Music Be the Food of Geeks

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Anime music is by far one of the most influential genres of our time. For some, it could be motivating, others it could be inspiring, and maybe for others it could be seen as soothing.

As for me, it’s a combination of those three. However, there are some anime soundtracks that I always find myself returning to for nostalgia, good music, and overall, a fantastic anime. Here’s my top three anime soundtracks.

3. “Howl’s Moving Castle”

Hayao Miyazaki is possibly one of the most influential persons ever to exist. His ideas are wonderful, his art style is whimsical, and even the music for his pieces is amazing. I solely chose “Howl’s Moving Castle” because it’s the first musical score I recall when I hear ‘Hayao Miyazaki’.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” follows Sophie on a journey of magic and her fateful meeting with Howl, the owner of a moving, enchanted castle. This movie has gone on to be considered as a Miyazaki classic next to “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro”. The iconic art style creates a beautiful tapestry while melding wonderfully with music crafted by Joe Hisashi. It’s a soundtrack that makes you feel like you’re floating. It’s an overall upbeat soundtrack with some mellow tones which exposes the mood of the movie.

Favorite song: Sky Stroll  - this song just oozes with whimsy that is spread throughout “Howl’s Moving Castle” and features some beautiful violins. It’s an uplifting piece that starts off slow and builds up to something truly upbeat and lovely.

2. “.hack//SIGN”

“.hack//SIGN” was an anime from my teen years, when Toonami was fresh. “.hack//SIGN” took place in an MMORPG called The World and focused on Tsukasa, a boy who can’t log out.  The music in this series is classical and pop themed which fits perfectly, given the location of the anime. The tunes surface old memories of late nights watching this series, relating to the characters who were finding themselves, and trying to understand life through my adolescent eyes.

Favorite song: Fake Wings – ah, the song of my teen years. I would play this nonstop until my speakers were worn out. It has a great harmony accompanied with a beautiful piano and tugs at the heartstrings.

1.”Revolutionary Girl Utena”

Where do I even begin with this soundtrack? With this show? The series revolves around Utena Tenjou, a tomboy at Ohtori Academy who finds herself through endless duels while winning the hand of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya. The anime itself is a brilliant showcase of growing up, philosophy, life lessons, and comedy. The music is no exception.

Crafted by the Be-Papas, the music covers a ton of genres. It has a little something for everyone and it does not disappoint. Even the lyrics are strange, but enticing, riddled with deep layers that tie into the scene that they’re played during. The lyrics give way to hours of translating what it all means while jamming out to some amazing tunes.

Favorite song: Watashi Banbatsu Hyaku Fushigi – this song is raw. This song is every heartbreak you’ve ever endured, every harsh realization about yourself, every struggle you have with yourself, and every single roughness that you have ever encountered in your life. It’s powerful and mind numbingly emotional.

Overall, these soundtracks have shaped my musical tastes and inspired me to write or draw. I hope they give you some inspiration as well and open your minds.

Thank you for reading tonight’s entry. If you liked it, feel free to share, subscribe, comment, and critique.

So tell me, what’s your favorite song from an anime?

Luigi's Mansion: My Unconventional Valentine

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

With Valentine’s Day nearly a week away, I might have found an old flame to connect with. It was only Saturday where I reunited with my long lost love: Luigi’s Mansion.

Luigi’s Mansion is a game that released for the Gamecube in 2001. It focused around Luigi who busts them ghosts in a mansion he supposedly won from a contest that he never entered. Mario is also missing in this game, so it’s up to Luigi to find and rescue him.

Back in 2001, I was honestly scared of my own shadow and detested this game and sold it to Gamestop. Since 2005, I have regretted my decision and been on the hunt for this game. Finally after eleven years, I managed to find it and my love for it has never been stronger. Needless to say, I’m reunited with Luigi’s Mansion and it feels so good.

Here’s why I love Luigi’s Mansion.

5. It’s Luigi’s Game

How many games does Luigi have to himself? Very few, but most people remember this as being Luigi’s game. There was barely any Mario involved or Peach or Daisy. At best it was just Luigi, Toad, a bit of Bowser, and an old scientist who wanted to capture ghosts with a vacuum backpack. It was a game perfect for Luigi because it encompassed a unique concept and a grand sense of adventure – just like a Mario game would feature.

4. The Puns

I am a stickler for puns and this game does not disappoint. Professor E. Gad? The Game Boy Horror? The names of the Boos? These little puns provide comedy relief to a game filled with spooky scary spirits.

3. The Ghosts

Each ghost is different and provides their backstory in their portraits. Even their personalities shine through their stories and how they appear overall. For example, Madam Clairvoya is very helpful and willing to be sealed away in a portrait and find peace. She differs greatly from other spirits like Shivers, Miss Petunia, and even Chauncy.

2. The Music

The music for this game is well done; so much so the main track constantly gets stuck in my head. It’s a simple little tune that I’ve remembered for all these years and every time I hum it, it makes me smile. It’s also a simple melody that definitely sets the spooky, eerie feeling of Luigi’s Mansion. It’s the perfect score for a fun game.

1. Ghostbusting

When there’s something strange in the Nintendo world, who ya gonna call? Ghostbuster Luigi. Basically, you’re busting ghosts and showing that you’re not afraid of them. While Miyamoto has claimed on numerous occasions that Luigi’s Mansion wasn’t inspired by “Ghostbusters”, I like to think otherwise.

The controls for ghostbusting require the player to have a firm grip and watchful eyes because Luigi flails with the ghost while trying to capture it. Should the player’s fingers fumble, the ghost escapes. The ghost can easily be recovered and attacked again, but it’s fun to try and suck the spirit up in one go.

Thank you for reading tonight’s entry. If you enjoyed it, feel free to subscribe, share, comment, and critique.

So tell me, who or what has stolen your heart this Valentine’s Day?

The Thrill is Gone

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Today’s entry is a rather somber note in a sea of geekery and important issues. It’s an entry devoted to the tragic loss of the King of the Blues, B.B. King. B.B. King (aka Blues Boy King) died in his sleep on May 14th, 2015 from a series of miniature strokes brought on by his type 2 diabetes. King had been wrestling with his diabetes for years, but not once did he stop making us feel with his songs.

Born on September 16, 1925 in Itta Bena, Mississippi as Riley B. King, he was raised in a sharecropper family. He was influenced by his cousin, Bukka White, another great blues artist. Later on in life King served World War II and eventually worked at a radio station under Sonny Boy Williamson II, playing some of the greatest blues hits. Earning the name ‘Beale Street Blues Boy’ (shortened to Blues Boy and then B.B.King) due to his djing skills, he obtained his own radio spot and his career was launched.

As he started his career, he met Lucille. Lucille was the name of his first acoustic guitar that was played at a dance in Arkansas. At one point, two men started a fight over a woman named Lucille and kicked over a stove which led to a massive fire. King ran out of the place only to realize he had left his guitar still inside and ran back inside to rescue it. Since that fateful evening he had named his guitar and many more guitars he played with, Lucille. Playing on the high neck and bending the notes to make Lucille cry, the guitar spoke not only to the King but to the audience as well. With Lucille and his determination, King scored an R&B hit with the song “Three O Clock Blues” and was encouraged to become a travelling musician. After his many successful years, he opened his own blues club in Memphis; over time more appeared across the nation. In 1984, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, followed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His music and overall character were so well loved that he received honorary degrees from the Berkley College of Music, Yale and Brown universities, and many more.

As a child I remember hearing of B.B.King, a legend that travelled with someone (who I didn’t know was a guitar) named Lucille and made her cry and sing. It was a strange thing to hear, but once I heard “The Thrill is Gone” I understood what it meant to feel.  His call and respond technique with Lucille captivated me, believing that guitar was possessed by some woman who was getting another chance to live. I recalled the soulful, emotion packed tune and for a while it left me, but always found its way back in some fashion and sparked a secret wish to see the King croon live. Later on in life, I stumbled upon The Blues Brothers, followed by its lackluster sequel featuring the King of Blues singing “How Blue Can You Get” with other blues legends like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many others. It’s a song I listen to the most in the late hours or whenever I’m feeling down about life. To know that his music will never be heard only on Youtube channels saddens me in knowing that we lost a living legend.

Rest in peace, B.B. King. You left a soulful legacy behind that can never be tarnished or forgotten. Your music will always be there for people and will never, ever leave them as well as this world.

Thanks for reading tonight’s entry. If you enjoyed it, feel free to comment, share, and critique.

So tell me, what is your favorite song by B.B.King and why?

Wolverine: The Musical

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

About a week or so ago, Hugh Jackman filled our ears with wonderful music.Hugh Jackman sang a Wolverine version of the song, Who Am I? from Les Miserables. Since there have been many X-men movies premiering with Wolverine as the basis, a musical would do quite nicely for those who love the theatre, and the popular mutant. Below are ten songs you might find in a Wolverine based musical.

10. The Healing Samurai

9.  A Gentle Rose and Wild Dog

8. A Man Among Wolves

7. Rise of Sabertooth

6. I Want to Bone Jean Grey

5. Piss Off, Deadpool

4. Dangerous Life

3. Questioning the Memories

2. Hey Bub

1. Adamantium Rage (A duet with X-23)

What super hero/heroine would you like to see have their own musical?

Feel free to comment and reblog, and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed. 

Curtain Call for Some of Broadway's Greatest Hits

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Today an Edgar Allen Poe musical entitled ‘Red-Eye to Havre de Grace’,  popped up in my newsfeed and sent my bookwormy self into a hysteria of happiness. The plot of this musical entails the final days of the great poet and how he died. To my dismay, it was an article published in the early fall of 2012; thus meaning that this brilliant musical was no more.

However, this old news made me think of all the great musicals that were taken off Broadway.  Over the years, tons of shows have been produced, and performed beautifully by many actors and actresses. Yet time rolled on and one by one these musicals were plucked off Broadway one by one. Below are my top three shows that should have not been kicked off Broadway:

3) ‘Beauty and the Beast ‘

It’s a tale as old as time that was a hit Broadway musical. Sticking to Disney’s version of the classic fairy tale, this show toured the nation and dazzled audiences with its lavish sets and costumes. The show even included songs that weren’t in the movie such as Maison de Lunes, Human Again, Home, If I Can’t Love Her, and many others.  ‘Beauty and the Beast’ started its Broadway run in 1994 and completed it in 2007 and was considered to be Broadway’s eighth longest running musical. Even more intriguing about this play, the woman who played Belle also voiced Meg in the Disney classic, Hercules.

2) ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’

Some things in life are bad, like getting kicked off Broadway. This play “ripped off” Monty Python’s Holy Grail flick and created a parody of the King Arthur age that differed from the movie. While the musical heavily touched on King Arthur, Camelot, and his court, it also focused on other Arthurian myths such as the Lady in the Lake. Starting in 2005, it ended four short years later leaving audiences rolling with laughter. It featured many songs, including the ever popular The Song that Goes Like This. Literally, that’s the title, and it’s perfect for that tune.

1) ‘RENT’

How do you measure the years after Broadway? By a live action film featuring Anthony Rapp and enough fans (also known as ‘RENT’ heads) to take up the entire district of Alphabet City. Originally based off of Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera La boheme, this musical focuses on starving artists trying to survive and create in New York.  ‘RENT’ took to the theaters in 1996 and finished its run in 2008, causing its run to last for 12 years.

What Broadway musical would you like to see return to the stage? Feel free to comment and as always feedback and followers are welcomed. 

Once Upon a Revisited Dream

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Last night, people watched the Grammy Awards Show to witness the awkwardness of Taylor Swift, the reuniting of Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, and the many marriages of happy homosexuals. However, while this night of Hollywood merriment commenced, CBS revealed another trailer to the long awaited Maleficent movie premiering in theaters on May 30^th, 2014. As the teaser revealed the villain, the main score of the original Sleeping Beauty movie played.

However, this isn’t the Once Upon a Dream song you grew up with.

Rather, it is a remake much like other classic Disney songs. But this redoing of Once Upon a Dream is completely and utterly brilliant. This version of the song is a nod to what we heard as children and possibly played the death out of. While it still keeps the whimsicalness that we remember, there is a darker tone added to the tune. This eeriness is included to remind everyone of the story of the villainess that is to be told. Yet this shadowy feel also evolves the classic tune into a more mature melody that resonates with Disney’s target audience for Maleficent.

Maleficent is a Disney movie and Disney movies are often directed towards children. Maleficent is not only targeted at kids, but at adult who grew up watching the original film. When they listen to this tune, not only do they reflect on themselves as children watching Sleeping Beauty, but how the story of a sleeping damsel has evolved with the times.

When Sleeping Beauty was made, everything was set to a simplistic plot for children to understand: Aurora good. Maleficent bad.  It was constructed this way for its child audience so they could comprehend it. But now, children have grown up and so has this story. This story now features Aurora, still on the good side, but she isn’t the main character as much. We now have someone who we always figured was evil, taking the spotlight, and changing the story. Maleficent alters the classic tale because we never received her side of the story. No one wanted to know about the wicked villain who placed a curse on the innocent Aurora. We just generally assumed she was evil. Now in the modern times, everyone wants to know about the reckless monster, and the cause of their actions.

Maleficent’s motives are shrouded in mystery, just like her character which is what also makes the redone Once Upon a Dream song wonderful. The song is sung with a beautiful unknown that captures our hearts and lures us in because it’s something we’re all familiar with. It’s manipulated so not only we are reminded of a childhood tune turned hauntingly enchanting, but it will give a whole new generation a new ideal of Once Upon a Dream.

What do you think of the redone Once Upon a Dream tune? Are you excited for the upcoming Maleficent movie? Feel free to leave your comments below and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed.