Come on folks. Join me by calling this OST -Nyan 70-!

I know others like Kurogane and DarkMirage have already proclaimed Macross Frontier OST: Nyan Furo as a must get item but the thing is it is so awesome that I cannot help but join in as well.

-First Impression of Nyan 70-

I wet myself.

-Looping through the tracks-

 I spoilt myself with deculture and at the same time, I had to loop these tracks to counter the R&B songs that were blasting from my brother’s room. Funny that my brother is all ‘Americanised’ and his elder brother is into anime. Our home was a horrible war zone, it was Kayne West’s Stronger Vs. Ranka’s Ninjin Loves You Yeah.

 -After thoughts about Nyan 70-

Well it is obvious, with the fact that ‘Kyuuun Kyuuun’ (Ranka’s rendering of My Boyfriend Is A Pilot) and some other music pieces are missing, that there will be more OSTs to come for Macross Frontier. Not that I am complaining, I would be pleased if the future releases are as enjoyable as Nyan 70.  

What Nyan 70 succeeded in achieving is in capturing the entire atmosphere of the Macross universe. We all know that the Macross ‘legendarium’ revolves around the dreamy theme of music reaching the hearts of people and that was what seemed to be effusing from the songs. Perhaps due to my poor ability in writing, I am only capable of describing what makes the entire Macross franchise so appealing (to me) as simply ‘dreamy’.

Personally, the first track -Frontier 2059- had the most impact for me because it compelled me to reminisce on all that had happened in the Macross universe prior to the current Frontier series. This track probably had so much effect on me due to nostalgia. But the other track which I was really hoping to see in Nyan 70 did not appear, and it is the one which was played during the beginning of the 3rd and 4th episode of Macross Frontier prior to the OP song explaining about history of the Zentraedi race and Captain Global’s Humanity Project.

Oh and… The songs are awesome. :p

My thoughts about the power of music

It is an universal language to me, capable of transcending boundaries, and reaching out to the hearts of people. Nyan 70 just happened to remind me how awe-inspiring music can be. Is it in the collective existence of us all to desire and create this form of art, I wonder.

While music may not always have the depth of words in terms of inspiring, it is surely not hindered by factors like a language barrier and is very effective in conveying messages with just a string of pitches and tones.

This reminds me about the recent presidential election in Taiwan where politics are pretty flamboyant and messy. The two big political parties, The Democratic Progressive Party and the Chinese Nationalist Party, were all guilty of playing melodramatic or tear jerking music to invoke the emotions of their supporters during their political rallies. I would usually watch with awe as each rallies end with the restless cheers of the passionate supporters. It was as if the use of music amplified the influence of the candidates over the supporters, adding additional layers onto their credibility.

Music is scary.

Just a bit about Nakajima Megumi

I profess. I am starting to take a liking towards the voice actor of Ranka Lee. It all began when I first heard her voice during the preview episode of Macross Frontier last year. A refreshing yet unfamiliar voice it was to me, I was slightly stumped when I realised I had never heard of her name as I referred to the credits. Yes and I presumed her name was Nakajima Ai.

Oh she was so close to make me reconsider who my favourite female seiyuu was lol. Fortunately Kawasumi Ayako still remains my most favourite, since she was awesome to me in Crest of the Stars. That was close…

I wonder whether Ranka would have been as appealing a character she is if voiced by someone else for it was Megumi who had successfully infused Ranka with the innocent and earnest personality that we are so fond of about. The role fits her perfectly since it is a rookie seiyuu acting as an young lady who is aspiring to be a popular singer. I believe that all rookies, are eager to prove themselves, and Megumi has been able to channel her energy into bringing Ranka into life.

She will do well in her career, especially since she has proven to be a capable singer to some certain extent. I believe the only bloke who is not impressed with her singing is the P-Meister since he had stated that her voice is too deep and not to his liking. ‘I like screechy moe-filled high pitched voices better’ were his words. *shrugs* We have never agreed on most things, except for the opinion that Elhaym Van Houten of Xenogears rocks.

P.S I think Sheryl will eventually be the one for the pairing with Alto (guys are always the winners in animes) despite my equal fondness for the two ladies. If I am capable of expressing my thoughts in words, I might write a bit about this love triangle.

P.P.S I think Kara No Kyoukai has influenced me to eat Häagen-Dazs ice cream while watching anime.

P.P.P.S Why is everyone talking about the EURO 2008? Show some love for the NBA 2007 finals. It is the reunion between the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics! A classic rivalry I say!

Ahhhh the great outdoors… and I am awake.

Oh yes. The Sojourner is currently unavailable due to SHOCKU so this is my opportunity to take over. And SHOCKU you ask? Perhaps this picture spamming post, which is totally devoid of anything constructive or insightful, might help in explaining why is the Sojourner out of action due to SHOCKU.

 Apparently he had just finished watching the 5th episode of Macross Frontier which is an episode basically about Sheryl forcing Alto to take her out on a date. Ha! That is all I have to say for now! Let us now move on to the pictures! Who cares about writing. You will not get something like this, that I guarantee.

 (-.-) <Ranka is having an argument with Ozma due to the later’s frustration at her suspension.>

(0.o) <Ranka has been playing Melty Blood’s Hisui.>

 (/^o^)/ <woots. I do not care about how sudden my pictures are skipping. Does not really matter as much as this.>

(-.-) <…..>

(o.o) <!!!>

\(0.0)/ <SHOCKU!>

\(^.^)/ \(^.^)/ \(^.^)/ \(^.^)/ \(^.^)/

(b^,’)b

 -(0.0)-

\(*u*\) (/*c*)/ <gashrkvummph!>

 (-.-) <San Francisco bah and clandestine gathering to screw up your eyesight in the dark. Moar Sheryl please.>

(^o^) <thx>

(@o@) <PANTSU GET!>

Bah. A picture of Ranka to balance the ratio.

Oh yeah. I had totally forgotten about that.

Oh yeah. Nice to meet you. My name is Inversed Dick Sojourner. And were you expecting some detailed write up on this? HAHA

 I have a lot to choose from because the path before me is capable of branching out to many different routes. There can be generic shounen action, fanservice galore, epic masquerade, ‘deep thinking’ shows and many more. Am I spoilt for choice? Yes sir, very much.

Back in my very first post for the Blue Fox Alley, I did mention my desire to understand why has anime attracted me so much. Perhaps this spring season will serve as the prelude of my search.

 Perhaps like many kids, I grew up with a fascination for the beauty of story-telling. Told I was that even as a toddler, I had found pleasure in gazing at the colourful illustrations of fairy-tale stories even way before I was able understand words. As a young kid, I would often pester my mother into reading stories to me. Since the comments came from my mother, I might simply dismiss her words as a biased statement to praise her child of being able to appreciate books. Yet as I reflect on my current self, it cannot be helped in me having to admit that her words might hold some truth in it.

Now I hope no one would consider my thoughts as dogmatic since they are very personal and I have no intention of declaring that I am right. I have always thought that there are two different purposes in telling a story. The first is to tell a story with a mission of pointing out opinions or debatable issues. With that in mind, the story is very often or not a side-dish or a necessity to accentuate on the morals/themes/controversy/whatever that are brought up. My idea of such a story can be seen in the 2001 film No Man’s Land. As I enjoyed the show, which I hope you would have as well, it came to me that it had the goal of stating how ironic and hypocritical is the tune that reality plays in contrast to idealism. The second purpose is to simply tell a tale with its messages being more ambiguous and subjective to the perception of its audience. Its beauty lies in the plausible tale which is churned through imagination or realistic reference. Let it be fantasy or accurate depiction of life, such stories enchant us simply with the purpose of story-telling. The stated two purposes are very much extreme categories and every story is always caught in between with varying inclinations towards either sides.

With the 2008 Spring season, one single show so far has caught my attention as decent example of a show with a mission to enchant us with its story-telling.

 In fact, it was only a few months that I had the chance of finishing Super Dimension Fortress Macross. Even if it is a really old anime, it appealed to the gleeful boy in me with an enjoyable plot of a love triangle and most importantly – powerful giant aliens giving up their dominance in the universe to join mankind into indulging with drugs, pr0n and 4chan. Alright I kid. It told a promising story of embracing the culture of others despite diversities. With SDF Macross having sealed a special place in my heart, no doubt my love would direct my attention to the newest member of the franchise.

It has been a while since the appearance of a show that is capable of bringing me back to a past which I adore and often reminisce about. Although growing up is what life is about, it still brings back warmth to occassionally glance at the path behind us. This is what Macross Frontier has brought for me amidst its drama, a gateway back to innocence where time flows slowly and life seems much more beautiful as than in reality.

Surely the ‘nostalgia’ (rather subjected to debate since I had only seen the original series a few months ago) has a part to do with enjoying Macross Frontier. I have to admit that it boosts my enjoyment by 100% as compared to someone who is new to the franchise. But even if I had not seen the first, I am pretty much sure I would have stayed for this ride. The knowledge of SDF Macross elevates the thrill of Macross F viewing.

For now, I have found something which brings me unadulterated joy to indulge in. What about you?

 —————————————————–

 Oh. Pardon me for I am ABOUT to commence some spamming/pimping for Macross Frontier. The following are the seven best things from Macross Frontier for me so far.

7.

A love sign in the blue sky space.

6.

Britney Spears

5.

Final defence line breached. Nothing beats the sense of impending doom.

4.

Ranka’s bag

3.

Kuran’s two in one special. Oh yeah… I know this picture has been used but it is perfect for loli Kuran.

 2.

Barrage of missiles

1.

The VF-25

Just started on the Earthsea books and I am now wondering what the hell have I been doing for the past few years. orz