I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the people of Japan during this very difficult time for their nation. I wanted to dedicate a post to Japan the day after the earthquake and tsunami struck. However, I have found it rather difficult to put my thoughts and feelings into words the day after the disaster, and didn't have enough free time at my disposal in the days that followed to be able to dedicate a post until now.
I was up watching Al Jazeera Live late at night when the news broke that an earthquake had struck off the coast of Japan. Although a tsunami warning was issued, I didn't expect one to form. The earthquake was first described as only being a 7.8, in contrast to the upgraded 9.0 it would eventually be categorized as. A few minutes later I watched in disbelief and horror as the massive debris-filled wave destroyed everything in its path - images which I'm sure have been burned into the minds of all who watched the widely circulated footage. My first thought was of how the destruction I was witnessing was undoubtedly occurring all along Japan's coastline, and would result in a massive loss of life.
I know what it is like to lose everything and be forced to start your life completely from scratch, although my past circumstances do not begin to compare with the loss that many people are experiencing in Japan. With that in mind, the disaster in Japan affected me in a way which I never would have imagined. I feel a great deal of empathy and sympathy for the millions in Japan who have been directly and indirectly affected by this disaster. I can't even begin to imagine witnessing such a horrifyingly surreal monstrosity swallow up everything you hold near and dear to you in person, and what it must be like to attempt to pick up the pieces after you have lost everything in such a horrifying manner. It has been difficult enough to experience vicariously. To make matters worse, the rescue efforts have been hampered by countless aftershocks, a blizzard, and the ongoing nuclear crisis, thus extinguishing the possibility of being rescued for many.
As difficult as it was for me to find the words required to express my sympathy, it was even more difficult to select which album would be the most appropriate for the situation. In the end, I decided that this album by World's End Girlfriend best captured the complex range of thoughts and emotions presented by this series of disasters. World's End Girlfriend is actually the solo project of Katsuhiko Maeda, a mysterious Japanese artist who combines neoclassical elements with experimental electronic sounds. "Dream's End Come True" was the third full length album released by World's End Girlfriend, and marks a transition toward more dark and experimental music for Maeda. The dark synths and dissonant, chaotic electronic glitches remind me of the horror and confusion that no doubt invaded the minds of the Japanese people when the earthquake and tsunami decimated a great deal of the East Coast of Japan.
However, the album is not without its lighter moments, and features beautiful string movements and piano melodies throughout, which reminds me of the hope I feel for the future of Japan. Like the mythical Phoenix, Japan has risen from the ashes of destruction once before, and I have no doubt that the Japanese people have the willpower and resolve to do so again. The songs are lengthy, with each one clocking in at more than eight minutes in length, culminating in the 25 minute epic, "Imperfect Love Song," which closes out the album in dramatic fashion.
I want to close this post out by saying that I would like to extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has experienced loss of any type due to this tragic disaster. I wish the Japanese people the best of luck in the near future and far beyond.
I was up watching Al Jazeera Live late at night when the news broke that an earthquake had struck off the coast of Japan. Although a tsunami warning was issued, I didn't expect one to form. The earthquake was first described as only being a 7.8, in contrast to the upgraded 9.0 it would eventually be categorized as. A few minutes later I watched in disbelief and horror as the massive debris-filled wave destroyed everything in its path - images which I'm sure have been burned into the minds of all who watched the widely circulated footage. My first thought was of how the destruction I was witnessing was undoubtedly occurring all along Japan's coastline, and would result in a massive loss of life.
I know what it is like to lose everything and be forced to start your life completely from scratch, although my past circumstances do not begin to compare with the loss that many people are experiencing in Japan. With that in mind, the disaster in Japan affected me in a way which I never would have imagined. I feel a great deal of empathy and sympathy for the millions in Japan who have been directly and indirectly affected by this disaster. I can't even begin to imagine witnessing such a horrifyingly surreal monstrosity swallow up everything you hold near and dear to you in person, and what it must be like to attempt to pick up the pieces after you have lost everything in such a horrifying manner. It has been difficult enough to experience vicariously. To make matters worse, the rescue efforts have been hampered by countless aftershocks, a blizzard, and the ongoing nuclear crisis, thus extinguishing the possibility of being rescued for many.
As difficult as it was for me to find the words required to express my sympathy, it was even more difficult to select which album would be the most appropriate for the situation. In the end, I decided that this album by World's End Girlfriend best captured the complex range of thoughts and emotions presented by this series of disasters. World's End Girlfriend is actually the solo project of Katsuhiko Maeda, a mysterious Japanese artist who combines neoclassical elements with experimental electronic sounds. "Dream's End Come True" was the third full length album released by World's End Girlfriend, and marks a transition toward more dark and experimental music for Maeda. The dark synths and dissonant, chaotic electronic glitches remind me of the horror and confusion that no doubt invaded the minds of the Japanese people when the earthquake and tsunami decimated a great deal of the East Coast of Japan.
However, the album is not without its lighter moments, and features beautiful string movements and piano melodies throughout, which reminds me of the hope I feel for the future of Japan. Like the mythical Phoenix, Japan has risen from the ashes of destruction once before, and I have no doubt that the Japanese people have the willpower and resolve to do so again. The songs are lengthy, with each one clocking in at more than eight minutes in length, culminating in the 25 minute epic, "Imperfect Love Song," which closes out the album in dramatic fashion.
I want to close this post out by saying that I would like to extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has experienced loss of any type due to this tragic disaster. I wish the Japanese people the best of luck in the near future and far beyond.
Year of Release: 2002
Label: Midi Creative/Noble
Catalog # CXCA-1118
Genres: Experimental, Avant-Garde, Post-Rock
Bitrate: 320kbps
Label: Midi Creative/Noble
Catalog # CXCA-1118
Genres: Experimental, Avant-Garde, Post-Rock
Bitrate: 320kbps
Tracklist:
1. Singing Under The Rainbow
2. Caroling Hellwalker
3. All Imperfect Love Song
4. Wonderland Falling Tomorrow
1. Singing Under The Rainbow
2. Caroling Hellwalker
3. All Imperfect Love Song
4. Wonderland Falling Tomorrow
Yeah!!! I love WEG! Every album is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI feel pretty much the same way about the disaster. It is hard to find the words.
Thanks for your heartfelt words.
ReplyDeleteAnd a nice choice of album to share
@Strange Ranger: I couldn't agree with you more. I'm glad to hear that you are already familiar with them also.
ReplyDelete@taro nombei: Thank you. I chose my words much more carefully than I usually would in this post. It is nice to know that you appreciated them. If they bring the tiniest bit of comfort to even one person then I will have accomplished what I set out to do. Take care.