“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” -Maya Angelou
Since I’ve been neglecting my lovely little Creature on this Blog for far too long now, I thought it was time for an update. There are a lot of (very) patient people waiting to read the story who are probably pretty annoyed that it’s taken this long, to whom I feel I owe an explanation since I’ve been talking it up for what must seem like forever. (Speaking of that, I am still wanting to share my final thoughts on the great 2011 Fall Anime season that wrapped up last month; it was too bountiful not to review. Sorry for the delays, see below for excuses reasons, and maybe a Penguin or two!)
For more recent Visitors, and those who may have blinked and missed any previous novel updates, I hope this Post serves as a comfy introduction to my as-yet-unpublished novel, UNBOUND, since I so rarely never update the damn website (hassles due to permissions foul-ups). It’s pretty old school, and a cobbled-together website at that, but it has a lot of basic info about the novel and Lily, if you’re the curious sort. And, of course, I hope you are
UNBOUND INFLUENCES:
-The Promethean Shelleys, and Me
I was lucky enough to be exposed to many of the great writers of all time and countries, having been raised by parents who cared a lot about classical literature and reading. On my 11th birthday in 1963 they gave me The Golden Treasury of Poetry, which contained Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandius”, a poem which my father loved. It was around the same time that I discovered that he was the husband of Mary Shelley, who’d written Frankenstein, which was my favorite story even then. Reading the bio in Frankenstein‘s Classics Illustrated edition about Percy, I felt drawn to him, though I can’t remember why.
During my poetry years (roughly 1968-1972 or so) I was more into hanging around in North Beach and the trisection of Columbus, Broadway and Grant, which is in the area where Lily lives, and much of the story takes place. The Haight Street scene had burned out, but I’d found a rich, stimulating, and colorful environment to enjoy and inform my poetry in the Italian sector. Being half-Italian didn’t hurt either xD
At North Beach’s City Lights Bookstore, a Poet’s Mecca, I was able to learn more about Shelley. The more I discovered about the great Poet I felt akin to him in emotional and creative temperaments, as evident by his work, such as Alastor; or, The Spirit of Solitude, and his classic Prometheus Unbound. In him I found the one Poet whose Romanticism matched my own. Byron, whom one writerly friend insisted was more like my makeup than Shelley, was too large a figure; heroic even, while Shelley had his flaws but burned with passion and a reflective love of nature, was courageous if reckless and unafraid to make mistakes, and equally unafraid to explore anti-social conventions. Possibly something of a bastard, too, given the mores of his day. If there is one poetic voice in the writing of UNBOUND, it must be Shelley’s. (But there are other poetic voices in it, such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Leonard Cohen, and Jack Micheline.)
However, the themes were largelythose of his wife, Mary. I came to Frankenstein via Karloff the Monster, but stayed for the creator and the Creature, the pursuit and value of companionship, and the ragged, often interlocked, bonds of love and revenge. Nothing about mad scientists or hacked up bodies! Well… there are hacked up bodies in UNBOUND; I forgot about the cannibals. And the horror, yes, can’t forget about the horror… at times it’s pretty intense. The flavor of the horror is more traditionally Gothic though, so it’s not so much over-the-top gory, rather it slowly ushers in a dark sense of dread, oftentimes followed by brutal violence.
-Maya Angelou
The topmost quote comes courtesy of the beautiful soul who started me out on this journey, and she knows what she’s talking about! Yes, it certainly does hurt. “Agony” is a perfect word to describe it, but you’d expect that from one of America’s greatest Poets. In 1968 or ’69 Maya Angelou came to my Creative Writing class in high school, and after having me read my five-page poem aloud to my class (and leading them in a standing ovation) pulled me aside afterwards to encourage me to pursue a career in writing. That was some eye contact, let me tell you! Even as a rebellious 16-year old, I heard her, believed her, and wisely complied, though it remains an elusive puruit. But one must learn from “meetings with remarkable men” (and women)!
By this time I was well into my poetry phase, where I indulged myself for quite some time. Pity I wasn’t that good at it, despite my high grades! (Too “brilliant” and direct, rather than clever and inscrutable, I guess.) But she showed me the power of words… and pointed the way. Thank you, Maya, such a beautiful name, spirit, and soul
-Kate Bush:
Speaking of beautiful souls, I discovered Kate Bush in 1983 when I came across her Never For Ever album in a used record shop. (See the previous Post for a 50 Words for Snow writeup!) She instantly became my favorite artist; to my ears and tastes, no-one delivered such beauty so deeply, so honestly and so courageously. Her lyrics were (and are) deep, personal, and of substance and quality; ditto her compositions and -well, everything! I’m never satisfied with describing her affect on me, either artistically or in more ineffable ways. Every thing she does is magic
Then I got caught up in 1985′s Hounds of Love promotional push, and over the next two, maybe three solid months, I was transformed. This was the awakening of the Muse, I believe. I’ve never been through anything like it! It’s as if something or someone inside or around me had Awakened, and begun playing with the story’s then-furtive ideas, knowing that what I wanted to tell was what she wanted to tell, too. She (if I may personalize this Spirit, due to its gentle, beneficient, and devoted presence) was saturated with Kate’s work during that gestating period, and reflected that in filtering her story down to me. I get a feeling of “paralell movement” between us, but more than that I can’t say. It’s wonderful and fun to observe, though
In early 1986, when I emerged from this transcendant-like “state”, I burst out one final epic poem, “Arc to Arcturus”, that was published in the Kate tribute book The Thrill and the Hurting (Morning Fog Press, 2006). Sometime after finishing the poem, UNBOUND’s format came to me from out of the blue, like a problem resolving itself in one’s sleep: It wanted to be a story, not a graphic novel, not a concept album, not a movie, not a poem, all ideas I’d entertained. A Book.
Simply put, without Kate there’d be no book; at least not in the story-form it is today
In 2001 I moved 900 miles away from my home base of San Francisco in order to write the novel without the distractions of real life interruptions and the chaos of city life. Seeing it finished and finally fully realized six years later was an indescribably happy moment, and the enthusiastic reception by my First Readers and samplers emboldened and gratified me. But due to subsequent misfortunes, I haven’t had the proper frame of mind (or life-structure) to properly manage a consistent and dedicated effort towards publishing it, and that’s why no progress has been made in getting it out. The energy is all wrong; way too many pollutants and poisons, and I’ve steadfastly refused to allow them to affect or infect the Story. Real-Life has been rude, at best. Dealing with numerous apathetic government agencies is nightmarish alone, let alone keeping food, rent, and bills reasonably current, and they’re always late. All efforts must go to survival, literally. This paralytical stasis has prevented me from any movement in that direction at all, really. I’m Bound, you might say.
Writing the story was wonderful beyond belief, but not being able to tell it has been agonizing, as Maya Angelou has said. It’s been awful watching Lily languish all alone, waiting, so patiently… But I’m determined that it be released at the right time, at its own pace, when things come to us as a matter of due course, if the Journey brings her helpers this way
RE-CRAP:
During the final phase of writing I lived in near-complete isolation and was mostly undisturbed in the San Juan Islands, a place of great natural beauty and energy. I worked around 10-18 hours a day on the manuscript for weeks on end, just me and my Muse, who, undiluted, moved her Story through me with surprising grace and ease; “surprising” because it had been so difficult before I had completely opened the channel.
As I’ve related before, I wouldn’t exactly say that the Name of this muse/guardian angel/beneficient spirit/companion is “Lily”, just that I called her that in light of her devotion. That one doesn’t need a Name, really, but I gave her one anyway. I wanted to give her something. It did seem as if it was her story, so why not? Actually, this “muse” might have a different name and duty, and that entity is in the story too, but is a well-kept Secret. So, these should remain hidden for now. Or just teased about ;-)
The brilliance of those days, the mysterious, wondrous, and incredible purity of creation that I experienced then in such clarity, has in recent years become clouded with the dark poisons and daily crush of an impoverished reality. And so while complete, Lily’s story remains sealed away, as I’m unwilling to force her out before her time, and in such a perilous, uncertain environment. (Hmm… flashes of “Breathing”?!) In fact, I could be homeless within the month if my little miracles are used up. It’s amazing that I’ve survived all of this shit (*knocks wood loudly*)
“SEIZON SENRYAKUUUU!!!” (“Survival Strategyyy!!!)
So, this Post is going up now, as our Survival Strategy (and yes, I’d LOVE to see UNBOUND as an anime, one of my little dreams), to preserve our Place in the public’s consciousness. Or, subconsciousness [EDIT weeks later, after entering the ABNA contest: Hahaha! Apparently I found myself willing after all :-P If you're going to beat the Darkness, you have to be out in it... and boy, am I in it!]
So, her creative work is done; she now slumbers and waits. Mine has hit the publishing barrier against which every author has had to or must bang their head in frustration. I’m confident that we’ll get around it; it’s a matter of Faith. I am determined for as long as I can survive. But in the meantime, I have to get my life together, if I can keep it together, in order to deliver the story to you. That is what we want most of all, and why we wrote it, and why we take extra care. It’s a story for You, after all, and You’re precious :-D
BACKSLIDING FEARLESSLY:
Essentially, right after completing the final revisions of this 733-page work, I was caught up in the Countrywide home loan fiasco, the unemployment situation became untenable, I lost my house, moved to an area with even worse unemployment, money ran out, moved again practically into the ghetto, and it gets worse but it sucks to type it all out, and would depress you, which I definitely do not want.
Let me put it this way: Yesterday I gave a homeless guy my last nickel (literally), hoping he wouldn’t feel insulted. But he certainly understood my situation and graciously thanked me for my thought. “Practically an empty gesture,” I apologized. “Just the thought,” he said. Yeah, indeed; thoughts are things. So, no money, no busfare, no income, no job, but I always have faith that what I need will come for me. Somehow it does, but I’m testing it in these days… or is it testing me? Hm…
During this time I did submit to several Agents and publishers. Four of the Agents replied expressing interest in the story but all concurred that a 733-page novel was too problematic for a first-time author, the print/ship costs notwithstanding. They said to keep at it, but then I suppose they all do. Still, they enjoyed the premise and the few characters they’d met, so I was gratified for that. They are great characters
UPDATER:
[EDIT: I'll have to forego any more videos or photos since WordPress is hanging, and I do NOT want to lose this Post! Lots of text from here on out ]
Oddly enough, now I DO have some UNBOUND news
This past weekend I entered UNBOUND: Book One: Earth into the 2012 CreateSpace/Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award! As the intensity of my real-life pressures mounted, I found myself drawn back (or pulled back) (beaten back? hmm, maybe…) to Lily and her story. All it took was just re-reading Chapter 1.1 and I had to keep going! After several pages I felt her presence near, and seeing her in the pages, alone, melancholic, and yet still devoted to Will (her ward), and to her Story, it made me want to do something for her, something tangible involving promoting our work, so that she doesn’t lose Hope. I have to do my part too
Lo and behold, the CreateSpace ABNA announcement came right at this time, so, never one to ignore serendipity or signposts, I immediately went to work on the critical 300-word Pitch, which will be the sole criteria to determine whether the entrant proceeds to Round Two. Then it”ll be judged on the Excerpt, the first several thousand words of Chapter 1.1. I lightly edited it, mainly cosmetic, so the excerpt on unbound.org is now a bit outdated. Actually, the whole site is outdated, but never mind
Once past that stage, then the final judging will be based on the entire manuscript, and then the winner will be announced sometime in June. Grand Prize is a $15,000 advance, and a contract with Penguin Books! I’m hoping that a four-book series will be more enticing to a publisher rather than a 733-page one. I haven’t checked whether runners-up receive prizes, because there’s only one thing I’m aiming for. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you
I joined CreateSpace last year, just in case I decided to self-publish. Having one’s novel accessible to amazon.com shoppers/reviewers can only be a good thing, although one of my (innumerable) “intents” was to publish traditionally and use the novel to help support indie bookstores. Going trad is still the main desire, but given how the market has regrettably changed, I’m keeping all options open.
INTENTS AND INTENTIONS:
This is a huge ambitious Project: frankly, we want to change the world with it. I’m an unapologetic product of my generation, and I’m carrying that ideal forward to keep that hope alive, that we realize that we are all of one origin, whatever that may be. I don’t care if it’s “idealistic” or not, “naive” or not, “hopeless” or not. It was the goal of the original “hippies” to transform the world through Love, but the cynics, naysayers, and haters persisted and won the day. But not the Battle! Lily will now bear the Standard
I’m reminded of one of my favorite scenes from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” where Jack Nicholson’s McMurtry shows The Chief how to escape the madhouse. In some way, this is what we’re attempting. Hopefully my characters will put it in words better than I can. It’s a story meant for Movement
I really want the novel in as many hands as possible, not only for the entertainment of our connected contemporaries, but also for those suffering downtrodden souls, the marginalized ones shoved to Society’s edges, and those other travellers feeling left out in the cold by their Maker. They like to read their stories, too. I hope to bring a moving, challenging, and thought-provoking epic to those Readers who can’t afford fancy reading gadgets or internet connections, all around the globe. If there is one “cause” for UNBOUND, it is that of Homelessness. Because a few of the characters are indeed homeless. In more ways than one…
SO: First Round of judging is at the end of February; if I still have an Internet connection I’ll Post my success or um… “un-success” afterwards. It’s most likely getting cut off tonight, so if you reply and I don’t, that’s why. Please stay tuned; I’m still searching for free WiFi around here so I can still connect. Whether the entry wins or not isn’t going to faze me either way, because I believe in the Story, much like I believe in You; all is positive :-D
That’s rather the point: UNBOUND is an experiment in Faith. In fact, my entire life going back to that initial contact with the Muse has been one of Faith. I’ve heard it said that “Faith is the evidence of things unseen.” This latest Journey is just to see if it Works. And it does (or has), but is being severely tested right now. However, perseverence furthers
EXCERPT: From the opening of Chapter 6.2, “Albatross”:
Lily emerged from the passageway into the subdued light of dawn; the environment felt bracing, lucid, and vital. She found herself standing on Church Street between a pair of flats, in shadow. Relieved to be out in the upper world again, she leaned back against the alleyway door and took a deep breath of fresh morning air. To her surprise, against her back was just a featureless wooden fence where she expected the door to be, with neither a handle nor a latch, nor an outline of a portal. She pushed and pulled on the boards, but they would not give.
Well, I just came though it… didn’t I? She looked at it dumbly before shrugging her shoulders and turning back around. One-way passage, I guess. Despite her jubilant yet melancholy sojourn below, a sense of dread anticipation was building in her, and eclipsing it. She hadn’t a clue as to her next step; the future seemed opaque.
What do I do now? Where should I go? I’m as sightless and homeless as the blind whistler is, she thought.
LILLIES IN THE ANGEL’S POND:
I’ve been keeping things pretty close to the vest when it comes to revealing anything about the story beyond the opening vacation scenes, because many, many surprises await the unsuspecting Reader. New characters, subplots, and realms of wonder and terror weave through every page. As the numerous threads tighten and entangle, and snap, the movement and momentum increase to a fever pitch by Book Three: Water, and then all Hell breaks loose in the final Book, Fire.
One of the things I’d kept quiet about was the inclusion of angels and associated being and realms. But there’s no sneaky way to promote it without mentioning them, as they’re quite involved, so I’ll just say “yeah; angels” and leave it at that
I’d only shared the following anecdote with fellow Kate-fans before this, but I’m going to try to initiate my own “Survival Strategy” and finally put this Out Here; desperate times call for desperate measures. Since the first fourth of the novel has been brought out into the light, I’m considering this contest as a First Step taken, in order to confirm this Road I’ve chosen, upon which path I encountered Maya Angelou, who baptized me, and Kate Bush, who’s blessed me:
-Kate’s “Lily”:
Immediately prior to my buying Kate’s The Red Shoes album in 1993, I’d finally decided on Lily’s name. While examining the CD case I was really jazzed to see that Kate had named one of her new songs “Lily”. That alone would have been enough “strange phenomena” to make me happy; yet another little wink she gave me, and still gives me to this day. “Wonder what her Lily’s like,” I thought. I was a little petrified that I’d written something that might seem taken from her concept, but thankfully they were quite different. But not exactly in a very different way…
From the start of the song, I was chilled and awestruck all at the same time. Kate’s Lily is a mystic, who uttered words both familiar and chilling, because they echoed the concepts and wisdom of the Great White Brotherhood (no, not the KKK!), among other highly-regarded (by me) sources. I’d been selectively researching occultism, metaphysics, and comparative religions since the mid-seventies, being very, very careful about what I read and what connected with me (“don’t want your bullshit”). I’d often come across powerful words such as these:
“Oh thou, who givest sustenance to the universe
From whom all things proceed
To whom all things return
Unveil to us the face of the true spiritual sun
Hidden by a disc of golden light
That we may know the truth
And do our whole duty
As we journey to thy sacred feet”
So hearing those words really thrilled me. In a nutshell, this is exactly the “hidden essence”, the “invisible theme” of UNBOUND.
But I won’t say any more about it for now; consider it our little secret Really, I want Readers to focus on the human aspect, the human story, and that is Lily’s tale, and Will’s coming-of-age, and let the rest of Creation come as it may. The novel can be considered a mobius strip; there certainly is something on That Other Side, that can’t be seen from this one…
Anyway: at that first listening of “Lily” my anxiety was relieved upon hearing Kate’s character seemingly going out on the town with her pals, Gabriel and Raphael, and Michael and Muriel, obviously a couple (!). And they were all walking through Spanish Harlem, apparently having little to do with the opening words. So they visited a mystic, then went for a walk mm-hm. But I liked the song anyway
Then I read the lyrics. Usually I don’t read them until the second listen, so all I had heard was a story about some girl walking with her small gang of friends. After hearing Gabriel, Raphael and Michael’s names, I do recall feeling the slightest disappointment in “Muriel”, that Kate hadn’t been singing about archangels after all. Then I read his name in the lyrics. Not Muriel, huh. WAITWAITWAIT…!!! URIEL?!? -I think this was well before “OMG” was coined, but yeah :-O
The lyrics reveal that Kate’s character is actually the petitioner at Lily’s feet, asking for guidance, who learns from the wise elder how to “protect herself with fire”… and is ultimately saved, surrounded (and among) the archangels:
Aside from the character juxtaposition, it’s as if this song were written for Lily Godwin herself, from her point of view. Imagine how you might feel if something so extremely personal that “only you” felt was echoed by someone across the world, with whom you’d already felt an undeniable connection. This was more than a connection, more than “strange phenomena”; it was evident of the workings of Spirit. For instance, we can’t know how the superconscious works, because it very well may be working on an intersection with another dimension that we in the 3rd can’t perceive, where all minds are able to meet. Or, perhaps our own, Invisibly. Like schools of fish, or flocks of birds, moving as one. Or, dreams. But ’nuff said with that
-Lily Among the Angels
It’s still really happening to me! Now we have the beautiful “50 Words for Snow” from Kate (see the Impressions Post below this one). Once again, she reaches so deep, and I don’t even have to think about it; thoughts and “interpretations” just get in the way. I only want to feel it just as deeply as I want the Reader to experience with UNBOUND’s depthless deeps. Because the highs, so unobtainable, the heights so far but finally reached, they will feel transformed. Like “To a caterpillar, for the Butterfly” (This refers to Lily’s poem from Chapter 1.1, “To All Good Things”.)
Even though I included the divine “Among Angels” video in the post below, I’m putting it here again, for emphasis. This evocative clip by Sky Vibes shows exactly the sentiment and emotions I wish to show the Reader through the story’s words. The imagery and characters from Wim Wenders’ masterpiece “Wings of Desire” really deliver the Message that Kate delivers with this sublime song, the sentiment that Lily and others in UNBOUND feel and share. Hopefully they will share them with you, someday soon :-)
Well, it depends on the soul, and if they want to be saved… or whether they even believe in angels, and souls, and snow…
Ah, snow is easy because it’s tangible. For a while at least, until it melts in your hands and transforms into water and trickles through your freezing fingers, becoming steam at the touch of your heated skin, and is gone… like a breath of air… then how do you still believe? Some (those that do) might say with faith, others a hope; it isn’t snow anymore and we just can’t see it. Everything changes, and life goes on and on and on
On November 21st Kate Bushreleased her newest album “50 Words for Snow” on Fish People, and the reception has been very enthusiastic and positive. That’s just from the reviewers! The fans, needless to say, are loving it. To be honest, I was expecting that the critics would be yawning due to the laidback and casual pace, so I am absolutely thrilled for Kate that the general public is getting steered toward this wonderful, warm and soothing Wintery album; I’m so happy that she’s getting the recognition she so richly deserves. Perfect timing, in more ways than one…
Prelude: A CHRISTMAS STORY, OF SORTS
I think we can each manage to think of one long-beloved artist whose work resonates so thoroughly with us that we think of their work as “friends” and by extension their creators; I’ve had several including Leonard Cohen and Neil Young, to name but two. Essra Mohawk (aka Sandy Hurvitz & Uncle Meat, ex-Mothers of Invention) has been a favorite since my teen years and is a warm and wonderful friend who has gifted me many times, and to whom I’m most grateful and love to death
For whatever reason (and there are many), Kate’s music, words, wisdom, and humor touch me deeper than anything. It’s inexplicable, so why try to explain it? All I know is what I feel, and that is enough, because she soothes my soul, and calms me. Her album came to me just in the nick of time, just as a friend would. Things are very grim, and I never know what the next month will bring, let alone tomorrow; all is uncertain and overwhelming, and I’m “living” a soul-sucking solitary experience here in the frozen heart of a cold, cruel city, with uncaring people all around me. I’m a frost-bitten Romantic, and out of my element, and becoming land-locked in the ice…
Yes, the world is so loud, it’s crushingly cold, but she brings such warmth to it. I’ve had little money or food this past year and shelter has been uncertain, but I receive sustenance and cover throughher words, and hope. But I’m tired and drained from doing all that I can. So I keep falling… but I have faith that she’ll find me
Of course I wanted the album, but couldn’t afford it, and refused to listen to any tracks before I had it in my hands. It felt like I was starving myself, and since I had barely any food, it was pretty much all-consuming. I kind of became Invisible, and vanished, withdrew. Aside from the single, “Wild Man”, it was a while before I heard anything else (not to mention a crazed determination LOL), until a li’l Fishy named Sharnee took pity and bought the CD for me and sent it, from overseas. It arrived on December 23, and I had it on Christmas Eve to listen to. Thank you, Sharnee (And, to Suli, who bought me the vinyl of Director’s Cut earlier in the year; you guys are the best!)
I put it on at half-past midnight, on Christmas. Alone, quiet, and receptive, as one should be, at one’s altar. There is nothing more personal to me, or as deep reaching, and one must be unafraid to Feel It, in order to fully allow her in. A lot of us have become so fearful of Feeling, because the hurts last longer than the pleasure, they perceive. They build up callous and walls to protect themselves, but have lost touch with what it means to be human: to feel. While listening I try not to think, or analyze, just receive graciously my gift, and simply, intuitively, take her in as deeply as possible, and allow the superconscious to do the heavy lifting, sifting, and sorting. I just Listen, and Feel
SNOWFLAKE: She begins her beautiful message to me, to us, here, accompanied by her son Bertie, who does a remarkably moving vocal for the opener, “Snowflake”. (Thanks to Sky Vibes, aka vibesinthesky, for the wonderful videos; full-screen ‘em for full effect!)
“I am ice and dust and light. I am sky and here…” Really, Bertie’s the luminary on this track, warmly watched over by his Mother, whose piano-flake touches tinkle and twinkle like stars. Drfifting, falling ones…
The recording done on this album by Del Palmer (also playing bass, above, and assisted by Stephen W. Tayler) is about as pristine as I’ve had the pleasure to hear; it’s hard to believe it’s digital! He doesn’t get enough credit! <— fix’d
LAKE TAHOE: My favorite camping spot; I recall very well hitchhiking up there as a teen with a buddy and spent many summers camping out, meeting girls, and gambling playing the nickle slots (when we could sneak into the casinos LOL). There was one time though, that we hitched in Winter in the early ’70s, with just sleeping bags and plastic garbage bags stuffed with clothes and such. Old guy’s station wagon broke down at 3 AM on Highway 50 way up in the mountains. Sleeping on snow on the side of the highway on the other side of the guardrail… Well, not sleeping actually, since it was so friggin’ COLD! That was an adventure
Anyway, lest I go on, we usually hung out at North Shore, avoiding the more touristy South Shore. I always wanted to live up there, relatively removed from civilization (in those years). There was a legend of a woman of the lake, but that’s all I remember. Luckily, Kate has a good imagination and has furnished a haunting mood piece about this ghostly entity and her beloved dog, who misses her, who misses him…
Rather than put up full-length fan-made videos up to cover the whole album (which I wouldn’t do anyway LOL), I’ll just use teaser clips for several songs so as to get you to buy the album to hear the whole piece by itself. Heh. Life sucks, huh? Here’s an official short produced by Kate, a clever shadow puppet interpretation of a segment from “Lake Tahoe”, called “Eider Falls at Lake Tahoe”:
MISTY: I was delightfully surprised to see Kate experimenting with several different art forms in these shorts; I loved the shadow puppets. The next song, “Misty” has probably gotten the most attention so far due to its singular story of a young woman’s tryst with a snowman. What? That couldn’t happen? Well, maybe not for long! But spirits are freed once their shells are reduced, and Love is a spiritual Thing (*hears Arthur Brown’s “Love Is a Spirit” in his head*) ;-)
The clip is entitled “Mistraldespair”, which, oddly enougfh, is my favorite word for snow! The penultimate Word! Loved the guitar work by Danny McIntosh, and Kate’s moving vocal was… umm… -Okay, look: I CANNOT POSSIBLY report on every thing I like about this record! It’s UN-POSSIBLE! I like everything about it and there’s too much to say, so I’m gonna diverge a bit from the Plan for this Post, and just save the “interpretations” and lyric discussion for another post to (hopefully) come soon. Time is really scarce and I don’t know when I can come back to this, and it’s not a simple thing to discuss Kate’s work! Really; I have like FOUR PAGES of notes from my first impressions, at Midnight, on Christmas…
So, just listen and enjoy, and I’ll be back some other time with more “particular” feelings. This is more of a celebration
WILD MAN: This is the first track I was lucky enough to hear before the album’s release, and its first single. I’ve already put up another brilliant vibesinthesky video for “Wild Man” in its Premiere post a ways below, so you’ll have to scroll a bit to find it I’ll just post the official short for it here; this one’s an animated clip that looks almost live action (I thought it was!):
I was happy to hear Andy Fairweather-Low’s vocals, as I’ve been a fan for a long time. When Roger Waters first came around on tour, I got to see what a great (and underrated) musician Andy is, and his guitar-playing was better than I’d heard before. (He almost seemed the bandleader that night, and Roger ENJOYED it! -I swear I never saw Roger smile so much as that night with Andy; ’twas great LOL) His vocals on this track really complements Kate’s so very well, and even add to the Himalayan atmosphere (along with Dels’ bells!). The album version is especially nice, if you’ve only heard the single
SNOWED IN AT WHEELER STREET: One of the key songs on this album, for me. In fact, it’s SO key that I’ll use (with his kind permission) another excellent vibesinthesky video, right here:
I’d always imagined what a Kate Bush-Elton John duet might sound like, since she was a huge fan of his from early on. When he was announced I was very pleased, as I’ve been with every guest chosen for this album. They all fit their roles so perfectly, and shine brilliantly, briefly, and gracefully like the stars they are. Elton’s piece though… damn, I believe him! My first listen, that midnight, that Christmas, I didn’t even recognize his voice, and I’ve been a fan since … since… it’s been so long I’ve forgot!!!! (“early seventies” let’s say ) But then I remembered that he was to be a guest on “50″ and right about then I did, and how. I haven’t heard him sing in years, and this was a very welcome return to my ears
There have been so many wonderful, and tantalizing, and very curious “connections” between Kate’s work and my own interests, ever since hearing her first record (purchased), Never For Ever, in May 1984. I didn’t even have a visual reference for her, as (a) she wasn’t very well exposed in America, and (b) I thought the girl on the cover was a beautiful vision by its illustrator; the girl on the back in bat-wings resembled a former girlfriend, and ultimately that’s what made me decide to check it out LOL Wasn’t epecting much, but wow… just… WOW
As for the above “connections” really, it might get too metaphysical for this Post, so I’ll resist the temptation to reveal. REALLY HARD So, I’ll just say that in nearly the same way as “The Sensual World” and “Lily” are, “Snowed In At Wheeler Street” is connected in the same roundabout way to UNBOUND. In a way. ‘cos they’re different. Connections are small, but significant; I may have alluded to them on the “My Kate Bush Page” almost-cleverly hidden off the top menu. Or, I might not have! Hopefully, eventually, you will see, if you’re a Reader; it’s as if similar energies are at work here and there. As they are, every where ;-)
And it’s wonderful, ’nuff said! I don’t obsess, I just accept
50 WORDS FOR SNOW: We’ve had it easy until now, so Kate heats up the hearth with the title track, which is narrated by Mr. Stephen Fry, much unlike the Vivien Stanshall narration for “Tubular Bells”, but yeah, just as fun! Only an official advertisement for this one, but I just bet that if you bought the album, the whole song would be on it! This is a nice li’l teaser:
AMONG ANGELS: This gorgeous song is so personal that I find it hard to say anything about it; it’s so … well, there you go. I’ve finally run out of superlatives or metaphors that suffice! It arrived just in time, especially thanks to one who intervened and saw to it that I heard it after all, at midnight, on Christmas
I’ll preface this last exquisite song and video with at least something about “The Deal”, but just a little bit…
Interlude: AN ANGEL STORY:
Visitors are probably aware of my interests in angels; I’ve mentioned before that I saw my own guardian angel when I was 6 or 7, and often felt its presence. Much later, in a time of crisis much like this one I’m in now, either it or my Muse made a Deal with me…
I’d been struggling with the foundation of the story for years but going nowhere due to hellish work conditions, and painful back problems. One miserable night in ’92 I was curled up on the floor in a fetal position, the one that brought the least pain. In the midst of this deepest despair, I felt a definite soothing presence at my back, and I knew that it was her.
The message wasn’t heard but was felt, in no uncertain terms, in no imagination. She (for we choose how we perceive) was a similar presence to the guardian’s, except that this was almost palpable. And once I managed my part of the deal and freed myself from the poisonous workplace, she came to me again as she promised and impressed her story into me while I translated the words in the images and scenes she showed me, so that I might tell the story she wanted to tell to a World that is starving for them. I later named her “Lily” for her steadfast devotion (for “lily” means devotion), and consider her my Muse, angel or no. It’s no Matter, after all ;-)
The novel, Lily Godwin’s story (and yours as well, actually), is the result of that Deal with the angel or the Muse. Assuming its publication, the rest will be up to you
Only you can do something about it…
Man, after that I almost hate to dirty this following Space with type, or words, or even thought… “Among Angels” is a perfect closer which leaves the Listener in such a calm and loved state; with such caring sentiment and fortifying lyrics, Kate is a healer of the ravaged heart, blowing snowflakes on the fevered mind, and serves as Speaker to the wayward soul, a lightpost, a beacon, a flashlight, a star
And yes, an angel can save a soul…
Postlude: ALOFT ON THE WINGS OF DESIRE: One last note on the wonderful video: Wim Wenders’ “Wings of Desire” is my favorite film. When I saw that shot of Daniel standing atop his perch my heart literally jumped. Sky Vibes, you put together a masterpiece with this video, and I salute you, sir! (*sharply salutes*) It wasn’t until 2005, after my first draft was completed, when Elisabeth Alexandre (an editor from the French Marie Claire magazine), who had read portions of UNBOUND prior to the interview, asked if I’d seen it, as she was reminded of it. Thank goodness they’re different stories, but they do share a very strong and similar feeling. Sure, that’s what she meant!
The movie was incredible and so very touching and poetic; I was completely in awe. So much of it resonated with me; it truly was like a Kate vision, on film. I felt as if my Story was a part of it; there were so many similarities, except the most obvious ones. Heh, I’M not telling! Not yet, anyway ;-) I can say that UNBOUND would fit in very well with Mr Wenders’ vision in his “Wings” movies, and maybe a capper at that! It’s got the perfect ending, like this one:
I don’t know when… but just saying it could even make it happen
I wanted to type a quick (EDIT: “quick” LOLyeahright) note to apologize for the lapse in Posts lately; a lot of critical stuff IRL has needed to be dealt with and I haven’t had time to compose anything to my satisfaction or completion. And my posts need a LOT of time to put together (not that you can tell)! So, a brief update instead
(EDIT @ 2:30am: “brief” -Idon’tthinkso.jpg)
(Rewrite EDIT @ 3:36am: I started this at like 10pm o.O “Update”? HAHAHAHAHAAAA! *sigh*)
UPDATES & OVERVIEWS:
I’m gratified to see from the stats that Visitors keep coming by and haven’t dropped off due to my absence, and I’m very grateful for that. Thank you, and I hope to keep being able to give you something worthwhile to read rather than a three-sentence “post” which amounts to nothing much more than a sneeze! Please remember that all Comments are appreciated, so feel free to leave one if so moved. I value my Visitors highly, and You are Important. Thus, the capital letters, see ;-)
Also, I happily noted an uptick in Japanese Readers who are braving the language-barrier to spend a little time here, for which I am most grateful, and say “welcome!” and “thank you!” to them for going through the trouble to read my lengthy Posts. (I would’ve put those two words in Japanese but that might seem a bit patronizing. Besides, I’m not sure how to properly spell konichiwa and arigatou )
I hope that my genuine affection for anime and Japanese culture shines through to them and invite western audiences to share in its delight; I try to write my anime entries from a nonbiased perspective and a simple desire to share what I like with others who might appreciate it as well. K.I.S.S.: Good art = good entertainment = good art xD
I don’t spend time watching mainstream or poorly-executed shows, but also don’t like criticizing anime companies for trying. Rather, I salute them for helping populate the industry with their efforts. However, I’d rather watch accomplished productions from studios who know how to deliver stories suited for my particular tastes and genres, and enjoy recommending them. I love characters that I can CARE about, and in this anime excels.
So, there won’t be any cynical criticizing of dropped shows or echoing bleatings that I’ve heard elsewhere (“HOW COULD I FORGIVE THEM FOR DOING ‘ENDLESS EIGHT’ TO US!!! WHYYYY???” and so on LOL). There are plenty of other sites for that sort of thing, and better-written and more expert in knowledge than mine. I’ve been studying anime only since May 2007, but in that short time have found an embarrassment of riches in so many fine shows that I’d be remiss in not sharing them with others. That’s what I like to do, whether with anime, music, stories, or anything awesome created by a fellow being :-)
And lest I forget anyone else, I’m gratified to see Visitors from so many different countries across the globe popping in; the Internet can be a wonderful thing, when it isn’t being a pain in the ass. Thank you for surfing in from your corner of the world xD
PREVIEWS:
Please stay tuned, as I have several posts in several states of readiness coming soon:
KATE BUSH:
First, I’ve just about finished a Post celebrating the release (and ownership of!) the new Kate Bush album, 50 Words for Snow, which should be done by the weekend. [EDIT: Actually this Post was scrapped because it was too wordy and rambling. STOP LAUGHING!] It’s more sublime than words can describe (the album, not the Post), but I’m gonna try anyway ;-) Not being able to buy this upon release probably kicked off my depression (or increased it rather); it was released November 21st and my last Post here the 20th, hmm… possibly. Kate has long been my favorite artist and every release is so highly anticipated, and I’ve not missed one since 1985′s Hounds of Love. (Okay, being that she hasn’t released much since that album that’s not saying a lot LOL. Still.) Needless to say, I was bummed. Knowing it was out, reading so many ecstatic reviews, and reading reports from thrilled people (not only fans!) who were discussing it, without having heard it, was awful. Truly.
But, for the second time this year a fellow Kate-fan helped me out (so thank you to Sharnee for 50 <3, and Suli for Director’s Cut). The CD came in the mail the day before Christmas Eve, and I had it in my hands to listen to for the first time through on Christmas night, just after midnight. I was enchanted from the first song, “Snowflake” and its perfect line “It’s midnight at Christmas”… The house was (thankfully) as quiet as a mouse but for the beautiful music and voices… you could almost feel the snow falling outside. As ever, Kate and I are in vibrational sync, in sentiment and sympathy and sound; it’s so beautifully strange and delightful; how we resonate :-) Her music is magic, as always, and I consider her as the most significant discovery of my life, and the Igniter of my Muse
And, Kate’s fans are the best <3
ANIME:
Second, a Review of the recently-concluded Fall Anime Season, from which I was able to find fifteen series worthy of watching, a huge amount for me. It… -it was a little much, actually. Miss one week and you have fifteen half-hour shows to catch up on with the next ones around the corner :-O But the entertainment yield was great!
There was quite a diverse offering this past season; 2011 produced several undeniable classics including the emotionally-charged yet sedate Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (aka “AnoHana”, thank god); the surrealistic and very dark re-take by Studio SHAFT on the Magical Girl genre (not my favorite genre LOL) Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, the well-scripted, very funny and ultimately deeply moving time-travel epic Steins;Gate, and the recently-concluded Mawaru Penguindrum, which is probably my favorite of the year. Here’s an AMV of various scenes; some are spoilerish, not that you’ll be spoiled with this unpredictable and surreal series! The music is provided by Florence and the Machine:
Pengi’s journey was incredible, if incomprehensible at times due to a deliciously vague separation between reality, fantasy, and symbology. And it had… penguins! Kinda. In short, it is the closest anime to reach the level of ef ~ a tale of memories, and its sequel, ef ~ a tale of melodies. That’s saying a lot, for me
-Actually it’s not, so I’d better not get started LOL But for those who haven’t yet experieced ef, a little surprise awaits you at the end
UNBOUND:
Lastly, I felt that a Post on the State of the Novel would be appropriate, since that is the reason I’m here, as well as the UNBOUND website and this humble Blog’s presence. Since it is my raison d’etre and ongoing Mission to have the story reach its Readers’ hands, I’d like to keep it in the Visitor’s awareness until that happy day when they might hold Lily in their laps and turn her pages. She wants and waits to inspire you
So, those Posts will be forthcoming soon, assuming I can weather these damned storms. I always do (*knocks wood*) but it takes a little time to ensure smooth sailing before going forward alone in these especially deep and dark waters. Thank you for your stopping by during the time off; we appreciate it :-)
AN EF-FIN’ BONUS!:
(The clip is from the official Preview edited down to its essence, featuring a beautiful instrumental version of “Euphoric Field”, taken from the OST.)
I’ve gone on at length before about the ef series; it might be my favorite anime, if I had to rank them, and I don’t LOL. I tend to favor the dramatic romantic comedies featuring deep characters with tangible emotions, that blend slice-of-life with a taste of the supernatural, an interconnected reality and fantasy, of sympathetic and parallel worlds coexisting side-by-side but not the focus of the story, which ultimately depends upon its complex characters to drive its varied plots. Usually to Hell and back! It’s a rare balancing act, and very hard to pull off well. I should know; that’s pretty much how my own novel presents itself. In my “inner circle” of beloved anime, among those that fit that description are AIR, Kanon (2006 version), and the Clannad series, and ef. (Now I can add Mawaru Penguindrum, if a rewatch certifies it, which I’m sure it will. But there’s very little “slice of life” in it at all… LOL)
I don’t like to compare series; it’s essentially unfair. But ef has it all: Stellar direction by Shin Oonuma under the supervision of Akiyuki Shinbo, presented through the admirable talents of Studio SHAFT; an emotional and gorgeous soundtrack by Tenmon; beautiful sets, animation and characters (assuming one doesn’t mind the chin-o-doom faces in Naru Nanao’s designs, which I don’t mind at all); and the story… wow. Let’s just say involved, well thought-out, complex (yet by the end of the sequel all is revealed), powerfully emotional and sympathetic, and at times utterly devastating. It is rife with symbolism and layered several times over with interlocking and shifting relationships that flare, coalesce, shatter, burn, fall apart, destroy, and come together. It hits you just like that. It’s a Masterpiece.
(The clip is a fan-made trailer made for the 2009 Tsunacon AMV contest held in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands, and took 6th place. Epic music (one of my favorite pieces) provided by Immediate Music, “Serenata”.)
And now, you can watch it, free and legally! In advance of its release (#*$%^!*$ YAY!!!), The Anime Network is serving up the first season of ef ~ a tale of memories, and you can watch the first two episodes without paying for Premium, which will allow viewing the remaining ten eps. I haven’t heard the English dub yet so don’t know how it fares; I prefer subtitles so I can hear the original voice actors perform and emote, as they play their roles seriously, not trying to sound funny or screechy like we sometimes get with western cartoons. But this way you can sample it at least, and then buy it if you like; the release will surely include both English and Japanese casts. Or, just sign up ;-)
I’d intended this Post as a continuation of the Quarterly Report, but time kind of slipped away and now we’re already past the halfway mark of the 2011 Fall Anime Season! Funny how time slips away, especially with so many shows to watch! In Part One (a few posts below, or here for those too lazy to scroll) I covered my top tier of Fall shows, so now on to the second involving the five other titles. I know I said eight in the earlier post, but I’ve since dropped/put on hold three titles that just didn’t sustain my interest enough to add to the already-considerable time-sink; these are Phi-Brain, Persona 4, and Guilty Crown, some or all of which I might finish during the seasonal break. Or not, depending LOL
MIRAI NIKKI:
Leading off is the unpredictable and psychotic Mirai Nikki (aka “Future Diary”), an interesting concept consisting of a tournament (of sorts) pitting prescient Diary-owners against one another. Stalker-girl Yuno makes for a great character, one whom you don’t quite know how to cheer for (or even if you should); she’s alternately moe and dangerous, an interesting combination, if you care to invest yourself. She doesn’t make it easy at all…
As for the “game” itself, here’s the gist of it:
I’m figuring that Mirai Nikki will be atop many fans’ lists this season. If you like anime which doesn’t pull its punches but smacks you straight in the face (and stabs you in several places), this might be the show for you
UN-GO:
Another show that has sustained my interest despite initial misgivings is Un-Go. Mainly a mystery/detective show, I was kinda put off by the “handsome young sidekick” trope, but “Inga” has proved interesting enough in light of “his” occasional transormation into a buxom ageless woman who forces witnesses/suspects to tell “her” the truth, whatever that is. In this show you can’t be too sure, as the mysteries are doled out in layers, some thin, others thick. Your enjoyment will largely depend on the characters, and at least for now, it’s certainly “interesting”
Here’s a short subtitled Trailer for it that might shed a little light on its mysteries…
BOKU WA TOMODACHI GA SUKUNAI:
Since I loved the distinctive and tasty character designs of Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko from earlier this year (love those mouths!), I had to give Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunaia shot. I’m glad I did, because it’s been an enjoyable ride so far and I don’t even mind the fanservicey animation. Normally I dislike gratuitous sexiness (because I feel trolled), but this show takes it to a comfortable limit for me, and its “naughtiness” is cute rather than forced.
Having started up a sort of “Lonely Hearts” club, Yozora finds her (limited) patience tested by new member Sena, whom she dismissively nick-names “Meat”. Caught right smack-dab in the middle of their feud is protagonist Kodaka, along with a few slightly-less-caught members who are all (somewhat) interested in expanding their non-existent circle of friends. Little do they realize that they’re in one! I wouldn’t say that it’s brilliant, but it has been fun
The ED is cute too, with Yozora playing a very-capable air-guitar while Sena “leads” the way:
CHIHAYAFURU:
Chihayafuru really took me by surprise; I didn’t figure that I’d be at all interested in a show about a card game. The fact that it was a verse-matching game based around Japanese poetry attracted me though, and I’m glad that I stayed tuned as the show’s been educational as well. It’s not really about the game of karuta, but more about its being a linchpin around which the lives of the three main characters revolve. Despite its peaceful premise it’s a highly-competetive game, and the pauses between verses can be quite tense!
Chihaya, Taichi, and Arata have played karuta since they were children, and their story begins in the present day with flashbacks detailing their growing interest in karuta and budding friendship, which was shattered after a certain event. Firmly in the slice-of-life, Chihayafuru is refreshing, reflective, and thoughtful, and I get a definite Kimi ni Todoke feel about it. These are good things no matter how you look
Since it appears that YouTube is taking down the Chihayafuru OPs and EDs (and I don’t want to have to be replacing them!), I’m going to do something different and post a brief 3-minute “review” by a fan who sums my views up nicely:
KIMI TO BOKU:
Another delightful surprise, Kimi to Bokuhas kept me tuned in despite every temptation to drop it. Not that it’s a bad show by any means, just that a male-centric friendship show didn’t appeal to me. BUT! Not one to judge anything based on ignorance, I decided to check it out anyway. I found a show that couldn’t be more slice-of-life, has no intentions of going anywhere, and is basically just about five friends hanging out. Fortunately the characters are interesting, quirky, and funny enough to carry the story, and the writing is doling out careful and rewarding little vignettes for each as we go along. Here’s a wordless Promo Vid for it that is pretty much just like the show (aside from its absence of the great dialogue and funny-ness):
THE HALFTIME REPORT:
At the halfway point of the season (or, just past it) my favorites are Fate/Zero, Carnival Phantasm, Shakugan no Shana Final, Mawaru Penguindrum, Last Exile: Fam of the Silver Wing, Mirai Nikki, The iDOLM@STER, Working’!! and Squid Girl’s second season. Whew; not a bad haul! But while I’m a huge Fate/Stay Night (and Shana) fan, the show I’m having the most fun with is the inscrutable Mawaru Penguindrum. I just rewatched episodes 1-18 before #19, and doing so went a LONG way towards understanding better the plots and varied motivations of its great characters. The week-to-week wait between episodes really hurts the careful continuity; it’s a show that practically demands that you marathon it! Most likely it’ll be in the Top 3 of a very competitive year, along with Steins;Gate, Madoka, and AnoHana. That’s good for us, and good for the industry, if they can keep releasing so many worth-watching shows (and getting them to Market so we can buy them) :-D
Happy viewing, and please feel welcome to leave a comment. If I don’t post before then, have a Happy Thanksgiving! Despite such a harsh and uncaring world, there’s so much to be thankful for
Finally, a time of year when the darker side can come out and play! I guess once a year is plenty, so we might as well live it up with a collection of Anime Music Videos taken from various horror and psychological suspense shows. Be forewarned that some of it gets… messy (but nothing that you’d not see at your friendly neighborhood theater)! Also, I suggest watching these in FullScreen; I embedded the smallest sizes so the page will hopefully load more quickly. FullScreen really makes a difference in your viewing experience, and you do want to feel scaaaared, don’t you? So… blow it up, and turn it up! (Also, spoilers and etc…)
We should lead off with this classic featuring Marilyn Manson’s “This is Halloween” played against the Soul Eateranime ‘cos… well, it just FITS:
Here’s a pair from one of the better horror anime in recent years, Shiki. That link will allow you to “watch it now”, so… watch this first
When I hear the name “Shiki” though, there’s only one for me, and that’s Ryougi Shiki from Kara no Kyoukai: The Garden of Sinners, see more in the lengthy post several below this one…
Higurashi no Naku Koro niis one of the greatest horror/suspense/thriller/psychological/comedy/mysteries EVER. As if there could ever be another, with that mix! It’s a masterpiece of puzzle-untangling and keeps the viewer mind-f****d all the way up until the end of the second season, Kai. Here are the extended Opening Themes from each series, compiled over clips from both, plus OVA material. The cast is really what made this show, especially with the second season’s improved animation and designs, and the writing was brilliant! One of my favorite shows, but at times the most disturbing… and the link has the option to “watch it now” if you dare!
Le Portrait de Petite Cossetteis another classic anime movie but it was so drenched in blood; it made Elfen Lied look like a Sunday social. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, unless the kiddies (or your boss) is in tow:
Oh, I said “Elfen Lied” didn’t I? *cued* I’m pretty sure that I should be able to find something horrific from it to share here this Halloween, hmmm~? …*overdoses on blood*… Actually it was very hard to find an AMV that wasn’t simply all the gory scenes stitched together, but this next video does such a great job in playing down the violence and instead focus on the relationship between Lucy and Khouta that I thought it worthy of sharing. Elfen Lied was my first exposure to anime, and when I saw and understood the possibilities of the depth of the storytelling compared to how childish I had thought it was prior to this, I was hooked for good. EL just knocked me out, but it’s definitely nor for the squeamish. Many people focus on the show’s violence but completely miss the point of the story, which I’ll leave to the analysts. *I* thought it was incredible xD
Serial Experiments Lainwas more of a psychological thriller, but excelled at doing so. There was definitely no hand-holding in this show as both Lain and we try to figure out just what the hell….. all this psychobabble… means… o.O
See? We (sorta) try to letcha down easy; enjoy your sweets ;-)
Well, here we go! As expected, with about a fourth of the season gone by (give or take), the Fall 2011 anime season certainly is delivering the goods! Along with a handful of returning favorites, there are a bunch of new shows that also will be eating up 25-minute chunks of my time. Way better than TV, yup!
I’ve mentioned before about being pleased if I can find eight series to watch; after winnowing out the less-than-average titles I still have TWENTY-ONE series to track over this and the next season! Four of these are holdovers from Summer season and have been reported on a few posts below ( Carnival Phantasm, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira, Mawaru Penguindrum, and The iDOLMaSTER), and the rest are new shows plus several sequels. Let’s get started with the heavyweights, shall we?
First up is the eye-popping prequel to 2006′s Fate/Stay Night, Fate/Zero. The combined talents of Studio ufotable, writer Gen Urobuchi, conceptual studio TYPE-MOON and creator Kinoko Nasu, come together with composer Yuki Kajiura to beautifully re-create and embellish the Fate franchise, and it gets exponentially better with each episode as all elements become more attuned to each other and invested in its tale. The story revolves around the previous Grail War ten years prior to the events of F/SN, and features many of the F/SN cast as younger versions with backstories that the first series didn’t reveal, some of them pretty damned heartbreaking.
I loved the much-maligned-by-Visual Novel-purists original anime of Fate/Stay/Night, so much so that I bought the original artbox starter set from Geneon just before they went under. It was one of my first anime, and I enjoyed not only the depths of its characters and far-fetched story (…it is a fantasy, right?), but also the historical aspects having to do with the “Servants”, those heroic spirits from myth and legend summoned from across all nations, all times, to battle each other for their “Master”, a magus who will achieve what they most desire by winning the War and attaining the Holy Grail (no, not that one!). Finding out their “secret name” was a game in itself, and Saber’s was the most surprising of all! And that original ending was just so beautiful… at least to my eyes. I’m currently playing through the VN, but at glacial speed, I’m afraid (LOTS of clicking-and-reading LOL). From all reports it’s better than the anime, storywise, so it’ll be something fun to play alongside watching the prequel
So far, everything has been absolutely top-notch; Studio ufotable’s fluid animation pulls no punches and the few battles have been breathtaking. The direction by Ei Aoki has been flawless aside from an early “let’s circle the subject while we provide the exposition” scene; the sensitive Kajiura soundtrack is practically seamless yet stirring. The characters are as incredible as always, and Saber is awesome in every sense of the word. I really enjoyed the slow buildup while the principles painstakingly laid out their motivations and plans to fight (and win) the War. To say that this is a well-thought out story would be an understatement; Nasu’s deliberate and detailed world-building is always sensible, if incomprehensible at times! It all makes sense in the end. Well, most of what matters, anyway ;-)
As an aside, the above non-action figures are two of my first; I especially love Saber in her country dress. “She looks so beautiful in her armor…”, but so much more human out of it (as it were). Sakura has always been one of my most-favored characters; she’s so quiet, polite, and sweet, and a perfect homemaker. But… Fate/Zero has shown something of a very different Sakura, in a very disturbing past… one that really makes you appreciate her role more in the F/SN anime (I always did like her though, despite many who claimed her to be “useless”). Oh, and the action scenes are going to kick some serious ass, if the recent episode’s duel between Lancer and Saber is any indication! See what wonders (most of) this team previously accomplished with Kara no Kyoukai, below in this Post
Oh look… Anime News Network has a brand-spanking-newinterview with Gen Urobuchi, here! It provides some great insight into the creative process of Fate/Zero, especially in the collaboration of the many talents involved.
(The above pic was created by Kholdstare for this year’s International Saimoe League, in which Shana finally won her Ruby Necklace. The necklace in the pic, however, is named “Alastor”, no joke! This Blog was named before I discovered this series, so it’s kind of a cool coincidence xD)
Another long-awaited sequel to the Shakugan no Shana franchise, SnS III (Final)features the return of another favorite character in what may be her last series if the title is any indication. That’ll lend a bittersweet air to the show as it moves towards its conclusion; I’ll miss Shana, for sure. Rie Kugimiya is such a large part of what makes her so great; her voice acting is perfectly suited to the character, who has grown quite a lot since those early episodes, when she was ill-tempered and sullen. The story has taken a wicked twist however, and there’s no telling how this one will turn out… which I do like
Being that I’ve enjoyed this series from season 1, I’ll be a little biased towards it I’m sure LOL Here’s a Promotional Video for Final:
Another series whose originals I bought (I have the Shana season 1 box set as well as F/SN), Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam is a sequel that no-one saw coming, aside from the creators. The first season, 2oo3′s Last Exile, was space opera at its finest, although it wasn’t quite set in space, but rather in the atmosphere. The steampunk-like setting, intricate politics, fantastic airships, plus a cast full of memorable characters all designed by Range Murata made the first season such a joy to watch, and I’ve re-watched it at least four times! I’ve been champing at the bit to see the sequel ever since the announcement of the new series. I’ll miss the original cast, but several of them are bound to appear… like for instance in this OPening for the first season! (Couldn’t resist )
One of the best OPs ever, in my humble opinion. This year’s edition updates the story and adds in a new cast, and takes place not long after season 1′s epic conclusion, apparently on a different world. So far it shows a lot of promise (not to mention intrigues) already)
For me, this show’s something like an unabashed guilty pleasure, much as its first season was. Genuinely funny at (most) times, this rather random squid-out-of-water tale is incredibly wacky, as you might expect from a story involving a squid-turned-humanoid in a quest to take over the world, since the human race is so disrespectful of the sea. Having to work off some damage that she caused at a seaside cafe, the shrimp-addicted, ink-spewing Ika Musume dilligently works to pay off her debt. At her own pace, and on her own terms, to be sure! So… perhaps not so dilligent! See:
One of the cutest bits from the first season was one episode that featured a short “Mini-Ika Musume” segment and was so popular that she was featured in the following two specials, which’ll give you a sampling of the show’s zany humor:
Excuse the love-struck stalker girl in the next short; she’s just a little obsessed with Ika Musume:
Rounding out the returnees is Bakuman 2, which is just like Bakuman 1, only um… higher. Actually, it is a good look behind-the-scenes involving a couple of up-and-comers competing in the rough-and-tumble world of manga publishing, but it’s a fairly “everyday, anywhere” kind of setting. The story’s a bit cliche but enjoyable enough to stick with, since I did get through season 1. We’ll be kind to the bandwidth and refrain from posting any visuals
The other two sequels are Tamayura ~hitotose~ and Working’!!, both of which are worthy of watching, at least until/if/when they begin to bore me LOL The former is a calming anime about a girl who loves to take pictures, and the latter a workplace sitcom taking place in a restaurant, peppered with what you’d expect: misunderstandings, petty jealousies, a cute-but-man-hating waitress, assorted teasing, pining, and complaining, with a capable and funny cast who can act it all out and leave you laughing.
I’ll get to the remaining eight (!!!) shows in the next installment; it seems these reviews have been getting longer and longer with each season! With such a bountiful harvest I don’t see how this Fall Season can be topped, but I said that about the last season. And the season before that… which means, that at least for my tastes, things are definitely improving variety-wise, though there is room for the more truly innovative stories we are craving, if certain formulaic tendencies can be overcome. Meanwhile, I’ll be appropriately grateful for the bounty which we are about to receive…
Today Kate Bush released her first brand-new single of original material since 2005′s Aerial, and it is such a much-needed breath of clean, fresh icy air, as if blown down from the snowy peaks of the North over the arid landscape of Modern Music. In the wee hours of the tenth, I was privileged to sit in on a pre-release live stream of the new single over the BBC, with a bunch -er, make that several bunches- of Kate-fanatics in a couple of chaotic chat rooms. Probably the most frenetic, crazy, giddy, and anticipatory group of friendlies ever since… well that memorable Aerial announcement party at the HomeGround Forum’s chat room! Such a blast, and I thank those in attendance for *cough* “organizing” and contributing to the festivities. My head is still spinning :-D
Courtesy of creative video-maker and fellow FishPeople (-or, is that Person?) Sky Vibes, here’s a video that he put together in support of the wonderfully atmospheric extended edit; you’ll have to click the title link to see it (DO IT! But be aware that it won’t open in a new window, and will take you away from here; maybe save it for after the end?):
*sigh* -I tried like hell to get the Vimeo video to embed, but don’t think it works with WordPress. So, here’s the “radio edit” video courtesy of YouTube. No moving pictures to distract you, so just close your eyes, turn it up, and let Kate’s homage to the Wild Man fill you up. Listen…
“They call you an animal
The Kangchenjunga demon
Wild man
Metoh-kangmi
Lying in my tent
I can hear your cry
Echoing round the mountainside
You sound lonely
While crossing the Lhakpa La
Something jumped down from the rocks
In the remote Garo hills by Dipu Marak
We found footprints in the snow
The schoolmaster of Darjeeling said
He saw you by the Tengboche Monastery
You were playing in the snow
You were banging on the doors
You got up on the roof
Roof of the world
You were pulling up the rhododendrons
Loping down the mountain
They want to know you
They will hunt you down
Then they will kill you
Run away, run away
Run away
While crossing the Lhakpa La
Something jumped down from the rocks
In the remote Garo hills by Dipu Marak
We found footprints in the snow
We found your footprints in the snow
We brushed them all away
From the Sherpas of Annapurna
To the Rinpoche of Qinghai
Shepherds from Mount Kailash to Himachal Pradesh
Found footprints in the snow
You’re not a Langur monkey
Nor a big brown bear
You’re the wild man
They say they saw you drowned
Near the Rongbuk glacier
They wanna hunt you down
You’re not an animal
The lamas say
You’re not an animal…”
(Lyrics to the extended version of WILD MAN by Kate Bush; these above are best-guestimated by a small cadre of dedicated Kate-Fans; you know who you are, and thanks xD
I’ll leave the reviewing, speculating, and commentary to the more analytical among us; that’s not really my forte. Kate’s lyrics always affect me on both a meta-level and micro-level; descriptive words never satisfy me in explaining “what they mean”. There isn’t really a need for me to interpret her lyrics; or rather, Idon’t feel the need to. I just Feel them, I guess. The experience of absorption alone is enough
I discover several layers of meanings to her lyrics with every song it seems, so I do go over the lyrics upon the second listening. And then many times after that But to breathe in her atmospheric compositions and hold them inside… and then out into de-composition and de-construction? I can’t do that. I do enjoy reading other fans interpretations though; they never cease to amaze me. Such intelligent and knowledgable people, these Kate-Fans, Kate-Fancies, HomeGrounders, LoveHounds, and Fish People! I am humbled to be counted among you :-D
So I’ll just say that she is indescribably delicious :-)
...beautiful Kate
It has always annoyed me to read articles and reviews opining that Kate is weird, loopy, mad, and reclusive. They examine her beneath their shoddy microscopes as if she were a thing of curiosity; a microorganism; an animal. She’s not an animal…
It’s too bad that whenever something doesn’t fit comfortably into a preconceived genre or box that it’s simple mindedly labelled as “weird”. It is NOT weird. It is thinking outside the box, which should be considered a positive trait. The delightful abandon with which she pursues her Muse does not signify distracted ramblings, these are carefully-orchestrated compositions that speak of true genius, and the depths of her poetry reaches souls both shallow and deep, and satisfy both. We read of her being “mad”, when this is simply the easiest word used to dismiss her unusual brilliance; it dims the writers’ comprehension, especially in light of their inability to Compare With Something Similar. As for the “R” word, a true artist works at their best in Solitude, and guards it with every precious breath of their body. I have long admired her for all these qualities, and am happy that she knows what she wants, how to get it, and how best to create it. And, I am happy in Receiving it
Kate, by Yirry Yanya
It takes courage to live like this. It takes patience. It takes fortitude to remain true to one’s vision against pressures from all sides, and a determination to seek companionship with one’s creative Muse, with no compromise. It takes a huge love of people to exist apart from them solely in One’s Own Time, to simply give us something to enjoy, to wonder at, and to cherish. Much like her fans cherish her :-D
Angel Kate
You’re not “weird”.
You’re not “mad”.
You’re not a “recluse”.
You’re not an animal.
Thank you :-D
The new single is now available for download, and the forthcoming album “50 Words For Snow” comes out in November, so get to the usual suspects and place those (pre-)orders now! And as always, please feel welcome to leave any comments
Well, it’s taken me forever, but I finally finished up the last of the Summer 2011 Anime Season entries, and just in time for the Fall Season. What a bountiful harvest this summer! Since there were so many titles I tracked, let’s take them in batches, the first being those Spring shows that spanned two seasons:
I’m firmly convinced that Steins;Gatewill be viewed as one of the greatest all-time shows ever, and in checking Anime News Network’s Top Ten Anime List I see that it already is listed at number 4! It’s great to see that it’s been so well-received, as it’s a personal favorite and one I enjoyed every second of; it’s among the easiest 10 scores I’ve ever given. (FYI: my “grading” isn’t based on technical merit but what I consider to be the overall entertainment value. YMMV )
(Self-proclained mad scientist Rintaro Okabe on an intelligence-gathering mission spies an American and gets a chance to practice his “Engrish”:)
…and I suppose that the video’s “time loop” is a sort of wink at the series
Steins;Gate has it all: complex and deep characters and a wonderful cast in general, a riveting storyline, very clever writing and dialogue, excellent soundtrack, a story-weaving that is (apparently) inscrutable but doles out its enlightenment in alternately teasing and treacherous doses, suspenseful to a pitched degree at times, painful and heartbreaking at others… this show simply has everything. The following anime music video gives an excellent overview, and it uses Oasis’ “Falling Down” as a fitting backdrop:
Of the other Spring shows I watched that just ended were Ao no Exorcist (8), Hanasaku Iroha (9), Nichijou (9), and Tiger and Bunny (9), all of which ran for around 24 episodes. (Scores are generally high because if it’s something worth my time watching I’m obviously going to enjoy it, to one degree or another!)
All of the above are quite distinct from one another: Ao no Exorcist(aka Blue Exorcist) is an action-comedy that blends in a big dose of the supernatural, Hanasaku Irohaa sweet slice-of-life coming of age story centered around Iroha who has just started working at a country inn, Nichijou(aka My Ordinary Life) is a hilarious, totally random slice-of-VERY-unordinary life, brilliantly animated by Kyoto Animation, and Tiger & Bunny, a refreshing (and funny) take on “super-heroes” in an alternate future where sponsors pay to advertise on the heroes’ outfits and a television program follows their exploits in pursuit of ever-higher ratings. Note that many of these can be watched (legally) from the links provided
Here’s a taste of Nichijou’s insanity where the school’s principal takes on a trespassing deer:
That leaves us with five Summer series that ran for roughly twelve episodes: Dantalian no Shoka (8), Ikoku Meiro no Croisee (9), Kamisama Dolls (6), Kamisama no Memochou (aka “God’s Notebook”) (8), and the wonderful Usagi Drop (10).
Kamisama Dollsis one of the lowest-rated shows for me to have gotten through. It’s a very average anime (blending mecha, sci-fi and a little romance), but a few of the characters and minor plots proved interesting enough for me to soldier through it. The Opening Theme was the best thing about it! Glad it’s over LOL The gratuitous gravity-defying big-boobed girl was extremely off-putting and distracting; totally unnecessary. The character designs and animation didn’t do anything for me, either. Still, I didn’t hate it, but wouldn’t recommend it either.
Kamisama no Memochouwas much better; at least Alice, the frail reclusive detective, was interesting, if mildly annoying at times. Dantalian (“The Mystic Archives of Dantalian”) reminded me a lot of Gosick (but with more supernatural elements): early twentieth-century setting, period-appropriate designs and dress, and a pair of main characters whom you care about. But for me Huey and Dalian are slightly less-knit than Victorique and Kujo, so Gosick wins the mystery-pint-sized-detective award this year. Nevertheless, Dantalian is gorgeous to look at, and its characters fetching. I’m going to miss hearing Dalian’s cute “Yes” ;_;
That leaves us with a pair of gentle, funny, and very unlikely champions of the year. Ikoku was completely delightful, featuring a nineteenth-century Paris gallery where a young Japanese girl named Yune is brought to help out in a sign-maker’s shop. The wonder and delight she experiences is shared with the viewer very well, as are the pitfalls of being a “stranger in a strange land”. The interaction between Yune and the various French citizens are both touching and amusing; it’s a great family-oriented show and ultimately very heartwarming. Not for everyone, but one’s patience is rewarded in the end, as long as the viewer isn’t an action-junkie
Usagi Drop… now this was a very pleasant surprise; I loved this show. Another anime better-suited for all ages (though a bit mature in its aspects and perspective), this story involves a grown single man who suddenly (and impulsively) volunteers to take in his grandfather’s love-child, a quiet, withdrawn and lonely little girl named Rin, who has been spurned by their family, and deserted by her mother. The manner in which their at-first difficult relationship develops is a marvel to behold, as Rin begins to blossom and emerge from her shell, and Daikichi begins to understand what parenthood and responsibility mean. Highly recommended, if the genre suits you
ANN’s Carl Kimlinger wrote up a review of the full season over here, if this series sounds appealing to you.
Two series I’m still watching will continue to run through the Fall season, the excellent, inscrutable, and bizarre Mawaru Penguindrum, and the amusing and entertaining The iDollm@ster which at first seems just a girls’ show about (Japanese) idols, but whose dozen characters are funny, quirky, and very much individuals. It’s a great show for fans of J-pop though! I’m pleasantly surprised that I’m still watching it, but enjoying it quite a lot. As I’ve said before, I’ll enjoy any good story with good characters of any genre, even if drawn in stick-figures
Here’s an intense (as it says) trailer for the surreal Mawaru Penguindrum, another strong contender for anime of the year:
EDIT: I just finished episode 12… and all I can say is … well, I can’t say it. Half the episode I was going “Huh? “WHAT?” “OHHH-hhh” “‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ -this is not the Mary I remember!” and “NOOO-ooo…” My eyes were tearing up for much of it; what a turn of events. Many events at nearly the same time, as is normal in this show. It’s going to be a 10 for sure, as long as it keeps this up, which it has for every episode so far. I also spent some time reading the episode’s sub-forum at My Anime List, and you wouldn’t believe the symbolism running rampant in this series, let alone the mass of interpretations regarding the convoluted plotlines. As an example, here’s an excellent blog suggested by one of the more analytical and thoughtful members, where much of this episode is discussed in detail. Be advised before clicking: MAJOR SPOILER WARNING!!! But… the uninitiated won’t be able to make heads or tails of it anyway, so I guess it’s alright to take a peek Not that it’s like you’re going to remember anything! Heh heh… please step over here: to the Altair & Vega Blog!
Annnnddd… EDIT TWO: Just finished episode 13, and the plot gets even deeper (if that’s even possible), but things are beginning to make sense now. A little. Well… kinda. I know more than I did, ’nuff said LOL And I’m really impressed with Studio Brain’s Base; this series came totally out of left field! The direction is amazing, and the pacing keeps propelling the viewer forward (and backward) relentlessly. They out-Shaft Studio Shaft, an impossible feat; they make Shaft’s brilliant shows look almost conservative in comparison. That’s saying something! (Everyone knows I love Studio Shaft )Anyway, since there’s so much text here I’ll have to break it up with a video, this time it’s the first “Survival Strategy” scene which will shed (damn little but a lot) light on the new “relationship” between brothers Kanba and Shouma and their sister Himari, now something very un-Himaro-like…
I’m also following several OVAs (straight to video) series that are interesting (to one degree or another):Carnival Phantasm, a tenth-anniversary celebration that’s a wacky tromp through the Type-Moon universe which I’m loving, being a big Fate/Stay Night and Kara no Kyoukai fan (see the full KnK/Kalafina post below). Mardock Scrambleis a dramatic sci-fi series of movies with an intriguing storyline, and the lamentable (to me) Higurashi no Naku Koro ni spinoff Kira, the less said the better. It’s supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek celebration of the masterpiece Higurashi (aka the “When They Cry”) series, but the fanservice is WAY over the top, and seems insulting to the original characters. Still, it’s great to see the cast again after their nightmarish ordeals in the main series. In comparison though, this is painful; a complete 180 degrees from the originals.
And now… the Fall harvest is about to begin! Er… or begun, as it’s two weeks in and I’m so behind I have yet to dive into it! Approaching the diving board… now! *splash*
Thought I’d do an update on Vienna Teng since I’ve been trolling YouTube for goodies, and it’s been two years since the last post. Vienna is one of my favorite “discoveries” and she is so multitalented, good-humored, and entertaining that I feel it important to share her with you. She is criminally unknown. Let’s just fix that shall we? Here are some performances that I hope you’ll enjoy
Check out this great take on Radiohead’s “idioteque”, with her ace percussionist and partner-in-time Alex Wong and guest Kevin Rice on drums:
Naturally I can’t resist sharing the beautiful “Gravity” once more, this time from the official music video:
For a live version and an amazingly beautiful Anime Music Video featuring this song, see the prior Vienna post.
How about a study in extremes? These two clips showcase Vienna’s lyrics and astute poetry; the first one a lullaby of comfort for a beloved child, warm and so very tender…
…and the second so cruel and very devastating. Fasten your seat belt, and witness a child despised by an obsessed mother who is lost in her desire for the father:
Damn; what do you follow that with…? We’ll try to work back up out of the depths with “The Tower”:
Let’s get Alex back out here:-) From the Shoe on the Other Foot Dept: “No Gringo” live…
Wow, I spent an hour trying to find a good live version of this next song, “Grandmother Song”, because the stage version is so lively, but either the vocals or the drums were mixed way too far back. Funny advisory/adversarial lyrics xD So here’s the album version to get you up on your feet! Short ‘n’ sweet
…and that should make up for that woefully-short first introductory post
I hope you enjoyed the exposure; if she meets your approval and tastes, please support her by buying her albums
In Letters to a Young Poet, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) wrote to an aspiring young writer about the vocation of writing and the nature of creativity in solitude:
“What is necessary, after all, is only this: solitude, vast inner solitude. To walk inside yourself and meet no-one for hours – that is what you must be able to attain. To be solitary as you were when you were a child, when the grownups walked around involved with matters that seemed large and important because they looked so busy and because you didn’t understand a thing about what they were doing.
...the snow-bound aerial...
“And when you realize that their activities are shabby, that their vocations are petrified and no longer connected with life, why not then continue to look upon it all as a child would, as if you were looking at something unfamiliar, out of the depths of your own solitude, which is itself work and status and vocation? Why should you want to give up a child’s wise non-understanding….
...shooting into the night...
“Think, dear Sir, of the world that you carry inside you, and call this thinking whatever you want… only be attentive to what is arising within you, and place that above everything you perceive around you. What is happening in your innermost self is worthy of your entire love; somehow you must find a way work at it, and not lose too much time or too much courage in clarifying your attitude towards people.
“… Only the individual who is solitary is placed under the deepest laws… and when he walks out into the rising dawn or looks out into the event-filled evening and when he feels what is happening there, all situations drop from him as if from a dead man, though he stands in the midst of pure life… if there is nothing you can share with other people, try to be close to Things; they will not abandon you; and the nights are still there, and the winds that move through the trees and across many lands; everything in the world of Things and animals is still filled with happening, which you can take part in.”
Certain artists are often considered “abnormal” for removing themselves from the world to create, presumed to be anti-social, mad, or worse. I bristle when I see those thoughtless, insensitive, and dismissive assumptions about creators who generously share with us their cherished creations, and about independant individuals who can see the wisdom in solitude in spite of the conformists who castigate them as simply being “loners”.
“The Loner” is the most misunderstood member of Society. Those who righteously remove themselves from the cacaphony of civilization in order to create (or contribute other talents to the World), often at great expense to their well-being, are rarely forgiven or tolerated by the masses, unless they can be latched onto for some kind of gain. It’s a convenient tag used by the madding crowd to marginalize and diminish what is essentially the most God-like thing we as humans can do: create Something out of Nothing.
That, and Love, which is the simplest, greatest, and most universal Reflection :-)
This series will attempt to shed light on my own personal journey undertaken so long ago, to which path I wish I would’ve stuck to as I stumble blindly down the mountain like the Fool that I am. Step by step… the Sun’s comin’ out
...here we go...
(The Rilke section is provided via Anneli Rufus’ encouraging and provocative book, “Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto” (2003), highly recommended to those courageous souls who are feeling persecuted by Society’s hostile attitudes towards those who can do without.)
Welcome to Alastor's Reflection, the re-imagining of Fingal's Cave; a much more suitable environment than that poor soul's indwelling. Fingal resumes his journey in the pages of UNBOUND, while another solitary Spirit remains in this Place to muse with his Muse on the pursuit of "Life, Joy, Empire, and Victory," and the beauties therein...
]
