Sunday, March 28, 2004

   +++ L'Arc~en~ciel +++
By: Hydeists Harem




Left to right: KEN, HYDE, YUKIHIRO, TETSU

It is hard to have interest in contemporary Japanese culture without constantly coming across this notorious band. There was a time when their music and pictures were everywhere and now, even if things have been quieter on the L'Arc-en-Ciel (French for "The Rainbow") front, their music still echoes in sound systems across the world. Whether or not they decide to continue as a band, the mark they left on the the Japanese music scene is here to stay.

Judging from the reaction of hysterical schoolgirls, their pretty faces pictured in every Japanese magazine may have something to do with their fame but the keenest music aficionado can surely agree with the masses on this one. These guys can produce some the most addictive music in recent history, music you may have already heard in anime series like DNA², Great Teacher Onizuka and Rurouni Kenshin, and in movies such as Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within and the original version of The Ring.

HYDE


Whatever the song in L'Arc-en-Ciel’s inventory, the bass never goes unnoticed. Without taking too much space, as a good bassist should, Tetsu uses complex and unpredictable lines that place him as one of the best players out there. As the band’s leader, he also composed some of their most well-liked songs including Blurry Eyes and Driver’s High. Ken, however, is the principal composer and the one responsible for heavier songs. He can, nonetheless, adapt his style to any of the member’s without losing his personal touch, which stands out to the highest degree in every song, regardless of its composer.
Even if Tetsu is the founder and official leader of the band, Hyde is without a doubt L'Arc-en-Ciel’s frontman. I have no objection to him receiving most of the credit, as he is an exceptionally talented singer and lyricist. After looking up translations of his words, I was given an entirely new perspective on songs I first interpreted as cheery and carefree. He sings his award-winning lyrics with much passion and tone variations no one should ever attempt in karaoke. Hyde was chosen as vocalist, yet singing is but a fraction of his abilities; do not be surprised to see him with a guitar or saxophone on stage.
Yukihiro had big shoes to fill after the departure of Sakura in 1997 since the former drummer and the band had come a long way together. My hat goes off to him, however, as he managed to build a strong presence within the group, imposing his softer style and calm attitude, poles apart from that of Sakura. Newer fans like myself did not have to face this drastic change but I can believe it was hard for early followers to adapt.

KEN


It all began in 1992 when Tetsu recruited Hyde, Hiro and Pero to form a group bearing the name of a movie he had just seen. A year later, when the band was starting to gain recognition playing in their hometown, Osaka, Hiro and Pero sequentially withdrew, obliging Tetsu to convince his long-time friend, Ken, to drop his studies in architectural design and to convert Sakura to L'Arc-en-Cielism, after seeing him drum in a Live House. In April 1993, the newly reformed band ruled the underground charts with their debut album, Dune.

YUKIHIRO


This was, of course, merely the beginning as they steadily enlarged their fan base until Sakura, their erstwhile drummer, was arrested for heroin possession in 1997 and left. Too close to their dream to quit, the remaining members organized a new tour introducing Yukihiro, previously of Die in Cries, on the drums. The first of such concerts had a possible attendance of 56,000 and sold out in four minutes. Another record was set when they released two full albums, Ark and Ray, at once and saw them share the first two spots on Japanese charts. Their next record, Real, even though excellent, will unfortunately be know as Laruku's last album in a long, long time. Compilations, remixes, more compilations... Everyone seemed to be heading in different directions with their solo projects and the foul stench of disbandment was in the air.

TETSU


However, the band members seem to have renewed their vows. One can almost call their Shibuya Seven days 2003 concerts in June a reunion tour and a new album from the band has been announced. That's the good news. The bad news is that this album is scheduled for release March 31, 2004! A lot can happen until then but L'Arc-en-Ciel's management seems very confident about this new start and even announced a nationwide tour in May of next year. In the mean time, a photo book and DVD of their week at Shibuya are to be expected.





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Friday, March 26, 2004

   .....QUIZZES.....


What Anime Stereotype Are You?




ur Hiei! Hiei is from Yu Yu Hakusho. he is a fire
youkai. hes always up for a fight even when hes
hurt! hes the strong silent type who doesnt
like to play by the rules. and also likes to
toy wit his opponet during battle. but he cares
for his sister dearly. Go u!


are u Hiei or Inu-Yasha?
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ur Kenshin! kind,funny,sweet,handsum,and an all
around good man. Go U!


are u Kenshin or Yahiko?
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ur Sesshomaru! go bad guys!!


are u Sesshomaru or Inu-Yasha?
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VASH WITH NO SHIRT!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!! *dies* so
kawaii....

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Wednesday, March 24, 2004

   QUIZZES!!!!!!!!!!!!

your owner is gackt a quite elaborate man with
quite an ordinairy pet dog. Gackt pays little
attention to you but when you are good he feeds
you refried beans. you accompany him on his
tours as his guard dog but while on tour he
treats you like a puppy and plays with you
frequently. you love your master and he likes
you. he cares enough about you to name you and
let you sleep on the floor. your name is rover.
your master also keeps goldfish which you like
to attack...


which J-Rockers pet are you?
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Sensual, classic, artistic. You are Gackt.


Which J-rocker are you?
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yay!!!!!!!! GACKT!!!




Hyde! That's right, that sexay lead singer from
L'arc~en~Ciel. A nice, easygoing, very good
looking guy, don't you think? And that deep
voice...yum yum yum. You probably like your men
a little on the mature side (or, if you're a
guy, you are on the mature side.) He was my
first Jrock obsesee. Yay for Hyde!


Which J-rock boi is for you? (or, if you're a guy..which irresistable shonen are you?)
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Which Hyde are you?
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yay!!!!!! HYDE!!!!





Yoshiki


What JRocker Body Part Are You Obsessed With?
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Friday, March 19, 2004

   ELO!!!!!!!!!!!

this is my way to live

What about yours?

made by rav-chan

Are you Addicted to the Internet? 63% Hardcore Junkie (61% - 80%) While you do get a bit of sleep every night and sometimes leave the house, you spend as much time as you can online. You usually have a browser, chat clients, server consoles, and your email on auto check open at all times. Phone? What's that? You plan your social events by contacting your friends online. Just be careful you don't get a repetitive wrist injury... The Are you Addicted to the Internet? Quiz at Quiz Me!

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Thursday, March 18, 2004

Hyde 666



Artist: Hyde
Album: Hyde 666
Song Title: Hello


mezameta no wa yumeno ato
itsuwari darakeno chinohatehe youkoso
jirijirito yakitsukusu tenwo aogi
tsukamitoru kagayakide ikiwo hukikaesou

kasokusuru konowomoi negaiyo michibiiteyo
taiyouno mukoumade negaiyo habataite

yakusokuwo shita ano egao
towomawariwo shiteita kimino matsu heyaheto
girigirito shinigamini dakaretamama
sokowotsuku tamashiimo atoga naikeredo

kasokusuru konowomoi negaiyo michibiiteyo
taiyouno mukoumade negaiyo habataite ike

shinjiteite ato mousukoshide
sobahe ikeru kimino ...

mezametanosa 'Won't trust no one again'
mezametanosa 'Lead me to your side'

kasokusuru konoomoi negaiyo michibiiteyo
taiyouno mukoumade negaiyo habataite

muneni sasatta koega ima hibiiteru taisetuna hitoheto negaiyo habataite ike

shinjiteite ato mousukoshide sobake ikeru 'HELLO'





Artist: Hyde
Album: Hello (single)
Song Title: The Other Side


And the sea
Waits to bring me down
Drown me in its waves
Still I have no doubt
This meaning of life

Wearing this shroud I've journeyed long
I've seen so many worlds in my time
Wandering far and back again
My soul is getting worn
And the happiness like a firework
How it shone, now it's gone

And the sea
Waits to bring me down
Drown me in its waves
Still I have no doubt
This meaning of life

I know that darkness follows light
I see the traps that stand in my way
I'll use my head to make it through
Believers get it tough
Everything I cherished so dearly
Wasn't love, wasn't love

And the sea
Waits to bring me down
Drown me in its waves
Still I have no doubt

Though my flesh
Perrishes in time
I will reach the shore
On the other side

This meaning of life


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Saturday, March 13, 2004

   yay! Sanzo! heeheehee...

Genjo Sanzo


Which Saiyuki Character are you?
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Monday, March 8, 2004

   QUIZZES!!!!

High Maintenance. You are a classy person and
prefer the finer things in life. You probably
wouldn't be the type person to get your hands
dirty but hey.. there are ways around that.
Your good looks and irresistable charms are
hard to resist.


What influences your style? (Anime pictures)
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What Forest Creature Are You?

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