November 25, 2009
Categories: Appearances, Concerts, TV, Video . . Author: 乱火 . Comments: 6 Comments
中森明菜 – WOMAN
聞いてください。Akina is irreplaceable.
Blonde MV
It looks like this is the first time most of us have watched this video when I first shared via Facebook. She looks great but the video is a tad boring. Anyway, hope you will enjoy.
Inspire
Ask not what Akina can do for us, ask what we can do for Akina.
It is gratifying to know that some of Akina’s loyal fans have been marketing Akina’s dismal marketing efforts. Starting from Danny’s 「DIVA」 Youtube video promotion which garnered surprisingly high viewership numbers, helping to sell a few extra copies of the album I must add, it seems like our pleas to Universal Japan have inspired her fans to do more.
A week ago or so, we heard from Harumi from Taiwan who has gone onto Taiwanese Radio specially to plug both the 「Folk 2」 and 「DIVA」 albums. I had the pleasure of listening to the streaming of the broadcast and I must say that I was very happy to hear that, even if not many people caught it. For those of you who are interested, here is his site 永遠的歌姫~中森明菜
Today, I chanced upon this video of a young Japanese guy dancing to Akina’s latest single 「DIVA」. He is rather humble in his comments because I wish I could execute the moves as fluidly as he did. What impressed me most besides his dance is his relative young age. It is such a wonderful reminder that Akina is universal in her appeal, and she can still attract a young generation. An Eternal Queen indeed, if only she would come out and plug the single.
In her absence, we will leave you to imagine her dancing to this song, and if she ever wants to hire a dancer, I think Danceboy should seriously be considered.
It is so inspiring to see her fans doing so much for her and I hope UJ and Akina will feel our love and give us what we deserve. A little respect, a lot more honesty and definitely more inspiration. A little extra effort into Marketing would be nice too.
Over to you … UJ, Faithway and Akina!
Appetite (Eat Your heart Out Remix)
All quiet on the Akina front. So what do we do? Remixes of course! LOL. The track will be available for download on my personal blog. For a limited time only.
DIVA Single
DIVA single cut has been released. under the absence of promotion, the single debut outside of Oricon Singles Daily Top 50 on 21st September. but it ranked 46 on 22nd September. i thought the official release date was 23rd? haven’t heard the tracks, but apparently, the single version has a different treatment for the Intro, and the bit where she shouted. other than that, other bits “stayed the same”. “Heartache” apparently assumed “Heartbreak’s” arrangement wholesale (come on, dare we honestly expect anything else?), and “I Hope So” was a remastered version with clearer vocals.
Updates:
Just received the single. quick notes:
1. “DIVA” single cut basically differs in the Intro (about 1 min 3 seconds of build up, which was excellent, and she shd have continued in that direction using that sound rendering it a different style altogether, but then she did the usual cut and paste type of remix circa “Meu Amore”, “Babylon”, “Appetite” album versions); the Bridge (where she shouted – it’s been given a slight effects treatment); Ending (so minimal, you’ll miss it if you do not pay close attention). The bass has also been pushed upwards. the tracks in this single are bassier than the album recordings.
2. Heartache Original Version – this is largely “Heartbreak” arrangement wise. no “Cher” vocal treatments. so you hear her actual voice as it, in a leisurely mode. there are slightly different effects (cosmic noises, and a male robotic background vocals) throughout the song. I still prefer the Michitomo remix as it’s alot more frantic, which i think the song was more suited to be.
3. I Hope So – now, we know this has been marketed as “remastered”. but i personally think she resang the song. vocals are alot better, more solid, more control, alot less strained and you won’t visualise a pained look hanging on her when recording the song.
I quite approve of the layout and choice of colours of the lyrics leaflet inside (quite “Crimson” as there were dashes of pink).
Now, for the dismal news:
Weekly Oricon Chart – 50. Sales – 1220 copies.
Now go cry.
Heartbreak (Electro Hustler Mix)
The heavy bassline may be headache inducing. LOL. Enjoy!
High quality streamable MP3 now available at VAMP Network.
DIVA – Tetris Electro Mix
Alright guys. Here’s a pre-emptive warning: This one is not for the faint-hearted. We pushed the remix to a hard-pumping 8:19 minutes. And you need to BLAST THIS ONE. Promise? =) Please let me know what you think! Compliments are very welcome. HAHA. =)
High quality streamable MP3 is now available at VAMP Network.
DIVA (Legend of DIVA Mix)
Here you go guys. There’s another remix coming right up. But for now, enjoy this one. =)
