fitear1590

Me and my sleepy pup.

Me and my sleepy pup.

I really appreciate these Recommended Tracks threads and the Review forum in general because I've discovered so much dope music. kizu is pretty awesome

There's been lots of great stuff this year so far. DOF's Unintelligible won me over the most with it's catchy, technical, frantic and hugely creative songwriting. It's up there with insert memory as one of the most creative VK songs of the decade imo especially the '1234567 123456 .... 123 121 YOKU DEKIMASHITA' part. The whole album is filled with great tracks (like the one's listed here) though I do agree it's a little bit weaker then their other stuff which is essential listening.
Kizu's track was also fantastic, just heavy, catchy and really high energy and LIME's performance is top notch. Can't wait for an album.
貴方だけを壊して飾ってみたい was my favorite track off Chanty's album and it's nice to see it on the list. There were some weak tracks on the album but it was solid (but they butchered m.o.b imo).
IIII-Ligro's album has potential to be one of the most interesting albums of the year and that 爆烈ストーム song was nice. I need to check those out.
 
And that Golden Bomber song is just too relatable. Nothing beats laughing at how much life sucks. I didn't expect that ending either. I guess it's time to spin it a few more times.
 
Also would have included Buck-Tick's Salome -femme fatale- off their new album which is absolutely fantastic. And the first track off Pura's new album was cool too:
 
 
 

Hell yeah Kizu. I need that album asap. 
 
Also yas the new Ling Tosite Sigure!!! I'm still new to them - been schooling myself in their discography for the past couple months, which might be why to me their more polished sound is digestible. But yeah, totally dig it. 
 
Glad the new Plastic Tree was mentioned later down this thread. To me the most remarkable track on doorAdore is "search and destroy". It sounds like Ryutaro's been spending a lot of time with te' 's Hiro (I know he was in his session band when he toured solo). I wish they made a whole album that sounds like this - they know how to experiment and surprise when they put their mind to it.  

Awesome list. Kizuato was the stand out this year so far imo. Last year, many people commented on how Lime's limited vocal ability could be the downfall of kizu, but I think the title track should discard any doubts on that matter.

Wow, this is quite the list! I'm gonna have a lot of fun going through all of these. @fitear1590That koochewsen, that the fin. that chanty, that sokoninaru... come through!!

@fitear1590is such a cultured person, always bringing koochewsen to da spotlight x
 
my personal picks are
 
 
 
kato miliyah - i hate you 
 
i realize i havent listened to many new japanese releases yet lmao

So glad to see the recommend tracks make it's triumphant return! And so many good songs to choose from. Also I like the new quarterly format that way, with the larger amount of tracks we're getting we'll have plenty of time to listen to them all every 3 months. 

Me and my sleepy pup.

Me and my sleepy pup.

Me and my sleepy pup.

Me and my sleepy pup.

Me and my sleepy pup.

THIS
i don't know how people pull all-nighters. i've never done it before (not for school at least, but only for a funeral) because honestly i treasure my sleep. i told someone once that i never pulled an all-nighter before and they were shocked saying that it was the college experience. lmao so what, why would i want to do that to my health? taking care of yourself is super important when you've got all these assignments and projects due. don't stay up all night trying to finish an assignment. just like a few others mentioned before, it's important to take breaks so that you don't burn yourself out. if you can't meet a deadline, sometimes it's okay to hand things in late.....i did that for maybe 1-2 of my papers. of course, you shouldn't do that if your professors don't accept late assignments, and i'm not saying that it's totally okay to hand things in late all the time. but what i'm saying is that your health comes first before stressing yourself all night over a (stupid) assignment.
 
bottom line, manage your time wisely so that you can avoid pulling all-nighters and ruining your sleeping schedule and overall health.
 
fitear knows what he's talking about. this was something i wish i had done more often when i was still at uni. i never really reached out to anyone and i ended up stressing over everything and just feeling incompetent about myself. talking with your professors or TAs can really help relieve some of that stress if you're struggling in a class. there are some nice professors out there who'll listen, like fitear!

I agree with so much of what platy said! Great advice.

This past year, I've started setting my timer and working for 25 minute increments (I think this is based on something called the "Pomodoro Technique", if you wanted to look into it). During that time, I turn my phone to airplane mode so there's no distractions. Depending on where you are in the assignment, you could even think about switching off your PC internet for this period of time too. For example, when I'm brainstorming or in the early stages of writing, I just like to get my thoughts out on the screen. Instead of minimizing my document constantly and googling stuff (which could inevitably lead to little tangents into YouTube, MH, etc.), I'll just make a highlighted notes to myself of things to look up later and keep on working. The "googling stuff you need for your assignment" can later be its own 25 minutes. I feel like my productivity has gone up significantly since adopting this method!

Finally, as someone who is also a university instructor, please consider reaching out to your professor for advice or just to let them know that you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Of course, not all will be accommodating, but some (like me!) will be very receptive and actually welcome such e-mails from students, because it at least shows initiative and that you care for your work. The lack of communication from students is something that I still can't get used to. Do I take it personally? Is it just because the student is lazy and/or doesn't care? Is the student just taking the class pass/fail? Or is something more serious/personal going on that's affecting their work? Basically, it's a lot easier for instructors to offer help to the few students who reach out first. 

I agree with so much of what platy said! Great advice.

This past year, I've started setting my timer and working for 25 minute increments (I think this is based on something called the "Pomodoro Technique", if you wanted to look into it). During that time, I turn my phone to airplane mode so there's no distractions. Depending on where you are in the assignment, you could even think about switching off your PC internet for this period of time too. For example, when I'm brainstorming or in the early stages of writing, I just like to get my thoughts out on the screen. Instead of minimizing my document constantly and googling stuff (which could inevitably lead to little tangents into YouTube, MH, etc.), I'll just make a highlighted notes to myself of things to look up later and keep on working. The "googling stuff you need for your assignment" can later be its own 25 minutes. I feel like my productivity has gone up significantly since adopting this method!

Finally, as someone who is also a university instructor, please consider reaching out to your professor for advice or just to let them know that you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Of course, not all will be accommodating, but some (like me!) will be very receptive and actually welcome such e-mails from students, because it at least shows initiative and that you care for your work. The lack of communication from students is something that I still can't get used to. Do I take it personally? Is it just because the student is lazy and/or doesn't care? Is the student just taking the class pass/fail? Or is something more serious/personal going on that's affecting their work? Basically, it's a lot easier for instructors to offer help to the few students who reach out first. 

I agree with so much of what platy said! Great advice.

This past year, I've started setting my timer and working for 25 minute increments (I think this is based on something called the "Pomodoro Technique", if you wanted to look into it). During that time, I turn my phone to airplane mode so there's no distractions. Depending on where you are in the assignment, you could even think about switching off your PC internet for this period of time too. For example, when I'm brainstorming or in the early stages of writing, I just like to get my thoughts out on the screen. Instead of minimizing my document constantly and googling stuff (which could inevitably lead to little tangents into YouTube, MH, etc.), I'll just make a highlighted notes to myself of things to look up later and keep on working. The "googling stuff you need for your assignment" can later be its own 25 minutes. I feel like my productivity has gone up significantly since adopting this method!

Finally, as someone who is also a university instructor, please consider reaching out to your professor for advice or just to let them know that you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Of course, not all will be accommodating, but some (like me!) will be very receptive and actually welcome such e-mails from students, because it at least shows initiative and that you care for your work. The lack of communication from students is something that I still can't get used to. Do I take it personally? Is it just because the student is lazy and/or doesn't care? Is the student just taking the class pass/fail? Or is something more serious/personal going on that's affecting their work? Basically, it's a lot easier for instructors to offer help to the few students who reach out first. 

Yasss, Chanty, please awaken me from the slight VK-coma I've had for the past half year or so.

Yasss, Chanty, please awaken me from the slight VK-coma I've had for the past half year or so.

Thanks for sharing your list, Platy!

My music listening was so meager in 2017 I couldn't even muster up a list... However, two releases in common with my hypothetical list would have absolutely been Japanese Breakfast and GRIMOIRE! Japanese Breakfast's videos are always so good -- I can't wait to see the new music video for "Boyish," my favorite song off that album. "Diving Woman" is actually the only track on the album I'm not too fond of, but I'm definitely glad to see another MH-fan of her! Have you seen any videos/heard her 2016 album, Psychopomp? Also, highly recommended.

And GRIMOIRE is probably my favorite active VK band. They are constantly delivering great tunes and kickass PVs.
Truth.
 

Thanks for sharing your list, Platy!

My music listening was so meager in 2017 I couldn't even muster up a list... However, two releases in common with my hypothetical list would have absolutely been Japanese Breakfast and GRIMOIRE! Japanese Breakfast's videos are always so good -- I can't wait to see the new music video for "Boyish," my favorite song off that album. "Diving Woman" is actually the only track on the album I'm not too fond of, but I'm definitely glad to see another MH-fan of her! Have you seen any videos/heard her 2016 album, Psychopomp? Also, highly recommended.

And GRIMOIRE is probably my favorite active VK band. They are constantly delivering great tunes and kickass PVs.
Truth.
 

I have decided to join the late round-up squad and bring to you my favourite musical discoveries of 2017. 
Last year, I decided that I needed to really expand my horizons and hear what's out there besides visual kei. (gasp) It wasn't easy at first but once I stepped out into the vast world of music I came across some fantastic gems that I just wanted to share with everyone else. So here it is, my very personal list of stuff I think is worth a try (in no particular order).
 
 
ゲスの極み乙女。- 達磨林檎
 
The first time I listened to Gesu No Kiwami Otome, I thought I could tell exactly what they were about. The vocalist's style of singing screams "bowl cut, 10ft tall glasses and jeans that are too short for him" and I tend to approach this type of group with a negative mindset because they all sound the freakin' same. Anyways, I pushed through my prejudice to hear the whole album and my mind was blown. They're high energy, jazzy and quirky and sometimes such a sweet pop-rock that my ears bleed rainbows. Best of all is the acapela flourishes from the backing vocals which reminded me of the tv series Glee!  (my guilty pleasure). 
Favourite Track: 心地艶やかに  | Spotify
 
 
東京ゲゲゲイ 
 
They're my favorite discovery of '17. I just wanna get out on the street and preach the gospel of Tokyo Gegegay. Well, they're very gay. The frontman is a drag queen. It's pretty hard getting info on them if you don't speak Japanese, so I'd appreciate if anyone could share anything they know about this group! Their MVs are a must-watch because of their 10/10 dance performances. I'm so sorry for my shitty reviewing skills... I'll just let the experience speak for itself. 
Favourite Track: ダンスが僕の恋人 (warning: NSFW)
 
 
 
女王蜂 - Q
 
It's almost impossible to find any of their stuff on youtube unless you're in Japan, so this video is relevant because they re-recorded this song with DAOKO for their album Q. 女王蜂, aka Queen Bee are popular for Avu's vocal gymnastics, alternating from deep masculine growls to a feminine falsetto in a matter of seconds. This album though, isn't as extravagant as their previous work. It feels more polished and mature. I miss 'the old' 女王蜂 but change is always good and this release is definitely worth a listen.
Favourite Track: 雛市 | Spotify
 
 
モノクロパンダ - モノクロパンダ
 
Monoqlopanda are awkwardly charming. If they don't make you feel some kind of way you don't have a soul.
Favourite Track: 空の泳ぎ方 | Spotify
 
Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds from Another Planet
 
Another one of my goals for 2017 was to listen to more female fronted acts because I barely know any at all. 'Soft Sounds from Another Planet' was one that stood out to me simply because of how chill it is. Although they have that lo-fi vibe there's still plenty of room for experimentation so that their sound doesn't become stale.
Favorite Track: Diving Woman | Spotify
 
Rina Sawayama - RINA
 
This lady here will take you right back to the tacky era of the early 2000's pop/ R&B except with a futuristic twist and a more palatable sound. Actually this release mixes a lot of elements from 80s pop music all the way through to the late 90s. Glistening synths, strong vocal melodies and punchy drums give way to dreamy soundscapes. Her lyrics for this album are all about cyber isolation and other phenomena that me and you as millenials who experienced the infancy of the internet and social media can relate to. It's catchy af and her voice reminds me of all j-pop divas that I used to like back in the day. There's a lot of influences to this album and it comes together to create something very nostalgic yet modern.
Favourite Track: 10-20-40 | Spotify
 
椎名林檎 - 人生は夢だらけ
 
Sheena Ringo is one of the top female artists in Japan ( at least she used to be, sharing the top three with queen Ayumi Hamasaki). Here in the forum you might remember a cover of one of her songs released by Sibile Bashir and that's how I discovered her. She might seem like a just another pop icon at first, but she has been experimenting with genres for years now. Her voice also has unique qualities that make her stand out from say, the likes of Utada Hikaru (no hate, I used to like her). She's not afraid to sound rough, belting out melodies and then going back to singing softly and in a fragile manner. This album is an example of her successful experimentation with various styles. I can't fault it. As far as I know she composes everything herself, the talented queen. 
Favourite Track: おいしい季節 | Spotify
 
tricot - 3
 
They're an all female band, which is why I decided to try them but they're a lot more than that. I can't put it into words lol As a listener I just feel the joy these musicians feel for their material come through each performance so give them a listen and feel with me. (ps. they're classed as math rock and I hear people love that genre)
Favourite Track: MUNASAWAGI | Spotify
 
グリモア - グリモワール
 
In case I haven't said it enough grimoire are at the top of my favorite bands due to the flawless year they had in 2017. Their first album is a statement, solidifying their dreamy-dark concept and sound perfectly and is packed with killer guitar riffs. They re-recorded two singles 'Never End' and ' Boku to Tulpa' and actually noticeably improved both of them, I mean, how often do we get successful re-recordings in the vk sphere? Vocalist Rynk is the weaker part of the band, but even his child-like voice has shown growth in the short time span from the album to their last single 'uranometoria' (srsly suisou no umi gave me chills). I think it's unfair to label them as another gimmicky spooky kei band, but if you're looking for that kind of thing grimoire is the best man-child act in the scene right now. (sorry baboo)
Favourite Track: あましずくとマクガフィン
 
DADAROMA - いいくすりと、わるいくすり
 
The single is a typical ddrm release, although a little better than their stuff previous to this. Ii kusuri might have the heaviness so many fans have been wanting but warui kusuri was the standout track for me. Yoshiatsu's voice is charged with emotion and reading the lyrics hit my inner fangirl right in the feels (it's about sharing an umbrella with someone who's in a bad place). Probably the best ballad they'll ever release.
Favourite Track: わるいくすり
 
ダウト - 伝統芸能
 
dauto has been around forever and this is their most energetic album to date. If you need something to cheer you up, look no further. Different from their previous album 'shingitai' it has more electro elements, it's like a battlefield of synths in the first track. But regardless, it's a fantastic release with all the good typical dauto stuff: BASS, positivity and delicious vocal work from kouki. That's right, kouki's vocals are beautiful as usual, sue me. (I won't include the pv because it's embarassing to watch)
Favourite Track: 禁じられた遊び
 
 
OSTs
 
The only thing I listen to more than visual kei are video game soundtracks, so I decided to include my favourites for any OST fans out there.
 
 
Let me know what you think of my list and feel free to recommend any OSTs you thought stood out in 2017!
 

吉原ラメント/重音テト(亜沙)【いちてりfeat しゃみお】
“Kasane Teto「Yoshiwara Rament」” Band Cover by -ICHI TERI- feat. Shamio