In Japanese, it usually means "let's dance＝odorimasyo or Odoriran-sai. but in Hiroshima, where su-metal is from, it is called "Odoriran-chai. In Hiroshima, where su-metal is from ～There is a dialect saying "~sai" as "chai" in Hiroshima, where su-metal is from. The expression "~chai" is a little softer than "~sai. However, "~sai" is not only used in the sense of a command. When the word "~sai" is said with a stronger tone, it carries the meaning of a command, but in everyday conversation, it can be used in the same way as "~shouldn't you? or "Why don't you try ~? In everyday conversation, "~chai" has the meaning of a recommendation or a light suggestion. The word "~chai" is mainly used by women. Therefore, the reason why we used ~chai" in the lyrics is because su-metal is from Hiroshima, Japan. I think that su-metal is from Hiroshima, and that is why the lyrics were chosen for this song.
I'm so glad I could be included in this. Babymetal has outgrown being just a band or group. Feels like more of a way of life. A line from this song reminds me of a movie. In the movie the kids go to a blues music club. And they're told no body leaves without singing the blues. And of course, they end up singing the blues. It's a music festival and you can't leave without singing or dancing. Same concept. I thought when I saw them kick over the items on the floor that it was a since of kicking over the traditional culture, but this is what Babymetal did to traditional metal music as well. Babymetal just wouldn't be Babymetal without their Japanese culture and Metal just isn't metal without the metal elements. Babymetal has kept both and yet are something new. More than the sum of their parts. Babymetals foxhole is deep and full of surprises.
Steve, I have vague recollections, deep inside my mind of a black and white movie with similar words spoken at a blues club, I have no idea if we are thinking of the same movie, though. You are going to keep me up all night trying to find that movie and that line haha. I also love your thoughts on BM kicking over the tea sets. I agree with Professor Hartley in his suggestion that they may be saying that whilst they are Japanese, they might just step on a few traditional Japanese societal conventions. However, I feel you also might be right about Babymetal making a statement along the lines of saying that they have always bucked the norm in metal music, and that they will continue to upset the apple(tea)cart. I really like that analogy.
Thank you Andrew; I feel thoroughly educated now. Your analysis always lends an extra layer to my enjoyment of a Babymetal song. Cats and ladles is my new catchphrase
Yes! That is absolutely awesome haha. My wife and I watched this together and laughed when that line came up, we have ten cats, and they do indeed like to dance 😂
I always appreciate the lecture you present ありがとうございます 💛。 And thank you for mentioning my name. If my info works to supplement your knowledge, I am happy. (The framed calligraphy on the wall is beautiful. 「高潔」 means "high-minded", "nobleness", "integrity". It goes well with you.) I have nothing to add your lecture, so I put a little other info for BM fan viewers. ★ I saw Momometal rotate her pig tail like Moa does in Headbangeerr at Zepp Haneda on Aug.16. My friend living in Hokkaido also saw her doing it in RSR festival on Aug.12. Twin-propeller on both sides of Su-Metal has now come back! That was another amazing thing I witnessed in addition to Momoko's solo part in Metali. 😍★
In an interview just released the girls said in keeping with the inclusive nature of the song, they purposely made the choreography simpler than what they have recently done so that anyone can dance along, even if they are not a skilled dancer. Very cool how much thought goes into all the details to make a cohesive and powerful musical experience, this one will be one of the live performance staples for sure.
Welcome back Professor! This is what you do best ... taking something so culturally and linguistically inaccessible and confusing to most Babymetal fans and explaining it in a clear and concise way. I learned so, so much from this video. This is so informative; you might not be the best on TH-cam for Japanese translations (still excellent, though), but in my opinion, you provide, simultaneously, the most concise, and the most complete, analyses of Japanese music and bands in your wheelhouse. Great callouts to your wonderful contributors for helping you understand certain parts of the song. Coincidentally, I reached out to both of them last night as one was a guest in a reactor video for this song, and the other I suspected would have been at the live performance from a few days back, and I had a very specific, performance related, question. I thank them both because not only did they take the time to reply to me, but they both graciously answered my questions (I have thanked them both privately). Professor, in high school I had an art teacher who often repeated a phrase: "great art creates great conversations". I feel that both you and Babymetal qualify as great artists in your fields, and I think you will definitely create many interesting conversations with this video.
You are always so thoughtful and generous in your comments, Len. Thanks. I am delighted to hear that you are having great conversations with other fans too, and I agree, that happens when the original art has the nuance and power you describe. Of course, these types of discussions don't appeal to all fans, but that is, I guess, the way of the world :) Cheers.
I was not expecting a song like this given the direction they had been going with their more recent music, but that's the beauty of being a Babymetal fan; as soon as you think you have them figured out, they immediately show you that you don't. This song definitely does hark back to early songs, especially Megitsune, and is probably the most kawaii they've been in a while. You're also right that Su sounds different to usual. It sounds like she's using a bit of that unique vibrato technique you only really hear in more traditional Japanese music, and it's not something she's done a whole lot of before. It might not be their best song, but it goes hard and I have a sneaking suspicion that it will go even harder in a live setting. This is going to get every crowd that hears it bouncing up to the rafters.
OMG, what a banger! Iwas listening to the song on repeat the whole 30 minutes on my way home from work. I just couldn't get enough. I was looking forward to getting home and watching your analysis. As always, you don't disappoint. Great information. Thank you for putting this together so quickly. One more remark: I also felt like Su's voice sounded free and unrestrained. It fits the song perfectly. What I need in my life is more unrestrained Su-Metal. Love it. Well, back to listening to the song a few more times. Thank you, Prof Hartley.
Another excellent walk-through. Thanks, professor. Probably one of the best invested half hours in my life. 😁 I love the song (obviously) and I'm hyped since I listened to it for the first time. And yes, Su's vocals are pure perfection. I'm very happy with the collaboration this time. And very happy for Momoko as well (no further explanation needed!). 😊 Until next time! 🤘🦊
Just watched this having seen them live in Vancouver a few nights ago, and much of this rings true in the live performance! The Momo solo section is one of several times during the show that features maximum crowd engagement and togetherness, when Su almost demands that everyone sit or crouch on the floor. When the full band joins back in the venue goes into complete mayhem! Top quality stagecraft...a Babymetal trademark! And hella FUN!
TH-cam algorithm is dropping the ball. These analysis videos from you are right up my alley and I'm only just here 2 months after the fact. Thanks Prof!
Thanks for this analysis. I think this shows us what Babymetal is all about. They've taken this sad " serious" metal genre and made it entertaining and , what some metal heads hate, great fun. I think when this is played in a British venue, we will know the meaning of carnage. Love it. 🦊🦊💥🦊🦊
19:10 Your explanation and insight are utterly true. The word, "Mie" in Kabuki needs a verb which is "Kiru or lu (whatever). It means to show off sth at least in the world of Kabuki. So, your crystal explanation about this odd move describes showing off Momoko in herself. Additionally, Momoko is saying a dialogue at 23:16 "Odorude shikashi" is originally from a well known comedian who's passed away and always wore glasses often said "Okorude shikashi". Thats' why she moves like position of glasses. As you know this is a kind of joke The team BM often does. If I think over the dialogue means deeply, that famous comedian did the same type comedy of her father does now. "Oi, I'll get to dance in front of you right now" , if I translate "Odorude shikashi", btw.
I knew of the comedian reference, but hadn't picked up the glasses gesture. Thank you. That helps and makes the reference clearer. And I like how it deepens Momoko's part on the song. Much appreciated.
Ha! I ask myself that a lot :) I think mostly what people want from reactors is an enthusiastic endorsement of the audience's musical taste, rather than analysis of the music itself. Obviously, that's not what I do, so I'm destined to be a very minor TH-camr. Ah well :)
Late to this. Reckon I should subscribe. Very much agree about the theme of inclusivity-noble notion. Otherwise this song's lyrics are boilerplate and the visuals formulaic. Must be hundreds of Japanese artists of various genres who've done matsuri-themed songs over the decades, with lyrics containing the same expressions, phrases you get here. Juxtaposing the old and new Japan, high and popular culture, the Japanese and the other (non-Japanese), is common in Japanese film and MVs; visual tropes like hands tearing through paper screens and kabuki poses abound in TV variety shows and commercials and J-Pop concerts let alone in films and MVs-nothing new or particularly interesting here if one is familiar with Japanese culture, language, and entertainment. Difference is BM has a big Western fanbase, whose fine members will devote a 30-minute reaction to a song like this and comment on that reaction by the dozens. Granted, your Japanese subs have commented here too and apparently helped you with the lyrics and cultural references, but from what I've read the Japanese fanbase, in comments directed to itself, seems more interested in the spotlight on Momoko and in Tom Morello's participation than in any aspect of the visuals or lyrics (except maybe the "aho" or "fool" bit in the lyrics). MVs like "Megitsune" and "Metali", and, say, Band-Maid's two "Band-Maiko" vdos, seem to be aiming for the "Wow the Westerner" effect. And it works. But that's okay, if it draws attention to Japanese music and culture from thoughtful persons like yourself and your subs. Btw, re your close, er, you're a fool, not an idiot. I mean, the translation of "aho" is rightly "fool", not "idiot". Clunky translations of Japanese song lyrics are a problem, and this is a good example. "Aho" is not simply an Osaka-area expression but is used in Shikoku too. The "a" of "aho" and the "a" of Awa, as in Odori, are written with the same kanji character-though "aho" isn't often written with kanji. And yes, there is an unmistakeable reference to manzai comedian Yasushi. The Awa Odori verses have been altered at the end to include one of Yasushi's catchphrases. Momoko's father is also a comedian of the manzai style.
Thanks. And yes, subscribe :). I appreciate your informed insight. Maybe you should be one of my collaborative informants :) Drop me an email if things strike you before I make my video (admittedly that can be a narrow window as I feel pressure to post quickly). Not sure I see much difference between fool and idiot in contemporary usage (or historical for that matter). What distinction are you seeing?
@@AndrewHartley Subbed. As for "fool" and "idiot", I think "fool" connotes more silliness, clownishness, while "idiot" more stresses stupidity. As I recall "idiot" was once used in medical literature to denote cases of mental deficiency. In contemporary usage I think it can have a nasty edge that "fool" lacks. Don't have stats to back it up, but I'd venture to say that "fool" appears far more often in lyrics and generally in literature, because it's a more flavorful, playful term, and phonemically it more suits musical vocalization. In the playful, kidding sense "fool" fits "aho", which often crops up in manzai comedy banter (speaking of which). They were before my time, but I've taken a liking recently to some of the Doobie Brothers' music, they have a song titled "What a Fool Believes", and it would be all wrong if it was "What an Idiot Believes". But this is subjective. Of course "idiot" can be used kiddingly too. And this is much more text than the topic merits. Cheers.
@@otobokegaijin6218 Perhaps so though, as you say, it's subjective. Wordsworth's "Idiot Boy" is a simpleton and Shakespeare uses "fool" in a variety of ways, some meaning simpleton, others suggesting the "allowed fool" of the medieval court. Some overlap between them, then. I suspect which is used also has a lot to do with speaker demographics these days. But as you say, this is probably over egging the pudding :) Cheers.
FIY: here's an example of Matsuri-bayashi （祭り囃子）, traditional musical accompaniments played during a folkloric festival. th-cam.com/video/R56AY0jy-fo/w-d-xo.html
This one is super catchy and the beat is one I can't seem to recall in any other BM song. Like, it's a beat one can strut to. None of their other songs have that. I caught the parallels between Megitsune and this MV and really liked the theme of incorporating culture, but kicking some of it out of the way in order to move not just in the box, but outside of it as they progressed onto the big stage. Edit: 21:02 - musician friend of mine once wrote "you better do your dancin' while you can, cuz someday your legs won't bounce the same."
Levels of appreciation for Metali!! Level 1: Listening to Metali!! song ❤ Level 2: Watching Metali!! MV ❤❤ Level 3: Reading Metali!! lyrics ❤❤❤ Level 4: Getting Professor Hartley's cultural explanation of Metali!! ❤❤❤❤ This is why I love BABYMETAL and The One!! Metali!! is an instant top tier song.l!! 🤘🦊🤘
Yes, and then Level 5: being there live! Now that I have AJ's analysis, I just hope they perform this song in Spain @ Barcelona and Madrid which I have tickets for.
Great guide to the lylics of Metali. I am glad you noticed the Hiroshima dialects of the song: "utain-chai" and "odorin-chai". Su might have proposed these parts because the suffix "-chai" is quite rare and unknown dialect nationwide and only native Hiroshima people can have an idea of using it. I am from Hiroshima, so I am 100% sure there is someone from this region behind the song.
My Japanese isn't good enough to really follow the nuances of dialects, so I rely on native Japanese speakers to point such things out. I visited Hiroshima for the second time last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you for putting in time and work to share your knowledge in order to help us decode the multitude of cultural references. This has expanded my understanding of the song enormously. Where before the urge to give in to the stomping rhythm felt like a guilty pleasure, it is now clear that this is the exact message of the song. We are all idiots anyway, so let's groove it. Thanks again and greetings from Germany!
I'm so excited you got this up so quick! This song is on another level and may be top 5 favorite Babymetal song for me. I was very curious to learn the lyrics, especially the Momoko solo part. I love it!! As always your hard work is appreciated and us fans could never do enough to repay you! ❤❤
THat's very kind of you. Thanks! I confess it was a strain getting this together so quickly and took a ridiculous amount of time considering it's only a half hour video, but I'm glad you liked it.
Half an hour watching AJ explaining a 4 minute BM video? Time well spent! Thank you for your thorough insights into the lyrics and images used in the mv! Insightful as always! I absolutely agree with you on the many parallels to the Megitsune mv. I love all the little details to the Japanese culture you provided. And yes, this song is a banger and I am sure it will blow up some arena roofs when they play that live. 🤘🔥🦊
Glad you enjoyed it! I am trying to keep things short but there's so much to talk about :) And yeah, I'm hoping they'll play this live on the coming tour.
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thank you for the intereasting lecture again, our emeritus!
Thank you, professor. You have confirmed some of what I had been thinking regarding this very surprising tune from Babymetal. One thing I have been wondering about is since this tune didn’t make it onto the last album could there possibly me more of these types of pieces to soon follow along in a perhaps quick turn from their latest, which they are still doing their supporting tour dates for (yay, for live BM music), with yet another record of entirely new music such as this foot stomper? Don’t get me wrong on this as there is nothing I don’t like about their latest album in the slightest. I just find this tune much more openly organic rock sounding than their last record which had a significantly more processed and intentionally manipulated sonic feel to it. I am not saying one is better than the other, just that there is a huge difference in the texture of their sound between the two. I am referring to not only their ladies vocals, but speaking about their overall sound as a complete group/band which includes the Kami’s and recorded backing tracks of various sampled things, etc. I think an album shaped in this more open and explosive format might really let Su run wild with her vocals and show us some of her perhaps here to for, hidden, or maybe I should say, less visible talents? I definitely like this new vector she is using on this piece and find myself really wanting to hear more of this new style from her, and of course the M & M’s, Moa and Momoko! How fun was this? Totally rad, man. Anyway, thanks for posting your breakdown on this new and surprising piece from BM. Let’s hope they continue to do more BM type things and surprise us all. Only a few more weeks till Aftershock here in Sacramento when I will be finding out in person what this one will sound like up close and in my face! Cheers - E in NorCal
Yes, though I don't think we ever got a sharp picture, I think the last album (which I liked a lot) was at least partly comprised of old songs that were reworked during the pandemic. These latest may be the first truly new songs in a long time. Looking forward to hearing this one in Atlanta in a week!
I just LOVE seeing you try and keep up the "analyzer" mentality when the music kicks back into your ears, @AndrewHartley. Also, your pronunciation is better than mine. (0 points for that though, sorry.) hehehe EDIT: I am not, but do not hold any animosity towards any dancing ladles.
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." 3:23 in the Official M/V, do we not see Moa-Metal, Su-Metal, and Momo-Metal on the shoulder of a Giant? (I mean, they're kind of chair dancing on the guitar of a giant, and it's more like eye-level, but the theme is there.) Am I reading into that finale too deeply? I personally find this extremely respectful and inspired in it's depiction of the all inclusive "we are all fools" theme of the entire M/V. I of course understand that this metaphor spans the globe, but I am curious if the traditional festival also includes this. It's possible it was just a kawaii way to get the 4 into one shot, and unintentionally brilliant!
Excellent explanation of everything as always, thank you so much. I have learned a lot from this ... the main thing I think I intend to take away is that one way or another and no matter what - I am an idiot, something I had always suspected and now confirmed, but that I am not alone. I just hope we will all get our chance to join in and dance like idiots at whatever of their concerts we might be at to this now officially certified "banger".🤪🕺👯💃🤘😁
The analysis we all have waited for... I cannot get enough of that old lady Kabuki interlude. And the whole Japanese festival vibe is sooo hype! PS... Tom Morello would be so stoked watching the Professor's review 😊
Having watched a number of different reviews of this song (and, I know this is not a review at all)... I do want to say one thing explicitly that even the Professor didn't state... and while I think it is obvious, it wasn't obvious to these other reviewers... Metali is basically a Babymetal version of Matsuri. With that obviously idiotic statement out of the way... I appreciate the specifics put towards this song and it's influences, in particular to the very specific festival it is referencing. I don't think I (as a gaijin) would have been able to realize that they were going so far into the specifics. But, that is very Babymetal. But, without that... when I first heard the song... I thought of the "dashi", the carts that are pulled by a whole bunch of humans that have musical performers on it... usually drum and flute... and of course the chanting of this mass of people pulling the cart. And, even though they are using shamisen instead of flutes (perhaps, a more identifiable instrument to the west), the melody still evoked those scenes. The other thing I would say that is different with this song is that (with the exception of the Momo Middle) is that there is hardly any space. It is dense with sound and chanting and music and there is almost no room to breathe which I normally dislike... but it works in this song. The 3 1/2 minute run time helps too. And, I think Tom Morello evokes the right sound for what this song is. I certainly understand why Koba would ask him about collaborating on this song... it works. Is this the most overtly Japanese song that Babymetal has done... at least since Megitsune? I think so. And, I think that is intentional. Babymetal has been reborn. But, Babymetal has not changed... just evolved. As always, thanks for the great insight.
I agree that this is their most Japanese centric song since Megitsune, which is why I think the choice of Morello is really interesting. An expanded and welcoming Japan is pretty cool.
I've learned a lot. Time to give back. Here is my humble offering to The Wayside Shrine Of Fringe Knowledge: I used all the BM songs you analyzed here until this video, but excluding Kingslayer and including Believing (no walk-through yet), to create a coherent text that gives a good overview of life as described by Babymetal. Feel free to give any thought, hints on possible improvement or scathing criticism as you see fit. It's your comment section, after all. ################################################################################ This is what the Spirit Of Heavy Metal, the Fox God, taught us through the songs of Babymetal, his chosen ones [Show intro & Babymetal Death] Open your mind [The One] This is a dark, dark world. [Monochrome, live performance] In the spring of our life, the mornings are filled with joy and excitement, [Doki Doki Morning] and the nights with hilarious celebrations [Uki Uki Midnight] but these moments do not last, [Headbangeeeeerr!] The wind blows [Starlight] and the seasons change. [Believing] The colours we painted our dreams with will fade, [Monochrome] and eventually a sad rain will fill our hearts [No Rain, No Rainbow] One day, someone may decieve you, feigning love, [Maya] or flatter you for the sake of material gains [Onedari Daisakusen] or make up excuses without beeing serious. [Sis Anger] One day, someone may ask you to believe in superstitions [Song 4], like that it's dangerous to wear red shoes [Catch Me If You Can] or persuade you that it's wrong to be different [Yava!] One day, someone may try to bully you. [Ijime, Dame, Zettai] or you may be beset by an unknown terror, [Rondo Of A Nightmare] and all you can do is keep on moving through the night. [From Dusk Til Dawn] One day, you may lose someone you love forever [No Rain, No Rainbow] and you may still have to smile with your face while crying with your heart. [Megitsune] One day, someone you love may betray you, driving you crazy, [Kagerou] Life is constantly at risk. [Elevator Girl] And yet, some love will survive. [Akatzuki] Eventually, a New Day will come [Brand New Day] This day may come, if we listen to the voices of our comrades, [Meta! Meta Taro] if we raise our flag together [Metal Kingdom] and protect each other, [Ijime, Dame, Zettai] giving love and support even to weak-kneed people [GJ!] This day may come, if we remember the good moments in our lives. [Headbangeeeeerr!] if we keep in mind that the plan for the future is already in our posession [Arcadia] if we let our fantasy fly [Awadama fever] and believe in the miracle of meeting [Shine] This day may come, if we let our voices ring and let them be heard [Metal Kingdom], if we speak out against those who tell us it's impossible [Sis Anger], and never cease to demand justice [Road of Resistance] This day may come, if we start the countdown [Tales Of The Destinies] without hestitation, an oath in our arms [Da Da Dance] devoting ourselves to the limit, [Pa Pa Ya] This day may come, if we face what opposes us, [Karate] dedicating our hearts and breaking the walls with our hands [Shingeki] never turning our backs on our destined way [Road Of Resistance] This day may come if we fly, even when our wings are distorted, [Distortion] if we never cry, not even after we've fallen [Catch Me If You Can] and fight on, even after we've been defeated, [Karate] Then, indeed, a New Day will come. [Brand New Day] When this day comes, there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more crying [Arcadia] no more bullying, forever [Ijime, Dame, Zettai] And even in darkness we'll see a bright light that's shining towards us.[Shine] When this day comes, we'll be fools in the dance [Metali]. dancing to dreams, endlessly free, [Shanti Shanti Shanti] soaring with our passions. [Night Night Burn] When this day comes, love will save the earth. [Amore] We will paint the Night Sky in bright colours with our dreams. [Monochrome] We'll see a new world [Mirror, Mirror], contented with affection. [Light And Darkness] When this day finally arrives, EVERYTHING will be great. [Iine] "But ... when will this new day arrive? See, I've fought for so long, and hate and greed and injustice are still around. I've grown old fighting, and now I am tired. What can I do?" [Klono-metal] Stick to your metal heart, [Meta! Meta Taro] for THE ONE will be with you [Tales of the Destinies] Take it easy on yourself, [GJ!] too much ambition never benefitted anyone. [GJ!] Fight your battles step by step, day by day. [Brand New Day] If you're lost, take a deep breath. [Brand New Day] If you lost something and can't find it, use a little magic [Oh! Majinai] And yes, you may have a piece of chocolate. [Gimme Chocolate!] ################################################################# Now that the time has come to press "comment" and submit my little piece to an actual Shakespeare professor, it gets a little terrifying. But then, there is no BM song about backing down.
Capable Paramedic explained the unlikely "cat and ladle" phrase further: "Going back to the origin of the phrase, it is said that Neko was ""禰宜/Negi"" which means a senior priest of a Shinto shrine and Shakushi was ""釈子"" which means a follower of Buddha." There's so much to learn about this very very Japanese song for me, heh :D Prof. Hartley, I also recommend looking up /u/HoppyMetal's posts in the subreddit, who has been providing very detailed info on some of things you touched on (kansai accent breakdowns, the comedians referenced, choreography, etc.) and something I haven't seen elsewhere: ""There isn't such a word, "メタり". But it ends with hiragana "り（ri）". Uh-huh, OK. this must be a joke. Changing Katakana "ル（ru） to hiragana "る（ru）", they intend to change a foreign noun (metaru) to be like a Japanese verb. Moreover they changes "る（ru）" to "り（ri）", they made a weird noun "メタり（metari）". Hahaha!"
Yes, they've done this before, taking native Japanese words and representing them in katakana. It gives them a slightly foreign or inverted commas feel, but I can't tell if it has a real effect on how people read the words or if it's just 'cool.' Thanks!
Was looking forward to this one. It definitely needed a little interpretation. XD I'm in love with Su's vocals here. I hope we see more like this from her. Love that Momo was given such a prominent part. Thank you for this, as always. 🤘🦊🤘
Hello, Hartley-sensei. With all due respect to you, but I did not expect that you even know the Master comedian, Yasushi Yokoyama (Yasushi & Kiyoshi, aka. Yasu-Kiyo), so the popular Manzai comedian from Osaka with glasses when I was a kid, haha. It's wonderful! But Momoko's father, Hakata Hanamaru is also a popular comedian of the day from Hakata, Kyushu, following in the great Yasushi. So I believe she's inherited his qualities as an entertainer too. Speaking of Hakata, the lyrics in the song, 'Odori-n-chai' and 'Uta-in-chai', are apparently in the Hakata dialects, which has its roots in Hiroshima dialect. In the original Hiroshima dialect, they are "Odori-n-sai' and 'Uta-in-sai'. Either way, they are associated with Su- and Momoko, though it could be a coincidence. And Su-'s singings sound cute and fun for me, haha. I like this new song better than Megitsune. Because it's straightforward and simply fun as you said. It is also more accessible to those people interested in Japanese culture. The Shamisen riffs are cool too. I guess it's Tsugaru Shamisen style, with a fast playing and bigger bodies and poles than the Shamisen used in Kabuki and Nagauta music etc. When I heard this new song, the firs it reminds me of Hibari Misora's 1952 classic, 'O-matsuri Mambo' (お祭りマンボ, Festival Mambo). My 84-year-old mother is a big Hibari fan, and when I jokingly asked her to sing it for me yesterday, she did so effortlessly, ha. Please check it out. It has a short version of the song, but I recommend the full version with a tempo change in the second half. The first half is fun like this Metali, and the second half has a bit sad but funny punchline. Thank you from Japan.
Thank you! In truth, I wouldn't have known about the comedian without help from Japanese friends. I'm glad you thought the resonance valid though. I just found the Hibari Misora song, and you are right: lots of overlaps with Metari. I wish I had seen this before making my video! Thank you for the note.
Hello Professor Hartley and once again, 1000 thanks for your reaction and comment on the new Babymetal song. I've been a bit lazy lately, that's why I'm just now writing you a comment. As always, your analysis was a highlight for me and I'm always really happy when you post something about my favorite band. Please never stop commenting on Babymetal videos and most importantly enjoy your well deserved retirement. Best regards from Germany. Forever THE ONE 🤗❤🤘🦊🤘
The song reminds me of another famous Japanse song about a fesitval: "Omatsuri Mambo" (お祭りマンボ) by legendary Misora Hibari 美空ひばり (1937-1989). th-cam.com/video/va899vt-CMM/w-d-xo.html
Another awesome video from you, thank you so much for all of the insights on this song. There are quite a few positive things to say about Metali: • Su's voice (amazing and really different) • the instrumentation, Shamisen etc., and the cool beat going on • Momo's spoken word interlude - I'm so glad she's officially on board now because she brings a new and fresh energy to BABYMETAL and is just fun and a joyous personality The only thing I'm not too enthusiastic about is that in my humble and insignifikant opinion the last 1/4 of the song is a bit too repetetive and would've been better if there was more of a melody. But it is at it is and it's great that BM still manages to surprise everyone. 🙂
I agree with your positive remarks. Regarding "repetition", I believe this will go great in a "LIVE" setting. When I first saw a video of "Road of Resistance" - live at Saitama Super Arena (2015), I had thought the chant with the crowd was way too long. However, when I actually was in the crowd @ Makuhari (Jan. 2023), I had wished the chant went on forever. Same with the chant in "Metal Kingdom". I believe these songs were written with this in mind.
Both interesting comments. Thank you. Yes, the tail end of the song is repetetive, and as someone who listens closely to music I sometimes wish there was more newness/variety, but I take @htusda1's point too: will be great fun live.
Got recommended the video by some discord friends. Nice indept video... Gonna watch more of them for sure. Like other people said, gives more depth to the songs which I already love. I search lyrics of the songs once in a while, but the potential meaning behind them... I am just not smart enough (yet) to fully comprehend it. I usually like songs for the rythm and feeling more than the actual lyrics. And when I understand it fully I can finaly really be involved in the crowd participation in the third show I will go to in december. This time I really want to try to be that "idiot" that goes full energy without constraint. Once again, thanks again and have a nice weekend.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and yes, there are LOTS more :) Of course, tone and musical feel are crucial, but I figure that's what most reactors focus on, so I tend to stick to the meaning stuff. Not to everyone's taste, of course, but it's what I got :)
I just love how fun & silly this video is while celebrating everything it's showing. The transitions. Giant Tom Morello shredding at the back. The girls sitting on his guitar. It's so over-the-top but isn't that what a good summer song supposed to be?
The song got instant positive reception among The One so far and i couldn't be more glad with Tom Morello living legend being part of this, although apparently some thinks he's not so much involved in the making of the song and this could have been a great song even without him, i think while this is probably true, Tom Morello add so much flavor and his own funk metal flavor sign that couldn't be possible with any other collaboration, so it fits perfectly... ok maybe a collab with RHCP would have been perfect too.😅 I like what you said at the end, it's a celebratory rock show performance that is supposed to involve everybody. Thanks for sharing this analysis Andrew.🦊🤘🎸
Thanks, man. Appreciate that. I agree. And though it's politically pretty mild, I think the core idea squares with Morello's beliefs. I'm sure he wouldn't have signed off on it if it didn't.
Hi Andrew, again a great and informative video! Did you see Mizyu's two x posts about she wants to watch BM and the other one being hugged by Moa after the AG performance?
Thank you, this was very interesting, definitely some stuff I had missed. This is already, no joke, my favorite BM song. About the Momometal part: Seeing that makes it clear that she had some input. During her time in SG, she often did these kinds of little comedy routines (though, she often failed, lol), and she seemed to love some obscure old comedy duos and stuff (likely an influence of her comedian father). So there's no doubt in my mind that that is a reference, and also that Momoko herself was somehow involved in creating it. For a Sakura Gakuin fan, it's just so very Momoko. Like, if I saw this little clip from anyone, anywhere, I'd think "oh, that sounds like something Momoko would do".
This is probably a repeat of what's been said already. Momo gets to show off her stuff. I've seen a clip of her acting in a play. She has it. All the young women that have been a part of BabyMetal are something special. The most awesome and commendable part is not all of the members of Sakura Gaugin have moved on in the entertainment business. Some have gone into the business world and medical field. Someone can correct me but Su's sister is a doctor. Great work again, Mr. Hartley
Thank you Andrew, as always, for your insightful commentaries! Truly sheds new light on the Babymetal I enjoy, which makes it even better! Wasshoi Wasshoi!! 🤘🦊
@@AndrewHartley Negative ghost rider, this is the beginning of their new album. I shall ride the mint flavored time machine to watch your future interpretations of songs yet to come.🤣 Please continue the good work 🙏🫵✊🤘🦊
Thank you for your breakdown of Japanese culture, making BABYMETAL fans understand Japan more. The tipping over of the low lying table is often used to note people making a strong argument. ちゃぶ台がえし ＝ Flipping over table. My mother and sister loved Kabuki, and would often come home with tears in their eyes. So, when I sometimes hear politicians say something like,"Our friends on the other side of the isle... all they're doing is a Kabuki Dance. SHAME ON THEM!" I am shocked to think some people relate Kabuki to a shameful act. I chime perfectly to the core message you mention = get all people high and low to dance and shout and be happy!
I haven't thought of that usage in a long while. It's like referring to something in politics being "mere theater" or that person is "just acting" as opposed to being sincere. It's not an insult to theater or acting (or kabuki). Here's the definition: _Political posturing, also known as political grandstanding (from the notion of performing to crowds in the grandstands), political theater, or "kabuki", is the use of speech or actions to gain political support through emotional appeals. It applies especially to appeals that are seen as hollow or lacking political or economic substance, or to superficial appeals that may not reflect a person's genuine ideology or political preferences._
I think Su is speak singing for the first time. She's not in her full singing voice, and has no effects. More of her natural timbre comes through. As you say it adds some urgency and some rawness. Beautiful sound for her. Think of an artist like Jim Croce. More of an everyday style, which fits with the themes.
@@AndrewHartley Thanks. Something I don't think Su gets credit for is now much of her voice she explores. You don't just pop out a song in a different style like this, or Shanti Shanti Shanti, FDTD, BMC, etc. My money is that she noodles around with her voice and tries new stuff on her own
Thank you Prof. Hartley for your detailed review/analysis. As far as I know wasshoi! is an expression that the people used when they carried around the mikoshi along the streets, when in a matsuri. I like your smiles when you saw the girls in the mv, you look like a proud father 🙂👍 . Apology for my English, not my 1st language 🙏 🦊
Thank you very much for this review/discussion of this song. As you said Su-metal and others in the MV sing with an aggression we've not yet seen in a Babymetal song, but why the aggression ? Is it a reference to RATM ??? Could we go even further and say it's a political statement to rid oneself of part of the traditions ? Because then that would also be a reference to RATM 🙂
Not sure. I read it as intensity rather than rage. RATM's anger usually political, but this song could only be called political in the most indirect of ways. I read Su's delivery as intensity rather than rage.
@@AndrewHartley I agree it's probably not rage, but it's odd how intensely it is, why this song ? Maybe she is just happy doing a call/response/audience participation song again ? I doubt it's that, that kind of emotion is usually left out of the album version, but comes out live.
Thanks for the thoughtful analysis Andrew. For me this song and video is pure Babymetal - unique, creative, expressive, inclusive, and sonically both challenging and awesome. I liked it on first listen and the more I listen and learn it’s becoming a real gem. Hope to see it live in September - practicing my call and response. 🤘🦊
IT'S THE FOX FESTIVAL ~!!!🎉🎉🎉 When I heard the audio debut, all I can think of is Babymetal is promoting Fox Festival, even though it's not directly mentioned in the lyrics.
The set is reminiscent of Megitsune, but also Doki Doki Morning. I wonder if the knocking over of the tables is nothing more than a reference to the DDM video. In the commentary for it Moa said she kept knocking over the flowers next to her. As well as a new style of singing, Su's vocals sound 'live'. They don't have the studio polish they normally have.
Interesting. Personally, I always try to read what I hear or see as it might play to someone who is paying close attention but isn't deeply invested in the band and the surrounding fan discourse, so I tend to favor readings that viewers/listeners could come to without a lot of inside knowledge, hence my read of the table overturning in symbolic terms. I'm told that Japanese people will sometimes use a phrase about kicking tables over to express passion or anger. Agreed on the lack of vocal polish. I like it, and it fits the impromptu festival performance theme.
@@AndrewHartley One or both of us might be wrong! Babymetal do seem to go for symbolism. Or maybe it was something that looked cool at the time. As Sigmund Freud (possibly) said, "Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar."
"This is now official - It's a banger!" YAY! I love an official announcement! I realized after watching your analysis just how RATM-influenced this song is - "of the people" fits their messaging completely. I also find bits and pieces of the choreo - like the curved body bounce they use near the beginning and at various points throughout - to be very reminiscent of how Zach de la Rocha moves on stage, too. And given how dark and divided the world seems to be at the moment, this hopeful inclusivity seems very subversive - which is also on point for both Babymetal and RATM.
That's interesting. I hadn't thought of the body shape idea. And I like the notion that this is BM doing a softer form of RATM politics, at least in terms of inclusivity. Thanks!
So if you really want to shock in Japan, start messing with their shoe culture. BM wear boots on tatami and AG wear uwabaki outside...eat your heart out Sex Pistols.
It is not the destruction of Japanese culture. It is the destruction of high-class Japanese culture, which has become a stronghold of Japan's darkest authority. I have seen such a dark side of traditional culture. So it is refreshing!
I'm pleased to find you seem to have liked the word "idiot" to correspond to "阿呆". I thought it suitable for this case despite the Awa Odori official using "fool" instead, for instance. I've been always struggling to choose the best-fit words when attempting translation for I'm far from native English speaker after all.
Now I understand where Harry Chapin came up with his song, but mistranslated it from Japanese. Great review, you answered a lot of the questions I had with the video and the lyrics.
Another excellent reaction and education Andrew. I've listened to this song about 20 times and its taken me quite a few listens to think it sounded like another song. After a few more listens, I've worked it out that it sounds very similar to Bloodywood's Machi Bhasad. I couldn't work out if it was a shamisen or a sitar, or something else, but did a little digging so I know now :). All I know is, this is a banger and a half.
I was very impressed by the excellent commentary. I was really surprised to see the names of yasushi and Kyoshi. I feel this tatami room is like an Edo period "brothel room with oiran (courtesans)". The origin of the words "wasshoi" and "seiya, soiya" is not clear, and they have been interpreted in various ways. I was once surprised to find that "mikoshi" is very similar to "ark" in ancient Israel, and that there are various similarities between the two. But this is just a common saying, and no one really knows for sure. It is fun to imagine.
This may be reading tealeaves, but I wonder if Su is enjoying experimenting with her voice, in that, songs like this, Pa Pa Ya, BMC etc. Su is very dynamic in her vocal sounds. In this song it seems like she is singing with unique sharpness at the edge of the notes (or this could just be the mixing?). She has a lot of attack in the crowd parts. I am struggling to describe it, but just as Babymetal experiments with its genres, Su seems to express a similar level of creativity in how she delivers the vocals. I can almost envision her with her vocal coach saying "I want to learn how to make my voice to do... this" (like the vocal tremor we hear at the end of this new song).
Interesting, yes. I think some of it is a matter of maturity. She's growing into a more adult sound, and while I have always loved the clarity of her voice, I think we are getting a richer timbre now. Thanks.
Su- has said she likes to do karaoke alone so that she can try out singing in different styles. And that during the hiatus she spent 10+ hours a day singing. But I agree, there is something in how she is going between the notes that does have an edge to it. It is reminding me of a jazz style from circa 1930's that I just can't quite place. The "tremor" on that last "wasshoi!" is called vibrato and, contrary to popular fan belief, she has used vibrato a lot since her voice would support it, going back at least to Megitsune (2013) where she was encouraged to sing in melodramatic enka style. Although here the recording engineer put a lot of reverb on it, I think that "wasshoi" may be the widest vibrato that Su- has achieved giving a very enka feel, at least to my gaijin ears. Her natural vibrato is normally quite narrow and relatively fast.
@@johnschultz7765 I really enjoy your comment and perspective. When I wrote my original comment I had the thought in mind, when you listen to other singers, lets say Avril, or Adele or whatever... they have their sound, and you can expect to hear that same sound in every song across every album. Su very much has her own sound, but she keeps it so interesting. She plays with different sounds, and I hear this aspect strongly here. And I understand normal vibrato, but the Washoi at 2min51sec is what I call the "metal yell" you commonly hear in classic hard rock and metal music. It's a treat to hear Su do it, and again, to see Su be so experimental in recordings. Like trill on the R's in Shanti, or the rap section in BMC. You never expect it but are blown away when you hear it.
@@NipponCollect , while I don't really disagree with you calling it a "metal yell", I never would have pegged Bruce Dickinson as a Japanese Enka fan. 😄
Thoughts on Wasshoi and Dokkoisho: While "heave-ho" and "heigh-ho" carry the closest meaning, it just doesn't feel right in the lyrics. It's too old-school and doesn't fit with the modern feel. I think for the "average" audience, Wasshoi should be "Let's go!" and Dokkoisho can almost be "Put your back into it!" At least it "feels" more accurate. I wonder what anyone else think?
I know what you mean, but washoi doesn't really translate at all because there is not western equivalent because the phrases are specific to festivals. "Let's go" feels ok to English speakers, but it's general and used all the time in a thousand different contexts. There's no equivalent tot he Japanese original.
@@AndrewHartley True, and I do understand the reason. Perhaps “let’s go!” just feels like an appropriate “interpretation” within the confines of the song to me. The “heigh-ho / heave-ho” phrases don’t sit well with me. Last time I heard it used was “heigh-ho silver!” In Band of Brothers LOL.
Be careful. You said it was Momoko doing the voice, which we all know IS and has been confirmed by multiple sources including the girls themselves in the interview from RollingStoneJapan. But Hymnodic will probably comment how you and everyone esle is spreading lies that it is Momoko, because he apparently knows better than everyone else. With that said, This song is amazing and I can't wait to see it LIVE. I bet this will be one of the song the girls love to perform the most. 🤘🦊🤘
In Japanese, it usually means "let's dance＝odorimasyo or Odoriran-sai.
but in Hiroshima, where su-metal is from, it is called "Odoriran-chai.
In Hiroshima, where su-metal is from
～There is a dialect saying "~sai" as "chai" in Hiroshima, where su-metal is from.
The expression "~chai" is a little softer than "~sai. However, "~sai" is not only used in the sense of a command. When the word "~sai" is said with a stronger tone, it carries the meaning of a command, but in everyday conversation, it can be used in the same way as "~shouldn't you? or "Why don't you try ~? In everyday conversation, "~chai" has the meaning of a recommendation or a light suggestion.
The word "~chai" is mainly used by women.
Therefore, the reason why we used ~chai" in the lyrics is because su-metal is from Hiroshima, Japan.
I think that su-metal is from Hiroshima, and that is why the lyrics were chosen for this song.
Thanks for the clarification. Much appreciated.
I'm so glad I could be included in this. Babymetal has outgrown being just a band or group. Feels like more of a way of life. A line from this song reminds me of a movie. In the movie the kids go to a blues music club. And they're told no body leaves without singing the blues. And of course, they end up singing the blues. It's a music festival and you can't leave without singing or dancing. Same concept. I thought when I saw them kick over the items on the floor that it was a since of kicking over the traditional culture, but this is what Babymetal did to traditional metal music as well. Babymetal just wouldn't be Babymetal without their Japanese culture and Metal just isn't metal without the metal elements. Babymetal has kept both and yet are something new. More than the sum of their parts. Babymetals foxhole is deep and full of surprises.
More than the sum of their parts, indeed. Mysteriously so. Agreed on the subverting of metal too. Thanks!
Steve, I have vague recollections, deep inside my mind of a black and white movie with similar words spoken at a blues club, I have no idea if we are thinking of the same movie, though. You are going to keep me up all night trying to find that movie and that line haha.
I also love your thoughts on BM kicking over the tea sets. I agree with Professor Hartley in his suggestion that they may be saying that whilst they are Japanese, they might just step on a few traditional Japanese societal conventions. However, I feel you also might be right about Babymetal making a statement along the lines of saying that they have always bucked the norm in metal music, and that they will continue to upset the apple(tea)cart. I really like that analogy.
@@lencooke944 if I remember correctly the movie is Adventures in baby sitting
@@stevechevy3382I didn't find it myself, so I will have a look for that, Thanks Steve.
Thank you Andrew; I feel thoroughly educated now. Your analysis always lends an extra layer to my enjoyment of a Babymetal song. Cats and ladles is my new catchphrase
Thanks! That was a new phrase for me too :)
Yes! That is absolutely awesome haha.
My wife and I watched this together and laughed when that line came up, we have ten cats, and they do indeed like to dance 😂
@@AndrewHartley It's always interesting how AJ always bring such interesting phrases into light.
I always appreciate the lecture you present ありがとうございます 💛。 And thank you for mentioning my name. If my info works to supplement your knowledge, I am happy. (The framed calligraphy on the wall is beautiful. 「高潔」 means "high-minded", "nobleness", "integrity". It goes well with you.) I have nothing to add your lecture, so I put a little other info for BM fan viewers.
★ I saw Momometal rotate her pig tail like Moa does in Headbangeerr at Zepp Haneda on Aug.16. My friend living in Hokkaido also saw her doing it in RSR festival on Aug.12. Twin-propeller on both sides of Su-Metal has now come back! That was another amazing thing I witnessed in addition to Momoko's solo part in Metali. 😍★
That's very cool. And thanks again. Couldn't have done this one without your help.
In an interview just released the girls said in keeping with the inclusive nature of the song, they purposely made the choreography simpler than what they have recently done so that anyone can dance along, even if they are not a skilled dancer.
Very cool how much thought goes into all the details to make a cohesive and powerful musical experience, this one will be one of the live performance staples for sure.
Hadn't seen that. Very cool. Thanks for pointing it out.
Welcome back Professor! This is what you do best ... taking something so culturally and linguistically inaccessible and confusing to most Babymetal fans and explaining it in a clear and concise way. I learned so, so much from this video. This is so informative; you might not be the best on TH-cam for Japanese translations (still excellent, though), but in my opinion, you provide, simultaneously, the most concise, and the most complete, analyses of Japanese music and bands in your wheelhouse.
Great callouts to your wonderful contributors for helping you understand certain parts of the song. Coincidentally, I reached out to both of them last night as one was a guest in a reactor video for this song, and the other I suspected would have been at the live performance from a few days back, and I had a very specific, performance related, question. I thank them both because not only did they take the time to reply to me, but they both graciously answered my questions (I have thanked them both privately).
Professor, in high school I had an art teacher who often repeated a phrase: "great art creates great conversations". I feel that both you and Babymetal qualify as great artists in your fields, and I think you will definitely create many interesting conversations with this video.
You are always so thoughtful and generous in your comments, Len. Thanks. I am delighted to hear that you are having great conversations with other fans too, and I agree, that happens when the original art has the nuance and power you describe. Of course, these types of discussions don't appeal to all fans, but that is, I guess, the way of the world :) Cheers.
I was not expecting a song like this given the direction they had been going with their more recent music, but that's the beauty of being a Babymetal fan; as soon as you think you have them figured out, they immediately show you that you don't. This song definitely does hark back to early songs, especially Megitsune, and is probably the most kawaii they've been in a while. You're also right that Su sounds different to usual. It sounds like she's using a bit of that unique vibrato technique you only really hear in more traditional Japanese music, and it's not something she's done a whole lot of before.
It might not be their best song, but it goes hard and I have a sneaking suspicion that it will go even harder in a live setting. This is going to get every crowd that hears it bouncing up to the rafters.
Totally agree. Hope to see it live soon!
Thank you :)
OMG, what a banger! Iwas listening to the song on repeat the whole 30 minutes on my way home from work. I just couldn't get enough. I was looking forward to getting home and watching your analysis. As always, you don't disappoint. Great information. Thank you for putting this together so quickly. One more remark: I also felt like Su's voice sounded free and unrestrained. It fits the song perfectly. What I need in my life is more unrestrained Su-Metal. Love it. Well, back to listening to the song a few more times. Thank you, Prof Hartley.
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it. I'm hooked too :)
Another excellent walk-through. Thanks, professor.
Probably one of the best invested half hours in my life. 😁 I love the song (obviously) and I'm hyped since I listened to it for the first time. And yes, Su's vocals are pure perfection.
I'm very happy with the collaboration this time. And very happy for Momoko as well (no further explanation needed!). 😊
Until next time! 🤘🦊
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment. And yes, a great way to center Momoko in what may have been the first song written with her in mind.
I am Japanese. I am impressed that your interpretation is correct. Please continue to enjoy BABYMETAL and Japanese culture.
ありがとうございました。応援と励ましに感謝している。
BABYMETAL, with its roots in SAKURA GAKUIN, is back!😀
That's why it's a festival!😁
Welcome back! We are so happy to see our BABYMETA😁😁😁
日本の文化にめっちゃ詳しいじゃないですか！凄い！
ありがとう！助けてくれる友達がいるんだ :)
Just watched this having seen them live in Vancouver a few nights ago, and much of this rings true in the live performance! The Momo solo section is one of several times during the show that features maximum crowd engagement and togetherness, when Su almost demands that everyone sit or crouch on the floor. When the full band joins back in the venue goes into complete mayhem! Top quality stagecraft...a Babymetal trademark! And hella FUN!
Glad you had a good time!
TH-cam algorithm is dropping the ball. These analysis videos from you are right up my alley and I'm only just here 2 months after the fact. Thanks Prof!
Ha! Thanks. This is a pretty small corner of the inter webs :) Please spread the word
Thanks for this analysis. I think this shows us what Babymetal is all about. They've taken this sad " serious" metal genre and made it entertaining and , what some metal heads hate, great fun.
I think when this is played in a British venue, we will know the meaning of carnage.
Love it.
🦊🦊💥🦊🦊
Ha! Yes, fun indeed.
19:10 Your explanation and insight are utterly true. The word, "Mie" in Kabuki needs a verb which is "Kiru or lu (whatever). It means to show off sth at least in the world of Kabuki.
So, your crystal explanation about this odd move describes showing off Momoko in herself.
Additionally, Momoko is saying a dialogue at 23:16 "Odorude shikashi" is originally from a well known comedian who's passed away and always wore glasses often said "Okorude shikashi". Thats' why she moves like position of glasses. As you know this is a kind of joke The team BM often does.
If I think over the dialogue means deeply, that famous comedian did the same type comedy of her father does now. "Oi, I'll get to dance in front of you right now" , if I translate "Odorude shikashi", btw.
I knew of the comedian reference, but hadn't picked up the glasses gesture. Thank you. That helps and makes the reference clearer. And I like how it deepens Momoko's part on the song. Much appreciated.
解説有難うございます
コメディアン漫才師の横山やすし師匠の有名なフレーズは
おどるでしかし！
ではなく
怒るでしかし！
です😂
The only question this video leaves me with is "Why don't you have more subscribers?". Awesome analysis as always :)
Ha! I ask myself that a lot :) I think mostly what people want from reactors is an enthusiastic endorsement of the audience's musical taste, rather than analysis of the music itself. Obviously, that's not what I do, so I'm destined to be a very minor TH-camr. Ah well :)
Babymetal is a mix of the masculine and feminine, the east and west, and the old and new. And it's amazing and beautiful.
Late to this. Reckon I should subscribe. Very much agree about the theme of inclusivity-noble notion. Otherwise this song's lyrics are boilerplate and the visuals formulaic. Must be hundreds of Japanese artists of various genres who've done matsuri-themed songs over the decades, with lyrics containing the same expressions, phrases you get here. Juxtaposing the old and new Japan, high and popular culture, the Japanese and the other (non-Japanese), is common in Japanese film and MVs; visual tropes like hands tearing through paper screens and kabuki poses abound in TV variety shows and commercials and J-Pop concerts let alone in films and MVs-nothing new or particularly interesting here if one is familiar with Japanese culture, language, and entertainment.
Difference is BM has a big Western fanbase, whose fine members will devote a 30-minute reaction to a song like this and comment on that reaction by the dozens. Granted, your Japanese subs have commented here too and apparently helped you with the lyrics and cultural references, but from what I've read the Japanese fanbase, in comments directed to itself, seems more interested in the spotlight on Momoko and in Tom Morello's participation than in any aspect of the visuals or lyrics (except maybe the "aho" or "fool" bit in the lyrics).
MVs like "Megitsune" and "Metali", and, say, Band-Maid's two "Band-Maiko" vdos, seem to be aiming for the "Wow the Westerner" effect. And it works. But that's okay, if it draws attention to Japanese music and culture from thoughtful persons like yourself and your subs.
Btw, re your close, er, you're a fool, not an idiot. I mean, the translation of "aho" is rightly "fool", not "idiot". Clunky translations of Japanese song lyrics are a problem, and this is a good example. "Aho" is not simply an Osaka-area expression but is used in Shikoku too. The "a" of "aho" and the "a" of Awa, as in Odori, are written with the same kanji character-though "aho" isn't often written with kanji. And yes, there is an unmistakeable reference to manzai comedian Yasushi. The Awa Odori verses have been altered at the end to include one of Yasushi's catchphrases. Momoko's father is also a comedian of the manzai style.
Thanks. And yes, subscribe :). I appreciate your informed insight. Maybe you should be one of my collaborative informants :) Drop me an email if things strike you before I make my video (admittedly that can be a narrow window as I feel pressure to post quickly). Not sure I see much difference between fool and idiot in contemporary usage (or historical for that matter). What distinction are you seeing?
@@AndrewHartley Subbed.
As for "fool" and "idiot", I think "fool" connotes more silliness, clownishness, while "idiot" more stresses stupidity. As I recall "idiot" was once used in medical literature to denote cases of mental deficiency. In contemporary usage I think it can have a nasty edge that "fool" lacks.
Don't have stats to back it up, but I'd venture to say that "fool" appears far more often in lyrics and generally in literature, because it's a more flavorful, playful term, and phonemically it more suits musical vocalization. In the playful, kidding sense "fool" fits "aho", which often crops up in manzai comedy banter (speaking of which).
They were before my time, but I've taken a liking recently to some of the Doobie Brothers' music, they have a song titled "What a Fool Believes", and it would be all wrong if it was "What an Idiot Believes".
But this is subjective. Of course "idiot" can be used kiddingly too.
And this is much more text than the topic merits. Cheers.
@@otobokegaijin6218 Perhaps so though, as you say, it's subjective. Wordsworth's "Idiot Boy" is a simpleton and Shakespeare uses "fool" in a variety of ways, some meaning simpleton, others suggesting the "allowed fool" of the medieval court. Some overlap between them, then. I suspect which is used also has a lot to do with speaker demographics these days. But as you say, this is probably over egging the pudding :) Cheers.
thanks for your review and please, never stop doing them!
So that those among the fans who want to educate themselves, can easily do so! 😃
I appreciate that. Thanks. Sometimes I wonder...
Andrew Hartley: starting today, Babymetal professor!!!
FIY: here's an example of Matsuri-bayashi （祭り囃子）, traditional musical accompaniments played during a folkloric festival. th-cam.com/video/R56AY0jy-fo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks
This one is super catchy and the beat is one I can't seem to recall in any other BM song. Like, it's a beat one can strut to. None of their other songs have that.
I caught the parallels between Megitsune and this MV and really liked the theme of incorporating culture, but kicking some of it out of the way in order to move not just in the box, but outside of it as they progressed onto the big stage.
Edit: 21:02 - musician friend of mine once wrote "you better do your dancin' while you can, cuz someday your legs won't bounce the same."
Sad to say, that is very true :) Cheers.
Yeah, they've got this really intoxicating almost jazzy shuffle going through the whole song.
Nice that you take the time for such a detailed analysis.
I appreciate that!
Levels of appreciation for Metali!!
Level 1: Listening to Metali!! song ❤
Level 2: Watching Metali!! MV ❤❤
Level 3: Reading Metali!! lyrics ❤❤❤
Level 4: Getting Professor Hartley's cultural explanation of Metali!! ❤❤❤❤
This is why I love BABYMETAL and The One!!
Metali!! is an instant top tier song.l!!
🤘🦊🤘
Yes, and then Level 5: being there live! Now that I have AJ's analysis, I just hope they perform this song in Spain @ Barcelona and Madrid which I have tickets for.
@htusda1 Definitely Level 5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I will see them in Toronto in September on the Babyklok tour (BABYMETAL / DETHKLOK)
@@Dragonstar-Metal Great! I hope they do this song and make those "quiet" Canadians dance the butts off!
Thank you! I'm glad you find these kinds of videos interesting/helpful :)
日本語で失礼します！
あなたの日本文化に対するすごい知識量に圧倒されました。
まさか「やすきよ」漫才までご存知とは…
広島弁は言われて初めて気が付きました！
リアクション動画を見ていると、
意外とアメリカの若い人達もレイジ・アゲインスト・ザ・マシーンを知らない人がいて、
なぜ…？ と思っちゃうんですが
自分にとってトム・モレロは世界最高のギタリストの１人です！
楽しい解説ありがとうございます！
ありがとう！楽しんでいただけてうれしいです。
アメリカのリスナーの多くがRATMを知らないというのは驚きだけど、これが今の世界の本質なんだろうね。みんながサイロ化していて、みんなが知っている本当のメインストリーム・カルチャーがないんだ。僕は年を取ったと感じるよ。）
excellent insight Andrew-Metal, Professor of BABYMETAL theory. I heard Momo talk like that before back in SG, it was her old lady impression...lol
Fun stuff. Thanks!
Great guide to the lylics of Metali. I am glad you noticed the Hiroshima dialects of the song: "utain-chai" and "odorin-chai". Su might have proposed these parts because the suffix "-chai" is quite rare and unknown dialect nationwide and only native Hiroshima people can have an idea of using it. I am from Hiroshima, so I am 100% sure there is someone from this region behind the song.
My Japanese isn't good enough to really follow the nuances of dialects, so I rely on native Japanese speakers to point such things out. I visited Hiroshima for the second time last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you for putting in time and work to share your knowledge in order to help us decode the multitude of cultural references. This has expanded my understanding of the song enormously. Where before the urge to give in to the stomping rhythm felt like a guilty pleasure, it is now clear that this is the exact message of the song. We are all idiots anyway, so let's groove it.
Thanks again and greetings from Germany!
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it :)
I'm so excited you got this up so quick! This song is on another level and may be top 5 favorite Babymetal song for me.
I was very curious to learn the lyrics, especially the Momoko solo part. I love it!! As always your hard work is appreciated and us fans could never do enough to repay you! ❤❤
THat's very kind of you. Thanks! I confess it was a strain getting this together so quickly and took a ridiculous amount of time considering it's only a half hour video, but I'm glad you liked it.
Half an hour watching AJ explaining a 4 minute BM video? Time well spent! Thank you for your thorough insights into the lyrics and images used in the mv! Insightful as always! I absolutely agree with you on the many parallels to the Megitsune mv. I love all the little details to the Japanese culture you provided.
And yes, this song is a banger and I am sure it will blow up some arena roofs when they play that live. 🤘🔥🦊
Glad you enjoyed it! I am trying to keep things short but there's so much to talk about :) And yeah, I'm hoping they'll play this live on the coming tour.
thank you for the intereasting lecture again, our emeritus!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the breakdown!
My pleasure!
Thank you, professor. You have confirmed some of what I had been thinking regarding this very surprising tune from Babymetal. One thing I have been wondering about is since this tune didn’t make it onto the last album could there possibly me more of these types of pieces to soon follow along in a perhaps quick turn from their latest, which they are still doing their supporting tour dates for (yay, for live BM music), with yet another record of entirely new music such as this foot stomper? Don’t get me wrong on this as there is nothing I don’t like about their latest album in the slightest. I just find this tune much more openly organic rock sounding than their last record which had a significantly more processed and intentionally manipulated sonic feel to it. I am not saying one is better than the other, just that there is a huge difference in the texture of their sound between the two. I am referring to not only their ladies vocals, but speaking about their overall sound as a complete group/band which includes the Kami’s and recorded backing tracks of various sampled things, etc. I think an album shaped in this more open and explosive format might really let Su run wild with her vocals and show us some of her perhaps here to for, hidden, or maybe I should say, less visible talents? I definitely like this new vector she is using on this piece and find myself really wanting to hear more of this new style from her, and of course the M & M’s, Moa and Momoko! How fun was this? Totally rad, man. Anyway, thanks for posting your breakdown on this new and surprising piece from BM. Let’s hope they continue to do more BM type things and surprise us all. Only a few more weeks till Aftershock here in Sacramento when I will be finding out in person what this one will sound like up close and in my face! Cheers - E in NorCal
Yes, though I don't think we ever got a sharp picture, I think the last album (which I liked a lot) was at least partly comprised of old songs that were reworked during the pandemic. These latest may be the first truly new songs in a long time. Looking forward to hearing this one in Atlanta in a week!
I just LOVE seeing you try and keep up the "analyzer" mentality when the music kicks back into your ears, @AndrewHartley.
Also, your pronunciation is better than mine. (0 points for that though, sorry.) hehehe
EDIT: I am not, but do not hold any animosity towards any dancing ladles.
Ha! I must retain my English and academic restraint :) Here's to dancing ladles!
@@AndrewHartley 25:58 Restraint fail, as with all of us. TYSM for this video!
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."
3:23 in the Official M/V, do we not see Moa-Metal, Su-Metal, and Momo-Metal on the shoulder of a Giant?
(I mean, they're kind of chair dancing on the guitar of a giant, and it's more like eye-level, but the theme is there.) Am I reading into that finale too deeply? I personally find this extremely respectful and inspired in it's depiction of the all inclusive "we are all fools" theme of the entire M/V.
I of course understand that this metaphor spans the globe, but I am curious if the traditional festival also includes this. It's possible it was just a kawaii way to get the 4 into one shot, and unintentionally brilliant!
Nice idea. I like that.
Su has an enka singing style.
Hadn't thought of that.
That was my impression as well, particularly that final "wasshoi!"
Excellent explanation of everything as always, thank you so much. I have learned a lot from this ... the main thing I think I intend to take away is that one way or another and no matter what - I am an idiot, something I had always suspected and now confirmed, but that I am not alone. I just hope we will all get our chance to join in and dance like idiots at whatever of their concerts we might be at to this now officially certified "banger".🤪🕺👯💃🤘😁
Ha! You and me both :) Here's to being idiots :)
great video...thank you so much for the insight!!
My pleasure!
The analysis we all have waited for... I cannot get enough of that old lady Kabuki interlude. And the whole Japanese festival vibe is sooo hype!
PS... Tom Morello would be so stoked watching the Professor's review 😊
Ha! Thanks!
🔥👺🔥
Wasshoi is a hell of a drug, I can't stop it, help
Ha!
Having watched a number of different reviews of this song (and, I know this is not a review at all)... I do want to say one thing explicitly that even the Professor didn't state... and while I think it is obvious, it wasn't obvious to these other reviewers... Metali is basically a Babymetal version of Matsuri.
With that obviously idiotic statement out of the way... I appreciate the specifics put towards this song and it's influences, in particular to the very specific festival it is referencing. I don't think I (as a gaijin) would have been able to realize that they were going so far into the specifics. But, that is very Babymetal. But, without that... when I first heard the song... I thought of the "dashi", the carts that are pulled by a whole bunch of humans that have musical performers on it... usually drum and flute... and of course the chanting of this mass of people pulling the cart. And, even though they are using shamisen instead of flutes (perhaps, a more identifiable instrument to the west), the melody still evoked those scenes.
The other thing I would say that is different with this song is that (with the exception of the Momo Middle) is that there is hardly any space. It is dense with sound and chanting and music and there is almost no room to breathe which I normally dislike... but it works in this song. The 3 1/2 minute run time helps too. And, I think Tom Morello evokes the right sound for what this song is. I certainly understand why Koba would ask him about collaborating on this song... it works.
Is this the most overtly Japanese song that Babymetal has done... at least since Megitsune? I think so. And, I think that is intentional. Babymetal has been reborn. But, Babymetal has not changed... just evolved.
As always, thanks for the great insight.
I agree that this is their most Japanese centric song since Megitsune, which is why I think the choice of Morello is really interesting. An expanded and welcoming Japan is pretty cool.
I've learned a lot. Time to give back. Here is my humble offering to The Wayside Shrine Of Fringe Knowledge:
I used all the BM songs you analyzed here until this video, but excluding Kingslayer and including Believing (no walk-through yet), to create a coherent text that gives a good overview of life as described by Babymetal.
Feel free to give any thought, hints on possible improvement or scathing criticism as you see fit. It's your comment section, after all.
################################################################################
This is what the Spirit Of Heavy Metal, the Fox God, taught us through the songs of Babymetal, his chosen ones [Show intro & Babymetal Death]
Open your mind [The One]
This is a dark, dark world. [Monochrome, live performance]
In the spring of our life, the mornings are filled with joy and excitement, [Doki Doki Morning]
and the nights with hilarious celebrations [Uki Uki Midnight]
but these moments do not last, [Headbangeeeeerr!]
The wind blows [Starlight] and the seasons change. [Believing]
The colours we painted our dreams with will fade, [Monochrome]
and eventually a sad rain will fill our hearts [No Rain, No Rainbow]
One day, someone may decieve you, feigning love, [Maya]
or flatter you for the sake of material gains [Onedari Daisakusen]
or make up excuses without beeing serious. [Sis Anger]
One day, someone may ask you to believe in superstitions [Song 4],
like that it's dangerous to wear red shoes [Catch Me If You Can]
or persuade you that it's wrong to be different [Yava!]
One day, someone may try to bully you. [Ijime, Dame, Zettai]
or you may be beset by an unknown terror, [Rondo Of A Nightmare]
and all you can do is keep on moving through the night. [From Dusk Til Dawn]
One day, you may lose someone you love forever [No Rain, No Rainbow]
and you may still have to smile with your face while crying with your heart. [Megitsune]
One day, someone you love may betray you, driving you crazy, [Kagerou]
Life is constantly at risk. [Elevator Girl]
And yet, some love will survive. [Akatzuki]
Eventually, a New Day will come [Brand New Day]
This day may come, if we listen to the voices of our comrades, [Meta! Meta Taro]
if we raise our flag together [Metal Kingdom] and protect each other, [Ijime, Dame, Zettai]
giving love and support even to weak-kneed people [GJ!]
This day may come, if we remember the good moments in our lives. [Headbangeeeeerr!]
if we keep in mind that the plan for the future is already in our posession [Arcadia]
if we let our fantasy fly [Awadama fever] and believe in the miracle of meeting [Shine]
This day may come, if we let our voices ring and let them be heard [Metal Kingdom],
if we speak out against those who tell us it's impossible [Sis Anger],
and never cease to demand justice [Road of Resistance]
This day may come, if we start the countdown [Tales Of The Destinies]
without hestitation, an oath in our arms [Da Da Dance]
devoting ourselves to the limit, [Pa Pa Ya]
This day may come, if we face what opposes us, [Karate]
dedicating our hearts and breaking the walls with our hands [Shingeki]
never turning our backs on our destined way [Road Of Resistance]
This day may come if we fly, even when our wings are distorted, [Distortion]
if we never cry, not even after we've fallen [Catch Me If You Can]
and fight on, even after we've been defeated, [Karate]
Then, indeed, a New Day will come. [Brand New Day]
When this day comes, there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more crying [Arcadia]
no more bullying, forever [Ijime, Dame, Zettai]
And even in darkness we'll see a bright light that's shining towards us.[Shine]
When this day comes, we'll be fools in the dance [Metali].
dancing to dreams, endlessly free, [Shanti Shanti Shanti]
soaring with our passions. [Night Night Burn]
When this day comes, love will save the earth. [Amore]
We will paint the Night Sky in bright colours with our dreams. [Monochrome]
We'll see a new world [Mirror, Mirror], contented with affection. [Light And Darkness]
When this day finally arrives, EVERYTHING will be great. [Iine]
"But ... when will this new day arrive?
See, I've fought for so long, and hate and greed and injustice are still around.
I've grown old fighting, and now I am tired.
What can I do?" [Klono-metal]
Stick to your metal heart, [Meta! Meta Taro]
for THE ONE will be with you [Tales of the Destinies]
Take it easy on yourself, [GJ!]
too much ambition never benefitted anyone. [GJ!]
Fight your battles step by step, day by day. [Brand New Day]
If you're lost, take a deep breath. [Brand New Day]
If you lost something and can't find it, use a little magic [Oh! Majinai]
And yes, you may have a piece of chocolate. [Gimme Chocolate!]
#################################################################
Now that the time has come to press "comment" and submit my little piece to an actual Shakespeare professor, it gets a little terrifying. But then, there is no BM song about backing down.
Nicely done. This could be a new BM song :) Congratulations :)
Capable Paramedic explained the unlikely "cat and ladle" phrase further: "Going back to the origin of the phrase, it is said that Neko was ""禰宜/Negi"" which means a senior priest of a Shinto shrine and Shakushi was ""釈子"" which means a follower of Buddha."
There's so much to learn about this very very Japanese song for me, heh :D
Prof. Hartley, I also recommend looking up /u/HoppyMetal's posts in the subreddit, who has been providing very detailed info on some of things you touched on (kansai accent breakdowns, the comedians referenced, choreography, etc.) and something I haven't seen elsewhere:
""There isn't such a word, "メタり". But it ends with hiragana "り（ri）". Uh-huh, OK. this must be a joke. Changing Katakana "ル（ru） to hiragana "る（ru）", they intend to change a foreign noun (metaru) to be like a Japanese verb. Moreover they changes "る（ru）" to "り（ri）", they made a weird noun "メタり（metari）". Hahaha!"
Yes, they've done this before, taking native Japanese words and representing them in katakana. It gives them a slightly foreign or inverted commas feel, but I can't tell if it has a real effect on how people read the words or if it's just 'cool.' Thanks!
まさか横山やすしさんの『怒るでしかし』まで理解されているとは！
恐れ入りました！
ハ。ありがとう。幸運なことに、日本のキツネたちに助けてもらったんだ :)
この歌のパロディを丁寧に解説されていて凄いです👏日本人じゃないと理解するのは難しいはずなのに。
ありがとう！努力します :)
Was looking forward to this one. It definitely needed a little interpretation. XD I'm in love with Su's vocals here. I hope we see more like this from her. Love that Momo was given such a prominent part. Thank you for this, as always. 🤘🦊🤘
My pleasure. As ever :)
Hello, Hartley-sensei. With all due respect to you, but I did not expect that you even know the Master comedian, Yasushi Yokoyama (Yasushi & Kiyoshi, aka. Yasu-Kiyo), so the popular Manzai comedian from Osaka with glasses when I was a kid, haha. It's wonderful!
But Momoko's father, Hakata Hanamaru is also a popular comedian of the day from Hakata, Kyushu, following in the great Yasushi. So I believe she's inherited his qualities as an entertainer too.
Speaking of Hakata, the lyrics in the song, 'Odori-n-chai' and 'Uta-in-chai', are apparently in the Hakata dialects, which has its roots in Hiroshima dialect. In the original Hiroshima dialect, they are "Odori-n-sai' and 'Uta-in-sai'. Either way, they are associated with Su- and Momoko, though it could be a coincidence. And Su-'s singings sound cute and fun for me, haha. I like this new song better than Megitsune. Because it's straightforward and simply fun as you said. It is also more accessible to those people interested in Japanese culture. The Shamisen riffs are cool too. I guess it's Tsugaru Shamisen style, with a fast playing and bigger bodies and poles than the Shamisen used in Kabuki and Nagauta music etc.
When I heard this new song, the firs it reminds me of Hibari Misora's 1952 classic, 'O-matsuri Mambo' (お祭りマンボ, Festival Mambo). My 84-year-old mother is a big Hibari fan, and when I jokingly asked her to sing it for me yesterday, she did so effortlessly, ha. Please check it out. It has a short version of the song, but I recommend the full version with a tempo change in the second half. The first half is fun like this Metali, and the second half has a bit sad but funny punchline.
Thank you from Japan.
Thank you! In truth, I wouldn't have known about the comedian without help from Japanese friends. I'm glad you thought the resonance valid though. I just found the Hibari Misora song, and you are right: lots of overlaps with Metari. I wish I had seen this before making my video! Thank you for the note.
Hello Professor Hartley and once again, 1000 thanks for your reaction and comment on the new Babymetal song. I've been a bit lazy lately, that's why I'm just now writing you a comment. As always, your analysis was a highlight for me and I'm always really happy when you post something about my favorite band. Please never stop commenting on Babymetal videos and most importantly enjoy your well deserved retirement. Best regards from Germany. Forever THE ONE 🤗❤🤘🦊🤘
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support :)
Thank you for this. The Cats and Ladels killed me.
Then my work here is done... ;)
The song reminds me of another famous Japanse song about a fesitval: "Omatsuri Mambo" (お祭りマンボ) by legendary Misora Hibari 美空ひばり (1937-1989).
th-cam.com/video/va899vt-CMM/w-d-xo.html
Oh wow. I really wish I'd seen this before recording my video. Lots of overlap here. What a great find. Thanks!
Another awesome video from you, thank you so much for all of the insights on this song. There are quite a few positive things to say about Metali:
• Su's voice (amazing and really different)
• the instrumentation, Shamisen etc., and the cool beat going on
• Momo's spoken word interlude - I'm so glad she's officially on board now because she brings a new and fresh energy to BABYMETAL and is just fun and a joyous personality
The only thing I'm not too enthusiastic about is that in my humble and insignifikant opinion the last 1/4 of the song is a bit too repetetive and would've been better if there was more of a melody. But it is at it is and it's great that BM still manages to surprise everyone. 🙂
I agree with your positive remarks. Regarding "repetition", I believe this will go great in a "LIVE" setting. When I first saw a video of "Road of Resistance" - live at Saitama Super Arena (2015), I had thought the chant with the crowd was way too long. However, when I actually was in the crowd @ Makuhari (Jan. 2023), I had wished the chant went on forever. Same with the chant in "Metal Kingdom". I believe these songs were written with this in mind.
Both interesting comments. Thank you. Yes, the tail end of the song is repetetive, and as someone who listens closely to music I sometimes wish there was more newness/variety, but I take @htusda1's point too: will be great fun live.
I was dying to know what those tables/trays they kick out of the way were. It had to be symbolic in some way. Thanks for raising it.
My pleasure!
Got recommended the video by some discord friends. Nice indept video... Gonna watch more of them for sure. Like other people said, gives more depth to the songs which I already love. I search lyrics of the songs once in a while, but the potential meaning behind them... I am just not smart enough (yet) to fully comprehend it. I usually like songs for the rythm and feeling more than the actual lyrics.
And when I understand it fully I can finaly really be involved in the crowd participation in the third show I will go to in december. This time I really want to try to be that "idiot" that goes full energy without constraint.
Once again, thanks again and have a nice weekend.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and yes, there are LOTS more :) Of course, tone and musical feel are crucial, but I figure that's what most reactors focus on, so I tend to stick to the meaning stuff. Not to everyone's taste, of course, but it's what I got :)
I just love how fun & silly this video is while celebrating everything it's showing. The transitions. Giant Tom Morello shredding at the back. The girls sitting on his guitar. It's so over-the-top but isn't that what a good summer song supposed to be?
Good point. I always get so preoccupied with trying to nail down meaning that teh overall tone stuff gets downplayed. Fun, for sure.
The song got instant positive reception among The One so far and i couldn't be more glad with Tom Morello living legend being part of this, although apparently some thinks he's not so much involved in the making of the song and this could have been a great song even without him, i think while this is probably true, Tom Morello add so much flavor and his own funk metal flavor sign that couldn't be possible with any other collaboration, so it fits perfectly... ok maybe a collab with RHCP would have been perfect too.😅
I like what you said at the end, it's a celebratory rock show performance that is supposed to involve everybody.
Thanks for sharing this analysis Andrew.🦊🤘🎸
Thanks, man. Appreciate that. I agree. And though it's politically pretty mild, I think the core idea squares with Morello's beliefs. I'm sure he wouldn't have signed off on it if it didn't.
I'm a bit late to your video this time Andrew. But I really enjoyed it. I always learn something from watching your videos. ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very informative. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
さくら学院時代からの岡崎百々子さん(Momoko Okazaki)のアドリブトークや天性な面白さが良い感じでこのPVに反映され、歌舞伎名台詞の様な口上が彼女本来の性格がでておりまさに本領発揮 !! これからもMomoko独自の世界観をアピールして欲しいですね✨🦊✨素晴らしい動画をupしてくださりありがとうございます🤘
ありがとう！桃子への応援、まったく同感です。これからも彼女の活躍を期待しています。
@@AndrewHartley ... 返信ありがとうございます。日本のBABYMETAL TH-camr で多くのBMライヴ動画をupしているoimatsu0531 さんと新曲についてやりとりをし、彼は先日東京•羽田のライヴ会場~Zepp Haneda に於いてのライヴの際にMETALI ! が披露され彼は以下のことを言っていたので引用します。{ステージ暗転の中、しかもステージ中央でMomokoだけがスポットライトを浴びて歌舞伎の様な、阿波踊りをミックスした様なダンスを披露してくれました} そして彼は、わっしょい わっしょいの掛け声も盛り上がったとも付け加えてました。今月末からのUS&Canada ツアーやUK&EUでのライヴも期待できますね 👀
This was a magnificent and educational analysis.
Thanks!
You've once again taken a song I loved and made it just so much more meaningful and deep for me. As always, thank you for your service :)
Thanks for watching!
Hi Andrew, again a great and informative video!
Did you see Mizyu's two x posts about she wants to watch BM and the other one being hugged by Moa after the AG performance?
I did! I love that. I doubt we'll ever see a collar between them but I would pay good money to hear/watch it.
@@AndrewHartley New chosen 7?🤣
Ha! Excellent. @@evifes9182
Thank you, this was very interesting, definitely some stuff I had missed. This is already, no joke, my favorite BM song.
About the Momometal part: Seeing that makes it clear that she had some input. During her time in SG, she often did these kinds of little comedy routines (though, she often failed, lol), and she seemed to love some obscure old comedy duos and stuff (likely an influence of her comedian father). So there's no doubt in my mind that that is a reference, and also that Momoko herself was somehow involved in creating it. For a Sakura Gakuin fan, it's just so very Momoko. Like, if I saw this little clip from anyone, anywhere, I'd think "oh, that sounds like something Momoko would do".
I had heard a bit of that, but I don't know much about SG. Thanks!
誰かも言っていたけど、REIWA‘s ”Omatsuri Mambo”. だと思った。
At first I wasn't sure when I saw a 30 minute review of Metali!!. It was worth watching. Thanks for being so thorough. I learned alot.
My pleasure. But yeah, I always go a bit long... Just too much to talk about :)
Again
“We need you”
I doubt it, but thanks :)
Thank you Professor! Always great to hear your insight and giving a very educational/informative explanation! I think the song is just plain 🔥! 🦊🦊🦊🦊
Yeah, me too. These sedate analyses sometimes belie my enthusiasm :)
🍅💀🍅
🏮🦊🏮
Wasshoi Wasshoi
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
あにき
いつもありがとう😋👍🇯🇵
This is probably a repeat of what's been said already. Momo gets to show off her stuff. I've seen a clip of her acting in a play. She has it. All the young women that have been a part of BabyMetal are something special. The most awesome and commendable part is not all of the members of Sakura Gaugin have moved on in the entertainment business. Some have gone into the business world and medical field. Someone can correct me but Su's sister is a doctor. Great work again, Mr. Hartley
Thanks! Yes, I love the fact that she was given a spotlight moment here. Great stuff.
She's a mental health counselor, I believe. And she used to be a fairly successful Idol, with Nogizaka46.
Thank you Andrew, as always, for your insightful commentaries! Truly sheds new light on the Babymetal I enjoy, which makes it even better!
Wasshoi Wasshoi!! 🤘🦊
Then my work here is done :)
@@AndrewHartley Negative ghost rider, this is the beginning of their new album. I shall ride the mint flavored time machine to watch your future interpretations of songs yet to come.🤣
Please continue the good work 🙏🫵✊🤘🦊
Thank you for your breakdown of Japanese culture, making BABYMETAL fans understand Japan more. The tipping over of the low lying table is often used to note people making a strong argument. ちゃぶ台がえし ＝ Flipping over table. My mother and sister loved Kabuki, and would often come home with tears in their eyes. So, when I sometimes hear politicians say something like,"Our friends on the other side of the isle... all they're doing is a Kabuki Dance. SHAME ON THEM!" I am shocked to think some people relate Kabuki to a shameful act. I chime perfectly to the core message you mention = get all people high and low to dance and shout and be happy!
Thanks! That's interesting and helpful. Much appreciated!
I haven't thought of that usage in a long while. It's like referring to something in politics being "mere theater" or that person is "just acting" as opposed to being sincere. It's not an insult to theater or acting (or kabuki). Here's the definition:
_Political posturing, also known as political grandstanding (from the notion of performing to crowds in the grandstands), political theater, or "kabuki", is the use of speech or actions to gain political support through emotional appeals. It applies especially to appeals that are seen as hollow or lacking political or economic substance, or to superficial appeals that may not reflect a person's genuine ideology or political preferences._
@@Shoe-metal Thank you for your clarification.
I think Su is speak singing for the first time. She's not in her full singing voice, and has no effects. More of her natural timbre comes through. As you say it adds some urgency and some rawness. Beautiful sound for her. Think of an artist like Jim Croce. More of an everyday style, which fits with the themes.
Good point. Thanks!
@@AndrewHartley Thanks. Something I don't think Su gets credit for is now much of her voice she explores. You don't just pop out a song in a different style like this, or Shanti Shanti Shanti, FDTD, BMC, etc. My money is that she noodles around with her voice and tries new stuff on her own
Thank you Prof. Hartley for your detailed review/analysis. As far as I know wasshoi! is an expression that the people used when they carried around the mikoshi along the streets, when in a matsuri. I like your smiles when you saw the girls in the mv, you look like a proud father 🙂👍 . Apology for my English, not my 1st language 🙏 🦊
Yes, that's one of the circumstances it is used. Thanks! (Also, your English is great)
@@AndrewHartley Thank you Prof. you're very kind 🙏
Thank you very much for this review/discussion of this song.
As you said Su-metal and others in the MV sing with an aggression we've not yet seen in a Babymetal song, but why the aggression ? Is it a reference to RATM ???
Could we go even further and say it's a political statement to rid oneself of part of the traditions ? Because then that would also be a reference to RATM 🙂
Not sure. I read it as intensity rather than rage. RATM's anger usually political, but this song could only be called political in the most indirect of ways. I read Su's delivery as intensity rather than rage.
@@AndrewHartley I agree it's probably not rage, but it's odd how intensely it is, why this song ? Maybe she is just happy doing a call/response/audience participation song again ? I doubt it's that, that kind of emotion is usually left out of the album version, but comes out live.
@@autohmae It does feel new and different, doesn't it? Maybe we'll see more of this in future songs.
@@AndrewHartley that is the other option I was thinking about too, really curious what we'll get next from Babymetal
いつもながら素晴らしい解説動画をありがとうございます。
トム・モレロさんが千両役者登場と言う感じで現れるところが好きです。MOMOMETALの大活躍も嬉しいですが、SU-METALがなんか大人っぽく見えてうろたえてしまっていることを告白します。
彼らは確実に成長している。個人的にはタフさが気に入っている :) コメントありがとう！
Thanks for the thoughtful analysis Andrew. For me this song and video is pure Babymetal - unique, creative, expressive, inclusive, and sonically both challenging and awesome.
I liked it on first listen and the more I listen and learn it’s becoming a real gem. Hope to see it live in September - practicing my call and response. 🤘🦊
Yes, me too!
IT'S THE FOX FESTIVAL ~!!!🎉🎉🎉
When I heard the audio debut, all I can think of is Babymetal is promoting Fox Festival, even though it's not directly mentioned in the lyrics.
The set is reminiscent of Megitsune, but also Doki Doki Morning. I wonder if the knocking over of the tables is nothing more than a reference to the DDM video. In the commentary for it Moa said she kept knocking over the flowers next to her.
As well as a new style of singing, Su's vocals sound 'live'. They don't have the studio polish they normally have.
Interesting. Personally, I always try to read what I hear or see as it might play to someone who is paying close attention but isn't deeply invested in the band and the surrounding fan discourse, so I tend to favor readings that viewers/listeners could come to without a lot of inside knowledge, hence my read of the table overturning in symbolic terms. I'm told that Japanese people will sometimes use a phrase about kicking tables over to express passion or anger. Agreed on the lack of vocal polish. I like it, and it fits the impromptu festival performance theme.
@@AndrewHartley One or both of us might be wrong! Babymetal do seem to go for symbolism.
Or maybe it was something that looked cool at the time.
As Sigmund Freud (possibly) said, "Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar."
"This is now official - It's a banger!" YAY! I love an official announcement!
I realized after watching your analysis just how RATM-influenced this song is - "of the people" fits their messaging completely. I also find bits and pieces of the choreo - like the curved body bounce they use near the beginning and at various points throughout - to be very reminiscent of how Zach de la Rocha moves on stage, too. And given how dark and divided the world seems to be at the moment, this hopeful inclusivity seems very subversive - which is also on point for both Babymetal and RATM.
That's interesting. I hadn't thought of the body shape idea. And I like the notion that this is BM doing a softer form of RATM politics, at least in terms of inclusivity. Thanks!
Imagine playing this song at a rally where you're bringing together a lot of disparate people to move together against hatred and oppression.🥰
@@SayuriAsahina I'll drink to that
So if you really want to shock in Japan, start messing with their shoe culture. BM wear boots on tatami and AG wear uwabaki outside...eat your heart out Sex Pistols.
Ha! Good one :)
It is not the destruction of Japanese culture.
It is the destruction of high-class Japanese culture, which has become a stronghold of Japan's darkest authority.
I have seen such a dark side of traditional culture.
So it is refreshing!
I'm pleased to find you seem to have liked the word "idiot" to correspond to "阿呆". I thought it suitable for this case despite the Awa Odori official using "fool" instead, for instance.
I've been always struggling to choose the best-fit words when attempting translation for I'm far from native English speaker after all.
Your work is so helpful. Thank you! I really appreciate your help.
Now I understand where Harry Chapin came up with his song, but mistranslated it from Japanese. Great review, you answered a lot of the questions I had with the video and the lyrics.
Thanks!
Another excellent reaction and education Andrew. I've listened to this song about 20 times and its taken me quite a few listens to think it sounded like another song. After a few more listens, I've worked it out that it sounds very similar to Bloodywood's Machi Bhasad. I couldn't work out if it was a shamisen or a sitar, or something else, but did a little digging so I know now :). All I know is, this is a banger and a half.
Yes, I've heard other folk compare it to Bloodywood too. And yes, banger and a half: which is half an English breakfast :)
I was very impressed by the excellent commentary.
I was really surprised to see the names of yasushi and Kyoshi.
I feel this tatami room is like an Edo period "brothel room with oiran (courtesans)".
The origin of the words "wasshoi" and "seiya, soiya" is not clear, and they have been interpreted in various ways. I was once surprised to find that "mikoshi" is very similar to "ark" in ancient Israel, and that there are various similarities between the two. But this is just a common saying, and no one really knows for sure. It is fun to imagine.
Interesting. Thanks for your support and the comment!
👍 🦊 🖖 ❤
This may be reading tealeaves, but I wonder if Su is enjoying experimenting with her voice, in that, songs like this, Pa Pa Ya, BMC etc. Su is very dynamic in her vocal sounds. In this song it seems like she is singing with unique sharpness at the edge of the notes (or this could just be the mixing?). She has a lot of attack in the crowd parts.
I am struggling to describe it, but just as Babymetal experiments with its genres, Su seems to express a similar level of creativity in how she delivers the vocals. I can almost envision her with her vocal coach saying "I want to learn how to make my voice to do... this" (like the vocal tremor we hear at the end of this new song).
Interesting, yes. I think some of it is a matter of maturity. She's growing into a more adult sound, and while I have always loved the clarity of her voice, I think we are getting a richer timbre now. Thanks.
Su- has said she likes to do karaoke alone so that she can try out singing in different styles. And that during the hiatus she spent 10+ hours a day singing. But I agree, there is something in how she is going between the notes that does have an edge to it. It is reminding me of a jazz style from circa 1930's that I just can't quite place.
The "tremor" on that last "wasshoi!" is called vibrato and, contrary to popular fan belief, she has used vibrato a lot since her voice would support it, going back at least to Megitsune (2013) where she was encouraged to sing in melodramatic enka style. Although here the recording engineer put a lot of reverb on it, I think that "wasshoi" may be the widest vibrato that Su- has achieved giving a very enka feel, at least to my gaijin ears. Her natural vibrato is normally quite narrow and relatively fast.
@@johnschultz7765 I really enjoy your comment and perspective.
When I wrote my original comment I had the thought in mind, when you listen to other singers, lets say Avril, or Adele or whatever... they have their sound, and you can expect to hear that same sound in every song across every album.
Su very much has her own sound, but she keeps it so interesting. She plays with different sounds, and I hear this aspect strongly here.
And I understand normal vibrato, but the Washoi at 2min51sec is what I call the "metal yell" you commonly hear in classic hard rock and metal music. It's a treat to hear Su do it, and again, to see Su be so experimental in recordings. Like trill on the R's in Shanti, or the rap section in BMC. You never expect it but are blown away when you hear it.
@@NipponCollect , while I don't really disagree with you calling it a "metal yell", I never would have pegged Bruce Dickinson as a Japanese Enka fan. 😄
@@johnschultz7765 I am sure the two descriptions aren't mutually exclusive haha.
Thoughts on Wasshoi and Dokkoisho:
While "heave-ho" and "heigh-ho" carry the closest meaning, it just doesn't feel right in the lyrics. It's too old-school and doesn't fit with the modern feel.
I think for the "average" audience, Wasshoi should be "Let's go!" and Dokkoisho can almost be "Put your back into it!"
At least it "feels" more accurate. I wonder what anyone else think?
I know what you mean, but washoi doesn't really translate at all because there is not western equivalent because the phrases are specific to festivals. "Let's go" feels ok to English speakers, but it's general and used all the time in a thousand different contexts. There's no equivalent tot he Japanese original.
@@AndrewHartley True, and I do understand the reason. Perhaps “let’s go!” just feels like an appropriate “interpretation” within the confines of the song to me.
The “heigh-ho / heave-ho” phrases don’t sit well with me. Last time I heard it used was “heigh-ho silver!” In Band of Brothers LOL.
@@Ganimal83 Ha! Yeah. And "heave ho" does rather make us all temporary pirates ;)
@@AndrewHartley LOL, only if that was utilized in Oh Majinai… such a missed opportunity 🤣.
Your reaction is worth more than 98% of the other reactions put together that are out there. Thank You!
Too kind :) Thank you!
Be careful. You said it was Momoko doing the voice, which we all know IS and has been confirmed by multiple sources including the girls themselves in the interview from RollingStoneJapan. But Hymnodic will probably comment how you and everyone esle is spreading lies that it is Momoko, because he apparently knows better than everyone else.
With that said, This song is amazing and I can't wait to see it LIVE. I bet this will be one of the song the girls love to perform the most. 🤘🦊🤘
Huh. Didn't know it was a controversial assertion. Ah well.
@@AndrewHartley Apparently to just him it was.