Comments on: Bakemonogatari OP Single – Renai Circulation – Review http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/ Anime Music! OP/ED and Soundtrack Reviews. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:32:36 +0000 hourly 1 By: 2010′s Anime Music in Review – Intros/Outros Edition http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-4782 2010′s Anime Music in Review – Intros/Outros Edition Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:38:04 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-4782 [...] her rendition of “Koi no Shirushi” was pretty much an inevitability given how addicting “Renai Circulation” turned out to be. Yes, the song is heavy on the autotune, but come now! Autotune, no matter how [...] [...] her rendition of “Koi no Shirushi” was pretty much an inevitability given how addicting “Renai Circulation” turned out to be. Yes, the song is heavy on the autotune, but come now! Autotune, no matter how [...]

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-955 zzeroparticle Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:54:28 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-955 @TheBigN It's an interesting dichotomy, that's for sure. Two halves that normally don't work, but here are in harmony creating something rather cute, earnest, and enjoyable. @TheBigN
It’s an interesting dichotomy, that’s for sure. Two halves that normally don’t work, but here are in harmony creating something rather cute, earnest, and enjoyable.

]]> By: TheBigN http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-954 TheBigN Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:35:15 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-954 It's definitely the pulsing tube that makes the song work for me. It's silly in a serious way? :P It’s definitely the pulsing tube that makes the song work for me. It’s silly in a serious way? :P

]]> By: Anime Instrumentality Blog | Amagami SS ED3 Single – Anata Shika Mienai / Sae Nakata http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-953 Anime Instrumentality Blog | Amagami SS ED3 Single – Anata Shika Mienai / Sae Nakata Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:01:14 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-953 [...] Review: She loves you, yeah? Yeah? Yeah? I mean, she says so after all, so it must be true. With a love expressed through a song like “Anata Shika Mienai,” rather than feel glad, an overwhelming feeling of disgust permeates the listening experience. Disgust at the awful, drawn-out, obnoxious phrasing. Disgust at Hiromi Konno’s inability to sing. Are we on Bizzaro World? Well, here’s your Bizzaro World version of “Renai Circulation.” [...] [...] Review: She loves you, yeah? Yeah? Yeah? I mean, she says so after all, so it must be true. With a love expressed through a song like “Anata Shika Mienai,” rather than feel glad, an overwhelming feeling of disgust permeates the listening experience. Disgust at the awful, drawn-out, obnoxious phrasing. Disgust at Hiromi Konno’s inability to sing. Are we on Bizzaro World? Well, here’s your Bizzaro World version of “Renai Circulation.” [...]

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-952 zzeroparticle Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:27:02 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-952 @Yi All good since music draws in different reactions from different people. And unless you really have a soft spot for Nadeko, it's not highly likely that you'll be really into it as much. :p @Yi
All good since music draws in different reactions from different people. And unless you really have a soft spot for Nadeko, it’s not highly likely that you’ll be really into it as much. :p

]]> By: Yi http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-951 Yi Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:58:41 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-951 Renai Circulation seems to be the new hottest thing recently. I agree that it's catchy, beautiful, and just really pleasant. However, I just don't seem to love it as much as some others. Renai Circulation seems to be the new hottest thing recently. I agree that it’s catchy, beautiful, and just really pleasant. However, I just don’t seem to love it as much as some others.

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-950 zzeroparticle Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:23:01 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-950 @taka Yeah, Jellyfish no Kouhaku doesn't have the catchiness even if it's a pleasant air. I'd also say that the tuba isn't as apparent, but its fitting into the song and functions more than a rhythmic indicator. Also, definitely agree with the little exclamations that Hanazawa puts out during that segment. The charm factor increases quite a bit in that part. @taka
Yeah, Jellyfish no Kouhaku doesn’t have the catchiness even if it’s a pleasant air. I’d also say that the tuba isn’t as apparent, but its fitting into the song and functions more than a rhythmic indicator.

Also, definitely agree with the little exclamations that Hanazawa puts out during that segment. The charm factor increases quite a bit in that part.

]]> By: taka http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-949 taka Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:29:42 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-949 I'm late to the party but I need to throw in my 2 cents. I must have watched the tv size of the OP about 50 times on you tube before it came out. I even listened to that crappy loop someone made and called it full size. While I will agree that tuba+moe is an uncommon combination. I don't find the tuba all that remarkable, it certainly keeps the pace but doesn't do anything really complicated. Granted it's rather hard to get too complicated with a tuba. I still point towards Kobato's ED for combination of less moe but better Tuba. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaQx0oMBbQg. Coincidentally both of these songs came out around the same time. Kobato ED isn't infectious though. The things I do notice most are the incredibly short bits of disco guitar playing throughout the whole thing. I mean disco guitar tends to be pretty staccato but this is literally like a 16th note of disco guitar every other second. I also notice the keyboard during the initial hook and during the bridge when the tuba cuts out. Also Hanazawa Kana sounds so goofy and happy go lucky during the: ima kono onaji shunkan kyouyuu shiteru jikkan chiri mo tsumoreba yamato nadeshiko ryakushite chiritsumo yamato nadeko I’m late to the party but I need to throw in my 2 cents. I must have watched the tv size of the OP about 50 times on you tube before it came out. I even listened to that crappy loop someone made and called it full size. While I will agree that tuba+moe is an uncommon combination. I don’t find the tuba all that remarkable, it certainly keeps the pace but doesn’t do anything really complicated. Granted it’s rather hard to get too complicated with a tuba. I still point towards Kobato’s ED for combination of less moe but better Tuba. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaQx0oMBbQg. Coincidentally both of these songs came out around the same time. Kobato ED isn’t infectious though.

The things I do notice most are the incredibly short bits of disco guitar playing throughout the whole thing. I mean disco guitar tends to be pretty staccato but this is literally like a 16th note of disco guitar every other second. I also notice the keyboard during the initial hook and during the bridge when the tuba cuts out. Also Hanazawa Kana sounds so goofy and happy go lucky during the:

ima kono onaji shunkan
kyouyuu shiteru jikkan
chiri mo tsumoreba yamato nadeshiko
ryakushite chiritsumo yamato nadeko

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-948 zzeroparticle Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:53:57 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-948 @2DT Yeah, I chuckled when I realized that. Kana Hanazawa's stock has been rising for awhile hasn't it? I might not have liked Zange as a character, but she did do a good job making her sound conniving and seductive. And here, she turns up the charm with Nadeko really well. @pkid Oh man, watching Zange attempt to be charming, but singing off-tune had me in stitches during that segment. The drama between her and Tsumugi was entertaining to sit through. @Reltair Even after reviewing it (where I had to listen to it ~20 times), I'm still listening! Such power... such catchiness... :p @2DT
Yeah, I chuckled when I realized that. Kana Hanazawa’s stock has been rising for awhile hasn’t it? I might not have liked Zange as a character, but she did do a good job making her sound conniving and seductive. And here, she turns up the charm with Nadeko really well.

@pkid
Oh man, watching Zange attempt to be charming, but singing off-tune had me in stitches during that segment. The drama between her and Tsumugi was entertaining to sit through.

@Reltair
Even after reviewing it (where I had to listen to it ~20 times), I’m still listening! Such power… such catchiness… :p

]]> By: Reltair http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-947 Reltair Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:24:16 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-947 Oh, it's this song! You're right about the Bakemonogatari songs having longevity, I can have them all on repeat for hours still. Oh, it’s this song! You’re right about the Bakemonogatari songs having longevity, I can have them all on repeat for hours still.

]]> By: pkid http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-946 pkid Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:25:03 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-946 ahh no wonder her voice sounded so familiar! I loved her voice especially in the song (Del i cate ni Love Me Please) during the kannagi karaoke episode :D Anyway, @ renai circulation Definitely catchy! This will be on repeat for quite a while :P ahh no wonder her voice sounded so familiar!

I loved her voice especially in the song (Del i cate ni Love Me Please) during the kannagi karaoke episode :D

Anyway, @ renai circulation

Definitely catchy! This will be on repeat for quite a while :P

]]> By: 2DT http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-945 2DT Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:18:02 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-945 And to think, all this from the girl who voiced Zange. :) And to think, all this from the girl who voiced Zange. :)

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-944 zzeroparticle Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:02:55 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-944 @Thage Thanks for dropping by and no, I haven't seen the dance video until now. Really well done and the backgrounds work well, especially with the chorus part! For those who need a reference, I think Thage is talking about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOnvDwJe0tw @Thage
Thanks for dropping by and no, I haven’t seen the dance video until now. Really well done and the backgrounds work well, especially with the chorus part!

For those who need a reference, I think Thage is talking about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOnvDwJe0tw

]]> By: Thage http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-943 Thage Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:35:16 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-943 I don't go around posting much on the site, but this - this was just too good to just pass. It's one of the most catchy (and memorable too) anime songs in a while. This fluffy feeling is just like chips - you just need more of it. Ah also, seen it's dance video? It's also good too~ - If you don't like it till 0:30, you can just burn me on a stick. I don’t go around posting much on the site, but this – this was just too good to just pass. It’s one of the most catchy (and memorable too) anime songs in a while. This fluffy feeling is just like chips – you just need more of it.

Ah also, seen it’s dance video? It’s also good too~ – If you don’t like it till 0:30, you can just burn me on a stick.

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-942 zzeroparticle Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:04:20 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-942 @omo I'd give the OP for doing a good job on Nadeko's facial expressions and that segment where she tries to sidle up to Araragi. Mostly because it was a good depiction of her feelings towards him. As for the visuals themselves, they're on par with what you'd expect; nothing that you'd call outstanding. @digitalboy It'll be a jarring experience for sure, but I'm looking forward to your rendition anyway :p @Baka-Raptor Good point. We don't see the tuba all too much in pop music (much less moe music) so when it's there, we have no choice but to stand up and take notice! @Yu Definitely. The "fuwa fuwa ri" part during the chorus does have that airy feeling that nails the fluffiness factor quite well, so props to Hanazawa for that. When you toss in the melody and beat together into one package, the song becomes positively addicting. Also, definitely. I'm quite pleased with how it manages to remove itself from the generic pop sounds so as to be very memorable. This does mean that I'll be paying more attention to non-trumpet brass in J-songs now that you've brought this point up. @omo
I’d give the OP for doing a good job on Nadeko’s facial expressions and that segment where she tries to sidle up to Araragi. Mostly because it was a good depiction of her feelings towards him. As for the visuals themselves, they’re on par with what you’d expect; nothing that you’d call outstanding.

@digitalboy
It’ll be a jarring experience for sure, but I’m looking forward to your rendition anyway :p

@Baka-Raptor
Good point. We don’t see the tuba all too much in pop music (much less moe music) so when it’s there, we have no choice but to stand up and take notice!

@Yu
Definitely. The “fuwa fuwa ri” part during the chorus does have that airy feeling that nails the fluffiness factor quite well, so props to Hanazawa for that. When you toss in the melody and beat together into one package, the song becomes positively addicting.

Also, definitely. I’m quite pleased with how it manages to remove itself from the generic pop sounds so as to be very memorable. This does mean that I’ll be paying more attention to non-trumpet brass in J-songs now that you’ve brought this point up.

]]> By: Yu http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-941 Yu Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:11:52 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-941 I think part of why this song is so catchy is because of how Hanazawa expresses herself. She inflects her voice at the right points and sounds.. well.. very into the role. The song also lends itself very well to this. The stressed syllables fall on the beats of the song, emphasizing them. We all know how catchy a good beat is. Also, This song utilizes brassy instruments with minimalistic background noise, and so sounds very unique when compared to most other J-songs these days. I think part of why this song is so catchy is because of how Hanazawa expresses herself. She inflects her voice at the right points and sounds.. well.. very into the role. The song also lends itself very well to this. The stressed syllables fall on the beats of the song, emphasizing them. We all know how catchy a good beat is.

Also, This song utilizes brassy instruments with minimalistic background noise, and so sounds very unique when compared to most other J-songs these days.

]]> By: Baka-Raptor http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-940 Baka-Raptor Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:06:38 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-940 No doubt that timpanis are manly instruments, but they get worked into pop music surprisingly often. Tubas are pretty rare and thus rub the manliness in your face. No doubt that timpanis are manly instruments, but they get worked into pop music surprisingly often. Tubas are pretty rare and thus rub the manliness in your face.

]]> By: digitalboy http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-939 digitalboy Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:40:18 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-939 lol. I can't imitate Kana Hanazawa's voice - it's way too specific and unique, and I can't do it, so when I do the song, I'll be singing it in my own voice, which can be as moe as you want to believe it can be XD lol. I can’t imitate Kana Hanazawa’s voice – it’s way too specific and unique, and I can’t do it, so when I do the song, I’ll be singing it in my own voice, which can be as moe as you want to believe it can be XD

]]> By: omo http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-938 omo Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:24:54 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-938 It is a character song. It just happens to be the OP too. Personally I don't think the visuals were really all that great. The song itself would have gotten me all kyun-like regardless what anime it came from. The fact that Bakemonogatari is popular just helped to expose people to Renai Circulation's radioactive moe powers. I am with Baka-raptor on this in that the tuba is more manly than the timpani, but it takes more than just that to make a good tune. It is a character song. It just happens to be the OP too. Personally I don’t think the visuals were really all that great. The song itself would have gotten me all kyun-like regardless what anime it came from.

The fact that Bakemonogatari is popular just helped to expose people to Renai Circulation’s radioactive moe powers.

I am with Baka-raptor on this in that the tuba is more manly than the timpani, but it takes more than just that to make a good tune.

]]> By: zzeroparticle http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/2010/02/bakemonogatari-op-single-%e2%80%93-renai-circulation-%e2%80%93-review/#comment-937 zzeroparticle Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:34:05 +0000 http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/?p=1409#comment-937 @Mike Rare is a track that can be both cute and catchy. Some, like Caramelldansen can get old. Other forms of bubblegum pop will be annoying. This? Well, this one has that power to captivate and hold your attention for a good amount of time. @digitalboy Looks like you and Baka-Raptor are gonna have to resolve this like gentlemen. On a more serious note, I do challenge you to ooze moe through your singing. You've done a good job with Call Me Call Me, but moe tones? Call me a doubter (so prove it! DO IT NAO!) @omo Holy shit, I thought I caught that. Also, CDJapan says 1/27, so I'm just gonna use that as the date :x But yes indeed, quite the cute overload we have going on here. @Sorrow-kun Yeah, it's pretty obvious in hindsight. When I first heard the song/saw the animation, I could take a gander at what her personality would be like and from the episode after that, the OP is pretty much spot-on in its depiction. Come to think of it, "staple stable" captures Senjougahara's episode 12 moment too. It was staring at me in the face the whole time and I just didn't piece it together until they sprang it on us. @Baka-Raptor I thought you might have been a bigger fan of timpani. The day they make characters moe to a timpani is the day I'll be heavily impressed! :p @Shadowmage I'm not sure the visuals are needed here since the strong associations that this song makes with its characters are what really seals the deal for me. So character-focus over the visual aspect. Of course, Yu will disagree since Yu found it to be enjoyable without needing the context, so speaking for me I see it as more of a character song than an OP. @Yu An excellent reason to get into Bakemonogatari. Soothing tones and an ED packed to the brim with an energetic piano piece really highlight why the show packs such a solid musical punch for the anime. And yeah, I am always in awe at metallophone/vibraphone players who just go full speed in bringing out awesome melodies. I know I'm far too clumsy to attempt such a thing. :p @Karisu Even without the visuals (as I've mentioned), this song is something that I can get into. But with the visuals, the cuteness levels skyrocket. Somehow, I just can't get enough of her >o< face towards the end of the OP. Also, it's been a song I've run through my heads to give me a boost of energy when I hike. @Glo Should I rejoice or twiddle my thumbs like an evil mastermind, cackling at getting others into the fold? Either way, glad you enjoyed this stuff and looks like we have two for Team Tuba! @Mike
Rare is a track that can be both cute and catchy. Some, like Caramelldansen can get old. Other forms of bubblegum pop will be annoying. This? Well, this one has that power to captivate and hold your attention for a good amount of time.

@digitalboy
Looks like you and Baka-Raptor are gonna have to resolve this like gentlemen. On a more serious note, I do challenge you to ooze moe through your singing. You’ve done a good job with Call Me Call Me, but moe tones? Call me a doubter (so prove it! DO IT NAO!)

@omo
Holy shit, I thought I caught that. Also, CDJapan says 1/27, so I’m just gonna use that as the date :x

But yes indeed, quite the cute overload we have going on here.

@Sorrow-kun
Yeah, it’s pretty obvious in hindsight. When I first heard the song/saw the animation, I could take a gander at what her personality would be like and from the episode after that, the OP is pretty much spot-on in its depiction.

Come to think of it, “staple stable” captures Senjougahara’s episode 12 moment too. It was staring at me in the face the whole time and I just didn’t piece it together until they sprang it on us.

@Baka-Raptor
I thought you might have been a bigger fan of timpani. The day they make characters moe to a timpani is the day I’ll be heavily impressed! :p

@Shadowmage
I’m not sure the visuals are needed here since the strong associations that this song makes with its characters are what really seals the deal for me. So character-focus over the visual aspect. Of course, Yu will disagree since Yu found it to be enjoyable without needing the context, so speaking for me I see it as more of a character song than an OP.

@Yu
An excellent reason to get into Bakemonogatari. Soothing tones and an ED packed to the brim with an energetic piano piece really highlight why the show packs such a solid musical punch for the anime.

And yeah, I am always in awe at metallophone/vibraphone players who just go full speed in bringing out awesome melodies. I know I’m far too clumsy to attempt such a thing. :p

@Karisu
Even without the visuals (as I’ve mentioned), this song is something that I can get into. But with the visuals, the cuteness levels skyrocket. Somehow, I just can’t get enough of her >o< face towards the end of the OP.

Also, it’s been a song I’ve run through my heads to give me a boost of energy when I hike.

@Glo
Should I rejoice or twiddle my thumbs like an evil mastermind, cackling at getting others into the fold? Either way, glad you enjoyed this stuff and looks like we have two for Team Tuba!

]]>