The 48 Family 2011 Single Ranking

1. Kaze wa Fuiteiru (AKB) 

2. Sakura no Ki ni Naro (AKB) 

3. Everyday, Katyusha (AKB) 

4. Flying Get (AKB) 

5. Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shojo (NMB) 

6. Dear J (Itano Tomomi)
7. Flower (Maeda Atsuko)

8. Valentine Kiss (WH7) 
9. Okie Dokie (SKE) 
10. Min Min Min (SDN) 

11. Fuini (Itano Tomomi)
12. Tsuki no Uragawa (DiVA)

13. If (French Kiss) 

14. Pareo wa Emerald (SKE) 

15. Ai, Juseyo (SDN) 

16. Answer (No Sleeves) 

17. Banzai Venus (SKE)

18. Kibo Sanmyaku (WH7)

19. Cry (DiVA) 

20. Kuchibiru Furezu... (No Sleeves) 

21. Shumatsu Not Yet (Not Yet) 

22. Hetappi Wink (WH7) 

23. Pedicure Day (No Sleeves) 

24. Oh My God! (NMB)

25. Ue kara Mariko (AKB) 

26. Naminori Kakigori (Not Yet) 

27. Saisho no mail (French Kiss) 

28. Perapera Perao (Not Yet) 

29. Kakko warui I love you (French Kiss)

Mina's Favorite Sub-Unit

DiVA
I'm not the biggest fan of sub-units on their own.  It is great to see more individual attention for members, but I don't follow them as closely.  I would of said Buono! but recently their singles have been meh.  I am also a pretty big fan of No Sleeves and Watarirouka Hashiritai 7.  However, I love DiVA.  They are just so talented and have a cool image instead of the typical idol look.  Their singles have been okay thus far, but nothing that I really wanted to purchase.  (I've bought No Sleeves's album and a single from French Kiss and Watarirouka Hashiritai 7.)

New PV and Previews Spam

UPDATED: MOAR from the AKB family! + PVs

After the great news that Maeda Atsuko would have her first leading role in a film and release a solo single, I bet you are all pumped to see her have the lead for the Hana Kimi remake.  I've been wishing that they make a live-action adaption of Ouran High School Host Club (which they are), plus this!  AKB48 are reaching now to surpass Mr. Children in record sales; they surpassed a million copies on their second day.  This makes dealing with haters so much more worth it.  The opening theme will be AKB's 22nd single, but that isn't too surprising considering Acchan has a guaranteed spot in the top 5.  However, if she isn't center would that be weird. . . Anyway, there is even better news for AKB48 fans: Tojima Hana and Komatani Hitomi will be joining SDN48!!!!!


With all SDN's recent graduations, things weren't looking too good.  (You tend to get people that graduate early on, but still you hope they aren't jumping ship.)  They are both first generation members.  Tojima is very popular with overseas fans, like myself.

I'm under a bit of a time constraint with working, and me leaving on Monday.  So, I will just post some recent PVs and I'll try to review them later and update this post.


The outfits are cute, but I don't like the bubbles.  The close-up and dance-shot backgrounds are cute.  I didn't understand the point to the six part shots at the beginning.  So, I actually would prefer it if they did less editing, because the things they did looked cheap.  The jump shots and props were fun.  Except for some of the editing, this was a good Hello Project PV.  Typical Hello Project PVs: studio-only, dance shot+ close up shot, and no creativity (except for the girls making cute faces).
☆☆☆


The costumes really suit DiVA, but the pants for the silver. . . do not approve.  I do appreciate them doing a different angle (birds-eye ish), but I didn't love it.  I'm not usually a fan of black-figures but with the dancing it turned out well.  Now what were they holding, that made them switch outfits?  The night-time setting matched the song, but them holding something that glows didn't have a point to it.
☆☆☆☆


This is only one shot out of a PV, but I posted it anyway.  I'll just leave some comments.  I love the fact that they are doing something different and Mano looks great outside!  See what a change of setting and moving camera can do.  I wouldn't even mind that much if this was the entire PV.


Perfume always does a fabulous job.  I love the concept of taking pictures and making them coming alive by replacing them with video.
☆☆☆☆☆


Oh god.  When I saw the outfits I was concerned.  The problem with these is that they aren't flattering.  It flattens their chest and highlights curves in a negative way.  These only suit those who are tall and thin.  It made Risako's boobs smaller.  I don't like the changing colors and heart shapes.  Changing colors always look cheap to me; I hate it when people use them in opv and amv.  Some of the dancing is vulgar in my opinion.  The bike shots looked bad.  I do like the sectioned screens during the dance shots.  I did like having the girls dance in front of a screen of their close-up shot, it reminded me of concerts.  However, I didn't like the single close-ups on the screen during the dance-shot.
☆☆


Very pretty.
☆☆☆☆☆


I don't like the crystals and the mini poles at the front of the dance shot.  The short blonde hair isn't good on Takahashi.  Niigaki's hair finally looks good, but they still need to work on styling Aika's.  The group still shot looks odd with all the extra props.  I do not understand all the crystals.  If they took away all the extras I would like it more.  Adding doesn't make it better.  The girls look pretty and I prefer the white on white over the purple and red sets.  I would prefer a different oufit on different colors.  I just don't think they look as good.  Besides it is the same set with different color curtains.  They should of mixed up the outfits a bit more than 9th gen has shorts.  This didn't make me like the song than I already did.
☆☆


I don't like any of the guys, or the song that much.  I do like the variety of shots, angles, outfits, and pans.
☆☆☆


Why are they at a foreign college?  I guess a lot of people travel abroad but. . . I don't like the bimbo cheerleaders.  I like the close up shorts of them singing and some of the group shots outside, but I'm not sure about anything else.
☆☆☆


I'm not a huge fan of this single.  I find the contrast between the new and old backgrounds odd.  There were quite a couple of things that confused me.  However the dance shot and the close-ups were good.  Why is Yukirin keep on trying to seduce me?  Nice, in Aki-cha's temptress shot she just twirled. . . very sexy.  They are pretty adorable.
☆☆☆


I like the positive messages.
☆☆☆☆


Little trivia, but they didn't finish filming this PV because of the earthquake, which is too bad because I love everything about this PV.  Perfume is just perfection.  I adore the orange accents and the flowing fabric.  You don't need to over-edit, or tons of different things to make a good PV.
☆☆☆☆☆

Uh, WTF Akimoto?

So I feel bad because I haven't blogged in AGES, but I haven't had much to say.  Akimoto has been building up things I want to talk about.  This is not all bad, just surprises.  For those not familiar with Akimoto, he can be a bit of a troll.  He likes to surprise people.  For example, a single decided by rock-paper-scissors, fans voting for who will be in the next single, that the teams will be reshuffled and members will be transferred to SDN48, that eight new trainees would be promoted at the same time.  I am at the point now where if there is any big concert, I expect something unexpected.  But let's get on with the show!

Upcoming 21st Single!
First of all, I suggest you watch this video.  It is quite entertaining because you can hear the audience going WHAT THE FUUUUUUCK?!?  Surprise number one: there are 26 members included!!!!!  Surprise number 48ighaldkslgjnsal: there are quite a few long-time no see returners to senbatsu and some first timers too!  The ones that stand out the most to me is Yuka and Ayaka Kikuchi.  Ayaka used to be in senbatsu when Team B first started, but was fired when she had a boyfriend scandal.  This is her first time back in senbatsu since she went through the audition and training process.  Yuka is considered by many the best vocalist in AKB48; I don't completely agree because her live performances that I've seen weren't amazing.  I believe Sayaka is stronger.

The translation of the title is 'Everyday, Headband'.  People are thinking that they will keep the same formula that they had for 2010.  What will they do next year then?  What is left after scrunchies and headbands?  I've heard people don't care for the song Yankee Soul, which I can understand but I love it. I don't know why, I just like it more than their last two Majisuka Gakuen songs.

DiVA
Why are you holding auditions for a subgroup that hasn't even released their first single yet?  WTF?  I hope they are just back-up dancers like when DIVA was a coupling track group.

Majisuka Gakuen
Spoiler Alert, after the jump!
Why is there all of a sudden two identical Yukos who wear the same clothes.  Why did they just appear. What were they in storage and just decided to come out for the funeral?  Couldn't you at least have them behave differently or something.  I doubt that triplets are completely identical except for their DNA (identical, not fraternal).  Why is Mika talking?  She is suppose to be mute!  Anyway, I like it so far, even without the subtitles.  

UPDATED: Tons, and Tons of PVs!

Isn't this fun to watch(5 min later)oh did you say something?

I was originally going to review all of these, maybe it is the weather, but I am starting to be quite lazy.  Now I will post the following PVs after the jump, to keep things from slowing down:
S/mileage
DiVA
Meisa Kuroki
4MINUTE
Tokyo Girls' Style
Kara +1
GIRL NEXT DOOR
SNSD
Passpo☆
2NE1
AKB48
Mika Nakashima

Site Update+Mina's Crazy Dream+Poll+Previews!

Have you ever dreamt about an AKB48 member?
Yes, two of them (in the same dream).  I just had another dream about Sae, but I woke up and it was early in the morning so I just went back to sleep, so I don't remember what happened.  I do remember that it was mainly about Sae. 

First AKB48 dream:
I was eating dinner at a fancy restaurant with my parents, my aunt, and Walowitz from Big Bang Theory (or maybe just the actor.  (My little sister wasn't there and my aunt has a boyfriend, so just a bit of background info as commentary.)  The food was really odd, and they had weird names as well.  There wasn't any description to the food, so I tried to guess by the name which one I would like. 

For some reason Perfume starts performing a mini-live (you know how some places have a guy playing a piano or something like that).  In my notes it said they were performing it a Capella.  We decide to go over there, it might of been just me but all of a sudden I have a friend with me.  The friend I had with me, I don't know.  (Not important.)  Anyway, my friend starts singing along (and remember we are at a restaurant so the performance isn't going to be that loud.  I like Perfume and it was kind of rude, so I get pissed and I did something.  I think I either tried to shush her or do some form of tackle.  I know those are soooo similar.

I then run off to help Mii-chan or Sae.  I couldn't remember which one.  I wish I tried to remember this part better, but this is where things get really dramatic.  There was a feeling of episodes, like there was already an episode before this dream.  For some reason, Sae already had her episode.  Maybe the dream I had last night was the prequel, but I don't think it was as Topsy Turvy as this.

Okay, Mii-chan is running all over the place, like a monkey.  (This part was really hard to remember even right after I woke up.)  Sae and I end up hugging, maybe Mii-chan bumped me or I tripped and Sae caught me.  Our faces get really close, like in Japanese dramas where they are about to kiss.  She then runs off; so close I know!

For some reason the reason Mii-chan, Sae, and I are running around this place (we are like in a side hallway so maybe this is a restaurant in a hotel.  I remember the hall had a carpet and there were a lot of warm colors.  Sorry, tangent.  There is a coup or evil dictator or something along those lines, and their goons are trying to stop us/ grab us.  The reason, I don't recall.
I run from the goons back to my table where the food has just arrived.  Walowitz had some crazy eggs dish and I was right and ended up with something chicken.
The End.      

__________

Blogger now has something called Dynamic Views which you can try out.  I'll post the links and a screenshot.  Here is where you can get more general details about this option.

Flip card!

Mosaic!

Sidebar!

Snapshot!

Time slide!

Poll Results so far:

I've gotten 39 votes so far, wow.  

1. Acchan (12)

2. Mayuyu (5)

3. Lovetan (4)

4. Myao (3)

5. Miorin and Miichan (2)

6. Amina (1)

Other Votes (10 total)

Oshima Yuko - what part of REVENGE do you not understand?

Sae - I voted for her last year, plus I think she'll do fine without me

Sayaka+1

nobody - LOL?

Komori

Aki-cha

Haru-kyan

Nacchan

Takamina

I saved the previews and fun videos after the jump to avoid slowing down the main page.

Sae looks sexy and appears to be the center, which isn't surprising because she is voted significantly higher than the other three.  Sayaka's hair is put up in any fashion; in my opinion that is better because they tend to make her face look harsher.  They look great, but I would of liked to see their costumes have a bit more variety.  This sounds great.  It is a good medium because people want to see them dance and people want to hear them sing.  Plus, as long as they do well, there will be plenty of time for a ballad and strong choreography single.  


I'm super excited because I've been following Keiko Kitagawa since her time in PGSM and I've also enjoyed the anime.  The only thing that makes me worried is that the lolita isn't as loli and the rocker isn't as punk.

Mina's Single Reviews! + MOAR

I've just got my shipment of Momoclo's and Arashi's latest singles, so I thought I would do a little single review post.  I will be reviewing (just one type if there are multiple versions) the following artist: Berryz Koubou, No Sleeves, Arashi, Not Yet, Momoiro Clover.  After that, I will talk about my dating escapades from AKB48's dating sim and the new unit from AKB, DiVA.  After the jump I'll spam some macros I've made.  Enjoy!

Berryz工房 - ヒロインになろうか!
1. ヒロインになろうか!
This is a strong song coming from Berryz Koubou.  The only thing I don't care for is the autotune.  Everything else is good.  However, I am slightly bored by Berryz Koubou with this single.  I like it, but I don't love it.
☆☆☆☆
2. ヒーロー現る!
This reminds me of Buono! more than Berryz Koubou.  When I first heard it I didn't like it, but I've grown to like it.
☆☆☆

ノースリーブス - Answer (Takahashi Ver.)
1. Answer
I pretty much had the same reaction to this song that I did with Berryz'.  I sounds like typical no3b, which isn't bad in itself.  I just like either development or the illusion of variety.  The PV for this song helped it a lot, and now I love.
☆☆☆☆
2. モノズキ1号
Meh, but I like it okay.
☆☆☆
3. 愛しさのアクセル
Now, I love this stage song.
☆☆☆☆☆

Not Yet - 週末Not yet (Type C)
1. 週末Not yet
Wow, am I just never impressed anymore when I hear a song for the first time.  I was excited to hear of this new unit, but then I heard the song.  It has definitely grown on it and watching it performed has sold it to me.  I just am not a usual fan for this style of pop.
☆☆☆☆
2. ひらひら
I am not going to say the same thing over and over again.
☆☆☆☆☆
3. 泣きながら微笑んで　(Not yet ver.)
I don't know if I like this solo song as a quartet, maybe a duet, wait a minute. . . Okay, I prefer it when Oshima isn't singing or when all four are singing.  I am just so used to this song being sung by Oshima that when it is her plus other people it sounds weird to me.
☆☆☆☆

嵐 - Lotus
1. Lotus
Arashi has been either hit or okay with their singles recently.  This reminds me of Monster, which I adore.  The one thing I have to say is that the RE of their singles is pretty cheap looking.  I'll probably not purchase any more of their RE singles.
☆☆☆☆☆
2. ever
I like it because it makes me picture them performing it in concert.
☆☆☆☆
3. Boom Boom
I don't think I can take any song seriously with 'boom boom' in the lyrics.
☆☆☆

ももいろクローバー - ミライボウル
1. ミライボウル
They have done it again!  Since they've gone major I haven't disliked or been disappointed by a single single.  I've been listening to this song a lot ever since the PV came out and I'm still not sick of it yet.  Unfortunately I don't know what they are going to do about their traditional rap sections when their rapper has graduated.
☆☆☆☆☆
2. Chai Maxx
They have a productivity similar to AKB48; their singles include more than one title-song worthy track.  What adds to this song, for me, is the dance.  I have a new song to be addicted to!
☆☆☆☆☆
3. 全力少女
Good job.
☆☆☆☆

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

My AKB-Type! - Discovering Who Is Your Better Romantic Match!
I do have preferences when it comes to AKB48 and idols in general, but I am typically a DD (dare demo = likes everyone) person.  I've been playing my copy of the Dating Sim PSP game that AKB48 released and noticed something: just because I like you as an idol doesn't mean we'll have a fun date.  I've also noticed girls that I've never paid too much attention to.

Girls I've Finished The Game With:
Tomomi Kasai
Tomomi Itano
Manami Oku
Sayaka Nakaya
Aika Ota

Aika Ota - My First Love
I finished the game for the first time with her, and I was quite pleased by it.  My tension went up once we got to the video.  She was the first 'discovery-moment' member for AKB48 and has been a favorite since.  (She is my wallpaper right now.)

Amina Sato - My Failed Romances
Whenever I'm with her I become happy.  I first played it with the aim to finish with her, but I seem to fail every time.  I either end up with someone else, or I accidentally say something that upsets her.  She always make me food which I find funny because I always would adore her even if she couldn't cook.

Mayumi Uchida - My Weak Spot
I've been interested in her even before the shuffle, but I never thought she was my type.  However, what began as a way to just go on a date (in the meantime) has turned into a traditional date.  Every time I play we go on a date, and I am still not bored by it.  Maybe we are just meant to be.

Erena Ono and Manami Oku - My Cute Flings
I went out with both of them because they are graduating or have graduated, and they are similar (at least in appearance).  I think they are extremely cute, but I just don't have the passion for them.

Sayaka Nakaya - Surprise Chemistry
She was also someone I went out with just for kicks, but I couldn't resist her.  I ended up finishing it with her.  Her short haircut is great.

Minami Takahashi - Stalker
For some reason she keeps on trying to go on a date with me and I am never interested.  I never thought I would be so. . . not interested in her, but during the game I am.  She has more than once sneaked up on me.

Haruka Ishida - The One I Couldn't Shake Off
After the rumors surfaced about her I decided to make her a victim.  You have to go on dates, and you can't always go out with the same person.  Plus, if you are nice or not that nice to a girl other girls won't go out with you.  Therefore, I thought I should go out with someone to completely reject so I wouldn't lose anyone but said girl.  Of course I mess up and accidentally lead her on.  I had to break it off on the second date.  After that game I never went out with her again in case I did it a second time.

Reina Fujie - Potential Mistress Character
One time we went shopping together.  I like her, but I don't like her enough to go on more than two or three dates together.  I just see her as the girl I would spoil if I was a rich guy.

Okay Dates:
Haruka Katayama
Tomomi Itano
Tomomi Kasai
Asuka Kuramochi
Ami Maeda
Tomomi Nakatsuka
Yuko Oshima

Members Without Sparks:
Moeno Itano
Sayaka Akimoto
Rumi Yonezawa
Mayu Watanabe
Mariko Shinoda
Haruna Kojima
Ayaka Kikuchi
Chisato Nakata
Ayaka Umeda
Mika Komori
Mariya Suzuki
Natsumi Hirajima

DiVA vs. DIVA - What Will Happen To AKB's Popular New Single Format?
In both Beginner and Sakura no Ki ni Narou there was the same format: senbatsu, undergirls, and then DIVA or MINT.  DIVA gave an opportunity to girls that didn't fit in to either senbatsu or undergirls to still get featured.  It also gave vocals to some of AKB48's strongest, and more under appreciated, vocalists.

I am thrilled that DiVA is a unit.  There are only a few questions or issues that I think of.  Will there be anymore MINT song?  If yes, what will be the other coupling track?  Theatre girls?

DIVA focuses on Sayaka, Ayaka, Yuka, and Asuka.  There are three more singers included on the tracks: Misaki Iwasa, Amina Sato, and Natsuki Sato.  Do they lose the most out of this?  The other girls have sub-groups, but these three might not get featured as much in a different unit.  Just something to think about.