Recommended Music Videos: Anti-Valentine's Edition

I'm a little late. I'd intended to get this up yesterday, but here it is. As with the last entry, please think of it as something silly. Enjoy the music for what it is. I hope everyone had a good day whether you had a valentine or not. Remember to tell the people you care about that you love them today! It might just brighten the day of a friend who needs that little pick-me-up!

If any of you remember the song 'In Vain', Hizumi was more than ready to dominate you with sex. I don't think he's quite ready for that commitment ladies. However, you can always use your submissive side to your advantage and try to win him over. Proceed with caution. I bet he likes whips and bondage.

The ladies of miss A aren't ready for a man to take care of them. In fact, they don't need one. Trying your luck with these independant ladies might hurt your pride when you attempt to pay for the dinner bill. I know, I know. These girls aren't the typical Korean type you're used to. If you want a girl to whine and act cute rather than take care of herself, you're looking in the wrong place. 

In order to get Yuuki to settle down and stop showing off his thong, you're going to have to tie him up. That might not even help your situation though. Try taking away his access to devices with cameras. You'd better be prepared for a long fight with this one. It's going to be an uphill battle. 

Jui isn't quite ready to settle down. He's having a bit too much fun hanging out with Jun. Keep a watch on your heart. Those pretty boys may try to seduce you with just a look. Be extra careful with your virtues around these two!

Not all vampires are out to draw you into an eternal love affair like Asagi. Jin is more of the type to draw you in and seduce what he needs from you. Don't worry. You'll love every minute of the attention that he'll give you before leaving your bed cold. 

Ryouga and his friends aren't ready to fall in love right now. Let yourself explore desire and see where it'll lead you. It may not end up giving you a half naked woman with a giant bug. Whatever it leads you to, enjoy the ride while it lasts.

Byou's ready to star in your personal fantasy. He's brought you a rose. Everything is all set and ready. Climb onto your bed and relax. Before you know it, you'll have slipped into that fantasy world where he's waiting for you. When you wake up, he'll be on to the next fangirl that's waiting for him.

When Ikuma decided to spend time with the beautiful vampire, Exo-chika, I doubt he knew what would be waiting for him. Follow her into the world of darkness that she's led Ikuma into. This is a world of sin. Liberate yourself from your fears. Hold onto the hope that you can keep them both when the sun rises again.

G-Dragon isn't expecting any relationship with you to last. He's ready for you to break his heart. This is your chance to prove him wrong. Can you do what others haven't? Show him that you won't hurt him and maybe, just maybe, he won't run in the end.

Proceed with caution with these ladies. Loving one might be exciting. Wronging one could leave you with more than just a woman scorned. It could end with your untimely death in the end. If you're willing to take the risk, then you might get what you want in the end. One mistake and...too late for you.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"Every Single Night" by Fiona Apple
It's been so long since I heard from this unique talent mostly known from the late 90s and I think she has perfect timing with her comeback. Unfortunately, the younger generation is going to be arguing with my generation over the newcomers such as Lana Del Rey or Adele, but Fiona was first. The song is quirky yet charming. The video is very artistic and abstract just like the Fiona I've grown up with. People who know her talent predict that she'll be conquering the charts and I'm really hope she will since her strong vocal talent and lyricism is still on par.




"Electric Shock" by f(x)
Despite my delay on posting this, I'm glad I could include this on my post. I haven't listened to the mini yet, but this gives me high hopes that SME wasn't lazy with the girls this time, especially since it's been so quiet. The video isn't anything elaborate. We still have those random brightly lit rooms but the choreography is on point and I am beyond happy that they pumped up the girls' image and gave Amber some individual singing parts as oppose to rapping. Now I'm wondering if they'll let her break out of her tomboy role a little too in the future. I'm looking forward to listening and possibly reviewing their latest release.




"Manashiki Sei no Guui almost equals Shi no Imi" by NEGA
Imagine Dir en grey's epic arrangement from "VINUSHKA" and the GazettE's serene "Chizuru" meshed together with the signature dark stylings of NEGA and you have their latest PV for their second album. I'm convinced that this band is near flaw free. The visuals can be a little on the low budget end, but it goes with the Under Code style. The music is very grand like "VINUSHKA" with its melodic sound and intense punch during the long journey of notes. I'm really pumped for this album and so far they haven't disappointed me.




"FRUSTRATE ME" by SoundWitch
I was trying out new bands that I've heard around the internet and ended up watching another PV by this band. It's female fronted and pretty wicked actually. They remind me of a mix of probably Lacuna Coil and Head Phones President. I could be a little off on that, but it's something like that and I like it. The video switches from a pole dancer, to the singer doing these photogenic shots in black and white, and the band playing in this atmospheric lit area. The sound is dark, distorted, and strangely alluring. I'm looking forward to trying more of their music soon.




"Iris" by cocklobin
I was on the fence about posting this one. Not because it's a bad PV, but because the advertisement for their first album blocks the bottom half of the video. It's very basic band centric sepia/natural tones that remind me of ClearVeil in a sense, but it's a great PV with a powerful sound. I'm glad they're getting their faces out there with videos. I thought it would be years before I would see a PV from them and I didn't know they had one before that. Nonetheless, I am really looking forward to their first album.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"Chou" by Acid Black Cherry
Reviving that seductive lounge club sound, the band brings back everything fans love about them and more. The storyline is intriguing, especially with the forbidden romantic twist, but it doesn't take away from the smooth yet upbeat melody. Yasu's voice remains flawless and the bass is simply lovely as it leads the guitars along throughout the song.




"DELUGE" by NEGA
Before I comment on the flawlessness, I must warn you that this PV contains loads of graphic content. If you're in anyway squeakmish, please refrain from watching. So...I've been abusing the replay button for the preview of this PV and I about spazzed all over the place when the full version was posted. This. Is. AMAZING! This is up there with "Muddy Cult" and Jin growling like a sexy beast...makes it even more epic along with their always entrancing guitar solos. I'm hoping to be promoting them hard in 2013 to make a guest appearance at Oni-Con.




"Lunatic" by Daesung
I was happy to learn that Daesung finally got a MV for himself, but it seems as though fans are complaining about the quality. Honestly, I was too engrossed with how great the song was and the fact that Daesung was making a strong comeback. This MV proves that the man is diverse and he has the strongest voice in Big Bang. Don't even try to disprove that either XP For me, it reminded me of Moon Hee Jun, which made me uber excited. As for the visuals, I enjoyed the contrast from the usual Big Bang solo products. It's raw, dark, artistic, and unique which makes it seem more genuine and deep. Honestly, I don't think I would mind if he went in this musical direction with a hint of "Baby Don't Cry", because that song is just as emotionally powerful and beautiful.





"Breeze Out" by Meisa Kuroki
If it was possible for a woman to be fiercely sexy, badass, and have a great vocal range, they would call her Meisa Kuroki. Now there have been a few recent things I haven't been extremely excited about pertaining her, but this PV gives me hope that her attitude and musical style will revive everything I love about this exotic lady. She shows off different sides of herself throughout the PV, from innovative to tough, but sexy to refine model, but reminds us that she's a great dancer and can still hit those high notes.




"Tsukema tsukeru" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
I recently promoted this Yasutaka creation and I'm excited to see the release of her newest PV. It's not as catchy as "PONPONPON", but it's still ridiculously cute and shows off more of Kyary's love for eyes (or eyelashes as it seems). The costume and set design are very intriguing and imaginative just like her debut PV. Best part of the whole PV...the lion dancers!

Top 10 Things I'm Excited About in the Music Industry

10. lynch.'s first major release
It was announced in July that the band was finally going major. I was so excited and I'm looking forward to them advancing in their work. I'm hoping they'll get more exposure and possibly make an appearance in North America.

9. D=OUT's first PS Company release
Along with BORN, this band has joined the ranks of PS Company, a jrock label noted for bands such as the GazettE, Alice Nine., and former guitarist of the label Miyavi. Some people thought it was an understandable label change for them to go under as their sound and appearance would blend in with their future labelmates. I just hope their sound will continue to progress and they are able to do bigger and better things in the future.

8. vistlip updates
At the end of July, the band was involved in a car accident and their manager Ms. Asako Sakakibara (31) was unfortunately killed. The members and two other passengers had a few minor injuries. So, I'm hoping that the band can push forward through this tough time and continue creating music for their fans. Although, it was long ago, I wish Ms. Sakakibara's family and friends the best.

7. Sizna (ex-Sugar) joining Moran
I was surprised when I found out Sugar was disbanding last year, especially after I saw them live at Oni-Con. I was even more shocked when Zill, bassist of Moran, passed away recently this year. Moran has managed to keep it together and continue spreading their love through music and Sizna occupied himself with his solo work, TIME SECTION #. The two bands were pretty close, so it was refreshing to see the talented Sizna join the remaining members of Moran. I'm very anxious to see how things work out and commend them with their future memorial live.

6. Aoi's (ex-Ayabie) solo single release & DNL's debut
Along with the passing of a couple great musicians in the jrock world, Ayabie's disbandment was a huge surprise. I wasn't worried about Aoi's solo release, since a lot of artists do it when they're in a band like Hyde, Yasu, and Kirito. When I read the news, it appeared that the other members "abandoned" poor Aoi and created a new band, DNL. I'm interested in how this band will pan out and who will be taking over the vocalist role. On the other hand, I've always admired Aoi and his vocals, so I'm looking forward to his solo work and other future projects he has planned.

5. Mikaru's (ex-Dio - distraught overlord) new band DIGRAS
Erina, former guitarist of DiO and current guitarist of VII-Sense, left the band and then the members ended up turning things around with their words and broke up earlier this year. I was disappointed, but there was an announcement of a session band with Mikaru and two other former DiO members, Ivy and Denka. Now, DIGRAS has been introduced to the public, but the only members revealed is the great demon Mikaru. I'm excited to hear his deep, erotic vocals and see who fills in the remaining positions. I hope Ivy and Denka are part of it. Definitely gonna miss Kei.

4. Nega's 5th anniversary live DVD
Recently, they have released a new album compilation of various releases and a PV collection DVD. Now they're going to share their 5th anniversary live with the world, before going on a little hiatus to recharge. Nega has jumped the charts in my heart as my favorite Under Code band, since Vidoll and 12012 graduated, Dali has been in and out of the scene, and Phantasmagoria disbanded. They've always had a solid place in my heart, but they just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

3. 2NE1's first album & overseas debut
It's been pretty quiet for the girls of 2NE1, but it was announced that they've been working on an album. It will contain their previous releases and six new songs. Along with the album announcement, they're working on debuting overseas, like Japan and the U.S. I'm really hoping they can spread their wings a little further than California so I can check them out myself.

2. Miyavi's new album release
My love for Miyavi has been a long and rough one like my relationship with Dir en grey. I haven't been purchasing most of his stuff and I wasn't too fond of the Kabuki Boiz era. After listening to his latest releases of "Survive", "Gravity", and "SuperHero", I think I'm liking this new graduated Miyavi style. Hearing the new material live, made me anticipate new releases even more. In short, I'm very excited about the album and I haven't been this excited about his releases in a long time!

1. ALSDEAD live in Texas
I believe it was last year, LM.C was suppose to be the musical guest at A-Kon 20, but due to the "outbreak" of the swine flu, they had to decline the invitation. So, Cure brought ALSDEAD on the scene with Camino on their side to perform. Unfortunately, I had to miss out on the wild performance. Now, Cure is bringing them back to Texas for a performance at SoniCon. I know a lot of people complained and went "wtf" at the announcement of the band being at a hedgehog convention, but hey! it's something.