Notes from the Idol PV Couch– Week 26 2017 (0702-0708)

Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. At times, this is a bit of a grueling task, and all of my thoughts can get a little scattered when multiple PVs are released on the same day. But, I always try to present the promotional videos in the best light possible, and I try to remember that each of these pieces of entertainment for your a me is actually the manifestation of a dream for some young girl or girls out there in Japan. Here then is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.

This week, we come back with a vengeance with Promotional videos from:

• Niji no Conquistador
• Tokyo Girls’ Style
• Rhymeberry
• Fullfull Pocket
• Color Pointe

• NMB48
• Ogura Yui
• Houkago Princess
• Passcode
• Koizumi Karen

• Q’ulle
• Gang Parade
• Deadlift Lolita
• Rosario+Cross

Niji no Conquistador – Kimi wa Mujaki na Natsu no Joo

I don’t think I’m going to need to convince you to give Niji no Conquistador’s new promotional video a good watch. For their summer release, “Kimi wa Mujaki na Natsu no Joo”, 2zicon takes you to sunny Guam, where the beaches of Tumon Bay play gracious host. The song is upbeat and fun with some interesting rhythmic breaks, some slap-and-pop bass guitar, and a double-time chorus that resolves itself interestingly. The palm trees, tropical sun, and turquoise waters scream summer vacation. The colorful tutus and floral hairpieces that adorn Niji no Conquistador keep the tropical theme alive; and man, don’t we need a vacation right now? There’s even a double rainbow (it’s so beautiful)! But, if nothing I’ve said so far convinced you to check out this September 5 release, then I have three words for you: 2zicon in bikinis.

NOTES FROM THE IDOL PV COUCH– WEEK 16 2017 (0423-0429)

Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. At times, this is a bit of a grueling task, and all of my thoughts can get a little scattered when multiple PVs are released on the same day. But, I always try to present the promotional videos in the best light possible, and I try to remember that each of these pieces of entertainment for your a me is actually the manifestation of a dream for some young girl or girls out there in Japan. Here then is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.

This week we have Promotional videos from:

• DAOKO
• Lyrical School[1] [2]
• Animal Beast

• maison book girl

Party Rockets GT

• ROSARIO+CROSS
• KNU

DAOKO – Haikei Goodbye Sayonara

The promotional video of her digital single release, Daoko finds herself entangled with a photographer. “Haikei Goodbye Sayonara” presents itself as an (almost) straightforward pop song with Daoko’s rap turning into singsong. The photography shoot seems to start normally with a detached Daoko sitting for the hairdresser and changing into strapless thing. Just when things turn a bit violent, it becomes clear that things are not exactly as they seem. I’ve always wondered how they managed to get these kinds of photographs, and now I guess I know! Daoko’s digital single “Haikei Goodbye Sayonara” is out now.

Notes from the Idol PV Couch Week 12 2017 (0326-0401)

Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. At times, this is a bit of a grueling task, and all of my thoughts can get a little scattered when multiple PVs are released on the same day. But, I always try to present the promotional videos in the best light possible, and I try to remember that each of these pieces of entertainment for your a me is actually the manifestation of a dream for some young girl or girls out there in Japan. Here then is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.

This week we have Promotional videos from:

• CY8ER
• Star Marie

• Rock A Japonica
• Towa Tei with Ano (Yurumerumo!)

• Rosario+Cross
• Yanakoto Sotto Mute

CY8ER – Te to Te

New faces and new name, but Rinahamu’s CY8ER (formerly BPM15Q) continues its unique electro yume kawaii. Working with a composition by Yunomi and lyrics by Rinahamu and DSK, “Te to Te” features the girls breaking down (digital style) in the broad daylight. Swirling onscreen graphics hint at extra-dimensional existence, and the girls are always just off-screen holding hands. Hand-in-hand may be the only way these fairy existences can survive the scrutiny of broad-daylight. When the sun goes down, things are a bit different. The ethereal CY8ER become solid under moonlight. Without the digital crack-up, the girls dance in a summoning ring of string lights. This brings up the question: which of these scenes is the dream? CY8ER’s second single, “Te to Te”, goes on sale April 18, 2017.

Be Kind, (Promotional Video) Rewind – 20161225 to 20161231 (Part 2)

Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. This is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.

A huge push of promotional videos were released on this week, so this week’s Rewind is broken up into two installments. In this second installment we have Promotional videos from: NERFY GUINER BIEBER, Wa-Suta, Zenbu Kimi no Sei da, Party Rockets GT, Pink Babies, Rosario Cross, and tipToe. (1) and (2).

As I struggle to get caught up, unfortunately I won’t be writing any Rewind+ this week. Sorry if you were looking forward to my forgetful look backwards.

NERFY GUINER BIEBER – Shampoo & Conditioner

The Cheeky Parade subunit(?) unleash their latest video “Shampoo & Conditioner”, whether you want it or not. Actually, I don’t see how you wouldn’t want this! “Shampoo & Conditioner” offers you nothing but fun times, strange choreography, and stranger video graphics. It’s not the next single from Cheeky Parade, so it gets a little bit of latitude which is fully exploited in this strange, bathtub strewn, bubble floating, boombox wielding piece of nonsensical fun. Where the hell is my shampoo?

Be Kind, (Promotional Video) Rewind – 20161211 to 20161217

Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. This is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.

This week we have Promotional videos from: E-Girls, Flower (Rewind Exclusive), Tentenko, Moso Calibration (Rewind Exclusive), Niji no Conquistador, Maison Book Girl, Gang Parade, Little Glee Monster (Rewind Exclusive), Necronomidol, SiAM & POPTUNE, Rosario+Cross, and Nazo no Pulupulu ga Kiteru.

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E-Girls – All Day Long Lady

E-Girls take their game to the workplace in their new promotional video, “All Day Long”. Conceptually, the PV seems to take the girls from morning to night on a “typical” work day- all day long lady. The office place is transformed into a technicolor fantasy and the set plays backdrop to some workplace inspired choreography and OL outfits. Part of what I enjoy with these E-Girls PVs is the expansiveness of the sets they need to use for such a large group. Combine the sets, the choreography, and the costuming and you’ve got yourself a musical! Right as this Short Version ends, a really sharp transition transports us to a Harajuku Time Bomb Fashion show for a non-sequitur fantasy sequence; and, I won’t ask what your personal fantasy sequence looks like. You can find “All Day Long Lady” on the expansive double-CD release, “E.G. Crazy” on sale starting on January 18, 2017

Review+

You know, I just love the spectacle of the entirety of E-Girls dancing