#this was one of my first few miku songs and i guess the lyrics are very relatable now LMAO

[weather-cluddy]

My Mikoto playlist, for all your waiting for Double needs.

A Sleepwalker On This Mortal Shore/A Sleepwalker Gazing on Nirvana, by Hello Tanita-san/Tatsuya Kitani. (Self-cover)

Fun fact, the animation for this one was made by Mana Inoue, same person who did the PV for Weakness, How To Be in Love With You and Bring it On! You can definitely see the similarities with the first two, with the use of photographs 'glued' to 2D drawings. This one pushes the body horror a fair bit further, though. Be prepared for writhing brains made of realistic human fingers and such. (Also, the vocaloid version's CC subs has a mistake at 2:23)

OP by Hachiya Nanashi

Flight Instinct by Last Note

Run! by Polysics

Opening from Cells at Work Black, in which your average overworked salaryman's body is depicted as a 'black company' in miniature where their cells must struggle not so much to fix things as to just postpone the inevitable for another day, growing increasingly desperate and despondent all the while. IIRC, things got bad enough that the English version of the last few manga volumes shipped with suicide hotline numbers in the back.

Somehow still the cheeriest song in here.

Disordered Self-restraint Girl by otetsu (Note: flashing lights)

There's Supposed to be a Cheat Code for Happiness by UtataP

Ceremony Day and Manhole by Polyphonic Branch

Walk Tall and Die by TadanoCo/4o

You might know this one from the Eve cover, which has more views than the original. I really enjoyed the lyrics, both individual lines and as a whole. It's quite nice how they go from harsh and frustrated to softer as the song goes on.

There Was No Savior by YASUHIRO (Translation)

Disqualified Town by Yonaka

Fun fact: I picked this song before Mikoto's T2 cover got announced, so the fact that MV shows Miku wearing a gas mask is 100% a coincidence.

On An Empty Morning by kemu (Utaite ver.) (Translation)

I really like this song because the tone changes a lot depending on your interpretation. Does the calm tune represent the singer at long last achieving peace after terrible pain, leading a life that's mundane and sometimes difficult but ultimately worthwhile? Or have they just sunk into apathy, emotionlessly sacrificing other people just to continue their empty lifestyle, having so little concept of happiness that they actually think they're fulfilled by this?

Both options are pretty interesting. And well, in the context of Mikoto's crime, "I take someone’s fleeting future and use it as a stepping stone" takes on a new meaning.

I Hear the Sound of Someone Else's Business by Ame no MurakumoP (Translation)

I linked to a fan PV that honestly deserves more attention (less than 30 views, seriously!?). The PV uses a lot of white and dark blue, but I don't think it switches fast enough to require a flashing lights warning? The official upload uses a still image, if it helps.

Synesthesia Ghost by Nekobolo/sasanomaly

La Mersonnalité by Misato Kurematsu

Don’t Carry Our Memories Away by rinri (EMA ver.) (Translation)

The EMA cover isn't official or anything, but it's my favorite version so I'm gonna link it too. The original does have the advantage of having Mikoto Meika singing it, though.

It's kind of interesting how different the illustrations for the original and the cover feel: in the original we see the boy smiling desperately wide as he faces towards the shore, like he's reassuring somebody watching. Meanwhile in the cover he looks indifferent or perhaps annoyed, but for the last chorus he turns around fully and splashes around as if inviting you to follow him.

Childhood by MushiP

The Good Child and the Fox by Kikou

Silver Warp by YUUKI MIYAKE/Napoli-P (Utaite ver.) (Translation)

I was going to write about how Ore would be the brother that gets caught when escaping and is implied to stab his parents, while Boku is the one that gets away... and then I noticed the funerary portrait at the end. Just pretend it isn't there, I guess Or take it metaphorically.

The Full-Throttle Abscondence. by Pekoro

Delusion Girl by Touyu

This playlist is mostly based on Boku, but I see this song as being about both alters. The whole "crushing despair of normalcy" part being obviously Boku, and the desire to save somebody to justify your own existence being Ore. I think that if Fuuta were a bit older this song would fit him pretty well too.

Hide and Seek -reprise- by BuzzG (Translation)

Magician In Love by Koyori

Imposter Advisory by 150p (Utaite ver.) (Alternate translation) (Note: flashing lights)

Perfect Crime Love Letter by 150p (Utaite ver. + alternate translation) (Note: flashing lights)

Red is Scary by Iyowa (Translation)

Cyber Thunder Cider by EZFG

It Takes 3 Minutes to Listen to a 3 Minute Song by Owata-P

There's No One Who's Bad at Art by Suttaka

Love, Me Normally by Will Wood (Lyrics)

Dense Forest of Morals by OPA (Translation)

I'm Controversial by Ado (Note: flashing lights)

Fraulein=Biblioteca by nyanyannya

I'm imagining this one being sung by Es, or at least Mikoto's impression of Es (kind of like the shadow Es from Backdraft). I think in a way it fits all the guilty prisoners, but the lines about sleep talk and "I'll make you remember your sins" make it even better for Mikoto especifically.

No.4 THE EMPEROR by Owata-P (Translation)

I Can't (Mar)read the Situation by CosMo

This one is more of a "How Mikoto views the world" song than one strictly about Mikoto. Don't neglect your social skills in favor of your true self or you will be doomed to a life of envy, regret and isolation. Also the Earth will explode. Truly a sobering reminder.

A Lethargic Coup d'état by Last Note

The Taste of Cockroach by Maretu

Most people would probably think of this one as a Fuuta or Muu song, and I do agree (more Muu than Fuuta imo). But honestly, while Mikoto would never start a bullying campaign, I can totally see him as a bystander, the kind of person who insist that everyone should just talk it out and then everything will be fine. Of course, we still don't know what caused his murder, only that apparently being kidnapped was an improvement. So you could also view him as the victim, which gives new meaning to those weird lines in the middle of the song that really don't sound like they're from the same person as the rest...

But mostly, I added this song for the "shadows lurking under the light/denial" angle, which is theme for the last section of the playlist. I don't really know enough about music to sort it by genre/sound similarities, so I organized it by themes! Or at least I tried to put similar songs together so they'd "flow" into each other.

Everything is an Illusion by Pongini (Translation in the replies of the pinned comment)

I Look Up as I Deliver by POLYSICS (Alternate translation)

The ending for Cells at Work Black. Fun fact, this song's name is most likely based on I Look Up as I Walk AKA Sukiyaki.

[tsudelune]

'' when you're happy , i'm happy too ,,

- ichika hoshino x reader

a/n : this is really random and honestly self-indulgent, but if you didn't know, my favorite is ichika :) this is like a songfic i suppose, but not really. this is inspired by one of my favorite yoasobi songs named haruka, or faraway! it's a beautiful song with such a heartwarming story, so i decided to pose this fic off of that. ichika was chosen because (i like ichika) i feel like this song is pretty similar to the leo/need story. of course there's others that might fit better, but whatever! lyrics here! if you can't tell, i'm heavily biased to leo/need. heavily.

warnings : lengthy, big leo/need story spoilers! this is just me writing the entire leo/need main story with reader included but being biased to ichika. i rambled way too much on this post. so sorry about it :(

style : oneshot (tbh, it's a whole story.)

when you were young, you were afraid of being alone, hating the feeling of being lost. however, that changed quickly.

you wandered aimlessly in the night, losing the trace of your parental figure when you had decided to follow a sound in the night (which resulted in being an ordinary bird). you couldn't lie, you were scared.

when you had finally got out of the alleys, you found yourself following a path that lead you to the park. there were a few young voices like yours. there were four voices from what you could make out-- energetic, mellow, shy, and soft. when you looked up, you didn't just see the four kids up on the jungle gym, but you also saw a shower of stars.

the luminous blanket that encased the moonlight, along with the smiles and the awe of those four kids...you couldn't help but be glad you became lost. that memory became a fresh moment you could live over and over. it was unforgettable.

you never knew it then, but those four kids would become your friends.

out of those four kids, ichika, saki, honami, and shiho, you were close with the first girl. in which you had to admit, she had the most harmonious voice you ever heard in your life. whenever the five of you got together, it would always become a small band session.

thinking back now, you can't help but feel nostalgia overcome you. has it really been that long?

everything had gone downhill in middle school when saki abruptly left due to her health conditions. but now, the once-childhood friends were now in high school. time was nobody's friend.

"...y/n, could you help me with this really quick? sorry to bother you." someone politely asked, interrupting your daydream. it was mafuyu, a senior of yours.

"oh! yeah, i can help you." and that was how the usual day started. helping people, attending class, eating lunch alone, and going home. always.

saki was back at school. to be honest, you didn't react much about it, but still cared. just maybe, you had a small thought that the band might be getting back together. but...

"i promised to eat with my friends...sorry."

"my next class is in another room, so i'm going now."

the same old excuses that were used earlier in the school year. isn't that funny?

"many things have become different..." ichika sighed.

"i guess...since we're in high school, there's things everyone wants to do." saki was still optimistic as usual. you didn't understand how she was.

because you gave up a long time ago. however, you weren't going to opt out of this all just yet.

crazy things happened the last three days. you guys got to meet miku and luka in a SEKAI; which you still couldn't comprehend. you also got to experience a once-in-a-lifetime memory, which was seeing your childhood friends perform that one song you composed years back.

shiho had improved significantly, likely because she was the only one that practiced and remained a bassist. honami and saki was still as good as they were before, but ichika...you couldn't even describe it.

she still had the same soft yet dynamic voice from before. she didn't touch her guitar in a while, but she was still in shape. seeing them perform all together really unlocked a core memory in you.

"still here, y/n?" luka interrupted your thoughts, taking a seat next to you on the classroom floor of the SEKAI.

"i'm just...reminiscing." you turned your head away, unwiling to meet luka's gaze.

"is that so?" luka smiled and put a hand on your shoulder. "you know, you and ichika have the strongest feelings about everybody. not even saki, who is the most energetic."

you glanced at luka, shocked. you? and ichika? but... "how? i decided to stop my wishful thinking a long time ago."

"well, your heart and feelings must be thinking the opposite." luka chuckled and pat your shoulder. "i have a hunch that you really love everyone. you often think about them, don't you?"

you didn't admit it then, but luka was right. your denied wishful thinking was still accepted into your mind.

"so wait; you're telling me that you and saki formed a band, got shiho to join after practicing in the SEKAI, and now you're trying to recruit honami in?"

ichika gave a sheepish smile, confirming your words.

"wow, that's..." you put your hands on ichika's shoulders, with a close-eyed smile. "that's amazing! you've always wanted this, right?"

ichika blushed, shying away from you. "yeah...that's why i wanted to ask you if you wanted to join too."

you removed your hands from ichika's shoulders, staring blankly into her gaze.

"...what?"

"please, join our band. we're going to take it seriously." ichika's black hair became lightly tousled in the spring wind, her eyes determined. "i remember vividly, when we were younger, you composed the song and i wrote the lyrics. the songs we made together...i still remember all of them. so that's why, you have to join!"

i guess that was the day you were bound with her fate.

after saki's decision of leaving honami alone, you lingered in the sekai with miku next to you, humming a tune while lightly strumming the guitar. you were deadset focused on creating a new composition for everyone to play. together.

"miku, do you think they'd remember all those minutes we spent?" you looked down at the blank paper, unable to create ideas for the song.

"hmm? of course they would." miku stopped her singing, focusing her attention on you.

"no, they obviously don't." you crumbled up the paper, squeezing it tightly. "i feel like i'm the only one that holds onto the past. i think too much about it. they've forgotten about it, so i should let go too."

"mm...i don't think so." miku objected, setting aside her guitar. "if you remember your past through happy memories, then that means your memories must be precious to you, right? so, why try to forget them?"

"...right."

just watching them made you remember a lot of things they did when they were younger. those memories made you feel emotional, for sure. you couldn't help but shed a few tears that day and realize how important they are to you. especially her.

the next day, after school, shiho and ichika coincidentally met up in the street.

"i talked to honami. i think i said hurtful words rather than what i wanted to say. it's a nightmare."

"but, i think that's what's amazing about you."

"what? that i act without thinking?"

"no, once you make up your mind, you take action without being shaken up. that's...amazing. because, i was never able to do that."

"what are you saying? whenever there was a fight, you and y/n would play as mediator. sometimes, you didn't even know what was going on." shiho helplessly smiled at the vivid memory. "speaking of y/n, they'd always encourage us after whatever we fought about. saying stupid things like 'shiho, if you play with us one more time, i'll give you the last slice of the apple pie' or 'saki, let's practice this part one more time and we'll impress shiho'...." the reminiscing girl took a big sigh. "i guess i miss those times too."

ichika suddenly had a feeling of uneasiness in her heart. "i have to wonder, what happened to y/n during those two years we were distanced?"

shiho raised her eyebrows, nodding slowly to ichika's words. "...i never thought of that."

"what happened to y/n in those two years?" was all ichika could think about.

"you found your true feeling?"

"yeah...according to miku."

it was after school hours the next day. you and ichika decided to take the time to chat at your house. it was basically a small hangout in your room.

"i felt like i wanted to help with whatever was going on. you, saki and shiho both made efforts to recruit honami back, but i haven't done anything yet. so that's why..." ichika fiddled with her fingers nervously before meeting back with your gaze. "i have a plan to get honami join."

"hmmm, i understand." you reply with a curve of your lips. ichika's expression, however, told more truth than her words. "i'm happy for you, but there's something more than that on your mind.

ichika perked up with shock, then takes a sigh at your words. "it's you, admittedly." the black-haired girl moved closer to you on your bed, putting a hand on your back. "y/n, what happened during those two years when we weren't...as close as we usually were?"

"...eh? ichika, what are you talking about!" you tried to laugh it off, waving your hand back and forth dismissively. "it was a boring 2 years spent without you guys."

ichika obviously didn't believe it. she didn't want to push it, however. "if that's what you say..." ichika removed her hand from your back, and instead reached in for a nervous hug. she put her hand on your head, pushing it gently to her shoulder. "if your not comfortable enough to tell me yet, that's okay. but i want you to know that i've always been here. all those days you might've spent alone-- i'll make it up to you! i'll cheer you on, just like you did for me when we were younger!"

you felt your eyes water at her unwavering resolve for you. you can't tell what made you cry. her entire spiel about what happened those 2 years, or the last few words of it.

you, shiho, and saki were rushing to the rooftop together where honami and ichika was-- reported by miku and luka.

"i'm sorry! i hurt all of you guys by running away, by choosing the path that injured me least..." honami cried, wiping away her tears.

saki shook her head, frowning at the unneeded apology. "no, i'm sorry for not being there during your hard times."

"and i'm sorry that i left you alone for so long, even though i noticed."

"you're all too nice, even though i kept hurting your feelings..."

"of course we'd be nice. we care about you."

when they were busy apologizing back and forth, you stayed to the side with miku and luka, looking at the stars. those oh-so-familiar stars that looked at you the same way back then.

"do you like the way the sky looks, y/n?" luka asked, curious to why you were so invested in the night view.

"they're the same stars that we saw that night." you whispered, raising your hand as if to touch the glowing jewels in the void. "i miss that night. so, so much."

while in your trance, you take a not-so-quick glance at the four girls. they were all hugging and crying. it was a pitiful sight, yet a heartwarming moment. that's how time moves with a tick and a tock.

unknowingly, a tear slipped out of your own eye. yet, you felt your lips curve, and put your hand on your silently beating heart.

"see you tomorrow everyone!"

after watching shiho, saki, and honami go their respective ways, you were planning to leave too. however, a grasp on your wrist stopped you.

"wait! y/n, can we talk? i know it's late and we have school tomorrow..." ichika looks down at the pavement with a red blush on her cheeks.

"huh? oh uh-- yeah. sure." surprised with the turn of events, you wonder what ichika has to say to you so suddenly at this hour.

"i wanted to say thank you...for everything." ichika paused for a moment before continuing. "miku told me that you remember a lot of things from our childhood. i know you might've felt like the only one that remember everything but..."

ichika held both of your hands together, holding them tightly. in a matter of seconds, her words came out in a soft yet loud tone. "there's countless memories of everyone together, or just us alone too. i remember it all too." ichika smiled fondly at you, laughing. "if they don't remember certain parts of our childhood, so be it. that's fine. for me, as long as i remember all of us smiling, i'm happy with that. i guess what i'm trying to say is..."

"my feelings and i say thank you." ichika chuckled, finishing her ramble.

"ichika..." you were at a loss of words. "for me, as long as you're happy is enough for me. because, i'll love you forevermore."

ichika smiles shyly, gently enveloping you in a hug. "...me too."

-

may happiness and the things so dear

stay with you, forever.

[welcometomy20s]

July 19, 2022

VOCALOID LEGENDS - 2019 Part 5

#495 - A Town Nearing Spring (40mP) [GUMI]

Achievement Date: 19-05-04, Upload Date: 12-03-03

Very typical 40mP sound, although it’s a GUMI song, which is somewhat rare for the producer. It’s also a very simple song about spring travel, which betrays my pet theory about all 40mP being a bit sadomasochistic. It’s a nice song, I guess.

#496 - World-weary Rondo (YASUHIRO) [Kagamine Rin]

Achievement Date: 19-05-05, Upload Date: 17-11-05

Brass-infused jazz rock rondo, very typical of the YASUHIRO’s style with pretty depressing and quite macabre lyrics although you can figure that out by the title. Like the introduction of swing in the bridge, it adds a bit of variety. 

#497 - Decadism (flower, Shiwa) [Nuyuri]

Achievement Date: 19-05-07, Upload Date: 18-05-11

Another speed violating hit and first song for Shiwa, a Chinese VOCALOID. This kind of duet was part of a phase for Nuyuri, starting with It’s Just Life, unlike that song this really is a duet. Genderbent Nijisanji group covered it recently. Lyrics is of a breakup song expressed in an emptily abstract way, which matched Nuyuri’s refined style.

#498 - Aiseki Hierarchy (shr) [Kagamine Len]

Achievement Date: 19-05-07, Upload Date: 12-09-30

Shr is an underrated producer and their only song is here. Latin-infused piano rock, and an underrated Len song. The lyrics and the melody kind of feel like a mothyP song, although the instrumentation is completely different. It’s interesting.

#499 - Freedom Lolita (Nejishiki) [Yuzuki Yukari]

Achievement Date: 19-05-09, Upload Date: 17-02-21

Another underrated producer’s first song on this list, and we have a Yukari song! Dramatic idol song, with a bit abstract yet risque lyrics, which makes it nice that it’s a Yukari song… Yukari rarely gets these kinds of songs, and she does a good job!

#500 - Atrium (R Sound Design) [flower]

Achievement Date: 19-05-13, Upload Date: 18-10-26

Lesser-known R Sound Design gets us to 500. Spiritual follow-up to Imperial Girl, a bit more dramatic and refined sound for this song. A good song to sing along although I don’t see many utattemita of this song. Also a very clear flower sound, nice.

#501 - Banchou (Teniwoha) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 19-05-16, Upload Date: 11-06-23

Yes, Teniwoha had two songs before his perceived hit. This song is much older and it sounds nothing like what we know Teniwoha for. Yeah, who knew Teniwoha wrote a pretty funky Wa Rock in the Golden Age? Yeah, you should check it out. 

#502 - The Day I Became a Monster (rerulili) [Fukase]

Achievement Date: 19-05-18, Upload Date: 16-01-08

First of very few Fukase songs on this list. Fukase, still underrated VOCALOID. Rerulili does a good demonstration of Fukase’s voice. More refined piano rock, a bit astray from the hard rock of Human Zoo of Hell or the poppy group songs. I think Fukase gets pushed aside because the original voice is just too good, it feels like cheating.

#503 - Orange Genome (Tsunamaru) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 19-05-29, Upload Date: 12-09-03

Another lesser-known producer, and a beautiful song with good piano and string accompaniment. Kind of a sing-song melody adds to the prettiness of the song. Yeah, probably one of the sweetest and youngest-feeling songs on this list, unlike the title. 

[kelmanduran]

Best of Asian Music: Artists, Songs, and My Favorite Albums

In Japan, it has acquired a lot of cultures over the years, among which its music stands out. Today we will talk about its musical culture, traditional and modern. Follow this blog to get to know this wonderful musical world that can offer you so much, and you will love it.

Introduction to Japanese Music

As you might have guessed, Japanese music is diverse. There are four main types of music in Japan: minyō, kayōkyoku, yūkaku, and rin’ya. Each type has a different tempo and mood.

Minyō is folk songs passed down for generations with lyrics referencing folklore or popular culture. Kayōkyoku are composed in a major key to express many different genres of music within the country, such as dance hall or enka. All age groups also enjoy them. 

Yūkaku is a Western-influenced song composed using Western scales and has an upbeat tempo. This category includes rock, jazz, Latin, and bossa nova songs. Rin’ya is a light classic song style that was created in the Meiji era (1868-1912).

Different Types of Music in Japan

The first category is called minyō, which are songs that have been passed down for generations, with lyrics often referencing folklore or popular culture. The next type is called kayōkyoku, which is composed in a major key and used to express the moods of many different genres within the country, such as dance hall or enka. They are also considered to be songs that all age groups can enjoy. 

The third type of Japanese pop music is called yūkaku (loosely translated as “Western-style”), which are Western-influenced songs that are composed using Western scales. Yūkaku has an upbeat tempo, and it includes rock, jazz, Latin, and bossa nova songs. The last category of Japanese pop music is called rin’ya (loosely translated as “light classic”), which are songs that classical composers wrote after World War II.

Song Recommendations

Aside from the genres of Japanese pop music, there are a few specific artists worth looking up. Hatsune Miku is a famous singer who has a voice generated by a computer. She’s been popular since 2007 and is often featured in Vocaloid songs. 

Another popular performer is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who has been around since 2011 and was originally discovered on YouTube. And finally, there’s Ami Suzuki, who was known as the “Queen of J-Pop” and had her first major debut back in 1995.

My favorite album is called “A State of Trance 2004” by Armin van Buuren. I love it because it contains some great trance songs with various influences and makes for an awesome playlist any time of day!

Favorite Albums

The best album in the rin’ya genre is “Sakura,” which was released in 1962. The album was a collaboration between Masahiko Sato and Harumi Miyako, who are both vocalists. The title song on this album is called “Sakura,” which translates to “cherry blossom.” It’s a very sweet song about love and attraction, but it also has a sad tone to it because the lyrics reference cherry blossoms that will eventually die. 

I also enjoy listening to an album from the kayōkyoku genre called “Hachidai-Kekkon” by Kyu Sakamoto. This album is a compilation of songs from his single, “Ue o muite arukō” - meaning “I will look up when walking”- a popular Japanese song about nostalgia or looking back at one’s past.

Conclusion

I hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of Japan’s different types of music. However, it is important to remember that the artists and songs I have written about are just a small sampling of what is available. With so much to listen to, you are almost certain to find something that strikes your fancy.

[breadknight-likes-things]

Bread’s Game Journal 05/17/20: Miku Miku, Hi, Hello. Did You Call To Talk To Me?

Cause I’m so, far gone, playing like a typical weeb.  Okay I can’t actually set this entire post to the lyrics Poppy’s “Moshi Moshi”, no matter how hard I try, but I can hopefully get across how much I love *deep breath* Hatsune Miku: Project Diva: Mega Mix for Nintendo Switch.  This isn’t the first Hatsune Miku game I’ve ever played, no that honor belongs to the one way back on the Playstation Vita, but this is certainly the most content rich, and I’m a big fan of the new visual style present on the character models!

Let me just preface this right away, I still have only the vaguest knowledge of what a Vocaloid is, but I know a great rhythm game when I play one, and this is one hell of a rhythm game.  Granted, it’s gameplay is pretty bog standard, just buttons flying from off screen that need to pressed at a certain time, it’s actually the same exact gameplay it was on Vita near as I can tell.  There’s a couple small differences, touch screen prompts have been replaced with shoulder buttons for example, but it’s more or less 1:1.  Good thing the gameplay was so incredible to begin with!  There’s way more songs though!  From what I understand this still doesn’t even hold a candle to the track list in the PS4 version released a few years ago, but at 101 songs total there’s a lot more here than there were on PS Vita.

I swear I understand like 10% of this photo, but somehow I love 100% of it.

One thing that’s more noticeably changed is the general visual style!  Instead of the.....I guess “realistic”? Style present in the Vita entry, characters are presented here cel-shaded.  Whatever happened to this graphical style?  Why did we ever stop cel-shading things? I know some portion of games, usually anime games at that, still utilize it, but It looks especially excellent in motion here!  Everything is bright and colorful, fluid in motion and full of that manic energy I can really only describe as “anime” to rationalize it in my head. I’m slowly working my way down the song list in this one, and so far there’s only been about one song I didn’t enjoy!  This is the kind of game that goes against almost everything I normally play in video games, but man do I love it!

Random Screenshot Of The Day:

We can stop sounding the alerts everyone, this entry does have that cool ass MMO song from the Vita version!

Stray Notes:

- I played a ton of Jackbox Party Pack for a friends uh....”birthday party” today.  I swear it sucks to have to resort to all digital things like that, but at least that’s a fun game a bunch of people stuck at home can play together.  

-  Quiplash gets real dark real fast when you’re playing with a bunch of quarantined 20 somethings, definitely really funny though.

- Been playing Gears V again, as you know, and that game is still....let me tell you, that game is still something special.  Wish it had a photo mode though! 

[guess-ill-die-again]

top ten kagepro songs?? 0:

*rubs hands* u now i read your whole wall of text about this? well now its my turn c:

warning half of this post is just about Shinigami Record bc i’m looking WAAY too deep into it but honestly i love doing that gbdhsg that part has over 500 words and im not sorry

Disclaimer: The first few don’t have numbers bc I just CANNOT choose a favorite ok ngsdhjgs

Shinigami Record - I’m gonna start with this one because i was already planning on making a post about how underappreciated this song is… half of this post is probably gonna be about this song alone so i might as well put it as nuumbr one tbh

Musically it’s really simple and just so amazingly gentle. I feel like the slow piano and the way its played in the verses helps to convey Azami’s feelings really well. It starts as just a bunch of lonely piano notes, but then as Azami finds someone who loves her, feelings grow and change, so does the guitar replace the piano for the second verse. Then the harmonies for the part when Azami creates the Kagerou Daze make it feel not only more mystical but also give it more emotion. She creates it filled with love for her family after all, this part needed to have a lot of emotion in it! But then it quiets down and the lonely piano returns.. the guitar and piano interlace each other(i cant find a good english word for it im sorry) while Azami’s voice is growing more unsure and then ‘gasps’ with the realization, in a way. The harmonies return and we hear both the lonely piano and the love-filled guitar. Azami is really conflicted and u can HEAR that!! Then it bursts with the pitch change and you can just hear how heartbroken she is! the highest note really reminds me of when people are trying to sing but they’re crying so their technique is egh but it has so much emotion?? idk maybe its just IAs voice… and then after she sings “I still love you” theres a drop that sounds like slamming doors and the guitar is GONE. It ends on the same lonely piano we started with(different pitch blahblah i know ok) but there’s also the added noise that you can either hear traffic in, OR the sea/ocean waves. I KNOW im reading way too much into this but traffic could allude to our time, where the main story is set and the fact that what Azami did has consequences reaching much further than she could have ever imagined but also that despitwat happened, most people don’t even know about her story and everythings… well, normal. The sea waves would be just like the world she’s come to love and she’s leaving it all behind i guess lolThe way this song tells Azami’s story is uh, very simplified, but i think it works well. It gives you enough information to feel sorry for her even if it doesn’t really explain much. We only see Azami’s perspective so i’m not surprised or disappointed that reasons behind Tsukihiko’s disappearance arent really stated. Also i’m kind of glad it doesn’t delve deeper into the story, because i personally really didn’t like these chapters of the manga at all lol bc i didnt agree with the characterization and it didnt show Azami’s loneliness as much and kind of ruined the magic. I like Azami’s story when its still told as a kind of fairytale…This is also probably THE best Kagepro song in terms of tuning, too. idk what happened but i feel like here it’s much more soft than the other songs which makes it all the more enjoyable.

one day i’ll write a full essay on this…

I’m not gonna go that deep into any of the other ones dont worry

Remind Blue - Easily the best song on the Mekakucity Reload album. While i adore Additional Memory as well, my heart belongs to Remind Blue. Because the range isn’t that big, Miku’s voice and Jin’s tuning of don’t get overbearing. Im also a sucker for lyrics connecting to past events or symbols so the whole time reading the translation i was just lying in bed like kermit surrounded by heart emojis. I may or may not make a cover of this one…

Lost Time Memory - I feel like all that could be said about this song has already been said so I’ll just say i love it. I was introduced to it through Juby’s english cover(Classical Rock Arr. version!! thats important, i love this arrangement probably more than the original but the dude who made it just doesnt have a nice voice for this song… Juby’s not perfect but this cover’s good enough) an really this is the song that made me want to learn about Kagepro so there’s a lot of pure nostalgia connected to this one.

4. Ayano’s Theory of Happiness - whenever i tell someone new about kagepro i always say this is the song that makes me cry and laugh the hardest. I laugh a lot because of the tv anime version bc lmao every time i see it i LOSE IT gndnsdgs The reason i cry is quite obvious i think, but i still feel the need to specify it’s because of the lyric “so I hope you can love tomorrow”. It’s just such a simple thing but it makes me tear up 99% of the time. And like the thing is, the last couple of lines aren’t directed at any particular character either so its like she’s singing to us. She hopes we can love tomorrow as well… and just for you Ayano, I will try.

Also MARiA’s cover is the best one i barely listen to the original now lmao

5. Summertime Record - did i mention im a sucker for lyrics where the character is looking back at what happened? bc yeah i am. This song is really dear to my heart for some reason so much so that when at a camp with the choir ive been in for like 6years we were supposed to make a little song about it for the last campfire, i managed to get my friends to write the lyrics to this song with me and i think that in itself is very fitting to this song. and just.. yeah the whole thing just feels very welcoming and I love Haruka so

6. Children Record - BOYS👏 AND👏 GIRLS👏 yeah this song staight up slaps and i love it (altho i mostly listen to the version with MARiA bc the tuningin this one :’) its realy good go listen) and uh yeah its just a really good opening to the series! idk what to say exactly so uh really lets not drag this out

7. Additional Memory - so when this song came out i had to lay down for like a week bc just… woah yeah ok!! all the motifs and melodies from other songs just hit me so HARD and THE PV OH MY GOOOD i was SCREAMING! and youre absolutely right about the lyrics!! “if this were all a misunderstanding, i don’t want to hear it” just HITS and HURTS and GOD YEAH

8. Kagerou Days - ahh classic above classics…. the one where you’ve set your expectations for Hibiya to just be a good childhood friend only to have it be crushed by other media… its just a great base for angsty AUs for anytwo cahracters that care about each other really and i love it! also like when i first listenedi was like what and when i realized whats happening i was just…  poetic cinema guy but with hearts i really love angst huh

9. Headphone Actor - I don’t know what to say apart from I love Takane, I love the whole Harutaka story, I love the metaphor and the music and I have a little lesbian moment every time i listen to LiSA’s version of the song(THE WAY SHE SHINGS “Dokoka e to mukatteru”??? IM TOO GAY FOR THIS SHIT I CANT) and its 3:30am so i cant think anymore okbut god i love LiSA’s voice

10. Never Lost Word - ah the kinnie really jumps out here lmao this is the song i listened o and was just !! it me!! which… NOT a good thing if not for the last verse lol but yeah i just identify with kido a lot so like…i just really felt this song back when i first listened to it and even now i still do… just… yeah. and i just really like it in every way i guess lol

ALSO Shoutout to Gunjo Rain and Dead and Seek for beeing other tragically underappreciated Kagepro songs bc they dont have PVs

[wolfenwingsshop]

WHOOOOOOF

SO BIG POST Y’ALL.

My Rockman X Anniversary Collection Soundtrack made it in today! Many thanks to my beloved husband Zeekun for getting this for me while I finished my shift up at work. (It was registered air-mail, so I had to send someone to sign for it for me!) Ok, so right into it- there is SO much going on here and I may have to make double-posts to fit it all in.

So since I ordered the ‘First Press’ I got a special sleeve that had that AMAZING ARTWORK of the four hunters all doing their little gig (I still swear that image of X on the special sleeve alone was worth the 40 dollars I paid to get this thing. I love seeing him happy, damnit.) Inside the sleeve is the CD in it’s standard packaging.

The tambourine wielding Met is still present too! Considering I once cosplayed as a giant Met at a few Otakons, and when I was in WAS we had a ‘pet’ Metool we named ‘Tooley’, it’s kinda like my past was coming back to greet me. Can I be considered the Met? I will gladly shake a little tambourine around if I get to jam with X. C’mon now.

So there’s no way they didn’t know some of us were going to import the CD. Why would you include the forward from singer/writer of the English version of Re;Future IN ENGLISH if you didn’t expect non-Japanese people to import it?! THE FACT THAT SHE’S AN X FANGIRL MAKES ME GIDDY AS SHIT.

The art in the booklet is basically CD-sized versions of the art for MMXLC 1 and 2 and then some of the Mavericks behind the CD... The CD itself though... Hoooo nelly..

Ok, easily, this is the most gawddamned beautiful CD I now own. It’s got metallic blue circuitry accents and X in full without that text over him and-- NNNNHhhhggg... I can’t. This was so worth it. And the crazy thing was, when I first found out about the CD and saw the original image of them all playing and performing, I was like “God, fuggin’ a. What if they did a Miku/Squid-Sisters like concert and literally had hologram versions of them play at a real venue?” For whatever reason, I could imagine X staring at the crowd with his guitar with a happy, slightly cocky grin-- and then later when I got into that MM Media Creators discord and found THIS IMAGE it was literally what I saw in my head just days before and admittedly I LOST MY SHIT. This happens to me wayyyy too frequently but that is another time. @_@;; Anyhow-- what I was hoping for- aside X being.. well, X, and making wolfens nosebleed everywhere-- were the english lyrics for Re;Future.

SO AGAIN IN TYPICAL CAPCOM FASHION- They had their Localization director write/translate Re;Future from Japanese to English and then later sing it as well. From what I understand, they also had some issues with recording and it lost some audio quality, some of which they had t manually restore- but from what I understand, Miss Hsu is not a native English speaker so there’s some mispronunciations here and there. Zero and I were trying to get lyrics down for DAYS but we kept mis-guessing what was being said- so since my CD was in the states on Sunday night, we decided to wait till we had official lyrics. SO glad we did, cause I think our ‘hints’ at X9 lie in this song and it’s lyrics.

At first, with the ‘blasting through anything’, especially given you have to use X to blast through the credits to get this song to unlock and play, I was like “OK, THIS IS X SINGING. Well not literally BUT IT’S HIS PERSPECTIVE.” This has happened before, RockmanHolic’s Re:Loaded was sung from X’s perspective even though it was a girl singing. So there’s that.

Then as I was listening, I was mis-hearing lyrics, I was thinking she was saying ‘purple crystal’ and ‘purple heart’ which made me think of Iris- especially if you play X Challenge mode volume 1 and get to the final fight- I was like “OMFG, what if we’re getting Iris back for X9?!” That may still happen based on X Challenge mode, but still. Everything else just coincided with X so strongly, so I was still torn. Plus, the achievement you get for unlocking Re;Future is called “Identity Erased”... And given we have new Giga Armor toys where X has a Rush of his own and in MvCI he slides just like Classic’s Rock does, Iiii.. I’m starting to wonder if we’re looking at the starts of a Retcon and they’re going to confirm X and Rock are one and the same. I’ve got other stuff that points at that, I’m working on a video explaining it all, so when I’m done I’ll explain more. Anyhow...

I figure if anyone wants a crack, here’s the Japanese lyrics. I can’t read a lick of ‘em (legit, only things I can read in Japanese are “Rockman”, “X”, and “Zero”. That. Is. It.) so if like, Sky or anybody else who has knowledge wants to see if they match up to the English lyrics, be my guest! My friend Alkaid of over-ti.me already has these, so I’m sure she’s probably gonna be getting her buddies in to take a crack at these sometime soon. For now, I wrote-out the English lyrics if you guys wanna copy-paste them, etc. Fragments of me lie in the darkness waiting to be found All I see around me are shadows, No matter how I may try, and so I keep on looking to find a light that will guide me, I won't give up the fight Why am I here? What is my purpose?

Running for all I'm worth, I shout Reaching ahead I throw my arms to the wind Even if it takes all I have, With the last of my voice I'll cry...... I'll call with all of my soul

This sparkling uncontainable light Spilling over a brand new world Its brightness dazzles, dizzying and blinding But I don't wanna close my eyes or look away All these boundless feelings Cascading over a brand new world I'll keep them with me for just a little bit longer I'll keep them safe here until the next world arrives

At long last I found my answers waiting in the darkness I know why I'm here and my purpose I won't return to that loneliness, and so I'll keep pushing onwards Blasting through anything that tries to stand in my way I will fight, I will! Even by myself or for a barren world

Two lights shine brightly showing me the way, and I take courage the they have given me to fight for what I truly believe Nothing can stop me!

Running for all I'm worth, I shout Reaching ahead, I throw my arms to the wind Even if it takes all I have, With the last of my voice I'll cry...... I'll call with all of my soul

This strongly beating hopeful heart Filled to the brim by a brand new world Through people's kindness it learned of warmth and yet It wasn't whole until it learned what peace was at last This utopic brand new world Filled to the brim with hopeful light There's no going back -- not for me, there's only forwards Until that day when the world of our dreams arrives

Whew. Huuuge post! Thanks guys! Wolfie out! ^_^ Now, remember, we plan on streaming more MMXLC tonight and tomorrow, over at my Twitch Channel (twitch.tv/wolfshadow6) so feel free to drop over tonight or tomorrow! Zero and I plan on going through all the games and getting ALL the achievements!

[maousami]

73 Questions Challenge Inspired by Vogue

So I just finished reading Vogue’s 73 Questions with Kim K and my delusional ass wants to do this shit too.

I got this from   Nataliia Totka ’s blog and said sure why tf not lols

here we go

1. What are you most excited about these days?

I guess spending time together with my favorite human in the world 

2. What’s your favorite holiday?

CHRISTMAS <3

3. Favorite season?

The Philippines doesn’t really have that many seasons (rainy and summer only lols) so maybe the Rainy Season?

4. Where does one go on a perfect road trip?

ANYWHERE WITH A BEACH <3 I fucking love beaches

5. What is the best activity when home on a rainy day?

Sleeping or Cuddling <3 sharing a movie with my S.O. <3

6. If you could switch lives with someone for a day who would it be?

maybe my teacher Sir Steve. finally get him the girl he’s been crushing on since he was still studying architecture.

 7. What is the best thing that happened this year?

THIS FUCKING GUY 

8. What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Finish my thesis. lols <3 I am fucking done ahahhaha

9. What’s your favorite exercise?

ANYTHING LEG DAY RELATED <3

10. Best way to decompress?

Painting and just spending the day with my big doofus of a boyfriend.

11. What’s your favorite country to visit?

KOREA. 10/10. might change when I finally get to visit Japan though!

12. Last country you visited?

Korea hahahaha

13. Country you wish to visit?

JAPAN OFC. Also Israel ^^

14. What’s your favorite ice-cream?

DOUBLE DUTCH.

15. What makes you smile the most?

Being praised for something I don’t notice in myself

16. What’s the coolest thing in the world?

hmm... Vivid cosmic dreams.

 17. What is the cutest thing in the world?

FOXES def foxes.

18. How do you know if you’re in love?

I guess it differs by person to person. Me personally, I know when I constantly have this need to spoil that person and help them in anyway I can through heart to heart talks or maybe a school project. I don’t usually go out of my way for happy crushes but you know shit’s serious when I’ve tried to replace them with another one, only to fail and drag my ass back to them. I am such a hoe hahahha

19. If you could go to any concert past or present, what would it be?

I have been dreaming of attending a Hatsune Miku concert ever since I was a first year in highschool. I need to go to one before I die.

20. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

I’m not the kind of person who’s the type to recieve. I’m more of a gift-giver so maybe the gift of people I guess?

21. Favorite fashion trend of all time?

The lazy Japanese unisex type. or maybe the tumblr girl who wears yellow dresses trend?

22. What’s your favorite movie of all time?

This is fucking hard. Clueless

23. What was the movie that made you cry?

OMFG CHEESY THING TO SAY BUT HACHIKO MY GOD

24. If you could make a documentary, what would it be about?

The mysterious life of Mao Usami

25. If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Being able to manipulate people under my will

26. What is the skill still unmastered?

Architectural manual drawing

27. What is the best thing that happened to you today?

Being able to wake up to this

28. Do you like surprises?

Yes uwu it makes me feel special hehe

29. If you could do a flash mob where would it be?

At SM department store hahahahhah might be funny

30. Do you like cupcakes?

sometimes ^^ muffins tho? mmmmm

31. Do you usually bake cupcakes?

I used to bake ALOT back in highschool. I was the kween of baked goods.

32. What’s your favorite desert?

Any Icecream cake. <3 would kill for a slice rn

33. Is there a desert you don’t like?

Anything with Peanut butter and Caramel. ew

34. What’s your favorite bakery?

Sofia’s atm

35. What’s your favorite food?

Anything pasta and OFC CHORIZO AAAAA <3

36. It’s brunch, what do you eat?

Pancakes, maybe a banana or maybe Tapa with warm white rice. mmmmm~

37. You are stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of it, what would you eat?

CHOfuckingRIZO cant stress this enough

38. Favorite color?

YELLOW and baby pink<3

39. Favorite superhero?

not really a superhero but, Deadpool hahahhaha

40. What do you usually order in Starbucks? (or in your favorite café)

A Venti Iced Mocha without the whipped cream. also an Expresso Frappuchino is nice on a fucking hot day too. Iced Hazelnut Vanilla from Little Farmers is my go-to everyday coffee shot

41. Who is the last person you texted?

42. What’s your favorite activity to do in your hometown?

Having a great run around the neighborhood. Funruns are fun

43. What’s the next book you plan on reading?

I don’t have a new book in mind. maybe another YA novel?

44. What do you love in your pizza?

CARAMELIZED ONIONS AAAAAA and chorizo bits

45. Favorite drink?

Iced Hazelnut Vanilla by Little Farmers Coffee Brim

46. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

Milk Chocolate ^^

47. What’s your favorite band?

kind of Mainstream but IV of Spades <3

48. Favorite solo artist?

DANIEL CAESAR 

49. Favorite lyrics?

Talk to me - Cavetown

50. If your life was a song what would the title be?

51. If you could master one instrument what would it be?

The Piano. real basic but I get really emotional with a few piano pieces. I’d like to play one of them someday

52. If you had a tattoo where would it be?

On my left forearm ^^

53. To be or not to be?

To be. hahahaahah

54. Dolphins or koalas?

Dolphins. definitely

55. How do you like your coffee?

White and Creamy  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

56. What’s your favorite curse word?

HOLY SHIT and PUTA

57. What color of dress did you wear to prom?

My school didn’t have a prom, but I did get to attend one with my cousin’s friend. It was pink ^^

58. Diamonds or pearls?

Pearls. they look classy and very Filipino

59. Cheap shampoo or expensive?

Expensive. I have frizzy thick hair. I don’t get too cheap with shampoo.

60. Blow dry or air dry?

Blow dry. hahahha blow

61. Heels or flats?

Heels. I look sexier ;)

62. Pilates or yoga?

Pilates every time baby

63. Jogging or swimming?

Swimming

64. One thing you can’t live without?

My sunglasses. 

65. What’s one cause that’s dear to your heart?

helping street animals

66. Who would you want to shoot a love scene with?

ADAM DRIVER AAAAA 

67. What’s your favorite sport?

I don’t do any sports but I usually love watching Figure Skating competitions and will def force my child into the sport. im sorry future kid!

68. Do you have a morning beauty ritual?

NOPE HAHAHA I AM SUCH A SLOB

69. What’s your favorite thing to wear?

I have this short mini dress I love to wear in bed <3 so comfyyy

70. What’s the priciest thing you’ve ever splurged on?

JFC MY WINDSOR AND NEWTON WATERCOLOR PANS

71. Do you play any musical instruments?

lol nope

72. What is your favorite book of all time?

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah. Reread it a million times.

73. What is something you always travel with?

My Year Planner. ^^

[skautism]

all of the asks :)

(already answered a few, also any not english songs i link are gonna have eng subs :])

1.) What’s your favourite music genre?

vocaloid, which is rly only sorta a genre. its complilcated :p

4.) Do you like musicals?

this used to be a newsies blog

6.) What’s a song that makes you think of your favourite fictional character?

echo by crusherp and circusp reminds me of toby rogers a lot

7.) If you have any characters you’ve created, what’s a song that makes you think of one?

unfortunately not a single oc ive ever made has been fleshed out enough for this

8.) What song do you listen to to feel happier?

9.) What song do you listen to when you feel sad?

if im already sad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dj_idc9nd8 (nomad by balloon ft flower) (this is a rly new song commissioned for a recent project sekai event!)

nostalgia sad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWfToEWJlyk&t=57s (triple baka by lamaze-p ft miku, teto, and neru's phone) (this is where my current bio lyrics came from. also this was my first vocaloid song ever.)

make myself sad on purpose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPAXCuqnXuE (that summer saturates by kanzaki iori ft rin and len) (screaming crying bawling etc. kanzaki iori is very good at making me sad. also adult children by him ft rin but that song is REALLY heavy + abt abuse/neglect)

10.) What song have you listened to the most?

as of late: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDos7axCazU&t=3s (want to be cremated by abu-se ft miku), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIU6sQbguvM (for now, before youre gone by siinamota ft miku on the album therefor., but i linked the one with his own vocals)

11.) What song from a movie is your favourite? Which is your least favourite?

hmmm. black sheep from scott pilgrim for fave i guess? its the first to come to mind. least fave is the running out of time shitfest lin manuel wrote that blew up on tiktok. no i dont even know the whole song it literally sends me into sensory overload though

12.) What are some songs on a playlist you’ve made, and what is the playlist called?

because enyhow die (tentatively) - siinamota ft miku, you are the moon - the hush sound, gemini - dixie flatline ft rin and len, glow - keeno ft miku, real man! - lildeucedeuce, erase or zero - crystal-p ft len and kaito, sweets love magic - kid-p ft len. these r all on my current sleep playlist!

13.) Put a playlist on shuffle. What are the first five songs that play?

off of scratches the brain itch:

how do i craft this again (minecraft parody) - yogscast

bad girl online - minus-p from the vocaloid doujin circle wonderful opportunity, ft rin

my alcoholic friends - the dresden dolls

anger management/жаль - ferry

one two fanclub - mikito-p ft rin and gumi

14.) Do you make playlists for characters? link at least one here (if you want to!)

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS here have my toby rogers playlist. i pruned it a bit https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Wxc4vh8S0hsycBJ51yaA4?si=9048b389b9bf4094

15.) Do you listen to movie scores?

nah not rly. if theres like, singing songs yes but thats a soundtrack. when someone says score i think of the instrumental stuff that sets the tone

16.) Which are your favourites?

n/a i supposed

17.) Do you listen to video game soundtracks?

fucj yes

18.) Which are your favourites?

mmmmm majoras mask or undertale

19.) Do you listen to music while doing schoolwork/work/writing/doing art?

i will literally explode if i dont

20.) Do you play any instruments? Which ones?

many (mostly piano and bass, with some fuckery in vocaloid and utau, but also guitar, alto sax, and minimal drums)

21.) What are your favourite pieces to play on your instruments?

piano- nonsense speaker by sasanomaly ft miku

bass- its warmer in the basement by cobra starship, or this riff i wrote a while ago

vocaloid- despite it being an instrument idr consider using vocaloid the same as playing something like a guitar. im working (as have been having executive dysfunction over and subsequent guilt) on a cover of when the first love ends by ryo with utatane piko (also yes i pirated vocaloid. you think a 16 year old without a license has that kinda money???)

22.) Which are your least favourite pieces to play on your instruments?

piano- idk i fuckin love piano

bass- scales

23.) What’s one of your favourite song lyrics?

"Boy, you like to play the martyr, but if I pray a little harder If I close the window and come back here when I'm not so sober If I said it plainly, not in riddle rhymes all cagey Would you answer with a smile made of brackets, or look at me strangely?"

this is a homestuck fansong.

24.) What’s one of your favourite song lyrics from a musical (if you like them)?

https://genius.com/Newsies-ensemble-film-once-and-for-all-lyrics just take the whole song (yes the 1992 version)

25.) When do you listen to music most?

sleeping or during school

[ddumplingsmusic]

January 2021

First month of the new year!! Thank fucking GOD that 2020 is finally over, because i have had absolutely enough of that blasted year. it was not an easy month but since i have been knee-deep into danganronpa, i was able to fixate on that just long enough to make it through the month. this month’s picks seem kind eclectic; lots of japanese songs, some darker-themed songs, some old bangers... it seems i was just about everywhere and nowhere at once haha. Here’s to February!!

song this month: 9 + 1 album

Take a Slice - Glass Animals (xxx)

tiktok has a knack of finding really cool bops and beats. after all, it’s where i found this song! the part that gets the biggest rep is the outro but i feel the rest of the song deserves some love too! it’s got a really funky bassline and the instrumentals are nothing i’ve heard before so it definitely caught my attention

Greek Tragedy - The Wombats (xxx)

it actually took me a few listens to really begin enjoying the song. it was out of my typical music taste but i actually quite enjoyed listening to this song! not to mention the music video was quite... something

i actually found this song through the Oliver Nelson Remix (soundcloud/spotify) and can i say this remix is so fucking groovy like jeez, it’s hard not to bop along to the music

Kago no Naka - Masuda Toshio (xxx)

mushishi is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, animes that i have had the honor of watching; very supernatural but also very serene. it features a soundtrack that is absolutely mesmerizing and perfectly encapsulates the tranquility that comes with the series, this piece is no exception. i’d say i highly recommend watching this series if you haven’t already!!

Dancing Queen - ABBA (xxx)

whenever i feel down in the dumps, i always find myself listening to this song at least once. i guess you could say it’s a comfort song of mine. given that the beginning of this month was a very hard and depressive time for me (from a family member getting COVID, emergency hospital visit, and a really bad family spat), i definitely listened to this song a whole bunch. it’s an oldie but definitely a goodie

glow - keeno ft. Hatsune Miku (xxx)

there’s something about all the songs in keeno’s album In the Rain that invoke a sort of comforting melancholy in me and i always catch myself coming back to this song in particular. i’m not sure what it is about this song but the way it progresses, the timbre of Miku’s voice against the seemingly harsh instrumental bring about some sort of pain that comforts me somehow (talk about contradictions). it’s been especially on my mind this month due to the things going on in life rn

Class of 2013 - Mitski (xxx)

is it really a breakdown episode without a Mitski song thrown into the mix? not to me! i recently came across this song after i found that one spotify playlist that ranked mitski songs based on sadness and wow... i love how absolutely raw Mitski’s vocals are in this song and after reading into the nuances of the lyrics just... dang... i felt that shit in my bones

見せかけのラブソング (Fake Love Song) - Indigo la End (xxx)

this song is really nice to listen to! i especially love the vocalist’s gentle, smooth timbre and the instrumentation is sublime! it’s got that chill-esque vibe that makes me keep coming back to listen to it!

Inuyasha Soundtrack - Kaoru Wada (xxx)

i have always been obsessed with the Inuyasha soundtrack and since i recently found the OST on Spotify, i’ve been freaking hooked. i especially love how Inuyasha’s, Kagome’s, and Kikyo’s themes are utilized throughout the soundtrack while still maintaining their unique melodic themes

my favorite pieces have to be either Aika or Hiun no Miko Kikyo because there’s just something about a somber flute or a longing erhu that really speak to me ahhhhh it’s just so good (i could go on forever just gushing about pieces that use erhu but that’s for another post (; )

Moth to a Flame - Memorial (xxx)

i came across this song from Lucy Rose (my FAVORITE artist) bc she was promoting a new debut group Memorial from her record label, Real Kind Records

i’m not too sure what genre this song would fall under (i’ve never been one to pay attention to genre when listening to music) but their integration of soft brass into this acoustic-sounding song is just a nice touch; i really recommend giving it a listen!!

((maybe it’s folk? some form of indie??))

Four Seasons - Namie Amuro (xxx)

when i tell you i went absolutely feral upon finding this song on spotify after years of searching for any full recording of this song, i absolutely lost it

this song was the ending track to the 3rd inuyasha movie and for some reason it has stuck with me so strongly even after years of not watching the movie itself. maybe it’s just a nostalgia factor but i just think this song is so beautiful

there’s this continuous zither melody playing (at least i think it’s a zither) throughout the song and i think that just adds to the charm of the song

i recently got really invested in danganronpa again, (specifically with kiyotaka ishimaru & mondo owada and subsequently, their ship) so there’s been a shift in the songs i listened to this month but i don’t think that transferred over to my monthly playlist. i also spent a good chunk of the month working on a post i posted on my dr sideblog which required me to listen to a whole bunch of instrumental pieces so that also swayed me into choosing the pieces i chose for this month

[theday]

30 song tag! thank you for tagging me @astrofireworks this looks super fun ;-0

rules: answer all questions then tag 3 people you follow and 3 the whole fucking world people that follow you that you want to get to know better.

1. a song you like with a colour in the title? almost said coloured by astro lmao but dark blue - jack’s mannequin

2. a song you like with a number in the title? 12 through 15 - mayday parade

3. a song that reminds you of summer? breathless - astro (its the title track for summer vibes how could i not)

4. a song that reminds you of someone you’d rather forget? hm theres no one that affects me that negatively but i guess any 1d song?? live while we’re young maybe?

5. a song that needs to be played out loud? lean on me - day6 any of day6′s rock songs tbh

6. a song that makes you want to dance? .......... was gonna do dance dance but lets try nd keep this to one artist per question hdhdhjd shut and dance - walk the moon

7. a song to drive to? hhhhhhhh i automatically thought of im serious bc they were in a Car but,, i like me better - lauve solely bc i kept hearing it play on the radio

8. a random song you first think of? i wanted 2 put this alongside the sad song but since i hadnt answered this yet goodbye winter - day6 hehe i broke my own damn rule but who cares day6 have over 30 songs u cant expect me to not have one for each question like..... its day6

9. a song that makes you happy? from zero - monsta x it cheers me up and whenever it comes on shuffle i smile tm

10. a song that makes you sad? well. every day6 song since all brian writes are break up songs ;-/ but i loved you especially.... also jet black heart - 5sos if i wanna b diverse here if you don’t know kills me too

11. a song you will never get tired of? fuck diversity all in - monsta x its one of the few songs i dont skip OH ACTUALLY,, check yes juliet - we the kings

12. a song from your past? huh... girlfriend - avril lavigne (wdym its been 8 years omg....) i never kno how 2 spell her last name and fireflies - owl city (this was 8 years ago too??>>C>>DS?S?/)

13. a song that’s sexy? LMAO crazy sexy cool idk hm... how .. long...?????hDGHGHHGDHGGDS IDK!!!! theres this song my friend recommended me 2 listen 2 its called hatefuck by cruel youth so i guess that idk im a whole shrug emoji on this one

14. a song you’d love to be played at your wedding? oh..... oh w0rmth.. honestly ?? sekai wa koi ni ochiteru - chico with honeyworks

15. a song you’re currently obsessed with? hm..,,, rewrite the stars - zendaya and the guy from hsm

16. a song you used to love but now hate? i wouldnt go as far as to say hate but most says i listen to get skipped by me whenever im on shuffle sodhjhdhjs?? everything??? theres no real song i hate i like everything

17. a song you’d sing a duet with at karaoke? im laughuhfdjhfjhjs please one time i went to the karaoke with friends and shouted the lyrics to i need u - bts and some other songs so that maybe??

19. a song that makes you think about life? wow thats deep ! idk there isnt any but i like listening to ghost rule - deco*27 (ft. miku) while dissociating its like netflix and chill expect theres no netflix just a lot of chill oh another one; never lost word - jin (this one is rly good ok)

20. a song that has many meanings to you? h..... northern downpour - panic! at the disco bc its the first song.. this one buddy of mine recommended me,, 

21. a song you think everyone should listen to? beautiful - wannaone

22. a song by a group you still wish was together? ah. aoi shiori - galileo galilei

23. a song that makes you want to fall in love? you had me @ hello - a day to remember 

24. a song that breaks your heart? like we used to - the rose oh man this one too the way sou sings this like my wig and me r both cryig? 

25. a song with amazing vocals? i like you - day6

26. a song with amazing rap? HAHAHHDDHGSGHDGH dramarama - monsta x also sing me - day6 (live vid bc the feeling you get is insane) dont say goodbye baby like miss a ! omg watching that vid of day6 made mehjfghdhhgs i miss them here’s another vid that goes straight to brian’s rap

27. a song that makes you smile? memory - direct (mr fijiwiji remix) alternatively, death of a strawberry - dance gavin dance

28. a song that makes you feel good about yourself? hjhhdjhjd theres none so heres a song i like :D メトロノーム - kenshi yonezu

29. a song that you would dedicate to you and your best friend/mutual/someone close to you? my day - day6 everyone is my day,,, (baby you’re beautiful) and say wow (because all of you make me say wow)

30. a song that reminds you of yourself? i know.. i know i keep doing day6 but hjhjhjdhdh!!!!!! better better - day6 also i bring the weather with me - the amity affliction 

and that concludes the end i know ppl wont check the songs out (no problem!) but linking is fundhfdhgdghhfg anyway taggin @tokayhk and @wonhoslisp alongisde @ilovedowoon @whonpil and @younghyuuns (myday mutuals try not 2 use a day6 song for every qn challenge)

vivi thank u so much for tagging m this was ?? rly an experience i love it :-D

[masked-disciple]

1, 6, 12, 14, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 49, 55, 78, 84, 86, 94?

Gonna stick it under a readmore because Long.

1. Spotify, SoundCloud, or Pandora?

Soundcloud if I must, otherwise Youtube and ListenonRepeat all the way. Plus an audio downloader because I am currently one of very few people who have a Teto/Miku duet cover of Hirari, Hirari- because I was smart enough to download it before it got taken off Youtube. It’s an amazing cover. If I knew who made it, I’d reupload it and credit them. If you want it for listening-only purposes, let me know and I’ll pass over a link.

6. describe your personality in 3 words or less

Murder, motorcycles, and mischief.

12. what size bed do you have?

I think mine’s a twin. It’s just large enough for two small people to cuddle.

14. if you can live anywhere in the world where would it be? why?

Ehh, maybe a bit more downtown from where I currently am. Well, we’re not currently a dumpster fire of a country, my second cousin’s the prime minister, I know where I am and I generally enjoy my home region, and despite having one of the highest living costs in the world (we’re top three, maybe in first or second?), it’s a pretty great place.

But let’s be honest here. I’d live anywhere if you were with me.

25. what color socks are you wearing?

Currently, I am not wearing any socks, because I just showered and have yet to put on pajamas, thus I am wearing only a bathrobe for the warmth. But I was wearing white socks. I don’t actually own socks of any other color.

26. how many pillows do you sleep with?

I have three up on my bed, but two are just filled with cotton balls and are not much more substance than a very thin, folded blanket. I would love about eight, so I can adjust them as required and roll over as much as I want.

30. whats your favorite candle scent?

I would usually say strawberry, but grape is apparently the smell of Chaos, so we’re going with that. I had no idea until my parents bought me a grape candle. I am never letting go of it.

31. 3 favorite boy names

Kiril, Ashley, Iban. Yours is a given, but the other two are just masculine names I very much enjoy. Ashley just sounds pretty good for a guy, and Iban is still very close to my heart and deserves the respect.

32. 3 favorite girl names

Delilah, Kiera, Seren. Delilah is just pretty, though like everyone else I learned of its existence from the Plain White Ts. Kiera is the name of the protagonist of a fic that actually got me into writing (alongside Dawn, which although being a romance, is very good and is actually the reason I started writing in the first place, so shoutout to @khayr for writing it even though she’s done it three whole times now and never finished it once. :p ) Seren is both the name of the crystalline goddess from RuneScape, and Drakath’s (and Exos’, and the Avatar’s) daughter, who is probably still living with Travon for her own safety.

I decided to exclude the names of Mil and the Princess, because those are obviously favourites.

49. what was the last compliment you received?

Your goodnight message, which when viewed alone, is very sappy. I would’ve just posted a screenshot but idk if you’re chill with that, but you know what I’m talking about and thinking about it outside of context is just Jeez, That’s Sappy. Which is fine by me, I like sappy.

55. what is your dream job?

Ideally? I worldbuild shit for a fantasy game. I want to do anything but plot. Let me worldbuild and help design characters and all that cool stuff. I’d also like some input on gameplay if some things don’t make sense. But mostly worldbuilding, because worldbuilding plotholes are effing awful.

Realistically? Probably a therapist or software engineering manager. Something that I can be productive about. The latter would be pretty nice in the gaming industry, but let’s be honest here, it’s probably not going to happen.

78. do you sleep with your door open or closed?

Closed. Curtains also closed. All lights must be off, or blocked off by an object. If I can tell the difference visually between closed eyes and opened eyes, it’s not dark enough. 

Unless I’m really tired, in which case catch me on the floor without having turned off my lamp or computer and probably not anything else.

84. chocolate or rainbow sprinkles?

Rainbow, since I only ever get sprinkles on donuts and Timmy’s doesn’t have chocolate sprinkles. Regardless, I’d take rainbow.

86. what is your phone background?

Just a picture of a side street + stone staircase in what looks to be rural Japan. Wooden houses, right beside the woods, cobblestone street with shops on either end. I’ll probably change it sometime soon, I just like pretty things.

94. favorite lyrics right now?

“I can see a rainbowIn your tears as they fall on downI can see your soul growThrough the pain as they hit the groundI can see a rainbowIn your tears as the sun comes outAs the sun comes out”

-Rainbow, by SIA. From the new MLP movie, which I refuse to watch in anything but in segments on Letupita725HD*’s channel, because wow was Twilight out of character and was the plot kind of awful.

I literally don’t understand why the other princesses are always so useless, and Twilight’s the last person (er, pony) to steal shit. She knows friendship. Fuck, she learned from fucking Discord of all people that friendship is shit you don’t give up on. One thing goes wrong - the very same damn thing that happened with Tirek and Discord and Nightmare Moon and Sombra and Crysalis (twice) - and suddenly she forgets everything she’s learned since season 1 episode 2. Like??? Stealing the pearl??? What the fuck?? I get it from a writing perspective- makes Tempest foil Twilight, shows Twilight what she’ll be if she continues being a little bitch. But it’s also a complete disgrace to her character.

That and you know, they did the rest of the main recurring characters a definite disgrace. Tempest was literally the only decent character. Pinkie was decently done, but took up way too much of the spotlight. Rarity, well- haven’t seen most of Capper since I know he’s a little bitch and the secondhand embarrassment’s a lot- but she does stuff. Rainbow does the thing with the pirates. But Applejack and Fluttershy are virtually useless the entire movie, which is upsetting.

Not gonna go too much into the new characters, since I haven’t seen most of the pirate stuff and Capper. Queen Novo’s kind of rude but I guess it makes sense? She comes around. Skystar’s uhhhh. Yeah I dunno why she kept talking to shells when there’s an entire queendom. Right there.

Anyway the movie was just an hour long finale and I was hugely disappointed with it, but the songs were awesome and I really like SIA’s song.

[korekiyo-unfortunately]

I listened to all of these in full and judged them open-mindedly based on lyrics, music, and the way Glitch listens to them.

Dogdog by Abuse-ken

Starting strong with the edgiest thing I have ever listened to. He doesn't even do it justice by singing it emotionally. It sounds boring, even if the lyrics sort of make up for it. I hate the way Miku is tuned here

Wanting to Die in My Teens, Wanting to Kill in My Twenties by Nashimoto

Very catchy. I'm not a fan of Nashimoto's tuning either, but it does have the benefit of being recognizable. Not to my taste, but the most Glitch song that I think will ever exist

Christ by Abuse-ken

I don't hold enough religious trauma to fully appreciate this. The shitty tuning can be ignored purely for the growl effects Miku gets. Definitely Abuse's best song, Ote is cute. Cannot tell you how ballistic Glitch goes about the post-chorus

I Dunno I Dunno by Ghost

He gets gender envy from this? It's kind of catchy in parts I guess. Just kind of. Meh

Distoartion by Abuse-ken

80% of this song is meaningless filler bullshit. It is entirely too long, and lowkey annoying. Even the good parts are Abuse's usual standard of just throwing in the edgiest lyrics he can think of, which are in the same genre every time

Chop Suey by System of a Down

I'm sorry. Mid. The bridge is okay?? I think he's just into it for loud + religious trauma but that does not excuse this

The Mind Elelctric by Miracle Music

This song belongs to Kurogiri and Kurogiri only idc if it gives you gender envy Glitch. That aside, I really like this song, it does some really cool things

Take Me to Church by Hozier

I am the only one listening to this song correctly fuck you you're not even attracted to anyone you bitch come back when you like people the way I like my sister

Spoiler Alert by R.I.P.

R.I.P. my beloved <33 It's definitely got vibes, but I wouldn't listen to it regularly. It just makes me sing the part of the song playing and then feel cut off when it changes

I'll Throw My Emotions Away by R.I.P.

This one's only on here because it's one of Mono's favorites, which is a little sad now that they're mad at each other. But. Very good song, it's very pretty and the lyrics are pretty good, especially considering they're not fluent in Japanese

What Gave It Away by R.I.P.

One of the few R.I.P. songs I'm meh on. Glitch stop trying to be scary it's making you look like a try-hard. Took me a while to like but it has its place ig

Choke by I Don't Know How But They Found Me

Edgy bitch must-have. It is good though. Very fun to sing and also reminds me of our friend so that's a plus (hi Sawyer)

Class of 2013 by Mitski

Of course he prefers this version. I don't hold enough mommy issues to appreciate this one. Kind of annoying as a song, but good for if I wanted to cry about my mom I guess. The original song is kind of mid too

A Pearl by Mitski

Glitch stole another song from my playlist he made his first 🙄🙄🙄 But yea,,, it be like that thank you Mitski. Fits us in different ways. Very pretty to listen to

Jealous by Eyedress

This song sucks ass and I associate it with our worst year of seasonal depression (yet, knock on wood). He doesn't even try to sing. The music is nice I guess, but not good enough to save the song

Bakrom by Hiragi Kirai

Very autistic about our made-up lore for this one. It's so catchy. The visuals are so cool. Vesper gives me such gender envy. The tuning is both good and rexognizable

I Can't Handle Change by Roar

Our mom put this on repeat when we were like 6-10 years old so it literally just gives us flashbacks. This song was playing the first time our sister kissed me so there's that. Why is this here. I guess it'd be alright if not for the sinking dread it puts in my stomach, but not good by any means outside of the opening instrumental

Blackout by Azari

Banger. I like the cutoff at the end even if it upsets me a little. Nothing too exciting, but pretty good

Over My Head by The Fray

Another song our mom looped, I think Glitch just likes marinating in shit. /hj It's alright I guess. Kind of mellodramatic, but it is Glitch's playlist so. Better than the Roar one

Gimme x Gimme by Giga

We stan horny lesbians. Very catchy. If I wasn't horribly sex repulsed I'd probably rate it higher but it's not too bad. Stresses me out because I'm bad at one part of this beatmap on proseka

An Idiot's Drug by Nashimoto

My favorite Nashimoto song. We have never been addicted to drinking, but very kinnable if you apply it to unhealthy coping mechanisms/addictions in general. -Gestures at my blog- he's just like me fr. So catchy

Bother by Stone Sour

Another fucking flashback-inducing song I refuse to listen to this one it's mid anyway

Fruiting Bodies by R.I.P.

Legally obligated to like. Love the mushroom body horror. I didn't think Glitch liked this one

I so desperately want to bully people's music tastes but that would be rude because I am a pretentious hipster bitch

[welcometomy20s]

June 14, 2022

VOCALOID LEGENDS - 2016 Part 4

Very good and important songs in this part of the list.

#264 - Yurufuwa Jukai Girl (Ishifuro) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 16-07-15, Upload Date: 11-10-14

Really fun song in my opinion, well the lyrics are very dour but it’s an odd song with a pretty rocking beat and the tuning is, I guess, pretty fluffy! Kind of fits this very hot summer they are having in Japan, although… I guess that’s already spoiled.

#265 - Vocaloids Repeating Two Chords Only (GYARI) [Rin, Len, Miku]

Achievement Date: 16-07-16, Upload Date: 15-08-15

A song to kind of wash over, since this is the first of three symphonic pieces from good old GYARI, all of which go for more than twenty minutes. And yes, it has been listened to a million times, in just under a year, one of the few songs in 2015 to achieve this feat. Definitely set the standard for GYARI’s song later on, it’s a fun ride for sure. 

#266 - Idola Circus (Neru) [Kagamine Rin]

Achievement Date: 16-07-18, Upload Date: 13-05-03

Another early Neru classic. Kind of laid back for a Neru song, although the lyrics are still bitter and satirical as they have ever been. I think this song showed the audience that Neru can branch from the Teddy Bear / Lost One style hard rock.

#267 - Checkmate (Yuusha) [GUMI]

Achievement Date: 16-07-24, Upload Date: 12-04-22

Yuusha is known for good old straight rock, and all three of his songs on the list have something to do with common table games, which is interesting. It’s not part of a series or anything, this song is basically ‘ah, I lost, let’s get serious’... make sense.

#268 - Buriki no Dance (Hinata Denko) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 16-07-27, Upload Date: 13-03-10

One of the absolute classics. Hinata Denko’s odd, almost incomprehensible lyrics combined with a frantic rock with those rising synths makes this song a great listen. Probably most famous for its vocal covers, although the original has its share of fans. Shame Hinata Denko has no other songs, although that might change soon.

#269 - Goodbye Chainsaw (Wada Takeaki) [Yuzuki Yukari]

Achievement Date: 16-08-01, Upload Date: 12-04-24

The reason Yukari’s symbol is a chainsaw! Takeaki’s first hit, and one of Yukari’s entries into the VOCALOID scene. Kind of harks to his newer songs, as evidenced by his older song featured way down the list. It really brings Yukari just tearing everything to shreds with a chainsaw with the sheer exhilaration and horror of the sight. 

#270 - Patchwork Staccato (toa) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 16-08-01, Upload Date: 14-06-12

Toa’s first entry and his most famous song. Not sure it’s indicative of their songs, but it’s a distinctive song. One of the songs which sounds cute, but it’s really a very painful break-up or love that never got started at all. I think this song might be my take for the most dissonant song on VOCALOID oeuvre that doesn’t go over the line.

#271 - Alien Alien (Nayutan Seijin) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 16-08-03, Upload Date: 16-04-05

The song that put Nayutan Seijin on the list of majors. And you’re in luck, because he is one of the very few who have all of their songs on this list. I would consider this his standard, although he has made plenty of songs before this. Vaguely enka-like, lot of space puns and just very distinctive PV and delivery. It’s very unique.

#272 - Hurting for a Very Hurtful Pain (EZFG) [VY2, VY1]

Achievement Date: 16-08-13, Upload Date: 12-01-10

The song is about the pain of being with others, a trance song quickly detailing and emoting the pain of existences and relationships… and you read the description and it turns out it’s about a mouth ulcer. Yeah, one of the few reverse tricks in VOCALOID music. But the EZFG’s iconic fast-paced trance and use of VY1 and VY2 and the white-on-black PV makes the song pretty iconic, if a bit underrated. 

#273 - Dappou Rock (Neru) [Kagamine Len]

Achievement Date: 16-08-20, Upload Date: 16-06-19

One of the three major hits of 2016, and the songs birthed the funk era of Neru. One of the major changes that did not diminish his fame, there are quite a few songs from his later period on this list as well. One thing that did not change is the depressing lyrics, this song basically is about a person fed up with life and ready to leave. And, yes, this song is very good, Neru’s turn was surprising but it was very successful here.

#274 - Vocaloids Only Repeat Two Chords Yelling "tettey-terettey" (GYARI) [Rin, Len, Yukari, Miku, Luka]

Achievement Date: 16-08-26, Upload Date: 15-12-30

And this is the second, and it took even less time. Amazing. Song that previews his later song as he evolved into his second series, with the ‘tettey-terettey’ being the impetus for him to involve other sounds in later songs. This is just twenty minutes, but there are more parts and structure to this song, just a lot of stuff going on, and it’s all good.

#275 - Ima Suki ni Naru (HoneyWorks) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 16-08-29, Upload Date: 14-11-25 

This kind of a center of the sprawling HoneyWorks Confession story, so the story really gets complicated here. It’s about like the girl who likes the boy from the last song, but he goes to confess this other girl, and the friends have their problems as well… Yeah, it’s the Miku song, but I think she kind of got the short stick there, honestly.

[cantusecho-archive]

“Hrm, is she late? No, she’s never late. Did I miss her? She would have called right?” There were so many people here, which made it difficult to see her friend among the crowd. She was the one that invited her here, so she’d be here first, right? Hibiki checked her watch one more time, seeing how it’s been about twenty minutes since she arrived. Her parents made sure to drop her off early so they’d find some good seats and beat the rush. But maybe she should get in line---

“Hibiki!” Guess she got her answer. Turning, a huge grin formed on her lips.  “Hey, Miku, over here!”

She seemed excited at least.

“Sorry, sorry.” She apologized once they stood in line. “I ended up in the wrong line, my father got confused. Anyway, excited?” “Yeah!” Hibiki grinned. “Even though I don’t know them, haha.” “Trust me, you’ll have a blast. Remember the songs I had you listen to?”

Of course she did! They were filled with so much excitement that Hibiki bopped her head without knowing a single lick of lyrics. Her eyes went to look at the posters strewn about.

‘Zwei Wing, huh?’  Before this, she really never heard of them before. How did Miku find out about them? Simple curiosity? Probably.  For what felt like forever standing in line didn’t actually take that long and before they knew it, both teenagers stood near the stop overlooking the stadium. Either Hibiki was nervous or excited, but it traveled to her fingers, causing them to shake. Looking over at Miku showed that her arms were shaking instead; maybe that’s where her nerves went.

But she grabbed her hand, or they tried at the same time, before finding some good enough seats that were not too high, but close to the stage. There would be plenty of chances to see them up close due to the TV screens plastered around but nothing like the live experience, right? “They even give us glow sticks! This will be exciting!” Miku beamed, waving them around before they even started to glow. Actually, there weren’t too many people right now and they seemed to be setting up. Or maybe they were cleaning.

Either way, it took no time for the stadium to start filling up, people crowding inside, making noise and showing their excitement just as much as they were. “What song are they singing, by the way? Is it the same one you got me to listen to?” Miku pondered for a while, lightly shaking her head. “I think they’ll be singing Orbital Beat, but this is a concert so they’ll sing a lot more than that. Probably the one you heard too.”

Ah, right. That’s how concerts normally worked. More and more people began to fill the seats and soon enough, the concert was beginning. Flashes of light danced around the stage and soon a plethora of feathers began to fall. Music flooded the arena which soon melded with the screams and cheers of the people around them.

“Look! There they are!” Miku pointed towards the two figures in the distance, both decked out in blue and red respectively. Like she was reading her mind, Miku directed her attention to the two and spoke. “The blue one is Kazanari Tsubasa and in the red is Amou Kanade.” “Right, right.” Hibiki nodded, carefully ingraining their names and appearances in her mind.

As the concert continued, Hibiki felt her throat getting sore. Miku was thrilled, hopping up and down beside her as she sang along. Hibiki didn’t know the songs just yet, but she was practically doing the same thing. Miku’s energy, the music and all the energy of people around them fed into her, getting her ready to keep screaming even if her voice went hoarse.

‘So this is a concert. It’s amazing! Every part of me is tingling from excitement!’ 

When they had an intermission, Miku looked her way with a smile. “Having fun?” “Yes!” Hibiki immediately answered. “We should go to more concerts together! They’re so awesome too!” “Hehe, I’m glad you like them. I was a bit worried on your thoughts, but I can see I didn’t have anything to worry about.” “No, no of course not!”

Hibiki could only imagine more concerts they could attend. Maybe they’d run into another group they liked and could share that as well. It was fun, all these ideas passing through her mind. “Thanks for inviting me! I’m so glad you did!” Miku chuckled lightly. “Thank you.” 

Hibiki didn’t know why Miku was thanking her; she was the one that invited her. The ground suddenly shook underneath their feet. “Eh? Are they about to sing again?” “I don’t think---”

There was a sudden influx of screaming people but they weren’t filled with joy. Instead, they sounded like agonizing and pained screams, the explosion coming seconds before being the sole reason for it.

“Wh-What’s going on!?” “Was that an explosion!?” “A bomb!? We need to get out!”

Voices all around them began to panic, pushing and shoving their way to the nearest exit. Which in turn forced Miku and Hibiki to move along with the crowd, Hibiki feeling herself being shoved against all sorts of people and banging her bare legs on the chairs. She heard mentions of the ‘Noise’ as well but...how? Were they actually here?

The sound of ‘whizzing’ flew past her, and more screaming flooded her eardrums. “Th-There really is Noise here!” Someone yelled out, still shoving as they tried to get out. Hibiki immediately fell to her knees the second she got to a more open area with steps. People still ran around her, some almost even stepping on her hands.  “H-Hibiki!” Miku’s voice somehow rang through the chaos, forcing her to look up and search around. “Miku! Where are you?” They were together the whole time, even as they were being pushed out, yet Miku ended further up the stairway, fighting her way through the people before getting to her. Hibiki tried standing to meet her halfway, only to stumble due to a sharp pain in her leg. 

“What’s wrong?!” Miku was in front of her now, trying to help her up before noticing the blood on her knee. “I-I don’t know, maybe I...banged my knee somewhere...” It hurt, but she had to try leaving, right? She didn’t want to die. “A-Alright, lean on me, I’ll---” What felt like another explosion rocked the stadium, some of the people behind them still trying to find an exit suddenly falling to the ground below. Miku yelled something, Hibiki didn’t know what, before they both fell with the unsuspecting people. 

Ears ringing, Hibiki pushed herself up, noticing Miku lying down not too far away. Despite the pain in her knee, which oddly began to start going away, she crawled her way over to her. “M-Miku?” Her eyes were closed but she was still breathing, right? When she tried lifting her up, she felt a sticky substance on the palm of her hand.

‘Blood?’ Her fingers shook as she held Miku’s head. “H-Hey, Miku!” She didn’t respond, and even shaking her didn’t help. Hibiki glanced around, seeing the Noise continue to create havoc on the people still left down here, erasing them as if they never existed. Her chest heaved up and down, like she could never catch her breath before looking back at her friend. “Miku! Wake up!” 

The screams had stopped but singing soon took its place. Wait...singing? Just as the Noise were destroying people, they themselves were being destroyed.  “Zwei...Wing?” 

Of course it was Zwei Wing. Kazanari Tsubasa. Amou Kanade.

Her eyes slowly opened, grass tickling the skin of her cheek. The voices of those two were blasting in her eardrums, melting into perfect harmony of those glorious days. Hibiki’s first instinct were to rip them out; why did she even bother keeping these songs? Her hand reached out to grab the wire connecting them but stayed there without doing anything for a few more seconds.

She could see a smile. Was it hers? The people around her? ‘Can’t be mine.’ No, it’s not. ‘Can’t be theirs.’ Hibiki curled her lips into a frown, biting the inside of her cheek. ‘I’m glad you’re having fun, Hibiki.’

“Yes, just belie--!”

Her hands yanked out the earbuds, not even caring the wire itself flung a good distance away from her. After a few seconds, her eyes took a glance around, noticing a few stares from fellow students. This was to be expected; they never knew to mind their own business anyway. Whispers, giggling, concerned or weird stares---that’s all they ever gave her.

It’s second nature. Hibiki slowly grabbed her earbuds, turning the player off before stuffing it in her pocket. Her hands rubbed the top of her head, fixing her hair or getting any loose blades of grass that clung to her. Classes were over, so she originally planned to simply wait while everyone left, but she obviously fell asleep instead. Even taking a nap didn’t make these people leave fast enough.

“Hey, uhm, Tachibana?” She heard what sounded like a squeaky voice calling out her name only to catch a glimpse of some random girl she barely recognized. “What?”

The girl either didn’t expect her stern reply back or none at all if her expression was anything to consider. “A-Ah, well, I just thought that I...should tell you that...you...dropped something earlier. And I...wanted to give it back to you...” Her constant pausing and stuttering was a dead giveaway too.

What she held in her hand looked like a book, but what it detailed was concerts and idols.  ‘Right....’ As she reached out, another person interrupted, pulling the girl aside to make her further away for Hibiki to take it. “What are you doing talking to this girl?” The boisterous voice spoke out. “I-I was just...” “Did you do something to her!? You did, didn’t you!?” “N-No, that’s---!”

Hibiki kept her eyes on the girls, not saying a single thing. “Quiet, huh? I bet you would after knocking someone out. Don’t want to get in trouble again, wouldn’t you? Or are you scared?”

More silence. The boisterous girl took the book out of the squeaky girl’s hand, looking it over as if she’s never seen a book before. “What’s this? No way this could be hers. Why read about concerts?” It was clear enough why she bothered to stress that word so clearly.

“R-Really, that’s not---” “You don’t have to make excuses. We all have to watch our backs around this murderer.”  Hibiki clenched her teeth down out of annoyance, glaring right in the girl’s direction. This girl sure was snarky with her comments, which in turn only continued to piss her off. “Haha! There it is!”

They only did it to get a reaction out of her, then blame her for the entire situation. The fight wasn’t even her fault; the enticed her. After so many years of harassment, she simply used her fists. Did she like it? Not at all. In fact, she hated hitting people. But did it work? Yes. Some people started to physically leave her alone, but it didn’t mean so much mentally. 

This girl was one of them; talked so much smack yet scared the minute she stood up. Hibiki wasn’t in the mood to pretend satisfied in her fear, however. “Wh-What?!”

She didn’t speak. Instead, she turned away and began to walk away. “W-Wait! Tachibana, what about your---!” “...I don’t care. Keep it..” 

“Ha, don’t worry about it. She’s running away. Maybe we’ll burn it.”

That made her seeth more as their voices faded into the background for them to be replaced by unknown voices instead. “Why won’t they leave me alone!?” She yelled under her breath. Why wouldn’t everything leave her alone? Music, memories, people---why did she continue to bother even going? Her fingers shook but she shoved them within her pockets.

Even as she stood there in anger, ready to yell out her frustration, her expression soon softened.  “Why won’t they...?”  Help? Too late for that. Alone? They helped plenty in that regard.

‘...I’m tired of being alone...’

But it was the safest place.