Kanon Wakeshima – Foul Play ni Kurari/Sakura Meikyuu November 8, 2012

Track Listing

1. Foul Play ni Kurari
2. Sakura Meikyuu
3. Foul Play ni Kurari -instrumental-
4. Sakura Meikyuu -instrumental-

1. Foul Play ni Kurari

It’s been so long since Kanon did anything, and with Foul Play ni Kurari it sounds she kind of stuck to the cuter side of things which is a bit strange since I’m so used to her dark songs.  Then again she’s on Warner so I guess it makes sense since her producer isn’t the same.  Foul Play ni Kurari has some great moments like the waltz-y parts but everything else is kind of cute anison-ish stuff.  Kanon’s vocals are a bit squeaky but I can handle it.

2. Sakura Meikyuu

At least with the other A-side, Sakura Meikyuu kind of goes back to the darker side (not as creepy as her first two singles) but this is quite nice and almost reminds me of a mix of her solo SONY days and her short stint with AN CAFE’s kanon.  I enjoyed it quite a bit and still entranced by Kanon’s cello skills.  It’s definitely the better track of the single…but it’s not creepy as I would like it to be personally.

 

 

WOW it has been a long time since Kanon released a single by herself (last single was 2008′s “Suna no Oshiro”) and since then she’s switched labels (seems like EVERYONE is leaving SONY) and joined Warner Japan and released her first single Foul Play ni Kurari/Sakura Meikyuu.  To be honest, it kind of sounds like it is something after “Shoujo Jikake no Libretto” but both songs lack the creepyness that I’ve grown accustomed to.  Foul Play is a bit too cute for me and her vocals aren’t that great here while Sakura Meikyuu sounds like a good kanon×kanon song but not as heavy on the guitars.  Overall not a terrible single, but of the 3, this is the worst one she’s released.

HALLOWEEN JUNKY ORCHESTRA – HALLOWEEN PARTY October 15, 2012

Track Listing

1. HALLOWEEN PARTY
2. Penalty Waltz

1. HALLOWEEN PARTY

Wow, what a cast of people chosen for this song!  I mean you have both members of VAMPS, Anna Tsuchiya, Kanon Wakeshima, Tomoko Kawase in both her solo monikers, yasu, DAIGO, KYO, Tatsurou, Aoki and various other musicians (which I’ll talk about in the next track).  This track is just dark and fitting for the occasion for sure.  A lot of different vocals and tones that it is messy but in the way that only Halloween would deem it perfectly fitting.  Now seeing as hyde has the most vocals, it was great hearing familiar voices as well like all of the above (especially the female singers).  The hook/chorus of the song eerily sounds like Tomoko’s own “Lollipop Candy♥BAD♥girl” but still this song is a great song and everyone that took part (even the secondary guys in the PV should get a pat on their back for this awesomeness). 

2. Penalty Waltz

So for K.A.Z, Hitsugi, RINA, Aki, and whoever else plays instruments in the group, they get their own instrumental track and it’s a pretty interesting waltz.  It’s funny to see how it moves and then get interrupted by sounds of monsters breaking things and making sounds.  I mean it doesn’t stick as strong as “HALLOWEEN PARTY” did, but I guess it was to make up for the people that didn’t sing on the main track so I can understand why this is here.

 

 

Wow, HALLOWEEN JUNKY ORCHESTRA is a unique and quite awesome of a group filled with known stars in the rock field.  This single was pretty awesome and definitely is colorful and bizarre and just all kinds of random.  I think another song would’ve been a lot better than Penelty Waltz, but I understand why it’s there….I hope they can do something in the future and not be a one-time thing.

kanon×kanon – Koi no Doutei June 20, 2011

Track Listing

1. Koi no Doutei
2. Renai no Susume
3. Koi no Doutei TV SIZE
4. Koi no Doutei madmaid 17′s DT Bassline remix
5. Koi no Doutei Instrumental

1. Koi no Doutei

Of the things I wouldn’t expect Kanon Wakeshima to do is upbeat cutesy music and with Koi no Doutei it’s way cute.  Like uber anime cute and her voice fits that style better but it’s just really strange.  The other Kanon doesn’t really feel like he’s there at all and just melts into the background.  It’s one of those songs that make you scratch your head because it’s so out of character.  It’s gonna take a while to let this song settle in.

2. Renai no Susume

I feel slightly better than Renai no Susume cools down on the cutesy stuff and adds cello to the song but it’s still upbeat.  Kanon W’s vocals are a bit stronger and less pitchy as they were in the A-side and the music can be cute/lighthearted.  Otherwise, not too much has changed around mood-wise.

3. Koi no Doutei madmaid 17′s DT Bassline remix

After the TV SIZE version of the A-side finishes we get a remix of the song which is not surprisingly longer than the original as well.  The remix is strange lemme tell you, there’s this clunky synth clicking in the back that annoys me.  Actually it’s messy all over and it takes over Kanon’s vocals in the wrongest of ways.  It’s just headache inducing at this point.  W/E

 

 

Being the second kanon×kanon single, I wasn’t expecting an overload of cuteness in both Koi no Doutei and Renai no Susume.  They both had similar vibes and while I prefer the B-side, this style of music doesn’t feel right for Wakeshima.  The remix though was a travesty…messy and just annoying.  Yeah, not a big fan of this single really.

kanon×kanon – Calendula Requiem November 19, 2010

Track Listing

1. Calendula Requiem
2. The Doll House!
3. Umigame Soup
4. Calendula Requiem -Shiki TV Size- (Anime Edition bonus track)
5. Calendula Requiem (Less Vocal)

1. Calendula Requiem

What a much needed change for Kanon Wakeshima with Calendula Requiem since it’s not totally just her and cellos throughout.  Collaborating with Kanon from Antic Cafe, they mixed their cello and guitar ideas into this anime-like song and it’s a pretty good mix overall since it takes the both worlds even though there’s more of Kanon W. since she’s the singer.  Her voice seems more stronger, but a little shrill at the same time, but I’m sure it’s usual.  Overall, it’s a pretty catchy songs with some twists in it and changes up Kanon’s sound (which is good as well).

2. The Doll House!

As for the B-sides it feels that I hear even more of just Kanon W. than the guitarist.  The Doll House! has such a weird bouncy vibe that also feels almost creepy in ways.  I did like the solo we got from her though so that was a good factor, but it’s definitely a weird little tune that makes me think of freaky clowns.

3. Umigame Soup

2:21 is the time for the other B-side?!?  Talk about going back to “still doll”.  Anyways, Umigame Soup does bring back the whole dark side that we haven’t fully heard since “Suna no Oshiro”, but with Umigame Soup…her vocals kind of make it sound like something off her recent album which was all too amazing.  I still loved the waltz-like atmosphere going on and Kanon did sing a little more better. 

I didn’t expect two people from two totally different genres actually colliding to make a single together.  With Calendula Requiem, both Wakeshima and Kanon from Antic Cafe pulled off a rather good anime tune and seeing that it might not be the last of them excites me with what’s more to come.  With both B-sides, I didn’t exactly think guitarist Kanon had anything to do with them, but Wakeshima pulled those two songs well even if The Doll House! was a bit bizarre and Umigame Soup is a bit reminescent of past works.  Good single!

Kanon Wakeshima – Shoujo Jikake no Libretto ~LOLITAWORK LIBRETTO~ July 5, 2010

Track Listing

1. Shakespeare no Wasuremono ~Prologue~
2. Kajitsu no Keikoku
3. Dokushouka Himegime
4. twinkle star!
5. Toumei no Kagi
6. Marmalade Sky
7. Kuroneko to Pianist no Tango
8. Princess Charleston
9. Tree of Sorrow
10. celmisia
11. Otome no March
12. Shakespeare no Wasuremono ~Epilogue~
13. Shoujo Jikake no Libretto ~Storytelling by solita~

1. Shakespeare no Wasuremono ~Prologue~

While I’ve heard this for the first time via her official website, the Prologue to the album has this very royal feel going that includes a little marching sound and a nice cello solo going on.  Though I’m surprised it’s not like dark and mysterious as I thought it’d be, but it does lead nice into our next track.

2. Kajitsu no Keikoku

As the song’s first vocal track, Kajitsu no Keikoku is somewhat forgettable since it does sound like something I’ve heard back on “Shinshoku Dolce”, but I think Kanon’s vocals are becoming a tad bit stronger and more forceful.  There’s a little bit of synths involved.  Also, there’s a bit where she just sings a bit too high and kind of sounds really bad, but otherwise not a bad start.

3. Dokushouka Himegime

The third song sort of reminds me of a less techno-y version of “Kuroi Torikago”.  Besides more synths involved, the song doesn’t really give much to remember it by as well which is pretty disappointing.  Her voice oddly has a similar sound to both Yui from Yousei Teikoku and KOKOMI from Asriel.  It’s got this cute, yet serious tone that all three seem to excel at.  Still not much to remember it by.

4. twinkle star!

I’m not sure why so far this album has had a pretty bland sound so far, but twinkle star! tries to stand out by being cute and upbeat and while the sparkly arrangement and piano inclusion is nice and all, Mana didn’t do enough for the song except perhaps give it a more memorable chorus.  It sounds like an ending to some anime to be honest.  I guess it’s good so far.

5. Toumei no Kagi

Released as a digital single before the album, Toumei no Kagi at first to me began with the melody of “twinkle star!” before, but it seems it’s actually the melody for this song.  At least this is the darkest song off the album yet which is definite plus.  It’s still no “still doll” or “Suna no Oshiro” but it’s kind of a classy and dark tune with pipe organ.  At least it does bring out the first cello solo from Kanon and her vocals sound right as well.

6. Marmalade Sky

Then things get scary for the wrong reasons with Marmalade Sky because it’s the first rather cutesy-type song with xylophone, her cello, and some other instruments that adds more to the injury.  I guess it’s alright since it’s not too sickingly cute and Kanon’s vocals work with the song, but it just seems to be another song that just flys over me head.

7. Kuroneko to Pianist no Tango

As odd as the title may be, Kuroneko to Pianist no Tango is actually the first song to really step out of the bland arrangements since it’s an actual tango.  I’m more intrigued by the cello & piano parts than the singing for some reason, but that’s because to me this would’ve been a better instrumental than a vocal tune.  Yes, it’s also a rather cute song caking it higher than “Marmalade Sky”.

8. Princess Charleston

Are we going into ragtime now?  Talk about twisting things over…but this is definitely the album’s worst song because this is where Kanon just overpowers the song with her vocals.  Way to cute, and somewhat awkwad and uncomfortable.  Doing anything under a ragtime style is just painful to listen to IMO and this is no exception to the rule.

9. Tree of Sorrow

Getting out of the cute and sickly stuff, Tree of Sorrow definitely reminds me of a little quicker version of “skip turn step♪” which shows itself a lot in the verses and chorus, but out of the songs so far on the album, I’m liking this tune quite a bit.  Needs a little more oomph though, but still not too bad of a song.

10. celmisia

Finally we get into the darkest song off the album, but it’s vocally her most oddest one because she once again uses the whispering singing in the verses which sound pretty dark and freaky which is a step in the direction.  Once she gets near the pinnacle peak of the song her vocals start getting whiny and she hits a really high note that kind of makes me ears go -_x.  Kind of bad if you ask me.  Still otherwise for the part it’s still good.

11. Otome no March

Also released as a digital single, Otome no March is doesn’t exactly sound like a march to be honest…it sounds more like a Christmas tune with some kind of weird cuteness bridging the styles together which is another no-no for this album.  Her voice seems to be forced here and sounds kind of pitchy in various places.  SMH!

12. Shakespeare no Wasuremono ~Epilogue~

Shorter than the prologue, I thought the ending (or so I thought) was a little bit of a letdown since it’s basically the orgel version of the beginning song of the album.  Not much to really listen for and it doesn’t beat her orgel versions of her A-sides.

13. Shoujo Jikake no Libretto ~Storytelling by solita~

I kind of find it strange that the promotional track for the album is (after) the epilogue…w/e Kanon.  Anywho, I love the title track of the album and it makes me sad that the point was that this was supposed to support the album fully and Mana can just leave this as the best track the album really had to offer.  I love Kanon here because she doesn’t sound bad and the song really has that “Shinshoku Dolce” feel.  Now this solita chick is only speaking French with the exception for “Silence”.  Lemme tell you, solita is a pretty ugly girl…I mean she looks like a drug dealer in the video XD.  Still, one of the best songs on the album.

Tracks Recommended

• Shoujo Jikake no Libretto ~Storytelling by solita~
• celmisia
• Toumei no Kagi
• Tree of Sorrow

Song of Avoidance

• Princess Charleston

So here we are at Kanon’s 2nd album and to be honest it sucked compared to “Shinshoku Dolce”.  I mean both albums have pretty glaring faults, but this one was just Kanon not getting it right.  While I don’t think it’s the fact Mana was being bland (well probably), Kanon just seemed like she was pushing too much for this cutesy shit that doesn’t work with classical music.  Srry, but it’s just that weak of an album.

Kanon Wakeshima – Shinshoku Dolce February 12, 2009

Track Listing

1. sweet ticket
2. Shinku no FATALISM
3. Kagami
4. still doll (album ver.)
5. Maboroshi
6. Annyui Kibun!
7. Suna no Oshiro
8. Monochrome frame
9. L’espoir -Mahou no Akai Ito-
10. Kuroi Torikago
11. skip turn step♪
12. Shiroi Kokoro
13. sweet dreams

1. sweet ticket

 As I would’ve expected from Kanon.  She opens the album with a cello-only opening.  It’s kind of regal almost with the drum rolling and majestic opening.  I think it’s a pretty good opening in my honest opinion.  Maybe use it in a FF game maybe xD.

2. Shinku no FATALISM

Our first new track, happens to be quick-paced and we get to hear Kanon sing.  She’s pretty quiet during the verses and perhaps nothing new really hearing from her.  It sounds like a happier “Suna no Oshiro” especially the chord progressions in the chorus which is really strange.  The song slows down before Kanon’s small cello solo.  It’s a pretty hectic, but good track.

3. Kagami

I knew Kanon was going to pull off something really dark and haunting.  I didn’t think it was going to be this one because of the title meaning “Mirror”.  Kagami has some interesting gothic moods popping up here and there and the carnival undertones really stood out.  I’d say this is more nerve-disturbing than “still doll”.

4. still doll (album ver.)

Speaking of still doll,  it’s changed a little bit for the album.  The most obvious, is which it begins.  It immidiatly begins with the chorus which has new lyrics of course, but the music also went into an orgel sort of sound before actually beginning fully into the song.  You notice the change once Kanon finishes up the part when the actual starts.  Other than that you get the same, dark song as her debut with no changes.  Amazing debut track though.

5. Maboroshi

I never expected xylophone to make an appearance as a song meaning “Phantom”.  Kanon sounds like she’s trying to be cute in the vocal areas and at some points it works.  The chorus goes through some odd time changes, but it makes the song seem more complex.  I have to say I loved the more mysterious outlook of the mood and Kanon won me over here.

6. Annyui Kibun!

Another surprise is how this song starts up with nature sounds, water drops, and a telephone ringing.  I don’t know how to describe this track.  It’s very abstract and oddly girly and the cello isn’t at forefront in the song, having one part in the song and it’s short.  Annui Kibun! is so strange and filled with the oddest of sounds.  Kanon’s vocals is also a little strange as well.  You just have to hear this.

7. Suna no Oshiro

The last A-side to represent the album, Suna no Oshiro is still terrifyingly dark in it’s verses and I love how Kanon whispers through it and then gets emotional for the chorus.  Even though I love the cello solo in “still doll” the solo here is very frantic and mixed with the foreboding bass and darker instruments, it’s one of my favorite Kanon songs.

8. Monochrome frame

It starts out with a bell ringing febore the violin appears and starts the melody.  Kanon seems to have a more mature sound in her voice and the song has an almost graceful feel to it.  Sadly, this didn’t stand out too much as the earlier new stuff has.  I’ll still give it points for showing Kanon off more as a singer.

9. L’espoir -Mahou no Akai Ito-

From the previews, I liked this track alot because it has a quicker pace and the timpani is more important.  The beat can get a little in the way of Kanon’s vocals, but it seems more happier and progressive which can make it stand out from the album, but there’s another track that has a beat that was executed more better.

10. Kuroi Torikago

I can honestly say that they could’ve left this off the album.  It had an electro style to it which we’ve seen earlier which worked.  Being the B-side of “still doll” doesn’t help it out as the song seems too rushed and kind of messy actually.  It’s also the shortest song with vocals on the album as well. 

11. skip turn step♪

I said earlier that there was a track that had a better repeated sound.  Yep, from “Suna no Oshiro”, the B-side has a pretty catchy violin melody which sounds like you can dance to.  There’s just so much going for this song and I was surprised that it was lodged as such.  Nice waltz-like track.

12. Shiroi Kokoro

I have no idea why the piano melody seems so familiar to me.  Still one of the sadder tracks and actually can be called a ballad.  Since I’ve never heard her try something like this, it’s a fresh sound and she sounds quite nice against it.  Sometimes the BKGD vocals do mess things up but other than that, pretty good, but I do wish there was more cello moments.  Even the song ends in the middle, like just out of nowhere *ends*

13. sweet dreams

I’m not sure what the melody of sweet dreams is based off of, but it’s all orgel and even makes for a nice sleeping lullaby mood.  I guess it made an appropriate ending to the album…

Tracks Recommended

• Suna no Oshiro
• Kagami
• Maboroshi
• skip turn step♪
• still doll (album ver.)

Song of Avoidance

• Kuroi Torikago

Kanon’s debut album is definitly a strong one.  With the cello being the mainstay mostly on the album there’s nothing like it right now this year that comes close to originality.  The new tracks evened out the good singles which is great.  Definitly *RECOMMENDED*

Kanon Wakeshima – Suna no Oshiro November 15, 2008

Track Listing

1. Suna no Oshiro
2. skip turn step♪
3. Suna no Oshiro (instrumental) (limited only)
4. skip turn step♪ (instrumental) (limited only)
5. Suna no Oshiro -orgel version-

1. Suna no Oshiro

Another high-quality dark song from Kanon.  We start off with a pretty fast cello opening and then we hear Kanon’s semi-whispering the verses and then this evil low sound opens the track up.  My problems with the song is of course the length because seriously she need longer tracks.  She’s so mysterious and her singing here is a lot more creepier than in “still doll”.  It also does showcase her more this time and honestly her singing is nice while her music is haunting and nice.  Good track overall.

2. skip turn step♪

I wasn’t sure what to think of her B-side because it’s so bouncy and lively.  The strings plays an important part being the beat and melody.  Kanon decided to make it more poppy which definitly is a plus for me because it’s telling us that she’s can change styles.  When I say the title, I was like waltz style?  I’m not too particular on this side of string music so when “Baroque” is used I’m quite lost, but Waltz is more of my intelligence.  It’s also the longest track so far in her discography which is great!

3. Suna no Oshiro -orgel version-

The wind-up starts us off with this version of Suna no Oshiro.  Honestly, I didn’t really connect with this as much as “still doll’s” version because the orgel actually made it sound like a lullaby instead of being so dark and creepy.  Hey, at least there’s a version for it right?

 

 

So, this single was really good.  Suna no Oshiro was darkness and strings balled into a song even though it was too short IMO. skip turn step♪ however, beat this single up with it’s different style and longer time hahaha.  I actually also am impressed at the instrumental of the A-side as well, awesomeness.  The orgel version was a little disappointing but isn’t too bad.  Can’t wait for the next one.

Kanon Wakeshima – still doll May 30, 2008

 

Track Listing

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

1. still doll

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

2. Kuroi Torikago

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

3. still doll (Orgel Version)

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

 

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