September 19th, 2013
A Guide to Eurobeat
Anime Relations: Initial D Fourth Stage, Initial D First Stage, Initial D Second Stage, Initial D Third Stage, Initial D Battle Stage, Initial D Extra Stage, Initial D Battle Stage 2, Initial D Extra Stage 2, Initial D Fifth Stage, New Initial D Movie: Legend 1 - Kakusei
I'd like to write a few words about my favourite genre: eurobeat! I hope you'll find this interesting and use this thread for eurobeat-related discussions. I truly believe that it's a genre that suffers from its obscurity and that it has a lot of potential fans just waiting to be pulled in!
Introduction
What is eurobeat?
Eurobeat, in the easiest of terms, is dance music created by Italians but with some differences. Eurobeat is extremely focused on melody, and a melody has the potential to make or break a song. It is different in that it relies on two key parts that are repeated throughout the song in order to hook the listener, these two parts are called the "Riff" and the chorus or "sabi". The riff can be compared to the main riff of a rock or metal song, as it's a major part of the song's identity and it's often the part it's most remembered for. Riffs can vary widely, but most of the time will feature several brass synths playing chords in rapid succession, or a combination of bells and synths playing a series of single notes to form the melody.
Example of a chord riff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMNRoApV5T0#t=0m38s
Example of a single-note riff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATej38Z3wbg#t=0m46s
Labels
Hi-NRG and it's offspring eurobeat have been around since the 80's, and in that time several labels have formed, all creating their own sound within eurobeat as well as housing popular artists and aliases. Here's a brief rundown on the more prominent labels.
A-Beat C
Popular Acts: Dave Rodgers, Domino, Lolita, Norma Sheffield, Powerful T.
A-Beat C is one of the older labels, joining the main eurobeat compilation series in volume 9 and continuing to pump out unreleased material while the new label Sun Fire sails along. A-Beat C sports a very classic and varied sound, and after a while you'll easily be able to tell which song Dave Rodgers has been involved in.
A-Beat C song example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYbhOVDAkw
Delta
Popular Acts: Mako, Max Coveri, Cherry, Leslie Parrish, Niko, Kevin Johnson
Delta was introduced into Super Eurobeat (main eurobeat compilation series) in volume 64 after having been started by producers Laurent Newfield, Bratt Sinclaire (not their real names) and singer/songwriter Clara Moroni (a.k.a Cherry, Leslie Parrish etc etc.) They have enjoyed massive success over the years with songs such as Night of Fire and Running in the 90's. Point is, if you've watched Initial D, you've already heard several Delta classics.
Delta song example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzCwoq_IdQw
Time
Popular Acts: Helena, Rose, Maio & Co., Symbol
The oldest of the old. Although Time seem to be done with eurobeat entirely, they've left a big mark on the genre. You can expect their songs to be love-themed and a bit sentimental. Time is also known for their group of talented artists and producers, some of who went on to found new labels, Delta being only one of them.
Time song example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEaZVVMtufA
Hi-NRG Attack
Popular Acts: Franz Tornado, Cy-Ro, Jee Bee, Cindy
Although they've been around for a while, this label didn't enter SEB until the 140's. Hi-NRG Attack is known for its odd and creative style, often using animal sounds in their songs as well as themes involving russians, bazookas, vodka and balalaika. One of the more memorable and crazy labels, for sure.
Hi-NRG Attack song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIjf13GmMTI
SCP (Stefano Castagna Productions)
Popular Acts: Fastway, Ace, Go 2, Christine, Pamsy
One of the newer labels already established as a potent eurobeat force. They're daring, willing to take risks and like to experiment with eurobeat, walking the line between eurobeat and whatever the hell is on the other side.
SCP song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaWSzqONfbI
Dima Music
Popular Acts: David Dima, Dream Fighters, Stephy Martin
Dima Music is another recent label created by industry veteran David Dima (Davide Di Marcantonio.) Here you can expect good old-fashioned eurobeat without compromise.
Dima Music song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U96KdKxmBLw
Sinclaire Style
Popular Acts: Dejo, Bon, Megan, Les, Ducky Chix
Yet another new label! This time by the man that brought you Night of Fire, Bratt Sinclaire. Bratt brings his traditional sounds but expands it multiple times and lately he's been dominating the SEB with instant hits. Keep an eye out for this guy.
Sinclaire Style song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqwonwhxblI
A Little Something Called Hi-NRG
Before eurobeat evolved and became faster and more aggressive, it went under the name "Hi-NRG". In this genre you will find that the eurobeat formula is largely intact, but in a slower format. The slowness allows the percussion some room to shine, and you'll often hear claps, cowbells and all sorts of good stuff. Some someone used to eurobeat it's not easy to get into, but if you end up liking it it's an absolute joy to listen to!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1Bwh0yqFE Mario Ross - More Illusions (SEB 14) Old Dave Rodgers alias
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xukAQvzcJng Phil & Stan - Play The Game (SEB 7)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc4cycBoJk8 Annerley Gordon - Donna (SEB 13, classic A-Beat C alias)
Where Can I Read More?
I recommend http://eurobeat-prime.com/
It hosts plenty of information about the history of eurobeat, its labels and the artists. It also has a comprehensive database on many eurobeat compilations as well as more obscure albums. There's also a fairly active forum where more info can be found, as well as user reviews of albums.
There's a lot more to read beside all the stuff written here. There's a wikipedia page on eurobeat that's an interesting read as well.
So Where Can I Get Eurobeat?
http://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=42331 This place has the most of what's released and more than enough for any eurobeat beginner.
I hope this post has been an enjoyable read and that will at least consider giving eurobeat a try! I'll answer all the questions I can
Introduction
What is eurobeat?
Eurobeat, in the easiest of terms, is dance music created by Italians but with some differences. Eurobeat is extremely focused on melody, and a melody has the potential to make or break a song. It is different in that it relies on two key parts that are repeated throughout the song in order to hook the listener, these two parts are called the "Riff" and the chorus or "sabi". The riff can be compared to the main riff of a rock or metal song, as it's a major part of the song's identity and it's often the part it's most remembered for. Riffs can vary widely, but most of the time will feature several brass synths playing chords in rapid succession, or a combination of bells and synths playing a series of single notes to form the melody.
Example of a chord riff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMNRoApV5T0#t=0m38s
Example of a single-note riff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATej38Z3wbg#t=0m46s
Labels
Hi-NRG and it's offspring eurobeat have been around since the 80's, and in that time several labels have formed, all creating their own sound within eurobeat as well as housing popular artists and aliases. Here's a brief rundown on the more prominent labels.
A-Beat C
Popular Acts: Dave Rodgers, Domino, Lolita, Norma Sheffield, Powerful T.
A-Beat C is one of the older labels, joining the main eurobeat compilation series in volume 9 and continuing to pump out unreleased material while the new label Sun Fire sails along. A-Beat C sports a very classic and varied sound, and after a while you'll easily be able to tell which song Dave Rodgers has been involved in.
A-Beat C song example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYbhOVDAkw
Delta
Popular Acts: Mako, Max Coveri, Cherry, Leslie Parrish, Niko, Kevin Johnson
Delta was introduced into Super Eurobeat (main eurobeat compilation series) in volume 64 after having been started by producers Laurent Newfield, Bratt Sinclaire (not their real names) and singer/songwriter Clara Moroni (a.k.a Cherry, Leslie Parrish etc etc.) They have enjoyed massive success over the years with songs such as Night of Fire and Running in the 90's. Point is, if you've watched Initial D, you've already heard several Delta classics.
Delta song example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzCwoq_IdQw
Time
Popular Acts: Helena, Rose, Maio & Co., Symbol
The oldest of the old. Although Time seem to be done with eurobeat entirely, they've left a big mark on the genre. You can expect their songs to be love-themed and a bit sentimental. Time is also known for their group of talented artists and producers, some of who went on to found new labels, Delta being only one of them.
Time song example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEaZVVMtufA
Hi-NRG Attack
Popular Acts: Franz Tornado, Cy-Ro, Jee Bee, Cindy
Although they've been around for a while, this label didn't enter SEB until the 140's. Hi-NRG Attack is known for its odd and creative style, often using animal sounds in their songs as well as themes involving russians, bazookas, vodka and balalaika. One of the more memorable and crazy labels, for sure.
Hi-NRG Attack song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIjf13GmMTI
SCP (Stefano Castagna Productions)
Popular Acts: Fastway, Ace, Go 2, Christine, Pamsy
One of the newer labels already established as a potent eurobeat force. They're daring, willing to take risks and like to experiment with eurobeat, walking the line between eurobeat and whatever the hell is on the other side.
SCP song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaWSzqONfbI
Dima Music
Popular Acts: David Dima, Dream Fighters, Stephy Martin
Dima Music is another recent label created by industry veteran David Dima (Davide Di Marcantonio.) Here you can expect good old-fashioned eurobeat without compromise.
Dima Music song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U96KdKxmBLw
Sinclaire Style
Popular Acts: Dejo, Bon, Megan, Les, Ducky Chix
Yet another new label! This time by the man that brought you Night of Fire, Bratt Sinclaire. Bratt brings his traditional sounds but expands it multiple times and lately he's been dominating the SEB with instant hits. Keep an eye out for this guy.
Sinclaire Style song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqwonwhxblI
A Little Something Called Hi-NRG
Before eurobeat evolved and became faster and more aggressive, it went under the name "Hi-NRG". In this genre you will find that the eurobeat formula is largely intact, but in a slower format. The slowness allows the percussion some room to shine, and you'll often hear claps, cowbells and all sorts of good stuff. Some someone used to eurobeat it's not easy to get into, but if you end up liking it it's an absolute joy to listen to!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1Bwh0yqFE Mario Ross - More Illusions (SEB 14) Old Dave Rodgers alias
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xukAQvzcJng Phil & Stan - Play The Game (SEB 7)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc4cycBoJk8 Annerley Gordon - Donna (SEB 13, classic A-Beat C alias)
Where Can I Read More?
I recommend http://eurobeat-prime.com/
It hosts plenty of information about the history of eurobeat, its labels and the artists. It also has a comprehensive database on many eurobeat compilations as well as more obscure albums. There's also a fairly active forum where more info can be found, as well as user reviews of albums.
There's a lot more to read beside all the stuff written here. There's a wikipedia page on eurobeat that's an interesting read as well.
So Where Can I Get Eurobeat?
http://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=42331 This place has the most of what's released and more than enough for any eurobeat beginner.
I hope this post has been an enjoyable read and that will at least consider giving eurobeat a try! I'll answer all the questions I can
Posted by Ziljun | Sep 19, 2013 11:37 AM | 1 comments
August 4th, 2013
Space Brothers - A Journey Through Life (spoilers)
Anime Relations: Uchuu Kyoudai
When I saw Space Brothers on the Spring 2012 anime charts, I expected something somewhat fresh, maybe a light comedy about two brothers with space crammed in there. Now, over a year later, Space Brothers has made its way into my heart and mind with its touching, realistic story and endearing nature.
While this blog entry won't explicitly review the show, it'll serve to express my thoughts and feelings on it.
Despite being an anime with space as a central theme, it is perhaps the most down-to-earth experience that anime has to offer. Its other themes deal with sibling relations and rivalry, what the future holds, dreams, aspirations and dedication. When the viewer first encounters Nanba Mutta, he's a unemployed deadbeat with no direction, living with his parents after having given up a high position, just because he chose to defend his brother's honor.
He then remembers the promise made between brothers with a passion for space and space explorations. They would become astronauts, and the older brother would lead the younger. What ended up happening was that Hibito, the younger brother, studies and works harder and eventually makes it into NASA while Nanba stays behind in Japan, designing cars.
This is where the greatness of Space Brothers begins, the family hierarchy turned on its head while must've left Mutta feeling far more devastated than the anime implied. In the end, he finds the tape recorded by the two, and with the help of a JAXA application being sent in and accepted behind his back he's on the road to becoming an astronaut.
That's how it begins. What follows is a long journey full of characters all with memorable personalities and characteristics, events that change the casts and even slice-of-life-like episodes where the writes work their comedic writing.
What I love about Space Brothers is how real it is. What happens in the show is all possible, and it helps the viewer connect with everything happening, especially since what the characters are going through has probably happened to the viewer. Who doesn't feel lost in life sometimes or wonder why the person you thought you'd be more successful than suddenly has all the success that you don't. Space Brothers shows these situations and the frustration behind them, but also teaches the viewer that even if things aren't going your way, you should never give up. Instead, you should keep fighting, make things go your way and even if they don't you make them. Hibito is a cheery, energetic and happy guy and gives off the feeling that he never really worked to get to where he is, but in reality he studied hard every day and worked harder than anybody else because what he wanted was his greatest passion. Mutta doesn't display the same enthusiasm as his younger brother, instead he needs a kickstart and a little bit of faith from those around him. Once he's moving, he's able to show his skills and attention to detail. In this way, he avoids being the mary sue despite relying on luck in quite a few situations. Not everything goes well, his luck doesn't always work. What works time and time again is the effort he puts in.
He's never good at anything at first, but he practices and fights because he needs to. When he once again meets Deniel Young, it's because he scored low on a written test, but his luck lands him with a flight instructor that will make him progress much faster than the regular students. That is where his luck ends, though, as it cannot substitute skill. Mutta has to prove to himself that Deniel that he's worthy of this chance by never giving up, even when things seem impossible and he's sick from vertigo every time.
The shows also shows the similarities shared between Nanba and Hibito by revealing that Hibito was also assigned to Deniel and just like Mutta, fought hard to make the best of the situation.
I belive that Space Brothers wants to teach its viewers some simple facts about life through a story created by the characters and their development. Mainly, Space Brothers shows the results of hard work, that it will be rewarded some way or another. It's an inspirational that will appeal to all people, from teenagers to the elderly. Depending on where you are in life, it can be an inspiration or a healing journey that these characters make it through. Either way, it's endearing, relatable and just a great story. In that way, it's a slice-of-life because it shows these particular characters in their ordinary life. What's extraordinary are the characters, not their lives.
It's an incredibly human story with a lot of heart, so I urge anyone to watch it, anime fan or not. It's a story that ignores culture and heritage, only focusing on some of the most human elements in us.
While this blog entry won't explicitly review the show, it'll serve to express my thoughts and feelings on it.
Despite being an anime with space as a central theme, it is perhaps the most down-to-earth experience that anime has to offer. Its other themes deal with sibling relations and rivalry, what the future holds, dreams, aspirations and dedication. When the viewer first encounters Nanba Mutta, he's a unemployed deadbeat with no direction, living with his parents after having given up a high position, just because he chose to defend his brother's honor.
He then remembers the promise made between brothers with a passion for space and space explorations. They would become astronauts, and the older brother would lead the younger. What ended up happening was that Hibito, the younger brother, studies and works harder and eventually makes it into NASA while Nanba stays behind in Japan, designing cars.
This is where the greatness of Space Brothers begins, the family hierarchy turned on its head while must've left Mutta feeling far more devastated than the anime implied. In the end, he finds the tape recorded by the two, and with the help of a JAXA application being sent in and accepted behind his back he's on the road to becoming an astronaut.
That's how it begins. What follows is a long journey full of characters all with memorable personalities and characteristics, events that change the casts and even slice-of-life-like episodes where the writes work their comedic writing.
What I love about Space Brothers is how real it is. What happens in the show is all possible, and it helps the viewer connect with everything happening, especially since what the characters are going through has probably happened to the viewer. Who doesn't feel lost in life sometimes or wonder why the person you thought you'd be more successful than suddenly has all the success that you don't. Space Brothers shows these situations and the frustration behind them, but also teaches the viewer that even if things aren't going your way, you should never give up. Instead, you should keep fighting, make things go your way and even if they don't you make them. Hibito is a cheery, energetic and happy guy and gives off the feeling that he never really worked to get to where he is, but in reality he studied hard every day and worked harder than anybody else because what he wanted was his greatest passion. Mutta doesn't display the same enthusiasm as his younger brother, instead he needs a kickstart and a little bit of faith from those around him. Once he's moving, he's able to show his skills and attention to detail. In this way, he avoids being the mary sue despite relying on luck in quite a few situations. Not everything goes well, his luck doesn't always work. What works time and time again is the effort he puts in.
He's never good at anything at first, but he practices and fights because he needs to. When he once again meets Deniel Young, it's because he scored low on a written test, but his luck lands him with a flight instructor that will make him progress much faster than the regular students. That is where his luck ends, though, as it cannot substitute skill. Mutta has to prove to himself that Deniel that he's worthy of this chance by never giving up, even when things seem impossible and he's sick from vertigo every time.
The shows also shows the similarities shared between Nanba and Hibito by revealing that Hibito was also assigned to Deniel and just like Mutta, fought hard to make the best of the situation.
I belive that Space Brothers wants to teach its viewers some simple facts about life through a story created by the characters and their development. Mainly, Space Brothers shows the results of hard work, that it will be rewarded some way or another. It's an inspirational that will appeal to all people, from teenagers to the elderly. Depending on where you are in life, it can be an inspiration or a healing journey that these characters make it through. Either way, it's endearing, relatable and just a great story. In that way, it's a slice-of-life because it shows these particular characters in their ordinary life. What's extraordinary are the characters, not their lives.
It's an incredibly human story with a lot of heart, so I urge anyone to watch it, anime fan or not. It's a story that ignores culture and heritage, only focusing on some of the most human elements in us.
Posted by Ziljun | Aug 4, 2013 8:22 AM | 0 comments