Wir nähern uns dem Finale, Lillia nähert sich Treize und die Spannung nähert
sich dem Höhepunkt. Näheres erfahrt ihr in der vorletzten Episode von:

Allison & Lillia – Episode 25: “Der lachende Schurke” 

- Okay, aber was will sie dann mit Treize ? -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, QC, h264 und völlig verausgab : Lightmaker

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Auf die Plätze, fertig, seed !

Heute langt Allison mal wieder mit der groben Kelle hin. Der Rest kann nur
staunen und Treize kann gar nicht so viel Tee holen, wie er trinken möchte,
um sich vor den Mädels mit seinem Gestammel nicht blamieren zu müssen.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 24: “Kampf im Zug” 

- Bleib cremig, Bursche. Sind ja nur noch zwei. -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, QC, h264 und alles knutschen,
was nicht bei 3 auf dem Baum ist: Lightmaker

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Mitseeden bitte nicht vergessen !

Endlich mal wieder eine Episode mit meiner Lieblings-Tsundere-Loli
Merielle. Das wurde aber auch höchste Zeit !  Treize bekommt’s diesmal
von allen Seiten, denn Lillia ist auch nicht so richtig gut drauf. ^^

Allison & Lillia – Episode 23: “Zufallsbekanntschaft” 

- Kleine Schwestern sind süß ^^ -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, QC, h264 und Merielle knutschen: Lightmaker

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Mitseeden bitte, sonst gibt’s Kloppe von Merielle ^^ !

Ich habe mich noch bei keiner Allison-Episode so gut amüsiert wie bei dieser.
Lillia gibt heute absolut alles, das sollte man sich nicht entgehen lassen. ^^

Allison & Lillia – Episode 22: “Der Schatz wird enthüllt” 

- Die coole Sau ! -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, QC, h264 und Lillia knutschen: Lightmaker

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Was du willst, das man dir tu, das seede auch den anderen zu !

In dieser Episode werdet ihr erfahren, warum Lillia Alpträume von
blonden Monstern hat, warum Treize sich als Gespenst verkleidet
und wie man am schnellsten einen Ofen anheizt:

A & L – Episode 21: “Das Schicksal von Vater & Tochter” 

- Einen schönen Menschen kann nichts entstellen -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Fein mitseeden, dann wird alles gut ! ^^

Aufruhr im königlichen Partybunker !  Wird Treize zur Rettung eilen, oder ist er
zu sehr damit beschäftigt, Lillia endlich von der Couch zu kriegen ?  Und was hat
der sagenhafte Schneemensch damit zu tun ?  Seht es euch am besten selbst an in:

Allison & Lillia – Episode 20: “Neujahrs-Alptraum” 

- Alle lieben JohnnyJohnny ^^ -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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- Alles über Allison & Lillia -

“Wer Torrents sät, wird Dank ernten !”
(Altes Testament, Hosea, Kapitel 8, Vers 7)

Treize hat sich bestens auf Lillias Besuch vorbereitet: Romantische Winternacht,
das Kaminfeuer brennt, die Beine sind frisch rasiert und die Kuschelrock-CD ist auch
schon eingelegt. Da kann doch diesmal eigentlich gar nichts schiefgehen, oder ? ^^

Allison & Lillia – Episode 19: “Winter in Ikstova” 

- Also: Auf keinen Fall verpassen, Leute ! -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Und der Herr sprach: Seeden ist seeliger denn Leechen !

Falls die Raws noch schlechter werden, muss ich wohl damit anfangen,
Allison & Lillia selber zu zeichnen. Die heutige Episode steht ganz unter
dem Motto: “Ein Taucher, der nicht taucht, taucht nix”. Viel Spaß.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 18: “Belohnungskuss” 

- Oder: Warum Frauen keine Hosen tragen sollten -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Saugen bringt Spaß für die Augen, aber nur
Seeden gibt auch der Seele Frieden !

Uff, allmählich nimmt A&L anstrengende Dimensionen an, mit 400+ Zeilen
in jeder Episode. Wie schaffen die das nur, trotz aller Action pausenlos zu
quasseln ? Jedenfalls brauchen Lillia & Treize heute dringend eine ziemlich
große Fliegenklatsche, um endlich diese lästigen Mosquitos loszuwerden.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 17: “Flügelkampf” 

- Wer Allison guckt, lebt länger ! -

 Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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- Allison & Lillia 17 HD – Torrent -

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Bitte mitseeden nicht vergessen !

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 wird sich aufgrund der Urlaubszeit bei subs4u
noch etwas verzögern. Dafür gibt’s heute die nächste Allison & Lillia.

Obwohl die Raw mal wieder richtig grausig ist, hält das Lillia & Treize
nicht von ihrem netten kleinen Gratisflug ab. Allerdings lässt der
Service dabei arg zu wünschen übrig. Typisch Billigflieger eben.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 16: “Wohltätigkeitsflug” 

- Besser hätte ich's auch nicht sagen können, Carlo -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Da ich heute Abend wenig Zeit habe, wird diese Epsiode heute zunächst mal
nur im Homeseed gestartet, Webseed steigt hoffentlich später noch mit ein.
Also seedet bitte fleißig mit !

“Runter kommen sie immer”. Diese alte Pilotenweisheit lernen auch Lillia & Treize
heute kennen. Und das beschert ihnen eine einsame Nacht am Busen der Natur.
Lillias Busen allerdings bleibt für Treize erst mal Tabu. Gambatte, ne. ^^

Allison & Lillia – Episode 15: “Fiasko !” 

- Bei Männern eine rein instinktive Handlung, Lillia -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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So, heute starten Lillia & Treize ins Abenteuer. Und ab heute wird der Spieß auch
umgedreht: Jetzt ist es Treize, der versucht Lillias Gunst zu erwerben und dabei
schön vor die Wand läuft. Rache für Allison ! ^^ Aber wer ist dieser Treize über-
haupt, dass er sich so schamlos an Allisons Küken ranmacht ? Findet es raus:

Allison & Lillia – Episode 14: “Lillia & Treize” 

- Weil ich kleine Tsunderes einfach lecker finde, Merielle ^^ -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Hier nun der Batchtorrent für die erste Arc von Allison & Lillia.
Alle, die mitseeden wollen, bitte auf diesen Batch umsteigen:

- Allison & Lillia 01-13 HD - Batch -

Allison & Lillia geht nun in die zweite Runde und wir erzählen euch die
Geschichte von Allisons Tochter Lillia und ihrem Gefährten Treize. Damit
ihr einen kleinen Vorgeschmack davon bekommt, was euch erwartet, gibt’s
heute eine kurze Vorschau als Stream. Klickt auf HD On und anschließend
auf die Fullscreen-Pfeile, um die Subs vernünftig lesen zu können.

Lillia & Treize - Vorschau

done

Allison & Lillia, die zweite Arc demnächst in diesem Kino auf diesem Blog !

Heute gibt es dann endlich Allison 13 und somit das Finale der Allison & Wil Arc.
Anschließend machen wir einen Sprung in die Zukunft und präsentieren euch die
Geschichte von Lillia & Treize. Wer dicht am Wasser gebaut ist, sollte sich für
diese Episode ein paar Taschentücher bereithalten. Und wer Wil am Ende noch
mal richtig die Hucke vollhauen möchte, dem gebe ich gerne seine Adresse.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 13: “Ein Paar”

- Ja, Allison. Und Du bist einfach viel zu süß für diese Welt. -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Wil lässt Sherlock Holmes heute mal wieder vor Neid erblassen und Allison
wird einige Überraschungen erleben, ob sie Wil … äh, ob sie will oder nicht.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 12: “Lillianes langer Tag”

- Warte noch, bis er Lillia gezeugt hat, Ally ! Dann darfst du. -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Und zack – da ist schon die Nr. 11. Ich hatte ein wenig Zeit über, also habe ich
diesmal selber getimed. Allisons und Wils Ferienreise entwickelt sich heute
zum bunten Schützenfest. Fragt sich nur, wer den Vogel abschiessen wird.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 11: “Panzerwagen-Attacke”

- Jaaa ... Rache ist süß, JJ ! ^^ -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / XviD: Chriz
Timing, Typeset, Edit, Quality-Check und h264: Lightmaker

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Der Mord im Orient-Express war eine schlappe Kaffeefahrt gegen
Allisons & Wils neues Abenteuer. Hier kann sogar Agatha Christie
noch was lernen. Vor allem, warum Blondinen einfach Moe sind.

Allison & Lillia – Episode 10: “Verschwörung im Zug”

- Blondinen sind von Natur aus Moe -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / Timing: Snoozer + Lightmaker / XviD: Chriz
Apathisch resignieren und alles andere: Lightmaker

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Wenn Allison und Wil eine Zugfahrt unternehmen, kann das nur wieder direkt ins
nächste Abenteuer führen. Zuvor versucht Allison aber erneut, Wil von ihren
weiblichen Reizen zu überzeugen. Und Wil ist natürlich wieder doof wie Toast. ^^

Allison & Lillia – Episode 09:

“Die Brücke über das Schlachtfeld”

- Scheiss Paparazzi -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny + HaruMesaki / XviD: Chriz
Heulend zusammenbrechen und alles andere: Lightmaker

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Diesmal war am späten Release nicht Enkidu schuld, sondern tatsächlich
his supreme Highness Lighto himself. Ich habe nämlich IRL gerade Arbeit bis
zum Abwinken und deshalb läuft’s mit den Subs etwas zäh. Aber hier nu is:

Allison & Lillia – Episode 08: “Die Prinzessin und der Held”

- Nimm einer Loli nie ihren Lieblingsanime weg ! -

Übersetzung: Chriz (ausnahmsweise) / Time: Snoozer / XviD: auch Chriz
Verzweifelt die Haare raufen und alles andere: Lightmaker

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Allison kommt runter, Wil kommt’s hoch, und Benedicto-san geht heftig ran:

Allison & Lillia – Episode 07: “Begleitschutz”

- Nix da, erst Allison gucken ! -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / Time: Enkidu / XviD: Chriz
Fluchen wie ‘n Bierkutscher und alles andere: Lightmaker

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Der Bot ist heute nicht so flott
wie wir wollen, denn Lawn ist verschollen.
Drum gibt’s die XviD, seht her,
heut erstmal nur auf RapidShare:

- RS Part 01 -
- RS Part 02 -

Nachdem bei den Jungs von noushisubs alle Reserven mobilisiert wurden,
gibt’s dann heute auch endlich mal wieder eine Allison für euch:

Allison & Lillia – Episode 06: “Fionas Tal”

- Ach was, hau drauf, Allison ! -

Übersetzung: JohnnyJohnny / Time: Enkidu / XviD: Chriz
Motzen, drängeln und alles andere: Lightmaker

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By TheBigN

Part 1: Interesting People
Part 2: Awesome OP/EDs

There are some phrases said that just stick in my memory long after they’ve been said in anime. Those or phrases that are interesting enough, absurd enough, thought-provoking enough, or awesome enough (the latter makes up the majority of them) that I want to share them with others, but need to write them down before I forget them, or something like that. Either way, what you see are what worked for me, and hopefully why they worked for me. Remember that these are statements that I write down under the mercy of whoever decided to translate them, so if these aren’t the correct results, forgive me. And again, feel free to also add your thoughts on phrases you heard and think are awesome.

-”So you’ve all finally understood that history is made with tears on top of tears. Meetings and farewells. And then yet another meeting. The links between people are what make history.“, Episode 41 of Hayate no Gotoku!

That which misunderstandings are made of. A pseudo-philosophical moment from Katsura-sensei to her students, where she felt like they finally understood what she was teaching. Of course, they were focused on the fact that their teacher was apparently leaving.

- “Whether it’s a big building or a small chocolate, if you put your feelings into it, it’s the same as everyone else. That’s how you can make everyone smile.“, Episode 3 of ARIA The ORIGINATION

Akari’s such a natural romantic, inspiring many from fellow Undines to Salamanders to a sweets seller in this case. The amount of effort that you put into something shows, and if you put all of your focus into doing the best you can on most things you do, those feelings communicate with everyone else. It just goes to show you that it’s all about heart. :3

- “Well, compared to global warming issues, it’s a trivial matter, right?“, Episode 9 of Kore ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de

Said by Yume Kuonji to minimize the difficulty she had in fighting out what her dream is. Course, when compared to global warming issues (and some people argue that their aren’t), most things tend to be trivial.

- “That’s what family is!“, Episode 22 of CLANNAD

Spoken during the first season’s story’s climax by Nagisa’s father, it encompasses the meaning of the whole show, when you think about it. Throughout all the episodes, you see many variations of what it means to be a family, and what having a family means as well. So it wasn’t a necessary statement, but it’s good to state the obvious sometimes.

- “If you want to quit kendo, then quit after you win!“, Episode 24 of Bamboo Blade

Satori getting pissed off at Miya-Miya actually turning to run away from  kendo because of an “unbeatable” rival resulted in her saying the above phrase. Of course it comes from a long line of inspiring statements to get someone out of their funk, but the fact that it came from the person you could say is the meekest of the group (though even saying that isn’t really true), and the fact that it’s directed to someone who is supposed to be me one of the more confident and (reasonably) collected members of the squad makes the moment special.

Wish I saw more of this from her against Miya-Miya in the show.

- “I’ll try to imagine what happens to Raigomaru after he becomes flightworthy by myself.“, Episode 12 of true tears

What makes this work for me is the phrase “by myself”, coming after Noe finds that the last page is missing in the book that Shinichiro was able to finish because of her. For Noe who’s been an observer of other character’s stories for the series, it makes sense that in her own story, literally and figuratively speaking, she has to make her own ending as she’s watch everyone else “end” theirs. Noe realizes that she still has a long way to go to get to where Shinichiro is; that is, he’s flying while she’s still on the ground.  But just realizing that is a start.

-”So you’ve become a person who can say that.“, Kurenai

A phrase that Ginko keeps saying to Shinkurou every time he tries to act like a professional, mature person, like what his job entails him to be. The problem is, that’s what he’s definitely not, and Ginko knows that. So what I want to know is, why doesn’t she just tell it too him straight, especially when she also knows that Shinkurou has the tendency of moving with blinders on. Oh well.

-”You’ve only destroyed three out of Maid Guy’s thirty-seven senses. That’s nothing…“, Episode 5 of Kamen no Maid Guy

Because Kogarashi is that frickin awesome, even when blind, deaf, and without the sense of touch, he’s still an unstoppable badass. Trust.

-”Allison, don’t tell me you’re…” “Yes I am. After all, the villain has taken the princess hostage. Don’t you think I have to save her right away?“, Episode 8 of Allison & Lillia

A conversation between Allison and Will that pretty much explains who’s the assertive, fun and awesome one in the relationship between the two. If only she voiced her emotions sooner.

- “The maidens who assemble in Gojyu Hissatsu Academy today, too, go over high hurdles with smiles on their faces. The pleats on their skirts should never rip. No weapons should peek out of their sailor collars. First hit wins! One-hit kills! Hittine before being hit is preferred here.“, Episode 20 of Kyouran Kazoku Nikki

This is what’s said during Kyouka’s blurb in the OP for this episode. What makes this great for me is that for those who recognize the pattern, it’s a parody of the intro to Maria-sama ga Miteru. And it only makes me wonder if there was an alternate reality of just that thing happening over at Lillian Girls Academy. Time will tell with this new season coming up.

I would not mind seeing something like this.

-”When you move forward, you mustn’t look down! Smile and look forward!“, episode 96 of Chi’s Sweet Home.

Probably the only thing I’d get from this show, as the black cat gives these words of advice to Chi, who’s only really finally started to understand what it means to be a cat, as well as how nature works. Granted, given the fact that Chi tends to follow this advice anyway, albeit without really paying attention to her surroundings, I’d like to think this piece of advice is also directed to us the audience. It speaks of a “live life to the fullest” sentiment to me, and goodness knows we always need more of that. :3

-”After all, I am one hell of a butler.“, Kuroshitsuji

Said at the end of every episode preview, and sometimes during the show. Because it’s true. Sebastian’s butler skills, considering what he is, are indeed outerworldly. It makes me laugh every time I see it, because mostly everyone else in the cast has no idea.

-”As a most wonderful fact, I, Kyouka-sama, am omniscient and omnipotent!“,  Kyouran Kazoku Nikki

I think what strikes me more about the phrase than anything else is how boastful Kyouka is, and how while she’s pretty powerful and more perceptive in her own right, this is almost never true.

- “Is that so?“, Michiko to Hatchin

What makes this special to me is not the phrase, which is uttered by Hana frequently in the show, but how she does it. Often in situations where she’s skeptical, bewildered or confused about what’s going on, it comes out “Sou… desu ka”, where that delay in the middle of the sentence highlights that feeling she has. Of course, given the current situation that she’s in with Michiko, it sorta gives her the right to feel apprehensive with whatever happens to her.

-”IT’S A SONY!“, episode 7 of Kannagi

In a episode with other phrases that I could use that I liked (“Oishinbou in my right hand. Calpis in my left. With these, I can fight for another ten years.”, from Nagi), it’s Akiba that steals the show with this line. To me, it highlights Sony’s history in media format wars, as well as how out of touch Akiba can be.  That and how it seems like an awesome punch line to any joke, now that I think of it.

And he says it complete with the "Nice Guy Pose!". So awesome.

Tomorrow (hopefully): More on music, this time with the background as a whole.

By TheBigN

Part 1: Interesting People

This year was insane with the amount of anime openings and endings that I liked, and it was hard to narrow down the amount to a “reasonable” number… so I didn’t really attempt to. But these ones here (coupled with Youtube videos) are the ones that stick in my mind the most over the year visually, aurally, or both. That being said, there is a list of Honorable Mentions at the end of the post to include OP/EDs that were also good, but stuff I could easily leave as well. I’m much more critical of music than I am of anime, but doesn’t mean that I have standards.

-ARIA The ORIGINATION ED – “Kin no Nami Sen no Nami”, Akino Arai

A great departure from the previous EDs done by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino and the ARIA seiyuu, and IMO the best ED song of all the series. Arai’s voice, as soft and flowing as I remember it, definitely encompasses the feel of Neo Venezia that I get from ARIA: Calming, smooth, ethereal, beautiful and wonderful.  Getting an idea how how Akari sees Neo Venezia helps as well. Favorite parts of the video: Akari looking through the multi-colored stone, the shots of her dear friends, and the rainbow over the lone undine rowing along the water.

-Spice and Wolf OP – “Tabi no Tochuu”, Kiyoura Natsumi

My favorite OP of the year song-wise, it had me at Natsumi’s first vocals. It has a simple, waltz-like melody (helps that the song has a ¾ time signature, or so I’d like to think) that I usually catch myself singing along with as it plays, especially at the chorus with the male accompaniment. It tells a story of a journey with and unknown destination (duh), coupled with the visuals that basically explain how Horo and Lawrence meet, partner up, and continue on this intriguing journey. The combo rouses me, making me want to join up with them on their journey. Favorite parts of the video: Yay beginning snowfall, Lawrence looking a little disturbed while Horo slyly grins just before the chorus, Horo flicking her hidden tail while she and Lawrence stand together, the handshake.

-Gunslinger Girl – Il Teatrino OP – “Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi”, KOKIA

Regardless of what people might think about the second season of the show (it’s not actually that bad, despite it’s radically different appearance), I wouldn’t think that people would be bugged that much by the OP, at least song-wise, though it’s no Delgados (as digitalboy might complain about). The dual vocals I hear from KOKIA help keep the tension and seriousness of the song ramped up as they go towards the chorus with determination, and I enjoy that. Of the two versions of the OP video (changes halfway for those who haven’t watched it), I prefer the second one, as though the first one is an interesting usage of montage and real life, it didn’t really explain what the show was about. Favorite parts of the video: Rico’s leap from roof to roof, Angelica’s footsteps, the dichotomy between Pinocchio’s and Triela’s upbringing, and the final faceoff between the two.

-Allison & Lillia OP – “Tameiki no Hashi”, Kuricoder Quartet & Yukawa Shione

The Kuricoder Quartet (seems quite a fun departure from the Kuricoder Orchestra for Azumanga Daioh) work well in making Shione’s vocals more like a folk song from times gone by. The vocals themselves are nice enough to me on their own though, but the instrumentation helps keep them from flying away, if that makes any sense. The visuals of our main pairs of protagonists for both halves flying around in their planes provide a nice backdrop for the song, but only at the end of the first version where we see Allison and Will admiring the scenery does it click in my head.

-Macross Frontier ED -  “Diamond Crevasse”, May’n

This is my favorite of the OP/EDs of the show, which was no contest in my opinion (though “Aimo” is still <3). I felt that Sheryl Nome bringing the audience home after all the action and antics that happened in the episode was great, making for an awesome closer. And I feel that the chorus just brings the house down, also providing a fitting coda to Yoko Kanno’s masterful work on the OST. It’s just “Go Home People” after that. :3 Favorite part of the video: the ending shot, which was great on episode 7 (I believe), since it ends up being the last shot of her powerful concert on Frontier.

-Kamen no Maid Guy ED – “Wakugai!!”, Yoshiki Fukuyama

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but imagine Basara rocking out to it, since Fukuyama is his singing voice for Macross 7. That aside, the pulsing song starts off strong from the initial drumbeat (or just from Kogarashi’s declaration with awesome screech at the end), and it never lets up. Just as our awesome Maid Guy never lets up on Naeka or Fubuki in the awesome ED video. Favorite parts of the video: the frightened pair running away from Kogarashi to the beat, their frightened faces cornered by his insanity near the end, and Kogarashi triumphant at the end.

-Kyouran Kazoku Nikki OP – “Chousai Kenbo Sengen”, MOSAIC.WAV

I’ve only really gotten into MOSAIC.WAV within the past year of so, but I’ve been liking a lot of their more recent stuff they’ve pumped out for anime, and this is an example. The pumping Akiba-Pop coupled with the waves of quickly spoken words throughout the sung vocals greatly demonstrates the hyper mood of the show, especially with the accompanying animation, which is one of my favorites of the year. The combo is probably a good representation of Kyouka’s decree to overload the world with frenzy, especially with her different declarations at the end of the OP in every episode. Favorites parts of the video: Umm, everything? Especially the intro with the mini-Kyouka’s introducing a Kyouka on the world, Kyouka parachuting onto Ouka’s head, the Midarezaki family getting ready to rumble, everyone pointing, from the running away of Ginka, Chika and Ouka from Kyouka to the end of the video.

-Soul Eater OP 1 – “resonance”, T.M. Revolution

It’s been a while since I’ve heard T.M. Revolution as such in anime, and it was great to hear him again for this first OP.  But the video takes precendence to me, as I loved the kinetic camerawork throughout, the stylized nature everywhere and everything, and how there was always some form of movement present by anyone of the characters. Favorite parts: Ummm everything? Specifically, the zoom out from the moon to the main characters stopping at Maka and Soul walking, Shinigami-san’s hand movements (Baka-Raptor doing it was a good moment for me), Medusa’s dancing Soul Eater punching the camera away, and Maka and Soul fighting (yay).

-Hidamari Sketch x365 OP  - “? de Wasshoi”, Kana Asumi, Kaori Mizuhashi, Yuuko Goto and Ryouko Shintani

Happy Happy Hidamari. I don’t feel like I need to say anything more about the song. Favorite parts of the video: It’s Hidamari Sketch. Everything to me.

-Birdy The Mighty Decode ED – “Let’s go together”, Afromania

Whenever Afromania is involved, you’re in for a rocking good time, and that’s the case with “Let’s go together”, which expresses fun vibes all around, as if one’s relaxing on the beach, if that makes any sense. It must be the opening quintet of notes from the guitar to the drumbeat and vocals kicking in. “Let’s go! Have a good time!”, indeed. I also enjoyed the video which pretty much just consisted of Tsutomu following the bands advice, with a silhouette of him dancing on by, and hi-fiving Birdy on the way. Good times.

-Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora OP – “Fly Away”, THYME

It had me at the Engrish, “good night Days, good old Days” sung by THYME, and I joined in when the main rocking tune came in, as this is another one of my favorite OP songs. It was interesting to see how the lyrics that seemed to be the one of someone who’s nervous and nostalgic for earlier times contrasted with what seems to be a genuinely positive-sounding tune and video showing Sora and others in Tokyo living life.  Either way, it was good introduction of THYME to me (and their work on the ToLoveRU OP wasn’t bad either), and with their first album released (which I heartily recommend to those who like “Fly Away”), it’s a band I hope to hear from much later down the line. Favorite parts of the video: people stretching,  the beginning grind of a day, Sora going up and down a hill on her bike, and the photo with her and her dog.

-Tytania ED – “LOST IN SPACE”, Psychic Lover

The song and video screams “80s” to me. In terms of the music, it comes from the synthesizer, the general melody, the lyrics (Win, Lose, or Draw!, Dive into the light!), and so on. The video? Okay, mostly from Lira’s movement between the walking Fan in the middle of the chorus. That and the attire of the non-Tytania cast. And that’s okay with me.

-Penguin Musume Heart 2^nd ED - “Yurayura + Yuriyura + Nananana”, PNGN3: Azusa Kataoka, Mariya Ise, Yoshino Nanjou

Sung by the main trio of the show, the song gets me at the get go from the first “na” on it’s main rockish theme, I guess. Shows that it really doesn’t take much for me  to enjoy a song. The video doesn’t really serve any point at all, but it’s still fun to watch anyway (kinda like the main show). Extra kudos goes to IOSYS (yay Touhou flashes), which apparently animated this ED (let me know if I’m wrong). Favorite parts of the video: Sakura holding the “na” bubble, Marie Whitebear drinking tea on top of a toilet, Sakura on the apple (wonder what that’s about), Sakura happy to have friends, and the rainbow (yay!).

-Kannagi OP – “motto ☆ hade ni ne!”, Haruka Tomatsu

The song itself really doesn’t stay in my head that well, but when coupled with the best opening animation of the year IMO, it stands out well. Tells of an alternate reality, or probably Nagi’s dream in being a popular idol that gives her the faith she needs to exorcise impurities and then some. Favorite parts of the video: everything.

-Ga-rei Zero OP – “Paradise Lost”, Chihara Minori

A pulsing pop song that doesn’t stop from the first beat to the last, with nice synthesizers and strings and a nice Eastern flair hidden in there. Given that I don’t really listen to songs from Minorin, I do like what’s done here, though apparently the song isn’t as well received as some of her other stuff? Either way, I enjoyed that and the opening video tied to it, especially because the latter evokes sad feelings as I know what’s going to happen. ;_; Favorite parts of video: Kagura looking up at the beginning, Kagura and Yomi walking in opposite directions on the sidewalk, the Nabuu brothers bobbing side to side, the chairman waving, the silhouettes of the main group moving off and leaving Kagura to stand on her own, basically any moment with Kagura and Yomi together (;_;).

-Clannad After Story OP – “Toki wo Kizamu Uta”, Lia

This OP gave me much more than the first one, with a better song, and better visuals to match. I myself am still trying to figure out the varying time signatures of the piece (does it go into 27/8ths somewhere? At least 5/8 time after the main chorus I’d like to think), which I feel is pretty clever to keep me listening to a song. Lia never losing the beat is awesome in itself, and when she and the song go into the chorus, it’s magical. Favorite part of the video: the various shots of Nagisa before the zoom out of Tomoya and Yoshino in their electrical company van, the Nagisa and Tomoyo profiles, and Nagisa floating in the end.

-Michiko to Hatchin OP – “Paraiso”, Soil & “Pimp” Sessions

Pure Brazil in the song, the only instrumental piece of the openings and endings here, and it’s great. Both the song and the video jazzy, sassy, happy and very colorful, and they are a joy to experience. Favorite parts of the video, the intros of Michiko and Hatchin, the close-up shots of them on the motorcycle during the “chorus”, and them driving away.

Honorable Mentions (told you my list was too long) visually or aurally:

true tears ED – “Sekai no Namida”, Yuuki Aira (both);

Michiko to Hatchin ED – “Best Friend”, Karutetto (both);

ef – a tale of melodies OP – “ebullient future”, ELISA (visually);

Detroit Metal City OP – “SATSUGAI”, Detroit Metal City (both);

Golgo 13 ED 1- “Glass Highway”, doa (both);

Xam’d OP – “Shut Up and Explode”, Boom Boom Satellites (both, RUN AWAY);

Kure-nai OP – “Love Jump”, Minami Kuribayashi (visually);

Real Drive OP – “Wanderland”, 9mm Parabellum Bullet (both);

Kaiba OP – “Never”, Seira (both);

ToLoveRU OP -  “forever we can make it!”, THYME (both, ooh la la);

Macross Frontier OP 2 – “Lion”, Megumi Nakajima and May’n (both, “I will survive!”);

H2O ~Footprints in the Sand~ ED – “Kazahane”, Haruka Shimotsuki (aurally);

Kyouran Kazoku Nikki ED 6 – “Sekai de Ichiban Yabai Koi”, Haruka Tomatsu (both);

Kyouran Kazoku Nikki ED 8 – “Appare Henka Ja.”, Satou Rina (aurally);

Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei OP – “Kuusou Rumba”, Ootsuki Kenji & Zetsubou Shoujo Tachi (both, yay SHAFT);

TYTANIA OP – “Ano Sora wo, Yuke”, Ken Nishikiori (both, especially stabbing spaceships);

Kannagi ED – “Musuhi no Toki”, Haruka Tomatsu

Kurogane no Linebarrels ED – “Ame ga Furu”, Maaya Sakamoto

B-side of the year: “Take you as you are“, from Hatenkou Yuugi OP – “Heartbreaking Romance”, Kanako Itou (better a video with a game as its background than something else, I say. )

Tomorrow (hopefully): A bunch of random quotes. Help on this one is good.

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