise Sugizo would be there.

July VK Reviews

Oh well, I might as well just go ahead and review DIM. Not expecting any good new release from anybody til September (girugamesh album & D'esp single) so I'll get this done and over with before I forget.

Title: DIM Band: the GazettE Verdict: 3.5 stars. Dim, dim, dim. How do I even begin this? You see, DIM is the typical Gazette weighty bludgeons, a few repetitive ballads (I still don't like 'Guren') and ridiculous fillers ('OGRE' wtf?) but all is not lost because in the 2nd half of the album, there are - Why, hello. Surprise, surprise! - 3 treasures lying in wait for my cynical self. First is the sexy nu-metal experimentation called '13STAIRS[-]1', the refreshing change I've so wanted them to try. Second is the beautiful 'Shiroki Yuutsu' that gives out a simple and sweet NIL vibe. Third is 'DIM SCENE', their best song in years: a chilling blend of Luna Sea-esque violin and Diru-ish wicked songwriting. Brilliant, these. I ought to give them 4 stars because they're finally starting to move forward. However, I can't handle their gothic chicness anymore. Right when it's something I approve of, I've become too jaded. But hey this is a good album so if anyone, especially semi-jaded people, who wants to give Ruki and the boys another chance... now's the time. Go for: 'DIM SCENE', '13STAIRS[-]1', 'Shiroki Yuutsu', 'LEECH'.

I might be reviewing my shiny new purchases from YesAsia next up once they reach Malaysian shore. It'll be a welcome hug for RES and my 2nd review for UROBOROS. ♥

And maybe I'd shamelessly pimp Koichi's Ayakashi just to be biased.

Bad, Bad, Sale!

I must be crazy.

Uroboros 1st Press LE after 54% Off = RM250

!!!!!!!!!!!

Reminisce

Before liking KinKi Kids, I never appreciated how precious July means to me.

HAPPY 12th DEBUT ANNIVERSARY, KINKI-SAN!
Please don't spend the day apart busying yourselves with solo con preparation .-.

Red (Kochan) + Blue (Tsuyo) = Purple (Tsuyo's favourite colour).

Oh if only Shinhwa members could combine their fave colours to become that dashing and bravest colour of all.

Wish I had the time to commemorate this day with an artwork but I spent last night rewatching Queen of Lunchtime :P

Oh the tingles!

*takes calm deep breaths before typing*

This week may be the bestest week of 2009 yet.



Although I get turned off watching Kochan's old Deep in Your Heart perfs, this particular Shounen Club Premium comeback episode doesn't look too bad. *nods and approves*

He's still too thin even for his standard but this has got to be his most sizzzzling solo performance ever *wipes drool*. Must be because Macchin and Yone are dancin' equally as hot as their sempai (Yara's busy with his butai T_T). Or it could be because of the no-fawning-audience atmosphere.

...Yeaaaa I'm guessing it's the latter too.

The second song is his new single 'Ayakashi', which ain't that bad as I thought when I heard the radio rip.

Wheeeee~ Can't wait for tomorrow. KinKi-san's CD debut anniversary! And also the day after for you-know-what. A sweet week, indeed. ♥

Bloody H***!

Why is the connection so slow right when I'm trying to download DIM? =__=

So in the meantime, I finally read through Sugizo's latest MySpace blog posts from the past month. Apart from him being melancholic after turning 40 (that old geyser kekeke) he mentions quite a lot about being holed up in his studio again. Hopefully a Luna Sea reunion/comeback! Sigh.

And um the X live in Taiwan which is no doubt one of the most (more) ridiculous Yoshiki-made decisions considering he kept cancelling the European and American tours. Gee. What a way to rule the world, Yoshers.

Anyway, Kochan's single is...... mmm typical Kochan? Now if DIM is done I can actually cleanse myself with rabid drumbeats and roaring guitars but apparently I can't. Hurr. Bloody Streamyx.

Guess I'll return to Rentrer Land then. La la la~

RENTRER EN SOI

It's July!

Dum dum dum dum!

Count your days, people! I shouldn't have to remind you how special this month is akekekeke.

Woo it slipped my mind to post this yesterday before leaving for home, I didn't have time to wish an extra special greeting for my Sugi-chan:

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, SUGIZO!

Stop wearing so much black, moisturise your hair and eat more so that you wouldn't look a day older :D

Work days are booooring this week since Farah got warded for A(H1N1). I miss youuuuu and your Shinhwa spamming and our daily MSN chats. Get well soon ;(

Just So You Know

1. Luna Sea 2. Shinhwa 3. KinKi Kids 4. Sugizo 5. Rentrer en Soi 6. MUCC 7. Pierrot 8. abingdon boys school 9. SID 10. V6 11. hide 12. Kagrra, 13. the GazettE 14. Dir en grey 15. Acid Black Cherry 16. Duel Jewel 17. D'espairsRay 18. Inoran 19. Park Hyo Shin 20. Versailles 21. Matenrou Opera 22. 12012 23. Jinkaku Radio 24. X Japan 25. NoGod 26. ExistTrace 27. DangerGang

*Click for bigger art

Love is immeasureable. But can be ranked by importance, yes?

This is roughly my favourites. Together with whom I assume to be in future. Since I realised not many of my friends are 100% sure of who I like and prefer. I've been vague after all, gomen ne.

Comments:
- #6 and #14 have both excellently matured.
- #9 and #20 are by far the closest to a budding interest.
- I'm expecting #13's DIM to be strong yet nothing new from them has surpassed NIL yet so... I say 'Grow Up!' or get flamed.
- #8, #15 and #17 latest releases are a bit stale but their skills are intact. boleh dimaafkan.
- #24 is here not because of their comeback or Yoshiki, but because they gifted the world with #1 and #14.
- due to my fickleness, the bottom half may change positions or get replaced without notice.
- the top 15 will remain. unless #13 & #15 goes against my expectations. tsk tsk.
- #19 is in the list cos I'm reluctant to let him go. heh.

For some reason I can't explain, I feel ridiculous that I don't have a favourite VK band or band member from this decade. If you ask me what I listen to these days, I'd gladly rattle off a few names but oh please PLEASE don't ask me what I liked 6 months ago coz I won't remember. The truth hurts when you get older. Hahah.

The last fandom I was sucked into was short-lived: Rentrer en Soi disbanded in 2007 then Satsuki, whom has the absolute best vocal I've listened to in YEARS, went and started his awaited solo career -- but it sucked. Really.

So after Rentrer, not one single band has kept my attention for more than a month (ouch, so harsh!). It's hard to hold onto one when I keep comparing everyone to Luna Sea and Rentrer... *slaps self*

More or less how I compare Shinhwa with other Kpop groups. But then Shinhwa IS the best so this is pointless.

Anyway, I no longer bother to collect scans, download lives or concerts which would eventually lead me to target any guy or 'guy' if you prefer that kind.

Besides, these younger Jrockers look TOO typically pretty that I can't differentiate this face from another when instead they should be focusing on real talent, real skills and making real music! They... um... I'll... stop bashing already =__=

ps: Tagging this post is horrendous work *howls* I'll keep it short and sweet.

June/July VK Reviews

I really need to spend time and think on writing reviews that people can understand :S

Title: alansmithee *HOT* Band: the studs Verdict: 3.5 stars. Damn. No wonder their vocalist sounded familiar! I used to like his old band Kagerou but I only liked their first album to be precise. Not sure when he started the studs tho' I think this three-man band has been around for a few years. Simple and clear songs, not really all powerful but seems like ballad is more their forte. You definitely definitely need to try out 'Ano Oto'. Go for: 'Ano Oto', 'tobari', 'grieve', 'Shokuzai no Hitsuji'.

Title: Anomie Band: Matenrou Opera Verdict: 2.5 stars.After I've calmed down a week after heavy replay, I think they ain't as good as I first thought. The only song that gets me now is the title track. A bit unimpressive when you focus on the details. Sigh. Go for: 'Anomie', 'Last Game -Anomie edition-'.

Title: Hikari *HOT* Band: SID Verdict: 4.5 stars. Congratulations on finally having their debut major album! Only a few songs are new, but I love the others tracks cos they're basically the best singles they've made. It's great 'on repeat' stuff for new and old fans alike, so I reckon people won't get bored so soon. Go for: All the tracks mwahah:)

++ Bonus reviews

Title: LOST ANGELS Band: Gackt Verdict: 4 stars. Glad Gackt hasn't lost his touch after all the sickening albums after 'MARS' and the S.K.I.N hullabaloo (Boo to Yoshiki for giving us false hope!). His latest 3 singles are absurdly brilliant. A definite must-listen is the coupling song 'Suddenly' which is like WOAH. Go for: 'Suddenly', 'LOST ANGELS'.

Title: ALIVE Band: girugamesh Verdict: 2 stars. I completely forgot they have a new single which I'd already listened to. Must've been cause I felt like I'd heard the same old thing in the albums before this. I don't want to be overly harsh on them again but their songs aren't individually unique, ya know? It's like they copy-pasted bits and pieces from all their previous songs and gave it two new names. BORING! Go for: 'Gamble' if you prefer to not let them improve.

Title: THE INVISIBLE WALL Band: the GazettE Verdict: 3 stars. Frankly I'm tired listening to Uruha and Aoi's half-assed job. WTF happened to all the pent up emotions they exuded in 'NIL'? No more oredi kah?? Ish. Hopefully they'll prove me wrong.

Major Pain!

I blame my lazy creaking body for allowing to be tortured by that dang masseuse guy at that dang shop in JB Sutra Mall. *rubs bruised back*

When yesterday's urut session was over, I was sooo relieved (cos I've wanted a massage since last year, ya know) until um 30 minutes after I got onto the bus back to KL. Adoi. Pain. Paaaainful I tell you!

No amount of 'mind over matter' will be able to persuade me to go for another foot/back massage there. SAKIT giler weh! Well, unless ada org nk belanja... then can. :P

Anyhoo~ What a tiring weekend. *cough* Not like I did much during the kenduri pun. But please like oh my goodness, stop telling me to eat so much food! Mak Tok's kuah kacang campur durian (which I had 10 helpings of *gasp*), kuah durian with pulut, Pak Long's serunding, the durians from all over Johor and then Mak's cooking spells disaster for my low blood pressure.

Thank God I didn't gain weight. Ugh.

Must. Not. Eat. Lunch. And. Dinner. For a week.

ps: A lot of people assume I'd follow after my Dad's craze for the fruit and kept giving me sympathetic stares when I declined after just 3 ulas. Gile ke hape?

Sugizo and the blues

Ah~ finally some coverage from the June 6th 'Blue Man Group' concert!





Doesn't Sugizo look hot? I swear he hasn't changed his look at all ever since um 2007, after the S.K.I.N concert at AnimeCon. He has on the same clothes (and hairstyle) that he's worn to the Luna Sea reunion concert and then the X Japan concerts and then after that during the Juno Reactor tour and a few appearances here and there... Aging makes him even weirder *snicker snicker*

I just hope he won't be showin' up in this same black outfit at upcoming X Japan cons. Regardless of his need to prove his superior guitar skills, he really has to buy new clothes!

Pretty in Sweatsuits

I wish I could understand chinese in just one snap of my stubby fingers.

There's a 2006 Oshareism episode that Koichi went on and -- who's that sitting beside him? *flails at the double prettiness*

http://m.muchan.net/video/watch/f96934c6158f34d7?kw=oshareism&page=1

I'm hoping it's on some upcoming subbing project list somewhere because:

1. it's Koichi and *******, for God's sake!


2. open discussion about him and his known preferred choice of clothing outside of work: jyaji (sweatsuits/pants). Not very idol like, ne?


3. he says messing up lyrics is a 'habitual crime' of his. xDD


4. ******* actually listening to his 'car talk'.


5. Aaaaaah! *flails at the prettiness*

Dawning Realisation

I feel heartbroken eventhough at times I'm very aware when I pretend that I'm not *sighs* It's no longer a mystery, the 'KinKi Kids Love' (KKL) relationship.

I guess I made a good decision by reading their zodiac compatibility before I became enamoured by the razz 'n dazzle. Summarily, the bond between an Aries (Tsuyoshi the Ram) and a Capricorn (Koichi the Goat) brings lush promise for a successful career but personal rifts between these two opposite figures are aplenty. Oh but I'm not saying I don't trust their companionship -- BOO to all you nonbeliever fans who think they're putting up an act! In fact I truly believe they are fated together. Strictly in terms of work, of course.

Whoa... who knew that that infamous Johnny's Special episode of Domoto Tsuyoshi no Shoujiki Shindoi from 2004 could affect me this much. *wipes 'sweat' from my eyes*

Yet I'm glad I did watch that rascal Tsuyoshi (I say this in a non-condemning way) make a fool out of himself and annoy others on his own show. Worrying over internal ties among V6 and KinKi Kids doesn't help my stress, ne?

One good thing came out of it: a growing respect for Okada's loyalty. ♥

Plus, a firm decision to not overthink about Tsuyo's craziness and Sakamoto's scariness.

And so out of sheer boredom and a need to calm my nerves, I came up with a new friendster profile layout to replace the 3 month old Shinhwa Anniversary background. Wow! I finally reached the main point of this post!

Behold, the blue and grey representing my worry. That damn control panel css won't be tweaked no matter what I do so ape2 je lah.

Combative Cockroaches

Jyanniz boys as cockroaches? Dancing cockroaches? *clutches stomach and falls down onto the floor laughing my head off*

After only finding out from Yara's magazine translations yesterday, I think this is around 2 months late but here ya go:



What were Butoukan thinking, doing an insecticide ad? *pokes the cute lil cockroaches*
Gokiburi!Yaracchi is realllly hot when he said his "To the heaven" line. Apparently they made several versions (as in cute, sexy, manly lookin' cockroaches) so I'm guessing this is the sexay one?

Um I can't tell cos Senga and Bun-chan look like they're in pain hahah :P

My Mid-2009 Wish List

1. Kim Dongwan concert DVD. Photobook + Poster + Gold plate ftw.


2. KinKi Kids you concert DVD. If they do release it lah. Tho it might be an autumn release.


3. Domoto Koichi acting in a new drama. Because he hasn't been in one since 2007.


4. Domoto Koichi to gain weight. *pokes at his stick figure* If he wants to survive his summer tour, I suggest him to do so.


5. Domoto Tsuyoshi to force-feed Domoto Koichi. Just because he's the only one who is able to nag Kochan.


6. 244 Endli-x (this is Tsuyo btw) WATERIZE concert. I should really download it steadily by now. Not enough time!


7. New shoes. Because I fail at taking good care of shoes.


8. Keep saving money and continue losing weight.


9. Work stress to be gone.


10. Someone to feed me through this weekend as my parents won't be back til Sunday.

I have such lame goals. =____=

Torturing Myself...

... with photos of food is one of my weird hobbies. Google Image and Naver Image are the best dungeons sources for smackaliciously beautiful pics of food.

I'm the visual-version of Yamada Taro, ne? This is best applied when dieting or on empty-wallet days. You'll either go mad or become stronger, like I have.

Or not? Puehehehe. I'm still plagued with that Smoked Turkey Legs photo by a blogger who posted about Tokyo Disneyland.

Oh and how come I only got to know today that Yara is working in Playzone 2009? No wonnnnder he wasn't appearing on the latest MA Dancing with Japan on Shounen Club Premium (SCP)~ I must've forgotten about it. Bad fan!

Oh oh oh and I can't download the Shinhwa clips from Veoh! D: Must be Firefox issue. Will try again then.

PS: I ♥ my twinnie, my student and Fel

Pink Gets In My Eye

Am SHOCKed (*pun intended) by today's news that Koichi will be having a solo concert prolly in the next month or so. Although the schedule announcement isn't out yet... I hope it won't be in October cos my heart will break in a million pieces. =__=

So I'm guessing the rumour of him being in a drama next season is just a rumour, no? Sigh.

Enjoy~ Tsuyo (Plus) Kochan in gay pink. Download here.

Note:

* SHOCKed = Since Koichi hasn't release a solo album in like urm more than 2 years, this should be yet another 'SHOCK' (his musical) themed concert.

Unsent Fan Letter

Dear KinKi-san,

You two occupy too much of my time. I've got 3 dramas pending but you just won't leave me alone, huh? I've got loads of work with a tight deadline but you just won't let me be, eh?

Not having a life will fuel an indecent obsession to not do any work at home and spend the whole night (and weekends) watching the same KinKi videos over and over again.

Not having Internet access at home will fuel an unholier obsession to repeat the same Domoto Kyodai episode over and over again for the past 7 days. This episode being the one where you, Tsuyo-san, introduced your 'toilet', Kochan, to us.

However! Occupying too much of my time, my mind and my heart will fuel a greedy obsession to showcase Winamp skins in order to be accepted as a 'generous' fan eventhough I know they're not the prettiest of my creations.



So I blame you both if I get flamed for such lousy skins. Which, by the way are entitled Basic (in red, white and black) and Koichi's Hope.

Yours (and Dongwans's) truly,
Hmspstr

All About the Money

If only that lump of bucks I got in my sleep would materialise into my hand right now. RM3K. CASH. *has sweet brief flashes of the dream*

NOT a good way to wake up, no? My first thought as I woke was how this lucid dream is so going to be a bad omen. And hey, I just knew it!

Got lumped (not with moneyh!) with so many ad hoc jobs that I swore my brain was on auto must-finish-each-item-in-30-mins mode. Which is... good, I suppose, considering I managed to clear 'em up pretty fast so I wouldn't be at the end of the Scary Lady's jabs yet again.

I'm babbling! :S

Anyway, abingdon boys school's new single is out! LIKE, FINALLY. Sounds awesomely better than their previous idontevenrememberthetitle single. This is probably the only nicest thing to come out of Jrock-dom this week :D Well, minus Diru's latest concert vids.

*Totally ignores SUGIZO's 'announcement' of officially joining X JAPAN*

Jrock's been chugging slower these days. Why lar?

Thank you KinKi-san for being here when I need you~

Oh and thank you Farah for ranting/spazzing on MSN and Mish for loyally reading my pathetic blog.

Bidding Time

Japanese Yen is rising from The Slump. Damn. There goes my spending money. I just hope I can afford that 500¥ kasa which I promised Aishah. At this rate I don't think I can even eat Takoyaki. Boo!

Eh how much is pan at Disneyland anyway... Pray tell that they won't only be selling friggin expensive boulangerie bread? Boohoohoo.

*tightens belt* Am seriously on a sliiiiim budget now that my brothers decide to get hitched in this same year. That makes 3 weddings, no, 4 weddings (including Aish's). Crazy kah?!

So if one my good friends decide to hold theirs now, sorry lah ye. I've already apologised to Wate (Congrats btw) since hers will be on the same day as my stepbro's in Gemas. ^^;;

Anyhoo~ no purchases til after October I suppose. Even so... I'd still be saving up for Dubai by then. Aiiiyoooh.

I feel bad for not buying any KinKi albums. T___T I just look in envy at other people spending on YesAsia and CDJapan nowadays.

No time, no money, no Internet. Sigh. Oh heck, NO LIFE!

Am I Happy?

I seriously don't know. I'm never vocal about issues that concern too many factions. Keeping all this bottled emotions is really taking a toll on my body. *pokes aching body parts*

In fact, I can't even define those so called 'emotions'.

In Tiger & Dragon, the Rakugo shishou mentions that people should put up a smiling face even when they're sad or angry or just plain down-and-out because it affects other people's emotions too. Because we're supposed to be sensitive towards other people's feelings yadda yadda yadda.

An altruistic method although you suffer all by yourself =__=

But I'm not cut out for that BS.

These unhappy issues comes across as a pretty constant ritual until I don't even know when I'm happy and when I'm not. I can't even pinpoint anything.

And so I just keep trudging along to wherever the days take me.

What a bitter reminder to remind myself that I don't even understand my own life.

When Kochan Met Tsuyo

5th May 1993. Koichi and Tsuyoshi 'officially' met each other at their daisempai Hikaru Genji's concert. And the love is still burning between them *hugs the happily married couple*

Thank you, Johnny-san for handpicking these two boys and grooming them into fine men.

Happy 17th Anniversary, KinKi-san! I shall celebrate by re-re-watching Toma's hilarious SDK episode.

Moving Continents

I need to research budget for a trip to Dubai. Aishah's really intent on visiting Jerry there. We're waiting for updates from Jerry still, but I doubt she'd have spare time during this first week of working as a 'mole'.

*stares at bank account* And my job now is to continue this no-spending-diet even after my Japan trip. I'm guessing 0.5K per month is sufficient? So... January 2010? :S

If only I had the money to traipse around the globe as easily as Dongwan (currently vacationing at a Japanese onsen) and KinKi Kids (currently in Seoul recording Domoto Kyodai).

*Arfah is bemused of the coincidence that her two three beloved guys flew to Japan/Korea around the same time*

Jrock Malaysianised

Jerry says Nurul's new single "Tika Cinta" sounds hauntingly like one of Malice Mizer's songs so I went and checked it out. Her new album apparently has a touch of Jpop (credit: Berita Harian Online) but I'm guessing they don't even know heads or tails of the origin of this song:

Scroll down to the lil green media preview player.

She's a good singer. The song's not bad. Now listen to "Au Revoir" (which is/was like one of the bestest songs by Malice): Au Revoir - Malice Mizer

*tsk tsk tsk* Don't they ever intricately research stuff they ripoff from? Jrock ain't the same as Jpop lah. Haiyo. Let's see how many Malaysian Jrock fans are quick to realise this. I feel like bombing these Malaysian songwriters/composers.

Burnt Beyond Recognition

I hate cyclic errors. I do. Especially when I lose something very very precious that I'm too lazy to go and download again. Sigh.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="So many Jrock... huhuhu"][/caption]

Clever of me, I should have immediately checked the dvd after burning. The two red dots are the albums I really must download again. Luckily the striked outs are still in my storage. But still...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="My MUCC discography, OMG!"][/caption]

Life's not so fun these days, no?

All Shades of Blue and White

Happy 30th Birthday, Tsuyoshi-san! Oh and congratulations on the release of your album, your single and your live tour start. And yeah thank you for being MFEO MFDK (Made For Domoto Koichi). ;D

Here's my present as promised: 1 angsty KinKi [download] + 1 happy 10-years-ago KinKi [download] :D



I doubt anybody use Winamp anymore. But it's the thought that counts, right?

I've submitted photos of the sky for Tsuyo's birthday fan project. Yay! I hope he gets to see the 'world' through our eyes eventhough my pics weren't exactly spectacular or anything. But hey didn't I say it's the thought that counts? ne? ne?

Been too preoccupied with the harsh realities of life that I haven't given thought to my surroundings anymore. when I was small, I used to love to sit at our house porch as a storm rolls in, watching the swollen dark grey clouds racing with the wind. Then I'd stare and stare at the rainwater pooling under my dad's car and drown ants send floating leafs down the drain.

Nightime gazing at the moon was one of my favourite pastimes too. I had even stupidly 'wished' on fullmoons, praying that Barbie dolls would magically appear in my toybox. Or that my stupid brother would fall down and break his leg or something to that effect. Hah! Such naivety in a Cancer kid!

Well, my perception of a perfect sky is plenty different from Tsuyo's preference for white tufty clouds. But it's wonderful how he's made us slowed down a bit from our hectic schedules (which has always been his ambition).

Pre-announcement

Due to unforseen circumstances, I am sorry to announce that I will no longer continue creating the Winamp Skins of Hyesung and Wheesung respectively requested by Farah and Nwar.

All my artwork (before my old PC died) is still trapped in its harddisk. Sedih tak?

However, since my hand so gatal and you know lah me... I've skipped on ahead to make other skins that are more closer to my current obsession interest  xDD *ehem ehem*

I shall unveil my new work on the 10th of April as a birthday tribute to ________.

Under the Sky

Something to cheer you up on this gloomy Friday ;D



Tsuyo makes you want to fly to Japan (most especially Nara), like, right now. Doesn't he?

Slothing

Today is Koichi's final butai night in 2009. Will Tsuyo attend tonight's show to appease his hubby? *grins*

Wonder if there'll be a DVD released. Because I'm severely hating the magazine features for Endless Shock. The pics just don't do justice to Yaracchi (where his expressions are not exactly flattering aka mulut ternganga)!

Pretty slow day, ne? Even Farah was complaining. Hahah. And hey twinnie, thanks for listening to my Tsuyo spazz. I've always wanted to tell both you and J-La about him and his wonderful self, so somehow our convo lightened my day a lot. Since many people paint him in different colours which aren't really kind...

*hugs Tsuyo twinnie*

Bleah

Check out my new profile page background: Happy 11th Anniversary to the 6 wacky guys we love so much!

Tension-filled week. Sigh. At this point I care shitless about what may happen, if it will be possible, or if I can tahan all this muck and all other incoming muck that gets thrown at me.

Selfish or not, in the long run I'm never going to regret this decision. Ever. The hell with what other people may say.

Wish me luck.

On a less somber mood, Kochan and Tsuyo are the two main reasons I'm still keeping up with life. Oh hey but reality check! Won't be able to go on download sprees as carefree as I have done previously.

I might've missed this in the 2009 Cancer horoscope but moronic and hypocrite brothers sure seem to be a big issue this year. Huh.

So much for ending this post on a happier note.

March VK Reviews

What's this rumour going around about a Luna Sea Asia concert in 2010?? USO! Hong Kong?! ARE YOU CRAZY? I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY SO SOON AFTER MY JAPAN TRIP! WHAT THE *tooooot*!!

Title: 球体 (Kyuutai) *AWEFUCKINGSOME* Band: MUCC Verdict: 5 stars. If I once said their previous album, 'Shion', was missing some fine tuning then they’ve got it perfected here. SAIKO! After creating a definitive new sound through 'Ageha', there's an awesome improvement to their composition. This album is loaded with their lovely trademarks: soaring vocals, vivid choruses and deep lyrics. The songs are less showy and experimental but the ballads... Wow. 'sanbika' is one of the most classy I've ever heard from MUCC. I've always loved how they can easily express their music into a somewhat feast of visually pleasing stimulation: rise and fall of waves, birds flying over mountaintops, raindrops pattering down a window, freefalling from a cliff. You could almost imagine a PV for every song. Although I had a bad impression of 'Sora to Ito', I'm completely digging Tatsurou's synthesized voice. At least, it doesn't grate on my nerves anymore. Obviously because they chose not to overdo the techno-jangle in the whole album (that's some wise advise for girugamesh). Go for: 'Ageha', 'Oz', 'Hide and Seek', 'sanbika', 'Sora to Ito', 'hanabi'. Oh well. All the songs, then.

Title: REDEEMER Band: D'espairsRay Verdict: 3.5 stars. It's great that they've finally made their way back to home ground, been missing their edgier and oppressive side. But sorry to say, after the first 3 songs I find myself spacing throughout the rest of the album. I don't listen to them for their preppy and dandy slow numbers so this one's a bit hard to fathom although you do get some nice boost from 'REDEEMER' (which has a cool PV, btw). I hope they won't burn out too soon. Go for: 'REDEEMER', 'Lizard'.

Title: 極彩色 (Gokusaishiki) Band: Shinkou Shuukyou Gakudan NoGoD Verdict: 2 stars. Oh-kay. I can't stand the high-pitched wailing but let's give credit to the unmistakable talents of these guys, right? I tried to like this album. But fail. So they make great singles that are throwbacks to the 90's, we all know that. Yet 'Gokusaishiki' just doesn't blend in well because the songs sound so repetitive and bland. Frankly, there's not any standout new songs except for 'Kanaria'. I hope they learn from this mistake. Go for: 'dou', 'Kanaria'.

Title: MAR MAROON Band: 12012 Verdict: 3 stars. I keep reminding myself that 12012 is no longer the old heavy-ish 12012. And how do you even pronounce their name? Forget the expectations, people. What you have now is the kind of sappy music Alice Nine does. Entirely listenable, but… Sigh. Go for: 'As', 'Psycho Virus', 'Aitai Kara'.

Title: MASTER OF ROMANCE Band: Sadie Verdict: 4 stars. Never paid them any attention before, maybe because I've listened to them but I don't remember or I didn't wanna remember. Either way, 'Master of Romance' is good stuff. It has a balanced pace between the slow and fast tracks which never goes too heavy or too boring at any part. What I love most about this album is that it doesn't scream of mainstream pop, definitely deserves more stars for their effort. Go for: 'Ice Romancer', 'Ageha no Nakigara', 'Kagerou', 'Swallow Rain'.

+ Bonus review:

Title: silk tree. *HOT* Band: kei. Verdict: 4.5 stars. I like the simplicity - bare of all unneeded complexities. The soft singsongy melodies are a somewhat fantasy laden getaway. It's an album you can listen to to de-stress after a day at work. The Jpop-ish appeal will sadly differ for everyone, so judge it yourself. Go for: 'vesperbell.', 'pitiful emotional picture.', 'end of Sunday/black hircine.'.

Title: DISTRESS AND COMA Band: the GazettE Verdict: 3.5 stars. I've wondered for a long time where their latest direction will be, hoping they'd get off their lazy asses and come up with something as riveting as 'Filth' or 'NIL'. My griping might come to an end but not in the form of the title track tho. No, no, not the flaccid 'Distress and Coma'. Say hello to 'Headache Man', the b-side that reminds us so much of the old Slipknot-esque Gazette. Now this is what we've all been waiting for! However, I reserve further judgement until the full single is out in a few more days. Until then~ Go for: 'Headache Man'.

March VK Heavyweights

New albums from good bands cropping up so suddenly after 2 months of nothingness from downloadable VK Land.

If only the speed can move above 35kbps. Like, NOW. Aaaargh! *kicks P1 W1MAX for not having limitless data transfer limit, making us Malaysians suffer under TMNet*

Reviews should be in order (if I manage to get the rest):

1. MUCC - Kyuutai [Album 2009.03.04] because thank God, MU was good to me 2 days ago.


2. D'espairsRay - REDEEMER [Album 2009.03.11] 45% more *crosses fingers*


3. NoGoD - Gokusaishiki [Album 2009.02.25]


4. 12012 - mar maroon [Album 2009.03.11]


5. Sadie - MASTER OF ROMANCE [Album 2009.02.25]

Short-lived Joy

My twinnie gave life to my uber-spankingly new CPU! Sankiu! Now I'm gradually trying to install all the progs I need. But apparently my handwritten list of important apps (eg: Storm Codec, SE skinmaker, etc) got misplaced during last year's cleanup =___= Guh.

I can't even extract the 80Gig stuff from my old HDD including my PS brushes, documents, videos, bookmarks because the IDE cable is different. Bodohnye, pesal lah aku tak sedar motherboard sekarang dah tak guna cable yang tebal tu lagi?

Sooooo the downloading spree/frenzy I planned shall wait another week. Or more. Entah lah, labu. Ain't got enough time to think about anything anymore. Hectic, hectic week... what with the two short days for work (updating gsc site) and damage control after Tuesday morning's office break-in and then planning for this coming weekend's MATTA Fair.

Although this may sound evil but I'm thankful I didn't leave any valuables at the office. The HanaDan2 DVD I forgot to bring home doesn't catch their fancy, it seems. No trauma, but it was very scary to imagine 10 criminals (the correct total as witnesses mentioned) touching my stuff, ransacking the drawers and walking about at a place I work in.

Yes, I am definitely in need of that Tokyo trip very very badly now, don't you think? *crunches stress by watching Endlicheri's DVD rip*

Hopefully this dream of ours comes true! Been fantasizing what to do and the myriad of autumn colours to see and what to get at Jyaniz Shop. *glomps*

Howeverrrrrrr... MUCC's Kyuutai album sounds really good. Y_Y No money to buy that. abingdon's going to release an album too. Nope, no money for that unless HMV Singapore will be selling a cheapo version. AND OMG COULD YOU POSSIBLY TORTURE ME IN A LESS DECEPTIVE WAY?? DONGWAN WANTS TO RELEASE A CONCERT DVD?!

=___= "Oppa, please be kind to this wifey of yours who's dying for a holiday."