Yui’s Love & Truth and Angela Aki’s Today

I’ve just added Today from Angela Aki as well. 26/9/07

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Tokyo Jihen’s album Variety is out really soon. The first two single releases were really great appetizers to this highly anticipated album, lets hope it’s not served cold…as i’m really expecting hot hot rock Shiina.

Good for Arsenal, Bad for Chelsea as the first scored 5 with an outstanding performance from Fabregas, while Chelsea did poorly against Manchester United. Of course the latter were against a much stronger team, and given the controversy,the sending off of Obi Mikel and the not-so-deserved penalty to Louis Saha. I really pity Chelsea, as they really seem aimless now, not the game last night, but as a whole. The news stated that the club was in a mess, and the payout to Mourinho included a ‘keep-your-mouth’ condition on the things that were happening behind the cameras and media. Moreover , I hear Abramovich is giving football strategies now…good thing is my second favourite coach in the world may actually take over as Chelsea’s manager, Marcelo Lippi. Cool guy that fella, always with a cigarette in his mouth. Oh well, we’ll just have to see how it goes.

Yui – Love and Truth

This is the theme song for the movie Closed Note, starring Erika Sawajiri. I have not post much stuff on Yui but she’s gaining quite an audience in Japan. This song is not too bad, I got the lyrics from Jpop. I like her other single Cherry, the one where she walks in this cartoon world with her guitar. She also starred in Taiyou no uta, which she sang, Goodbye Days and I’ll remember you (i think), pardon my inaccuracies. I did however watch the Erika’s version which was a jdrama one…erm,totally predictable japanese dramas, terminal disease, forbidden love (well almost), tainted past…the works. Well, like i said earlier this one is pretty ok and i’m sure some folks will like it…and for a better effect the song always sound better when it is featured in a movie and they play it several times where the situation precludes.

Download : Yui – Love & Truth mp3

Download : Yui – My Generation (acoustic version) mp3

Lyrics

Konna ni omotteiru chikau wa tomattekurenai
Karappa no kokoro wa anata no kimochi wo mada mitsukerarenai

Onaji e wo ni doto egaku koto wa dekinai no ni
Atashi no kanjou wa tada kurikaeshite bakari

“Ai no uta” wo kikasete yo sono yokogao mistumeta
Anata no koto shiritai yo mou deatte shimatta yo

Donna ni sabishikutemo mata eeru kigashiteiru kara
Ryuunante iranai ikikasenai koto wo shitteiru

Kono mama ja wasuremono ni natte shimau deshou?
Atashi no kanjou wa namida no oku kagayaita

“Ai no uta” wo kikasete yo sono yokogao sono saki ni
Anata ga ima mitsumeteru hito ga iru to wakattemo

Tsubasa wo kudasai to shinjite utau you ni atashi datte chikau yo
Kako mo zenbu ukeirerutte kimeta

“Ai no uta” wo kuchizusamu sono egao ni fureta ni
Anata ga ima mitsumeteru hito ga iru to wakattemo

“Ai no uta” wa owaranai mou deatte shimatta no
…owaranai…Love and Truth

English Translation

I’m thinking about you so much…time doesn’t stop for me
My empty heart still can’t find your feelings

I can never draw the same picture twice
But my emotions are just repeating over and over again

Let me listen to your “love song.” (1) I stared at your profile (2)
I want to know about you, now that I’ve met you

No matter how lonely I get, I have a feeling we’ll meet again
I don’t need a reason; I know I can’t turn back

With the way it is now (3), I’ll just become a part of your memory(4), right?
My emotions shone like the depths of tears…

Let me listen to your “love song.” Your profile…
I understand there’s a person you’re gazing at right in front of you but… (5)

Please give me wings and believe that, just as with this song (6), I swear
I’ve decided to accept all the past

I hum the “love song”…I want to touch your smiling face
Even though I know that there’s someone you’re gazing at

My “love song” never ends – I’ve already met you (7)
…It never will end…

Angela Aki – Today

Also out is Angela Aki’s newest album, Today. Single releases from this effort includes Tashika Ni (たしかに), Sakurairo (サクラ色) and Kodoku no kakera (孤独のカケラ). All of which were really good songs from Angela, suited to perfection to her style of singing and piano stomping. I have 2 of the songs mentioned above under the Angela Aki category, so do check it out. This album is very much like her older album, Home. Some fast numbers and more slow numbers that suits her much better. I have selected 2 songs from the album which i think are the best, from the first listen anyways. They are 友のしるし and One Melody. Fans of her previous chart topping hits will definitely agree with me. And yes, same ol boring cover again….

Download : Angela Aki – One Melody mp3

Download : Angela Aki – tomo no shirushi mp3

Download : Angela Aki – Today mp3

some of The Brilliant Green’s (ブリリアントグリーン)single hits

A little on Chelsea

Ah…the mighty special one, Jose Mourinho has finally left Chelsea football club. He will be dearly missed. To me, he brings life and energy to the league, I mean who has more hairstyles as a manager than him? He is rowdy yet distinguished , pompous yet humble (he walks out to the field and congratulates every player, his and the opponents), cool yet ecstatic (his mix reactions when his team scores) and just to me…one hell of a football manager. After him joining as coach, I don’t know whether if i’ve become a chelsea supporter or a mourinho supporter (I love it when he talks at post matches). I guess whatever it is, it made me love the club even more. The club had character, formidable and just enough firepower to take on any club out there. I have to admit though that i wished he played more attacking football. What happened to that club three years ago when it was basically indestructible? The defense, best in the league…nothing could go pass Terry, Carvalho and Cech… The foray, the creative, crafty Robben, Drogba, Lampard and Duff…

 

I guess after some time, no matter how good your coaching skills are, other coaches would figure a way to beat you, like Benitez of Liverpool…or jinx clubs like Aston Villa. But that doesn’t mean you have lost it. I remember last year when the Portugese papers exclaimed that Mourinho is in his darkest days. His reply to the media was, “I have 3 draws and they call it my darkest days.” I mean i couldn’t agree with him more, I mean give him a break, did Alex Ferguson achieved the treble in his first few years of coaching? Was Manchester Utd always Premier League Champions? How many times have they actually won the Champions League? I am not saying that Chelsea is better than Man Utd, all i’m saying is, despite pitfalls and disappointments, Alex Ferguson remains as one of the best coaches and managers that ENgland has ever seen. There will be ups and downs…in chelsea’s case, they are not too down now…bloody hell is just like the 6th game? with contentions in all competitions. So he has an attitude problem you say? He loves football, his passionate about his team…he knows his stuff…look at his achievement in Porto!! Not AC Milan not Real Madrid…but Porto…a minion football club in Portugal…ok pardon my english, but compared to the super rich clubs in Italy and Spain…We need attitude in this game, not owners telling how them how to run their club….if that’s the case you coach the team. If Shevchenko is not performing like he should then he does not belong in the starting line up…he was given chances time and time again, Kalou in my opinion is faster and creates more chance, which he gets only 20 minutes to prove himself, usually that is.

 

It is not easy to attract superstars if your coach has no experience. Grant? Come on… who doesn’t want to play attacking football, entertainers he says. But do remember, this wasn’t the style of play that how Italy won the world cup 4 times, not how Porto won the Champions League….Well, he is confirmed as permanent manager it seems. Ok, Lets give him a break as well.
Oh well, I don’ know much…just train of thoughts…I do hope the best for Chelsea, with all the expensive players in the team, they won’t do bad, that i’m very sure. Neither will Mourinho, 20 million pounds is freakin a lot of money…I just wished he stayed for another season at least…I really wanted him to win the champions league cup with Chelsea…

Sigh….

The Brilliant Green… ブリリアントグリーン

Regarded as the world’s top band in Time’s World’s top band, plus i see many of you clicking on the Stand By Me post,

Brilliant Green, JAPAN
A rock-’n'-roll trio—singer Tomoko Kawase and guitarists Shunsaku Okuda and Ryo Matsui—that creates ambiguously playful music. Key album: Los Angeles

I’ve decided to upload some of their older stuffs, single releases, that are wonderful to listen to. I guess this month is dedicated to comeback bands like Tokyo Jihen and The Brilliant Green. Ah the Brilliant Green, a band you can listen to even if you are not into japanese music, as simply it is very universal, if you like rock, indie, alternative and just something new and good, mind you, to listen to…somewhat infectious music? Try the downloads and see if you agree with me. Just bear in mind, melodic light rock tunes, not Rage Against the Machines. These singles can be found in their various albums, like their debut self-titled release, Terra2001, Los Angelese and The Winter Album. Basically, I picked out some of their best songs, of course i may have left out some. As you may already know, they play melodic rock songs and commands a certain amount of respect in the japanese music industry. I don’t really know who to compare it with in the Western World, but certainly i was wrong when i compared them with Shiina Ringo and Tokyo Jihen. Shiina’s song is darker, experimental and not for everybody as it gets a tad bit loud and angry for the conventional listener (and not many people appreciates her nasally voice like i do), Tomoko and gang on the other hand is more radio friendly, and would appeal to the masses, just some really good tunes to sing along to. Highly enjoyable. One of my favourite songs is Tsumetai Hana which really sound like an Oasis song…the opening at least which really resembles Don’t Look Back in Anger. Flower or hana, from the Winter Album, is a nice rock ballad as well. A song that you can fall in love immediately. And not forgeting angel song-イヴの鐘-, another gem from them and the 70s alike rock tune, Call my name. Tomoko sounds mighty fine singing in English…i love the lyrics..

“Call me baby, please baby, won’t you save me”…

Ah, there are just too much to describe and say about the songs, but what i have laid out here is just great tunes to have on your ipod or mp3 player…funky punky 70s style guitars, cool, willowy voice of Tomoko and just simple and so singable songs….i present you once more The Brilliant Green…(i’m trying not to use any puns…so you won’t see 2 Brilliants in a same sentence..)

Click here for Stand By Me and Gloomy Sunday

Download : The Brilliant Green – angel song-イヴの鐘- mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – そのスピードで mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Can’t Stop Cryin’ mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Flowers mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Forever to me mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Rainy Days Never Stay the Same mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Funny Girlfriend mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Brownie the cat~魅惑の猫ルーム mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – There will be love there-愛のある場所- mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – I’m So Sorry Baby mp3

Download : The Brilliant GReen – That Boy Waits for mE mp3

Download : The Brilliant Green – Tsumetai Hana mp3

Download : Call My Name mp3

Lyrics for Tsumetai Hana

Kizutsukeau kurai aishiteita
Yume wa zetsubou ni natta shiranu uchi ni
Sashikomu hikari ga sukima kaze ga
Nureta houhou ni itaku shimiiru you

Douse ashita to iu hi wa atte
Nanika ga mitashite yuku no itsu no hi ka
Konkyo no nai chiisa na atarashii yume
Te no hira ni kanjiteru no

I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better now…
Yurikago wo yusaburu kaze
I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better, yeah…
Furikaeru you ni yume kara sameta

Kiyoraka na kokoro de bu tsubushitai
Yume mo kibou mo suteta jibun no te de
Osoreteita mono nani dattakke sou
Ima wa mou wakaranai shiwakaritaku mo nai

Koko kara mata hi wa nobotte
Kono sora ni tsuusetsu ni nanika kanjitemo
Omoide to setsunaku katarao koto ga
Nan no yaku ni tatsutte yuu no

I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better now…
Taisetsu ni kowashitai
I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better, yeah
Tsumetai hana wo kerichirasu you ni

I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better now…
Yurikago wo yusaburu kaze
I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better, yeah…
Furikaeru you ni yume kara sameta

I’m feeling myself again

I’m feeling myself again
I’m feeling better, yeah…
Tsumetai hana wo kerichirasu you ni”

Chelsea! Chelsea! FA Cup Winners!

How about that? I just finished watching the FA Cup finals at the brand new Wembley Stadium. Not literally at the Wembley Stadium, haha…but at the comfort of my room sofa. And boy what a game it was! 1-0 win to the Blues! Chelsea! Chelsea! Jose Mourinho has practically won all the cups there is, the UEFA cup, the Champions League, the Portugese League, the Premier League, the Carling Cup and now finally the FA Cup! We started out with 4 to win but ended up with 2….but 2 is better than any English team has achieved this year! That super one touch goal by Drogba was just heart stopping! I can’t believe that Chelsea actually scored at extra time. I was afraid that it would go into penalties and we know what penalties did to Chelsea at Anfield. This triumph certainly made up for all the disappointments we had a couple of weeks ago.

I can’t wait for the new season now that this season has come to an end. Hopefully a truckload of new talents to come…This has been a great night…sweet dreams!

Even More Ringo! 椎名林檎

Chelsea fumbles yet another time!

what a disappointing day in football, for Chelsea fans at least. I was at Chillis, sitting at the bar where they were showing both matches Live. Man Utd was on the left while Chelsea was on the left. Needless to say i grabbed a seat on the left. The game couldn’t started out any better, Ronaldo on the bench and Everton scoring a goal. Funny thing was Bolton scored a goal as well. It went to a point where both TVs were showing the score 2-2. How weird is that? Of course, it didn’t end that way, i sure wished it did. Man Utd went on to win 4-2 and Chelsea remained at 2-2. This result means that Man Utd has now a 5 points lead with only 3 matches left to play for. The Premiership for Chelsea has ended, the hopes for a quadruple has been crushed by the Idiotic Bolton Wanderers!! Well, i don’t need Chelsea to create history, a triple is just fine and dandy. I guess it wouldn’t be too kind to Man Utd if they lost the Premiership as they played so well all season, or maybe Ronaldo played so well all season…

EVEN MORE RINGO!!

Oh i was surfing Youtube the other day and i got hold of this video when Shiina Ringo was younger in her teens. She formed a band called the Marvelous Marbles, and they were performing Danielle Brisebois’s Just Missed the Train. It is such a good version! The video was only shown for half of the song. I wished they had the full version. Does anybody have a MP3 of that song by them? Here’s a picture of the video i snapped from Youtube thru the VLC player. Chubby and a rounder Ringo..and that hair..

Since I’m in a RIngo phase at the moment, it is only justice that i upload my favourite song from her. None other than, りんごのうた (ringo no uta). I just love this song. Another song is Gips a rock ballad, equally fantastic.

Download : りんごのうた – Shiina Ringo 椎名林檎 MP3

Download : Gips (Gibbisu) – Shiina RIngo 椎名林檎 MP3

Just another week.

Lightning Crashes again. My Belkin modem cum router and PC was struck again. Again and again, it is getting a tad bit frustrating. You would think they would have come out with something by now. Well there are surge protectors but do they really work? Can I ever leave my PC on to download movies while I’m at work ever again? Luckily for me, I have my notebook still. Those days it was the hand phone, now you can’t help but feel empty or lost without an Internet connection. Has it come to that?! Have I not got any other distractions? I guess I do…
1. I have my PS2 now, playing that super game ‘God Of War 2’, very much like the first but I guess with more cool features. I remembered that was the game that made me switch on the PS2 again. I also bought Burnout Dominator, one of the best driving arcade games around. It’s not so easy to takeout an opponent now, and plus you can’t shove cars driving in the same direction now. I guess in that sense it’s a little more realistic now.
2. About 300 photos unedited (which I swore I’d find some time to edit them in Photoshop)
3. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser for my international marketing assignment on the fast food industry. I’m supposed to be turned off by hamburgers after finishing the book. Ha! I seriously think not! I can never turn down a good hamburger! Ever! Anyways I hope I never have to, as it is one of my favourite foods in the world. Right now I’m just at how these fast food giants are directing their ads at children. Probably not very ethical but sometimes I feel the world are just so free and they are just looking for someone to blame because they themselves did not think of the idea first. Until now, few pages into the book, I may think that but who knows later on? Maybe Schlosser might get some sense into me and make me lay off some fatty greasy goodness.

4. Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, I bought the book just to see what the big deal it was about. Have not flipped a page yet still….jikan nai yo
5. The Office Season 3 episodes 7 to 18, which I diligently download every week and compiled it into a DVD but haven’t gotten around to watching it yet.
“That’s what she said”.
6/4/07 A Case of Good After Sales Service !
So I went on and call the Belkin After Sales Service Support to check whether I can claim a brand new Router+Modem from them. And wow! It was super efficient, all they asked was what was wrong and that’s it. Within 10 minutes they sent me a authorization form to get a replacement from their sales office. I set out to the sales office immediately after work( excellent directions from the receptionist by the way), present them my damage modem (which was struck by lightning)..and I got a brand new one for free! Boy was I ever glad….I bought like 6-7 modems before, all struck by lightning (God Knows why I seem to attract lightning all the time) and none of them were actually under ‘warranty’. Well they probably were but you’d have to take it to the place where you bought it, no toll free numbers, then the salesperson would probably take a look pretending that he knows something and lastly tells you that it is not replaceable or if it is it(cause he is not sure) he’d tell me that it will be sent to the brand’s head office which will take another week or two…and of course I will have to constantly call to check on the repair status and then drive back there to collect it. And that’s if it’s repairable or replaceable. I tried that once and I had enough, I don’t mind spending a little more for a good after sales support, it is definitely worth it.
Now it’s left with my zapped phone line and PC. I can’t hope for much for the phone line, we know how efficient Telekom can be. I sent in my PC yesterday and they say they’ll look into it soon. Lets hope soon is soon. Though my PC is old, about 6 years now, I love that junk…it’s never given me any major problems and it was basically free of virus not that it had anything to do with it. All I’m saying is that it has been very faithful to me, doing tons of gigabytes of downloads, syncing my Ipod, my Ipaq, my Palm Vx, doing my uni assignments, starcraft, battle realms, counterstrike…it has been quite an experience indeed. I hope it is ok, and I can’t wait to see it again!

8/4/07 Chelsea to take the Premiership?
Seeing that my line is still down. I decided to come to Starbucks to have an espresso and surf a little before heading down to the library. A little wake me up in the morning. I like the posterized effect on the picture, a very contemporary touch to it don’t you think?
Kudos to Chelsea, or rather kudos to David James of Portsmouth for that few fantastic saves. And many thanks to Ferdinand’s blunder for that wonderful, wonderful! (in the manner Elaine of Seinfeld) own goal! I was shocked, happy but shocked that the great Red Devils could still falter. What can I say, luck is on Jose’s side. This effectively cuts the Devils lead by 3 points! Is that exciting or what?!
Moral of the story….you just gotta believe!
I’m not like saying that Chelsea is gonna win already but, now with about 6 matches left to play…anything is possible.

Chelsea! Chelsea! Carling Cup 2007 winners!

Just finished watching the Carling Cup final. Arsenal v Chelsea…might i add the great Chelsea. Came home from watching Muse Live in Stadium Negara…great live act that one. More about that later..

What’s important now is Chelsea has won the Carling Cup or more popularly known as the League Cup! Kudos to Didier Drogba who scored 2 goals ! Both, brilliant goals, left side netting and a fantastic header. I panicked when i saw that Arsenal had scored the 1st goal thru Theo Walcott when i got home, I cried SHIT! Chelsea needed my ‘chi’…thank heavens i came back in time for they scored 5 minutes after, leveling with Arsenal….phew…..One Cup Up and 3 more to go….

You guys have just got to stop hurting poor old Terry….

Final Score, 1-2 Arsenal – Chelsea.

Chelsea Chelsea…がんばてください！