It has been reported that Hiroshi Morie, known more commonly by his stage name "HEATH," has suddenly passed away at the age of 55.
He is best known as the bass guitarist for the J-Rock band, X Japan.
What a tragic loss, and may he rest in peace. In commemoration, I'd like to post one of his songs, "Meikyuu no Lovers," which was used as the second ending theme to Detective Conan, which I find is an underrated gem among the many songs the anime features.
A fun fact about this ending theme specifically is that, for years, along with the second opening theme, it was never really shown outside of Japan, likely due to licensing issues with the songs. Whenever international broadcasts got to the episodes that originally used those songs, they would instead repeat the first opening and ending themes. It wasn't until the remastered high-definition version of the original anime started streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix in 2021, that these credits were available for viewers outside of Japan to see officially for the first time.
Pack up the leftovers and toss them in the trash, we've got a fresh new batch of music hot from the oven for you.
But don't let my magnum opus of album art deceive you, this isn't some gimmicky holiday mix. You know you can expect better from Jeeg.
And look, we all know it. Christmas music sucks. It's unrelenting, crusty and dusty, and - if you don't celebrate - it feels like you're being bombarded by it. So we're not here for that.
Remember, each Mixtape will only be available for one month - with a new volume going up on the 7th. At the end of the day, the old one is deleted. So get them while you can.
The the theme for this playlist is: Winter
Very creative, I know. But winter is a deceptively big arena to play in - cold, lonely, often melancholic vibes. And a theme of closing the door - as one year ends, and the arbitrary demarcation of a new one approaches.
And you know what? Now I am feeling a little festive - so clean out your clogs, there might be a treat for you.
The access code is: TWISTERCUTTER
Featuring tracks from: Regina Spektor, CAKE, deadman, Empress Stahhr, Dir En Grey, Kid Cudi, The Carranger Cast, Haruna Ikezawa and more!
You can find the Mixtape here [ZIP File]
The zip contains 12 songs in various file formats (often lossless) a text file breaking down the track listing with liner notes, and custom album art. Feel free to share this music with anyone you like.
“Can-do Dreamer” — Tokyo Mew Mew New S2-ED, fansubbed with ENG/JPN lyrics
Performed by Smewthie
It's been more than halfway into the second season of Tokyo Mew Mew New, and it doesn't seem like any of the songs have been subbed for the simulcast yet, such as the OP, ED, and insert songs (of which there are quite a number of this time). Usually, translating songs for an official sub involve licensing deals, which is why they can take a while, if they ever get subbed at all.
So, in the meantime, we've decided to sub the songs of this second season. Here is the ending theme, color coded to indicate which character/seiyuu/idol is singing during certain parts.
Listen to other subbed songs from this series here.
In celebration of the premiere of the 26th Detective Conan movie, “Black Iron Submarine,” the official YouTube channel posted a cover of the 60th TV ending theme, “Sissy Sky" by Ai Haibara’s voice actress, Megumi Hayashibara, sung as her character. The ending theme of course, is themed around Haibara, as is the most recent movie.
The original video on YouTube is region-locked and appears to be only available for a limited time only until May 7, so here’s a mirror.
The official Twitter announcement included a message from Haibara herself:
Congratulations on the release of the anime-based movie, “Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine,” as well as File 1111 of the original manga.
This is the one year where I can’t be in hiding too, so I’m even doing my best to move around as much as I can.
While making an effort, I was able to experience recording a cover for the first time.
I was very nervous, but the entire staff was kind, and moreover, the original artist of the song, Airi Miyakawa, even came to support me, which made me very happy.
You might say, that I did this to prevent Edogawa-kun from singing, right...? Haha.
Please listen to the song, “Sissy Sky,” covered by me, Ai Haibara.
I knew this news was coming eventually, but I was hoping we had more time with him.
I find some comfort in the fact that he got to fulfill his wish - performing until the very end.
Do what you love every day of your life and to will have lived a hundred lifetimes. And will have touched countless more lives.
This is how I will always remember him.
On stage.
Electrifying the audience.
A true showman.
Please indulge me in a quick personal story:
There have been more than a few moments in my life where everything felt hopeless. Like a darkness that you just can't shake.
In my early 20s, circa the early 2000s, I was going through a period like that.
As we tend to do in moments where we are seeking comfort, I decided to do a deep dive into some of my favorite anime songs from when I was younger. Mazinger Z being a huge favorite of mine. It would be a good distraction, and some nostalgia that I could lose myself in.
I hadn't seen it in years, but I figured it should be easy enough to find online.
This just so happened to be around the time songs from the Super Robot Spirits 2000 live show started to appear online.
This led me down the rabbit hole - first to the live version of Mazinger Z from that aforementioned concert - then to the overflowing trove of other songs Mizuki Ichiro performed. Steel Jeeg, Baratack, Kamen Rider Stronger, countless others. Crossovers with other performers I adored. Jazzy opening themes of adventure and bravado; bluesy ballads of loss and perseverance that played over end credits.
I realized that this man was the sound of my childhood.
I'll always find comfort in that Super Robot Spirits 2000 concert.
The energy from those performers was infectious. It was hard not to smile when they took to the stage and ignited the audience. It was joyful and exciting and kinetic and moving. It helped me through a period when I was struggling to find joy. It helped me understand the importance of sharing joy.
And it all started with Mizuki Ichiro
Not just for me.
For millions, all across the world.
He was the spark that lit the fire of the genre. He was the electricity that made it light up. One of the greatest voices to ever perform, and it never mattered that it was "just" music from cartoons.
The world will be a darker place now that Mizuki Ichiro is gone. But we'll always have his music. His love of performing. And the countless other artists he inspired along the way.
Rest in peace, Aniki - thank you for everything. Your music got me through some very hard times. Still gets me through them.
You were an unforgettable talent, and your music will live on.
Some very sad news to share - The Emperor of Anime & Tokusatsu Songs, Ichiro Mizuki, has passed away at the age of 74. Best known for his emotional, iconic theme songs for various Kamen Rider shows, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, and Mazinger Z, Mizuki was a pioneer for anime songs, with a career spanning over 50 years! Fans all over the world took to social media today to mourn the loss of anisong royalty. RIP to a legendary voice.