Miyavi

Written Thursday, 16th 2010

Miyavi

Tuesday I went to see Miyavi play in Shibuya at the Liquid room and it was pretty amazing. I liked it better than the show he did in Portland, partly because I liked the music he played better here. Both shows I went to I didn't know any of the music. I sort of fell out of the Miyavi loop. Yet, after the Portland show I didn't find myself really wanting to listen to that album (This iz The Japanese Kabuki Rock). But it didn't change my thoughts about Miyavi and I continued to listen to the songs I did like (can't always please everyone all the time). After the concert in Shibuya, however, I found myself listening to the album (What's my Name) on repeat. Truly a great album and wonderful new sound. Highly recommend it. It's really nothing like his old stuff or even his recent stuff; totally new. It's definitely not as heavy (in the sense of say, his way earlier work; but then again his sound has never been that heavy) but he uses a lot of distortion/effects (which was really kind comical watching him on stage fiddle around with all the various effect boards he had sprawled out in front of him). Of course it's very guitar heavy (seeing as it's only him and a drummer) and it does have a little pop-rocky sort of sound to it but not as poppy as his MYV POPS album. It's more of like a Beatles meets, well, Miyavi (although that might not be a very clear picture either. Just go listen to the album, gosh!).

Watching him preform of course is always a treat. He's so charismatic (and a little arrogant, but hey he's a rock star) on stage and just knows how to work the crowd (and his guitar).

When I got to the venue there was a sizable crowd lined up already (even though I got there when the doors where supposed to already be open) so I waited with everyone else. But I found out in the nic of time that they were calling out ticket numbers so did not have to wait as long as I was thinking I had to to get in. Of course I monkied my to as close as possible (three rows of people away!). Yet I think I might have pulled a foo-paw (or whatever), in my eagerness to get close. See, there was this barrier type bar separating one section of the floor from the section of the floor closest to the stage. "Well", I thought "that's annoying!". So I crawled under it much to the displeasure/amusement of the people on each side of it. The reason I think I make a mistake in doing this was that I believe they had it sectioned off for fan club members to be in the front. But knowing me I was just like "Why is this object used to keep people out doing just that?! I must find a way through it" instead of realizing that maybe it was there for a reason. But whatever. No one said anything or tried to kick me out and the American girl I met up front (named Jamie btw) thought it was pretty amusing watching me crawl through people like that.

What's my name? 

Anyways, I give the concert and the album a big thumbs up! XD












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Written 21st December 2010


Just got back from getting my re-entry permit and part time work permit. Waiting at the immigration building was like waiting at the DMV except instead of a bunch of Hispanic people and their screaming children, it was a bunch of Chinese people and their screaming children. DX

Also tutored tonight. Student is a voice actor/musician. Nice guy. Also this DJ guy came up to me as I was waiting for said student and started a nice conversation with me and we exchange numbers! New buddy in the bag (not literally though...gross).

PEACE