This month I revisited some old songs that I have forgotten about and brushed upon music collections that were released some time ago. Fortunately, there were a lot of music I imported into my personal playlist that I can share as material for this entry.
Title: Mahjong Legend Akagi Soundtrack
Artist/Composer: Taniuchi Hideki
Vintage: 2006
Comments: I didn't realize that this was the same person that composed the Death Note soundtracks. The Akagi soundtrack is dark, but not in the way of being grim and gothic. It's more of a pensive attitude with unsettling tension. Composed mostly with keyboard, guitars, and percussion, the soundtrack takes you to the pits of a bottomless depth and an unwavering stench of fear. The music is actually quite simple, but the tracks flow very nicely into each other.
Title: Hoozuki no Reitetsu Soundtrack
Artist/Composer: TOMISIRO
Vintage: 2014
Comments: Another very simple soundtrack that flows very well to the ears. Overall, it's very fun and lighthearted. The soundtrack takes Japanese influences into its composition though it doesn't become a fully fledged taiga drama. The soundtracks come with a Web radio session with the voice actors and some special songs sung by the cast of Hoozuki no Reitetsu. "Jigoku no Sata Mo Kimishidai", the main theme for the series, gets several versions in the soundtrack that is different from the CD single release. It is also my favorite song in addition to "Caramel Peach Jam 120%" and "Momotaro ~Oni in the Island~".
Title: Phobia
Artist/Composer: Breaking Benjamin
Vintage: 2006
Comments: I had completely forgotten that this album existed in my library. I was thinking, "How come I know every song on this album?" Well that's because you actually listened to it and own it in the first place? There used to be a rock radio station I use to listen to when I was in middle school that doesn't exist anymore. For some reason it got completely replaced and I could never hear rock again. "Breath" was the first song I heard and I really liked it. Phobia has a good mixture of hard ballads and hard rock bordering on metal. The lyrics are very honest and get right to the point. It has that melancholy feel to it like a somber rainy day that refuses to stop.
Title: Headphone Children
Artist/Composer: The Back Horn
Vintage: 2005
Comments: This was an album lying in my music archives that I ignored completely. I got it because of only one song, "Cobalt Blue". As I was organizing my music, I decided to listen to the album with a more sincere attitude. "Cobalt Blue" is still my favorite song on the album, but there are other songs worth listening to. I ended up really liking the album. It's a mix of alternative rock and grunge with some reggae influences in some songs.
Title: Unubore Deka Soundtrack
Artist/Composer: Nakanishi Kyo
Vintage: 2010
Comments: It was one hell of a comedy and its soundtrack matches it quite well. It established a Unubore theme that has that intentionally cheesy ballad feel mixed with some old school disco. The White Suits Theme is one of the most enjoyable tracks carrying out the same cheesiness and plays during the most comedic scenes in the drama.
Artist/Composer: Onmyouza
Vintage: 2011
Comments: Onmyouza does it again with their metal album. "Kishi Bojin" is one of those rare albums where you enjoy each and every one of their songs. The reason is very simple. Each song purposely leads into the next one and has a consistent theme, but doesn't repeat its material with exception to the final track. Kuroneko and Matatabi showcase their talents in harmonizing their voices as always. I have yet to listen to their more recent albums.
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