7 posts tagged “hello project”

This has been an interesting six months...

October 2007:  Goto Maki suddenly graduates from Hello! Project.  Reasons:  Exhaustion and creative differences with UFA.  Dubious sub-reason:  The arrest of Goto Yuuki "Corleone"  This, along with Iida Kaori's pregnancy also contributes to the unceremonious disappearance of Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai after a fairly promising start.

 

January 2008:  v-u-den announces their coming disbandment this summer.  Reason:  None given.  Dubious sub-reason:  Latest album doesn't break 8,000 copies sold?

February 2008:  The cancellation of Uta Doki! Pop Classics  Reason:  To make room for Berikyuu.  Dubious sub-reason:  Was anyone watching?

March 2008:  Mano Erina graduates from H!P Eggs and more importantly Ongaku Gatas.  Reason: To pursue a solo career and be the best part of Berikyuu!  Dubious sub-reason:  Unsubstantiated rumours of friction within the Gatas.  By the way, I don't buy into that rumour for one second.  There is NO possible way Yossie and Rika would let some kid get away with being a Diva in that group!

 

 April 2008:  The graduation of Mutou Mika from Ongaku Gatas and Hello! Project.  Reason:  To focus on her education.  Dubious sub-reason:  She just wasn't cute or popular.  If this is true, I feel really badly for her.  It doesn't seem as if she got much of a shot beyond the Eggs.  She was merely a glorified backup dancer for Gatas who never (as far as I've seen) got a chance to prove her talent.  Whatever the "real" reason, I am sorry to see Mika go.

 

 April 2008:  The sudden graduation of Kimura Ayaka.  Reason:  To focus on her acting.  Dubious sub-reason:  What has she done lately other than one song per year every winter?  This one hits me the hardest because 1) Ayaka is such a huge part of the history of Hello! Project.  Not because of Coconuts Musume, but of her Surprise English Lessons.  And 2) Unlike Maki, who we now know and always suspected would resurface, this may be the last we hear from Ayaka for a long time.  What bothers me the most is how unceremonious her departure is.  Ayaka deserves SO MUCH better than this! (Friday edit: well this theory already seems to have been proven incorrect, as Ayaka "Nagate" has already signed with a new agency.  Awesome for her!!!  I never said I was related to Nostradamus.)

 

Question:  What do all of these events have in common???

 

Answer:  They all happened to and affected members of the Elder Club.

 

Obviously sales are not what they used to be.  And I've always wondered how UFA can afford to pay all of these artists to be associated with H!P when they seem to be generating limited revenue for the organization.  What I have long suspected is that UFA is beginning to "prune away" the excess baggage, and it is starting with most of the Elders.  But can you really blame them?  Based on current trends, it is obviously the right time for UFA to take a good, hard look at where they are, and where they want to be.  As hard as it is to say goodbye to people they surely care about as human beings.  It simply makes sense for them to evaluate what is going to keep them profitable and contemporary.  After all, nobody wants them to become a "nostalgia" act!

So now we have seen the first of some major changes.  Could the rest of the Elders be far behind???

 

 

Melon Kinen-bi:  As much as I hate to say it, their days must be numbered with H!P.  Their last single and album barely sold a copy.  There has been no tour in 2008, and they are usually good for 2-3 club tours per year.  I don't think they are going to survive the year.

Maeda Yuki:  She is a tremendous talent, but is being promoted to the wrong demographic.  Yuki in H!P is like a "fish on a bicycle".  I think she is going to move on.

 

Inaba Atsuko:  Now that Ayaka is gone, could Atsuko be too far behind?  They both currenly play the same role within Hello! Project, with the exception of her backing vocal work.  I still say I'd rather watch the H!P shows with she and Mari hosting, and instead be talking about the graduation of MC Makoto!!!

Yui and Erika:  I have no clue what they could possibly have in store for these two.  And I'll bet UFA doesn't have a clue either. 

 

This leaves us with...

Matsuura Aya:  She is still one of the best talents currently in Hello! Project, but I could see her eventually pulling a "Gomaki" and bolting for greener pastures.  Whatever she does, I will still adore her!

Ongaku Gatas:  Despite losing two members, I don't think Gatas is falling apart at all.  Mika was underutilized and expendable.  Manoeri, as popular as she is, wasn't the cornerstone of the group.  Si*Na is an unknown commodity, so we have no idea what Nocchi's future is yet.  I'm interested to see what the Gatas' next move is.

 

And then you have...

All of the Momusu graduates:  This is the hardest for me to predict.  How do you tell the likes of Yuko, Nacchi, Kaorin, Nono, Kei-chan, Yaguchi, and Mikitty "see ya later"?  I don't think you do.  And even if I believe that last January was the last we'll hear of the "Elder" concept, it doesn't mean I think UFA will show every last one of them "the door".  Next to Ayaya, Morning Musume "OG" is the best part of the Elders' show, AND was the best part of the ENTIRE Summer 2007 concert!  Could some of them eventually say goodbye?  Yes, but it would be on their own terms.  I have to believe that H!P would always leave an open door for any of them.

 

Now what is working???

 

Berryz Koubou:  Dschinghis Khan is their best selling single...ever!

C-ute:  Namida no Iro...ditto!!!

Morning Musume:  Resonant Blue, Tsunku and Momusu do a retooling of style and BAM!  We have one of their best selling singles in over two years!

Buono!:  Is a resounding success!

 

Koharu Kusumi:  Every single and album sells well!  Great buzz around Milky Way.  Which begs the question...  What do Koharu and Pornography have in common???

 

Nobody claims to be a fan of either one, but they both generate monstrous revenue! 

CK in California

   

In the world of female attraction, many men declare their fondness for certain parts of the body.  I'm sure you've heard the terms "leg man", "butt man", "breast man" "eye man" etc.  Everyone has their individual reasons for being attracted to the opposite sex...or in some cases, the common sex!  One of the biggest attractions for me is a girl's smile.  So I guess you could say I'm a "teeth man"  The greatest thing about having this attraction AND being a fan of Hello! Project is that there is a smorgasbord of dental variety in the UFA stable.

I was watching the "Milky Way" PV for about the seven-thousandth time this morning, and I couldn't stop thinking about the oral attributes of Yuu and Sayaka.  Kikkawa Yuu is my favorite member of Milky Way, and it is because she has a beautiful smile.  On the other hand, Sayaka, as "hot" as she is, needs some serious orthodontal care.  Koharu's teeth are far from perfect as well, but I still love the way she bites her lower lip with her buck front-teeth.

In the world of H!P, sometimes the dental imperfections work, sometimes they "scream" for a retainer.  I understand part of the Japanese idol phenomenon is the image that they are all "girls next door"  Bute seriously, a little dental repair could do so much for many of their images.  Let's take a look at some of the standouts, Sergio Leone style!

The Good!

(The prettiest smiles in H!P)

Morning Musume:  Takahashi Ai ~ Perfect teeth equals many many photobooks!

 

C-ute:  Yajima Maimi ~  Just something else to add to the list of great things about "Miss Perfect".  I personally think she has the most beautiful smile in the history of H!P!

 

Berryz Koubou:  Natsuyaki Miyabi ~ Miyabi has definitely had some dental work done.  Risako has too.  In fact, except for their "graduated" member, there isn't a really bad set of teeth in the whole group.  Although no one in Berryz has exceptionally wonderful teeth either.  Miyabi gets the mention by being "most improved"

 

Milky Way:  Kikkawa Yuu ~  Her smile rivals Maimi's

 

v-u-den:  Erika Miyoshi ~  Erika never gets enough props, so for what it's worth...

 

Honorable mentions go to Mitsui Aika, Iida Kaori, Miki Fujimoto, Abe Natsumi and Matsuura Aya, all beautiful smiles!  Ayaya might've even made the top list if she ever opened her mouth while being photographed!

 

The "Bucktooth" Babes!!!

Now their smiles may not be perfect, but I love them as much as just about any smile on the "good" list.  In fact, I find it even hotter!

 

Ongaku Gatas:  Noto Arisa ~  Look at those teeth, and everyone adores her...see what I mean?

 

Berryz Koubou:  Sudou Maasa ~  Not only does the beautiful Maasa have awesome front teeth, but I think she might have a slight case of "wonky-eye" as well...totally hot!

 

C-ute:  Nakajima Saki ~  Until Nocchi arrived on the scene, Saki had the best front teeth in H!P

 

Morning Musume:  Niigaki Risa ~  As Risa has gotten older, she has developed a much more mature look.  That is until she puts on her "Athena" uniform.  But her front teeth aren't nearly as pronounced as they used to be.

 

Berryz Koubou:  Tokunaga Chinami ~  I love when Chinami does that "golf shot-sailor salute" in Khan.  She is always smiling, which is a good thing!

 

Honorable mention:  Melon Kinen-bi's Shibata Ayumi.  Has the "bunny look", which was totally evident in the Kokuhaku Kinenbi PV!

 

The Bad!

Perhaps "bad" is too harsh a term.  These are smiles that have the "potential" to be beautiful, but just need a little work!  A couple of trips to the orthodontist should do the trick!  

 

Kago Ai ~  As much as I adore Kago, I've always felt that the glaring "hole" on the left side of her mouth took away from her overall attractiveness.  But lo and behold...it looks like she also got her teeth done while in Los Angeles!  It's not enough of an improvement to make the "best smile" list, but it's an improvement nonetheless!  So I'll call her the "graduated" member of this category.

 

Morning Musume:  Kamei Eri ~  Kamei is as gorgeous as anyone in H!P, but that one "messed up" left canine does not look good at all. It seems like such an easy "fix" as well.  A lot of girls in H!P have that same problem.  C'mon Eri!  You are so close to being perfect.  And Eri has one of the best of my "other" favorite body parts too!

 

C-ute:  Arihara Kanna ~  Why does it look as if all of the teeth on the left side of her mouth are longer than the teeth on the right side?  The first time I saw "Ookina Ai de Motenashite" I thought she was adorable...and then she smiled.  Yikes!!!  I'm sure there is an easy procedure to "even out" her smile.

 

Milky Way:  Kitahara Sayaka ~  Watching the PV for Anataboshi, it looks like both of Sayaka's canine teeth are sticking out her mouth, much like Megumi Murakami's front tooth did when she was in C-ute.  I had to go back a ways to find a picture of her with her mouth open.  But her smile still looks kinda sexy!

 

v-u-den:  Okada Yui ~  I'm not sure what advice to give Yui.  Her teeth look too big for her mouth.  I'm sure there is some sort of procedure to fix that, but other than me who's looking at her teeth anyway?  So I guess Dr. CK recommends more bikini shots!

 

And a "not-so" honorable mention to Murakami Megumi, like Eri, it's just one tooth out of place, such an easy repair!

 

The.....Really Bad!!!

Sorry Mr. Leone!  I will never use the term "ugly" to describe any member of Hello! Project.  That said, here are some sets of choppers that are in serious need of major help.  As strange as it seems, sometimes an extremely crooked set of teeth can be a "charm point".  My two favorite members of AKB48 are Ohe Tomomi and Ohori Megumi, both of whom would definitely rank on one of these two lists!  The following are the members of my "Mondo Teeth Hall of Fame"!  To quote Harold Fine in I Love You Alice B. Toklas, "What a concept!  Teeth, teeth, and yet more teeth!"

 

Sugiura (Tsuji) Nozomi ~  The "Queen" of H!P bad teeth.  Tsuji's fangs were a serious detriment to her overall looks.  I mean you know your teeth are bad when you are famous for it!  I had major oral surgery when I was eleven years old.  My mouth looked exactly like Tsuji's when I first came out of the hospital.  The funny thing is now that she has gotten her teeth fixed, I'm not sure if I like the result any better...they look too perfect!

 

Country Musume:  Kimura Asami ~  If Tsuji is the leader of this "team", then Asami is the sub-leader.  Now Asami is one of my favorite members of Hello! Project.  Horrible teeth and all, I still think she is adorable.  She is the one member of this list who I pray doesn't have any orthodontal work done!  She's perfect just the way she is!

 

Berryz Koubou:  Ishimura Maiha ~  I will give little Maiha a break because 1) she was still very young when she left Berryz, and 2) evidently she was the sweetest little gal in the whole group.  But man, that smile was scary!  Unlike Asami, I hope she's grown out of it and had them fixed!

 

C-ute:  Erika Umeda ~  Once you get beyond Maimi beautiful smile and Saki's perfect buckteeth, the "Cutie Rangers" have some serious dental issues!  In fact, I can't believe Airi isn't mentioned anywhere on this list!  Erika was really pretty in ZYX.  I hate to say it, but the older she has gotten, the more "rodent-like" her teeth have become.

 

Like "Hermie the Elf" from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I should've become a dentist!

CK in California

 

P.S.  Tomorrow I am heading to Cabo San Lucas for a week.  Tonight's post was going to be the best "latin flavored" songs from H!P.  But I could really only find one, and C-ute's new single hasn't come out on CD yet.  Oh well... Between the Beach, Lobster, and Tequila, I won't have much time for blogging.  So I'll see you all in a week or so!

The fact that I have a picture of Kago Ai from "The MiniMoni Movie" as my ID photo on Vox is no accident.  Ever since the "six part interview", I've felt the need to put an "exclamation point" on my feelings about the idol known as Aibon! 

As I have stated many times, I would never have discovered Hello! Project if were not for Kago Ai and the "Robokiss" PV.  But when I first fell into the J-pop idol trap, it was shortly before Kago-chan was dismissed from UFA for, as I call it, "conduct unbecoming an idol".  I had gotten used to my experience of J-pop and Hello! Project as something Kago used to be a member of.  I found other "active" idols in the H!P stable to follow and idolize, like Ayaya, Tanakacchi and Nacchi.  I had resigned myself to the "fact" that Kago will be yet another idol who will fade away, never to be heard from again.  But her recent reemergence has really thrown me for a loop.  Having Ai (as she currently refers to herself) presently in the public eye one way or another is extremely foreign to me.  As a result...

I find myself falling in love with her all over again!

Thinking back to over a year ago, after discovering Robokiss on YouTube I quickly searched the names of the two singers (Kago and Tsuji) that caught my attention and found there was a plethora of videos of the two of them.  The first ones I clicked on were Ayaka's now famous English Lessons.  Searching through these also caused my adoration of Abe Natsumi (but I'll save that tribute for another post)  The two "lessons" that I loved the most were "I think I'm buzzing" and "What is your image of summer?"  I just loved when Kago chased Ayaka around the room for the Choux Cream!

 

What I really noticed about these PV's was Kago's confidence.  Yes she was barely a teenager.  And yes, she was very "kid-like".  But despite all of that, she was a natural "star"!  I was so impressed, and I continued to search. I discovered that Kago-chan was not only in "W"...not only in the famous "Morning Musume", but also in what was in my opinion, her best project of all...MiniMoni!

Yes, in the beginning of my Hello! Project fandom, MiniMoni was the best thing about it.  This is why the MiniMoni full-length CD's were the first two J-pop items I ever purchased.  I must've watched MiniMoni Telephone Rin Rin Rin! about 500 times.  I think "The Great Cake Adventure" is one of the greatest films ever!  I also remember visiting my brother's house in Newport Beach, and introducing my then 4 year old neice to one of my all-time favorite PV's...

My neice loved it...and so did I!

I continued to search through the internet for more info on the J-pop phenomenon.  I began collecting Morning Musume CD's.  I enjoyed discovering the Utaban interviews, and the infamous tests from Mecha Mecha Iketeru!  By this time I had discovered websites like Hello!Online, International Wota, and Hello!Blog.  I found the entire experience quite "exotic".  What I mean by that is that Japan was an entire world away for me.  Other than "Battle Royale" and "Takeshi's Castle"., I had no experience of Japanese culture at all.  I could feel my connection to this experience, but there was a lot missing for me...I can't really explain it...

This is why I felt such an urge to go to Japan and experience Hello! Project in person.  I wanted to be more closely connected.  I began buying Japanese language books and software.  I started watching Japanese television.  And if a Japanese person ever came to my desk at work, watch out!  There were going to get a big dose of "Kurisu desu", "Yoroshiku ne" and "Morningu Musume" whether they liked it or not!

In the meantime I have enjoyed watching old H!P concerts DVD's.  I have recently purchased the first Berryz/W concert, and H!P Summer 2004, which was Tsuji and Kago's graduation from Morning Musume.  Seeing the many girls crying backstage on the DVD extras was a true testament to how powerful Tsuji and Kago were, even back then.

My two favorite "W" PV's are "Ai no Imi wo Oshiete" and "Shiroi Iro wa Koibito no Iro"  I love "Oshiete" because they were so cute, but "Shiroi" because they were so beautiful.  I remember imagining playing "Shiroi" at my mother's funeral, and how beautiful that would've been.  I can't tell you how many times I have cried listening to this song...

Kago's absence forced her image to fade way from me spiritually.  I began to adore the amazing talent of Matsuura Aya after discovering the Ne~e PV.  I loved Natsumi Abe in "Pinch Runner"  My first Photobooks were Kamei's "17 Sai" and Reina's "AloHello!"  So I had new idols to follow and adore.  But I have to admit, when I went to Japan last January there was a lingering thought in the back of my mind...

How much more amazing would it be if I were going to see Kago and Tsuji tonight too?  Obviously nothing like that happened.  Regardless, I had an amazing time experiencing Japan and Hello! Project for the first time.  And then...And then...

To "semi-quote" Ray Stevens...and then along came Ai!  I have to admit, I got butterflies in my stomach when I first read that Kago was doing a six-part interview for "OhMyNews"  I was excited and terrified at the same time.  As weird as it sounds, it was like seeing an ex-girlfriend who you still hold a "torch" for for the first time in years!  What is she like?  Is she still as cute as she used to be?  What is going on in her life?

It wasn't until tonight that I finally got a chance to read any transcripts from the interview, although the biggest bombshells were set off early on.  Mainly the suicide attempts, and her thoughts about being fired from UFA.

She has repeatedly said in these interviews that she is sorry for her betrayal to her fans.  But as far as I'm concerned, Kago-san has nothing to apologize for.  She was a young girl in an adult world, and for a long time she did a great job in that universe.  She is extremely special, an amazing star.  It is something that Tsunku and UFA saw in her a long time ago.  I think this picture says it all...

What a natural!

So for now we have the "Biscuit Club" , which I think is totally adorable!!!  I've wondered if it is truly Ai posting these entries, and I choose to believe it is.  They are so cute!  I know she is supposed to be a maturing Kago, but there is such an innocence to these entries so far.  Some dinner she made, an American movie she liked (she seems to be into Led Zep, very cool!), and all the while an unspoken "plea" for all of us to love her again.  Well I have news for you Ai...

You had me at hello...

CK in California  

Boy do I feel out of the loop, I haven't posted anything here in a week!  Maybe it was a bit of writer's block.  But to tell you the truth, my internet time has been, shall we say, monopolized lately? 

The weekend began with the "earth-shattering" news of the resurfacing of Kago Ai!  Now to a lot of people, including myself, Kago is one of, if not THE biggest idol ever.  I have posted a few times how she singlehandedly drew me into the J-pop world after stumbling through You Tube..."Who is the adorable girl in this strange (Robokiss) video?"

My first reaction to the Kago news was relief that she is doing okay.  But I've had a thirst for more information.  What has she been up to for the past two years?  Well, we have six interviews to get through, so I'm sure many revelations will come soon enough...

Tuesday was going to be a fun day, despite the fact I had a dentist appointment sandwiched in the middle.  My plan was to head to San Francisco's Japantown, find all sorts of cool J-pop merchandise, maybe even find a Japanese newspaper with the Kago story in it, and...and...

Japantown is quite lame!  It's pretty much ALL restaurants.  The video and bookstores sell virtually Anime-only.  Damn, I couldn't even find any C.C. Lemon!!!  You would barely know that J-pop existed, save for the $70 copy of Berryz Koubou's "Switch On" DVD.  I should have been "clued in" when I found plenty of parking!  Japantown...whatever.

 

I got home that afternoon...No new news on Kago's interview, but I did find something on International Wota that caught my interest.  One of my favorite things about IW are the recommendations I get of things that I may never have otherwise noticed.

Maize singlehandedly helped me discover "Ribbon no Kishi", which I thought was a wonderful play.  I hope "Cinderella" is as good.

MorningBerryz turned me onto the latest Ayaya DVD, AND the adorable girl in the cosplay pictures for IW's birthday!

And he may not realize it, but H!P Metalhead is completely responsible for me now being a fan of Perfume!  (It's a long story!)

So now I have another contributor to thank for assisting me in spending far too much time at my PC, and that person is...

Old Fart Who Loves Japanese Culture!!!

Yes, thanks to Kevin, I am totally engrossed in the "Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon" series!  Oh what a great diversion from the harsh realities of Kago's life!  First and foremost, Sawai Miyuu was (and still is) absolutely adorable as Sailor Moon/Usagi-chan.  She was the perfect combination of dorky and cute.  And come to think of it, now it all makes sense why Kusumi Koharu was deemed the "Miracle Girl" by Tsunku when she debuted for Morning Musume (not long after this show originally aired).  Koha is the spitting image of Usagi-chan!  And she has a similar personality to boot! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second thing I love so much is the song "Romance" by Aino Minako (Sailor Venus).  I have been singing it all week...

Now I do realize that this show is kind of childish.  For some reason it reminds me of some of the "live action" stuff Sid & Marty Krofft used to produce (anyone remember H.R. PufnStuf? The Bugaloos??)  Those were shows I loved when I was little.  It goes without saying the actresses in PGSM are adorable!  And like every Japanese Dorama I have watched, it has a great storyline.  What I love about these series is that they all have a "starting point" and an "ending point".  Most American series just go on indefinitely.  By the time the "ending" comes, most people have completely lost interest!

I began watching the series on Tuesday, as of Friday morning I am up to episode 40...Jeez I need to get a life!!!  BTW, don't tell me how it ends!

So now it is Friday and I haven't heard much about the Kago interview since the second installment on Monday.  I wonder why that is?  What I have read are the many opinions about Kago which I find quite interesting...

I have always felt that I have done a good job as seeing idols as "human beings with a career in show business".  They have lives "off-camera" that are probably much different to the persona we see on screen.  Kago has grown up as an idol and has experienced her formative years quite differently from what any of us can imagine.  When I read people saying they are "disappointed" in the life choices she has made for herself it....well...pisses me off!

Who are we, her fans, to cast aspersions on her personal life choices?  Do we really know Kago Ai, the person?  Isn't she allowed to have the same life experiences and doesn't she get to make some of the same mistakes growing up many of us did?  How dare anyone scorn her for smoking or dating an older man?  Has anyone been to Japan lately?  The place is a virtual "chimney" of cigarette smoke.  And so what if she might've had an abortion as a teen?  How many millions of teens get pregnant every year?  Let's all take a look in the mirror, I'll start...

CK...began smoking at 16 years old!

CK...used illicit drugs as a teenager!

CK...became sexually active in High School, and even got his girlfriend pregnant!

CK...dated a 35 year old woman at the age of 21! (Yeah, that was pretty cool!)

I doubt I am the only person around the J-pop posting universe with this kind of resume.  When I read the first translations of the early interviews I was happy, and sad at the same time.  I was sad to hear about the despair and depression she went through enough to slit her wrists.  But I was also happy to hear that she made it through, and seems a lot stronger because of the experience.  What I was most happy about was the "in your face" realization that she is just like the rest of us, with hopes, dreams, triumphs, failures, happiness, sadness...yes, a human being!  Some people hypothesize that she is doing this for the money.  I'm sure that fits into part of the equation, but so what if it does?  Can you blame her for wanting to return to show business?  It is something that she knows, and obviously loves to do.  And it isn't all for the money.  No one looks too cool going on TV and admitting that they were so depressed and humiliated that they tried to end their own life.  But it all makes me wonder what's really going on in the heads of all of these idols we scrutinize so closely.

So Kago Ai is still great as far as I'm concerned!  I like her new, more mature look.  I look forward to Buscuit Club, and anything else Kago-san chooses to do for us, the fans!

If you are going to support your idol, support him/her unconditionally!!!

So there's a boatload of reality for ya.  Now back to my new "fantasy" love, Sawai Miyuu and the other PGSM "cutie-girls"!

CK in California  

Sugoi!!!  What do I love about this PV?

The Music: The verse sounds like something George Harrison would've written after a clandestine meeting with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi!

The Tempo:  The manic energy is the perfect match for the manic Koharu.

The Effects:  the shooting stars remind me of Pipo Angels' "Luvly, Merry-Go-Round", which I love!

The Eggs:  Adorable!  I thought I would prefer Yuu, but I can see why everyone is talking about Sayaka.

Anataboshi...everything about it, is a total WIN to me.  Time to pre-order the LE-single!

 

I think he would have agreed.  CK in California

Installment #3, the Elder Club, with a few "not so elderly" elders.  This is going to be an interesting concert.  It is no accident that this is the third disc I am reviewing.  It is the one I was the least excited to see, compared with Wonderful Hearts and Haru Pro Award.  I sorta feel badly about that because I am one who always trumpets that the elders don't get enough respect, should be featured more, are more talented than they are given credit for, etcetera etcetera.  The cast of characters doesn't make it any easier to figure out...

Matsuura Aya, arguably the most talented singer in the history of Hello! Project.

Abe Natsumi, No one had a bigger fanbase at Haru Pro than Nacchi.

Morning Musume OG, haven't we all been clamoring for this?

Ongaku Gatas, judging by what I read on IW, they should be a big draw.

Melon Kinen-bi, I am a big fan (even if that is a lonely club) so that should be an enticement, at least for me.

So there are five good reasons why I would think more people would be interested.  I know I left a few out, but I am trying illustrate why they would be a good draw.  It is no reflection of how I personally feel about v-u-den, Yuki, Atsuko or Ayaka.  My point is "on paper", this looks like it should be a great show.  But if I go by last years' Elder Club show, I should expect a few great moments, surrounded by a bunch of the same performances we see at the H!P Big Show.  I'm going into this one "cold", let's see how it goes...

Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari ~ I've already seen (and commented on) this when it previewed on Dohhhup.  I love this song, so I was excited to see an "Elder" version.  Nice start to the show, my favorites were Yuko (very sexy and cool), MKB (very cute), and Kei-chan (also cute).  I was most disappointed by Ayaka (c'mon, give her a cooler "English" line than that!)  How about, "I wanna strive to have Tsunku know who I am"  or "I wanna bring back my old English Lessons"  Those would have been cooler lines.  Also, Gatas kinda ruin the mood at the end.   But I am still happy that they performed this, it was pretty cool!

The Peace! ~  To me, Ayaya and Yossie are the stars here.  Aya can make anything sound awesome, and Yossie just gets better with age.  I like the fact that they took someone who isn't known for this song and gave them a lead part.  I think it would've been even cooler to give a big part to someone unexpected, like Ayaka.  But it was another good performance.

So far the Elder Club has gotten off to a promising start

Yattarouze!/Narihajimeta Koi no BELL ~  I've already reviewed these for H!P Awards 2008.  On the first song we got a couple of closeups of Miki and Minami, that's nice.  Mika Mutou spent most of this performance dancing far "off-camera left"  Then why is Mika in this group if she barely gets a chance to participate?  Does she score a lot of goals?

Ai Ai Daiko ~ I loved how Gatas cleared a path for Yuki like she was an Empress.  After watching disc 3, I was excited to hear this again.  So kakkoii!  Yuki does not disappoint.  I am "this" close to buying my first Maeda Yuki CD!

Onegai Miwaku no Target ~  The main difference here is the use of stationary microphones.  Not as energetic as the other performance.  But I guess it's better than performing in a tent at the car show.  But look how excited the Wota are!  MKB seem well liked!

Jaja Uma Paradise ~  Watching this reminds me of "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" for obvious reasons. (Just trying to come up with an even more obscure Russ Meyer reference)  I've always liked v-u-den, so I'm sure I would've enjoyed this in person.  It is the same routine as the other show.

Progress report:  So far the show has been pretty good.  Not spectacular yet, but not bad at all!

HAPPY TO GO!/Watarasebashi ~  It is nice that Aya did completely different songs for the two different programs.  As much as I like Aya, I still don't own a copy of Double Rainbow.  So this is a new song to me.  Not bad, HAPPY is a very mature sounding song.  Kinda "jazzy".  My guess is that they adapted Aya's setlist to the program.  More mature for Elders, more fun "pop" songs with the younger groups.  She does both formats very well, which is why I think she is so special.  Even if I prefer her "less mature" material.

ENDLESS LOVE ~I Love You More~  This is the first of the four Elder "mashup" songs, which aren't as plentiful as in Wonderful Hearts.  Peeking down the setlist, Atsuko and Ayaka get to be in TWO songs apiece, WOW!  I hope Yui and Erika's future with H!P is more than an annual T&C Bomber cover every January.  Next...

WOW WOW WOW ~  Alright, it's an impromptu Pucchi Moni reunion!  I wonder if they would be interested in bringing this sub-unit back?  Ayaka, Kei-chan, and maybe Erika?  That might be cool.  It's nice to see Yasuda front and center for a change.  The three of them make for a strong trio!  Good performance, gives the energy a good shot in the arm!

Iki wo Kasanemashou/Datte Ikitekanakucha ~  Okay, I will give Kasanemashou another chance since Andra gave me a hard time about not liking it.  It's pretty, I'm just not running out to buy the single.  Believe it or not, I want to like Nacchi's work.  I am a fan!  I prefer the second song.  That "Thank You" at the end was adorable.  She is just too cute!

Danna Sama ~  Nothing remarkably different from the Haru Pro performance, which I liked alot.

Hitoshirezu Mune wo Kunaderu Yoru no Aki ~  Look out!  It's the attack of the Yasuda sub-units!  They did this song last year too.  The one part I really like is when Atsuko hits the high notes.  It's a pretty song, but...whatever.

Two-thirds of the way through, the show is losing steam.  I'm still hopeful for a big finish...

SEXY NIGHT ~   ROMANS are our final sub-unit of the night.  This does nothing for me either.  Lets call this one the "warmup" song for Mari and her appearance with Momusu OG.

Akai Freesia ~  As much as I love this song (it is one of the few I can actually sing along to), I had never heard a live version before.  So I was excited to see it on the setlist.  Ayumi looks very cute.  My favorite has always been Masae, but has she always been built like a Linebacker?  They are like the "Blue Collar Idols".  I actually like that about them.  Decent performance.

Koisuru Angel Heart ~  It's one of my favorites of theirs, as I've said on Haru Pro, and Bon Kyu! Bomb.  The version on Haru Pro is more like a tribute, with the entire cast singing in parts.  I prefer that version to this one.

Morning Musume OG Medley ~  They are wearing a less-revealing version of the Momusu's red "caped crusader" outfits that I love so much!  Now the Summer medley of The Peace! and Mr. Moonlight was excellent!  This one is not quite as exciting.  But it improved as it progressed.  Daite HOLD ON ME! is okay, they quickly get into Happy Summer Wedding.  This is much cuter.  And they all seem to be having alot of fun performing it!  There are so many cute parts to this song.  I love Nacchi's little "whisper" part near the end.  But my favorite part of the medley is Happy Night.  The song is so cool.  I remember how much I like it on Asuka's graduation DVD! 

Renai Revolution 21 ~   Once again I request giving someone other than Momusu and Ayaya a bigger part in these "chorus" songs.  I wonder how Ayaka, Yuki, and Atsuko feel about it?  You can't go wrong with this song.  I've never seen it not performed well.  And I will again sing the praises of Kei-chan!  She is more-talented AND sexier than many give her credit for.  She is just as exciting as Rika and Nacchi during this performance.

Final MC, I have to give props to Yuko and that sensational "kiss" the threw at the audience!!!

Michi Naru Mirai e ~  This is very cool for so many reasons.  First of all, it's a great tune.  And second, it's a new song to end the show with.  The middle of this setlist was pretty bumpy, but they ended the show as they started, with a bang! 

Overall the Elder Club is just missing some of the "fun" that the other two concerts possess.  Individually they are all great artists.  But it is just too big a concentration of mid to low tempo songs.  And the result is a show that sounds like it would be perfect for a Vegas dinner theater.  They probably need to be marketed differently, and completely seperate from C-ute/Berryz/Momusu.  But exactly what that would look like I am not sure of. 

There ya go!  All three discs reviewed.  I can't believe I spent my entire weekend doing this!  I haven't decided whether or not I will review the fourth disc.  How do you review 45 minutes of backstage footage?

CK in California    

Every Tuesday I look forward to checking out the new Morning Musume Q&A at Hello! Online.  http://www.hello-online.org/  This weeks question is "What does Spring mean to you?"  For me, it means the beginning of the baseball season.  For UFA, apparently it means time to release lots and lots of new singles. 

The next few weeks bring us new music from Morning Musume, Matsuura Aya, C-ute, Buono!, v-u-den, and Milky Way.  Already we have had the chance to sample most of these songs at least a month before their release in stores.  Once again, I don't understand this.  If the songs are out, then release the singles.  I can't believe this has a positive affect on the sales numbers.  You need to "strike while the iron's hot!"

I'll begin with the three songs I haven't heard a radio "rip" of yet.

C-ute ~ Namida no Iro  Well, judging from the fan recording on YouTube the wota seem to have the chant down on this one already.  And the music?  Is this a collaboration with the Gipsy Kings?  I'll reserve overall judgement until I hear a better quality version.  But I will say the music begs for a very exotic and sexy PV, and that could make all the difference.  C-ute is a hot group right now, so I'm sure it will sell well.

Milky Way ~ Anataboshi  Let me begin by saying that I love the material Koharu gets as a soloist.  The songs are cute, and fit her personality perfectly.  The only hint of this song we have had so far is the exerpt from "Kirarin Revolution" posted by Some Boys! Blog the other day.  http://www.intlwota.com/someboysblog/category/milkyway/  That does sound like Koharu...If that is indeed Milky Way, I love it!!!  Whatever the hell that song is, I'm smiling!  My first impression of Milky Way wasn't overly positive, but now I'm thinking I might have been too pessimistic too early.  If it's any indication, this unit is going to be a smash hit!  And if we go by H!P's track record, this weekend marks one month until the single's release.  So we should see a PV any day now.

Buono! ~ Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!  I haven't heard a single note, but I'm sure it will be great!

 

Now for the radio rips...

C-ute ~ Koero! Rakuten Eagles  Let's check the "out of town" scoreboard, shall we?...this is the fourth Eagles theme song.  The Manpower!!! is my least favorite Morning Musume single ever.  GAM's Daisuki Rakuten Eagles is decent enough, but it just doesn't sound like a baseball support song to me...at all.  DEF.DIVA's Let's Go Rakuten Eagles sounds more like a team song.  It's fun, has cheers in it, and DEF.DIVA was an awesome side project!  I would put C-ute's rendition in the category of DEF.DIVA.  It's a fun and uplifting song.  And it has those little "fight, woo" chants all through it.  By the way, it was released March 20th, and the first sign of it on You Tube???  March 20th...gooooood

Morning Musume ~ Sono Bamen de Bibiccha Ikenai jan!  I already like this song a hell of a lot more than Resonant Blue, the A-side to this B-side.  That being said. this song sounds like a B-side.  I don't know how successful it would be as THE single since the popular trends seem to point to more mature sounding music.  In fact, I could see Berryz or C-ute performing this.  Evidently Tsunku has said songs like Resonant Blue are the direction Momusu is going for the forseeable future, but this is the second single in a row that has featured a c/w song that was cute and upbeat (Bon Kyu! Bon Kyu! Bomb Girl).  I just think these types of songs are more fun to watch at the concerts.

Matsuura Aya ~ Kizuna  I think just about everyone "holds their breath" whenever Ayaya puts out a new single.  I have never heard anyone say that they don't like her, but quite a few (including myself) have been slightly disappointed with her singles lately.  But lets face it, Aya has grown tremendously as an artist since the Dokki Doki! Love Mail days.  This is a very pretty song, and very appropriate as a theme song for the Special Olympics(?).  It is extremely uplifting without being too slow.  And it shows off how wonderful a singer Aya really is.  I'm not sure if I will buy it as a single, I'll probably wait for it to come out on a full length CD.  But I'm guessing that CD might be the "Pucchi Best" compilation.  Oh yeah, first shows up on YouTube March 25th, to be released May 21st???  JEEZ!!!