Showing posts with label state of the. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state of the. Show all posts

10/29/2011

State of the Character Songs Fall 2011

There's a lot of shows to cover, so let's get this started. Also, Happy Halloween everybody!


Shinryaku!? Ika Musume
Ika has an album, Sanae a single, and the "I <3 Ika" album is also going to be released in December. A fair bit of stuff.

C3
Nothing yet.

WORKING'!!
The first season's character songs just finished being released, and there's nothing for the second season in the immediate future.

Majikoi
A mini album for the main heroines is go.

Horizon
Character song singles have been announced.

Tamayura ~hitotose~
A vocal album.

Maken-ki!
Nothing for now, but the ED is being covered in different combinations by almost the entire main cast.

BokuTomo
Character songs with the DVDs/Blu-Rays.



Read more!

8/05/2011

State of the Character Songs Summer 2011

There's a lot of ground to cover. We're roughly a month into the new season, so let's get this started.


RO-KYU-BU!
Each of the five girls has a character single on the way, featuring an original song and a solo version of the OP.

Kamimemo
Two character songs have been announced, more might possibly follow.

Uta no Prince Sama
It's a show about music, it would be weirder if it didn't. But, yes, it does. Looks like the main characters all get a single.

Sacred Seven
An album for the maids has already released, with two CDs, each containing two songs apiece, on the way, covering other characters. The first CD has Alma and Ruri. There might be more, but not much is listed yet.

Nuraihyon
Yes, more are on the way.

Croisee
A drama/character song CD has already been announced, so it'll have one song at least.

Kaitou Tenshi Twin Angel
Not likely at this point, though the franchise already has a fair amount of music built up over the years.

Yuru-Yuri
Yes! All eight main characters, in the Amusement Club and the Student Council, plus Mirakurun, are getting their own character singles. Notably, the Amusement Club's work in their leitmotifs you hear during the eycatches.

Kamisama Dolls
A drama/character CD or two has been announced for this show as well. Really, there are very few shows that don't have one this season.

The iDOLM@STER
This one's tricky. Technically, the iM@S franchise already has several gigabytes worth of songs released, that are being used in the show. As it turns out, those songs will be compiled onto albums released throughout the year, making it much easier on people who started with the anime. They're still not exactly "new" songs though.

Mayo Chiki!
A character song album is on the way, covering the major characters. (The female ones, at least.) Standard form here.

BakaTest Ni!
A single for Hideyoshi, two character singles that revolve more around concepts than characters, and an "Akihisa Harem CD" are all on the way, as well as whatever milktub's doing. None of them is a standard character song album like the first season, but the show has no shortage of music.

Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi
Two albums with three songs apiece, collectively covering pretty much all the major characters.

Nekogami Yaoyorozu
Three albums with two songs apiece (though the final volume is for three characters), covering nearly everybody as well.

R-15
Two albums (team MAJIYABA and team HIRAMEKI), each with songs from four characters. This includes the protagonist and his best friend, a rarity for shows of its genre. Also, Ran is on the first CD. Make of that what you will.

Manyuu Hikenchou
Not likely to get character songs at this point, though I wouldn't rule out the possibility entirely.

Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian
Also unlikely, just from the tone of the show.

Odds and Ends
Nichijou has character songs announced for Sasahara and Misato, one for the Last Five People, and a "Mai Pace" CD. Strike Witches 2 continues to have its character songs delayed, but they're on the way. Denpa Onna's included with the DVD character songs were pushed back. Milky Holmes has a third album for sale.


Read more!

5/05/2011

State of the Character Songs Spring 2011

Let's get this started.


Dog Days
Not looking likely, but there's a slim possibility.

Tiger & Bunny
A song for Blue Rose has been announced. Might be the only song.

Hana-saku Iroha
Image song albums have been announced, but might be closer in concept to a concept album than a character song album. Not that the possibility is ruled out.

Oretsuba
With the Blu-Rays.

Sengoku Otome
One CD, two group songs, already confirmed.

Steins;Gate
DVDs will have bonus music, but the game already had its fair share of songs released.

Sket Dance
Nothing stated, but the chances are likely.

A Channel
It's already got a boatload of insert songs that will come with the DVDs. No need to speculate further.

Maria Holic
Yes, with the DVDs.

Softenni
Yes.

Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
Yes.

Pretty Rhythmn
Quite a few insert songs are on the way. So, also yes.

Astarotte
Yes.

Hoshizora he Kakaruhashi
Yes, in the form of an album.

Kaminomi II
Already confirmed, yes. For the main heroines and Haqua.

Qwaser II
Very likely after the last season got one. Plus, it's under Lantis.

Aria the Scarlet Ammo
With the DVDs.

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
Same as Aria

Odds and Ends
Gosick has a CD coming out, Madoka has its DVD releases on the way, Ika Musume has at least three more CDs announced since we last checked in, and WORKING!! has a full set of songs about to be released.

Read more!

1/31/2011

State of the Character Songs Winter 2011

It's that time of year again.

While Celonius28's output has been much less numerically since we started, becoming a news resource is an equally important goal. Plus, there might be a few surprises in the future. Now, as this is a winter season, the amount of shows isn't as much, but here's what's on the lineup.

Rio -Rainbow Gate!-
For the Rio Super Carnival game, there already were character songs for several major characters. No idea if the anime will produce something new, though given that Rainbow Gate's website treats Super Carnival as being the character songs, it's unlikely, but still possible. It's all the same voice cast anyhow.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Will have character songs with the limited edition DVDs. Madoka is first up, with the rest of the main cast likely to follow. Whether they're dead or alive doesn't matter.

Infinite Stratos
Also has character songs listed for the DVDs. These might simply be solo versions of "SUPER STREAM", but some sort of character song is going to be included with them. Look for more detail closer to the DVD release date.

Yumekui Merry
It already has one release, with four more character songs planned, none of them Merry herself. Having one of them be Yumeji is a nice choice on the part of the creators.

Mitsudomoe Zouryouchuu!
Mitsudomoe's already had a boatload of songs released for its first season, so unless more are suddenly announced for the second, it's unlikely. The Gachiranger single was a pleasant surprise, though.

Onii-chan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!!
A character song album has been announced for this long-titled show. More details to come.

Dragon Crisis!
A character song album has also been announced.

Kore wa Zombie desu ka?
Nothing's been announced, but the possibility is there, just somewhat unlikely. flying Dog isn't one for character songs for its shows, barring a few select occasions.

The Rest
Knowing the genres of the other shows and who's releasing them, the chance of character songs is looking relatively low, given that character songs in general tend to gravitate towards the more hardcore nerd type shows. However, Fairy Tail has had a character song album announced recently, and SoraOto forte will have its album releasing soon.

Keep an eye on the Twitter!


Read more!

10/24/2010

State of the Character Songs Fall 2010

Greetings, fellow readers. Another season is upon us, and that means it's time for another round of character song guesswork. Let's get this party started.



Sora no Otoshimomo forte
Highly likely. The first season already had a set, and Columbia often releases character song albums for their series. There's also the "Sora no Shoujoutai" CD releases of old songs (a lot of covers lately), but those are in sort of a grey area.

Fortune Arterial ~Akai Yakusoku~
Two character song albums were already released for the game, so the chance of songs for the anime is slim. Still within the realm of possibility, but slim.

MM!
Already has a release confirmed. A Mio Isurugi character song album, featuring songs by Ayana Taketatsu. You're going to be seeing a lot of her this season. If there's more than the Mio CD, I'll let you know, but that's all for now.

OreImo
Character songs are looking unlikely, though the girls of the show are getting a chance to sing the various ED themes, which will be included with the DVD releases only.

Hyakkaryouran Samurai Girls
Already has a character song album confirmed, like many Lantis shows this season. At least the main three (Yukimura, Jubei, Sen) will sing on it, along with a few others. The show's got a pretty wide selection of voice actors.

Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge
Nothing formally confirmed, but I'm expecting there to be a soundtrack/character song release once the show closes off. Maria's song needs to be somewhere, and where Maria's song is, songs for the others may well follow.

Yosuga no Sora
Unlikely, but it's under Starchild. Time will tell.

Otome Youkai Zakuro
There are AsoIku like collection of different EDs, but no character songs confirmed yet. It could still happen, though. Lantis and all.

Shinryaku! Ika Musume
Ika's going to be getting a character album all to herself ~de geso. Hisako Kanemoto hasn't sung much before, so this should be interesting.

Motto To Love Ru
Four character song albums confirmed so far, in pairs. Lala/Haruna, Mikan/Yami, Nana/Momo and Yui/Oshizu. As that doesn't even scratch the surface of the cast, there may be more. Keep your eyes open for more info.

Kaminomi
Already confirmed. If there's a major female character in this show, she will sing. There will also be a group version of "Koi no Shirushi" released later in the year. Though each girl has their individual version, it is best expressed as a group song.

Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
A mini album containing insert songs for the game and anime has been confirmed. The four girls, Kokoro and Arsene will sing, at least. This will likely be the only character song release, so enjoy.

SoreMachi
Under flyingDog, so relatively unlikely, but within the realm of possible. Unsure if it would be cover songs, though. Shaft loves the hell out of those lately.

Toaru Majutsu no Index II
Nothing formally announced, but I'm expecting at least three, maybe four, Archives covering some of the new characters introduced this season, and some of the old ones from last season. Orsola, Agnese, maybe a few others? It's almost a given they'll appear.

Odds and Ends
Amagami SS has had a proper character song album confirmed. Mitsudomoe has at least four more releases on the way. Strike Witches 2 has been pushed back to December.


Read more!

7/31/2010

State of the Character Songs Summer 2010

Today is the future. Thus, tomorrow will be even more of the future. Simulcasts are at an all time high, character songs are still pretty consistently being released. Now that we're about a month into the summer of '10, time to figure out who will sing what.


Notice
For newcomers, I mostly tend to cover the possibility of character songs from shows I watch. As it turns out, most of the shows I watch have the possibility of character songs, while those that I don't usually don't. However, if one that I'm not does have songs, I will at least give it a nod at the end.

Ookami-san
A character song album has been announced. Not sure who's going to sing on it, but the Otogi Bank alone has a sizable female cast, not counting outliers like Himeno, Mimi, etc. It releases after the series has aired, so it may be a while before more info is available.

Amagami SS
Going the Akane-iro route here and packaging character songs with the girls' ending songs. One of which was already released, and the others will follow in the coming months.

Shukufuku no Campanella
Already confirmed. There's going to be an album with songs for the four main heroines (and a duet for the Tortilla sisters). Some of these songs have been heard in the show, so now all that's left is the actual album release.

Mitsudomoe
Three character singles, one for each of the triplets. It's unlikely that the side characters who aren't them will get songs, but there will be character songs.

Seitokai Yakuindomo
Nothing's formally been announced, but we're working with Starchild. If there are character songs (and it's pretty likely there will be for a show like this), they'll be packaged with the soundtrack or released on their own album near the end of the show's run.

Asobi ni Iku yo!
A character song album has already been announced, featuring songs for Eris, Manami and Aoi, while completely disregarding the side characters. Similar to Daimaou, in that they're packaged on a Drama CD.

Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~
Just as the first season did, I'm expecting there to be Sound Stages for this season. Mostly the major characters will get to sing, but there have been some surprises before (like Yukari.) There may be two Sound Stages, but more than that isn't unheard of.

Highschool of the Dead
Not happening, but the show's got enough ED themes to fill an entire album.

Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin
Covers of songs from 1999 are the order of the day, to be packaged with the DVDs. Yoko Hikasa and Minori Chihara will be singing on the first two.

Strike Witches 2
The first Strike Witches did get character songs, but only several months after the fact. Now that Columbia knows it's popular, the chance of them appearing for S2 are significantly raised.

Other Notices
Both seasons of Kuroshitsuji have a rather lengthy list of releases coming out. Kaichou wa Maid-sama! has had the Maid Latte Songs album confirmed, as well as a Virtual Live Album. K-ON!! has had its first character song CDs formally announced, following the same pattern as last season - two original songs and a solo version of an original song that won't be released until much, much later.

Read more!

4/27/2010

State of the Character Songs Spring 2010

Since the Spring 2010 season begun, I have implemented a Twitter feed (seen to the right) to allow for up-to-the-minute news on character songs, who's singing them, and what shows they're for. But, things like that will eventually fade off the main page, and so, the State of the Character Songs will continue to take place about a month into a new season. Let's begin.


Shin Koihime Musou ~Otome Tairan~
A Character Vocal Collection for the show has been announced. While the show's second season brought two character singles from the Battle of the Bands, this is a full album, and likely to cover more of the cast (which is still only a small fragment of the cast.) More info on this as it develops.

B Gata H Kei
A character song album was confirmed for the show near the very start of the season. The show's got a fair amount of characters to its name, so at least the more major ones are likely to get a song. Specifics will be revealed as soon as I can get them, but an album does indeed exist.

Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
Four Concept CDs have been confirmed, fitting the usual Geneon mold of one or two character songs and some short drama. The first one ("School Side") has songs for Misa and for Sakura/Shizuko. Two maid side CDs are also announced, as well as "Another Side". Who sings on the remaining three will be revealed also as it develops.

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou
A Variety CD is planned, and is very likely to include at least one song from the show's five female stars - Toyosaki, Hikasa, Yuuki, Hirohashi and Itou. Specifics to be announced when they come. This is another drama/character song dual release.

Angel Beats!
The show's CD lineup has been mostly revealed, and it fits into the category usually reserved for flyingDog shows and Basquash!. No character songs proper, but a lot of insert songs from Girls Dead Monster, one single of which has already been released. Two more ("Thousand Enemies" and "Little Braver") are on the way.

WORKING!!
All the show's music appears to be released with the show itself, starting with the OP single being packaged with the first DVD. Until the show's website uncovers more, I can't say for certain, but the odds of there being character songs, given the voice cast and type of series, place it at "pretty likely".

Arakawa Under the Bridge
The possibility exists, being a Starchild Shaft Shinbo trifecta, but I'm not totally certain, especially with the show's ED single being released so close to the end of the show's life. But if something is announced, I will state it, as always.

kiss x sis
Already have full info on this one. First up is an AkoRiko mini album, featuring some solos and some duets from the twins. Then there's the character song/soundtrack release, with songs from Ako, Riko and the other three girls in the show. Miharu (the one with the glasses), Yuuzuki (the teacher) and Mikazuki (the little one).

Mayoi Neko Overrun!
While the director may change every week, the music is consistent. The four leading girls are all getting character singles. Fumino, Chise, Nozomi and Otome are planned.

K-ON!!
The second season of an insanely popular series that has made the sales of its CDs an industry onto itself. Of course it's getting character songs, that's not a question. All that remains is a matter of "when". Given that !! (don't ask me how you pronounce that) is running for somewhat longer than its previous season, it may not be until we're well into the summer. But it will happen.

I know I mostly tend to report on shows that I watch (by chance or choice, most shows that I watch end up getting character songs), in fairness, if anyone is watching Hakuoki, there are character songs for that show as well.

See you in the summer, readers!

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1/31/2010

State of the Character Songs Winter 2010

We're into a new year, a new decade, and a new batch of anime. There are still a few holdovers from 2009 on the airwaves, but the spring is the season to clean. With simulcasting gaining increasing prominence and shows darting every which way, where do people turn for advice on character songs? To the Celonius28's Song Images Quarterly State of the Character Songs, beginning with its first installment in 2010. Read onward, fellow enthusiasts.


Chu-Bra!!
A set of four character singles has already been confirmed for the four main girls. Nayu (Minori Chihara), Haruka (Sayuri Yahagi), Yako (Minako Kotobuki) and Kiyono (Yoko Hikasa). A good day starts with good underwear and good music. I'm expecting at least one of these to be a comedic patter song. Possibly Nayu.

So Ra no Wo To
Wo To's two "parents", so to speak, in K-ON! and Strike Witches both had character songs, and this one will as well. Rather than a straight up album release, these will be across the DVDs. Kanata is first, and the rest are likely to follow.

Ladies versus Butlers!
One character song/drama mini album has already been confirmed, covering Sernia and Tomomi. Sanae and Kaoru are likely to be on the next one, and there may be more beyond that. It'll definitely have character songs, that much I'm sure of. Unlike the show previews, these will not be played at the same time. I wouldn't reccommend that. Does something awful on the ears.

Omamori Himari
A character song album has been confirmed. The show's already determined who the main haremettes are (the group that sings "BEAM my BEAM"), and this'll give them a chance to sing solo. Koshimizu, Iori Nomizu and Yuki Matsuoka are among the voices on here. Press information is saying that solo versions of "BEAM my BEAM" will be a major selling point for this.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu
A character song album has already been confirmed, covering F Class. This wouldn't be the only show Hitomi Harada is singing in this season, and it's very likely to feature the trap that's captured the hearts of confused fans, Hideyoshi. It is under Lantis, and they have a pretty good track record with these things.

Dance in the Vampire Bund
It's under Shaft and has FlyingDog as a label. The chances of the show to have character songs is low, but there's always a margin of error factored into these things.

Hidamari Sketch x Hoshimittsu
While I'm not ruling out the possibility of a CD release, current trends point to the character songs being included on the DVDs, similar to Wo To. As the series is likely to have six DVDs, and there are six tenants at the Hidamari Apartments, everything works out nicely.

Ookamikakushi
It's a small franchise, and under FlyingDog. The possibility certainly exists, but I rule it unlikely. We'll see what happens.

Seikon no Qwaser
Similar to Baka Test, songs have already been confirmed in the form of a mini album. There are several pairs that one can look at in this show, depending on what you've seen. You have Toyosaki and Fujimura (Blacksmith), Toyosaki and Hikasa (K-On!) and Hirano and Chihara (Suzumiya). The best music, fresh from the source. It's well documented what the source is.

Hanamaru Kindergarten
It's been confirmed via the show's blog that Tsuchida, at least, is getting a character song. It's also under the Starchild label, so the chances are pretty likely. No character songs will happen, but the show will have its massive collection of ED songs, which will likely include solos by the main trio, as well as Tsuchi and Yamamoto.

Past Seasons Updates

In the time since my last update, two Archives for Toaru Kagaku no Railgun have been confirmed. Given that Index had four, I'm expecting an equal number for its spinoff. The first two cover Mikoto/Kuroko and Uiharu/Saten. Other candidates for singing include Kiyama-sensei, Mii and maybe Mitsuko.

Sora no Otoshimono has also had a proper character song album announced. The main grouping of characters (Tomoki, Mikako, Sugata, Sohara, Ikaros and Nymph) are all going to sing. Even Tomoko. This is Columbia, and they have a pretty good track record when it comes to music. Both in providing it and the songs themselves.

Read more!

10/28/2009

State of the Character Songs Fall 2009

Greetings, fellow members of the Modern Society Studies Club, to another round of guesswork, information and general looking to the season ahead. Let's get this show on the road.


The Already Confirmed

Kampfer
A character song album has already been confirmed for release, and it's extremely likely some samples of what's to be on it were heard in episode four. Voices include Kaori Nazuka, Megumi Nakajima, Yui Horie and more.

Nyan Koi!
There will be character songs, but it'll be done Kanokon style, with a single song released with each limited edition DVD. Kaede is first, and the show has just enough characters to cover a full release of the series.

11eyes
Already has character songs, released on the very blog you're reading. While video game adaptations getting new character songs happens sometimes, the voice cast between the anime and the game is identical, so this one is not only confirmed, it's already released.

Sacred Blacksmith, The
This one is also confirmed. Songs for Cecily, Aria and Lisa are a given (especially since Lisa also sings the ED), but I think Luke might be singing as well. Nobuhiko Okamoto has done a few character songs since he started.

Shin Koihime Musou
Two character song singles have been in the listings for a while now. It's not known who will be on them, but the show has such a large cast of characters that finding one or four to sing won't be difficult at all. Especially with the most recent episode and Rinrin and Aisha's cover of "flower of bravery" a few weeks back.

Natsu no Arashi! ~Akanaichuu~
A character song album featuring covers of 80s pop songs, as well as bonus CDs with covers of the songs that lent their name to the episode titles, are confirmed. Same as the first season, except now with less Kanako trying to stab people.

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu Purezza
For a show called "purity", it's doing exactly the opposite of that. Three "A La Carte!" CDs, as well as mini albums for N's and Milan Himemiy and the Chocolate Rockers are all in the listings. That's a fair amount of music for Haruka and company.

Sora no Otoshimono
Everyone is getting their chances at singing through the various ED cover themes, which will be compiled onto one CD. Sort of like Natsu no Arashi, for that matter.

The Possible

Fairy Tail
Mainstream series, Pony Canyon label and a decent seiyuu cast. The chance of it getting character songs is pretty high at this point.

Seitokai no Ichizon
AMG Music released Character Song albums for Regios, so the chance of them doing the same for Seitokai is indeed there. Plus, Kurimu wants to become rich through character songs, and nothing is going to stop her.

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun
Much as Index had its Archives, I expect Railgun to have something to its name. Songs for Saten and Uiharu would be a nice treat. Nothing's been confirmed, though.

Kiddy Girl-And
The two ending themes for Ascouer and Q-F might count, but the show's still in the early stages. Not enough time to tell what's on the table. My eyes are definitely open, though.

Read more!

7/18/2009

State of the Character Songs Endless Summer 2009 Edition

Greetings, fellow character song enthusiasts and fellow readers. One month has passed into the new season, and that means it's time for the quarterly roundup of which shows are going to have their characters going into musical mode.

As always, I try to confirm as much of this as I can before I go posting, and that which I cannot confirm, I do guesswork.

The Already Confirmed

Umineko no Naku Koro ni
Much like its predecessor, there will be character songs. So far two singles have been announced, each to contain two songs and a mini-drama. Who will sing on them is currently unknown, but with such a large primary cast, the possibilities are many.

NEEDLESS
A character song album has been in the listings for a few weeks, and lists several major female characters who will sing. Eri Kitamura, Emiri Katou, and Yui Makino are among the names. The Lantis website should have info on this one soon enough.

Suzumiya Haruhi
Haruhi already has character songs (a plentiful amount), but for the second go-round, three character song singles are already planned to be released. Just the main heroines thus far - Haruhi, Yuki and Mikuru. But I won't rule out the possibility of more. You can plan on the songs embracing you from behind and saying "I love you" in your ear. Then stealing your wallet.

Bakemonogatari
This one falls into the ef-type category, and not just because it's animated by Shaft. By that I mean it looks to be going the route of personalized openings for each of the girls (to be included with the DVDs) and a unified ending theme. Given that each one is sung by them, they're character songs under one definition.

Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
A character song album for Zan appeared very recently in the listings. Given how unorthodox the first character song album was for Zetsubou-sensei, this one is bound to be equally as odd.

Saki UPDATE
An update from my previous two posts on the subject. There will be Saki character songs, this is already known. What's been confirmed is that the album will have nine songs. Likely a spoken introduction track and then songs for the two most notable characters from each of the schools. So: Saki, Nodoka, Touka, Koromo, Kana, Mihoko, Yumi and Stealth Momo.

Kanamemo
This one is a compilation release. The Original Soundtrack and Character Song Album ("Kanamelo") will include both the show's background music and eight character songs. There are seven main characters if you include Mika, so all that really leaves is what the eighth song will be. The Starchild site will have more on this closer to release.

Princess Lover!
A character song album is already in the listings. Visual novels and the anime based on them are usually a great source for character songs, and this shall be no exception. The maid, the hot chick with the sword, the twintail tsundere and the princess, together on one album.

Sora no Manimani
This one was confirmed by the Lantis website. A compilation album that will include pretty much all the main characters singing, in addition to a song or two by CooRie, will be released during this cour. Given that up-and-coming voice actresses like Kanae Itou, Haruka Tomatsu and Saori Hayami are on it, as well as not-so-new but still notable Ami Koshimizu, one could say "My god! It's full of stars"

Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou
Much like NEEDLESS and Manimani, a compilation album is going to be released. Only four major female characters are listed as singing on it, but then again the show really does have only four major female characters. Also, falling basins.

The Nebulous

Umi Monogatari
Under Lantis, so there's a distinct possibility. Even if nothing comes from it (this seems like the type of show not likely to get or need character songs), there will be the radio opening song performed by Kana Asumi and Minako Kotobuki. Which is close enough to a character song in execution to please me.

Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!
I don't even know when the opening and ending singles are being released for this one. Avex's site has nothing. Given the track record for shows under their label, the chance of character songs is definitely there, but I'd need actual information first.

Taisho Yakyuu Musume
A sizable cast, labeled under Lantis and plenty of opportunity for an album or a set of singles. It's in the same realm of possibility for what I usually wager - "There's a chance, but nothing's confirmed yet."

GA Geijutsuka Art Design Class
See what I wrote for Juuden-chan!!. The situation is the same.

Other Odds and Ends

K-ON!
This is probably confirmed by now everywhere, but I like to be complete. Besides the recent After School Tea Time album, and the previously-mentioned Mugi and Ritsu character singles, there's also going to be a single by Sawako's old rock band, the Band Score CD, and a character single for Azu-nyan. Plenty of music forthcoming.


Read more!

4/15/2009

State of the Character Songs Spring 2009

Spring is in the air, new series are singing their songful songs and news hovers on the lips of the music companies. Surprisingly early, there's a wealth of information on plenty of series that have begun airing these past few weeks. Normally I wait until at least a month in, but for once, I'd say there's enough information for me to charge ahead regardless. So let the guesswork and overview begin.

Edit: Update on 4/21 to Natsu no Arashi! and Asura Cryin'.
Edit Edit: K-On! updated on 4/30.
Edit Edit Edit: K-On! re-edited on 5/04.

Queen's Blade
Already confirmed by the show's official website, there will be eight character song/drama albums for some of the more major characters. Leina, Elina, Tomoe, Nanael, Nowa, Airi, Menace and Melona. A nice selection of voice actresses among that group of eight, though these CDs won't be released until the series has long since finished airing.

Asura Cryin'
An Asura Cryin' Variety CD has appeared in the listings. Character songs are likely, with the likeliest of likely candidates being Misao and Kanade, though anyone is fair game when it comes to character songs.

Basquash! and K-ON!
Why are these two grouped together? So far, they seem to be in a similar situation. No outright image songs, but both have had insert song singles announced. Basquash! has "Running On", by Eclipse and K-ON! has "Fuwafuwa Jikan", the song written by Mio in the manga.

Hayate no Gotoku!!
Now we're talking. Two character CDs (each with two songs apiece) have made their way onto the listings - one for Nagi, one for Hinagiku. Going by what the listings have said, there will be a total of eight of these, and Hayate has a large enough cast to make such a thing possible. Plus after the character songfest the first season was, this hardly comes as a surprise.

Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S
The website for the show has already updated with information on this. Three character song singles, each with two characters. The first is Phoron and Renbart, the second is Eufinley and Corti, the third the Yugiri sisters. The same six that were on "Metamorphose" two years ago, except now split in three to obtain more money from the people.

Tayutama
Technically, the visual novel already covered the character song territory. The little mini album that came with the limited edition of the game - "Moment of Love" - had a song for all the haremettes. On the other hand, the show's being partly produced by 5pb., and they have a tendency for lots of character songs. This could go either way.

Natsu no Arashi!
A Natsu no Arashi! Character Song CD has appeared in the listings. This one can be added to the "confirmed" list. As well as added to the "stable time loop" list and the "SHAFT Madness" list.

Saki
Nothing's been formally announced, but with the show being produced by Lantis and having a good cast of voice actresses on hand, I'd say the possibility of such a thing is significantly higher than normal. Though even if nothing formally materializes, the ED single will include a duet by Saki and Nodoka.

Hatsukoi Limited
Already confirmed. Four singles - in order: Kei and Rika, Misaki and Meguru, Koyoi and Nao, Ayumi and Soako. I'm looking forward to these.

That's all the info I've acquired for now. Thank you, readers! May the music guide you.

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1/29/2009

State of the Character Songs Winter 2008/9

Four weeks into a new season, and that means it's time for an overview of what's to come for it music-wise. Change is in the air and music is booming over the loudspeakers as not only the two-cour shows come to an end, but the four-cours too. There's a decent amount to cover in this one post:

Akikan!: The chance of character songs seems unlikely, as the show is going the Go-onger route in numerous ending theme remixes. Much like the last time Nomiko did something like this (Magical Pokaan), the variance in endings often makes them come close to character songs as it is.

Minami-ke Okaeri: Already got a character song album with "Shunkashuutoujo!", so that's nicely covered.

Maria†Holic: Shaft shows stand a really good chance at getting character songs, and there's a well-established voice cast here too. While nothing has been formally announced yet, I wouldn't rule it out entirely.

Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo: This one is a definite "yes"! Three character song singles for Leopard's leading ladies - Akiha, Honoka and Itsuki - have already been confirmed by Lantis. This is just for the first half of the show, so the odds are there may be more. You can expect a news report from me when that time comes.

Asu no Yoichi!: Another one that's confirmed. Four singles, one for each of the Ikaruga sisters, have been confirmed. I certainly wouldn't mind if there was more (namely, character songs for Tsubasa and Angela), but even those four should provide a nice set of tunes.

Chrome Shelled Regios: There will be covers of the ED featuring the girls, but I'd place the chance of songs to be in the same middle ground of "I really have no information either way". However, for some shows from seasons past, I do have information, which takes us to the next section...

Past Shows, Future Songs

Toradora! Update: A character song album has been confirmed for release. Songs for at least Taiga, Minori and Ami are certain, but there's quite a lot of characters to work with. Looking forward to a tracklist for this one.

Kemeko Deluxe! Update: The Limited Edition DVDs appear to include remixes of the OP and ED, but there will be character songs. A series of "Deluxe CDs" has been confirmed for release, the first of which will feature a song by M.M. and a duet by Fumiko and Aoi-san. What the others will hold is something to look forward to.

Strike Witches Update: A series of five character albums was recently announced, covering the complete 501st. In order:
  1. Yoshika and Mio
  2. Sanya and Eila
  3. Gertrude, Hartmann and Mina
  4. Lynette, Perinne and Yoshika (again)
  5. Charlotte and Francesca

Given the complete and utter success Strike Witches was, I'm glad to see these appearing.

Kanokon: What's this doing here? One thing gives me reason - 5pb.'s Kanokon Complete Song Collection (titled "Nice Body") will be released, and, besides all the character songs that were included with the DVD releases, there will be two new ones on there. The songs are by Haku (Sakakibara Yui) and Ten (Kitamura Eri), original characters made for the Kanokon SE game.

Kannagi Update: The fifth DVD will include all the songs sung in "Karaoke Senshi Mic Takako", which, given the character's personalities, fits them pretty nicely. Confirmed and ready.

Looking forward to everything on this list in the future, and the news of what will be.

Keep your eyes and ears open.

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10/27/2008

State of the Character Songs Fall 2008

Hello, readership!

Once again, we're a month into the current season, and it's time for the State of the Character Songs. I've come a long way since I started this group - it was and still is a one-man operation, but the sheer amount of stuff I've gotten done since then...mostly in several gigabytes worth of music, and it shows. Now, on with what this post is for - a look at shows from the current season and how likely they are to get character songs.


Rosario to Vampire Capu2: Seven character CDs confirmed, four of which are being released very soon. The layout of the songs is all but identical to season one, except for the addition of Kokoa to the lineup and Naze Koumori getting a song on the single for The Kapuchuus. One cover song and one original song per single. Kapuchuu~

Toradora: JC Staff + Rie Kugimiya + Starchild handling the music = extremely likely. The guessability rate is somewhere around 80%. Past patterns are usually a good indicator of the present and the future, though if there's no news for me to go on, I'm limited to guesswork.

Hyakko: Alright, the elements this time are Lantis + Aya Hirano + schoolyard comedy. Estimate comes to...75%. Shows of its type are usually ripe for character songs, going by the record.

Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka and ef - a tale of melodies: These two are grouped together because they're covering their characters in much the same way. Each of the main cast members gets an ED theme which functions much the same as a character song. Also, there's the whole "adapted from a visual novel" thing.

Yozakura Quartet: I'm leaning towards a 45% guesstimate ratio on this one, but I was proven wrong with Oinari-sama before. Of course, anything can happen - that's where the fun of guessing lies. So that I can look back and say if I was right or way off course.

Kannagi: Guesstimate ratio at 85%. The voice cast is strong in this one, including Miyuki Sawashiro and the Tomatsu/Hanazawa duo. Even if nothing further comes of it, we'll always have Nagi's dancing on the stage.

Kemeko Deluxe: There will be character songs, this has already been confirmed. However, they're once again included only with the limited edition DVDs. The official website shall update with the news in time.

Toaru Majutsu no Index: Two character song and drama CDs have been confirmed, and there may be more. At the very least, songs for sparky and Index are expected.

Macademi Wasshoi!: Five character song albums, culminating in a Christmas release by the Miyazaki/Ise/Fukui trio that is MA*chu*RI. 5pb. Records has a really good track record when it comes to character songs. And speaking of 5pb. releases...

Chaos;Head: Recently, for the Xbox 360 version of the PC game (titled Chaos;Head Noah), a set of "triggers" (aka character song singles) have appeared. The voice cast for these carries over from the anime, so they match up well enough to count.

Releases from Other Seasons that Aren't Finished Yet
Two Nogizaka Haruka character song/drama CDs, the last To Love-Ru Variety CD, the Itazura na Kiss soundtrack (which will include character songs), a Minami-ke Christmas mini-album, the final Kanokon DVD release (with a song for the twins).

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9/19/2008

Rosario to Vampire Capu2: Fall 2008 Pre-Report and Spring/Summer Post-Report

That I'm able to do a character song report before the show technically debuts is an odd thing in itself. This'll be kept in mind for the next State of The, but where there's news, it'll be reported!

At the end of October, the first four (I assume there shall be more. Mizore shan't be shafted) character singles for Capu2 will be released. As with the last time around, the singles have a song written for the girls, plus a cover of an 80's song. Not quite sure what the 80's have to do with Rosario, but then again, I don't really know what disco does either.


Moka
"Anata ni Kappuchu! (あなたにカプッchu!)"


Kokoa
"Positive☆Rock 'n' Roll (ポジティブ☆ロケンロー)"


Kurumu
"Yahoo nano ni... (やふなのに…)"


Yukari
"Majokko? Onna no Ko (魔女っコ? 女のコ)"

The covers are as flashy and fanservicey as ever, but that's Rosario. With such a deluge of new shows set to hit the airwaves, you can be assured that Celonius28 will provide the unprovided and report which ones get songs at all.

A Koihime Musou character song single for Kannu and Chouhi was recently announced. And Misaki's not on the Oinari-sama album, while it appears my instincts were off about the Strike Witches one. That's actually a complete ending theme collection, not character songs. Still a good bit of music to have, though.
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7/23/2008

State of the Character Songs: Spring/Summer 2008

We're about a month into the Summer 2008 season right now, and it's time for me to look over all the shows that I'm watching and relay information about their character songs. Why this facet, of all things? Everyone notices openings and endings, and my interest in Drama CDs is less than it should be. But character songs are a way to relay information about the cast through music, and are one of the best, if most optional, things a show can provide. So let the lookout begin.

Spring 2008 and Summer 2008 Shows


Spring

To Love-Ru: With a wide female cast and a good selection of seiyuu, TLR is covered with the five Variety CDs that will be released over the course of the year. The first one has already been released, covering Lala Satalin Deviluke, Mikan Yuuki, and Haruna Sairenji. There's still so many other characters left, and with three songs apiece in the Variety CDs, TLR will add a wide amount of music to my iTunes in the coming months.

Kanokon: Five character songs for Chizuru, Kouta, Nozomu (her seiyuu is a newbie, so this should be interesting), Akane (awesome!) and the twins. Unfortunately, these are only packaged with the Limited Edition DVDs, so one's chances of obtaining them are bordering on the exceptionally rare. Chizuru's is already out, so the rest will hopefully follow.

D.C. II S.S.: Da Capo previously covered its entire selection of haremettes last Fall, so nothing to worry about here.

Kamen no Maid Guy: Four Character Song CDs are planned. The first is Kogarashi and Naeka, the second is Naeka and her Those Two Guys and the Naeka's Breasts Fanclub. I look forward to hearing these, as Maid Guy's quirky cast and crazy awesomeness should make for good music. Now if only the CDs surfaced...but not even Slayers Revolution appeared immediately, so time is given.

Zettai Karen Children: From SynergySP, with the associated marketing style. Much like Hayate the Combat Butler before it, the entire cast will get songs. The Children will be doing solo versions of "Over the Future", but the Karen Girl's performed it best. Should make for a nice collection.

Wagaya no Oinari-sama: Not the kind of show to have character songs, and none have been announced. Though if they decide to release a song or two, I wouldn't mind. Especially one by Sakura Misaki.

Soul Eater: As the nature of the show makes it, Weapons and Partners work best in a duet. Soul and Maka, Black*Star and Tsubaki, and Death the Kid and the Thompson Sisters all have duet CDs planned. Soul resonance for some soul music. Maka's VA may be new at the game, but I want to give her a chance. Like I am with Nozomu.

Code Geass R2: Like last time, six Sound Episodes, six Character Songs. C.C. (who just recently went through hell and came out with amnesia) and Rollo (may his heart stop beating) already have songs, with more to follow. Lelouch? Nunally? Orange-kun?

Special A: Already has two Character Song albums out, and Kei and Hikari have been covering tunes on the OP and ED singles. Though I wonder if solo versions of "Special Gyutto Good luck!" and "Gorgeous 4U" will be released. Megumi-chan needs to sing more.

Vampire Knight: Might it happen? Yes. They have Yui Horie and Mamoru Miyano, anything is possible. Do I see it happening? Not so much. There are other ways to get money out of fangirls.

Kyouran Kazoku Nikki: We're in luck! Technically, the ED themes count as Character Songs in their own right, even Teika's duet. A second album for all non-Midarezaki members was listed on the Lantis site, then pulled. Last time this happened was with Kimiaru, and that ended up being delayed for six months. Kind of like the TTGL DVD. Let's not have that happen again, shall we?

Penguin Musume Heart: They have the voices, they have the talent, but CDs are few and far between. I can only see it happening if they decide that Sakura Nakyoku's voice must be spread to the masses. Which they very well may, given her hug pillow.

Summer

Ikkitousen Great Guardians: The Character Song front was technically covered in Dragon Destiny, so instead, a Best Album is being released. I find this very good, as to acquire all the music from any one show is a thing of splendor in its own right.

Sekirei: Much like Nanoha, Sekirei will have Sound Stages. These Sound Stages will have Character Songs. So this show is completely covered, meaning that even if Saori Hayami doesn't sing as Kou, she can sing as Musubi.

Slayers Revolution: The past has produced character songs, so I see no reason why the present can't. Not as much as some of the shows above, but it has potential in this day and age.

Koihime Musou: Might, might not. This one could go either way, though I still can't quite keep track of who was who. I know absolutely nothing about the Three Kingdoms, but I'm putting things together.

Hidamari Sketch x 365: Last time Hidamari was on-air, all that appeared was the Hidachara album. Nice, but small. Now, each of the Hidamarisou girls is getting their own individual album, and another Image Album is planned along with it. My nutbladder is exploding with joy.

Zero no Tsukaima ~Princess no Rondo~: What would our favorite fantasy tsundere be without her music? Four character songs, as per the standard of the past. Tiffania (Mamiko Noto) is in the rotation this time, which makes a nice segue into the final show on this exhaustive, geeky list.

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: The Nogizaka siblings are first, but Shiina and the maids are also getting releases. Two drama and character song albums are also planned. Moe means image songs which means yes. Thank you, spine jacket of the OP and ED singles, for giving me this information.

The final word: Almost everything. I jump for joy, and await the gigabytes of music contained above.

And that's the way it is.

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