Name: Kanon Wakeshima
Age: 19
Blood type: A
Musical instrument: Cello
Favourite cellist: Jacqueline du Pré
Favourite musicians: Emily Simon, Lily Chou-Chou, Mayumi Kozima
Favourite composer: Claude Debussy, Erik Satie
Favourite painter: Alfons Mucha
Favourite author: Mayumi Nagano, Hiroko Taniyama
Favourite colour: Red
Other talent/hobby: Painting

Kanon Wakeshima started playing the cello since she was only 3 years old, after the advice and encouragement from her parents. In middle school, she played in string ensembles and by the age of 15, participated in various music performances, recitals and joint concerts. Towards the end of middle school, she started writing her own music, and performed for her first time as a vocalist during her high school's cultural festival.

While in high school, she became a member of the music club and desired to express herself more through her music. Her chance came when she applied for an audition sponsored by Sony Music Entertainment and was selected as a finalist. She then signed a contract with Sony's DefSTAR Records. Produced by Malice Mizer/Moi dix Mois guitarist Mana, her debut single 'still doll' is due to be released this May 28th.

Limited Edition A


Limited Edition B

Normal Edition

I personally like B, just because you get a closer view of the girls. A's the only one you actually get to see those sexy fishnet stockings on Reina, Ai, Aika and Linlin though. And the normal edition's not bad either, having some of the girls in pretty sweet poses.

Content-wise, A will have Another Version of the PV, whereas B will have the Lesson Studio Version. Your guess is as good as mine what they mean by 'lesson studio', though I'm guessing it could be that first PV of Resonant Blue we've already seen (I mean the setting does sorta look like an empty studio..).

I LOVED YESTERDAY by YUI
Release: 9/4/2008


Album+DVD


Album only

Track Listing
CD
1. Laugh Away
2. My Generation
3. Find me
4. No way
5. Namidairo
6. Daydreamer
7. Love is all
8. I will love you
9. We will go
10. OH YEAH
11. My friend
12. LOVE & TRUTH
13. Am I wrong?

DVD
1. Good-bye days
2. I remember you
3. Rolling star
4. CHE.R.RY
5. Live at Budokan (19/11/2007)

Source: YUI Official Site

I reaaaaaaaally need to start listening to YUI more. I'm still stuck on her old song, Tomorrow's way, lol.>_< Great song btw, but think it's about time I check out some of her new stuff.

Mirrorcle World by Ayumi Hamasaki
Release: 8/4/2008



Mirrorcle World(Single+DVD/Jacket A)



Mirrorcle World(CD only/Jacket B)



Mirrorcle World(Single+DVD/Jacket C)



Mirrorcle World(CD only/Jacket D)

Track Listing 1 (Jacket A&B)
CD
1. Mirrorcle World (Original Mix)
2. Life (Original Mix)
3. YOU (10th Anniversary edition) *special track
4. Mirrorcle World (Instrumental)
5. Life (Instrumental)
6. YOU (10th Anniversary edition -Instrumental-)

Track Listing 2 (Jacket C&D)
CD
1. Mirrorcle World (Original Mix)
2. Life (Original Mix)
3. Depend on you (10th Anniversary edition) *special track
4. Mirrorcle World (Instrumental)
5. Life (Instrumental)
6. Depend on you (10th Anniversary edition -Instrumental-)

DVD (Jacket A&C only)
1. Mirrorcle World (Music Video)
2. Mirrorcle World (Making Clip)

Preview: Mirrorcle World.mp3


Hweeeeel!!! Amethyst here with the new single by none other than the lovely Ayumi Hamasaki!!!~<3
Source: Ayumi Hamasaki Official Site

CRASH!! I'm back again. After nearly a whole month too. Well that's the trouble really. Being an imaginary friend, you tend to fade off once in a while lol.;P But this was one release I just couldn't ignore!=D

Resonant Blue
Release: 16/4/2008

Limited Edition A(CD+DVD)
Limited Edition B(CD+DVD)
Normal Edition(CD only)

Covers: Resonant Blue Covers

Preview:
Resonant Blue.mp3 (Full version PV rip)
Resonant Blue.mp3 (Tanaka Reina's FIVE STARS radio rip)
Resonant Blue.mp3 (Gaki-Kame radio rip) [full version minus intro]

PV + Review by Rift:
Analyzing: Resonant Blue PV

Well this is one case where we actually get to hear a preview of the song before even getting the covers. On Reina's radio show too, haha! Well it figures really, I mean she got a whole lot of lines in this new single.XD

Their covers these days rarely if ever reflect the outfits or even tone of the single. Remember Aruiteru? Or Kanashimi Twilight? Or Onna ni Sachi Are? Mikan's cover was kinda related I guess, I mean...mikan = orange --> new year --> festive feel. So I'm gonna guess that the cover for Resonant Blue would be something umm...kick-ass since the song kicks ass! (but not necessarily blue)

And this song is a really long time coming for Morning Musume. I mean, I loved their previous singles - you Mikan-haters can shut up, that was a super genki song! - but they lack errr...I'm struggling for a word here. A timeless quality?

So major plus points of Resonant Blue:
1. Genki, but not excessively so
2. Catchy, upbeat feel!
3. It feels less 'generic' than the recent singles before, comparatively!

Okies, but I know a lot of fans despite all that, are unhappy about the line distributions. Fortunately for me though, I'm not one of them...my faves vocally are Reina, Ai and Gaki anyway. XD But yeah, I can see their point. And I think Tsunku had better pay attention if he doesn't want to start losing those fans (notably Eri, since I think she has one of the larger fanbases).

So um yeah, can't wait for the real thing. MORNING MUSUME FOREVER! ~<3

Some new info on Hikki's new album is out!=D I can't say much for the album cover. It's the standard slap-my-face-on-the-cover kinda thing. On a plain white background, with some ho-hum text font. Actually, wasn't Koda Kumi's anytime single like that too? XD Sheesh, they should like get ME to design the covers or something lol.

Well enough ranting about boring album covers. Not much is revealed about the tracklist, but I'll update when I get new info.

Ooo, and according to the official site, if you pre-order, you'll get a B2-sized original Utada Hikaru poster. I think. Google translate says 'first subscription privilege', so I guess that means 'pre-order'.^^

In any case, you can check it out by clicking on the album cover below, just like any of the other releases I've posted about before.

HEART STATION
Release: 19/3/2008



Tracklist
-I will leave
-Flavor Of Life
-Beautiful World
-HEART STATION
+9 other songs for a total of 13

ayu-mi-x 6 GOLD

Tracklist
1. STEP you (THE YOUNG PUNX! remix)
2. Moments (dj KENTARO remix)
3. talkin' 2 myself (STONEBRIDGE remix)
4. Beautiful Fighters (MSTRKRFT remix)
5. INSPIRE (ARMAND VAN HELDEN remix)
6. Greatful days (PARA ONE remix)
7. Startin' (SHINICHI OSAWA remix)
8. glitter (SOUL CENTRAL remix)
9. BLUE BIRD (7th GATE remix)
10. ourselves (COLDCUT remix)
11. Ladies Night (AFRA & INCREDIBLE BEATBOX BAND remix)
12. HAPPY ENDING (MAD PROFESSOR remix)

ayu-mi-x 6 SILVER

Tracklist
1. GAME (YOJI remix)
2. Together When... (CO-FUSION remix)
3. No way to say (HIGH CONTRAST remix)
4. alterna (FREEFORM FIVE remix)
5. HEAVEN (DAISHI DANCE remix)
6. fated (MAKOTO remix)
7. About You (BLACK STROBE remix)
8. decision (FORCE OF NATURE remix)
9. JEWEL (STEPHANE POMPOUGNAC remix)
10. CAROLS (PLAYGROUP remix)
11. part of Me (CARL CRAIG remix)
12. walking proud (CALM remix)

I love remix albums! ~<3 Don't you? Rift goes for all the Cyber Trance remixes, but I'm more of a Eurobeat fan.^^ Of course, the ayu-mi-x series aren't too bad either (well soooome at least), and here we have Ayumi's latest!

We've got a nice range of songs all the way from Memorial Address up to her latest Guilty album. They missed 1 Love and momentum though.=( I love those songs!

In any case, I hope these remixes rock.^^

Source: Ayumi Hamasaki Official Site

No, I'm not talking about her upcoming single.

Funnily enough, Hikki's new album due for release on 19/3/2008 will ALSO be called HEART STATION. Fancy that, huh? XP

Anyhoo, no other details revealed yet. Stay tuned! Amethyst crashing out.;P

Edit: Check the updated post!

I saw people talking about the delay for a while now, but I wasn't sure whether it was true, so I like didn't bother posting about it. But Rift did some checking up, and now I'm pretty sure it's true. Morning Musume's 36th single has been delayed...;_;

YesAsia.com
cdjapan
JBOOK
Shinseido Shopping Site

ALL OF THEM states the new release date as being 16/4/2008. (Amazon.co.jp still says it's 5/3/2008 though.:/)

That's like...more than A MONTH later! I'm starting to wonder whether they're having some problems, or maybe they're trying to avoid competing with other releases on that day...

Let's see what else is there:
1. SMAP - Sonomama (single)
2. Japan Game Soundtrack, Hirano Aya - Hamatte Sabotte Oh My Ga! / Nantettatte Densetsu
3. Orange Range - Title to be determined (single)
4. ayaka - Te wo Tsunago (single)
5. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION - World World World (album)
6. AAA - Attack All Around (greatest hits album)
7. Every Little Thing - Title to be determined (album)

These are the ones I noticed, you can find more here.

Ugh, quite a few competitive releases on that day. SMAP, Orange Range, Asian Kung-fu Generation, AAA... Then we've got the ever popular Aya Hirano..<< I'm still addicted to Hare Hare Yukai and Motteke! Sailorfuku.

Another reason, like I mentioned in my earlier post, could be cuz BOTH C-ute and Berryz Koubou are releasing stuff around the same time. And given their immense popularity spike nowadays, I guess Tsunku might not want them to affect Momusu's sales or anything.

But still, an entire month's delay? How better could it be in the middle of April? XD I dunno, cuz I can't find any info on releases that far ahead.

Well anyways, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.


It had better be damn worth the wait...<<

LATEST UPDATE!! =D AND THE COVERS ARE FINALLY OUT! XD

THE FACE
Release: 27/2/2008

Limited Edition(CD+2DVD)

CD+DVD

CD only

CD
1. AGGRESSIVE　★大型タイアップ決定!
2. Sweet Impact　★コーセー「FASIO」CMソング
3. My Way,Your Way feat.WISE
4. be with you.　 ★映画「犬と私の10の約束」主題歌
5. LOSE YOUR MIND feat. Yutaka Furukawa from DOPING PANDA
★東芝製携帯電話 W55T(au) TVCMタイアップソング
6. Girl In The Mirror
7. Happy Birthday　★大型タイアップ決定!
8. Diamond Heart　★東芝携帯電話 W53T(au) &W54T(au)TVCMタイアップソング
9. LOVE LETTER
★日本テレビ系「いただきマッスル！」9月エンディングテーマ、music.jp TV-CFソング
10. BRAVE
11. ギャップにやられた！
12. Style
13. Smile again　★テレビ朝日系「土曜ワイド劇場」エンディングテーマ
14. Beautiful Flowers　★TBS系列プロ野球中継「ザ・プロ野球」テーマ曲
15. Best Friend
16. Hey Boy, Hey Girl feat.BoA／SEAMO [bonus track for Limited Edition only]

DVD1
Music Clip
1. Sweet Impact
2. LOVE LETTER
3. LOSE YOUR MIND feat.Yutaka Furukawa from DOPING PANDA
4. be with you.（Original Version）

Special Contents (for Limited Edition only)
* BoA TV -THE FACE of BoA-
* THE FACE全曲解説

DVD2
[BoA 2007 LIVE WORKS!]
from [BoA THE LIVE "X'mas"]
1. LOVE LETTER
2. キミのとなりで
3. Winter Love
4. First snow
5. make a secret
6. コノヨノシルシ
7. Diamond Heart
8. LOSE YOUR MIND

from [BoA ARENA TOUR 2007 MADE IN TWENTY(20)]
1. DO THE MOTION
2. Lady Galaxy
3. 七色の明日～brand new beat～
4. Sweet Impact

from [m-flo tour 2007 COSMICOLOR]
1. the Love Bug/m-flo♥BoA

from [Rhythm Nation 2007]
1. LOSE YOUR MIND
2. QUINCY
3. メリクリ


Source: BoA Official Site (Japan)

H!P unit Buono! has just announced the title of their new album! That's a lot of exclamation marks in that sentence isn't there? Lol. <<

Café Buono
Release: 20/2/2008


Limited Edition(CD+DVD)


Regular Edition(CD only)

CD tracklist
-Not disclosed yet

DVD tracklist
1. Kokoro no Tamago (Dance version)
2. Renai Rider (Dance version)
3. Making of cover photoshoot
4. Shugo Chara! promotional video

I'll update once I receive new info.;D

Source: Buono! Official Site

Ooo, this one kinda slipped by me till I realized it's already out.<_<; Lol.

16sai no Koi Nante
Release: 16/1/2008
Release(Single V): 6/2/2008


Limited Edition CD


Regular Edition CD


Single V DVD

Tracklist
1. 16歳の恋なんて (16sai no Koi Nante)
2. 私の恋人なのに (Watashi no Koibito na no ni)
3. 16歳の恋なんて (Instrumental) (16sai no Koi Nante (Instrumental))
4. 私の恋人なのに (Instrumental) (Watashi no Koibito na no ni (Instrumental))

Watch the 16sai no Koi Nante PV

Review
16sai no Koi Nante
This is a very light and upbeat song! And catchy too.^^ An uplifting song that's not too hyper-genki like most of H!P's stuff. My preferred fave of the two songs on this single.

Watashi no Koibito na no ni
Another song that makes for easy listening. Compared to the first, the tone is more relaxed here. Suitable for listening to while driving back from work.

Overall
This collaboration by Abe Natsumi(former Morning Musume member and current soloist) and Yajima Maimi(from C-ute) marks the first H!P single of 2008! And I think it's a pretty good start for the new year.^^

The duo complement each other nicely. It's a very nice pairing!~<3 Both songs on the single represent two different moods, yet retain the light and easy feel. It's a good combination!=D

So yeah, I'm wondering whether there'll be anymore collaborations between these two girls.^^ Cuz I sure hope so!

Hi all! Here's a few untitled releases you can expect to see coming out soon!

-It's been a while since Aikawa Nanase last released an album. But that's soon gonna change! Release date's still unconfirmed, but we can expect to see her album out sometime this summer.

-OLIVIA too has been pretty busy, what with all her concerts going on. Her new album is apparently due out 20/2/2008. It's gonna be 'purty delicious', as Livi-chan would put it, hehe.;D

-Popular female idol group Morning Musume will also be releasing their 36th single on 5/3/2008. With both Berryz Koubou and C-ute also releasing singles around the same time period, many fans are expecting a heated battle between the Hello!Project units. I'll be rooting for Momusu, of course!^^

-Utada Hikaru will also be releasing a new album on 19/3/2008. Still no further details.:(

That's for all now. Stay tuned for more berrylicious updates!

Amethyst crashing out! ;D

The song be for you is also the theme song for the Japanese film 'Inu to Watashi no 10 no Yakusoku'(Ten Promises With My Dog). Watch the trailer!

be with you
Release: 20/2/2008

CD only

CD
1. be with you.
2. precious
3. be with you. (spring acoustic mix)
4. be with you. (instrumental)
5. precious (instrumental)

CD EXTRA
1. New Album「THE FACE」Special Digest Movie New Album "THE FACE" Special Digest Movie

This is pretty old news, but I thought I might as well post about this.^^

HEART STATION / Stay Gold
Release: 20/2/2008


CD

1. HEART STATION
2. Stay Gold
3. HEART STATION -Original Karaoke-
4. Stay Gold -Original Karaoke-

Stay Gold was used for the 2007 ASIENCE CM, while HEART STATION will be the 2008 Recochoku CM song.

You can already find radio rips and ringtones of Stay Gold floating around online. As for HEART STATION, we'll get our first listen on 21/1/2008.

By the way, Hikki REALLY loves her Nintendo DS.

Source: U3MUSIC INC

Yum YUM~!

There's only one word I can use to describe YUI's songs. Beautiful.

Her sweet voice coupled with the strumming on that acoustic guitar of hers just has a way of pulling on the heartstrings...mmm...~<3

Which is probably why her new single Namidairo has also been announced as the theme song for the new drama Yonshimai Tanteidan.

Namidairo
Release: 27/2/2008


Limited Edition - CD+DVD


Regular Edition - CD only

CD
1. Namidairo
2. I wanna be...
3. LOVE & TRUTH ~YUI acoustic version~
4. Namidairo ~Instrumental~

DVD
1. Namidairo (PV)
2. Umbrella (Live clip not included in "Thank You My Teens")

Credits to moonchild at YUI-Lover for the covers.^^

JYONGRI's coming out with her 4th single pretty soon! Judging from the PV, it'll be a good one.<3

Kissing Me
Release: 30/1/2008

CD

1. Kissing Me
2. You're the One
3. Lullaby For You -English Version-
4. Kissing Me (Instrumental)
5. You're the One (Instrumental)