Utada - This Is The One
Hikaru Utada's making another attempt at breaking into the U.S. market. And I think the title of the album, This Is The One is exactly right. She might do it this time.
( Music is my business. )
( Music is my business. )
Mar. 13th, 2009
Apr. 26th, 2008
Heart Station
I've been out of the J-pop loop for the last two months, so I just got around to hearing Hikaru Utada's new album, Heart Station. And, well, I have to gush, because I adore this woman. (You'll see I now have 5 icons of her. What? The short hair's cute!)
Utada began dabbling in electronica on her English album, Exodus, and I was loving it. So I was pretty happy when she continued on that path with Ultra Blue, but at the same time, I thought she could go further, since the album didn't feel quite as cohesive as it should with acoustic numbers interrupting.
What do you know, she answered my wish with Heart Station! Sure, it's not mind-blowing, but it's still a fantastic album and despite being electronica, it's differentiated from Ultra Blue - I can't imagine any of these songs on that album. Her music is definitely becoming more experimental, and, maybe this sounds odd if you don't listen to much J-pop, but she seems to have combined the essence of both American and Japanese pop music. "Prisoner of Love" wouldn't sound out of place on the radio here, while "Nijiiro Bus" is so J-pop, it's almost scary. But other songs - such as "Fight the Blues" and "Celebrate" - are a combination of musical sentiments from each culture.
I always love Utada's vocals. She's a definite alto who really utilizes the lower end of her range and there's that "darkness" to her voice that's present even in the upbeat numbers. And in the past couple of years, her technique keeps improving (it's very obvious in her live performances).
So I'm extremely excited about her next English album; I have a feeling it will be very different from Exodus, and be a little more Japanese as her Japanese music has become a little more American, meeting halfway. And I shall continue to cross my fingers and hope for her to come tour over here. (Because seeing Utada live? One of the few things I'd kill for.)
There's a US release for Heart Station coming on April 29, listed for $21 on Amazon, but it's also available to download on Amazon and iTunes. Good move, EMI.
Utada began dabbling in electronica on her English album, Exodus, and I was loving it. So I was pretty happy when she continued on that path with Ultra Blue, but at the same time, I thought she could go further, since the album didn't feel quite as cohesive as it should with acoustic numbers interrupting.
What do you know, she answered my wish with Heart Station! Sure, it's not mind-blowing, but it's still a fantastic album and despite being electronica, it's differentiated from Ultra Blue - I can't imagine any of these songs on that album. Her music is definitely becoming more experimental, and, maybe this sounds odd if you don't listen to much J-pop, but she seems to have combined the essence of both American and Japanese pop music. "Prisoner of Love" wouldn't sound out of place on the radio here, while "Nijiiro Bus" is so J-pop, it's almost scary. But other songs - such as "Fight the Blues" and "Celebrate" - are a combination of musical sentiments from each culture.
I always love Utada's vocals. She's a definite alto who really utilizes the lower end of her range and there's that "darkness" to her voice that's present even in the upbeat numbers. And in the past couple of years, her technique keeps improving (it's very obvious in her live performances).
So I'm extremely excited about her next English album; I have a feeling it will be very different from Exodus, and be a little more Japanese as her Japanese music has become a little more American, meeting halfway. And I shall continue to cross my fingers and hope for her to come tour over here. (Because seeing Utada live? One of the few things I'd kill for.)
There's a US release for Heart Station coming on April 29, listed for $21 on Amazon, but it's also available to download on Amazon and iTunes. Good move, EMI.
Apr. 6th, 2008
She's Got A New Microphone
I can see why Hikki was all excited about getting a new microphone: the difference in sound quality is incredible, and my cheap USB mike was actually pretty good. Also has the added bonus of being able to tune my guitar much better.
So in celebration, recordings! They're all unedited and impromptu, so don't expect perfection. (And if you think they suck now, imagine what it sounded like before on a bad mic!)
Be My Last (Hikaru Utada)
Part Two
Waited Too Damn Long
Every Day I Breathe
So in celebration, recordings! They're all unedited and impromptu, so don't expect perfection. (And if you think they suck now, imagine what it sounded like before on a bad mic!)
Be My Last (Hikaru Utada)
Part Two
Waited Too Damn Long
Every Day I Breathe
Mar. 17th, 2008
Home Studio
So in the new house, I have two rooms. While we were slapping some tester paint on the walls this weekend (GREEN!), I started thinking more about how I'm going to divvy up my stuff between the rooms. One is going to basically be my bed, TV, and my pile of books. The other is essentially going to be my studio, for my art and music.
I've been doing research about building a home recording studio, but I think right now, I just want to get a condenser microphone, since I'm not happy with the sound I get with my little cheap mic anymore. Good thing Musician's Friend is having yet another sale...
I've been doing research about building a home recording studio, but I think right now, I just want to get a condenser microphone, since I'm not happy with the sound I get with my little cheap mic anymore. Good thing Musician's Friend is having yet another sale...