I always enjoy seeing your work. I am so glad you appreciate the musicality of BAND-MAID. Since I am Japanese, let me explain a little about the lyrics of this song. This song "azure" has a particularly enthusiastic fan base in Japan. As with the music itself, the admiration for the lyrics in especially significant. One of my dear BAND-MAID fan friends, whenever he gets drunk, always says with tears in his eyes, "I was saved my life by this song's lyrics!" MIKU has written many supportive lyrics for life, but the message of this song in particular, in my opinion, is very straightforward even for her, and it conveys her feelings and her way of thinking directly. That guy always says, "I cry every time I hear the last line, '何も言えないけど、風で押すからI can't say anything, but I'll push with the wind.' The way she pushes your back with the wind, instead of actually helping you with her specific advice or actions, is filled with the feeling that 'you don't go on relying on someone else, you have to do it on your own!... and I'm watching over you warmly and cheering you up'. ―― That's why it's wonderful."
Thanks for the insight from a Japanese persons perspective. I generally love Miku's lyrics, but a lot of the time I don't get the full meaning, because she is writing from a Japanese view of life and the world.
@@martinh8481 MIKU's lyrics are filled with abstract expressions and metaphors that can be interpreted in a hundred different ways by a hundred different people. She herself says, “I try to make them so that they can be interpreted in many different ways by different people”. Therefore, many of her lyrics are very difficult even for Japanese, so I think it is tough for those who translate them into English. However, I personally think that the lyrics of “azure” are relatively easy to convey the message because they are very specific and straightforward for her.
Kanami wrote "azure" with the late manga artist Momoko Sakura in mind. Kanami had completed the song with the image of sending someone off in a bright and refreshing way, but she didn't tell Miku about it. However, when she saw the completed lyrics, she thought they were perfect. It seems that Kanami doesn't often tell Miku about the image he has in mind when handing over a song.
It's funny that a lot of fans have a favorite album, either Conqueror or Just Bring It or World Domination and even Unseen World. And there will be fans of Epic Narratives. Personally I love all of it from Ai to Jonetsu no Matador to Get to the Top and everything in between. I thought maybe if I listen to all of them I'd find a bad one. It still has yet to happen.
Matador is is an earworm I never listen to once; it's an autorepeat. For as much as I love Band-Maid, and I'm not saying LPM is my favorite, but when I listen to it, I'm listening to it twice in a row.
azure is one of my dark horse favorite Band-Maid songs. The rhythmic and melodic flow is so satisfying. MISA shifts the progression in the last chorus - so nice.
Azure and Liberal don't get enough credit on that album. For an album that pretty much goes everywhere and singles/MVs that have nothing in common six different ways, they're the two best album cuts (shortly followed by Catharsis) that kind of represent the sound of the album in the best way possible IMHO.
Way cool Frank and of course Sohum, a deep cut and one of my favorites ( it's a Band Maid song. so of course- they are all favorites ). Such a happy fun song especially if driving with window down.
Yeah, the difference between the two is huge. And like most Band-Maid songs, until you sit down with good headphones/earbuds then you miss what Band-Maid is all about, and that's the music. Kanami does it for me when you can not just hear, but watch how busy she really is in every song. I still say to this day I don't know how her fingers don't just fall off after a show. I watched her in Charlotte the entire show and she is absolutely amazing, as are ALL the girls.
The way Band-Maid blends genres into very dense yet super integrated music with new guitar tones (Kanami's first run in No God, and Corallium / Influencer, for instance); Akane's drum patterns, fills and beats which go beyond any rock drumming we've ever heard; MISA's second-lead runs, slap/pick/finger techniques, and that tone!!; Miku's unusual second vocal work and lyrics; and Saiki's rapid-fire, powerful singing style... all has Band-Maid if not busting out new trails in their core genre, then certainly setting new trends in rock music for all rock musicians to consider and be inspired by. In short, I'd say Band-Maid is making waves by setting new playing, performance, and prolific work ethic standards that we'll see the results of for years to come. They've upped the game for all to follow! Thx, Sohum!
Nice double reaction. The studio versions are more on the side of Kanami packing as much as possible in her songs, live is more stripped back. Thanks for continuing to react to Band-Maid.
It's subtle, but Kanami changes the main riff from one version to the next. I'm not sure why, but I'll certainly never question her artistic instincts. 🤷❤️
Kanami's guitar is often more "out front" in live shows (and their recordings), and I too like being able to hear her more clearly. If you see them live in person, the difference really hits you, especially if you're on her side. At least, that's what I seem to recall noticing when I was able to tear my attention away from Saiki. That one's got some kind of stage presence!
Great reaction. I have found some of the mixes are pretty hot for studio recordings. It helps to have open back headphones. Everything feels more separated. A bonus when they pack so much into every song.
Most of their studio albums are SUPER compressed, whereas the lives are less so - so with the album you get a wall of sound, the live is more a forest of sound. That's one reason why the lives are generally considered better - that, and they generally bring Miku's voice and MISA up in the mix, and then of course their stage presence and sometimes extended intros or solos. Kanami usually gets pushed back whether it's studio or live though. The maids are involved in the studio production, so we have to assume the albums sound the way they want them to sound, heavy compression and all. Some fans have complained, but those complaints seem to fall on deaf ears.
You have discovered 1 of MANY Band-Maids' hidden gems. Love this song and I agree, the live version is better......... but MOST Band-Maid live songs are better. They ARE essentially a Live band.
"Azure" is another great Band-Maid deep cut, track 8 off Conqueror (imho, their most complete album). Band-Maid are the undisputed champions when it comes to mid-tempo progressive hard rock bangers! 🤘🤘💕💕
Oh yeah, the mix & sound engineering on Conqueror was, let's just say, not stellar. It tells you something that a covid-era Zaiko stream turned out better. Plus, this album contains some of their best writing (IMO). Fortunately, all the songs eventually got played in live versions with much better production. BTW, there's another okyuji with Azure on the way. They did a summer 2024 "spin-off" concert and made the rough cut available to fan members for a couple of days. But next year, they're going to stream the final cut.
The audio mix of their studio tracks are usually lesser in quality than any of their lives. I suspect the studio mix is done with cellphone/tablet as the playback device, not a good audio system, or good headphones. Very compressed and lots of loudness.
I have to agree I hope one day the band will have remastered the first 3 albums as the recording is some what muffeled and the instruments are not very distinct and clear. Just my 2 cents.
If you like more havier stuff, especially like 80's heavy metal, you absolutely must check out another band from Japan called LOVEBITES. They play every type of metal. Lovebites - Holy War (live) should be good starting point :) th-cam.com/video/bgAxpEpEcno/w-d-xo.html
![BAND-MAID - Sayonakidori [DOUBLE REACTION: LIVE & ACOUSTIC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oOBLPXj7oyY/mqdefault.jpg)
![BAND-MAID - Sayonakidori [DOUBLE REACTION: LIVE & ACOUSTIC]](/img/tr.png)
![BAND-MAID - Honkai [FIRST TIME REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9x9BTCzspWY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Reacting to the BAND-MAID Documentary / KANAMI [REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HEyC7w9eFCY/mqdefault.jpg)
I always enjoy seeing your work. I am so glad you appreciate the musicality of BAND-MAID.
Since I am Japanese, let me explain a little about the lyrics of this song.
This song "azure" has a particularly enthusiastic fan base in Japan. As with the music itself, the admiration for the lyrics in especially significant. One of my dear BAND-MAID fan friends, whenever he gets drunk, always says with tears in his eyes, "I was saved my life by this song's lyrics!"
MIKU has written many supportive lyrics for life, but the message of this song in particular, in my opinion, is very straightforward even for her, and it conveys her feelings and her way of thinking directly.
That guy always says, "I cry every time I hear the last line, '何も言えないけど、風で押すからI can't say anything, but I'll push with the wind.' The way she pushes your back with the wind, instead of actually helping you with her specific advice or actions, is filled with the feeling that 'you don't go on relying on someone else, you have to do it on your own!... and I'm watching over you warmly and cheering you up'. ―― That's why it's wonderful."
Thanks for the insight from a Japanese persons perspective. I generally love Miku's lyrics, but a lot of the time I don't get the full meaning, because she is writing from a Japanese view of life and the world.
@@martinh8481 MIKU's lyrics are filled with abstract expressions and metaphors that can be interpreted in a hundred different ways by a hundred different people. She herself says, “I try to make them so that they can be interpreted in many different ways by different people”.
Therefore, many of her lyrics are very difficult even for Japanese, so I think it is tough for those who translate them into English.
However, I personally think that the lyrics of “azure” are relatively easy to convey the message because they are very specific and straightforward for her.
I have a much stronger appreciation for this song now. Thank you 🙏.
Kanami wrote "azure" with the late manga artist Momoko Sakura in mind.
Kanami had completed the song with the image of sending someone off in a bright and refreshing way, but she didn't tell Miku about it. However, when she saw the completed lyrics, she thought they were perfect. It seems that Kanami doesn't often tell Miku about the image he has in mind when handing over a song.
It's funny that a lot of fans have a favorite album, either Conqueror or Just Bring It or World Domination and even Unseen World. And there will be fans of Epic Narratives. Personally I love all of it from Ai to Jonetsu no Matador to Get to the Top and everything in between. I thought maybe if I listen to all of them I'd find a bad one. It still has yet to happen.
"and even Unseen World"? Not only Band-Maid's best album but the best album of the 21st century, that one?
@hookstrpd agree that it was until epic narratives came out
@@hookstrpd Considering what they are capable of...I think their best album is yet to come ! 🤔
Matador is is an earworm I never listen to once; it's an autorepeat. For as much as I love Band-Maid, and I'm not saying LPM is my favorite, but when I listen to it, I'm listening to it twice in a row.
azure is one of my dark horse favorite Band-Maid songs. The rhythmic and melodic flow is so satisfying. MISA shifts the progression in the last chorus - so nice.
Azure and Liberal don't get enough credit on that album. For an album that pretty much goes everywhere and singles/MVs that have nothing in common six different ways, they're the two best album cuts (shortly followed by Catharsis) that kind of represent the sound of the album in the best way possible IMHO.
Way cool Frank and of course Sohum, a deep cut and one of my favorites ( it's a Band Maid song. so of course- they are all favorites ). Such a happy fun song especially if driving with window down.
The favorites list keeps increasing hahah
From Japan For me, a studio is 90. A live performance is 100. And when I know the lyrics, it's 110.
Good thoughtful reaction to this beloved song. Thank you 🙏.
My pleasure 😊
Azure is one of their shortest songs. Nothing from Conqueror is bad. Even the controversial 'The Dragon Cries' is actually a good song.
Yeah, the difference between the two is huge. And like most Band-Maid songs, until you sit down with good headphones/earbuds then you miss what Band-Maid is all about, and that's the music. Kanami does it for me when you can not just hear, but watch how busy she really is in every song. I still say to this day I don't know how her fingers don't just fall off after a show. I watched her in Charlotte the entire show and she is absolutely amazing, as are ALL the girls.
Denver last year. Packed house. I hope they come back. So great.
They always mix it that way on live versions with Kanami in the right ear and Miku in the left. That's why you can differentiate them so easily
Frank this is one of my favorite unknown songs of theirs
A nice, underrated song from the album CONQUEROR. It's a shame there is no live version out there that's played in front of an audience.
bandmaidのファンの皆さんこんにちは！
英語が苦手なので日本語で失礼します。
多分pohojisanの話している日本人です🙋
この曲の素晴らしさを少しのお酒と朝まで彼と話し合った事があります。
mikuは素晴らしい作詞家であると🥰
またpohojisanに最大の感謝を!!!
あら、見つかっちゃったか！www
MISA MISA MISA!!!!! MISA MISA MISA!!!!!
The way Band-Maid blends genres into very dense yet super integrated music with new guitar tones (Kanami's first run in No God, and Corallium / Influencer, for instance); Akane's drum patterns, fills and beats which go beyond any rock drumming we've ever heard; MISA's second-lead runs, slap/pick/finger techniques, and that tone!!; Miku's unusual second vocal work and lyrics; and Saiki's rapid-fire, powerful singing style... all has Band-Maid if not busting out new trails in their core genre, then certainly setting new trends in rock music for all rock musicians to consider and be inspired by.
In short, I'd say Band-Maid is making waves by setting new playing, performance, and prolific work ethic standards that we'll see the results of for years to come. They've upped the game for all to follow! Thx, Sohum!
This has always been one of my "Go To" songs from Conquerer ! It's short and intense like a firework...or short and intense like Miku herself ! ❤
I like that aspect! They can dominate in both long and short form tracks, their talent never runs out
I❤BAND-MAID
Nice double reaction. The studio versions are more on the side of Kanami packing as much as possible in her songs, live is more stripped back. Thanks for continuing to react to Band-Maid.
It's subtle, but Kanami changes the main riff from one version to the next. I'm not sure why, but I'll certainly never question her artistic instincts. 🤷❤️
Kanami's guitar is often more "out front" in live shows (and their recordings), and I too like being able to hear her more clearly. If you see them live in person, the difference really hits you, especially if you're on her side. At least, that's what I seem to recall noticing when I was able to tear my attention away from Saiki. That one's got some kind of stage presence!
Great reaction. I have found some of the mixes are pretty hot for studio recordings. It helps to have open back headphones. Everything feels more separated. A bonus when they pack so much into every song.
Some of my favorite Saiki vocals!
Most of their studio albums are SUPER compressed, whereas the lives are less so - so with the album you get a wall of sound, the live is more a forest of sound. That's one reason why the lives are generally considered better - that, and they generally bring Miku's voice and MISA up in the mix, and then of course their stage presence and sometimes extended intros or solos. Kanami usually gets pushed back whether it's studio or live though.
The maids are involved in the studio production, so we have to assume the albums sound the way they want them to sound, heavy compression and all. Some fans have complained, but those complaints seem to fall on deaf ears.
Designed for streaming which is how most music is consumed these days. Japan is one of the last bastions of physical media.
Sohum there's 2 other songs on this album that r not well known , checkout liberal, flying high
Oh and you are so correct the CD versions seem far too compressed or something I'm not a sound engineer.
You have discovered 1 of MANY Band-Maids' hidden gems. Love this song and I agree, the live version is better......... but MOST Band-Maid live songs are better. They ARE essentially a Live band.
100% agree
"Azure" is another great Band-Maid deep cut, track 8 off Conqueror (imho, their most complete album). Band-Maid are the undisputed champions when it comes to mid-tempo progressive hard rock bangers! 🤘🤘💕💕
💙💙💙💙
Oh yeah, the mix & sound engineering on Conqueror was, let's just say, not stellar. It tells you something that a covid-era Zaiko stream turned out better. Plus, this album contains some of their best writing (IMO). Fortunately, all the songs eventually got played in live versions with much better production. BTW, there's another okyuji with Azure on the way. They did a summer 2024 "spin-off" concert and made the rough cut available to fan members for a couple of days. But next year, they're going to stream the final cut.
Designed for streaming.
The audio mix of their studio tracks are usually lesser in quality than any of their lives. I suspect the studio mix is done with cellphone/tablet as the playback device, not a good audio system, or good headphones. Very compressed and lots of loudness.
💜💛❤💙💚
I have to agree I hope one day the band will have remastered the first 3 albums as the recording is some what muffeled and the instruments are not very distinct and clear. Just my 2 cents.
The ad means you had the tab open for too long before playing the video.
If you like more havier stuff, especially like 80's heavy metal, you absolutely must check out another band from Japan called LOVEBITES. They play every type of metal. Lovebites - Holy War (live) should be good starting point :) th-cam.com/video/bgAxpEpEcno/w-d-xo.html