Battle of The Magnets

When "Magnet" was first released, the Vocaloid fan base was captivated by the somewhat scandalous song. Love it or hate it, Miku and Luka's love duet undeniably made an impact. Spawning numerous covers and rip off butterfly headphones on dubious online shopping sites, the influence is still stands strong to this day. The only question is: Which Magnet is the best Magnet?

Luka x Miku

Since this is the original song, it really works quite well. Personally, I don't ship this pairing though I can see the reason why people would because of the rival/friend dynamic that Miku and Luka have in practically every song. The lower voice of Luka matches Miku's higher voice beautifully and the only criticism I have is that this would sound a whole lot better if I wasn't drinking this really bitter orange juice.

Kaito x Gakupo

The funny thing is, I stumbled across this version before the original. I like the cute slide show of fan art in this particular PV which makes it different from the typical butterfly headphone and almost kissing image. One thing I dislike about this is that Gakupo sounds slightly more robotic but that's expected since he is a computer programme. It also helps that I'm a KaitoGakupo fangirl - I have this on my Ipod.

Rin x Len

The Rin and Len duo is always a popular pairing among the Vocaloid fandom so this cover was somewhat expected. This version is effective because of the similar voices (well, technically the same voice because they have the same voice donor) so they blend really well together. That said, the whole twincest thing is still sort of illegal... though I suppose Vocaloids don't really abide to the law considering the various murders and other nefarious deeds they commit.

Kaito x Len

While I like the artwork on this one, it kind of creeps me out. Not because Kaito is a bit older than Len or because they're both male... No, the thing that disturbs me is that Kaito sings higher than Len. That aside, I do like the interesting harmony in the chorus, it's really nice and adds a new element to a song that's been done so many times.

Meiko x Luka



As one of the less popular Vocaloids, some of Meiko's songs end up sounding quite robotic and forced - this is one of them. Though it's not really something she can change herself, it irritates me as it her cryptic way of singing in this one butchers what could have been a decent cover. Luka does a good job as always though.

Gakupo x Gumi

Yes guys, it is indeed Gakupo in the image despite his blue hair. I've always had a soft spot for Gumi because despite not being immensely popular like Miku, most of her songs are pretty good - also she can enunciate (with the exception of I-Fantasy). I like the harmonies between Gakupo's deeper voice and Gumi's higher voice and the interesting arrangement. The only thing I'm not really sold on is the Gakupo-who-looks-like-Kaito in the PV.

THE VERDICT:

To be fair, I haven't listed or listed all the possible 'Magnet' covers because it's almost impossible due to the number of pairings. Since Vocaloid songs are for the most part fanmade, that makes everything canon in an odd way so really, you can ship whoever you like. (Yes, even Ryoto the Melon with Big Al though I wouldn't recommend it.) Out of these six I've chosen, my favourite musically would have to be the Rin x Len version because their voices just blend together so naturally. Shipping wise, I still like the Kaito x Gakupo  the best because they are my favourite couple.

What do you think?

x Emiko Takada

I Choose You - Pikachu!

That simple sentence sitting innocently above my post is what started it all. Before I knew it, I was eagerly mouthing the words of the theme song, owned a Level 100 Swampert on Pokemon Ruby made for the Gameboy S.P. and dismissed playing "Mums and Dads" at morning tea in exchange for a game of "Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon". If I remember correctly, my best friend was Yami Yugi and I was Mudkip Seto Kaiba...

Now, 8 years later, I am an utter weirdo. I have committed various stupid but amusing deeds, (don't even mention the time when my friends tried to convince me to pretend to be Goku at the formal...) that don't always work out. I am the sort of person who shouts "Moon Tiara Action" when I hit a volleyball, I am the sarcastic friend who is sometimes an insensitive ass, I am a Narutard who knows the hand gestures for Izanagi.. but above all, I am an Otaku*.

This blog is basically a manifestation of all my geekiness. It will range from cosplay to anime reviews, deviantart searching to fanfiction, gaming recommendations to interesting j-rock songs.

So, without further ado here's my list of recommendations:

Music

- Himitsu Keisatsu/The Secret Police by Hatsune Miku

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkjTq_nHB90

Personally, this is one of my favourite Miku songs of all time. For starters, the upbeat introduction to this song is amazing with the chaotic engine starting in the background and the lyrics are amusing with a storyline. Miku doesn't sound freakishly robotic and there isn't any of that weird autotune-esque static you sometimes get in other songs. If I had to compare it to another Vocaloid song, it's style resembles "Matryshoka" a little in the sort of catastrophic vibe it gives off.

Interesting Fact: Kagamine Len resembles Mukuro from 'Katekyo Hitman Reborn!' in the original PV.

- Reila by The GazettE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzhosjtmbM

Though this is one of the softer songs of The GazettE compared to others like 'Before I Decay' for instance, the quality does not drop at all. There seem to be a variety of rumours swirling around the story behind this songs. From what I've gathered the most popular rumour is that 'Reila' is supposed to be written about (the singer) Ruki's late girlfriend Leila who committed suicide. However, other stories state it was (the bassist)Reita's  girlfriend who did the deed while some fans even claim the song is about Reita and Ruki's forbidden love and they changed "Reita" to "Reila" so people wouldn't become suspicious...

Manga

- 1/2 Prince

 Summary (By MangaFox):

It is the year 2100 A.D. and humans have invented a virtual reality game called "Second Life". Feng Lan, due to a bet with her brother, vows to beat him in the game without using her feminine charm to attract others to help her. Thus, she becomes the first transgendered character in "Second Life" - in other words, she is the only person who has a gender in-game opposite from hers in real life. As her popularity rises due to her looks and bloodthirsty skills, can she keep her identity a secret from her loved ones and friends?

What I like about this:
The interesting thing about 1/2 Prince is that the main protagonist (who is a girl) is the strongest character. I don't mean in that 'I'm good at fighting but my brain cells get lost every time I pick up a sword and end up getting kidnapped' way either. No, I mean she literally beats the crap out of everyone. Half the time (no pun intended) she is the one saving the ass of her love interest(s) from the brink of death. Another good thing about 1/2 Prince is that it has a good mix of shoujo and shonen genre. With enough intense fight scenes to appeal to an action based audience yet retaining enough romance to also catch the interest of shoujo readers...  it's pretty well rounded. For those of you who focus on the plot above all else, I won't spoil things for you but I will say this: Don't let the gag scenes fool you, the plot twist is well worth the wait.

x Emiko Takada