Album Review - Everlasting Songs (feat. FictionJunction) by Yuki Kajiura

I've been listening to the new Yuki Kajiura album for a few days now. A week ago, I posted the samples of each track(here). I wanted to write about my impression as soon as I finished listening to all the tracks, but for the reasons mentioned in my previous posts, I couldn't bring myself to it. Technically it isn't really a new album. It's more like a remix album, with rearrangements and new vocalists for most of the songs...

Tracklist:

1. Hoshikuzu (The Velveteen Rabbit - self cover of Velvet no Inori)
2. Kioku no Mori (Tsubasa Chronicle OAD: Shunraiki)
3. dream scape (Tsubasa Chronicle)
4. Gin no Hashi (Aquarian Age)
5. Kaze no Machi he (Tsubasa Chronicle Insert)
6. here we stand in the morning dew (Sayonara Solitia single c/w)
7. synchronicity (Tsubasa TOKYO REVELATIONS)
8. Hanamori no Oka (Hokuto no Ken: Toki Den)
9. Mizu no Akashi (Gundam SEED)
10. cazador del amor (El Cazador)
11. Himitsu (Noir)
12. Houseki (Le Portrait de Petite Cossette)
13. Yume no Tsubasa (Tsubasa Chronicle)
14. Michiyuki (LOVELESS)
15. everlasting song (Elemental Gelade)

My Review

7/10 My overall impression is a positive one. I like most of the new re-arranged songs, but I also liked the original one a lot as well, so I've had mixed feelings while reviewing the album. I would have much preferred having new Kajiuran tracks and more epicness (maybe in Ali Project orchestral remix-style! ).

For the track-by-track review, click here.

Hoshikuzu KAORI/KEIKO

The first track is a cover of the Velveteen Rabbit song, Velvet no Inori, originally sung by Noriko Ogawa. Instrumental wise, the only difference is the long instrumental intro that the original song didn't have. This song is a pure pleasure, and I'm having a hard time deciding with version I prefer. Noriko's voice sounds more mature but has a more fragile feel to it than Keiko's or Kaori's. I would have liked to have a different take on the background music though...

Kioku no Mori YUUKA

This is one of the only songs I hadn't heard before. It's from the Tsubasa Chronicle OAD: Shunraiki and features my favorite FictionJunction Vocalist, Yuuka Nanri! It was so nice to hear a new song from her! I was missing her voice so much. The song reminds me of the Madlax songs and more specifically I'm here from the ED single. I love the techno beat and the very catchy chorus. In short, a typical FictionJunction song, since Yuuka is the original FJ vocalist!

Dream scape KAORI

No change from the original version here (Tsubasa Chronicle OST). It would have been nice to hear a re-arranged version, maybe with a different vocalist...

Gin no Hashi WAKANA/KEIKO/KAORI

This is one of the other songs that I had never heard (Shame on me). Apparently the original track is a character song from the Aquarian Age anime. It's nice to have Wakana, Keiko and Kaori sing together. It feels like the Volume 2 DVD concert over again. The song itself is not bad, but not breathtaking either...

Kaze no machi he KEIKO

Same version as the original one from the Tsubasa Chronicle OST. Shame on you Yuki! Why didn't you try it with different arrangements??

Here we stand in the morning dew YURIKO KAIDA

This is one of the other songs that was new to me. It's from the Sayonara Solitia single (whatever that is, I'm to lazy to google it) and it is originally sung by Saeko Chiba. It's nice to have some FictionJunction YURIKO KAIDA for a change! It must feel great not to just be in the background anymore. I have mixed feelings about her voice though. I think she sounds a lot better as a background singer, especially for this song. She has a particular vibrato, and I think for people who are not used to her voice, it can take a while to get used to. Nevertheless, I can say that I enjoyed the song, but only after a few listens!

Synchronicity KEIKO

This was the song I liked the least on the album (Tsubasa TOKYO REVELATIONS). What an atrocious remix! What were they thinking? I really loved the original (here's my piano cover) and I think Yui Makino's voice is much better suited than Keiko's.

Hanamori no oka KAORI

This was the last song that I had previously never heard, and it's one of my favorites!! It has that epic kajiuran feel I was talking about, that some songs on this album are lacking. It's from the Hokuto no Ken: Toki Den anime. I really love the drum roll for the chorus, it makes the song feel so much more powerful! A true joy... I think it's my favorite Kaori song yet!

Mizu no akashi WAKANA

What a treat! I was in love with the original Gundam SEED version, featuring Tanaka Rie. But I love both versions now... Wakana is amazing as ever, and the song is really suited to her beautiful and soaring voice! The music is different than from the original version. No beats in this one. Just a piano and a cello! Superb...

Cazador del amor YUUKA

No change from the original song featured in the El Cazador soundtrack. A beautiful song by Yuuka!

Himitsu YURIKO KAIDA

This is one of the few examples of songs that are much better than the original versions... This song from Noir was rather dull and sad, and Yuriko managed to make it more powerful...

Houseki KEIKO

Houseki from Le Portrait de Petite Cossette. I like both versions of the song. The original song was sung by Marina Inoue but Keiko manages to pull it off in this song. The piano ending is really nice and much better than the bells ending featured in the original song.

Yume no tsubasa KAORI

This is a big change from the childish singing Yui Makino originally had forthis song (Tsubasa Chronicle yet again). Kaori's voice is much better in my opinion, even if the Yui Makino version doesn't bother me that much. In short, a big improvement...

Michiyuki KAORI

I've always loved this song featured in the Loveless anime. Such a peaceful and sad ballad. The original version was sung by another Kaori, Kaori Hikida. This is another hard choice, I don't know which of the versions I prefer. Both are beautiful... Maybe I would have to pick the original one, because Kaori Hikida has such an amazing voice.

Everlasting song ～ japanese edition ASUKA

Same version than the original song from Erementar Gerad! Such a shame that Asuka does not have more songs with Yuki Kajiura. She must be feeling so left out... Anyway, Everlasting Song is always a delight to my ears (check out my piano cover here).

Samples from Everlasting Songs - FictionJunction Album by Yuki Kajiura

Today is a great day for Yuki Kajiura lovers... Or at least for me, after hearing a sample from each track of the new Yuki Kajiura album entitled Everlasting Songs. It's basically a compilation album with FictionJunction songs and new arrangements. I can't wait... The album is set for release on February 25, 2009. All FictionJunction vocalists will contribute: Yuuka Nanri, Keiko Kubota, Wakana Ootaki, Kaori Oda, Asuka Kato, and Yuriko Kaida. FictionJunction has always been my favorite Yuki Kajiura project, so this is of course great news! (Special thank you to Allexiel from fictionjunction.be for telling me all about the samples and also to Canta-per-me!)

Tracklist

1. Hoshikuzu (The Velveteen Rabbit - self cover of Velvet no Inori)
2. Kioku no Mori (Tsubasa Chronicle OAD: Shunraiki)
3. dream scape (Tsubasa Chronicle)
4. Gin no Hashi (Aquarian Age)
5. Kaze no Machi he (Tsubasa Chronicle Insert)
6. here we stand in the morning dew (Sayonara Solitia single c/w)
7. synchronicity (Tsubasa TOKYO REVELATIONS)
8. Hanamori no Oka (Hokuto no Ken: Toki Den)
9. Mizu no Akashi (Gundam SEED)
10. cazador del amor (El Cazador)
11. Himitsu (Noir)
12. Houseki (Le Portrait de Petite Cossette)
13. Yume no Tsubasa (Tsubasa Chronicle)
14. Michiyuki (LOVELESS)
15. everlasting song (Elemental Gelade)

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 20 - Ring Your Song

I'm quite sad to announce the end of the special Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway. We're already at the last song, which is Ring Your Song from the Tsubasa Chronicle anime. It's nice to have a song with Eri Ito as the last song of the concert... I hope you all enjoyed the concert as much as I did! And don't worry it's not quite the end of my special Kajiura month just yet, so stay tuned for more kajiuran posts...
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB) Download here
15. Salva Nos(134MB) Download here
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB) Download here
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB) Download here
18. Everlasting Song(148MB) Download here
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB) Download here
20. Ring Your Song(153MB) Download here

And to download the audio files of all these songs, it's here.

10/10 Ring Your Song is an amazing ballad, beautifly sung by the gorgeous Eri Ito! She's even better live, and always gives a fantastic and chilling performance. It was really nice to have her as special guest star during this concert! The song which is played during the end credits is also really beautiful, I don't know what it is, but it sounds amazing...

Check out the live performance here:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 19 - Yume no Tsubasa

Already the second to last song of the wonderful Yuki Kajiura Live Concert! Song No. 19 is Yume no Tsubasa, yet another Tsubasa Chronicle song. It is originally sung by Yui Makino.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB) Download here
15. Salva Nos(134MB) Download here
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB) Download here
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB) Download here
18. Everlasting Song(148MB) Download here
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB) Download here
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

9.5/10 Yume no Tsubasa is one of the most famous Tsubasa songs. Kaori is the main vocalist here, and she does an amazing job as usual. At the middle of the song they do a nice sing-a-long part. Towards the end, Kaori does some impro singing and Keiko some impro jumping hehe.... It's fun to watch!

Check it out here, with the lyrics subtitles:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 17 - Open Your Heart

Only 3 songs left! This is day 17 of the special Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway. I hope you're all enjoying the live concert! Song No. 17 is another .hack//sign song, it's Open Your Heart from the OST2 and originally sung by Emily Bindiger. She also sings a slightly different version of that song on Yuki Kajiura's solo album, Fiction. Here we have Kaori from FictionJunction KAORI as the main vocalist.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB) Download here
15. Salva Nos(134MB) Download here
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB) Download Here
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB) Download here
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10/10 The live rendition of "Open Your Heart" is just astounding! Kaori rules as main vocalist (if you excuse her Engrish that is)! I prefer this version than the original one actually... I love the multi-layered voices, with that special choir effect... Towards the end, there's also this amazing part sung by Yuriko.

Check out this .hack//sign AMV with the original song:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 16 - Zodiacal Sign

Sorry for being late on the Yuki Kajiura Giveaway... Song No. 16 of her Live Concert is Zodiacal Sign from the Aquarian Age anime. I reviewed this song a month ago as a foretaste of the Yuki Kajiura DVD (read it here). Zodiacal Sign was originally sung by Kaori Nishina.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB) Download here
15. Salva Nos(134MB) Download here
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB) Download Here
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10/10 Zodiacal Sign live is a pure delight for the ears! You can truly see how much they all love this song, and how much they like performing it live. I really like the energy that comes out of this performance.

Watch an Aquarian Age AMV with the original song here:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 15 - Salva Nos

Song No. 15 is yet another Noir song, and arguably the most famous one: Salva Nos. If you're a true anime music fan like myself, you have probably already heard it. And if not, you have to check it out this instance... The original version is sung by Yuriko Kaida, but another version featured in the Fiction album was sung by Yuri Kasahara. The latter one is the most impressive version in my opinion! Partly due to the fact that Mrs. Kasahara is a unique opera singer, and you all know I have a thing for operatic voices...

You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB) Download here
15. Salva Nos(134MB) Download here
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

1 000/10 Salva Nos is the first kajiuran masterpiece I ever heard, and it is also the song that triggered my undying love for Yuki Kajiura. It is my second favorite Yuki song after Mezame... The live version is really amazing, except that I would have liked to hear more Yuriko and less Wakana! Since Yuriko sung the original version, she should have been the main vocalist here... I'm also really happy they choose to sing the Fiction version which is longer than the original version and features a beautiful added verse...

Check out this AMV of Noir with the Fiction version of Salva Nos sung by opera diva Yuri Kasahara:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 14 - Canta Per Me

We're nearly at the end of the Yuki Kajiura concert! Only 6 songs left... Song No.14 is Canta Per Me, which is probably one of her best known songs, from the anime Noir. The original version of Canta Per Me was sung by none other than Yuriko Kaida.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB) Download here
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10/10 Yet another flawless performance of a kajiuran Classic. I actually first heard Yuki's music while watching Noir, which features one of her most famous works. Yuriko Kaida does a perfect rendition of the song. Yuki Kajiura has actually recorded two more versions of the song, the Japanese version sung by Houko Kuwashima (also on the Noir OST) and the Deb Lyons version which is on her solo album, Fiction. My favorite version is the Japanese one, but I really like Yuriko's version as well!

Check out this awesome cover of Canta Per Me by the Eminence Symphony Orchestra:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 13 - A Song of Storm and Fire

Song No. 13 of the special Yuki Kajiura Live Concert DVD is "A Song of Storm and Fire" from the Tsubasa Chronicle OST. This is already the third Tsubasa song of the concert, after Dream Scape and You are my love. The original song was sung by Eri Ito, who is also the special guest star at the concert.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB) Download here
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10/10 After Mezame, a song of storm and fire is one of my favorite Yuki Kajiura tracks! It's one of those epic and unique tracks that she does for every anime soundtrack (Noir has Salva Nos, Mai Hime has Mezame, Mai Otome has Materialise, Madlax has Places of the Holy....). These songs are always my favorites. They all feature this typical kajiuran sound and feel, which is so hard to describe... A Song of Storm and Fire was definitely one of my highlights of the concert! What a perfect performance... Eri Ito is flawless once again!

Check out this really nice cover of the song by the Eminence Symphony Orchestra:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 12 - Godsibb

Song No. 12 from the Yuki Kajiura Live Concert is Godsibb from the video game Xenosaga III. This is actually the first time I'm venturing into non-anime territory, but it isn't that far away, especially since it's a japanese video game. Yuki Kajiura did the soundtracks for both Xenosaga II and III. My personal favorite is the Xenosaga II OST. Nearly all the songs from that soundtrack are amazing! Godsibb is sung by Eri Ito in the original version as well as during the live concert.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB) Download here
12. Godsibb(105MB) Download here
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

8/10 Again, a terrific performance by Eri Ito. She's just so flawless! This time however she doesn't sing alone, and shares the stage with Wakana, Yuriko, Keiko and Kaori. Though, for the main part of the song, they remain hidden behind Eri in the darkness... Maye Eri just didn't want to be overshadowed by some young and talented singers! LOL

Here's the original version of Godsibb with some Xenosaga clips:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 10 - Mezame

Song No. 10 from the Yuki Kajiura Live Concert DVD is the song you've all been waiting for... (I hope!) It's the song Mezame from Mai Hime. Oh my, I wanted to actually wait before posting anything about Mezame. What I initially had in mind was to write a special super mega post especially for this song. But I guess this is fine too! One of the reasons I got so interested in anime music is because of Mezame, so you could understand how much I worship this song. Mezame is definitely in my Top 5 songs, anime or otherwise! It is originally sung by Hanae Tomaru.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB) Download here
10. Mezame(126MB) Download here
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10.000/10 Sorry about the rating, 10 just wasn't enough for this song... I love it sooo much! I'll try to keep this short. The original version of Mezame is just to die for. The first time I heard it, I thought my heart was going to stop, and I started to feel shivers down my spine. Only a few songs have this effect on me so... Sadly, the live version from the concert DVD wasn't as good as the original song. The beat was kind of off, it wasn't the same techno beat from the original version. Wakana's breathing wasn't really good either, it seems she was quickly out of breath singing those long notes. Tell me what you thought of the live version.

Here's a brilliant AMV I found, with the original Mezame and all the great Mai Hime moments:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 8 - Fake Wings

Already day 8 of my Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway! Time really does fly by so quickly! How are you people liking the concert so far? Please write me some comments... Song No. 8 of the Live Concert is yet another .hack song, this time it's Fake Wings, originally sung by Emily Bindiger. Here, it is sung by FictionJunction KAORI (main vocalist) and Yuriko Kaida. You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB) Download here
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

9/10 I loved the new arrangement! The intro in Fake Wings was originally played by an acoustic guitar, which has been replaced here by Yuki's piano! So nice... And as usual, Kaori's vocals were perfect.

Check out the original song here:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 7 - Houseki

The seventh song from the Yuki Kajiura Live Concert DVD is Houseki from the "le portrait de petit cossette" OVA and it is originally sung by Marina Inoue. For this concert however, FictionJunction KEIKO (aka the creepy one) sang Houseki.
You can find the high quality video file (courtesy of canta-per-me.net) right here with all the other songs...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB) Download here
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

9/10 Yet another amazing song from "le portrait de petit cossette"! I'm not sure which version of the song I prefer. FictionJunction Kreepy (sorry, Keiko) does an amazing job, and I love her deep alto voice. Her voice sounds way more mature than Marina's. And for once, Keiko didn't do any weird smiles or stares during the performance of this song, so it's even more enjoyable! LOL There is however way too much arm movement! What's up with that? Does she have bugs flying in her face or is she trying to be overdramatic? It's hard to tell... Please don't overdo it Keiko!

Here's the PV of the original song from Marina Inoue:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 6 - The Main Theme of Petit Cossette

This is day 6 of the special Yuki Kajiura Giveaway Month. I hope you are all enjoying the Live Concert DVD so far... There are still some really great songs to come (and my personal favorites...) so please stay with us! Song Number 6 is "The Main Theme of Petit Cossette" from the OVA Le Portrait de Petit Cossette. I wasn't a big fan of that anime by the way, it was a little too weird for me and the title has always bugged me (please stop raping by mother language, it should be "Le portrait de la petite Cosette" and NOT "Le portrait de petit cossette"). "the main theme of petit cossette"which is sung by Yuriko Kaida, is one of the two main themes of the OVA, the other one being Houseki (which is performed right after this "the main theme of Petit Cossette" at the concert).

You can find the high quality video file, courtesy of canta-per-me.net right here...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB) Download here
07. Houseki(91.2MB)
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10/10 Like the original, the song's main vocalist is Yuriko Kaido, who we hadn't seen that much in the previous songs. She has a lovely vocal tone and an amazing vibrato. This version of "the main theme of petit cossette" is even better than the original! The violin truly shines in this song, and it adds so much to the weird atmosphere of the song. You can almost feel the tension in the air. It really suits "le portrait de Petit Cossette" perfectly!

Here's an AMV of the original song:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 5 - In the Land of Twilight, Under the Moon

Yes, another .hack//Sign song! The fifth song of the Yuki Kajiura concert DVD - LIVE 2008.07.31 is "In the Land of Twilight, Under the Moon" from the OST 2. Like the other .hack//Sign songs, it is originally sung by Emily Bindiger. You can find the high quality video file, courtesy of canta-per-me.net right here...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB) Download here
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB)
07. Houseki(91.2MB)
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

9/10 What an awesome arrangement! I really love the beginning of "In the land of twilight, under the moon". When I first watched the concert, I thought they were doing a ballad version of the song, but actually it just starts differently. This is the song where poor Yuriko finally gets her moment to shine, as she sings the first few words. Before that concert, I didn't really know who she was. She's the only non FictionJunction member on stage, so it must be hard! We also get to see some pretty awkward dance moves/choreography in this song, especially from Kaori. But most importantly, they all seem to be having so much fun on stage!

Here's an AMV with the original song:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 4 - Liminality

And the Yuki Kajiura journey continues... It's already day 4 of my special giveaway month! Today I offer you the fourth song of the Yuki Kajiura concert DVD - LIVE 2008.07.31, Liminality from the .hack//Liminality anime. The original song is sung by opera queen Yuri Kasahara (she is brilliant!). You can find the high quality video file, courtesy of canta-per-me.net right here...

Tracklist

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB) Download here
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB)
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB)
07. Houseki(91.2MB)
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

8.5/10 The first time I heard Liminality, I wasn't into it as some other Yuki songs. But it finally grew on me... The live version in the concert was even better than the original song. It must have been hard for Wakana, Yuriko, Keiko and Kaori to sing a song originally sung by an opera singer! Wakana really shows off her talent in this song, she sings the intro as well as the first verse. Those high notes sound really awesome...

Check out the original version here:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 3 - Vanity

The third song of the Yuki Kajiura concert DVD - LIVE 2008.07.31 is Vanity. It's actually one of the only songs that doesn't come from an anime. It's one of the tracks of Yuki Kajiura's first solo album, called Fiction. The album contains remixes of her previous anime work as well as original songs (I highly recommend it!). Vanity is originally sung by Emily Bindiger who sings all the .Hack//Sign songs. In the live concert, the main vocalist is Wakana of FictionJunction WAKANA. You can find the high quality video file, courtesy of canta-per-me.net right here...

Tracklist:

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB) Download here
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB)
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB)
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB)
07. Houseki(91.2MB)
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

10/10 For me, Vanity is one of the many highlights of this concert. I just love this song and Wakana is my favorite vocalists throughout the concert (well maybe not when Ito Eri's on stage). Her voice is so pure and has so much clarity, how could you not love it? And she's also really amazing live as well! The only negative thing I could say is that compared to the original version, her english sucks, but then again it's not really that important, considering they all sing in Engrish anyway... Oh, I forgot to mention that there's a lot of yelling from creepy Keiko going on towards the end of the song. Well, yelling is not really the right term because she also sings amazingly good!

Here's a nice AMV I found of the original song with clips from Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 2 - Dream Scape

The second song of the Yuki Kajiura concert DVD - LIVE 2008.07.31 is Dream Scape from the anime Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. It is featured on the third Soundtrack, Future Soundscape III and is originally sung by FictionJunction KAORI. You can find the high quality video file, courtesy of canta-per-me.net right here...

Tracklist:

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dream Scape(98.2MB) Download here
03. Vanity(80MB)
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB)
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB)
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB)
07. Houseki(91.2MB)
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

9/10 Like the original version on the OST, the live version is sung by FictionJunction KAORI. She delivers a flawless performance, enhanced by the beautiful voices of Wakana, Keiko, Yuriko and Yuki's magic piano...

Check out the live performance with subtitles:

Yuki Kajiura Live DVD Giveaway: Day 1 - The World

5 days ago, I proclaimed the month of January as "YUKI KAJIURA MONTH", so I will now keep my promise. I just came back from holidays, so starting today, I will be posting a video from the Yuki Kajiura Live Concert DVD (high quality AVI files courtesy of canta-per-me.net). The first song is The World from the .hack//Sign anime.

Tracklist:

01. The World(120MB) Download here
02. Dreamscape(98.2MB)
03. Vanity(80MB)
04. LIMINALITY(91.4MB)
05. In the land of twilight, under the moon(99.2MB)
06. The main theme of Petit Cossette(104MB)
07. Houseki(91.2MB)
08. Fake Wings(51.8MB)
09. Ensei(30MB)
10. Mezame(126MB)
11. You are my love(50.9MB)
12. Godsibb(105MB)
13. A song of storm and fire(93.1MB)
14. Canta Per Me(61.2MB)
15. Salva Nos(134MB)
16. Zodiacal Sign(115MB)
17. Open you Heart(125.8MB)
18. Everlasting Song(148MB)
19. Yume no Tsubasa(127MB)
20. Ring Your Song(153MB)

8.5/10 The World, from the most boring anime I've ever seen, .hack//Sign (I only watched it because of the Yuki Kajiura music!) was originally sung by the great Emily Bindiger, like most of the .hack//Sign songs. I really love the mysterious mood of this song, and especially the beautiful violin parts. In the live concert, Keiko performs the beginning of the song, and surprisingly she has quite the deep voice, but it's nice nonetheless. I don't know why, but she kind of creeps me out. She's really pretty but throughout the whole concert, she has this really weird psychopathic look in her eyes... (or is it just me??) Anyway, the multi-layered vocals sound really amazing in this song and I love the arrangements that Yuki Kajiura with it.
Here's the original version with Emiliy Bindiger:

For the lyrics of the song,

You are here alone again
In your sweet insanity
All too calm, you hide yourself from reality
Do you call it solitude? Do you call it liberty?
When all the world turns away to leave you lonely

The fields are filled with desires
All voices crying for freedom
But all in vain they will fade away
There's only you to answer you, forever

In blinded mind you are singing
A glorious hallelujah
The distant flutter of angels
They're all too far, too far to reach for you

I am here alone again
In my sweet serenity
Hoping you will ever find me in any place
I will call it solitude when all my songs fade in vain
In my voice, far away to eternity

Yuki Kajiura DVD - LIVE 2008.07.31

I've been in a total Kajiura mode/mood these past few days! The reason: Her first live DVD called "Yuki Kajiura LIVE 2008.07.31" was released december the 24th in Japan! It is a recording of the July 31 Yuki Kajiura LIVE Vol#2 concert at Shibuya O-EAST. And just yesterday (three days after the DVD release) she did a special live performance celebrating the release of that first DVD with Kalafina as the opening act. I would have loved to be there! It would have been the perfect gift for Christmas... But fortunately, I was lucky enough to watch the whole Live DVD today, and it was really awesome and magical. To be able to see your favorite composer in a live show is quite rare, so it totally made my day! I'm giving you a little foretaste of the DVD with a clip of Zodiacal Sign from the OST of the Aquarian Age anime (download the original song here), just after the DVD details.

The Vocalists are Kaori, Wakana, Keiko, Yuriko Kaida and special guest star Eri Ito.
And the tracklist:

1. the world
2. dream scape
3. MC＃1
4. vanity
5. Liminality
6. in the land of twilight, under the moon
7. MC＃2
8. the main theme of Petit Cossette
9. houseki
10. fake wings
11. ensei
12. mezame
13. you are my love
14. MC＃3
15. godsibb
16. a song of storm and fire
17. MC＃4
18. canta per me
19. salva nos
20. zodiacal sign
21. open your heart
22. EC
23. everlasting song
24. MC＃5
25. yume no tsubasa
26. ring your song

Source: http://canta-per-me.net/ The best Yuki Kajiura website ever!

10/10 Here's a little foretaste of the awesomeness that is a live Yuki Kajiura concert! Yuki seems so full of energy during this song. She actually sings as well during Zodiacal Sign. I've always loved this song, but seeing it live with such amazing vocalists is truly worth the wait. Kaori, Wakana, Keiko (all three are part of the awesome kajiuran FictionJunction project) and Yuriko Kaidia all have incredible voices. I didn't expect their voices to have such clarity and purity during the whole concert. They sound so professional unlike a lot of J-Pop singers that sing live!
Check it out: