So it seems that Reitaisai 7 is a good one for vocal lovers (points at self) and not so much, I guess, for trance/techno lovers. I've seen lots of people disappointed at how average the prime groups (Alstroemeria & AE) were, but were fairly pleased with other releases. Well what I think is good may not be that good for others...so: :P

Lots of good stuff came out pretty fast, and currently, I'm in the mood to smack them all here~

Oh, and I'll also continue "The Best of Touhou vocals" this summer, before I start smacking tube links here.

The tengus are waiting, let's get this down.

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(Link)

I think I don't even have to say it, I'll just quote someone from Doujinstyle:

"Anything with Anna Sakurai is completely awesome by default." -lolCindered

Not satisfied? Go see 癒えぬ痕 (Unhealing Scar).

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(Link)

I BADLY WANT A LONGER VERSION OF THIS. Four minutes clearly isn't enough when you're doing justice to Old World, especially if it's Kokucho and company. Oh, and by the way, thanks go to our pal Kafka for translating this wonderful song.

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(EN: Disco Ball Tonight) (Link)

Well, okay. Feat. RIZE was quite meh (for me), and a rebound on Ryureisaisai2 with a FUNKYDELIC (whatever way you spell this, haha) arrangement made me reconsider this group. Okay, let's go look back at their other releases.

Witch is an incredible high-pitched vocalist, just like Sara and Merami.

Oh right, that translation above's mine. I SHOULD be wrong though, sinc-- *fix'd by Kafka*

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(Link)

When I first heard this in the Barrage Am Ring crossfade, I knew I HAD TO GET THIS SONG ON MY CHANNEL in every way possible. I only have in possession of a single Luna Dial vocal, which left me completely hanging.

Awesome guitar play by Yuki, just the first few seconds will leave you stunned. Yep, maintaining the essence of Luna Dial does sound completely ridiculous; it's complex!

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(EN: It's Hourai!) (Link)

Yep, it's that song again from the first Ryureisaisai! I believe I speak for everyone that this re-recording is leagues better than the first one! And like the first version, it's an instant favorite, since well, Syuzo does this some justice just like 3L, BB and the guys from SYNC.ART'S did. And terribly catchy too~

Translated, and it's making me snicker. \SYUZO/

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(Link)

Probably the first non-screamo vocal in Foreground Eclipse's lines that immediately caught my attention. I like how the song progresses, delving in deeper and deeper into oblivion. I've always been a lover of Kaikidan's Extra theme, and I always will be!

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(EN: Kaleidoscope) (Link)

Easily catchy. Nice guitar-play, vocals are well...pretty much above average. And hey, it's not easy finding Charming Domination vocals like these.

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(EN: Dance of Witches / The Witches' Ball) (Link)

lily-an as Alice, Yukari as Patchouli and fi-fy as Marisa.  At least, that's how I see it.

Simply beautiful. Another reason for me to like Kimino-museum and their entire line. I've always loved Witches' Ball, more than Love-colored Master Spark or any other Marisa themes, and the mix with other Marisa-related themes like Doll Judgment, Locked Girl and Casket of Star just pumps up the excitement.

Well, I guess this is how they make up for their loss in Reitaisai 7. In case you didn't know, this circle, Syrufit, UtaGe, Spielraum and Liz Triangle's releases were ALL DELAYED due to some serious error with their publisher.

Gawd, I can't stop listening to that accordion. It's EPIC!

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(Link)

Sexy lounge-y Greenwich we have here, ASK is certainly tied with Cherose in terms of manvocal sexiness. Mister Singh really gives this well-loved original more love than we can ever ask for.

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(Link)

Personally, I'd choose this over COOL&CREATE's version. Satoshi's lyrics are all serious stuff, no shenanigans or such that'll cause it to be hated. And I love Yurika, ever since that Evening Star vocal in SOUND HOLIC's OMOI. I also consider this as the best play in the entire album, Moon over Mind.

I hope they'd stay like this!

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(Link)

Acoustic Touhou coupled with epic chorus from none other than Mai herself. Makes me want to think this would go head-to-head with EastNewSound's Lucent Wish. These two are sure as hell on my best of Touhou vocal listing~

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(Link)

The grandeur of the youkai mountain is at its fullest in this vocal, not from IOSYS, Silver Forest, or any other famous, well-known, well-loved (and hated) circles, but from a rising circle, Riverside. They pretty much are one heck of a jack-of-all-trades circle, doing some trance, orchestral, rock/metal and some pop stuff. Watch out mainstreams, these guys are sure as hell going to kick your b'hinds.

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There are a lot more to come, stay tuned.

Labels: Commentary, Touhou Project