Open Roads of Eucalyptus

I checked my Last.fm scrobbles, it seemed that I had been listening to so many Fleet Foxes songs unintentionally. Although I was not interested in this band for the first time, Now I'm addicted.

Anyway, my best memory of 2011 was that I attended Belle and Sebastian gig in Tokyo. A week after, terrible earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan though.
However, as I recall the gig moment, it cheer me up.

I expected that Arcade Fire will come to play in Japan this year but that didn't happened. I hope they will come to Japan next year.

Drawing practice

2011-10-31T04:27:00.001-07:00

From November 20, 2011

I created an another art-work.

iPhone 4S and OS X Lion

2011-10-30T05:29:00.001-07:00

I renewed my iPhone 3GS to iPhone 4S. At first, I'm not going to replace to new one but SoftBank career practice a campaign to free upgrade plans for 3GS owner.
So, I decided to replace it.

First, I need to upgrade from Mac OS X Snow Leopard to Lion. It was really easy to download Mac OS Lion through Mac App Store. Although it took several hours, I could upgraded to Lion without any effort.

But...I felt like my Mac is running very slow. Why???

When it comes to iPhone 4S, it's getting faster! Still I can't use the new functions thoughtfully though, I like Siri function. There is no Japanese version so far, but talking to Siri is really good way to train my English pronunciation. Because Siri can't understand strong accent.

Holy Flying Circus

2011-10-23T05:18:00.001-07:00

I just finally watched a TV drama called "Holy Flying Circus" which is based on the 1979 television debate about the film Monty Python's Life of Brian.

As luck would have it, I became a big fan of Pythons most recently, and I was just thinking if today's actors play Pythons, it would be great. My dream came true!

Before you go any further, all of the actors really look alike Pythons! Especially, Charles Edwards who played Michael Palin looked almost exactly like him.

Rufus Jones who played Terry Jones is really look-alike for cross-dressed Terry J as well. I love Terry J's cross-dressing<3

At first, I imagined the story going to be more serious, but in fact, the story includes a lot of jokes and Gilliam-esque animations just like Monty Python's Flying Circus sketches. I think it was satisfactory interpretation for Pythonians.

Unfortunately, John Cleese and Terry Gilliam did not seem to be satisfied with this drama because it's inaccurate. Admittedly, this story seemed a little bit unrealistic. But I like it. At least, Terry Jones liked this drama.

Anyway, as always, I hope Japanese TV station do a broadcast it. I think there are a lot of Monty Python fans in Japan.

R.I.P Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

With the benefit of hindsight, a Mac which I first started to use was Power Mac G4 Cube. It was my brother's. At this time, I hadn't owned a computer, so I used to share the Mac with my brother.
From back then, I really like the G4 Cube design. There were not other stylish and cool design computer as good as Mac at that time.

And now I'm owning iMac, iPod classic, and iphone. I can't live without Apple products. In the future, I'm going to buy MacBook Air and iPad.

The good thing about Apple is trailblazer in the field of personal computer and smart phone but, never go mainstream. Unfortunately, it seems Windows OS and Android OS dominate a Japan market. I suppose that's why Apple attracts people who hate mainstream hipster-like me. Anyway, you can't understand the user friendliness of Mac and iPhone until you've tried it.

Steve Jobs' life is so dramatic and he's the guy I'd want to look to as a model. Reading his quotes, they really cheer me up.

"Stay hungry, Stay foolish" Really good word.

I hope Apple will inheritor of Steve Jobs' spirit and keep producing innovative products in the future.

Thank you, Steve.

Guiar Lesson

2011-09-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

I went for guitar lesson yesterday. In any case, I went to learn changing acoustic guitar strings and the basics of guitar.
I've been learning to play the guitar on my own for years, but there are many things to learn.

Then I noticed my guitar is half broken. I need to buy a new guitar any time now. Actually, I want to buy this guitar.

It's Graham Coxon Telecaster!!! This guitar has Graham's signature. I'm just a fangirl. I don't know whether I can buy it from Japan though.

Lemon Curry?

2011-09-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

I bought complete series of Monty Python's Flying Circus! Although I can't understand some jokes from the period, most of sketches get a laugh. I became thoroughly Pythonian!

By the way, what is your favorite sketch?
Listed below are my favorite sketches.

Upper Class Twit of the Year

Look at their silly faces! The winner of this sketch was Gervais (Michael Palin) but, the real winner is Oliver (Graham Chapman) for me!
"And Oliver has run himself over!!!" Hilarious!

Silly Job Interview

For some reason, I like Graham as a straight man. John's authoritative character is good as well.

Hungarian Phrasebook

What a phrasebook LOL

Kilimanjaro Expedition

I like the unexpected punchline.

Marriage Registry office

Eric's wife is John!? Why they all got married XD

Art Gallery

I LOVE Graham and John as Pepperpot with high pitch voices. It's really tall women. I really like the scene where John slapped her child with no reason when Graham was seeing off her child.

In conclusion...

Dead Parrot

It seems Dead Parrot sketch is very popular all over the world, but actually I couldn't understand the humor. Conversely, perhaps because I had already watched Graham Chapman's funeral, the line of Ex-parrot made me cry.

Torchwood

2011-09-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

I started to watch Torchwood since last year because I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who. I really enjoyed 1st and 2nd series. It's like Doctor Who for adults, there are a lot of sexual and violent scenes but each character is unique and I liked the storyline as well.
However I was bored with after 3rd series. I came up with some reason. Too much characters are dead. Owen is dead, Toshi is dead, and Ianto is dead!!! Main characters death is dramatic but this is too much.

And the theme become too cosmic, there are more scenes which I feel they should call the Doctor. Considering that fact, Alien appearances and time travel scenes are decreased.

And it's a little bit Americanized after 4th series. Although I like British style...

Is there a 5th series? or collaboration with 11th Doctor? I hope It'll get better.

Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Gardens

2011-09-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

Actually, now I've been taking a web design course. Web design has been a thing I've been intrigued by. There are limitations to study by myself, so I decided to learn from professional.

The other day, we went to Kumamoto Zoo as a part of single-lens reflex camera lessens. It's really difficult to use because I've never used this kind of camera.

Difficult but interesting to use this camera. Expensive but there are a lot of compact and light single-lens reflex camera has been released. I want to buy it.

Britpop fever again!

2011-08-31T04:20:00.000-07:00

I was very impressed by Suede live at Summer Sonic the other day. After that, I became a huge fan of Pulp. Because I watched their show at Reading Festival on YouTube.
I am a fan of Pulp for some time but when I started to listening to Pulp, they have already disbanded.

Nowadays, Jarvis Cocker is more familiar to me as a presenter of BBC 6 Music.
Watching Pulp show, I felt Jarvis Cocker's sexy dance is alive and kicking. It is a fact that Britpop music scene is brilliant!

Look at the lyrics again, it's really dramatic and romantic.

"Let's all meet up in the year 2000" Really nice lyrics, isn't it? I wanted to meet them the year 2011 in Japan! It seems they won't work as Pulp anymore though...

Original Poster

2011-08-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

I made another original poster. It's Graham Coxon, one of my favorite guitarist. I used to create art works with Photoshop Elements but I finally got Photoshop.

I uploaded the art work on Tumblr, the post got many likes and reblogs! I'm very glad them like it. It will take some time before I become a master of Photoshop and Illustrator.

Summer Sonic 11@Osaka Day2

2011-08-17T05:44:00.002-07:00

One Night Only

They are known for one of their song was used for Coca Cola commercial.
The vocalist was wearing bandana with Japan's national flag around his head. Their songs are very brisk, energetic and made us happy!
Their last song was of course Japanese version of "Can you Feel It Tonight".
I later heard that the drummer is the vocalist's brother and ex member of Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong which was disbanded 2 years ago.

Cage The Elephant

I originally like this band, especially the vocalist Matt powerful looking guy. When I was watching this year's Coachella festival webcast, he cross-dressed!
Unfortunately, he's not cross-dressed at Summer Sonic but, surfed the crowd many times. They were lifting the audience so much!

The Thing Things

I was a little bit tired, so I watching them while sitting quietly in a corner. Nevertheless, they had released just one album, their show was in full swing. The singer Katie tried speaking Japanese. It was a little bit clumsy but cute!

KOЯN

To be honest, I'm not interested in this kind of music but I moved downstage to stand by for Beady Eye. I was a bit scared because I predicted KOЯN's audience doing heavy mosh.
Luckily, I didn't encounter the moshing people. Conversely, It's fun to watch head banging people:)

Beady Eye

Surprisingly, they appeared at the fixed time.
Despite of the boiling hot weather, Liam was wearing mods coat. But he was in a good mood and their show was really good. I expected big, loud, sing along like Oasis gig. Unfortunately, there were few people singing along to their songs.
Actually I wanted to see as Oasis because I've never seen Oasis gig. I really feel bad about the Oasis split.

The Strokes
Finally, long-awaited The Strokes. They are also one of my favorite band. Especially, they provided a motivation for me to start playing guitar. I often practice guitar with The Strokes songs. So, I was really looking forward to see them live.
All of the member is stylish and good-looking. I admired Nick and Albert's guitar play. The set was well mix of the old and the new.
However, I felt just not good enough because they didn't play Juicebox. And I should have gone to mosh pit area.

Summer Sonic 11 @Osaka Day1

2011-08-17T05:44:00.001-07:00

I attended Summer Sonic 2days this year because this year's lineup was so attractive in sharp contrast to the last year.

However, the weather was boiling hot day, really tough trip.

The Morning Benders

I usually arrive at the venue at around 11 each year. Their show will begin at 12:10, but I arrived at 12:20! The road was crowded with vehicles. Oh, no!!!
I was really looking forward to their show. But anyway, I could listen some songs.
Especially, I could sing along with their last song "Exuses"

Two Door Cinema Club

They came to play last year, but for me, this was the first time to watch their show. They are already attaining popularity among Japan, there was a large audience.
All of their songs are very catchy and the vocal, Alex has beautiful high voice.

Friendly Fires

I always feel like dancing when I listen to their songs. Of course their live performance made me dance! And the vocalist, Ed MacFarlane was doing really funny dance. Due to his heavy dance, he had an exhausted look :)
Anyway, It was really good dance music!

Metronomy

Still in the midst of the Friendly Fire's show, I left to another stage to watch Metronomy. They used now-familiar push lights stuck to their chests.
The show had really wondrous atmosphere. There were some songs from latest album called "The English Riviera"
When the last song "Radio Ladio" was played, I sing along with the song with a loud voice!

P.i.L.

I was standing on the sidelines to watch the next show, Primal Scream.
I was too exhausted, I was watching them very far from the stage.
I couldn't make up my mind which to choose between Primal Screem and Red Hot Chili Peppers and Suede. Finally, I decided to watch all of them.

Primal Scream

The band are touring their 1991's masterpiece "Screamadelica" I love Primal Scream but I never heard of their early stuff. So, I immediately got the album and learnt the songs beforehand.
As I expected, I really amazed by the show. The show begun with "Movin' On Up". The crowd was singing the chorus!

After I listened few songs, I left to watch Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

When I got to their stage, there was huge audience that I've never seen before. I felt that how popular they are among Japan!
I watched them really really far from stage. Hmm...it's underwhelming.
I left to watch Suede because I could heard famous song such as "By The Way" or "Scar Tissue"

Suede

For me, speaking of Brit Pop, it's Oasis, Blur, Pulp and Suede. Once Suede broke up in 2003. In 2010 they reunited and started the world tour. It was said that after the tour Suede will split again, this show will be the last concert in Japan.

When I got to the stage, the floor was surprisingly almost empty. Perhaps, I thought most of audience went to see Red Hot Chili Peppers. I felt pity for them. However, luckily I could watch them so close! And most of the audience seemed enthusiastic Suede fans. I was impressed by their loud sing along. I regretted that I haven't learnt their songs enough.
Brett Anderson was sexier and voluptuous than I might imagine.
Too late but I became a huge fan. I was nearly in tears when they were playing the last song, "Saturday Night".
Osaka venue audience could listen the song on Saturday night. It was great privilege!

27 Club: RIP Amy Winehouse

2011-07-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

I heard a really shocking news today. Amy Winehouse has been found dead in her home. She was only 27. I'm the same age as her. I can't believe this.
She seemed wild tomboy and scandal-tainted but she has glorious musical talent, I really love her distinctive voice.

Come to think of it, she has been taking a break from her musical activities lately. And she looked very emaciated. I was vaguely aware of her drug addiction.
I'm really sad because I was looking forward to her comeback.

At any rate, musicians should beware of drug abuse. I can't stop worrying about Pete Doherty.

Ironically, she became a member of "27 Club" just like Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix etc.

However her music will live forever - R.I.P

Harry Potter Final (Spoiler)

2011-07-20T01:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 the other day. In the end, I hadn't read the final novel. So, I didn't know the ending.

Anyway, I was really touched by Professor Snape's sincere love for Lily Potter!!!! From the beginning, I like the actor Alan Rickman. He has great voice and distinctive acting skill. So, I like as the character, Severus Snape as well regardless whether he is good man or not.

Finally, I found that real hero in this film is Severus Snape!

After I watched the movie, I got the final book immediately and read a book through at one go. I noticed some facts which didn't depicted in the movie.
For example, Remus Lupin's son, Ted Lupin hasn't appear. I think he's also good character.
Wherever feasible, I want to see Severus Snape and Ted Lupin's spin-off.

Anyway, I think Harry Potter series is wonderful production go down in movie history.

Monty Python

2011-07-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

I took a liking to old sketch comedy "Monty Python". I knew the comedy by name at first. I often heard that the word "SPAM" comes from this comedy.

At any rate, this is about 40-year-old comedy series, I couldn't even imagine I become interested in this comedy.
It all started when I'm reading some Pythonians' tweets. Their tweets are very interesting and funny. So, I often watch Monty Python's sketches on YouTube. When I watching their sketches, I felt they are genius! This comedy can still be adapted even today. If anything, their comedy has originality that recent comedy don't have.

I wanted to rent all Monty Python DVDs, but unfortunately any rental shop doesn't have them. I felt disappointed...
However, I the cutdown version will come out soon. I have to buy them!

My best under 2 minutes songs

2011-07-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Vaccines' song called "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" is only 1:22 seconds long. Really short but it's enough to uplift the listeners.
Thinking about it, there are many great songs under 2 minutes.
I give a few examples that I can come up with.

'Fell in Love With a Girl' - The White Stripes (1:49)

'Bank Holiday' - Blur (1:42)

'Chi Ga' - Mando Diao (1:44)

'C. 16th ±' - These New Puritans (1:38)

'Sheena Is A Parasite' - The Horrors (1:41)

'Seaside' - The Kooks (1:39)

'Scooby Driver' - Belle & Sebastian (1:13)

'Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want' - The Smiths (1:51)

I think most of under 2 minutes songs are up tempo and aggressive.

Turntable.fm blocked outside US

2011-06-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

I wrote about the brilliance of Turntable.fm before but sadly, Turntable.fm blocked access to everyone outside the US. Although I was vaguely conscious of this control.
I suppose the service has many copyright issues. But it was very good way to spread my favorite artists.

However, come to think about it, that was a big time-waster for me. If I had been using it, I might shut myself off from society.

If allowed the opportunity I wanna use it again though...

New Raincoat

2011-06-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, we have been experienced a continuous spell of rainy weather. So, my dog got new raincoat.
He looks so happy :)

Virtual DJ

2011-06-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

I heard a rumor that new internet service called "Turntable.fm" is favorably compare with Facebook or Twitter. If I do say so myself, I have a weakness for things that are new. I started Facebook, Twitter, Turmblr in 2007. So, when I heard about this rumor, I was dying to try it. Unfortunately, this site is invite-only system. I must be logged in through Facebook and one of my friends must be a member. I didn't have a member friend but, I managed to get the friend.

When I tried it, I realized that how addictive it is! I spent a great deal of time DJing on Turntable.fm!!! I'm very happy when someone loves music which I played.

In light of Japanese law copyright, this site might have some control but, I do hope I want to use it continuously.

My Original Poster

2011-06-08T20:42:00.001-07:00

Finally, I went to see "Never Let Me Go" in the theatre. It is the first time I saw a film after I've finished the original book and translated book carefully.
For all these reasons, when I was watching the film, I focused on how the original book was adapted into a film. To my great disappointment about it was that cassette tape episode was left out by a large margin. Besides this, well-adapted.
Some people say this is so depressive but, I felt it not so. I think when it comes to "Depressing Movie" is "Dancer In The Dark" so far.

I made my original poster for this film.

Let The Right One In

2011-05-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

I watched a film called "Let The Right One In" the other day. This is Swedish vampire movie. Unlike other vampire movie like Twilight, this is no longer a mere teenage love story. Nordic scenery was very beautiful, serene hush for a horror. After I watched this, I got the urge to read the original novel.

Then, I read a book through at one go, I felt it profound, and more scary than the movie. I found that the title comes from Morrissey's song called "Let The Right One Slip In". The author seems The smiths' fan.

I heard that the movie has American remake. It hasn't released in Japan yet. I usually don't like remake. So, I thought it must be rubbish especially because Swedish one was so great.
But it seems highly acclaimed as well as the original.
I guess the American one is faithful to the novel. I wanna check it.

Witchazel

2011-05-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

Take My Hand - Matt Berry from Gerard Giorgi-Coll on Vimeo.

Do you know the actor who is playing Douglas Reynholm from The It Crowd is musician? I just noticed about this. Douglas Reynholm AKA Matt Berry has released two albums.

The latest album called "Witchazel" has just released in March 2011. I listened some of his songs, I felt it's really cool. I couldn't imagine that these songs were created by comedian. The sound is like 60's pop music.
To my surprise, this album was created using GarageBand.
One of his music video called "Take My Hand" is also narrative fashion and nostalgic feel.

Fans of the IT crowd and The Mighty Boosh should check this out!

Sakura

2011-05-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Long-awaited Kyusyu Shinkansen opened on 12 March. Unfortunately the opening ceremonies were canceled due to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. If the catastrophe hadn't happened Kyusyu Shinkansen opening news would have dominated by the subject.

I've been meaning to see Shinkansen but I'd forgotten about this.

So, I decided to go to see it because I'm planning to go Osaka by Shinkansen next summer.

I took some photos at the Kumamoto station. There were some person believed to be trainspotters.

Helplessness Blues

2011-05-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

Now I'm really into Fleet Foxes' latest record "Helplessness Blues". Few years ago, I noticed that their debut album was highly-praised by all the media. But I'm not interested in this band at the time because I felt it's too traditional. I didn't know why they were so appreciated. And they looked very old.

In these days, I heard really beautiful songs on the radio very often. It was Fleet Foxes songs.
I listened their debut album properly, I felt what a beautiful melody and harmony! I felt like I'm in the woods. To my surprise, they are only in their early 20s.

Their new album is also great. I think Robin Pecknold is genius.
Now I can understand the reason why they won critical acclaim.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop