The Caged Frontier

Syrufit - Selection (subbed)

2010-11-08T00:54:00.006+08:00

I'll be reorganizing the subbed videos page prior to the new layout (it looks simple yet cool btw).

Anywho, here's the romanized lyrics for the entire song, I gotta say this is so original. Lyrics = Song title and I've never heard of any other Selection arranges better than this.

Selection

Syrufit ／編曲
SHIKI ／ボーカル
SHIKI ／歌詞

東方夢時空 ~ Phantasmagoria of Dim.Dream

Kotoba o shiranai kono kokoro tsunaide
Todokanu kyori sae itoshii
Kasanaru toiki amaku yoku o tokashite
Koko ni iru imi motome teta

Anata ga soba ni iru tada sore dakede
Shiranai ashita oshiete kuretakara

Tobitatsu anata wa shiroi tsubasa de yoru o kirisaite ku
Kesenai kodoku o iyashite kureta
Hohoende mata ne, to
Nigedasu yowasa o sute rarenakute nando kizutsuketa no
Soredemo negau no mahou no you ni
"Watashi dake erande"

Yubikiri kawashita yakusoku wa iroase
Omoide ga surikirete yuku
Hitomi o tojite kokoro o yobisamasu no
Anata no koe dake kikoeta

Tobitatsu anata wa shiroi tsubasa de kokoro kirisaite ku
Hontou no watashi o aishite kureta
Soshite ima, sayonara
Nigenai tsuyosa o te ni iretakara mata soba de waratte
Nando mo nando mo sakenda kotoba
"Futari mata, ikitai"

Grand Chase: The Shrine of Ruin

2010-11-03T02:22:00.003+08:00

The coveted Hero Dungeon in Grand Chase is finally in our server; didn't come out that great because as expected, the patch came in with tons of crap. Lots of bugs accompanied by unwanted patching errors and extreme lag made it really difficult to run this dungeon.

Why do I need another player anyway?

Trust me, it's more difficult than a run in Thanatos' stage set in 5-star difficulty, if there is one. That was the second of my 2 available runs for the day by the way. The first one failed, but the three of us (one lagged and was kicked out) managed to slim Nemophila, the boss of this sanctum, down to 2x bars, from 32x.

What kills in this dungeon is the second room, where you get to choose who you fight.

Gardosen from Hell Bridge
Kamiki from Kamiki's Fort
Gaikoz from Gaikoz Castle

There are at least four of them, and taking them down is a really tough task. They'll bombard you with attacks dealing more than a thousand damage to you. I say, Gardosen's the hardest of the three. The way you see it, his petrifying attack can deal more than a thousand and can possibly kill you in a single hit (from full HP), whilst Kamiki and Gaikoz can't.

Rewards in this area are considerably good; especially the accessory and the cards.

Oh and don't forget the crest, "Shepherd of Souls". Clear this area 300 times and you get the most powerful crest yet. *evil laugh*

A Hundred Flowers for You: Main Page

2010-10-29T15:23:00.007+08:00

Most of the time, I thought to myself,
What am I living for
when everything is beyond your reach?
I lived in the shadows of the past for so long,
and continue to live in shame
delivered by destiny.

But then, you showed me compassion.
You showed me hope.
You showed me how to be strong.
And above all else,
you showed me how to love,
and be loved.

That's why...

*****

A Hundred Flowers for You
A Ragnarok Online fan-made fictional story

Chapter 1:
Overture ~ This is Your Fate

Chapter 2:
Weakness

Chapter 3:
The Wanderer

Chapter 4:
Indulgence

Chapter 5:
Promise

A Hundred Flowers for You: Ch5

2010-10-29T15:15:00.005+08:00

A Hundred Flowers for You
Chapter 5: Promise

Everything still feels blurry, but I can manage. My head still hurts, but only a little.

Judith is on my side sitting in a chair, reading a large book. It had lots of bookmarks and strings on it; and it does look really old and dusty…and valuable too.

She noticed me open my eyes and groan. “Oh, you’re awake.”

“Huh, what happened?”

“You were out cold for half a day.”

“Half a day, huh.” Looks like I got carried away; what a pain…oh right, she’s supposed to be back that night. She should be here by now.

“By the way, Judith.”

“Hmm?”

“Where are my clothes?”

Her face went red. “I don’t know; I just got to your room. Maybe she took them off ‘because you smelled so bad last night.”

She?

“By ‘she’, you mean—”

“—your priestess girlfriend.” Judith interrupted.

It’s one of those things I wish that it was true; sadly, I had to deny it. We’re just friends.

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Ah, speak of the devil.”

I heard some footsteps; Judith pointed at the door. It’s just Henrietta and she brought with her some clothes.

Judith leaned her face near my ear and whispered, “You’re lucky to have a girlfriend with that future so bright! They’re soooo perfect! I’m so jealous~ every—”

Alright, you. That’s as far as you can go. I had to hit her head for that; it was getting irritating (and embarrassing).

“Oh you.”

“You meanie~”

“That’s enough, you two; I brought you some clothes, Juno.”

“So those were for me. Thanks.”

I wrapped the blanket around me so they can’t see me naked (I doubt Henri didn’t see anything at all), and in the bath where I took my usual morning shower.

I came out of the shower and saw the priestess preparing some food. She noticed me.

“Ah, there you are. I prepared some food for you.” indeed, there’s a lot of food on the table, and they all look delicious. I feel bad about hogging them all though.

“Looks delicious. Have you eaten?”

“Eh? Not yet.” She really pushes her self too far; I feel sorry for her, really. I pulled a chair and asked her to eat with me. She finished eating first; I, on the other hand, went outside to get some fresh air.

…and then this deafening beep just sounded out of nowhere. Judith came rushing off my room; grabbed that odd thing lying on the table (what was that anyway). She flipped it open and put it near her face and spoke, “Hello?”

Looks like something’s up with her; I don’t know why, but it sure got her upset, to the point of yelling on that thing.

…

…

…

Looks like she’s done speaking to that thing.

“What’s that about?”

“It’s a distress call.”

“No, I meant that.” I pointed at that thing she's holding.

“It’s a cellphone; standard issue for Scholars and Mechanics alike. You can’t find sophisticated ones like in the outside world here in Midgard.”

Alien tech.

Okay, what the hell. There’s a cellphone on this place?

“There’s some serious stuff happening beyond the outpost; I’ll be back in a jiffy~” Judith rushed out of my house like nobody’s business. It’s just the two of us here. It seemed too boring just without her in the company, no one to beat up and do mischief with.

“Juno. Don’t lie down after eating. That’s bad for your health.”

“Eh, I don’t really mind.”

“Yeah?”

“The bishop asked me yesterday if I wanted a promotion…”

“A promotion?”

“He’d make me a high priestess, but I have to be assigned somewhere else…but I’ve grown to love this place; I don’t want to leave alone everyone I’ve met here.”

“Say, what do you think I should do?” she asked me something I couldn’t answer easily. I thought, and doubted, and hesitated…

…

…

…

“It’s not like I don’t want you around here or anything, but if I were you, I won’t pass up on that offer.”

“Besides, I bet you’ll look better as a high priestess.” I continued.

“R-really now…”

She paused.

“Then, will you be there when it happens?”

“Yep, that’s a promise.”

That’s a promise.

A promise.

A Hundred Flowers for You: Ch4

2010-10-27T02:03:00.004+08:00

A Hundred Flowers For You
Chapter 4: Indulgence

I’m not dreaming or anything, right?

“Y-yeah, nice to meet you.” I clasped the hand that she extended at me. It felt quite weird, it’s relaxing but I can feel her uneasiness. She must feel really nervous being with me.

“It’s hot here…alright, let’s get some food~” she nonchalantly said while dragging me with her. Oh for Pete’s sake, go easy on me, girl! I struggled to get out of her grasp, only to no avail.

“B-but I only have little money with me.”

She laughed. “Ha-ha-ha! Don’t be like that.”

“Eh?”

“Listen. Be a sport and let me be ‘it’ today. Can you do that?”

You’re kidding me. With that pretty face you’re making, I can never decline!

“Alright, alr—whoa!” before I could finish talking, she dragged me harder than before.

Judith dragged me all the way to the local pub, frequented by soldiers from the detachment north of the town and a couple of traders and some nomads. You won’t see anyone here with a long face, because it’s all “drink up, be merry” and stuff like that here. I’ll have to warn you though, don’t get in a fight inside the pub or you’ll never get back in!

Upon entering, Judith shouted.

“Yo pops! Drinks and the special on the double!” she waved her hand to the man at the counter.

"Comin' right up" he shouted back with a thumbs-up and that distinct "customer satisfaction guaranteed" smile.

I need some space. “I’ll get some seats.”

“Sure, do that.” She agreed.

I scurried for these free window-side seats nearest to the counter. While I wait, I stared at the window, thinking about that same dream again.

What was that all about? Will that really happen? I mean, that girl's real, Henri's in it too. Then... this... no, this--

Gah.

Argh.

I don't know anymore.

Judith followed moments after, bringing with her a pitcher of beer and a platter of kabobs.

"Ah great, I have to kiss my 5 minutes of silence goodbye." I thought.

I stared on the plate. It looks tasty; I haven’t had breakfast or lunch yet. I was about to dig in when…

“Whoa, hey, whoa. This is my share.”

“Your share? Where’s mine?”

“Here’s the special for this week: Gullinbursti Grande!” the chef came near our table with a giant chunk of delicious, freshly-grilled meat. The chef slowly put the giant meat in our table. I can’t believe I’m getting a lot of food from her!

“Holy crap!”

Oh thank heavens, great Odin!

“Well, this is the special, Juno. Help yourself.”

“Really? No kidding?”

“Duh, help me out; I can’t finish this myself!”

I haven’t seen food this big before. I don’t think Judith and I can finish all of this. Plus beer, I know I don’t have high tolerance to alcohol. Heck, I’ve never been drunk in my whole life; I can’t even afford a single case of beer. This is quite the luxury.

Drink up, be merry.

Drink up, be merry.

Drink up; be merry; ‘til you rise up no more.

I easily forgot my worries, that nightmare; everything. I love this carefree feeling.

I can’t even feel my head anymore. I feel woozy. Everything is spinning around me. I speak and smell funny. Haha. Haha. I’m laughing over stupid things. Maybe if I could sleep just a little more…

Man, I hope it’s the same thing every single time!

A Hundred Flowers for You: Ch3

2010-10-25T23:08:00.006+08:00

A Hundred Flowers for You
Chapter 3 : The Wanderer

Morning arrived; I wasn’t feeling any better, at least the moment I got out of bed. I quickly noticed the priestess already left. I went outside to check on anyone; nothing. The least I could find are mantises gnawing the crap out of the clotheslines again.

I saw a note behind the door. Curious, I checked it out.

I’m heading back to Prontera, the bishop is calling us for progress. I’ll be back this afternoon with dinner. I hope you’ll do well~ ♪

Be careful by the way. News is spreading about a massive revolt in the upper regions. It might get out of hand and reach all the way to this place.

- Henri

I sighed; can’t be helped then, she can’t neglect her duties as a priestess. Let’s just find a way to kill time. I locked up every door and window in the house and headed for the park just near the clock tower. I found a blank bench near the tower to rest for a while, this makeshift prosthetic leg of mine hurts when overused (I overused it already?).

As I readjust my leg, I saw a shadow on the ground, approaching me. I looked up to see who it was.

“It must be really hard walking around like that.” she said. She’s holding a soda can and a small crimson bag with some markings on it, but I can’t seem to recognize who it was because of her hooded muffler.

Not to be rude, I replied back at her. “No, not at all.”

I lied, actually.

“…well, it does, but I can live with it.” She took off her hood and sat down beside me.

Oh, she looks like a royalty! She even has this cute crown in her head. Wavy, long indigo-colored hair and ribbons here and there, she looks like just the kind of people you see on cosplays.

She noticed me looking at her face. “Oh? What’s the matter?”

I’m caught!

“Oh? Don’t tell me you like me.” She snickered.

“N-no! I just thought—”

“Ha-ha, take it easy; just kidding.”

“But you know, that’s just how people think of me—no bad thoughts or whatnot.” She added.

"I'm tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. *lol*"

“You’ve got a good name, I guess.”

“Maybe so. Maybe they just don’t realize who I am.“

Come to think of it, I saw something odd on her neck; it looked like a tattoo to me. I looked closely at it…I think I remember what it was.

“What is it this time?”

“Ah, that thing on your neck…”

“Oh, that! I just that days ago when I passed by a tattoo shop down the mountains. Pretty neat, huh?”

You’re lying.

“Yeah, I guess so. I don’t think it suits you though.”

“Hmph, c’mon now.”

“Ah, that’s right; want some?” she opened her bag and handed me a can of soda, which I gladly accepted. After all, it’s the middle of summer.

“Thanks.”

“You’re name…”

I didn’t hear what she just said. “I’m sorry?”

“What’s your name?”

“Juno. Juno Vera Verne.”

I remember now. That outfit, that “tattoo” on her neck, those glasses, that hair. All of them… don’t tell me…

You…

She reached her hand out and introduced herself:

“Judith Hearns, the wandering sage. Nice to meet you.”

You must be kidding me!

A Hundred Flowers for You: Ch2

2010-10-25T23:06:00.004+08:00

A Hundred Flowers for You
Chapter 2 : Weakness

No. No. Nooo…No!

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

I can’t breathe.

My heart aches so much.

My head is swirling.

Somebody, help me.

I could hear loud footsteps from the hallway. The door just slammed wide open. I was still catching my breath so I didn’t bother to look who that was. All I felt is fear, fear, pain and sadness.

“He…Henri…” the next thing I know she sat on the chair next to my bed and rested my head on her lap.

“It’ll all be fine, Juno. Just relax.” I could feel her mild hands combing my hair and my weak, fragile body.

“Hey.” I whispered.

“Hmm?”

My thoughts are messed-up; I can’t think straight. Even if I did, Henrietta wouldn’t understand…

“Nothing. Th-thank you, Henrietta.”

I can hear her giggling. She sat on my bed; I moved down to give her some space. She continued to make me feel easy through the night. I doubt I could sleep at all, after that dream struck me again.

This is who I really am, a weak, sickly amputee, a lame excuse of a human being. I’ve lost everything I had on that airship disaster just when I was seven. I lost my parents, my oblivious sister and my friends. All I could think of that day was to survive…and I did.

Or so I thought. They brought me to the hospital and stayed there for more than a year, all the scars in my body healed. Sadly, they couldn’t cure my leg, so the doctors had to remove it.

The next thing I know is that I found myself in a dark, cold, lifeless room. I quickly realized I was not in the hospital anymore. I was freed afterwards; as the experts found out I was not suited as a “subject”. All the more makes me want to be dead instead. People can’t find use for me nor can I find use for myself.

But as I found out years later, I was one of the lucky ones that survived that genocide at Lighthalzen.

I drifted all the way to a town in the east where I could find a giant clock tower. People there were kind enough to let me stay indoors when there was bad weather; heck, they even gave me food, and everything I needed. I never even asked for any of it.

Such is the way in the town of Aldebaran.

When I was about 20, I found a girl just about my age—yes, that was Henrietta. She came all the way from Prontera for a mission. She was just your average priestess back then. I used to joke around her, but in truth I enjoyed her company. I could never tell how I’d feel though, because I fear the whole Church might go after me, burn me alive like a heretic. I felt even happier being with her at times when she defended me from people who kept on thrashing me around.

I love her, but I could never tell her. I guess it is fine this way.

One day, I witnessed the great town leader who gave me more than just a ragtag home. He was a great guy, a symbol of inspiration for everyone here in Aldebaran.

Together with Henrietta we visited his grave one day at the east end of the town, and I found a bunch of witherless roses. I remembered what he said back then...

“Great people are remembered not just by their names, kid. It’s how well they touch the lives of others.”

I guess he’s right. He’s darn right. But I’m just a commoner. Hell no way I’m going to do that much for her, let alone this town. I can’t be as good as him.

Heck, even after all those dreams, call it nightmares, or even hauntings, reaching for that very star is impossible...

“What exactly am I living for?”

I've thought of this for a long time, and I've yet to find an answer.

Someday.

Someday, I will.

A Hundred Flowers for You : Ch1

2010-10-25T23:04:00.002+08:00

A Hundred Flowers for You
Chapter 1 : Overture ~ Fated

“I can’t hold out much longer!”

A blond, weird-looking mechanic shouted. He’s swinging his humongous axe like a loose psycho just to fend off the satanic Seyren Windsors. “Oy, Jyyyyuuuuuuuunoooooo! Help me out here!”

Before I could reach out for my tyrfing stuck to the blood-stained ground, a shadow from the walls materialized. “On it.” A snow-white-haired guy just popped out of nowhere and started slashing the hell out of everything around the mechanic.

The mechanic rushed on near the cages where I was standing, for it serves as a guard not to be detected by the clones and sighed heavily. “For chrissake I thought I was gonna die.”

“That’s taken care of; what now?”

“The exit’s far from this safe spot. We’re surrounded by an MVP and two elites.” The ranger in our group scouted the nearby area. I bet there are thousands of them out there.”

“And we can’t stay here forever.” A scholar sitting beside me added.

“T-T-Th-Th-This is because Erin forgot her usual stock of gems...!! Let her kill every one of these things...!!” Pointed the pansy mechanic.

Ah, Erin’s our youngest party member. She’s just thirteen but she’s already a worthy priest...at least, that’s what I could see. She has great potential, really.

She started to cry. “Waaaaah, I’m sorry— Everyone’s going to die because of me— waaaaaah!!” she clinged to the scholar and let loose her woes.

“Now, now, everything’s going to be fine. We’ll get out of here. We promise.” The scholar spoke back while consoling her. She looked at each and every guy in the group with those killing eyes, and that aura around her is just terrifying.

“You...promise Erin we’ll get out of this alive.”

“But--” the mechanic talked back.

“Juno, kindly hold her for me.” The scholar stood up; crunched her knuckles.

“Ah. Sure.” I just nodded, fearing I’d also suffer the same fate that’s bound to happen to that mechanic. I dare talk back and she might feed me to the lions.

“C-c-c’mon, it was just a joke!” The blond backed up against the grills and crates.

She removed her monocle, crunched it with her hand and mercilessly kicked the hell out of that wussy guy.

“A joke?” the scholar replied back.

The blonde guy nodded.

“How the hell is that a joke, I wonder.” I couldn’t catch a glimpse of her face anymore, but I could feel her uncanny devilish aura. She really could kill THAT person.

The scholar grabbed him by the neck. “You do know you hurt my sister’s feelings.” Her face, from a blank one changed. She’s really mad now.

“You know what happens when my sister cries like that, don’t you?” Without any hesitation, she pinned him on a pile of short-spiked metal plates. Man, it would sure hurt.

“You couldn’t even save your own hide. You...disgusting people like you...people like you...”

Everyone stared at her.

“...shouldn’t be alive.” she lunged at the scared-to-death guy, but before she could really kill him, the assassin grabbed her by the wrist.

“Judith. That’s enough. This isn’t helping.” the snow-white-haired guy patted her on the back.

The scholar stared at him for a moment and reflected on her actions. “Ugh. I apologize. That was tad too reckless of me.”

The priestess beside me rose her beautifully-decorated staff. All of a sudden, this white light engulfed her, with the blond guy radiating the same light few moments later. She healed him without hesitation.

Judith repeated, “I’m sorry, Ayr.” She reached out for the blond guy and heaved him up. The blond mechanic just sat in the plates behind his cart, still afraid of what just happened.

“Well we can’t wait here all day, and it is past midnight. No one’s going to help us, and we could only last for a few more hours.”

“What do you s-s-s-s’ppose we do? Fu-fu-fuuuu-f-f-ight that h-h-huge mo-oo-o-o-ob?” the mechanic stuttered.

Nobody spoke. I’m sure they wouldn’t want to see others get killed, let alone be the ones to die here. Unsurprisingly, nobody volunteered to clear out the mobs. All of them clearly want to be the support. I stood up; they looked at me with doubts and fears in their eyes.

“No one? Fine then, I’ll do it.” I finally remembered to pull out my sword stuck to the ground. I couldn’t think of anything besides getting out of Somatology Laboratory alive. Of course, I wouldn’t want to leave my comrades behind...then again, I’m the one that’s going to be left behind.

All of them gasped.

“You serious?” the ranger said.

“For Pete’s sake Juno, you don’t have to do this alone. C’mon, let us help y—”

“No, all of you just get out of here. This means nothing if y’all stayed.” I insisted.

“But...!!”

Everyone paused.

“He’s right. If everyone stays here to fight, then we’re not getting out at all.” Judith backed me up, which at least gave me some confidence.

“Wait.” The ranger stood up, brought out a pair of large wings. “I’m good for one more ride. Shall we give it a try?” A giant fly wing. Why am I not surprised. He’s the group leader after all, and I’m just the most powerful of the bunch. Not that I’m bragging or anything.

Everyone agreed, and a split-second later we found ourselves CLOSER to the portal. Thank goodness. But alas, there are more of them in this area, and we’ve fallen short at the back of the staircase leading to the upper area.

“When I count to three, floor it.” The ranger said.

One. Two. Three. I could have said that myself, but I got cold feet. Nonetheless, me and my comrades started shooting aimlessly while running towards the portal. There’s already a ton behind us; one wrong move can send you to that crowd and kill you on-the-spot. Me and the ranger can’t afford to happen to anyone in the group. Being the “big brother” of the group, this responsibility is not to be messed around with.

Fortunately we reached the portal in what seemed like an hour or two. Heck, I could barely catch my breath.

“Aaaaah! Help me!” Judith got sniped down.

“Holy s**t, Judith! No!!” It seemed too late for me to rescue her. Did I fail?

Seems not.

In a flash, the mechanic boldly stepped up and pounded the ground, causing the metal floor to wave behind her, forming a thick shield for the wounded magician. He didn’t even think twice that he might hurt Judith, but he grabbed her and let her rest in his cart, then ran off.

We’re safe. Everyone’s safe.

At least, that’s what I thought. Before I could inch my way out of the lab’s lowest level, I heard a voice.

“This ends now, wretched humans.”

What was that? I leaned back to look at the mob and I saw an orange light heading straight for us. What is that thing? It got really big, it got closer to us. I couldn’t even move out of its path.

“Juno!”

I just felt someone pushing me out of the way. I lost balance with that, and was knocked down to the ground. I banged my cheeks on some rusty tacks lying around. I felt my head and checked out who that was.

I didn’t see anyone. What a mystery.

“You’re not going to get out of here. Alive.”

I can see it! I can see her face through the metal wall! Damn it! High Wizard Kathryne and her cronies were able to follow us through the mob! She waved her staff in circles, all of a sudden blue lights honed in on my feet.

Ice Wall!

The wall’s casting made some ruckus, it was enough to send back a person down here.

“Oh my god! Juno! Are you okay out there?”

It was that priestess! She started smashing the ice with her staff to no avail. She even tried magic scrolls she carried all the way down here. She couldn’t break it. I couldn’t break it either. I thought to myself, “Heh, there are things I couldn’t take down at all, huh.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine! Just go!” I shook her off. She didn’t budge. She stood there, sobbing, buffing me with everything she has.

“Juno, you know the authorities won’t get here.” Henri worried about me the most. After all, she’s my fiancee, a high priestess. Hey now, how can that happen when she’s one of those clerics? Oh gee, it doesn’t matter. Even if I’d describe her in detail, it’d be nowhere near it.

“Hey, just promise me you’d come back for me.”

I got it. I wouldn’t be this confident without that girl anyway. I’m glad she did.

“...and live happily ever after.” I bridged her statement. She was smiling for it... oh, how it melts my heart to see her like that. Her face lit up, with hope, gleefully saying “I wish you the best, Juno. I’ll be waiting for your return.”

“Juno.” The ranger butted in.

“Heh, Sil. What now?”

Sil the ranger clenched his fist and looked at Juno with angry eyes. “If you don’t come back alive, I’ll be sure to kick your ass.”

I couldn’t laugh like I used to. I’m too scared to do that...no, he’s never funny when he says that. I could only show this smirk I’ve been doing all this time.

“Screw you, I’ll come back to kick your ass instead. Just take care of her.” I pointed at the priestess, Sil stared at her.

“…if I finds out she cries, I’ll cut your head off myself.” I jokingly said.

Sil paused; “We have a deal, then~”

Those were the last thing I heard from him. The ranger started walking to the light above; looked back a little. “Let’s go, Henri.” She looked at the ranger like she did to me, and agreed. She, then again, faced me, but I couldn’t hear her anymore. I know she’s saying something, it seemed short...after that she ran off to the upper floor, where it’s safe and sound for any sane person. I turned my back against the staircase and amazingly, their numbers seem to have quadrupled or something the moment Henrietta and the rest of the group called for me.

“Alright, it’s just me and a million of you. Bring it on.”

Kathryne smirked. “Die, human bastard! Get him!” They just ran for me like vicious, rabid dogs. Hack-and-slash here, there and everywhere, I can only hear the sound of their “graaaaaarghs” “raaaaaaaarghs” and the sound of the slashes I make against their hides.

Incredibly, these clones can take a single blast from my wide arsenal of swords and spears. Just what are these things?

At last, there was an opening for that wizard. I brandished my sword as hard as I can at her.

“Oh?”

I hit her by the face. She slammed to the ground head first. Blood came rushing out of her.

I might have actually killed her. Alright! One big mama down and…uh, a hundred thousand to go.

Dodging and slashing these guys made me really open to other attacks. And it did. A big arrow came rushing to me from the sewer at the back of the crowd. That big arrow—no, more like a spear fired off a large bow—was enough to pin me down against the frigid wall of frozen water. The surprise doesn’t end there though.

I can’t tell how long have I been fighting these guys, but they don’t seem to decrease in number. This is getting out of hand. I ditched my tyrfing and reached for my large, purple-hued sword and raged with all my might. I could say in one blow, I can kill at least ten, maybe twenty of these guys. You don’t see that every day, do you?

As I prepare to jump off behind a pile of rusty debris nearby, I felt this cold sting in my foot. I looked down to see what that was.

It was Kathryne. She’s still alive!

“This isn’t over yet…hee…hee hee…hee hee ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA aha HAahHA HahaHaaaAaa!!!”

Kathryne laughed hysterically. I just felt painful shocks from my foot above. Trying to free myself from her grasp, I kicked her face repeatedly, but each try was obviously weaker. She’s draining every ounce of my strength.

It’s this “GAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH” coming out of my throat again. It’s painful stuff. They continue to harass me like nobody’s business. They’re animals; mutants; beasts; demons; forsaken beings. I couldn’t feel anything anymore. Bolts of every magic you could possibly think of and a ton of arrows rushing down on me, not to mention wounds in every part of my body from blades and whatnot—heck, I feel I could take all of them. I feel like I’ve activated cheat mode now, maybe god mode, something directly from gaming consoles. But alas, my soul tells me I can still fight back, but my body tells me I’m at my limit.

For a moment that seemed like forever, memories with dearest Henri came back to me—everything from how me first met, everything. Her lovely smile, how I wish I could stare at it forever...how I wish I could just stand up, brush this off and return to how we used to live in our hometown Aldebaran…

Too bad, it’s the end of the line for me.

I just noticed tears in my cheek. I can’t move anymore.

All I could do is scream.

Scream, Juno.

Let her know I’m suffering for her sake…no, for their sake.

“HEEEEENNNNNNRRRRRIIIIIIIII...!!!”

I could only hope she hears my voice. Then this weird black stuff closed in on my vision.

Are you squidding me?

2010-10-24T00:44:00.004+08:00

Because no one's gonna do it other than me.
Also, don't hit me.

Ragnarok Renewal : 1st week (Part Three)

2010-10-23T17:47:00.000+08:00

So to recap, here's my progress:

First day (2010-10-12):	Before: Lv01 Novice ■
First day (2010-10-12):	After: Lv26 Magician ■
Second day (2010-10-13):	Before: Lv26 Magician (Pre-renewal) ■
Second day (2010-10-13):	After: Lv48 Magician (Renewal) ■
Third day (2010-10-14):	Before: Lv48 Magician ■
Third day (2010-10-14):	After: Lv56 Magician ■
Fourth day (2010-10-15):	Before: Lv56 Magician ■
Fourth day (2010-10-15):	After: Lv73 Sage ■

That was all for Charlotte Ainsfield's (シャルロット・エインスフィールド) development. Fifth day came, and it wasn't really promising. I decided to make a redhead merchant, Amane Fujimiya (藤宮　あまね -- wow, I can write Kanji!) because I really needed a vendor...or should I say, I needed money. I don't have any cash as I write this down for three reasons: One, I don't have any jobs, even part-time ones; two, it's the end of the semester; three, I can't sell ANYTHING to make money. I doubt anyone would want my trash in my cabinets.

Well I got her to at least Lv25 before I switched to Charlotte and did some daily quests like:

Alberta Cargo Quest (which gives at least 2.1M BExp at Lv98)
Order of Odin Quest (aka Premium Quest -- which gives about 1.3M BExp / 450K JExp)
Messenger Quest (varies, gives at least 1.5M BExp / 300K JExp when delivery is @ Turtle Island)
Mage Hunter Quest (EXP is not that high, but I'm only doing this for the Hairband of Reginleif)
Church Donation Quest (doesn't give much below Lv98; 2M+ BExp w/ buffs)
Army Supplies Quest (doesn't give much UNLESS you use Yggdrasilberries; gives 2M+ BExp at most)
Capturing Sticky Rats (gives 1.3M BExp and a free headgear too)

This is what I got after 6/7 quests. Like I said, I don't do the Mage Hunter quest just because it gives EXP, I only do it because I want to get the big reward. Oh and at this rate, you can earn 5~7 levels each day. On Lv97 25% to Lv98 0%, you can have your aura in less than 10 minutes with this. It's really handy since people are still not used to the new grinding mechanics.

So the sixth and seventh day were really slow, I mean, my killing rate is. My magic is just doing scratches on monsters and it takes a heck just to kill one, not to mention the dangers of getting killed during grinding.

I'm grinding south of Veins by the way, the gateway to the Nameless Island. There're Stapos out there, also included are a bunch of immobile creatures Drosera and Muscipular, the former being the more annoying one. It has longer range when you're diagonally positioned to it. The other one's not a real threat though, it only attacks you when you're really near it.

This is what I'm talking about by the way:


BEFORE	AFTER
This is what I could afford on a couple of RoK points. Sorry :\|

It's really clear the MATK is bugged. This is a big issue, as the Mage-types are really left behind at the beginning of the Renewal season. This is a really bad start, I guess I should have made swordsman like I always do. But then again, it's going to be a Rune Knight and unfortunately, the quest is also bugged. The Guillotine Cross-class is also off to a bad start as they also have problems like the RKs do.

So the final rundown:

Fifth day (2010-10-16):	Before: Lv73 Sage ■
	Lv01 Novice ■
	After: Lv80 Sage ■
	Lv23 Merchant ■
Sixth day (2010-10-17):	Before: Lv80 Sage ■
	Lv23 Merchant ■
	After: Lv89 Sage ■
	Lv26 Merchant ■
Seventh day (2010-10-18):	Before: Lv89 Sage
	Lv26 Merchant ■
	After: Lv96 Sage ■
	Unmoved ■
■ Charlotte ■ Amane

Ragnarok Renewal : 1st week (Part Two)

2010-10-23T17:05:00.007+08:00

So the second day was when Renewal hit pRO, of course everyone anticipated tons of bugs would show up because the Renewal testing at Sakray server (the test server) hasn't concluded yet. I also would've anticipated tons of bugs which the publisher Level Up! missed, and that it would have a grave effect on my grinding abilities.

The Magical Attack stat (MATK) is completely bugged. I didn't care about it at first, but when I was grinding at Magnolias--southwest of Prontera, north of the Dimensional Gorge--it became really clear to me.

I camped out in this site, the place where I was before Renewal, from at least Level 49-60, as you can see my damage isn't enough. I am wearing Release of Wise (that staff drop from Baba-yaga at Moscovia). It has good stats for beginner magicians:

MATK+125
INT+3
HP/SP Recovery when attacking magically
Lv50 requirement

And I got it for only 250,000 zennies (you would say it's really cheap, but it's pretty useful). A good deal, huh? But I'm not getting the most out of it because--

MATK. IS. FREAKIN. BUGGED.

And I had to bear with it for a few days. Maybe months. But that's not gonna stop me from grinding all the way to 99. And then, I found myself a Sage on the third day. Hunting for loots and other requirements made me go beyond the call of duty, and eventually I was nearing Lv70. Remember, before Renewal, or precisely, during the early days, a Lv70 character was considered a GOD.

Because it really IS hard to level up when you have nothing in your pants, nothing to spend with. Nothing at all.

Alas, I found this pretty cool NPC that says they're part of the so-called Eden Group, based pretty much at the decimated city of Morroc, and they have some quests in hand. Goodie! I didn't hesitate to give it a try, knowing the reward will most likely be EXP-based. One of the quests in my level range was to get 10 Fine Sands and 30 Grits from Sandmen at the Assassin Guild.

And hell yes, I'm struggling to kill these dirtbags. It's all the MATK stat's fault. Eventually, I fulfilled the quest. And to my disappointment, it actually gave me less than 30% of my current level (Lv72 Sage). Bummer.

Ragnarok Renewal : 1st week (Part One)

2010-10-23T16:37:00.005+08:00

So I decided to come back to Ragnarok. Who on earth, after seven years, would've known I would come back to the very first online game I've played. Anyways, it's Renewal time for this game, meaning:

Readjusted monster EXPs
Readjusted EXP tables--meaning better MVP EXP rewards!
Stats v2.0 (LUK is now more important than ever, GOODBYE INSTACAST)
New User Interface (UI)
New drops and stuff

Oh, and that's just the most popular stuff in Renewal. Wait'll you see the actual thing. Speaking of which, I made a Mage at the other Philippine F2P (Free-to-Play) server Valhalla which has oh-so-few people. Despite that, the essential equipments are kept on minimal price, which is really good. Imagine Ulle's Cap being sold at 4 million unlike that of the other server Valkyrie which sells it for around 70 million. Not really that newbie-friendly, really.

That's why I ditched Valkyrie even though I have pretty decent characters in that server; and if you think I'm going to sell my account to any of you guys, no, I'm not going to do that. Besides, someone already told me they're going to buy it *insert the sound of cash registers here*

So anyway. First day:

From humble beginnings. I can remember when I was playing this on Beta phase. I don't even know where to start beating the crap out of every monster I see, but when it looks creepy, I'd get away from it ASAP. Hoho. Alright, killing these pink piglets or whatever took me some time, but eventually I got what I wanted.

Yup, it took me a while--maybe about three hours just to get THREE FREAKIN FLUFFS. Well, I figured there are no bot users here (or possibly they're good at hiding it) and all Fabres became Creamies, so I had to find another one that drops that thing--plants. I camped south of Morroc for at least two hours to get all three and then that happened.

The next thing I know, I was camping outside northeast of Rachel for some good EXP from Stapos (Stone Porings, btw, they look like stupid living rocks); I've been there until about level 35 when I decided to transfer outside of Lighthalzen to kill Metalings which gave at least 5% for my level, then called it a day when I hit level 41.

I knew it all along~

2010-10-19T10:00:00.005+08:00

So Zakuro is really youkai Reimu. I thought of it because I am reaaaaaally bored, and it's really obvious once you get the first glimpse it. I'll just do a post later this day. About what? I guess what happened to those game time I've spent the past few days. b:

Revive + A subbed thingamajig.

2010-10-11T23:51:00.008+08:00

I couldn't post tons of stuff on the channel, and I couldn't post any updates whatsoever. There's plenty of reasons for that, actually.

I got picked on by dimwit drunkards last week. They IMPALED my laptop on a steel fence. The least I could do is pick up its remains and contact the f***ing police.
Final exams. Can you believe it's already here?
And to add to #2, projects. I did my programming project and a friend of mine's Philosophy project. I wish I could've done more in the latter.
Queen's Jewel @ GC. 45 days. I MUST NOT LET IT GO TO WASTE
Catching up on my animu. I have at least 5 new shows to watch, and these are what I was looking for:

俺の妹がこんなに可愛いわけがない (Ore no Imouto)
神のみぞ知るセカイ (The World God Only Knows), and
とある魔術の禁書目録II (Toaru Majutsu no Index 2)

I haven't tried the other newly-aired anime like Panty and Stocking (I still can't get enough of how ridiculous the title is, but I'll see), Fortune Arterial (ohai, eroge) and Soredemo, I probably would have enough time for at least 3-5 more newly-aired shows on my watchlist.

And with that, number 6:

I have only 50GB of HD space on my laptop. No money, can't buy DVD to back-up old stuff. This'll surely get worse now that school's ending (for now), and I can't earn money.

Poor me. .-.

Ah yes, I forgot to post this here when I reached 3000 subscribers in the Aghart Vocal channel.

This is also a tribute video for the PC-98 cast, and at the same time a "Thanks for everything guys, I couldn't stand right here, right now without all of you!" video.

You have any idea how many annotations I used in that? Guess what? Eeeeh---wrong. Eeeeeeh---wrong again. Giving up? Alright, here it goes.

Now we're talkin'.

Well, it still touches me these 3000 and counting guys are still here supporting my channel.

Thank you, really.

幽閉サテライト debut = Oh hell nau.

2010-09-29T19:02:00.004+08:00

I was not expecting tons and tons from the last major Touhou event, 例大祭SP, except for some new doujinshis and a couple of music to boot, and maybe probably some other anime-style PVs. One PV did manage to catch my attention, that was 幻想万華鏡 (Gensou Mangekyou/Fantasy Kaleidoscope) ~The Memories of Phantasm~.

Oh seriously, how can you not love the serious effort the guys from Japan put into this video? I mean, this is not just crap and stuff, it sounds and looks way better than what Maikaze did, and it's a serious competition for the Kinema Kan (usually known for memetic videos--CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!--and stuff like that, and also, a PV'd YU-MU.)

Furthermore, like Maikaze it offers a considerably good OP song, but unlike Maikaze's, this one's based on one of the series' best songs, 神々が恋した幻想郷 (Gensokyo the Gods Loved), which is a pretty reflective song...at least for me, that is. Seriously, if they are going to turn this game into an anime, which might happen sometime in the future (though it's not a CANON anime but more of a DERIVATIVE work, as ZUN stated) a decent one. Just like this.

When I saw the PV, I immediately fell in love with the OP song. It's a wonderful, reflective song that equals it's original. It DOES deal justice, man. Anywho, the song is made by the group 幽閉サテライト (Yuuhei Satellite), which debuted on this event. Holy hot rods, they're just like 豚乙女 (Buta-Otome), which had it's humble beginnings in PV related stuff that eventually led to an album release. And it was expected to be loved by fans, in an instant.

Well, no doubt senya's crew is quite popular this season, as their stuff got published in the event's official arrange disc (much like Ryureisaisai, but different, because if you buy it from the doujin shops you're entitled to go to a live performance. Ain't that grand?). Personally, I'm really impressed, they have a really good singer--a one-woman army too--and some nice arrangers that could great mixture/euro/trance beats.

I hope Yuuhei Satellite will actively participate in the future events/conventions.

First blood (first impressions last is kinda old, lol), as they say.

Alstroemeria Records - Dream Battle (subtitled)

2010-09-22T12:16:00.002+08:00

Just like the other subtitled video posts, just click it to play. Double click to play it on another page.

Enjoy. The next one's going to be a fast one. Alstroemeria's Fire.

EastNewSound - Intense (subtitled)

2010-09-21T20:03:00.007+08:00

This song was stuck in my head for at least a week now so I figured I better remove what I uploaded and replace it with a subbed one.

Now I feel satisfied...NOT

I'll do Alstroemeria Records' Dream Battle next. Their latest album has been a blast, and it has this different ambiance than the previous albums.

Revive! New sig works.

2010-09-21T02:29:00.006+08:00

And I'll also need a couple of time doing some changes around here. So far, I've visualized a new banner and its emblem, and a new layout. Text is icky, so I'll change that.

For now, sigs.

Just a simple clean n' contrast, mind you. And yea, that's Lenneth.

Actually I've been using this one for a couple of months now, and I never get tired of looking at it. I'm just mesmerized on how beautiful pink-haired klutzy girls could get.

...I could say I bit off more than I could chew. Didn't go exactly the way I planned it but what the F.

Made three for the past...three, no wait--five months. I could have been more productive with it, but my laziness and awfully bad body clock tells me not to.

I hope I could also post some game progress, yea, maybe I could do that. Especially GC and Dragonica.

And I hope I could maintain good God almighty grades like this.

Re: Last entry

2010-06-23T22:09:00.004+08:00

This is most certainly nice.

Two big tasks are done, and all that's left in the list are:

~~Create and restore the old SUBTITLES page.~~
~~Add banners of various circles in the LINKS page.~~ Also add resource links.
Add entry to the ABOUT page.
Credits. Don't forget all the credits on the sidebar. You don't want any trouble, hmm?
CONTACT page. Must edit.
Do three posts. Recent subbed material, GC Season 3 Act 2 ~~an'...uh, this one's included in the three posts.~~
Add monthly archive.

You might have noticed that I am actually putting the videos in the SUBTITLES (or SUBS, for that matter) page. It's easier this way, and I gotta say it looks more...sophisticated. Furthermore, I've limited it to 10 entries per page to lighten the load. I'm also deciding where to put the translator credits and such, since it feels really redundant to post them in every entry.

The biggest task accomplished today was the group banners. Some groups like BLANKFIELD and TAMAONSEN are missing since I cannot determine whether they have a ready-made banner in their site. Fret not, all other circles that are not included in the links section but are included in the playlist section in my channel will be added in the future.

Got a suggestion? Do contact me.

Make that to-do list again.

2010-06-23T01:25:00.008+08:00

I was looking for a nice template to use somewhere out there, and who would've thought I'd find a custom template with the comments inserted in the codes. Pretty handy, really; I know just a little--but not enough knowledge to enable the comments in the page.

It's written in Java; I've yet to learn it.

I'm really feeling sick tonight, so I'll just post a list of things I have to do in the morning after I get some well-deserved rest. After all, our college don't hold classes during Wednesday--count that as our Saturday-- then Thursday is Manila Day. I live at the former capital's edge an' my school's at the bowels of the capital, so... you get the point.

Also:

I don't know if I should feel really happy about this or what, but to hell with it.
It's Ritsuka!
*insert grinning face here*

Lemme type these stuff before I lose my grip.

Create and restore the old SUBTITLES page.
Add banners of various circles in the LINKS page. Also add resource links.
Add entry to the ABOUT page.
Credits. Don't forget all the credits on the sidebar. You don't want any trouble, hmm?
CONTACT page. Must edit.
Do three posts. Recent subbed material, GC Season 3 Act 2 an'...uh, this one's included in the three posts.
Add monthly archive.

Black Lotus & Vanishing Point「／」 (SUBBED). Raeg-induced.

2010-06-17T21:28:00.027+08:00

And, welcome back to my blog mirror here @ Blogger. It's not much to look at for now, but once I get my hands on know-hows on CSS and photo editing, c/o Photoshop CS5 of course, I'll make sure this'll look really nice.

For now, I'll put lots of attention on rebuilding the subbed vocals page, you noticed that I removed it since I changed my layout on Wordpress (my last one), I didn't feel like editing it anymore; jealousy strikes.

I just got home from our supposedly 19:30-21:00 class, and it sucks like hell, I wouldn't even dare describe how bad it went...I suppose. Jammed cars sealed off the streets, resulting in cataclysmic traffic build-up for at least 2 kilometers. I slept in my car until those problems are taken care of--for two hours. There were NO alternate routes, just a big, six-lane highway with a mass-rail system as the center island.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Anyway, I felt like adding translation annotations yesterday, so I picked my current favorites--EastNewSound's Black Lotus (from Lucent Wish) and Vanishing Point「／」 (from Lyrical Crimson)! Personally, I find both these tracks so addicting, it's annoying me! They're both hard to put subs on, since both are fast and upbeat and so, the vocals and lyrics should adopt.

Without further ado, I give you subbed video...or music. Whatever works.

EastNewSound Vanishing Point「／」 Arrangement: 黒鳥 Vocals & Lyrics: いずみん (Lyrics Page) (Album Info - VGMDB) (Album Info - CDwiki)
EastNewSound Black Lotus Arrangement: Crouka Vocals: リツカ Lyrics: cao. (Lyrics Page) (Album Info - VGMDB) (Album Info - CDwiki)

Translation's provided by our pal from the great beyond (lol) Kafka-fuura, see the link on the sidebar on your left.

I'll edit Vanishing Point in the future, apparently some boxes are stacking on each other, which is weird since it didn't even show up when I was editing it. It doesn't even let me edit it as I type this, it always give me this same error message...*raeg*

Oh yeah, just updating my M3 list. Lessee what I have now.

Asriel - 汝を照らす朧のアリア (obtained)
AYURTICA - 黒曜石の歌 -Das Obsidianenlied- (obtained)
MiddleIsland - 返し刃の獅子
~~YOTSUHA - YOTSUHA予告編 (obtained)~~
MintJam - Beyond the Eternity (obtained)
DystopiaGround - DystopiaGround #001 (obtained)
Rokugen Alice - マダム・ヴァイオレット (obtained)
XL Project - Feel the Air (obtained)
Cosmopolitan - めらくえ I (obtained)
LBT - Good morning or sex
~~Soranetarium - nostos*algos (obtained)~~
encounter+ - Akashic Record. (obtained)
Kimi no Museum - monologue ～交差する彼方の旋律～
~~5150 - 四季楽典~~ (obtained)
Rocketeer Tracks - ticket
FAIRIAL - Lucce e Iombra
~~Re:Volte~~ ~~- 東方幻奏録 #07 Gale to the Eastward (obtained)~~
Girl's short hair - 迷い家へようこそ (obtained)
Azure & Sands - CASINO聖輦船 (obtained)
Siestail - スポそうでスポくない少しスポいラー油 (obtained)
SuganoMusic - SuganoMusic touhou arrange music volume.1 (obtained)
Unlucky Morpheus - Hypothetical Box ACT2 (obtained)
Kraster - 東方霧幻境 (obtained)
Buta-Otome - 幻想ホモ・ルーデンス (obtained)

Well, that's about it!

Grand Chase Season 3

2010-05-29T11:27:00.000+08:00

It's pretty nice that we're going to experience the tons of new features in this gigantic update as soon as possible. I've seen lots of action and good stuff worth checking out on S3. Man, can't wait for it any longer~

Also included in the massive update on the 1st of June are 5 new dungeons from existing continents-- 2 from Xenia (leaving behind Thanatos) and 3 from Silver Land (leaving behind Victor). Making up for the lost time with all those Pre-S3 events and such, that's my assumption.

For more info, check this site:

http://grandchase.levelupgames.ph/news.php?id=438

I still hate the admins because we still don't have Sieghart. :<

Also:

feels so good man

Site changes.

2010-05-10T13:32:00.000+08:00

Well, you might have noticed, I've changed...a lot of stuff in this place, primarily the theme. I'm getting tired of the old one, and I think I should let Beli-chan take it all. It's due to boredom that I finally have the time to actually change it (I should've changed it ages ago)...well, whatever. What's done is done.

Finally got the Typekit thingy working. The former body font was too bland; I think this is enough.

I'm also reverting back to my old blog name, "The Last Remote Paradise". Yes, you figured.

Last Remote.

What?

I love that title.

Oh, now about M3. There's hardly any Touhou stuff flowing out. Figures. There were not more than 25 circles releasing new stuff; others are releasing what's left in their catalogue. But hey~ I'm loving each and every vocal release in my to-get list. Tell you what, I've listened to what I already have (edited the post below); actually, I'm not surprised. They're expected to be awesome. :p

And yeah, today, we make history. The National Elections will be held on this day! Go green.

M3-25 or bust

2010-05-08T10:09:00.000+08:00

Well, the Spring M3's already done and I'm just waiting for a couple of more albums to pop up before I'm really contented. That includes some Reitaisai stuff I haven't got my hands on...I'm looking at Attrielectrock's Ghostly Field Club arrange CD, Re:Volte's fantastica and Hachimitsu-Lemon's 14th CD. That's the third time the former's missing in action. How come? Urp, life's just not fair.

It most certainly is, seeing that the veteran circles are missing in action in the latest M3. It's time for the lesser circles to shine, go! Also present are some groups my comrades are recommending.

These are just some of the releases I'm waiting this M3:

Asriel - 汝を照らす朧のアリア (obtained)

AYURTICA - 黒曜石の歌 -Das Obsidianenlied- (obtained)

MiddleIsland - 返し刃の獅子

YOTSUHA - YOTSUHA予告編 (obtained)

MintJam - Beyond the Eternity (obtained)

DystopiaGround - DystopiaGround #001 (obtained)

Rokugen Alice - マダム・ヴァイオレット (obtained)

XL Project - Feel the Air (obtained)

Cosmopolitan - めらくえ I

LBT - Good morning or sex

Soranetarium - nostos*algos (obtained)

encounter+ - Akashic Record. (obtained)

Kimi no Museum - monologue ～交差する彼方の旋律～

5150 - 四季楽典

Rocketeer Tracks - ticket

FAIRIAL - Lucce e Iombra

Re:Volte - 東方幻奏録 #07 Gale to the Eastward

Girl's short hair - 迷い家へようこそ

Azure & Sands - CASINO聖輦船

Siestail - スポそうでスポくない少しスポいラー油

SuganoMusic - SuganoMusic touhou arrange music volume.1

Unlucky Morpheus - Hypothetical Box ACT2 (obtained)

Kraster - 東方霧幻境

Buta-Otome - 幻想ホモ・ルーデンス

Red ones are Touhou albums by the way!

I got my hands on some of them and I'm fairly pleased. I really, really am.

I also got a news from lapras (one of my comrades translating stuff @ Doujinstyle) saying JiNG*da*LaW from Iemitsu. is retiring from the music scene. It's a soul-crushing news, seeing he has real potential in such a young age (note that he's only 22). Oh life, so cruel. I hope Kikuo and sasa1 would continue what he has started.

*still crosses fingers this is just a joke*

And well, one of the circles in action this season's Unlucky Morpheus with a re-recording of their first album, along with inserts from other albums. Reactions from people who seem to love their album Amazement Park!! more than anything else in the world sparked and well, Fuki lovers are...say, offended. Fuki's vocals are not that really bad, damn it. And I smelled more fire when they noticed the other metal vocal circle (Icarus'cry, a somewhat spin-off of Unlucky Morpheus) Yuki is in.

Well, I myself am a fan of the yuki x Fuki duo, and I must say, I am not in the right position to dictate what they should do in the future. Metal x vocal is the way of the Unlucky Morpheus, and all I can ever give them is my support. If you can't bear the heat, then keep out. It's that simple. Don't listen to what you don't like. Don't force yourself to like it.

*end of rant*

*insert Demetori comment here*

Ah yeah, thanks to my comrade TetsuwanAtomFuu for posting this delectable song. Totally loving each and every second of it.

I say, Tokunan and Kyuhouji are on fire. ON FIRE. Especially Tokunan. I love the way those hands of his churn sounds on those guitars. It's delicious. Way beyond words could ever express.

On other news, I got a promotion from the VGMDB staff! I'm officially one of their editors! I couldn't be any more happier when I know all those hard work paid off. I have something to brag about now *smiles*

And I'm starting my work ASAP. Count this as...training, or some sort.

Untitled040610 | It's a big day.

2010-04-07T01:06:00.000+08:00

It was a long and tough journey. Yes, that's how this channel has progressed in the past five months. And with your help, with all your support, this channel has become considerably big. As big as Patchouli's library it seems, but y'all get the point. More than a thousand vocals and still counting.

My personal world, my escape from the horrid reality.

This is The Far East Spectrum for me. This is my channel.

Five months have already passed, and I have reached my one, true milestone: a thousand subscribers. Tell you guys the truth, I have no other goal than this. Well, serving the Touhou fandom with music you can never resist listening to, I can also consider that. Really. Let me just take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for making this vision of mine a reality. I would never, ever forget that.

And of course, it wouldn't hurt to name persons who've made real impacts on this channel:

One of my very first subscribers, kkcwkoh & mimikkutan. I still remember throwing Koh a heads-up regarding a piano rendition of Fate of Sixty Years, and ever since that day, I've always felt I feel indebted to these guys for regularly dishing out wonderful selections of music arranges from various albums and sources that seem to elude the people's eyes.

Shujiki and XDTOXD for some nice talks (though short) at Hamachi, and some 12.3 matches too. I'd look forward to more matches with you guys~ I'd want to see what my real weaknesses are. :3 And I also have to give credit to regularly viewing my videos, though my upload rate is so fast, some are unsubscribing due to it. ^^;;

Asch (aka SpiritOfKensei) and Nazglim (aka TouhouFantasia) for helping me out on various difficulties, and also being the people to help me out during my channel's early days. I couldn't thank you both enough for all these, esp. Asch, for promoting some of my ups at Doujinstyle. Also, these guys have a pretty interesting taste for music that well, had some influence in me.

ZephyrRz (aka Kafka-fuura) and lapras from Doujinstyle, for lots of help regarding translations of various Touhou vocals. I couldn't thank you guys enough for your work. I mean, seriously. I've never met people like you, devoting time to make us feel the true essence of our favorites. Just thinking about it makes me envious. I mean, I wish I can be like you guys, too!

Lastly, Belisaria. Really, I have to thank her for lots of things! Those wonderful arrangements she created, and for those talks we had over the past month on MSN/Yahoo. And to be frank, I still owe her lots. And I mean, LOTS. I myself feel ashamed for every good deed she dishes out to me. Emotional support, and stuff like that. I'm so much indebted to you. Thank you for those times, Bel. *hugs* You have my support for all your future schemes! (singing career, YEAH). *also, good luck to your final days at school~*

Special thanks go to Ayakohi, colorsofthemoon0000, Rexa, FlonneAdmirer Sylpheed and whitewolf5 for making me feel I'm not the only Filipino guy who knows and likes Touhou so much. And sharing their knowledge with me too! And to my fellow music uploaders, Touhou or not--TetsuwanAtomFuu, Adauchi, Diremagic, Naturalistick, Moomaria, Koto, Emiya, Myon, and anyone who's name isn't mentioned--yes, each and everyone of you. All of you are my allies (I see it that way, heh), my colleagues, my comrades. My frequent viewers, and to all those who will stumble upon this video in the future--thank you so much.

And how could we forget all these artists, all these people who devote their time crafting such majestic pieces that's always stuck in our minds? Surely they should be thanked for. And to ZUN himself for sinking us into the grand wonderland that is Gensokyo. The splendor that is the Touhou Project.

IOSYS - star river (subbed)

2010-03-27T23:51:00.000+08:00

Until I convince myself to spare me some time to grab me some decent video editor (I'm pointin' at you, Sony Vegas 9), I'll be subbing via annotations. Speaking of which, I just finished subbing a really decent IOSYS song, star river. Translation's provided by none other than Kafka~

The way I see it, this song is emotionally moving, I blame Asana and Lettuce for this *snicker* Also, I now have 900+ subscribers! *cheers*

Without further ado:

Yeah, as you can see, I didn't put the Kanji...the heat's killing me. And so is my notebook. *dies*

The complete lyrics can be seen here: (Click me)

Dancing with Happiness and Sadness

2010-03-26T14:37:00.000+08:00

So, some guy from Doujinstyle that goes by the name of lapras decided to fulfill my long-awaited request...well, not exactly that long, since it's only been days since Reitaisai 7. *Bleh. :p*

If ever you come across my blog lapras, you have my deepest gratitude! And now, on behalf of him, I present you, Alice in Wonderland.

If you're a member of the forum, you can access the source of the translated lyrics without any problem. Here's the link by the way. (Click me)

Or just view the video on another page~

R7 goodness. It's madness.

2010-03-25T07:50:00.000+08:00

So it seems that Reitaisai 7 is a good one for vocal lovers (points at self) and not so much, I guess, for trance/techno lovers. I've seen lots of people disappointed at how average the prime groups (Alstroemeria & AE) were, but were fairly pleased with other releases. Well what I think is good may not be that good for others...so: :P

Lots of good stuff came out pretty fast, and currently, I'm in the mood to smack them all here~

Oh, and I'll also continue "The Best of Touhou vocals" this summer, before I start smacking tube links here.

The tengus are waiting, let's get this down.

************

(Link)

I think I don't even have to say it, I'll just quote someone from Doujinstyle:

"Anything with Anna Sakurai is completely awesome by default." -lolCindered

Not satisfied? Go see 癒えぬ痕 (Unhealing Scar).

************

(Link)

I BADLY WANT A LONGER VERSION OF THIS. Four minutes clearly isn't enough when you're doing justice to Old World, especially if it's Kokucho and company. Oh, and by the way, thanks go to our pal Kafka for translating this wonderful song.

************

(EN: Disco Ball Tonight) (Link)

Well, okay. Feat. RIZE was quite meh (for me), and a rebound on Ryureisaisai2 with a FUNKYDELIC (whatever way you spell this, haha) arrangement made me reconsider this group. Okay, let's go look back at their other releases.

Witch is an incredible high-pitched vocalist, just like Sara and Merami.

Oh right, that translation above's mine. I SHOULD be wrong though, sinc-- *fix'd by Kafka*

************

(Link)

When I first heard this in the Barrage Am Ring crossfade, I knew I HAD TO GET THIS SONG ON MY CHANNEL in every way possible. I only have in possession of a single Luna Dial vocal, which left me completely hanging.

Awesome guitar play by Yuki, just the first few seconds will leave you stunned. Yep, maintaining the essence of Luna Dial does sound completely ridiculous; it's complex!

************

(EN: It's Hourai!) (Link)

Yep, it's that song again from the first Ryureisaisai! I believe I speak for everyone that this re-recording is leagues better than the first one! And like the first version, it's an instant favorite, since well, Syuzo does this some justice just like 3L, BB and the guys from SYNC.ART'S did. And terribly catchy too~

Translated, and it's making me snicker. \SYUZO/

************

(Link)

Probably the first non-screamo vocal in Foreground Eclipse's lines that immediately caught my attention. I like how the song progresses, delving in deeper and deeper into oblivion. I've always been a lover of Kaikidan's Extra theme, and I always will be!

************

(EN: Kaleidoscope) (Link)

Easily catchy. Nice guitar-play, vocals are well...pretty much above average. And hey, it's not easy finding Charming Domination vocals like these.

************

(EN: Dance of Witches / The Witches' Ball) (Link)

lily-an as Alice, Yukari as Patchouli and fi-fy as Marisa. At least, that's how I see it.

Simply beautiful. Another reason for me to like Kimino-museum and their entire line. I've always loved Witches' Ball, more than Love-colored Master Spark or any other Marisa themes, and the mix with other Marisa-related themes like Doll Judgment, Locked Girl and Casket of Star just pumps up the excitement.

Well, I guess this is how they make up for their loss in Reitaisai 7. In case you didn't know, this circle, Syrufit, UtaGe, Spielraum and Liz Triangle's releases were ALL DELAYED due to some serious error with their publisher.

Gawd, I can't stop listening to that accordion. It's EPIC!

************

(Link)

Sexy lounge-y Greenwich we have here, ASK is certainly tied with Cherose in terms of manvocal sexiness. Mister Singh really gives this well-loved original more love than we can ever ask for.

************

(Link)

Personally, I'd choose this over COOL&CREATE's version. Satoshi's lyrics are all serious stuff, no shenanigans or such that'll cause it to be hated. And I love Yurika, ever since that Evening Star vocal in SOUND HOLIC's OMOI. I also consider this as the best play in the entire album, Moon over Mind.

I hope they'd stay like this!

************

(Link)

Acoustic Touhou coupled with epic chorus from none other than Mai herself. Makes me want to think this would go head-to-head with EastNewSound's Lucent Wish. These two are sure as hell on my best of Touhou vocal listing~

************

(Link)

The grandeur of the youkai mountain is at its fullest in this vocal, not from IOSYS, Silver Forest, or any other famous, well-known, well-loved (and hated) circles, but from a rising circle, Riverside. They pretty much are one heck of a jack-of-all-trades circle, doing some trance, orchestral, rock/metal and some pop stuff. Watch out mainstreams, these guys are sure as hell going to kick your b'hinds.

************

There are a lot more to come, stay tuned.

What to get this season?

2010-03-10T21:12:00.000+08:00

LOTS of them, actually. Seeing that my chaps at Youtube are making their own lists I think I should too...I'm also updating the R7 thread in Doujinstyle's Music section (NOTE: I AM NOT DOING THIS FOR POST COUNTS). Quite the unexpected series of events lately, some groups seemed inactive but hey, they aren't.

Well, here goes the list, and mind you, THIS WILL BE LONG!

//list starts here (LOL C++ codes)

Alice Music - heartxhurt (Website) (Crossfade: under Track List tab)

Sure, these guys belong to the hundreds, maybe thousands, of minor, lesser-known groups that contribute to the music industry, but hey, they have a thing or two in their sleeves, like that Last Remote x RegaSound vocal. Shit. I mean, THE BEST OF SUBTERRANEAN ANIMISM + BEST MANVOCALIST (next is yonji or Beat Mario) EVER. Also worth mentioning?

Track 4. Nana Mitani!

dBu music - RoYAL MiLK TEi (Website) (Crossfade)

tl;dr, this is something like iCE MiLK TEi. At least, that's what I think. But yeah, the tracks are pretty cute. *child at heart*

SYNC.ART'S - Rainbow Face (Website) (Samples: see website, text hidden)

I'm disappointed that they won't be doing a full-length album this season just like the previous Reitaisai. Back then, they released HEART CHAIN, one of my most favorite albums in their line. Well I guess I could take it, since it's SYNC.ART'S, and there's a really interesting vocal in this album.

SOUND HOLIC - Metallical Astronomy (Website) (Crossfade)

When the album art was first revealed days ago, everyone went OMGWTWIFHGJGNSASDJAlDJAKGNG!! I'm one of them. Didn't expect this, y'know~

Silver Forest - 黄昏シューティングスター (Twilight Shooting Star) (Website) (Crossfade)

They got me this time. I didn't like Touhou Starry-Eyed from C77, they're making up for it. Those three tracks in the crossfade are so sexy, I just can't stop listening to it. Natsumi deals MASSIVE damage with that Cosmic Mind vocal, and I am also seeing two new players alongside Sayuri and Natsumi. Let's see what they have for us.

Silver Forest - 東方電撃波動⑨ (Website) (Crossfade 1) (Crossfade 2)

*ehem* In a nutshell, this is some kind of Ryureisaisai 2, only less epic.

Alstroemeria Records - Double Counterpoint (Website) (Crossfade)

More ALR x Syrufit! They're really getting into this, eh? REDALiCE & t+pazolite are also present. Who knew?

ALiCE'S EMOTiON - Intervention (Website) (Crossfade)

Well you know I was going to deliver this. More awesome techno/electronica/trance in store for us! And this doesn't get even better when I heard Gensokyo ~ Lotus Land Story, Himorogi, Burn in Violet and Eternal Shrine Maiden. Damn. Just damn.

ALiCE'S EMOTiON - TAILWINDS (Website) (Crossfade)

Nope, the party doesn't stop without another Bunkachou-based (well, there are lots of it) album.

Track 4 is CUTE.

Hatsunetsumiko's - A Story (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

Yep, if you can look up to the 2nd PV of Touhou Kinema Kan ~2nd Curtain~, you'll hear Track 2 (near the end). The most tear-jerking Heian Alien vocal I've heard. Also present; an awesome man-vocalization of Byakuren's theme, and Suwako's stage theme that threw me away from my seat.

電奏楽団 - 幻想禄 (Website) (Crossfade)

This appeared today on T-Arrange (12th March), and so I decided to check it out since yeah, the banner seems appealing. And to my surprise, even the music says the same thing.

Attrielectrock - 租界条例 ~Qualia Kiss~ (Website) (Crossfade)

Metallical Astronomy is not the only one taking on the Music CDs. I hope that some random guy from the Internet shares this one, not like ACCR a perfect day, which in fact, up until now, ISN'T APPEARING IN SHARE *rage* Anyway, GHOSTLY FIELD CLUB. It's bound to be a niiiiiice album.

OG-G Music Works - X-RateD -Back 2 back 90's- (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

I bet my money this hardcore retro album is gonna kick my ass.

Syrufit - Love Buzz! (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

If you're a fan of Alstroemeria Records, you'll love this too. Loving the line-up in this album, lots of PC-98's and a Seihou.

monochrome-coat - Dearest...from (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

Well, we haven't seen the first album from this group, but I can see Meramipop, one of my favorite vocalists!

EastNewSound - EastNewSoundBest vol.1 (Website) (Crossfade)

Yeah, it's ENS' best of the best. Of the best. Of the bestest. Y'all probably know I'm an ENS fag, yes?

Halozy - Heartcore Forte (Website) (Crossfade)

Really, I haven't listened to Starry Presto, their 3rd album. I hate myself for that. This circle's affiliation with EastNewSound and Conagusuri made me decide that I should go check on this one.

Make me impressed, IRUS and Sumijun.

龍5150 - Symphonic Touhou III -Senkou-han- (Website) (Crossfade)

Just hearing the XF made me scream "FFFFFFF YEAH" And I didn't expect to hear a vocal arrange in this album.

第7回博麗神社例大祭　公式コンピレーション・アレンジCD - 流麗祭彩2 (Ryureisaisai 2) (Website) (Samples)

The Ryureisaisai from R6 didn't really impress me that much but hey. CYTOKINE, SYNC.ART'S, SILVER FOREST, EASTNEWSOUND, DEMETORI, IEMITSU., ALiCE'S EMOTiON, CIS-TRANCE.

Holy shit, is this Big Brother or something?

Also, sexy, delicious Sanae x Suwako cover. <3

魂音泉 (TAMAONSEN) - Romansick -ロマンシック- (Website) (Samples: see website)

Tamachan and ill.bell are back, and they're bringing in more awesome stuff. I wonder why Romonosov? and rapbit are not present?

XOTIC - Final Exit (Website) (Crossfade)

Frankly, I find their previous albums uninteresting. But this album says otherwise. You gotta hear the crossfade.

COOL&CREATE - drizzly again (Website) (No crossfade available)

What, no crossfades? And as you can see, this is a re-release of their 10th CD, drizzly train, only this time, there are some few new tracks, and a remastered track 3 from sekken-ya.

Dark PHOENiX - Flowers for Patchouli (Website) (Samples: see website)

Another Patchouli-centered album? Dark PHOENiX? Do yell! (note that this is not a typographical error)

LION HEART - Mystical Chain OST + "MYSTIC RECORDS" (Website) (Crossfade 1) (Crossfade 2)

Y'know that game from C76? Mystical Chain? LION HEART? This is it. The OST for the game; also includes some tracks from other LION HEART games such as Endless Alice.

Mehera Naruoto - Tomo ni (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

If you can remember guys who made ORIN SaGa from R6, they're back. They're dishing out UFO goodness, and what can I say, every single mainstream UFO track (Stages 1-6, Boss themes) are in this album.

Gawd, I really love the sound of The Sealed Sky Route in this album.

HELL YES. Some justice for Makai City Esoteria~!

Crest - Ryugetsusho ~ Moon Over Mind (Website) (Crossfade)

If you loved the Flower Land vocal in kimino-museum's palette (from C77) and THE EVENING STAR from SOUND HOLIC's OMOI, chances are you're going to love this album. They're doing some justice for Wriggle's stage theme, so I guess this pretty much makes it something to look out for.

IRON ATTACK! - Vampire Concerto (Website) (Crossfade)

Tch. At least let me link to the image. /rage Anyway, your IRON-CHINO is here. Need I say more?

Magnum Opus - 東方核煉獄～ Purgatory Nuclear fusion ～ (Website) (Crossfade)

If it's Takase, you know the drill. And it's unexpected for TAKASE HIMSELF HAS PLUGGED THE NEW ALBUM IN THE R7 THREAD.

forestpireo - SPRING★ (Website) (Samples: see website)

These collab albums are really nice in the ears, don't you think?

狐の工作室 (Kitsune's Workshop) - 東方幻想界 -妖々夢の音- (Website) (Crossfade)

This is all the rage in this season's music scene. A must-have / must-listen-to album, I say. Rigged with orchestral majesty, you'll never go wrong.

sound sepher - Touhou Gensou Shiten 3 "Deary" (Website) (Samples: see website)

They have a new album?! WHO THE HECK KNEW? *anticipates awesome*

TAMUSIC - QUALIA (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

Aside from the ULTRA SEXY REIMU + VIOLIN on the cover, this I think, is the first vocal album on TAMUSIC's arsenal, so this is a hit-or-miss situation for TAM and his group. But I dunno, seems like a pretty good choice of vocalist, Misato's not that bad, y'know...though I wish he also collab'd with 3L, Momori or Nachi Sakaue, all are SYNC.ART'S frequents.

Iemitsu. - Farewell Flower (Website) (Crossfade) (Sample Album Download)

These guys ninja'd me. Yeah, this CD's centered on TH10~12. The other CD, CURTAIN CALL, is centered on TH06~08. I like this one better due to the presence of sasa1 & JiNG*da*LaW.

AQUA STYLE - Meikyou Shisui ~Fushigi no Gensokyo Original Soundtrack~ (Website) (Crossfade)

Though I SERIOUSLY haven't played the rogue-like yet (which is really disappointing, I'm a fan of rogue-likes *sob*) the soundtrack sounds really promising...well yeah, it's sasa1!

C-CLAYS - 咲禮 -サクラ- (Sakura) (Website) (Crossfade 1) (Crossfade 2) (Crossfade 3)

More defiant arranges from a circle whose fame skyrocketed. Personally, I'd like that Samba x Mokou arrange. That's defiantly lovely, just like VaizravaNa.

K2 SOUND / C-CLAYS - 花篝 HANA-KAGARI (Website) (Crossfade)

Just like the other album, Sakura, it's rigged with awesomely defiant songs. The opening track is awesome, it's Inter--ugh, Seirensen Stage 4, for crying out loud. The other tracks are pretty nice, too and that's why *IMO* they'd go head-to-head with the top circles.

Thousand Leaves - GENESIS (Website) (Crossfade: Autoplay)

What made them think to do a full PC-98 album? Sure as hell wouldn't know, as I am distracted by the awesome rippin' !

黒夜葬 - APOCALYPSE -穹劫黙示録- (Website) (Crossfade)

A full Mystic Square album. My gawd, and I thought they wouldn't!

Girl's short hair - 幻想夜景 (Illusionary Magic) (Website) (Crossfade)

I just love how they made that Deep Mountain, Locked Girl & Fall of Fall vocals. Oh, and the guys from Sound CYCLONE are also present.

IOSYS - 東方銀晶天獄 (Touhou Crystallized Ocean) (Website) (Crossfade)

After Captain Murasa's Ass Anchor & Conviction Yamaxanadu hit the airwaves, it's time for something what I can call "A DECENT IOSYS ALBUM".

電気妖精界 - Concerted Gensoukyou - 五線譜の上の幻想 (Website) (Crossfade 1) (Crossfade 2) (Crossfade 3)

A dash of nostalgia here, sounds something like those BGMs from RPGs like Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger...I think that's a good sign.

Hachimitsu-Lemon - Flutter Girl (Website) (Crossfade: see website)

Hey, I didn't see you guys in the list, but anyhow, there's been some massive surge of Touhou Bunkachou arranges lately, this one belongs in that group. Chorus, oriental-like arranges...you also know I'm a Honey Lemon fag.

Liz Triangle - B1 (Website) (Crossfade)

Sexy website is sexy. <3

What would you do if you got music-raped by the final bosses? This might be it. You're stunned, and probably, might want to join them.

CYTOKINE - The TOWER (Website) (Crossfade)

Other than the usual Linjin x aki combination, there's some other players here like Nana Takahashi, A~YA and SYO from SOUND HOLIC. Yep, it seems aki has done a better job this time, judging by the crossfade on their site.

Kishida Kyoudan & the Akeboshi Rockets - ROLLING★STAR (Website) (Crossfade)

They got their names mentioned in the 2nd Kinema Kan and in the Flowering Night '09. Don't forget that awesome Murasin/AniPix PV. These guys are back, and with their new arsenal ready to hit the airwaves, they're sure to make a hit.

Subtitled Videos

2010-03-10T16:56:00.009+08:00

Reacquisition status

2010-02-24T04:05:00.000+08:00

I just felt like posting this, to remind me of my progress as I try to reacquire my lost collection of C77 material...it really makes me sad that I HAVE TO FAINT IN CLASS JUST TO GET ALL OF THESE BACK. *frowns*

It's because I didn't eat anything since morning.

Oh, and it's also a reference as I grab the remaining stuff in the list.

Yep, that's that.

Best of Touhou Vocals: Fuumaroku

2010-02-21T23:07:00.000+08:00

Seventh-Heaven Maxion - Former Frontier 2nd cultivate (SHM-0013) - ユメウツツ

Original: 博麗　〜Eastern Wind (SoEW St1 theme)

This might be the part where our opinions and sentiments diverge.

So, if you haven't heard of this circle yet, I suggest you do so, they've done some good works with other circles such as SYNC.ART'S (and the entire Project S crew), Reliance:Tone, Innocent Key and more. Furthermore, their past works such as the Former Frontiers are gold mines for ZUN's forgotten works--from the early days up to the pre-Windows--or the Seihou period. Take this for example. I've only heard of TWO CIRCLES--yes, two circles making an interesting vocal arrange of Rika's stage theme, this and the other one being Syrufit in their first Touhou album under their own name.

So, why again do I prefer this over Syrufit's it's because of its resemblance to the original. It's not because I love hearing the sound of BB and Gojyo-kai dishing out those HELL YEAH chords (Gojyo-kai does some guitars too; but I have to admit they're good at doing this) but because of the nostalgia it brings.

Hachimitsu-Lemon - Over the Magic (HLCD-0013) - Disappearing Queen

Original: Complete Darkness (SoEW St5 Boss theme)

I'm actually torn up between C-CLAYS' version and this one. They're both good, yes, but I think Aizawa and company gets the recognition today. It's just that this song feels really OMINOUS AND FITTING FOR SoEW'S GRAND FINALE, just like the Mima we know (and long for). Unlike this circle's previous releases, they've really outdone themselves in this album, bringing us recognizable beauties such as Marisa's Seihou theme and Byakuren's Cosmic Mind, as well as rearrangements of two beautiful songs, Spring Lane and Deserted Hell.

The demons lurking in the darkness, stalking you, mocking you, breathing your every breath...what can you do?

Alstroemeria Records - Fragment Reactions (ARCD0028) - End of Daylight

Original: End of Daylight (SoEW St2 theme)

There's no beating Alstroemeria when it comes to electronic-vocal arrangements. Bad Apple (let's face it, THIS IS THE BEST VOCAL ARRANGEMENT OF ELLY'S STAGE THEME), Saigetsu, Maple Wizen, you name it. Although other circles, I should say, might go on head-to-head with them, Alstroemeria's easily-catchy arrangements top over other arrangers, of different genres and whatnot. Furthermore, you just have to learn to love those quirky schemes under their sleeves. It's sure to pack a punch and make you smile at the very least.

If you haven't heard yet, there's a couple of End of Daylight PVs circling around NicoNicoDouga and Youtube...all of them point to a single direction. This is where the crossroads of past and present converge.

Best of Touhou Vocals: Rei'iden

2010-02-21T02:25:00.000+08:00

So, let's get started.

Alstroemeria Records - The Brilliant Flowers (ARCD0029) - Highly Responsive to Prayers

Original: Highly Responsive to Prayers (Makai 6-9 theme)

You could really never go wrong with Masayoshi Minoshima and company. When I first opened the channel at around October 2009, I wasn't expecting something as rare as THIS to actually appear in my collection. Heck, I wasn't even expecting that I'd find something from Highly Responsive to Prayers, the game that started it all. I actually heard this one from my comrade Asch (aka SpiritOfKensei) in the PC-98 "tribute" thread at Doujinstyle and from heibonnakurashimata. When I listened to it, I'm stunned and went like crazy to actually find that song buried deep within Alstroemeria's K5 release.

I'm anxious to find an English translation for this song's lyrics. I'm just dying for it. It's easily catchy, and it's uneasy to just leave it like so.

EastNewSound - Lyrical Crimson (ENS-0001) - 奏で穿て、東雲の彼方へ

Original: 永遠の巫女 (1-4, Jigoku 16-19 theme)

My first confrontation with this circle was during the Winter Comiket 2008, along with Demetori's Offering to the Sukhavati, UI-70's if and Hachimitsu-Kumasan's Touhou Yochien. Back then, I didn't even know a crapload about Touhou except for Scarlet Weather Rhapsody, which was the first game I was introduced to. But now, I can proudly say that I am knowledgeable about this series. Yep, and I am now able to appreciate the EastNewSound that I got introduced to, because after a whole year in the fandom, I found that the song I listened to the most during my first days in the fandom...is actually an arrangement of one of the songs in the VERY FIRST TOUHOU GAME.

EastNewSound kicks ass; everything that they make -- from A to Z -- certainly hits the spot.

Oh yeah, I also remember hearing Eternal Shrine Maiden in that fangame Touhou Mother. That's why I said to myself when I was digging this up EastNewSound's first album, "Uuuu~ this sounds familiar." It's one of the factors that made this song grow up inside me...for days, months, up until now.

Vocal recommendations, anyone?

2010-02-21T01:49:00.000+08:00

So after the thought of "I have lots of this stuff, what's the best amongst them?" crossed to my mind, I decided that I should put up my own recommendations (uninfluenced of course) of the best Touhou vocals ever to come across my life.

I could make a list of all of it according to the games in which they appear.

Heck, I might start now!

Image Packs: Update

2010-02-17T06:44:00.000+08:00

Dig in to these six new image compilations, all from the latest vocals in the channel (700-850). And yes, I advanced it to 850 since I'm already in the 840-mark. Harhar. So if you have any favorites along those lines, be sure to check these six new compilations!

700-725|726-750|751-775

776-800|801-825|826-850

You can find the other image packs in the Images page.

I am also in need of good food. ;_;

Image Packs.

2010-02-14T21:59:00.000+08:00

Soooooooooooo, due to insistent public demand, I'm going to continue supplying you guys the images I use for my pictures...though they are the MOST RECENT POSTS in Danbooru/Safebooru, those who have difficulties searching for the images, rest assured that you will get that image!

Stay tuned, as I'll be updating the Compilations page sooner or later. ;)

And I also wish you guys a Happy Valentines Day...together with your loved ones--your family, your friends, whoever you'd like to be with. Oh, and a happy Chinese New Year as well!~

Lucent Wish: My Ultimate LSS.

2010-02-12T03:00:00.000+08:00

So it's February already, and guess what. School will be over in a few days.

Will be over in a few days...actually, the final day's 26th of March. HUZZAH! With that in mind, I'm busy racking up points from my professors after I saw my grades...some are not that bad, mind you, I got a FLAT 100 on my Human Kinetics aka P.E...(Wow, do I really have to be proud for that, haha) And when there are good ones, bad apples (LOL) are also present. I got a frickin' 3.00 (equal to 75/100) on my Biology and Sociology-Anthropology (hence, SOCAN) class. Damn it.

So yeah, I've been listening to lots of Touhou vocals in the past few days (and uploading 'em on my channel) just to unwind with all that school stuff--from classical, orchestral, RAP (LOLWUT), or whatever; you name it--and I just came to realize the fact that among all the vocals that I've heard, only one (well, it's really two, but this one beats it in all ways) managed to become my ultimate LSS--

Holy mother of onbashiras and ice fairies. I wouldn't really know what I would say, as the video alone struck me so hard like a lightning...what about the song?

I checked on the link in the comments of that said video, and I really, REALLY couldn't be happier, for I have found the ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY ULTIMATE LSS.

God, let me breathe for a moment. I burst into tears when I saw the first line. Seriously. No gay jokes. It's so emotional, this song really beats the heck out of everything I've seen before. At first I hesitated to listen to it as it seems overrated, I've seen a lot of people recommending this song...And I was also thinking that this is some random bullcrap like Manny Villar's campaign jingle (actually, just the thought of the goddamn jingle makes me sick) or some uninteresting arrangement of IOSYS' Gossun that'll keep bothering me for ages.

NO, goddammit. That nightmare should/would/could/will never happen in my entire existence.

So yeah, after I obtained the English lyrics (c/o kafka-fuura), I impulsively opened my Youtube account and hurriedly set the Lucent Wish music video I uploaded to PRIVATE. Synchronizing it was hell, double-versed songs are quite hard to work with...but yeah, seeing that I cried--meaning I liked the song sooooooooooooooooooooo much that I AM EVEN LIP-SINGING it. I even passed the video to my friend, who, after listening to the entire song:

PS: L is not the one from Deathnote.

L: Agree <3

Me: ang gusto ko sa EastNewSound (yung circle na gumawa niyan)...

Me: ...may ON at OFF-VOCAL versions sila <3

L: Cool!

L: <3

Me: I have yet to see

Me: a BAD EastNewSound album

Me: all of them sound awesome

L: I can see that

L: Yung music lang, it got me hooked~

...

L: Pero in all honesty nakaka LSS tong Lucent Wish vocals xD

Me: wwwww

Me: Chata is <3

L: xD

I swear to Kanako Yasaka, avatar of mountains and lakes, that I could hear Chata's voice ringing in my head as I type this entry.

***

PS:

kafka-fuura is in need of some donations, give 'em what you have as a token of appreciation...for working on the best electronic/vocal arrangement of Kanako's theme. :]

Commentary: Vocal 551

2010-02-11T08:13:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought Shou's theme couldn't get any better, then comes C-CLAYS with their overly wonderful arrangement of her theme. And it's not just a plain vocal wherein you say something about her, tell what she does, memes related to her, throw some random vocal boulder to it...stuff like that. The translations provided by our pal kafka-fuura reveal a deeper meaning, piercing through Shou's inner self as a devotee, a disciple of Vaishravana. I'm stunned with the words. It's wonderfully crafted, I even want to delve deeper into Hinduism and Buddhism.

If you'd let me summarize the song for you, it's this--TOTAL PURIFICATION.

I seriously longed for someone to cover Shou's wonderful boss-like theme, and what do you know, C-CLAYS did not disappoint. No, not even one bit. Choosing Mai to sing this wonderful, violent (yet amazing) prayer of the tiger youkai is a really, really, REALLY, REALLY good choice.

No really.

A mixture of Hindu culture, Buddhism, and Japanese culture, slimmed down to one epic prayer; so epic, it'll knock any defiler off the face of the world--it's wonderful. What else can I say?

Commentary: Vocal 703

2010-01-25T19:51:00.000+08:00

After recovering from that massive revamp, more updates. And they'll take on the new format. I might also consider continuing adding the back/forward annotations in the video for easier access and to cover those songs that don't have a face on the related videos list. And if that happens, I'll start with zero...no wait, I'll start with one!

Hell yes, mineko. And Pyn! Now we're talking!

Seriously, I thought at first that this was going to be a traditional/folk/unplugged vocal arrangement, like that of spctrm...but then, the jumpstarter. It also doesn't sound like Keine's theme at first...until 1:27, that is. Guess I don't know my Plain Asia that much, or they've changed a part of the original score. Despite that, it's not really that bad. It's way impressive, surpassing that of GSH's.

Commentary: Vocal 702

2010-01-25T08:19:00.000+08:00

The second vocal arrange of Nazrin's theme, and it's nice and at the same time, disappointing. It's nice...well, that part's somehow self-explanatory. If you didn't get it, it's the arrangement. It's part truthful to the original and at the same time, it's not. That's the nice part, what about the disappointing one? liebe didn't quite hit the right notes in the start (though the latter part was so-so). It's disturbing, and it's the ghost that haunts this particular vocal. They should've let Pyn do this. She can hit the right notes, high or low, with downright accuracy, as proven in god bless (See Vocal #5). Unless I see another awesome vocal pill of Nazrin's theme, this song will keep on haunting me~

Commentary: Vocal 701

2010-01-25T08:18:00.000+08:00

Hoorah, the midterm examinations are finally over. Leeeet's party!~ *headspin*

As promised, the next feature is echoPROJECT's second album, [eclat:]. Before I forget, the circle's name isn't really that one, it's just that certain symbols that comprise the circle's name are not allowed in the description field, which by the way, sucks. This album may only contain a few, let's say, seven songs...but most of it are ok, quite interesting since I saw some familiar faces in it--mineko, a frequent in Sun Flower Field and Pyn from Aftergrow...figures, since Hiratake, one of the arrangers, is a member of this circle and the owner of Aftergrow. Take note that there are two other performers I've seen only in this album.

Commentary: Vocal 700

2010-01-25T08:17:00.000+08:00

Arguably the best track in all of show me your love, hiro.na stuns me with this arrangement of Reimu's PoDD theme. I like hiro.na's style, it makes me feel like it's Morrigan's (but clearly, Morrigan is still superior) and if you listen to #575, you'll see why.

I guess this makes it the best vocal of Mystic Oriental Love Consultation I've ever heard!

Commentary: Vocal 699

2010-01-25T08:15:00.000+08:00

Seems that Yumemi's theme won't be alone anymore, for the next feature is a Strawberry Crisis vocal.

Wait. What.

Certainly this one feels superior to ALR's version, though this one...sort of, has the same feel with the previous feature (Riverside View) which I think fits final bosses perfectly. No flicks, no spin-offs or what, it's pure Yumemi goodness. I'd prefer this over Alstroemeria's.

Commentary: Vocal 698

2010-01-25T08:14:00.000+08:00

Time for a dose of something quite different from Syrufit. The work's not as heavy and geared to full-fledged awesomeness as compared to the previous ones on this album, but being different from the rest is frequently good, yet misunderstood. At first I felt somewhat...odd with this song, as it doesn't feel like Komachi's theme...like I sense the presence of an ominous being lunging her theme into the abyss.

But hell, this still is cool. SHIKI does seem to fit the song's mysterious feel, doesn't it?

Commentary: Vocal 697

2010-01-25T08:13:00.000+08:00

The second Plastic Mind vocal that I've heard recently, and like Minstrel's, it is no rage-builder. I think Alice and the PC-98 themes related to her (Romantic Children, AoW, Grimoire) are superior to her Windows themes; they're all cool, but these ancient themes really stand out. Though I prefer a dramatic Plastic Mind--a violin or a slow piano, it wouldn't hurt to hear a rock-vocal or something like this.

Commentary: Vocal 696

2010-01-25T08:12:00.000+08:00

Up and at 'em, it's Meiling~

I've seen lots of arranges of this song, most of them seem really appealing. Chinese Tea is certainly one of the classics, it's one of the songs that stuck to my head even after I play Embodiment of Scarlet Devil. This is no different. I listen to this one every now and then, and sure as hell this song grew on me.

Commentary: Vocal 694

2010-01-25T08:09:00.000+08:00

Next stop is Syrufit's album, show me your love. They have already accomplished a lot in the Touhou music scene, they've done a lot of guestings in different circles; Anipix for instance, with their undying Arc of Dream. And what else could I wish for other than a single album by these guys. Most, if not all, of their vocal works are incredible, not to mention the non-vocals. Most impressive, you think? I'd certainly agree.

At first, this song doesn't seem like it's Orin's theme. I just enjoyed then at 0:54, it's confirmed, it's Orin's. Got to say that I enjoyed this as much as all their techno-trancy-electronic works...plus the non-trancy ones (c/o hiro.na).

Commentary: Vocal 693

2010-01-25T08:07:00.000+08:00

It's a variation of A Native Face, aside from the one found in their C76 album. Some parts may have been ripped out of the former, such as the lyrics, and it has become more of an ordinary arrange rather than a full-fledged vocal arrange. But despite that, the quality. The coolness of this song just doesn't fade away. Nope, it's not that easy!

Commentary: Vocal 692

2010-01-25T08:05:00.000+08:00

It's a clash of the past and the present, from the same circle who brought the two *coughs* most awesome Flower of Japan vocals, comes this: a Sleeping Terror x Flower Land vocal.

Man, couldn't this get any better? All the remixes in this album sound nice (though some tracks are certainly over-used), it wouldn't hurt to hear another version of those, yes? That said, the originals in the album totally ripped the words out of my tongue. It's beyond great. Reitaisai 7 is just looming around the corner, I wonder what surprise they'll bring in the coming season?

Commentary: Vocal 691

2010-01-25T08:04:00.000+08:00

Uh yes. I've scanned through my current collection of C77 material, and I've found at least 40 new vocals. Jeez, where the F is Kraster. They should've been included here. Anyway, as far as I am concerned, this is so far ONE OF THE BEST ATTEMPTS to vocalize Kogasa's theme. Oh Tim Vegas & Youka, you've done it again.

Commentary: Vocal 690

2010-01-25T08:03:00.000+08:00

I guess that with all those new albums I acquired for the past six or so days, I am once again ready to present you guys new Comiket 77 stuff. That said, I'm going to finish Fleet 6 (601-700), the last ten will feature C77 stuff. Yep, it's all C77 material from the next one up until the moment I deplete my pending upload folder.

So tomorrow, I'll have an excuse to go home and enjoy a three-hour break! That's really a SIX-HOUR BREAK, but going home and vice versa takes some time...about forty minutes or so? Nvm. This is my excuse.

For now, the last one of the previous releases, the guys from Kraster have another version of Wonderful Heaven. How many times have I heard Tenshi's theme remixed by these guys? I think there's three of them in this channel...bah, who cares? It's not as if all three are bad.

Second attempt at publishing this. The same error as #688.

...

That reminds me.

WHERE THE HECK IS KRASTER'S C77 ALBUM. *pouts*

Commentary: Vocal 689

2010-01-25T08:01:00.000+08:00

If you don't believe that "A-Yah-YAh-YaH-YAH!" is the title of the song, search for the album details. That one is Aya's opening line (あやややや, lit. Ayayayaya) in her appearance on Mountain of Faith. Silly as the title seems, this song pretty much defies something like "silly-sounding = worthless".

And goodie, Meramipop. Again!

Commentary: Vocal 688

2010-01-25T07:59:00.000+08:00

One thing that interests me with ORIN SaGa is that out of all the tracks in the album, only one is a vocal. And that single, sole vocal...it's not a complete disappointment. What I am looking for in an ideal Dark Blowhole arrange is a lullaby-like feel...um, the original is indeed pretty child-like. This song satisfies this condition, it's one heck of a piece.

A reupload. I didn't notice what I published was a 4:3 video. *sigh*

Commentary: Vocal 687

2010-01-25T07:58:00.000+08:00

Spinning round and round, spinning round and round~

Some, if not most, parts of this song are quite fast, as they really want to stay on track. And that is really darn catchy, too; after listening to this song from start up to the three minute mark, I found myself bobbing my head up and down. A rather interesting take for the curse goddess' theme.

Maybe the last update for the night (in our place, that is), listening to MiddleIsland's FrizzellWeisen and ℃iel's Ordinary Days (I'm darn hooked with the former) then rest for the night~

PS: I've been downloading a lot of material last night so I didn't upload this one. Uploading is also unstable, so yeah.

Commentary: Vocal 686

2010-01-25T07:57:00.000+08:00

Okay, so I'll be breaking my own "resist-uploading-stuff-for-now" contract. I just can't resist uploading the good stuff here at tube. And I've already studied for tons of Math, Biology and crash course studies for InfoTech, mind you. I've also decided to give some time for uploads on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday because I have lots of freetime in those days.

Anyway, we take on the Yellow Zebras again, and lookie here, it's an unusual sight. Both themes related to Okuu--Nuclear Fusion and Hellfire Mantle--I think they're more intended for the non-vocal arranges, so every vocal of these songs are appreciated. This one's no different than what the others did, it's less evil though. I see Yellow Zebra has impressed me once again, and as always, the choice for song performers is a good one.

Also, carbonara. Want some?~♥

Title translates to "Solar Tokamak".

Commentary: Vocal 685

2010-01-25T07:55:00.000+08:00

I have gathered a lot of C77 material, mostly non-Touhou. But it's all good, since I also have some Touhou material that belongs to the lesser circles. Cutting off Hatsunetsu's C77 album for now, I'll get back to it after all Yellow Zebras are done.

*swoosh*

Suddenly, Remilia~

Or so I think. This one is purely her stage theme. Yep, no Septette for the Dead Princess today. For now, we honor the penultimate theme, one that I don't hear very much...uh, again, those are the GOOD ARRANGES.

Commentary: Vocal 684

2010-01-25T07:54:00.000+08:00

More from Yellow Zebra's C76 album, after Koishi's feature, Satori makes her appearance. She wouldn't want to be deserted~

Oh yes, I love the ball-like (You know, gatherings for the nobles?), Western, Ali Project-ish...or whatever related, feel of this song. Choosing Yuki to sing this song is a great decision, though I have to admit that I would also like to see ucchi sing this song.

Commentary: Vocal 683

2010-01-25T07:52:00.000+08:00

Fascinating, the second Hartmann vocal I've found since I started the whole channel. I've never seen anything better than this; although Yuki slides off-track on some parts of the song, it's not something that would really stop me from admiring her soooooooooo much. ~♥

Commentary: Vocal 682

2010-01-25T07:51:00.000+08:00

So I got Hatsunetsu's C77 album early this day. Listened to the tracks, and I found some really interesting songs in this album, just like their C76 album Unchained Melody. And well what do you know, I wasn't expecting familiar faces in this album such as the Native Faith re-arrange on track 3, especially this one, track 9 from Re:Starlights & An Umbrella.

Moreso, I wasn't expecting a SLOWER, MORE BEAUTIFUL FLOWER OF JAPAN VOCAL. It's basically the same song we all know from Unchained Melody, it's just that they've decided to ramp it up...and it's still lovely~♥

PS: I just couldn't resist uploading another version of this. It's just too good! ;_;

Commentary: Vocal 681

2010-01-25T07:49:00.000+08:00

Now isn't that a cheery theme. Fuujinroku's extra theme (English title's too long, bloody hell) always clicked on me, it just seems to loosen up a person's anxieties or whatever negative pulses you have deep down inside. And it fits Suwako's personality puzzle, too. Just hearing this makes me feel...refreshed.

And it might be shameful to tell this, but...

...this song awfully reminds me of Dokkyun Heart (Umineko Ep06 Insert)...for no reason at all. *puzzled*

And I don't possess a fetish for school uniforms nor sailor suits. *chuckles*

Commentary: Vocal 680

2010-01-25T07:47:00.000+08:00

Remember that notice that I put up on my Wordpress? If not for that this would have been the 543rd. It's kind of unusual to hear Yuki hitting low notes. She usually doesn't give in to it, but I still am satisfied to hear that in the latter parts of the song she does it the "normal" way, if I would put it.

If you've already guessed it, more Yellow Zebra for the next 5 or so songs.

Commentary: Vocal 679

2010-01-25T07:46:00.000+08:00

Continuing EastNewSound's glory.

I thought at first this would make me think of the end of the world. Nevermind that one, surely catastrophe looms just around the corner when one meets a bored Tenshi. Most of the song doesn't contain vocals, but we'll just classify it as is just because someone is singing in the song. And because the scans come in with the lyrics.

Commentary: Vocal 678

2010-01-25T07:44:00.000+08:00

Recently, the channel updates became slower than ever, from the usual five to seven songs...or videos, to at least two to three every other day. No worries, it's just some personal matters that I have to attend to...adding the fact that I am once again hooked in playing online RPGs and such...and oh yes, exams are scheduled next week, so expect no updates. It'll be a miracle if I'd post just one.

Anyway, this is a vocal arrange of Eirin's theme (no doubt about it, why would I put Eirin in video in the first place)...by the lovely folks from kimino-museum. I think this song just beats the heck out of everything. Arrangement of the original is just too lovely to resist, piano / keyboards plus a little touch of drums and guitars; Cathy and fi-fy just adds to the excitement, don't they?

I wouldn't really know what to say about this song, except that this song, in my opinion, makes kimino-museum one of the most beautiful Touhou music arrangers. Ever.

Commentary: Vocal 677

2010-01-25T07:42:00.000+08:00

A while back, I changed Vocal 63's title. Turns out that there was another circle that used "Black Lotus" as the title for their arrange. And funny I should mention, it even has the same source. Despite that, I find this Flowering Night arrange totally addictive, just like the other Black Lotus by RegaSound.

Commentary: Vocal 676

2010-01-25T07:40:00.000+08:00

The third and last one from Speed Metal Sound, and it's a double Reimu treat. Much of the song is covered in Skeleton Metalist goodness; nonetheless, Yura covers it up with her performance and sounds like this is her trump card in this album. Take note that there's a male backup in this song, the same goes for Vocal 668...and 671 as well. There's also a male back-up there.

I'd say, this album goes well with a 100% INSTRUMENTAL VERSION, Skeleton Metalist's performance is kind of promising.

Commentary: Vocal 675

2010-01-25T07:37:00.000+08:00

I always loved Youmu's theme, it's pretty darn catchy, and just like Kanako's theme, it's the first one I faved when I did my very first Youyoumu run (though it ended at Stage 6 Youmu, lol curse you!). To get tangled with one of the most arranged songs, Ancient Temple, sounds like it's a good idea, isn't it? When timed and played right, it is, and these guys just serves you what I just said.

Oh yes, this song is more of Youmu's theme rather than her stage theme. Still is pretty nice though, it's kimino-museum, one of my favorite favorites.

Now that sounda kinda redundant.

Commentary: Vocal 674

2010-01-25T07:35:00.000+08:00

So I missed a HECK LOT OF GOOD STUFF in kimino-museum's "dialogue ~Starry Nightmare~". I'm making up for it. It's not really that of a nightmare (lol) for me, I've always admired these guys for how they are able to mix soft-sounding instruments like pianos, violins and accordions with loud instruments like the ever famous electric guitar and such. They also have an outstanding vocalist, none other than Cherose. I've seen a ton of vocals of Sakuya's stage theme, but only one nice vocal of her Koumakyou theme, Luna Dial. Figures, it's on the border of can-I-sing-with-this and I-can't-sing-with this, so her stage theme kinda suits her quite well. Sakuya's never been one of my top pricks, but her ability is kinda amazing, no? I wish one way or the other I'm able to acquire that ability...

Commentary: Vocal 672

2010-01-25T07:33:00.000+08:00

Lucent Wish. I wondered what's all the ruckus about this song...when the Lucid Dream from EastNewSound's C77 album, Sacred Factor, came out, I listened to it only to find out that the vocalist is the one responsible for Blikje Phantasm, and all other performances from various albums, no other than the lovely Chata.

So after I heard that one, and refreshed my memory of my first exposure to EastNewSound, I obtained Lucent Wish the album. I thought at first it was in some way like Sound Online's Fallen Heaven (aside from them having the same source), well no, not really. It sounds so different to each other, Fallen Heaven having that post-apocalyptic feeling, this one has that resistance feeling, which at the end leads to something like the former (or something like, "Ah thank heavens, you have finally arrived *dramatic feeling*") as depicted in the last seconds of the song.

Commentary: Vocal 671

2010-01-25T07:31:00.000+08:00

The second one from Speed Metal Sound and as usual, it's Skeleton Metalist who ramps up the excitement. Nothing special here as I prefer the Transient People x Last Remote arrange they have...the ending of that song is just cool. As I always say, circles like this have great potential, it just needs some more mastering and of course, support.

Commentary: Vocal 670

2010-01-25T07:29:00.000+08:00

I've been interested in finding rare vocal arranges, if you would let me put it that way, of themes shadowed by towering mainstream stage and boss themes like Border of Life, Transient People, At the End of Spring and sooner or later (or maybe it has?) Cosmic Mind will join these ranks. Anyway, this is what I've been talking about in the previous Eastern Youkai Beauty vocal by Iemitsu. It's amusing to find out that C-CLAYS possesses this certain track in their lines, and they sound really nice too. Not kind of synthetic or what (I'm not shooting Iemitsu, why would I, they're one of my faves) and it's also nice to hear that Mai Kotoge, one of my preferred vocalists in the line, took part in this quite shadowed song.

Commentary: Vocal 669

2010-01-25T07:28:00.000+08:00

One of the things I forgot waaaaaaaaaaay back October is this song, an Inanimate Dream vocal from Tim Vegas and company.

Yeah, you heard right.

Inanimate Dream.
Tim Vegas...

Wait, OK you might not get the second one. Hatsunetsumiko's, you might recognize that one. Mellow and soulful songs are their forte in this album, especially the Necrofantasia, which I find as the most beautiful vocal arrange of Yukari's theme and Flower of Life vocals, and maybe some dastardly catchy songs like Corazon Vagabundo. I've never heard of such things existing in the Touhou music world, but who knows? Anything is possible in this world.

Commentary: Vocal 668

2010-01-25T07:27:00.000+08:00

Pixelized destruction imminent.

What a weird combination this song turned out to be, but both are certainly related to one person: Sanae.

Skeleton Metalist (No, really. This is the arranger's alias.) delivers quite a powerful punch with those guitars. Ooh, they're impressive indeed. It's what caught my attention to listen to the four vocals included in this album, aside from the album cover depicting a certain "R.H" and "M.K" dueling, which are obviously the two human heroines of the game. I find that quite amusing, heh.

While the...shouts (?) are rather irritating, and the Last Remote part didn't quite get the treatment it deserved, Sanae's theme backed it all up. Overall, a typical doujin vocal.

Commentary: Vocal 667

2010-01-25T07:25:00.000+08:00

Ho, EastNewSound. I might not remember anymore what the tracks in Lyrical Crimson sound like but knowing that Kokucho is involved in that album it should give me an impression or a hunch that it's somewhere near the line of this album and Sacred Factor. Delicious catchy intro sticking in to the original one lets one know that yes, this is Sakuya's stage theme.

Commentary: Vocal 655

2010-01-25T07:13:00.000+08:00

Suwa Foughten Field is only my second most favorite Stage 6 Boss theme, but due to this particular arrange it just scales it up as my most favorite Stage 6 boss theme, replacing Gensokyo Millenium. Original might not sound pretty much boss-like as compared to Eirin's, but what the hell. As they say, love at first sight, Mountain of Faith is the first Touhou game I played, and this theme just keeps on resonating on my head days after I cleared that game.

Arrangement is very true to the original; furthermore, the loli-tastic feel is kept at minimal levels which I think is good for someone who doesn't look (but might act) like a child. And I gotta say, Siestail chose the right person to sing this song, Yukari-san delivers it perfectly just like the Cosmic Mind vocal on Tera e...well, not really, it's just that this time, she's not restricted as compared to that Cosmic Mind vocal.

This is the best, if not, one of the nicest songs in Siestail's C77 album.

Commentary: Vocal 322

2010-01-25T02:06:00.000+08:00

I pushed down two vocals really hard, so hard they ended up in this playlist. Heh, guess I really like to play favorites. Next song is from J&B's C76 album. I think the entire album is great, I've listened to all of the tracks over and over again...it just sounds too promising. It's too good, yes. Anyway, this one's another cross arrange between Ultimate Truth and Border of Life. Every ounce of Ultimate Truth is well-appreciated; it's more than beautiful if ever it got paired with Border of Life which is another wonderful masterpiece.

Commentary: Vocal 3-2-1

2010-01-25T02:04:00.000+08:00

And three, two, one, go~

There's still a ton of uploads waiting to be uploaded, lots of stuff to do in such a small span of time. Japan is one hour ahead of us and pretty soon it's time for Comiket 77---more PVs are appearing out of nowhere by the minute.

The second Charming Domination in the channel, this one's by Kishida & Akeboshi; I used to listen to this before I got hooked to the main circles like SYNC.ART'S and Alstroemeria. Again, I'm a sucker for band performances; this song won't change that fact.

Commentary: Vocal 320

2010-01-25T02:01:00.000+08:00

U.N. Owen was here---er, I mean, Flandre was here. It's a twist, ladies and germs...lily-an didn't sing this one which I think is quite a nice move; I think lily-an is more suited for emotional, sentimental songs and U.N. Owen does not belong in that group. It's more of the "HAHAHAHA LET'S PLAY UNTIL YOU DIE" kind of situation---

Commentary: Vocal 319

2010-01-25T01:58:00.000+08:00

Thank goodness Liz Triangle didn't include an "etc" as their sources for this song...tell you what, I had quite a time listening over and over again to Sorrowful Mr. Doll just to ensure that I didn't miss anything like Plastic Mind, Romantic Children or Alice in Wonderland...I guess that's that. More Border of Life from Liz Triangle...let me whip it up in a couple of words or so. A beautiful theme deserves an emotionally pleasing arrange and Liz Triangle brings us one of them. You might have heard right, there's some hint of Yuyuko's second theme before the song totally ends but I won't put it as a source...it's just like the first song.

Commentary: Vocal 318

2010-01-25T01:15:00.000+08:00

Next up is another vocal hailing from stage 2, it's from Imperishable Night this time. Tsukasa's not responsible for the arrangement of this song, REDALiCE takes the glory this time, which is not that odd since well, the Trois project (Trois Noir, Trois Bleu, Trois Rouge) is a big collaboration project between the three circles. Okay, onward with the song. REDALiCE delivers yet another fast-pitched arrange and it sounds great, backed-up with Ayumi-san's vocal cover, and you get one nice, respectable vocal arrange. Mystia needs more love~ more love please~

Commentary: Vocal 317

2010-01-25T01:13:00.000+08:00

Dai-chan needs some attention too~ :3

Now here's something extraordinary, a Lunate Elf vocal. This one's a really interesting take, it somehow reminds me of Alstroemeria's Highly Responsive to Prayers...don't know why, I think they share a couple of matching beats; I guess this would be A.R. HrTP's cousin. Seeing these kinds of stuff is kinda rare, y'know, but it's good, really.

Commentary: Vocal 3 : 16

2010-01-25T01:10:00.000+08:00

Ah, finally...Sound Online's rendition of Suwa Foughten Field. With the post-doomsday-like musical score plus the really tense and slow to moderate vocals, I can't help but think of a kingdom destroyed by war.

It was once a prosperous, technologically advanced state. It was the country's pride. They felt secure with the gods carrying them on their backs, plus the technology they possessed, they thought they're the race that would never fall and would dominate the lands...that's what they thought, they were wrong. An inland war broke out, throwing the whole country in chaos. Just when they thought it wouldn't get any worse, the other kingdoms saw this as an opportunity to take down this prideful country, and have succeeded in doing so, courtesy of the inland coup. It's inhabitants enslaved, brutally murdered, massacred, abused; survivors of the war have lost their will to fight, to live on...worse, they've lost their faith to their protectors, the gods that suddenly vanished just before the kingdom falls into pieces. Fires burning around, corpses all around, the blood-colored sky illuminates the morning...all is gone, all is destroyed when the gods returned. Life ceased from that day on.

It's a pitiful scene, and this is what I saw while listening to this song.

This would probably be my most favorite Suwa Foughten Field vocal in the recorded history.

Commentary: Vocal 315

2010-01-25T01:07:00.000+08:00

+1 to the Septette for the Dead Princess vocals, here's one by Doppelman and company, from Touhou Kaenkyou. I'm quite surprised when Doppelman debuted in Another World (NLCD-0025) and the fun doesn't end there, it continues to Festival (NLCD-0026, I think there's two in this channel) and on to Touhou Kaenkyou. Just seeing how ALL of these (points at link below) was possible with this guy, don't you think he's one heck of a musical prodigy? Heh, I think he's a really talented chap. Anyway, this ain't as sentimental or as deep as the other Septette vocals in this channel; it's the opposite.

Commentary: Vocal 314

2010-01-25T01:04:00.000+08:00

Here we go with another Riverside View vocal, performed by ichigo and co. I won't circle around trying to elongate this text wall, I'll cut straight to the point. The album Electric Blue has some great vocal performances, despite belonging to the hundreds of minor, less-known circles. These guys should really get a dose of attention not just by Japanese fans but from fans from the other side of the world.

Commentary: Vocal 313

2010-01-25T01:02:00.000+08:00

More Sound Online performances, but unlike the previous one's this is quite active and lively, not to mention blazing hot...figures, since Orin's theme REALLY IS HAPPY AND LIVELY although I can picture a slow violin + piano cover of Corpse Voyage...it's not bad at all. The possibilities. As usual, Tsukasa's arrangement is impressive, and the back-up guitars is just great.

Commentary: Vocal 312

2010-01-25T00:59:00.000+08:00

One more for the SOUND HOLIC arranges in the channel. Aye, that wonderful feeling when you accomplish the whole game, when you've had sleepless nights thinking of the strategies that you can use against the bosses just to bloody clear Normal mode and enter Extra and Phantasm mode...that feeling's present in this song, as the two original scores for this songs are purely related to Youyoumu's conclusion.

Commentary: Vocal 311

2010-01-25T00:55:00.000+08:00

Unlucky Morpheus and AQUAELIE brings us a clash of the past and the present with this extreme Old World vocal. Extreme, why'd I say that again? This song might retain the original score but not the essence itself of the original score...I think that essence has gone up to extreme heights, power's a-pumpin' and emotion's a-flowin'. Ah Morpheus, I can hardly wait for your next performances.

This song is adrenaline-packed, just go and see for yourself.

Commentary: Vocal 310

2010-01-25T00:53:00.000+08:00

Hoorah, Liz Triangle is here again. It's a three-in-one (although there may be more that I missed) vocal arrange, all about Alice. She's one of the most interesting sub-main characters ever to be introduced in the whole series, appearing as a mere child in the fifth game and returning as a doll master in the seventh game. She's gained a lot of popularity when she got coupled with Marisa (as a cold-hearted girl longing for her love...aka tsundere) and that gap between the fifth and seventh game, what happened to her between these two games...it's all the rage. This song makes me feel like grieving like someone died (in Alice's case, Marisa)...you can't blame me, blame the song. It has that really heavy feeling. Nonetheless, I totally love it. The blend of the three songs is PERFECT, Bucuresti seems to portray Alice's pretentious side (happy exterior, emotionally hurt), Doll Judgment and Grimoire of Alice amps up the sadness factor.

Commentary: Vocal 309

2010-01-25T00:51:00.000+08:00

Next up is a Necrofantasia arrange by Sound Online. I love Tsukasa's stuff, it's not that fast as A.E.'s nor is it as lively as A.R.'s, but that certain catchy melancholic theme is just too nice to resist. Aki's vocal performance also matches that of Tsukasa's arrangement and that makes the song better. These SOAR+AE albums are indeed top-notch.

Commentary: Vocal 308

2010-01-25T00:50:00.000+08:00

I told you I was going to upload this...here you go, the second Hiroari vocal in the channel. BUT WAIT, WHAT IS THIS? A Haruhi in my Touhou? Nah, that's not new. This particular song got released roughly three years ago, first heard this when a friend of mine told "WTF IS WITH THIS SONG o_o" and put a link after it...so the curious person that I am, I looked on the link and the next thing I knew I was listening to this for the last 30 minutes.

Commentary: Vocal 307

2010-01-25T00:47:00.000+08:00

So like I said in the previous installment, the music CD originals get little attention compared to that of the mainstream music so here's a +1 for the CD original arranges, still by Kota-rocK. I think this is my newest favorite from Birth of Fire, the former was Eternal Dream. I've seen a handful of Satellite Café Terrace arranges plus the original of course (courtesy of SpiritOfKensei), this goes really well with the other ones existing in the entire Touhou arrange world.

Commentary: Vocal 306

2010-01-25T00:45:00.000+08:00

More love for the Music CD originals as Kotaro returns to bless us with this arrange hailing from Birth of Fire. I haven't listened again to the music CD originals, but seeing that they don't get that much attention as compared to the mainstream songs, each and every arrange of the CD originals are treasured. This circle has always been my favorite since I got exposed to the world of music arranges, and it'll not change.

Commentary: Vocal 305

2010-01-25T00:43:00.000+08:00

So, you're not satisfied with the Hiroari vocal? Here's something to make you smile...at least for a little. No, it's not another Hiroari vocal, it's another thing; this is Ancient Temple. Lovely yes, though the intro will probably throw you away at high volume; still is good, I can't deny that...I'm a real sucker (note: sucker) for band performances.

Until I can find another Hiroari vocal (ASIDE FROM IOSYS' HARUHI PARODY WHICH I'LL DELIVER LATER), this shall become an alternative for the first Hiroari vocal.

Commentary: Vocal 304

2010-01-25T00:40:00.000+08:00

My mind is still corrupted...uh, I mean refreshed by our class' retreat, so I'm just going to post a really short description of this. I'm still tired and I have to get some more sleep in the evening (it's still 9:15am as I type this text fence). Okay here goes. This is Suwa Foughten Field x Native Faith. You can't distinguish what is Kanako's and Suwako's but once it hits around 1:30 you'll know Suwako's in there. I've seen just a handful of these Kanako x Suwako vocals, maybe there's a Sanae x Suwako or Sanae x Kanako vocal out there...

I'm glad that after I came down from the mountains the subscription nearly hit the first 100-mark. Yay~

Commentary: Vocal 303

2010-01-24T18:30:00.000+08:00

More SHO? *pats*

You got it.

This one came from El Dorado's K4 album...and hey, it's in English. Not that perfect but I can hear the cries of desperation; people losing their faith on a god that seemed to abandoned them. Yes, faith is indeed for the transient people, for the people who constantly change, for the people who can completely move on when all hope and trust is lost. This song lets us peek into the other side of Sanae's theme.

Commentary: Vocal 302

2010-01-24T18:28:00.000+08:00

Next up is a first in the whole channel, a Hiroari vocal by El Dorado. It's not that promising I tell you. Senseless growling doesn't fit Youmu's action-packed theme. Sad to hear that Hi;ragi's arrangement turned too bad when those damned male vocals dominated this song. Miku should've dominated this one. Really sad and disappointed that this Hiroari arrange will remain in the oblivion...and will remain as an honorable mention. I'll have to find a better Hiroari vocal than this; I won't stop.

Now one question remains:

...

'till when?

Commentary: Vocal 301

2010-01-24T18:25:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the third playlist.

Well whatever, I decided NOT TO DISCONTINUE the walls of text in the future features. Okay, let's get it on. Another addition to the existing Candid Friend vocals,

sounded like a march or something, it's kinda disturbing and at the same time it sounds funny...I don't know why but it does sound funny nonetheless the musical score is nice, as expected from Doppelman. Not as lovely as Sun Flower Field's but seeing that Candid Friend is far behind the listings, this still is alright to me.

Commentary: Vocal 300

2010-01-24T10:07:00.000+08:00

Finally, the 300th vocal is here, and to wrap things up in the Shou playlist we're going to have an Extend Ash vocal by SYNC.ART'S...yes, it's this, from the Blazing Heart PV. This is so far, one of the best Extend Ash vocals out in the open music field despite getting released just this year (Reitaisai 6). Damn, that was one heck of a PV, though the animation standards were not as good as the Draw the Line PV. Still is enjoyable despite that factor. This together with C-CLAYS' Velvet are my favorite Extend Ash vocals...unless SYNC.ART'S decide to tumble down this song with another Extend Ash vocal, this will remain in my top spot.

Commentary: Vocal 299

2010-01-24T10:05:00.000+08:00

Oh here it comes, the penultimate vocal of the second playlist. It's a remnant of Hachimitsu-Lemon's works that didn't get uploaded with the rest of them...anyway, this is another slow, soft-sounding vocal to the core---vocals are child-like, SFX and music score is not that tense and the overall tempo of the song is reaaaaaaaaaaaaaal slow, kinda like but nowhere near Lemon's own version of Voile. That one is definitely slower. Slow, steady and lovely---this is why I love Hachimitsu-Lemon's works.

Commentary: Vocal 298

2010-01-24T10:03:00.000+08:00

Cytokine delivers an Immortal Smoke vocal and just like the others it's expected that it's another sensational arrange like those in +- PM. I also classified this as a vocal although it doesn't sound one because of the lyrics are just repeating over and over and over again. Furthermore from what I've understood, songs with lyrics, even though they're just "da-da-da-da-da-da-da" or "e-e-e-e-e-e-e" they're still vocals, someone is singing them. Such an uncanny arrange of Immortal Smoke but I've grown to this circle's arranges.

Commentary: Vocal 297

2010-01-24T10:01:00.000+08:00

Beat Mario scores again with his performance in a Last Remote arrange in Satori Satorare. Wonderful guitar smashing plus intense vocals really fires me up, like this vocal is made only for the sole purpose of jumpstarting one's emotion, sending them to heights unreachable by ordinary mortals. Oh how should I describe this song: it's BEYOND WONDERFUL. Man, I don't even know what to call this though I would certainly say that my Top 2 all-time favorite Touhou stage theme might actually overtake Alice in Wonderland which is my current Top favorite stage theme in the entire series.