Blue Blue Wave

Had originally wondered if Nodoka and Ui would get their own Image Song albums, but over two months after the previous albums for Ritsu, Tsumugi and Azusa, the last two girls from the “K-ON!” cast got their own album released a few weeks ago.

Diverging from the albums for the けいおん members, these only contain four tracks each, lacking the recurring track “Let’s Go” that seems to have been a light music club member exclusive.

Nodoka’s album is actually surprising, both songs “Coolly Hotty Tension Hi!” and ”プロローグ” are fairly standard fare pop tracks by themselves, but Chika Fujitou’s singing voice is quite impressive, much more so than what I would have initially expected in fact.

Had really looked forward to Azusa’s Image Song album and at first wasn’t too convinced by Ayana Taketatsu singing, although the album grew on me over time. In contrast was quite pleasantly surprised this time round by Chika Fujitou’s singing.
Continue reading K-ON! Nodoka and Ui Image Song…

The latest “K-ON!” music album “けいおんオフィシャルバンドやろーよ!!(バンドスコア)” was released last week.

A double disc album accompanied by a “K-ON! Official Band Score” book, the first disc contains 29 tracks, while the second disc tops of at an impressive 80 track count, it seems more aimed at those fans who also actively play music.

For those keen on an entertaining “K-ON!” music listening experience, the first disc is no doubt the most interesting as it features the long awaited five member version of the opening song “Cagayake! Girls”.

Nice surprise when listening to the song was that they not merely added in the additional guitar, but the band member introduction was completely redone and now includes Azusa too.
Continue reading K-ON! Official Band Yarou yo!…

The Character Image Song albums for the three remaining けいおん members, Ritsu, Tsumugi and Azusa have been released. Similar to the previous releases for Yui and Mio, these albums all contain six tracks, comprised of three songs and their respective instrumental versions.

Was struck by the difference in style between the three albums, more palpable with this release than the previous ones of Yui and Mio.

Above illustration is by Kagome (籠目, homepage, Pixiv) from the circle Traumatize.

In line with their different onscreen characters, each album has tracks in a certain musical genre often emphasizing the instrument played by the corresponding character in the series, but the voice actresses also each have a distinct singing style.
Continue reading K-ON! Azusa, Tsumugi and Ritsu albums are out…