I Love Anime! Persona 4 and Star Driver

Trolololololololo~ -skip like a fairy- Aww, I miss my fellow fairies. 

Anime mode... ACTIVATE! 

Have I ever mentioned I love Anime? Like I seriously fricking LOVE IT! However, I did take a hiatus for about 4 months from watching any anime. That's like 30 years in my anime-watching time. I can list loads of reasons why but it's mainly I have ran out of brilliant animes and I have just sort of gone off it. It's no worry though, because I am back! -run and give anime a big hug-

Persona 4: The Animation

Studio: AIC ASTA and Aniplex

Year: 2011 - 2012

Episodes: 25 + 1 True ending

Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, Horror

Storyline: When Yu Narumaki moves to a rural country town of Inaba with his uncle and cousin for a year, he was expecting more peace and quiet than the big city. Instead, a series of mysterious murders and kidnappings occur in the town. Things get even crazier when he discovers the "Midnight Channel" and that he has the special ability to enter into TVs. Accompanied by his disbelieving friends, Yu discovers another world inside the TVs which seemed to be connected to the murders. They also gain "Persona", whose power can be used to fight the shadows that inhabit the TV world. Yu and his friends fight to figure out how everything is connected and try to solve the case before it's too late.

If case you haven't realised, it's based off the game and according to a friend of mine, the storyline stayed very close to the plot of the game. Unfortunately, I haven't played the game. I REALLY want to. But I just can't. I don't own a PS2 or PS Vita. It's such a shame, I know.

This isn't a review or anything, it's just my thoughts after I watched the entire series. Okay, it's like a review but 76% less serious. Let's start of with a graph. Graph, GO!

Please let me to explain this graph. An anime graph is pretty much exactly the same as a rom-com graph.

Normal--Increase in happiness--PEAK--Decrease by 70%--Goes back up and TADA! Happily every after

Paint sort of limit the graph I wanted to draw, but it turned out okay. So yay!

Before I really dive in, here's some Persona 4 images that you can enjoy:

Chibis FTW! They are adorable and hilarious.

From the Game

I am pretty sure everyone like Yu.

So I spent last weekend watching this entire anime in one go. Well, split into 2 days. It's been on my to-watch list for ages but I just haven't got around to watching it. To sum up my feelings... I LOVE IT! The entire anime was amazing. It was a quality action-packed good fantasy anime. It's probably because it's based off such a good game. So I am going to try to explain things I liked and didn't liked about it without spoiling.

Awesomeness:

• The art for the animation is brilliant. The eyes and hair are really well done.
• It's fantasy and they use personas while wearing glasses. Enough said.
• WATCH EP 7! It's so disturbing but hilarious at the same time. It's like the best episode in my opinion.
• All the main characters are so loveable and you can't really hate them. Well, you can. But they all undergo developments. 

Not-so-awesomeness:

• I am very good with predicting storylines. So it comes at no surprise that the entire plot didn't surprise me. I did predict just about all of it. That's just me. It might not be as predictable if you watch it yourself.
• The preview of the next episode at the end of each episode is awful. It seriously makes every episode look all scary and sad. -shiver-

I liked all the Arcanas cards. They aren't that special or different but I liked it. My favourite character was probably Naoto, for reasons I can not say, or Chie. Of all the personas, I like Himiko, Rise's persona the best. But Yukiko's persona Honohana Sakuya was the prettiest.

Overall rating: ... -drumroll- ... 8.4 / 10



This comic dub for Persona 4 is so funny. Seriously, even without knowing much about the anime or the game, it's still hilarious. It's like a parody of Persona 4, even when it's already funny. Enjoy~ 

Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto

This was the last anime I watched in September last year before my long hiatus. It's a seriously good anime.

Studio: Bones

Year: 2010 - 2011

Episodes: 25

Genre: Mecha, Action, Sci-fi, Comedy, Drama

Storyline: It takes place on the fictional Southern Cross Isle. One night, a boy named Takuto washes up on shore from swimming from the mainland. After being rescued by Wako, he later enrolls into the Southern Cross High School as a freshman and meet different people. However, underneath the school is a group of mysterious giants called Cybodies, which are controlled by humans in a dimension known as Zero Time. The story follows Takuto as The "Galactic Pretty Boy" as he fight against a group called "Glittering Crux Brigade". 

Here's some pictures of the anime:

The thing I loved most about this anime is the 4 maiden's songs. My rankings: 

1. Monochrome - Sakana-chan
2. Komorebi no Contact - Wako
3. Innocent Blue - Mizuno
4. Akiiro no Aria - Keito

Monochrome by Sakana-chan is one of my favourite Japanese song of all time. No jokes. I love it so much that I have it on my iPod and I did listen to it non-stop on replay for days. It was a little crazy obsession. Although I don't like Wako, her song was better than the other two. I suggest you either watch the anime or Youtube the songs to find out how pretty they are.  

There are a few complains I have for the anime:

• I hate love triangles. I absolutely loathe them. It's not much of a spoiler that Star Driver has a love triangle. I hate it. Garrr~ -shiver at how bad it is-
• I didn't like Wako. At all. Not even at the beginning. I should, because she is the female lead. But I just can't. I really just don't like her on many levels. 
• Some of the characters and sub-plot was just... what?! It was so random and weird that I don't really have words for it. 

The ending... my reaction was: Just... WHAT?! WHAT DID I JUST WATCH?! That was how bad the ending was. I can't even call it an ending. It was that bad. All those terrible things aside, I really enjoyed this anime. Luckily, I found out there is going to be a movie coming out! I am so exciting for it. Because it was a really good anime but the ending was terrible. I hope the movie makes up for the bad ending. It's coming out in 9 days! 9 days! Can't you wait? No, I can't either! Here are some posters for the movie: 

Overall rating: 7.5 / 10

Hope you will like the animes~ 

Music Madness: Indie Rock

A 2 days belated music post but nevertheless MUSIC! So the spotlight today is... -drum roll-...

INDIE ROCK

I have no clue why but since last week, I have been really into Indie Rock. It's such a diverse and awesome genre.

Metric

Metric is a Canadian Indie Rock band. I actually first heard about them when I watched Scott Pilgrim vs. the World with Beth and Erin a few years back. If you haven't seen the movie, you are missing out big time. Anyway, their song, Black Sheep, was featured in the movie. Although Brie Larson sang it instead. I love the song so much so that I listened to Larson's version for ages, since I didn't know Metric originally sang it, until I got the soundtrack. When I got the soundtrack, I immediately listened to Metric's version. If there is any way for me to love the song more, it's listening to Metric's version. Emily Haines sang it to perfection. I actually way prefer the original version compared to the movie version. 

Another song I absolutely adore by Metric is Gimme Sympathy. I can replay this song over and over and over again and not get bored.

I have to admit that Metric is really what got me into Indie Rock music. So a BIG thumbs up to them. Also check out some of their other songs. You won't be disappointed.

Stars

Before I even say anything about Stars... listen and prepare to fall heads over heels with this song, completely in love. I DO MEAN absolutely in love.



Now that you are in love, I shall begin. Stars is a Canadian Indie Pop band. They are amazing. I think you get my drift about their awesomeness. Their songs have featured in quite a few dramas. Sadly, I don't watch any the dramas that their songs are featured in. However, Dead Hearts was probably most popularly on Like Crazy. I haven't seen the movie either but I still love this song. I serious need to get their albums instead of going on Youtube all the time, espeically The North. Other stunning songs:

• Fixed
• The Theory of Relativity
• Ageless Beauty
• Your Ex-Love Is Dead
• Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It
• Backlines

If you have heard of Stars and love their music, I love you. You are awesome.

Bon Iver

Bon Iver is an American Indie Folk band. They have an won a Grammy. That is the extent of their awesomeness. I especially adore Skinny Love but I am pretty sure everyone know this song. And this band. So, I don't need to say more about them. All their songs are quality good music.

Metric, Stars and Bon Iver produce good music. When you find and love good music, you will be as happy as I am. Hope you enjoy and love the music like I do~

Music Madness Monday: Swedish House Mafia, The Band Perry & Alex Clare

Hello cosy dreamers! I am currently hugging a hot water bottle tightly and try to keep warm as I freeze to death. Since it started snowing again in the UK last night, it's been awfully cold. I can barely feel my toes. But I am warming up. So it's all good. 

Anyhow, I need to apologize that I will have to postpone the East Asian Music favourites of 2012 post to next week. I am sorry but I have been super busy with school so I haven't got the chance to really look through it yet. However, I still have good music favourites for you this week. It's only 3 singles but they are awesome. 

Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia (feat. John Martin) 

I have no idea why I didn't like Swedish House Mafia before. They are actually really cool. I love this song. The lyrics are really meaningful in my opinion. Check it out! 

If I Die Young by The Band Perry

The title of the song sounds a little depressing. Just a little. But the song is great. I just discovered it a few days ago, but I have been listening to it on replay again and again. 

Too Close by Alex Clare 

There was this line that was stuck in my head real bad and I just couldn't figure out which song it was from. The line: "Which way is right, which way is wrong. How do I say that I need to move on?" I just love this line. Anyway, I kept singing the same line over and over again for like 5 minutes by which point Erin noticed and was like: I know what song that is! Then she told me and I was like: OH YEAH! I really like this song. Erin actually recommended me to get Alex Clare's entire album because apparently it is brilliant. I haven't checked it out yet, but I definitely will. 

That is all. Hope you have a lovely week~ 

Music Madness: (Some) Best of 2012!

Hello Sleepy Dreamers!

Sorry for the late post. Yesterday was my last day of holiday and I am now officially switched off from holiday mode, which is depressing. School started today and it’s not pretty. I already have a ridiculous amount of homework. It’s slowly killing me, which I am sure would kill anyone. It’s only the first day back! Anyway, enough of my boring rant and onto music! I decided to do this eye-candy style (again) because 1. It’s pretty and 2. It’s easier than writing it. These are some of my favourites from 2012, totally check them out if you haven’t, I can guarantee you will like some of them. If you are a girl who plays a song you like 100 times, then you are exactly like me. I can put a song I like on replay forever. My favourites also mean I have listened to them countless times. I have quite a particular taste in music but still, hope you like them!  

                           
                          

                             

East Asian Music favourites of 2012 are coming next week, so please look forward to it! 

Christmas Eve Music Madness & Questionnaire

Hello Christmasy and Sparkly Dreamers! 

Yes, it's Christmas Eve! I am excited for Christmas tomorrow. Okay, maybe not that much. My dad is really ill at the moment so I doubt I am having a fantastic Christmas dinner tomorrow. But that's not going to break my spirit! 

Before I start the little questionnaire (@ Amarixe)... because it's Christmas Eve, if anyone asked me if I believe in Santa? HELLYEAH! Who doesn't?! 

1.) Mood:

I am not sure. I think it's a mix of hungry, CHRISTMAS and boredom. 

2.) Which is your favourite holiday to celebrate?

It's close between Christmas or New Year's Day. Christmas is brilliant because everyone is so into the spirit and it's beautiful everywhere with decorations. But New Year's Day is also awesome because it celebrates a New Year. 

3.) Who do you typically spend your favourite holiday with?

Ma famille (Sorry, just had to go French) - Mum, Dad, Sister

4.) Current nail polish(es):

Oh gosh! Okay, I am girl who is crazy with nail polishes as I have said before. So here's the list:

• GOSH - Forest Floor

• China Glaze - Ruby Deer

• China Glaze - Phat Santa

• China Glaze - Fairy Dust

• Color Club - Perfect Mol-Ten

• Silver Crackle

5.) Holiday shopping: do you get it done early or leave it until the last minute?

I am definitely a do-it-early person. I get presents ages in advance, usually. This year, I got most things at the last minute and I still have to get my two bessies their presents, but we agreed to give afterwards because of our awful mock exams which took like a month off my timetable. 

6.) Current outfit:

• Skelanimals long-sleeve t-shirt. It has a sequinned and sparkly Jack on it. Skelanimals are awesome and adorable

• cream Animal hoodie

• Purple skinnys

• FLUFFY SOCKS! AND THEY ARE PINK!

7.) Holiday gifts: do you enjoy giving or receiving gifts more?

Definitely giving presents. I love to see people's happy faces when they open their surprises. Seeing people's surprise faces are the best! It's priceless! 

8.) What is your favourite holiday tradition?

I don't think my family has one! -sadface- I wish I have one, but I don't. 

9.) What is your favourite holiday treat?

Apple pie with cornish ice-cream. Lots of hot chocolate with 4x the cream on top. 

10.) Weekly goals:

To enjoy spending time with my family and reading (currently back into that) 

Since it's Christmas Eve and I promised that I would have Christmasy music favourites today... Enjoy!

I love Medleys. So let's have a good festive one!



Sorry, I don't like Justin Bieber. He just ruins the song. This cover is so much better! At least it does the song some justice.



Winter Wonderland is a Christmas song for everyone and everyone needs a little Michael Buble for Christmas.


Last but definitely not least... 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS! Okay, I admit I don't know any of the lyrics. But hey! Everyone loves 12 Days of Christmas! (Plus this version has lyrics! Yay!) My little sister and I tried to remember all 12 days and sing it really fast. We failed, and she cheated. 

Hope you are blasting the songs and having a lot of festive, holiday fun with your families.

Merry Christmas! 

Love, Ka-Ching xxx

Music Madness Monday: Hey There Kelly

So... I am drinking a cup of nice, hot chicken and vegetable soup with a comfy pink blanket wrapped around me and typing away at my laptop. This is the life. :3

I think I should explain the title. I am incredibly bored right now and I was messing with the two songs in this post today. The title just sort of happened. You will see why... it's suppose to be funny. Not sure if it worked. 

My friend, Erin, linked me to Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's a few weeks ago. She was going on about how sweet it would be if a guy sang it to her. (She is a bit of a hopeless romantic) Surprisingly, it's a great song! I love this song. It's very sweet and the melody is very catchy. I had it stuck in my head for several days. Apparently not many people have heard of it and I was like... I have heard it before! Which might mean I am weird. 

Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson. I saw her on The Ellen Show a few days ago (I LOVE THE ELLEN SHOW, but I will talk about that some other time). She is brilliant! I love this song. Especially her long dress in the music video was stunning! I was blasting it all day yesterday and then it came on the radio. It just made my day. I am those sort of girl who, when she loves a particular song, replay it all day long. 

That is all. Byebye~

P.S. I started doing I Giorni on my own! It's actually not that difficult. It's a beautiful song. I am already half way through, so I am super proud. woo!