TRACKS
1. Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai ~ TV Version
(I Want to Shout I Love You! ~ TV Version) BAAD
2. Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai ~ Full Version
(I Want to Shout I Love You! ~TV Version) BAAD
3. Sakuragi Hanamichi no Teema ~ Tensai Basketto-man
(Sakuragi Hanamichi’s Theme)
4. Danku wo Kimete Yaruze! (I’ll Dunk It!)
5. Rukawa Kaede no Teema ~ Cool Guy Rukawa
(Rukawa Kaede’s Theme)
6. Kakate koi! (Come On!)
7. Akagi Takenori no Teema ~ Gori Sanjou
(Akagi Takenori’s Theme)
8. Otoboke Hanamichi
9. Akagi Haruko no Teema ~ Lovely Haruko-chan
(Akagi Haruko’s Theme)
10. Nani ga Nandemo Makerarenai!
(No Matter What, I Won’t Lose!)
11. Rukawa Kaede ~ Shouri wo Yobu Otoko
(Rukawa Kaede ~ A Man They Call Victory)
12. Powerful Concentration ~ Maki VS. Sendoh
13. Rival Confrontation ~ Sendoh VS. Rukawa
14. Shohoku no Five Douyou (Shohoku Five’s Trembling)
15. Taimu Auto Shohoku ~ Kimi-tachi wa Tsuyoi!
(Time Out Shohoku ~You Guys are Strong!~)
16. Mitsui no Jisonshin [?] (Mitsui’s Pride)
17. Akagi’s Uncertainty
18. Fired-up Man, Captain Akagi
19. Mada Mada Yuzurenai! (Not Giving Up Yet!)
20. Hanamichi ~ On the Rebound Road
21. Anata dake Mitsumeteru ~ Full Version
(Set My Eyes only on You ~Full Version) MAKI OHGURO
22. Sekai ga Owaru Made wa ~ TV Version
(Until the End of the World ~ TV Version) WANDS
23. Zettai ni dare mo ~ TV Version
(Absolutely No One Will ~TV Version~) ZYYG
24. Zettai ni dare mo ~ Full Version
(Absolutely Nobody [?]) ZYYG
25. Saisho de Saigo no Love Song
(First and last Love Song) ZYYG
26. Zettai ni dare mo ~ Karaoke Version
27. Saisho de Saigo no Love Song ~ Karaoke Version
Review - Sort of
Sorry for the tracks... I was trying to read the kanji but I failed in recognising most of them, so I just looked for their English translations online... ^^;
Anyway, this is one of the least usual Slam Dunk audio cds available in the market, and I’m proud to own a copy of it, and having this as my first audio cd is also an added bonus. Just imagine the happiness I felt way back year 2000!
This is going to be a long review, you can tell. XD
Starting off, let’s focus first on the opening song of the series, which is, as expected, the first in the cd line-up. Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai is one of those songs that makes you feel invigorated, it’s supposed to be some sort of love song, but for most of the off-Japan fans, this fact doesn’t ring right, does it? We get this idea that the lyrics speak of something resembling the infamous “I can do it!” theme that actually makes sense, since the series does focus on a sport – basketball.
Well, wonder of wonders, it’s not.
Need a sample translation? Here:
Kimi ga suki da to sakebitai
Ashita wo kaete miyou
Kooritsuite'ku toki wo buchikowashitai
Kimi ga suki da to sakebitai
Yuuki de fumidasou
Kono atsui omoi wo uketomete hoshii
I want to shout, "I love you."
Let's try to change tomorrow.
I want to smash this freezing (moment in) time.
I want to shout, "I love you."
Let's be brave and take a step forward.
I want you to receive these warm emotions
(Credit goes to Animelyrics.com)
If you read the translation of the full version, you will definitely find it all too heart-warming and potent. Coupled with equally evocative instrumental riffs, it’s something one cannot forget.
Anata dake Mitsumeteru is the ending song of the series, as you guys well know. Almost all of my acquaintances tell me that this is the one they enjoy the most since it is very much the upbeat kind and very danceable in fact. I have to agree on that part, however, I have a thing with weird lyrics... well, the non-poetic ones most of all, so this doesn’t exactly rank high up in my list of commendable songs. I have an issue with this as well. I just don’t get why the phrase Spicy up your mama is even included... it doesn’t even sound cool. *Scratches head* Ahh... the wonders of Japanese minds my pea-sized brain can’t comprehend.
The song playing as background to all of Mitsui’s long-repressed angst is my actual favourite in the whole Slam Dunk audio history. It is not only the performance that is phenomenal, but also the lyrics, and the atmosphere it creates. The feeling of loneliness and overpowering desperation are heightened by the voice quality of ZYYG’s vocalist, and the will to carry on was exuded by the way the guitars were played. The beat is amazing; escalating the power the combinations create, letting the listeners swirl in with such fierce emotions that it actually leaves tears in people’s eyes. It truly is a masterpiece.
My second favourite that is featured here in both television and full versions is Zettai ni Dare mo. I know I’m not exactly well versed in Japanese, but there are translations online saying that the correct counterpart is either Absolutely No One Will or Absolutely Not by Anyone . However, when dissected, it shows that Zettai ni means Absolutely , and Dare mo means either Everybody (Dare demo) or Nobody (Dare mo... de nai). So, since the word Dare mo is somewhat the same as Nobody , the English translation should be Absolutely Nobody , right? Or am I wrong? This is really confusing for me.
Perplexity aside, I personally think that this rock-ish song is something of an inspirational icon. I mean, look at the lyrics! It’s practically bursting with vitality and an absolute expression of freedom that it makes you want to just spread your wings and soar through uncharted territories! I think it’s a good theme song for motivating oneself – a perfect fit for the summer OVA (Slam Dunk Movie 4)!
There is a ZYYG c/w song included in this cd entitled “Saisho de Saigo no Love Song”, which literally translates to “First and Last Love Song” (Never mind the “The” before the word “First” X3). The lyrics makes you want to go “Aww...” and I think it show much of what SenRu love is. Like this part:
Subete wo sarashite love song
Mamoritai zutto
Tatoe unubore demo
Mujaki na sono hohoemi ni
Fureta ato wa
Tsuyoku daite hanasanai
Kawaranu omoi ai wo sosoide
Ashita e sotto tsunaide yuku
Love song that bares everything
I want to protect you forever,
Even if such a thought is too arrogant
After I touch
Your innocent smile,
I will hold you close and won't let go.
I will pour out the unchanging emotion called love
And that will be the link that will softly lead us to tomorrow.
(Credit goes to Animelyrics.com)
You can just imagine it, can you not, guys? This is one of the primary reasons why I’m so happy to have this cd! Yay for SenRu manifestations! *Is throwing confetti happily*
The BGMs are amazing too. I mean, I don’t normally like pop-ish tunes at all, but somehow, those that I’m actually fond of are the ones in the SD-dom! (And well... *fidgets* in TeniPuri too, but this isn’t exactly the place where I should discuss it, right? *Coughs*)
Ahh... Haruko’s theme. C’mon guys, admit it, as much as most of you yaoi fans hate her (Which I don’t understand why, by the way), you still like her theme! Stop being hypocritical and face your fear of being ridiculed by your fellow hypocritical fandom friends! Her theme is absolutely lovely ! C’mon, the jazzy tune calms the heart; makes one feel practically in love ! I think it’s her devotion to Rukawa that affects the music most. It shows much of hidden passions, much of the love she can give, and that makes it even more special! It surprised me, really, to hear such beautiful melody. The ones who made it really put much thought into it that it came out perfect!
Rukawa’s BGMs are so incredible! The coolness of Cool Guy Rukawa (His theme) is so defined that it makes one want to squeal over it – and believe me, I’ve had my share of the squealing – even my mom remembers the melody now after too much ‘fangirling’ over it! However, I like Shouri wo Yobu Otoko better. Why? Because it reminds me of Rukawa’s winning plays – like in the Kainandai-Shohoku game! The intro is forceful, and the music dwindles down to almost playful, and that makes it even sweeter! Like saying: “No matter how tough the game gets, Rukawa will do something to make everything alright!” It’s the presence of ease that binds it all together. Rukawa is someone who is forceful and yet, confident of his abilities at the same time, and this, like his theme, fits him perfectly. I just want you guys to be clued on something. Haven’t you noticed that whenever important games are being played, these two tunes are most likely being used?
The confrontation BGMs are oozing with coolness too! Maki vs. Sendoh seems as if it’s painting a game of positions, or at least, concentration considering playing positions as well as skills. I think it focuses more on the actions and not their thoughts. However, Sendoh vs. Rukawa is more focused on what the characters think. You can practically hear the tone of rivalry in it. The darkness in some parts prove that, and then, the feel of being stuck in some kind of crisis near the end, as if waiting for someone to pull ahead of the other, and yet miserably failing, thus being sucked in the mind game maelstrom again, like there’s no escape. It epitomises the true meaning of competition, I guess, and to think that it’s being credited to Sendoh and Rukawa just shows how much of a bond those two really have. It’s amazing how the music gives life to their scenes! (Another note guys: Sendoh vs. Rukawa is also being played in crucial parts of most games!)
Akagi Takenori’s theme and other two credited BGMs are fitting. They are vigorous, filled with such determination that it gives an impression that the one being characterised is someone who never gives up, someone who fights until the end... and someone with discipline of steel. And indeed, Akagi is.
There is something very appealing about Sakuragi’s theme. Maybe it’s the feel of pure unadulterated simplicity in the tunes... or possibly, the feel of undying pursuance of something just out of reach that wins people over. Otoboke Hanamichi on the other hand is very laid back, full of mischief that you just have to smile when listening to it. It fits him. It really does.
Kakate Koi is something of an enigma to me. My heart races up to the point of over-excitement, making me feel like I want to just do stuff I have never done in my entire life. The title suits the atmosphere it creates, and even with the additional heartburn, I enjoy listening to it repeatedly. If you want extra bursts of adrenaline, guys, this is the song that’s right for you.
There are two other BGMs that are also attention grabbers. First is Mitsui’s Pride and second, Hanamichi ~On the Rebound Road~ because, they remind people of certain stuff in both the manga and the anime that makes them feel, well, inspired to do my best in everything. It applies to me as well. Although, I know most Rukawa, Sendoh and sometimes Haruko fans are not too fond of Sakuragi, (And yes, I’m not too fond of him as well) I think they cannot ever discount the fact that the guy does something worthwhile sometimes, and what he does really touches the inner warrior inside. Mitsui’s case, however, is pretty much exuded in that BGM. It shows his strong side, even with the doubtful strains in the beginning of the piece.
The karaoke versions of Zettai ni Dare mo and Saisho de Saigo no Love Song gives people the bonus of singing the songs without the need for proper melody. Singing off-key is, after all, a favourite past time for us, right?
I’d like to go on reviewing this but well; I don’t have much time. I’m sick – again – after being soaked under the onslaught of precious rain and then being submitted unwillingly to full-blast air-conditioning.
But I’m happy.
My parents are pampering me.
*Sadistic laughter*
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Notes: Why the present tense? I’m listening to the cd, that’s why!
Suggestions? Comments?
E-mail them to angelus_grimaldi[at]senrusen[dot]net.