Best of 2009 in Music
According to the Oricon charts, #1 single of 2009 was "Believe"/"Kumorinochi, kaisei" by Arashi/Yano Kenta starring Satoshi Ohno while the #1 album of 2009 was All the BEST 1999-2009 by Arashi. What about my picks? I decided to go beyond just personal preference and looked at the artist's success and prominence.
So here are my picks for the Best of 2009 in Music.
Best single - "My Sunshine" by ROCK'A'TRENCH
Being the theme to Mei-chan no Shitsuji helped this song reach new listeners, but it remained popular after the dorama had ended. It was the type of song that you didn't mind getting stuck in your head because it had a feel-good acoustic melody that wasn't overloaded with sugar.
Best album - Vandalize by Alice Nine
Alice Nine really pushed themselves to find new sounds and pen clever lyrics. The album is full of power and depth and contains everything from pounding metal-inspired numbers to infectious pop-rock melodies to orchestra-backed ballads. Anybody who thinks their music sounds the same ought to give this album a try.
Best PV - "I Gotta Kick Start Now" by VAMPS
Extreme sports action, check. Explosions, check. Leather-clad guitarists, double check. This PV is one big adrenaline rush and very appropriate for the charged-up lyrics of the song.
Best live - Duel Jewel and Kra's "2.4-hr live" two-man
Kra and Duel Jewel may be an odd musical pairing, but their close friendship resulted in a show that was enjoyable for both the fans and the band members. They went above what is called for at a live, trading members to form two session bands and creating a movie that fit their theme, which parodied 24-hr TV. Plus, with Keiyuh and Yuya, there were bound to be surprising and hilarious antics.
Most bikkuri (surprising) news - disbandments and hiatuses
So many bands have either taken a break or called it quits. I can understand their reasons, but it's just sad to not be able to see some up-and-comers as well as the big names, like Sendai Kamotsu, An Cafe, Moran, Cellt, and Dis*Marionette, around in 2010.
Most kanashii (sad) news - Jasmine You's death
This would also count as bikkuri, as no one really saw it coming. Visual kei lost a very talented and unique musician, but Jasmine would be happy to see that Versailles is continuing to make beautiful music.
Most ureshii (happy) news - SUGIZO joins X JAPAN
Although no one can replace hide, it was nice to see that X JAPAN was on its way to making a comeback; and I couldn't think of a better person to play guitar for them than SUGIZO.
Hooray U.S.A. moment- Anime Expo musical guests
Morning Musume AND Moi dix Mois?! Not to mention auncia, Satsuki, and HANGRY&ANGRY... there was something for all types of J-music fans.
Since this is the only mention of any ladies, I had include a picture for the sake of equality. Is it me or are the girls looking more adult these days? (Photo from Anime Expo's guests page)
MVP - Hiroto (Alice Nine)
This award goes to a particular bandmember who has really shined with his contributions. This past year, Hiroto has gone from being a wild, fresh-faced guitar player to a mature and versatile technician. He has demonstrated control, a willingness to experiment (check out "www."), and sex appeal while remaining the energetic and honest Hiroto that fans love.
Debut of the year - Karasu
Move over S.K.I.N., there's a new J-rock super-band in town. Tatsuro (MUCC), Hiroto (Alice Nine), Mizuki (Sadie), Dunchi (jealkb), and Kenzo (Ayabie) didn't just get together and play for one show. They've created a new single, "Lastica", that sounds nothing like any of their usual work, and they've released a PV too.
Artist of the year - Miyavi
2009 was truly an excellent year for Miyavi. Sure he left PSC and had to cancel the U.S. leg of his world tour, but he reinvented himself yet again, started his own company, toured half the globe, got married, and had a baby. On top of all this, he still finds time to update his Myspace blog.
2008 was his quest to redefine visual kei, and 2009 was his attempt at world domination. What will Miyavi do in 2010? (Photo from Miyavi's official Myspace)
So here are my picks for the Best of 2009 in Music.
Best single - "My Sunshine" by ROCK'A'TRENCH
Being the theme to Mei-chan no Shitsuji helped this song reach new listeners, but it remained popular after the dorama had ended. It was the type of song that you didn't mind getting stuck in your head because it had a feel-good acoustic melody that wasn't overloaded with sugar.
Best album - Vandalize by Alice Nine
Alice Nine really pushed themselves to find new sounds and pen clever lyrics. The album is full of power and depth and contains everything from pounding metal-inspired numbers to infectious pop-rock melodies to orchestra-backed ballads. Anybody who thinks their music sounds the same ought to give this album a try.
Best PV - "I Gotta Kick Start Now" by VAMPS
Extreme sports action, check. Explosions, check. Leather-clad guitarists, double check. This PV is one big adrenaline rush and very appropriate for the charged-up lyrics of the song.
Best live - Duel Jewel and Kra's "2.4-hr live" two-man
Kra and Duel Jewel may be an odd musical pairing, but their close friendship resulted in a show that was enjoyable for both the fans and the band members. They went above what is called for at a live, trading members to form two session bands and creating a movie that fit their theme, which parodied 24-hr TV. Plus, with Keiyuh and Yuya, there were bound to be surprising and hilarious antics.
Most bikkuri (surprising) news - disbandments and hiatuses
So many bands have either taken a break or called it quits. I can understand their reasons, but it's just sad to not be able to see some up-and-comers as well as the big names, like Sendai Kamotsu, An Cafe, Moran, Cellt, and Dis*Marionette, around in 2010.
Most kanashii (sad) news - Jasmine You's death
This would also count as bikkuri, as no one really saw it coming. Visual kei lost a very talented and unique musician, but Jasmine would be happy to see that Versailles is continuing to make beautiful music.
Most ureshii (happy) news - SUGIZO joins X JAPAN
Although no one can replace hide, it was nice to see that X JAPAN was on its way to making a comeback; and I couldn't think of a better person to play guitar for them than SUGIZO.
Hooray U.S.A. moment- Anime Expo musical guests
Morning Musume AND Moi dix Mois?! Not to mention auncia, Satsuki, and HANGRY&ANGRY... there was something for all types of J-music fans.
Since this is the only mention of any ladies, I had include a picture for the sake of equality. Is it me or are the girls looking more adult these days? (Photo from Anime Expo's guests page)
MVP - Hiroto (Alice Nine)
This award goes to a particular bandmember who has really shined with his contributions. This past year, Hiroto has gone from being a wild, fresh-faced guitar player to a mature and versatile technician. He has demonstrated control, a willingness to experiment (check out "www."), and sex appeal while remaining the energetic and honest Hiroto that fans love.
Debut of the year - Karasu
Move over S.K.I.N., there's a new J-rock super-band in town. Tatsuro (MUCC), Hiroto (Alice Nine), Mizuki (Sadie), Dunchi (jealkb), and Kenzo (Ayabie) didn't just get together and play for one show. They've created a new single, "Lastica", that sounds nothing like any of their usual work, and they've released a PV too.
Artist of the year - Miyavi
2009 was truly an excellent year for Miyavi. Sure he left PSC and had to cancel the U.S. leg of his world tour, but he reinvented himself yet again, started his own company, toured half the globe, got married, and had a baby. On top of all this, he still finds time to update his Myspace blog.
2008 was his quest to redefine visual kei, and 2009 was his attempt at world domination. What will Miyavi do in 2010? (Photo from Miyavi's official Myspace)