¡WOW!, Still doll, es una de mis canciones preferidas que suelo escuchar mientras transcribo mi novela. Es muy bonita la canción sobretodo la melodía que me estremece a mi corazón de un lado a otro. La música de Still doll es maravillosa sobretodo el chelo. Sin más, le dejo el lyric de esta maravillosa canción de Kanon Wakeshima.

En japonés:

Hi Miss Alice.
あなた　硝子の眼で
どんな夢を
見られるの？
魅入られるの？
またあたし
こころが裂けて
流れ出る
繕った
隙間に刺さる
記憶たち

Hi Miss Alice.
あなた　果実の口で
誰に愛を
投げているの？
嘆いているの？
もうあたし
言葉を紡ぐ
舌の熱
冷め切って
愛でるお歌も
歌えない

Still, you do not answer.

Romantización:

Hi Miss Alice.
Anata garasu no me de
Donna yume wo
Mirareru no?
Mirareru no?
Mata atashi
Kokoro ga sakete
Nagarederu
Tsukurotta
Sukima ni sasaru
Kioku-tachi

Hi Miss Alice.
Anata kajitsu no kuchi de
Dare ni ai o
Nagete iru no?
Nageite iru no?
Mou atashi
Kotoba o tsumugu
Shita no netsu
Samekitte
Mederu o-uta mo
Utaenai

Still, you do not answer.

Traducción:

Hola señorita Alice
¿A través de tus ojos de cristal
que clase de sueño
podrás ver?
podrás ver?

Otra vez yo
El agujero de mi corazón
Punzado por los recuerdos
De nuevo se desgarra alejándose

Hola señorita Alice
¿Por quien
está suspirando amor
tu dulce boca?
tu dulce boca?

Otra vez
en mi caliente lengua
que giran las palabras
mi amada canción
ya no puedo cantar
Y aún así tú no me respondes

¡Que preciosa canción!. La he escuchado infinitas veces y no me he cansado de escucharla. ¡En fin! Os dejo.

Hasta la próxima.

Break the unseen wall!
Even mechanical thoughts
Eats a dream
A dark past, scary future
The present is tied up, because of the pondering words
Do you know the limit?
In the black bird cage

A voice was thrown up
Even if it's put out

Believe the unseen things!
My arm trembles
I'd like to hold
Someone whose dear
I reached the place where I can wish to haste the present
Do you see the hope?
In the black small world

I open my magenta eyes

<3

Which leads me to another announcement. Thanks to broomhead here who wrote up an article on my C-ute Review and gave it a recommendation. ^_^ It gave me that warm cuddly feeling inside me, so I'm up for reviewing stuff again.

But back to my whole absolute love for string instruments. Yes, I do find them one of the most GORGEOUS things in the world. There's a certain class and feeling of sophistication to a string instrument and anyone who actually plays one, especially if they can play it well (I'm still waiting for more Kanon!)

And yes, thanks to Kanon Wakeshima, I actually have started taking string instrument lessons. Previously, I wanted to take cello lessons (oh you Kanon <3 ) But due to issues with size and transportation, and my lack of knowledge with cello other than Kanon herself, I decided to take the violin route because I always loved the violin too.

At the moment, I'm not really being "Classically Trained". I do want to learn how to play classically, but I have my heart set on playing Fiddle music. You know, the stuff that is fun to dance to and shizz.

XD

I'm actually doing very well. I have this callus on my index finger on my left hand (yay!), and my teacher has already started teaching me how to use the 4th finger. Normally, people don't start using that finger until they have had like 3 months of lessons, but I'm pretty damn proud of it. XD I've only had 4 lessons.

So SEE everyone? I will be famous!

(Maybe)

I dunno, my dreams are getting ahead of me, and maybe I won't be famous. But I eventually want to form a musical group. A string quintet would be damn awesome, but it would be cool if I were to twist it up and add other instruments like the flute, oboe, and bassoon. You know, the one day, we'll try out for Americas Got Talent, and get promoted and shizz, EVEN if we lose. We'll be like BOND or eScala from Britain's Got Talent (who I absolutely LOVE to death too)

And what does this have to do anything you ask? I have no idea. But I'm gonna be clever and just say this is like "My Way of Becoming A Japanese Pop Star" all over again.

ANYWAY, I may put up a review later on, and another entertaining "Obsession" article too.

:3

First & Foremost, the Best Singles!

Best Comeback Single!

60s70s80s - Namie Amuro

After a few years from fallen popularity Namie slowly worked her way back up to prominence. With the release of her latest album PLAY, Namie had suddenly gotten back in the game. With this newest single, Namie again got another no. 1 single, her first in nearly 10 years. Her popularity was reestablished after the release of this triple A-Side single. It's currently one of the highest selling female singles to date in 2008. She's now 30 but still singing in her prime, go Namie the Queen of Comebacks!

Best Scariest Single!

still doll - Kanon Wakeshima

No surprise here, this choice was quite obvious. This single by Kanon features classical instruments and disturbing background music. But then again it was produced by MANA, so what did you expect. Anyway, for a debut single this has caused quite a scare. And the title track was used in the new anime Vampire Knight, which is very good in my opinion. Here's to Kanon, with one of the scariest singles ever.

Best Cute Single!

glowly days - Kana Nishino

Kana took me by surprise at first with her debut single I, and from there I fell in love with her. But it was her second single that really caught my eyes. Although she cannot sing in English that well she can sing, after a few lessons she should be better. But anyway the title track was so adorable, especially when she tries to sing in English. Dream glowly days, and think of a cute and so so sweet voice. Yay for Kana and she so cute single.

Best Anniversary Single!

Mirrorcle World - Ayumi Hamasaki

Seeing that no one else released an anniversary single, Ayumi was really the only candidate and choice. But this introduction turned full song turned single was quite the single. It was released in an incredible six editions, and featured a total of two brand new songs and two anniversary editions. With this single came many promotions and even another tour of Asia. Still this single was quite remarkable selling over 146,000+ copies in its first week, the highest for a female single in 2008. But I really loved how the covers looked, not the whole topless thing, but because it seemed so natural, so beautiful and so serene. Unless another one is released later this year, this will remain the best. Ayumi does it again with this no. 1 anniversary single.

Best Love Single!

Prisoner Of Love - Utada Hikaru

Despite being four to five years younger than a few of the other J-Pop divas, Hikki has broken so many records. And this time she's won my attention again with this wonderful re-cut single, Prisoner Of Love. This single was used for the drama Last Friends, as both the theme and an insert song. It's popularity has grown, especially on the digital charts, reaching no. 1 on Itunes Japan, and becoming another signature song from Hikki. This single features one lovely song, full of emotions all about love; and it includes a Quiet Version that features only an orchestra and a new set of vocals. But what really sets it apart from the others is the lyrics, which are so beautiful and emotional. Leave it to Hikki to create such a lovely and heartfelt single.

Best American Sounding Single!

Love Paradox - Leah Dizon

Leave it to an American to have an American sounding single right? Well out of all of the singles, this one sounds the most American, and being from an American artist I guess it'd only make sense. This American style R&B song features some distorted synthed vocals, that sounds pretty good. The English was impressive and the Japanese was straight on. Despite not doing that great on the charts this is definitly one of the best American sounding singles, as of yet anyway. Leah is very cute and very good with her vocals.

Best Cute Lyrics, Morals, & PV Single!

Girigiri HERO - mihimaru GT

This single might look a little strange but it's good nonetheless and it contains some very cute lyrics, morals, along with a great PV. Now the lyrics are about a person who helps one person, even though they're a "barely qualified HERO." It's really all about how you don't need a flashy costume to or any powers to be a hero to someone, corny and cheesy but true. With some great lyrics, English and Japanese, and the corny yet true moral, this single is so great. And as for the PV, well it's so cool! It was one of the top videos on Itunes Japan and it's no wonder. In the video it features a grown man who helps all kinds of people, even though he's barely qualified. But in the end, he's a really great hero. mihimaru GT has outdone themselves with this creative single.

Best Electronica / Techno / Dance Single!

Baby cruising Love / Macaroni - Perfume

After changing producers this group started steadily to gain attention, until finally they released this single which managed to reach no. 3 on the charts. Perfume is well known for their producer Nakata Yasutaka, and their often distorted vocals. And in this single it's all about distortions, great techno pop and the occasional electronica vocals. But I must say that this single sounds so good, distortions and all. Yasutaka has done it again with these lovely ladies and there fantastic electronica / techno single.

Now for the Best Albums!

Best Dedicated Album!

GUILTY - Ayumi Hamasaki

After countless no. 1 singles and albums Ayumi released GUILTY. Despite this album reaching no. 2 on the charts it did become a very beautiful album. The album was dedicated to a friend of Ayumi's who passed away earlier in the year and she even wrote a song for her. But the point is that this album was full of emotion and power, but most importantly it was one of the best dedicated albums, but come to think of it I have no clue how many other's were dedicated to other people. But still this is no. 1!

Best Disappointing Album!

Kingdom - Koda Kumi

Countless promotions were prepared for Kuu-Chan's latest album, however the album turned out to be a huge disappointment. After Kuu's controversy the album's sales seemed to plummet, selling about half as many copies as her previous album. And the quality of the album wasn't that great. I was expecting so much, but all it was was a huge disappointment.

Best Flop Album!

THE FACE - BoA

BoA might have ruled the world of J-Pop as a princess in the early 2000's but it seems that as time's gone by her popularity has faded to an all time low. Her latest album was a prime example of what's happened in music industry, falling sales. The album itself was rather enjoyable but the sales were anything but that. This album is her lowest selling Japanese studio album, and the singles from this era were a huge disappointment sales wise. Maybe her new tour will push this flop.

Best Popularity Decline Album!

Don't Stay - Tamaki Nami

This hasn't been Nami's year to say the lest. After releasing Graduation ~Singles~, her first best album, she began her new era. Now the new era didn't begin that great, her first single failed to chart in the top 20. Her next single was a moderate success, but the last was a total flop, barely making it to the top 20. But in 2008 she released Don't Stay, her fourth studio album. With virtually no promotions the album reached number 14, making it her lowest charting album considering her two previous albums had been no. 1 hits. It goes to show you what happens in the world of Japanese idols. One minute you're a famous teen sensation, the next you're last years model. Hopefully this is only a slow period and her next singles and albums chart better.

Best Repetitive Album!

I LOVED YESTERDAY - YUI

We all know YUI as that artist who sung a few theme songs from the popular anime Bleach. She's also known for her frequent use of a guitar, whether it be acoustic or electrical. Now I haven't listened to any of her previous albums but the reviews were generally praising the album.s As for this album, there was anything but praise. Most people, including me, found this album to be so repetitive. The album started out good, but after so many guitar driven songs the album began to lose its flare. You can only use an instrument so many times before it gets old. And another little thing, she hardly ever smiled! And the cover wasn't that great either sadly.

Best Collaboration Album!

DOLCE - Ami Suzuki

I guess Ami's the only artist to do so many collaborations besides m-flo but she's the only one that I've reviewed. So she won hands down, and the album was great, and PINK! Anyway even though she's done so many, it's because her collaborations were so good that I added her. The singles for this album were very good, and so memorable. And the album itself was so fantastic and pink. From the synth / techno FREE FREE to the lone non-collaboration track if, this album is simply phenomenal. Although it seems that this is her last collaboration album it's certainly the best.

Best Theme Album!

Lei Aloha - melody.

Only after one single was released did melody. decide to release an album. The result was Lei Aloha and it was darn good result at that. Even though this album didn't do that well, the most important thing about it was its theme. The theme for this album was Bonds, and the tracks reflect it with both lyrics and music. It was probably her best album to date and her most emotional. What an emotional and profound theme!

Best Electronica / Techno / Dance Album!

GAME - Perfume

From pop idols to Queens of Techno with the help of their producer Nakata, the group rose to popularity. After the release of their single Polyrhythm the steadily began to rise in popularity until they released GAME. GAME is undoubtedly the best electronica / techno / dance album without competition. With some great distorted vocals and superb flashy dance music with fun, energetic beats this album was an easy no. 1 hit and the best techno album.

Best Overall Album!

HEART STATION - Utada Hikaru

While I must admit that I am a little biased towards Hikki there's no doubt that she made one hell of an album. After two years since her previous album fans were waiting for this album. This phenomenal album contained the child favorite single Boku wa Kuma, the 2nd most downloaded song in the world Flavor of Life, the theme song for a very popular anime movie Beautiful World with a Nissin Cup Noodle CM song Kiss & Cry, and finally the Kao Shampoo CM Stay Gold with the ever popular HEART STATION that was the only song to pass over 1,000 plays on the radio. The album is filled with beautiful songs with profound lyrics and tremendous emotion. One of the songs was so great that it was released as a re-cut single. But this album has such a high quality to it, and that's why it's so good. This album has also outsold her previous album, a first for Hikki. And the total physical & digital sales for this album and its songs total over 20 million, a very impressive record.

I hope you all enjoyed the first Best Countdown 2008 G. I know it wasn't that good this time, but I've just been so tired lately it's almost become a job, rather than a fun activity. But be assured that the next Best Countdown will be much better, and will include some more sections. Thanks for being patient, and I'll be reviewing albums soon, get ready for First Love.

]]> http://muzakforthesoul.wordpress.com/?p=15 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:59:00 +0000 jinyounae http://muzakforthesoul.wordpress.com/?p=15
分島花音 - still doll
Released: 28 May 2008
Buy her debut single at cdjapan

1. still doll

2. 黒い鳥籠

3. still doll (music box version)

This is her debut single from celloist and vocalist Kanon Wakeshima. Her debut single was produced by Mana, guitarist of Malice Mizer/Moi dix Mois. Track 1, still doll, was the ending theme for the anime Vampire Knight (which features my fave seiryuu, Mamoru Miyano *insert fangirly squeals*). With the cello included in, it gives the song a dark and mysterious feel; coupled with the sounds of a music box, it does suit the title very well. A creepy doll-like theme but beautiful. Track 2, Kuroi torikago, is a more upbeat song with an electronica feel. Of course, the sounds of her cello is present so it becomes an interesting fusion of classical elements with electronica. I'm not sure if this would sit well with a lot of people but I think it's interesting.

Go check her still doll PV on youtube; it may help you grasp the concept of the song better if you didn't already understand it by listening to it.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Nombre Kuroi Torikago

Intérprete Kanon Wakeshima

CD Still Doll

Escucha http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=qXQBscMoSlc

Descarga http://www.mediafire.com/?uu0ajec2b21

No puedo desafiar al destino,
mi cabeza papita en su confusión.

No puedo quedarme entre el cielo y el tiempo,
obedeciento ciegamente.
Mis manos
están apretadas, juntas, con una cuerda.
Abro los ojos,
que fueron cosidos y cerrados.

¡Derriba los muros que no puedas ver!
Incluso con pensamientos mecánicos,
devorarán en tus sueños.
Un pasado ensombrecido, un futuro aterrador.
La razón de rumies palabras
que te ataron al presente.
Saber esas limitaciones
es estar en una jaula negra.

Incluso si las voces falsas
están en silencio...

¡Cree en cosas que no puedas ver!
Con los brazos temblando,
quiero proteger
a alguien muy querido para mí
en el lugar donde se encuentran mis pensamientos
cuando se mueven a través del presente.
Ver deseos y esperanzas.
Incluso si es a través de un pequeño mundo negro...

Una sombramagenta  desenfocada.
Abre los ojos...

alan "Ai Jiu Shi Shou" / "Shiawase no Kane"

anna tsuchiya "Crazy World"

crystal kay "Namida no Saki ni"

kanon wakeshima "still doll"

kaya - discography (5 singles, 1 mini-album, 1 album)

may j "DO tha DO tha"

nami tamaki "Don't Stay"

Perfume "GAME"

5 SE7EN singles (i wanna..., aitai, arinomama, crazy, 747)

mie nai kabe o kowashite!
kikai no shikou demo
yume o mushibamu
kurai kako kowai mirai
ima o shibaru kotoba o hansuu suru riyuu
genkai o shiru no wa
kuroi tori kago no naka

haku koe
kesa re te mo

mie nai mono o shinji te!
furueru ude demo
mamorinuki tai
itoshii dareka o
ima o susumu omoi no tadori tsuku basho
kibou o miru no wa
kuroi semai sekai demo

nijimu mazenda no

hitomi o akete

Hi Miss Alice.
anata kajitsu no kuchi de
dare ni ai o
nage te iru no ?
nagei te iru no ?
mou atashi
kotoba o tsumugu
shita no netsu
same kitte
mederu outa mo
utae nai

Still, you do not answer.

Hi Miss Alice
¿Con tus ojos de cristal
que tipo de sueño
estás soñando?
¿Dónde estás atrapada?
Otra vez
volviste a romper mi corazón
fluyendo...
Conseguí volverlo a unir pero,
mis recuerdos están enganchados
en una brecha.

Hi Miss Alice.
¿Con fruta de tu boca
a quien entregarás
tu amor?
¿Te lamentas?
Mis palabras
dan vueltas
en mi lengua febril
Enfriándome completamente,
no soy capaz de cantar
mi canción de amor

Still you do not answer

Japonés

Hi Miss Alice
Anata garasu no me de
donna yume wo
mirareru no?
miirareru no?
mata atashi
kokoro ga sakete
nagarederu
tsukorotta
sukima ni sasaru
kioku tachi

Hi Miss Alice
Anata kajitsu no kuchi de
dare ni ai wo
nageteiru no?
nageiteiru no?
mou atashi
kotoba wo tsumugu
shita no netsu
samekitte
ai deru outa mo
utaenai

Still, you do not answer

Rarely watch animations or cartoons anymore
but Vampire Knight got me hooked
I'm now under Zero and Kaname spell............

Anime: Vampire Knight (ヴァンパイア騎士)
Story and art by: Hino Matsuri
Opening Theme: "Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi (Two Beats and Red Sins)" by ON/OFF
Ending Theme: "Still Doll" by Kanon Wakeshima

Download the MP3

• Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi MP3 Here
• Still Doll MP3 Here

Especially love the ending theme video. Haunting, eerie and simply beautiful

Videos of original singers with the theme song

Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi (Two Beats and Red Sins)" by ON/OFF
ON/OFF comprises of twins brothers by the name of Naoya & Kazuya Sakamoto. Naoya is the older twin. They made their debut when they starred in Fuma no Kojiro as Kou & Shoryu

"Still Doll" by Kanon Wakeshima
Debut release from cellist and vocalist Kanon Wakeshima. Still Doll is produced by legendary guitarist, Malice Mizer/Moi dix Mois member, and gothic lolita fashon creator Mana. Song composed by Mana, with lyrics by Kanon herself. Song features a combination of classical music and French/electropop elements.

Well actually, I've been working on my next "Obsession" article, but it still has a lot of stuff I need to tweak.

So for now, I'm going to say something else.

Kanon Wakeshimas debut single Still Doll has reached #33 on the Oricon Charts (weekly) and has sold 3,642 copies. Not too bad actually.

Keep it up!

Tracks:
1. still doll
2. Kuroi Torikago
3. still doll ~Orgel Version~

Review:
still doll, the eerie tune. One thing I have to say is that this music is scary, like death and old classical scary. But anyway it begins with a cello playing shortly followed by what appears to be a music box. Then Kanon sings "Hi miss, Alice" followed by some Japanese. The music moves slowly but here is fits. But there is one major flaw, something that a lot of people have been mentioning, the structure. This song seems to have no apparent structure. I have no idea where the chorus is in this song and the same goes for the verses, it's all a big mess. But with that being said, I still like this song, mostly for the classical elements.

Kuroi Torikago, lit. Black Birdcage, the structured darkness. Unlike it's predecessor, this song begins with fast violins yet the music is still dark. But this time Kanon seems to have stronger vocals that sound a heck of a lot better, and those violins playing keep adding to the music. The verses sounded great although not that catchy. The chorus was so much better, pure bliss in a scary dark kind of way. The bridge was a cello playing with some violins. But after the bridge was one of my favorite parts, mostly because it got all scary and Kanon's vocals were a little distorted. And the final chorus was phenomenal as it featured a wonderful orchestra of violins and superb background music. This was much better than the title track.

still doll ~Orgel Version~ a new remix? No, this is actually just another instrumental. However, it's with a music box instead. So nothing really to review.

Overall Review: still doll was eeriness with classical flare. It's been a while since I've heard a single of this magnitude from any artist. Considering all I hear is mostly mainstream pop this is a little treat. It was great to hear something so new and so strange. I loved the fact that this single was so unique and featured some dark music, and the classical approach was genius. Kanon has got to be one of those new breakout artists of 08 that we need to keep an eye on.

Final Grade: 97A

Note From the Creator: This article is mere fun, and has absolutely no validity, I’m only joking around do not take anything you read too seriously.

————————————————————————————

Certainly looks like a doll. Fitting song I guess. Kanon Wakeshima is a cellist-singer hybrid created in a laboratory when ugly nerds decided to fuse classical instruments with the DNA of cute girls. The only one that came out human was Kanon. The rest came out as pianos that played themselves, dancing violins and drums that made moaning sounds similar to males before completion. These were promptly sold off to haunted houses, freak shows, and burned respectively.

Kanon was raised human by two normal parents who encouraged her love for the cello, Larry. Kanon met Larry when she was three, and it was love at first site. Larry managed to woo Kanon with his extra large bow, which proved pleasing and they were married in the spring. They live in a Gothic mansion hidden on a hill top with their maid, Ms. Alice, who they will occasionally threesome with.

Kanon was a truly haunting voice, and she was discovered by Mana, who will also occasionally threesome with Kanon and Larry, and foursome with Kanon, Larry and Ms. Alice. He decided that she needed to release music, so they went off to Tokyo after several sexual favors to Sony Japan CEOs, Kanon and Larry received a recording contract. Her first single, still doll, came out last week.

TRACKLIST

1. still doll

2. kuroi torikago

3. still doll-music box version-

As you can see, Kanon loves to please her man. still doll is a haunting Gothic piece which fits Kanon and Larry perfectly. The lyrics where written by Kanon herself, and she also played with Larry in the recording. still doll is soft and chilling, it takes you into a quiet world, of mystery and wonder. If mystery could have a sound, it'd be the sound of Kanon Wakeshima's voice. The song is strange, there's no clear climax, but you feel it come and you know it's there. There's just no point you can pinpoint as it. Sort of like sex with Larry.

There's a simplicity in the instrumentations that I have to comment on. Everything is based around Larry, and the other small dings and twings of synth or bells or whatever they are compliment him wonderfully. He truly shows off his deep bass, but at the same time tenor sound. Cello's are quite pretty instruments. Kanon's voice also compliments him as well, it's like they were built for each other.

Uh oh.

I bet it was Larry's DNA that the geeks used to make Kanon. Uh oh incest, oh my god. OH MY GOD

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Okay I'm good now.

The b-side to still doll is the electro-pop, also based on the cello, kuroi torikago, which means "black birdcage." kuroi torikago works better with Kanon's voice than still doll, this song has a sort of urgency about it, and that's one of the things I love about it. The electronic beats only add to the pure darkness of the song, and Kanon's upper register voice, and Larry's upper register notes truly make the song sound more urgent. They probably play it in bed. Either way, this song is the better of the two. This is what Kanon has to do with her life, music like this. Larry and Kanon have a lot more hot urgent songs to write, and play.

Kanon also draws in her spare time. That's a thingy she drew in the still doll booklet. It's a real wonderful... thingy. I think it's a person who got thrown up by a giant gorilla. With apple sauce.

still doll closes with the music box version of the title song. Now this is truly creepy. Music boxes playing creepy songs always makes it ten times creepier because it sounds like some devil child is going to be standing by the window and lightening will go off and it'll say "Do you wanna play with me?" and then it'll laugh manically and cut your head off. Well the music box version of still doll has that affect. It's truly haunting, possibly the most haunting thing on this single.

She totally needs to do this for every single instead of stupid instrumental versions.

Anyway, we expect great things from Kanon and Larry. still doll charted 22 on it's first day on the charts, which is pretty good for a debut single these days. We can only hope that her next one can beat it marvelously. I'm sure with Kanon and Larry slamming together, and Mana pounding her from behind, we're in for great things from Kanon Wakeshima

]]> http://kookii.wordpress.com/?p=204 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:35:44 +0000 Kookii http://kookii.wordpress.com/?p=204

Wakeshima Kanon - Still Doll Single + Scans

• Size - 29.36 MB
• Download -> FileSend //
• Buy -> YesAsia // CDJapan

1. Still Doll
2. Black Birdcage
3. Still Doll [Music Box Version]

This is a great single. I love her voice. It has a slight childish edge to it. I absolutely love the cello parts in Still Doll. The Music Box Version is so sweet. At first, I didn't know what kind of version it was, but it's exactly what it says, a music box version [funnily enough lmao.] You know, those boxes when you open it and a ballerina pops up and turns around and some sweet melody plays. Like that lmao. A very good single. I think I'll keep up with her music from now on since she's a new artist.

Credit -> Asian Amusement

23:35 pm ♪AAA - Mirage

still doll is the debut single from J-Pop singer/cellist, Kanon Wakeshima. The title track was used as the ending theme to the Vampire Knight anime. At this stage, it is too early to state charting positions. However, it debuted at #22, and dropped to #24 on its second day charting. It is too early for sales information, but the single was released on the 28th of May, 2008.

Track Listing
1. still doll
2. Kuroi Torikago
3. still doll (Orgel Version)

The song opens with the lone sound of Kanon's cello (EDIT: ACTUALLY, I agree with the commenters, it's most likely synth. But it resembles a cello pretty well, save the warbling sound.), which loops throughout the song. It is soon joined by a music box, and a synth crackle opens the song to Kanon's vocals. The song mainly consists of the cello and music box, with some synth sounds, such as the crackle and others, popping up throughout the song. You also get the same cello solo, starting slow to an intense speed, three times throughout the song to help heighten the mood. Kanon's voice sounds sort of underdeveloped at this stage, but her vocals suit this song perfectly. It has a high Gothic/Baroque feeling to it, and while I didn't find it as creepy as others have stated it to be, it certainly is a dark song. It has a suspenseful atmosphere to it, and watching the PV can make the song seem even creepier than it is. With or without, it's still an excellent debut

Kuroi Torikago sees Kanon crossing into almost Techno territory. The synth in the song mainly gives it this sound, but the cello still plays a large part in the arrangement, reaching its peak in the chorus, and before the verses. It's a great example of showing us how well Kanon can handle the cello. The opposite worlds that the cello and synth represent surprisingly work very well together, so the song is pretty easy to listen to. Her voice sounds even weaker at points in this song, and it's definitely not as entrancing as still doll was, but it's still good. You can really tell the producer was from Malice Mizer when you hear this song.

Wow. The Orgel version of still doll was a surprise, as it consists of nothing but the music box that was heard in the original version, playing the entire tune of the song instead of its one solo. It's around 40 seconds shorter than the original version, and it does a considerably better job at giving the creepy atmosphere the song was originally intended to have. Splendid work here.

Overall Grade
A

Favorite Track
still doll

While Kanon's voice isn't exactly stellar, the overall atmosphere and tone of her music, coupled with the unique cello arrangement that she presents, help give her a much more original sound. After all, it's not often you hear Baroque music in this age, especially on the popular music scene. If she can keep producing music of this quality, in arrangement alone, then she's definitely an artist to keep a watch over. Kudos to Mana for helping her with this sound~

Yeeeeeees, I'm adding ANOTHER artist. I just can't resist, this girls music is just so HOT. I must be starting to get into the more Gothic sounding music, because her debut has a sound highly reminiscent of that style. Or baroque. One or the other. The cello just sounds so awesome, too. Hopefully she keeps Mana as her producer and doesn't pull a Suzuki on us~ So, yes, new review order for today:

KISS ONE MORE TIME - Tommy february6
still doll - Kanon Wakeshima
Heart Station / Stay Gold - Utada Hikaru
Love Letters - BoA

It won't be all at once, I'll post KISS ONE MORE TIME in about half an hour, followed immediately by still doll. Stay tuned~

( P.S. Sorry Goody~ D: )

ALSO, I will be adding a new page to my blog, called the "Comments" page. We should aaaaaall know what goes here.

Yeah, it's not just for any comments, random or otherwise (I GUESS questions could go there though), but it's mainly to give people a place to say what they think about the blog and such. No advice, please. Let me learn on my own. <3

EDIT: Sorry, I'm procrastinating again. I wrote two reviews, but expect the other two tomorrow~

Track Listing

1. still doll
2. Kuroi Torikago
3. still doll (Orgel Version)

1. still doll

OMG, this is one creepy song.  It starts out with the Cello that Kanon plays and I must say, she's really gifted at it too.  Then some xylophone playing comes in.  Then a synth sound and Kanon comes in saying ~Hi, Miss Alice~  That right there sent a shiver down my spine.  Like some of the other reviews I read it's hard to decipher the chorus...then again who's really paying attention because after the chorus Kanon shows off her cello skills and wow!  When she plays it on the PV it's so well done and she's acting as if her cello is her life support.  Wow, what a good tune and great start.

2. Kuroi Torikago

Wow, this is more faster and yet still keeps the creepiness going on.  There's a lot more synth this time around too.  Kanon does sound a lot stronger in this song too.  It does have a ballroom sound which is definitly pleasant to my ears.  Kinda bummed that it was shorter than "still doll".  Either way, I think it was a great B-Side, but not better than the A-Side.

3. still doll (Orgel Version)

Wow, they made the title song even more creepy by erasing the whole song and using a musicbox to use the melody which was totally awesome here.  Funniest thing is when it stops and a person had to turn the knob on the box right before the 1st chorus.  Great ending to a single....BTW it reminds me more of "Marionette -prelude-" from Ayumi Hamasaki...then again, I can see this also being a prelude to "Marionette" also how odd is that?

So how was Kanon's debut?  Wow, creepiest debut if you ask me.  Mana from Malice Mizer produced the single also, which surprised me, I kinda thought...hmmmm I wonder if Gackt likes this single as well also.  Still I was impressed by this single, and it's not like any other released singles thus far.

Tracks:

1. still doll

2. Kuroi Torikago

3. still doll (Orgel Version)

Kanon Wakeshima's still doll was released on May 28th, 2008. It's her debut single and the title track was used as the ending them for the anime Vampire Knight.

I was amazed at how eerie and creepy still doll sounded, being a debut and all, but I guess we can thank the almight Mana for that. Not much is known about her, other than that she's really good with the cello (which isn't something you hear about that often.) It shows in this song. Her voice sounds fresh, as well as eerie to go along with the song. She's definately someone to watch out for!

Kuroi Torikago, is COMPLETELY different. It's got a techno beat and sound to it, but also has her cello in it. Her voice sounds a little stressed but not bad. I really like how she adds her cello into it, making it sound elegant.

The Orgel Version of still doll is cute. The whole song is shortened, and it's just a music box playing. During one part you hear someone winding it up and the chorus goes on.

Overall Grade:

Download: still doll | Kuroi Torikago | still doll (Orgel Version)

Release Date • 2008.05.28
File Size • 29.6 MB
Bit Rate • 320 kbps

•Tracklist•

1. still doll
2. Kuroi Torikago (黒い鳥籠; gabbia per uccelli nera)
3. still doll (Orgel Version)

•DOWNLOAD•