Awa-news 12: an audience is like a dame...

n°12, 26th of November, 2009

www.awaken.be


[downloadable pdf version here]

Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,

time is time, time is passing by, every year it's getting shorter... so, time to...

...jump into Awa-news number 12!

Artists sometimes say very smart sentences, with or without knowing.

It's rock'n'roll philosophy time!

An audience is like a dame. If it ain't sincere, it's over. (Frank Sinatra)

What are the hottest news in Awaken's Universe?

Awa-news library

From now on, all issues of Awa-news are stored on It's Oh! Music site! Complete your collection now!

Links: http://its-oh.web2.jp/blog/yukineko/?page_id=156

Our interview:

MUZ: I'm a big fan of Awaken!

If you like to put labels and stickers on the music you listen to, I wish you good luck when it comes to define the style of Muz. Like some early King Crimson or late Talk Talk records, Muz doesn't seem to follow any rule and takes you where you least expected. It can make his albums sometimes difficult to understand, but when everything seems to have been said in music, they're suddenly refreshingly challenging. The newest one is Hidden Tracks, and is, believe it or not, easier to access for newbies.

-Nice to meet you, Muz. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Muz: Virtual musician contemplative.

-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Muz: Probably some old vinyl or tape, plus my curiosity to all possible way to express myself (but music is not the older thing I wanted to do for that).

-Your music is rather complex and rich. Where are your limits, if you have any?
-Muz: My limits are just the borders of my imagination... and of course my interest and/or my capacity to use some instruments and my voice (that I don't like to much).

-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Muz: I don't know. Most of my songs were made to be a part of an album (I like to think that an album is not just a compilation of mixed pieces). But I can say that one of my favorite songs is "Slumber Party" because it's a good glimpse of my "style".

-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-Muz: I think all my worst songs are already erased, some pieces are not good but there are like a cogwheel of the machine...

-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Muz: Any. I want to be free to work my own thing even I think it will be nice to work with others people.

-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Muz: Go listen to my music morons! :) No, seriously, I can just say that I try to made a "contemplative music" even it's sometimes more odd than contemplative. It's essentially an instrumental music (but I sing too since few time) and I try always to vary any of it's component, without to forget that it is made for listening and not just playing.

-Have you tried to record some covers and if yes, which ones?
-Muz: No never. Maybe I should do that...

-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Muz: Yes for sure, I'm a big fan of Awaken!

Links: http://www.jamendo.com/fr/artist/MUZ

http://www.myspace.com/jmamuz

What's hot on the web side? Awa-net surfed for you and found this:

M!OSAIC:

"Find Out Your Missing Pieces In Our Show!"

The indie music scene is no longer only a counterpower from angry musicians against the establishment, it kinda became an establishment in itself. The scene grew up thanks to the arrogance and contempt from profit-only-based record companies. Indies labels became what majors are not anymore: companies that search for the balance between art and profit.

The indie scene not only has labels, but also distributors, shops (the wonderful CD Baby) and online radios. M!osaic is not "just one more indie online radio", it is a unique site focussing on the Vietnamese music scene with news, articles, reviews, interviews, a user-friendly interface and, last but not least, that avoids the annoying gossip that spoils medias nowadays.

M!osaic started in 2007 through channels like Yahoo!360 (famous among Vietnamese people) and is now running on its own. Their slogan is appealing and promising: "Find Out Your Missing Pieces In Our Show!".

So, how about a visit to M!osaic to discover more about Vietnamese music and, why not, find out your missing piece?

URL: http://www.m-mosaic.com/

What happened on November some years ago?

Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...

22/11/1988: Pink Floyd release Delicate Sound of Thunder, their first live album since 1969 Ummagumma.

25/11/1974: Nick Drake lets the needle do the damage.

27/11/1959: Simple Minds' guitar player Charlie Burchill comes to Earth. The picture doesn't show Mr Burchill, but the unexpected power of his wild guitar soli on the audience.

You like Awaken? You *will* like this album:

GENESIS, Wind & Wuthering (1977)

Music and autumn are good friends. What other season can depict nostalgia like autumn? What other music than the melancholic tunes of Genesis can represent the falling leaves, the smell of the wood under a storm, and the noise of a fire in a house in mid-November?
Wind & Wuthering is one of those zero-default albums, where high-technology of the second half of the 70's is perfectly matching a high level of musical skills and inspiration. It shows a bunch of beautiful complex ideas from Tony Banks ("One For The Vine", "All In A Mouse's Night"), a splendid and moving piece from Hackett and Collins ("Blood On The Rooftops"), a gentle folk song from Rutherford ("Your Own Special Way") and great group efforts that shows an alchemy that could hardly get better. That might be why Hackett left after the tour, leaving the three remaining members become a strong nucleus that would write many more great pieces in the future.
Banks is at his peak (but he would stay there two more decades, at least until the wonderful Calling All Stations), Collins gets more and more involved into the songwriting -and his voice tends to have moments of pure emotion, Hackett is so inspired that he finds Genesis too restrictive for him, and Rutherford is kind of waking up, before writing his real masterpieces on the next two albums ("Say It's Alright Joe", "Snowbound", "Man Of Our Times" and "Alone Tonight").
If you're looking for beautiful and skilful songwriting, nostalgic British atmosphere, classy synthesizers, creative drumming yet accessible to newbies' ears, Wind & Wuthering is for you. If you're more into a kind of gentle violence, you might prefer The Lamb, Duke or Calling All Stations. If the 70's are not your taste, jump on Genesis (1983), the best Synclavier-based album ever! I you'd rather remember the early days with springtime organ, Nursery Cryme is what you need. You want simple songs? From Genesis To Revelation must be in your turntable! Now if you don't like anything from Genesis, I wonder why you're still reading this article.

Links: http://www.genesis-fr.com

Is there a place for experimental music in 2009? Kevin Shakey tells us everything. What else you want to know? You sure can wait one more week...

Take care and see you!

email: awamail(at)hellokitty.com

Awaken main sites: www.awaken.be

www.beppunights.com

It's Oh! Music

© AWAKEN-Awanews-

[downloadable pdf version here]

Awa-news 11: Dirty toilets and vanilla laundry

n°11, 19th of November, 2009

www.awaken.be


[downloadable pdf version here]

Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,

what's the common ground between John Lennon, dirty toilets, Awanyth, Art Garfunkel and Awaken? Read this Awa-news n°11 if you want to know! Hmpf!

Time to read!

Artists sometimes say very smart sentences, with or without knowing.

It's rock'n'roll philosophy time, the quote of the week!

If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you can call me that. I believe in what I do, and I'll say it. (John Lennon)

What are the hottest news in Awaken's Universe?

Dear Awaken,...

Why should you write letter to Awaken? To win the rare websingle that included "Seaside Casino Romance", "Sunset On Your Secrets" and "Summer Clouds Hotel". It was available in 2002, do you remember? Maybe you don't. Surely you want to hear that rare record. Yes? Really? Read below:

Write a review of "My Last Evening In Ôita" and win 3 rare songs of Awaken! How to do?
1. Listen to the single here: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt
2. Write your feelings (follow the link under the single or send email at awamail(at)hellokitty.com or write here)
3. I send you a secret link to download the 3 songs! And your opinion will be published on Awa-net.
OK? Start the race now!

プレゼントが欲しかったら、珍しい歌を聴きたかったら、『My Last Evening In 大分』についてレビューを書いて下さい。
どうしょう？
1. リンクhttp://bit.ly/3nv4Ktをクリックして、『My Last Evening In 大分』と『Chase Around 大分駅』を聞いて。
2. 意見を書いて、メールsnowcat_the_neko(at)hellokitty.comで送って下さい。 このBLOGで書いても良いよ。
3. 僕は秘密のリンクを送ります。珍しいAWAKENの歌のダウンロードが出来ます！そして意見はAwa-netの中読まれる。
分かりましたか？
レビューを待ってます！
宜しくお願いします。
雪猫ジル

Nếu bạn viết ý kiến về bài hát "My Last Evening In Ôita" thì có thể nhận 3 bài hát hiếm có của Awaken!
Làm thế nào ?
1. Nghe "My Last Evening In Ôita" ở đây: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt
2. Viết ý kiến rồi cho tôi gửi bằng email (awamail(at)hellokitty.com) hoặc trên Blog này.
3. Tôi sẽ cho bạn gửi một link bí mật để download 3 bài hát hiếm có!
Hiểu chưa? Viết nhé! :D

Our interview:

AMANYTH: What the fuck?

As a Sousbock or TrustNo1 fan, the name of Amanyth isn't totally unknown from you. Expert in electro beats, strong sound and modern beats, the man behind the album Let's Dream To Each Other kindly accepted to reply Awa-news' questions. Let's talk to each other:

-Nice to meet you, Mr Amanyth. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Amanyth: Hi! 3 words: Heterochromia, friendship, music.

-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Amanyth: I don’t know, I think it’s natural. I think i have to make music or go in therapy, I prefer music it’s more serious.

-Although you make a heavy use of keyboards, your music doesn’t sound like keyboards music at all. What do you think about the fact that synthesizers became extremely powerful but their role doesn’t seem to have really evolved since the end of the 80’s?
-Amanyth: I think it’s especially computer in music that became extremely powerful, not only synthesizers. We can do anything we want, change or destroy sounds, use samples… Synthesizers are just instruments we use, but if you listen to a band like Radiohead, you can’t really say that there’s not evolution since the 80’s, no?

-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Amanyth: « A town called kill », when you listen this, you really see me. I wasn’t really happy in my life at this moment, and make this music was really a therapy to me.

-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-Amanyth: My remix of « Games without frontiers », a Peter Gabriel song. You just have to listen to Peter’s version, and mine, and…laugh.

-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Amanyth: Ghinzu, if we talk about active bands, maybe. In my dreams, I often play for the Pink Floyd! Tony Banks is really too good…I can’t even dream to play with Genesis!

-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Amanyth: I’m not sure that words can convince anyone. Just listen to « A town called kill », this take 4 minutes, and if you like you can listen others, if not…go to hell!

-Have you asked 100 people what does it mean to be a man in love?
-Amanyth: Yes, of course! I’m a civil servant, and have nothing else to do.

-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Amanyth: What the fuck?

Links: http://amanyth.blogspot.com/

Inspiration can hide in the most surprising places:

Were high-school toilets *that* dirty?

You all remember your high school days, don’t you ? Some of you are still in high school, some not yet, and some left loooong ago. But for most of us, high school remains one of the most important event in our life. Wherever you are: Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Russia…

Remember the touch of the paper when the pen was scratching it to copy what the teacher wrote, or just to write a love letter ? Remember the smell of the classroom, the wooden chairs and overused tables ? Remember the voice of the teacher trying to keep the class quiet, but hardly beating the noise of 25 students trying their best to beat Deep Purple as “the loudest band in the world” ? Remember the sweet taste of the ice cream you bought between classes, or the glass of beer you secretly ‘imported’ to drink –but in vain- during the math class ? Remember the terrific “perfume” of the toilets –probably even worse than the ones of Shinjuku Station in Japan.

High school days last only a few years. What are 6 years in a 90 years lifetime ? 1/15th! But somehow these days were the most intense and, despite a bunch of depressing times, the most missed in many ex-students’ life.

That’s why, maybe unconsciously, I was led to release the album “Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” a few years ago. In the parallel universe of Awaken, the toilets of my high school were a mysterious place, a kind of corridor between real and unreal, a place to escape reality of scolding teachers and boring lessons. The smell was horrible, I admit. Terrible. Repulsing. But still, it was a haven and once the door was locked, one could feel safe from a world that they imagine scarier than it actually was.
“Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is for those who never forgot that part of adolescence, those who still feel slightly wild despite a quieter everyday life. “Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is more than just music, “Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is the haven that your high school toilets were.

Thanks to CD Baby, “Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is now easily available online (cdbaby.com/cd/awakenmusic). The object being rare, don’t miss the opportunity of getting your own copy now!
Ah, before giving you the 9 best reasons to connect to CD Baby to get your double CD, let me explain you that “lyceum” is an old word that used to mean “high school” in some countries. Don’t be confused, since it also can show a cultural hall in some parts of the world. Enough said, let’s jump to…

9 good reasons to get Party In Lyceum’s Toilets

1. PiLT is a true collector.
Only 500 copies have been printed in 2001, and most of them have been sold already. The few copies remaining are now quite rare and will not be reprinted.

2. PiLT is a big part of Awaken’s History.
Since most of you fans have joined the club since “Chú Mèo Ngủ Quên”, “Cà Phê & Pizza” or “Beppu Nights”, you might not necessary know our past stuff. This is really a must-have in every Awaken fan’s Cd-theque.

3. PiLT has been released on Valentine Day!
Though it was due to an unexpected accident from the print company, this is a sign that the mantra “Every day is Valentine Day” was active before its creation.

4. PiLT is a real and tangible object.
Not only it features more than 2 hours of Awaken’s music, but also it offers what mp3 can’t give you : a tangible piece of collector, with its 12-pages booklet and double CD jewel box wrapped into a delicate film of cellophane.

5. PiLT is an official commercial release.
Not a bootleg, nor a home-made CD-r, PiLT is one of the rare true commercial releases of Awaken, that makes it even more collectible nowadays.

6. The piece of PiLT you’ll buy is an original 2001 print.
As it has never been reprinted since then, the piece you will get is a true original one from 2001.

7. PiLT is full of Awaken’s classics!
Which past songs could be the equal of today’s favorite “Beppu Nights” or “Áo Dài Màu Hồng”, if not PiLT’s angry “I’ll Disagree”, danceable “Cold As My Heart”, darkest “Neons Of Lyceum’s Toilets” or sensual “Down The Drain” ?

8. Awaken was a real band to record PiLT.
If the recent Awaken stuff only features a few musicians, PiLT is the witness of an era when Awaken was evolving as a band. 4 members and 12 guest musicians have been working on the recording and release of this album.

9. Awaken, as a cat, has 9 lives.
PiLT is a part of them. A music experience more than just a CD. Remember, we all only have 9 lives. Why not spend one of them listening to PiLT ?

Thank you for your faithfulness into Awaken’s Magnetic Soul ~ Love Music

What happened on November some years ago?

Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...

05/11/1941: The golden voice of Art Garfunkel comes to Earth.

19/11/1983: Badfinger's bassist Tommy Evans decides to leave this world. Rumour has it that money was a big part of his depressive state. No wonder...

14/11/1988: Milli Vanilli releases "All Or Nothing", an album on which they only appear on the cover pictures. Wonder if the overdubs have been recorded by Peter Gabriel or Simple Minds...

You like Awaken? You *will* like this album:

VANILLA FUDGE, Mystery (1984)

Vanilla Fudge is the band that heavily influenced Deep Purple back in 1968. Carmine Appice, Mark Stein, Tim Bogert and Vince Martell were famous for their creative covers of standards of pop and soul, full of Hammond organ, heavy bass, frantic drumming and... some guitar.

In 1984, like their "disciple" Deep Purple, Vanilla Fudge came back with a fresh, modern and inspired album, Mystery. This ain't a parody of their early days: gone is the Hammond, Mark Stein focusses on synthesizers only, Carmine Appice is not afraid of trying some electronic percussions and Tim Bogert slaps here and there, when he's not hidden by some keyboards. Martell is present on two tracks where he can hardly be heard. Jeff Beck plays guitar (under a nickname, you'll find easily), along with Ron Mancuso.

Featuring mostly original songs and only a few covers, Mystery is a great record, totally underrated. "Golden Age Dreams" is a melodic gem (later covered by Awaken) and... why don't you just listen to Mystery??? Mark's voice shine. Great playing, great songs, great covers. What else can we ask? Great great album...

Links: http://www.vanillafudge.com

More or less, all or nothing? Who knows...

Take care and see you on issue 12!

email: awamail(at)hellokitty.com

Awaken main sites: www.awaken.be

www.beppunights.com

It's Oh! Music

© AWAKEN-Awanews-

[downloadable pdf version here]

Awa-news 10: is there a Sousbock at 一番官?

n°10, 12th of November, 2009

www.awaken.be


[downloadable pdf version here]

Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,

what more can you expect than an interview with Sousbock's leader Sébastien Bournier, a new collaboration Trust No 1 / Snowcat and more tips to travel in Japan? Philosophy, reviews and time machine? You got everything here!

OK, time to jump into Awa-news number 10!

Artists sometimes say very smart sentences, with or without knowing.

It's rock'n'roll philosophy time!

After about three lessons, my voice teacher said, "Don't take voice lessons. Do it your way. You're a song stylist. Always do it your way." (Johnny Cash)

The notion is that if you want to welcome me with open arms, I'm afraid you're also going to have to welcome me with open legs. (Gene Simmons)

The difference between a good performance and a great performance is a nap. (George Burns)

What are the hottest news in Awaken's Universe?

TRUST NO ONE & GILLES SNOWCAT'S COLLABORATION ALBUM

With something that one full-lenght album a month, Trust No 1 can be considered as one of the most prolific musician in the indies world.
After a collaboration with Squonk 66, Amanyth and Sousbock, and before hearing him on the new Awaken single, Trust No One hired Gilles Snowcat to appear on the new album, "Spoiled By Purity".
As usual, Trust No One plays all the instruments, while Snowcat sings and adds a few synthesizers and organ. Two songs were co-written by the two bad cats: "Spoiled By Purity" and "Once Bitten In Greece".

Links: http://www.archive.org/details/SpoiledByPurity

http://www.myspace.com/treustnowane

Our interview:

SOUSBOCK'S SEBASTIEN BOURNIER: Girls! And Phil Collins.

A drummer who gradually became singer, doesn't it remind you of someone? Ringo Starr, Peter Criss or Phil Collins? Or Don Henley? You got it all wrong. We're talking about Sébastien "bARGIO" Bournier, the leader of French band Sousbock since 1998. Seb is also known for being the first drummer to have recorded a studio track with Awaken, the single version of "I Know Time Is Passing By...", and he's featured on the next single to be released this year.

For the new Sousbock album, Lune & L'autre, Seb decided to hire a bunch of external songwriters -to add to the Sousbock team Aurélien Bournier and Nicolas Leroy-, instead of doing all the job by himself. He only contributed to the poems and a nice instrumental track, "Halo". The result of the whole album is beyond expectations: the album rocks! It is a fresh, innovative and daring record taht doesn't deserve the restricted "rock français" sticker anymore. From the introspective "Ce Coeur Qui Bat" to a frighteningly depressive "Rechute", the album covers grounds belonging to classy progressive, pop or hard-rock, with a slight touch of AOR and even slices of jazz-rock. Amazing!

Awaken fans already know that "Gouttes De Pluie" is a composition from the ol' Snowcat, written surrounded by the energizing atmosphere of Beppu City in the winter of 2008.

Nuf said, time to let Seb tell you everything!

-Nice to meet you, Seb. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Seb: Nice to meet you too (again). Three words. Not about me I suppose, but about the "musical me". Well, in that case it would be "songwriter" (I HATE the "auteur / compositeur" thing that is used in French. I'm just some random guy who writes songs). "Drummer" because it's my favorite instrument, it's the first one and the one I enjoy the most. And then "Singer" because, well, I sing on my records even though I hate that.

-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Seb: Girls! And Phil Collins. I learned to play the drums because of him. But that's not "the" instrument to impress girls easily. That's why I promised myself to learn the guitar on the first occasion. "Unfortunately" I met my wife to be about year *before* I had the first chance to learn the guitar. So playing the guitar never brought me any luck with the ladies. But I'm fine with this. :-D

-Sousbock just released its 4th album. What’s new compared to older albums?
-Seb: Well almost everything because it's a concept album. No! Don't run away. It's not some boring old progressive rock double album concept. After three albums that I almost wrote alone, I felt that it was time for something new. So I had the idea to send lyrics to friends. And they all agreed to write the music for them. So the concept is "one song, one music writer". And it's a pretty damn good album I believe. A hard one to make (there is always a problem child!!!) but in the end I'm really proud of it. And I can say that without problem because I only write one piece of music for it (which has no lyrics, so it's the first "real" Sousbock Instrumental). And of course, he is not that new, because he was there for the previous one, there is Nico who is I believe, the most important musical encounter that I ever made. Extra Bonus for Awaken's fans: Mister Snowcat himself agreed to contribute one song!!!!

-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Seb: A tough one, but I guess that everyone answer this the same way. Well, three songs come to mind. Obviously the first one that "is" the spirit of Sousbock : "Amnesia". Then comes "Veilleur des ombres" which is a 22 minutes song that contains all the emotions that I love. From the pop-rock of "2h03" to the depressive, more artistic and instrumental part of "Une ombre". Then there is this song, from the not yet released fifth album: "Le vide et l'imparfait". It combines both sides (hello Phil) of Sousbock : the pop-rock and the depressive rock. It will also be released on the EOAIAO compilation Evidence(s). That's why it's hard to name one song, because there is "Both sides of the Sousbock". Some light, pop, and joyful songs and some darker, heavier, more depressive ones...

-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-Seb: Not really. In the early days, I tried some funny songs. But that's not really me. That's not what Sousbock is about. I read again the lyrics from one of my first song (that I'm saving for the sixth album) "Et puis". And I felt that the lyrics were quite naïve. But I'm not ashamed of them. I was learning to write. I was learning to express my feelings.

-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Seb: I would say Genesis of course. But I don't have the musical skill required to play with them. I'd love to play with Jean-Jacques Goldman, but is not touring anymore... So Marillion I guess... But that almost already happened!

-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Seb: Well, if you're looking for nice French music (well, I sing in French, sorry everyone, but it's Mister Snowcat himself that convinced me to NEVER record my songs in English again), you might want to try Sousbock. That's pop-rock. Not clever, not new, not a revolution, but genuine music, and as I said earlier, there is different kind of songs. So I would be surprised if you don't find one that you don't like!! (and now I hope that everyone will listen to Sousbock, trying to prove me wrong, and that some among will be hooked !)

-You played a gig with Pete Trevawas of Marillion. How did it happen?
-Seb: He came for the Marillion French Fan Club's Garden Party. He asked for a guitar. So I brought two guitars, one piano, mics etc... When he saw all of this he asked me to play with him. So we chose the setlist together (Marillion songs, although he proposed me to play some of my own songs, but I declined), he let me sing on many songs, and he is a truly wonderful amazing guy. I will never thank him enough for this!

-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Seb: Of course I will! Furthermore, I'm the drummer for the band for many years now (I still have the email from Mister Snowcat when he asked me to become the drummer!!) even though I only played on two songs and sang on one. I made a cover of my favorite Awaken song, but I'm not that proud of it because I made it in only one hour. I really hope that someday I will have the time to record it again in a proper way.
Thanks for this and love from the planet Sousbock to all Awaken's fans!

Links: www.sousbock-fr.com

http://www.myspace.com/sousbock

9 steps to live your life more meaningfully:

How to travel in Japan? (part 2)

So you are in Japan and you wisely decided to avoid those gaijin-communities and bars where you would only meet Westerners? Good idea. Now that you're on your own, your actually not alone at all: you can always count on Japanese people's friendliness and help, and with a little vocabulary, you will be able to get into the best part of Japanese life (the worst being the work, but I assume that you're a visitor and that you don't have to work). You need to eat (which in Japan, each bite is an orgasm), wear clothes, read books? Don't worry, you can have anything for cheap. And with a good quality. Let yourself be guided by Awa-news now!

1. Joyfull / Cocosu / Sushi Meijin (chain restaurants)　ジョイフル / ココス / 寿司めいじん

The name "Joyfull" tells it all: you eat full stomach and enjoy it. Who said chain restaurants were unhealthy and expensive? Joyfull offers you an interesting choice of meat, fish, rice and everything Japanese or Western for a friendly price. As a bonus, you can have a drink-bar nomihoudai (drink as much as you want) and a soup bar, a treat in winter. Cocosu has its own specialities and attracts customers thanks to Doraemon. Then, a chain restaurant for sushi, is it a good idea? Well, when you taste the sushi in Meijin, the answer is clear: YES! Meijin is a kaiten-shushi, which means the dishes circulate between customers on a moving track, and you just pick up what you want. 1 dish is only 105yen and features two tasty pieces of sushi. You can always order more by pushing the bell above you, and a friendly staff will run to take your order. The green tea is free and you drink as much as you want, useful to know when soy sauce is rather salty.

2. Family restaurants　

A wonderful way to discover the real Japan is to eat at those small and friendly restaurants, where you can eat big bowls of raamen with a huge glass of nama-bi-ru (fresh beer) while answering the friendly questions of other customers or owners. Never miss an opportunity to eat at a family restaurant, and don't be shy when it comes to push the door: you will always remember experiences like that.

3. Ichiban Kan (tabehoudai) 一番官

Tabehoudai! You eat as much as you want during 1 hour or more (but then the price increases, be warned!). 1 hour is short, though, since you have to grill the meat and veggies by yourself. Better go with someone so you can share the duties. Some crowded days can slow down the process too, so try to go there before or after rush hours. Ichiban Kan has sushi too, but not always as tasty as in a real sushi-ya. Drinks and desserts are without restriction too, which makes me advice you: go there with an empty stomach!

4. Sanrio Shop / Gift Gate　サンリオショップ / ギフトゲート

Japan is a paradise for Hello Kitty fans. The cute Cat is everywhere, in several versions following the part of Japan you live in, and 3 times cheaper than in Europe or US. Sanrio has official shops with a lot of Kittychan stuff, from toys to sexy panties, from notebooks to DVD players, from pens to pillows, from postcards to calendars, well... everything is there!

5. Tokiwa / YouMe Town (depaato)　トキハ / YouMeTown

Those big department stores can have different types of customers, Tokiwa being more traditional and YouMe Town more fashion-oriented, but they all offer a huge variety of products at various prices, with often a floor dedicated to a 100 yen shop. Honeys in Tokiwa is a must for clothes. Usually, the basement is the food department, with the famous bentou boxes, that give you a delicious and healthy meal to take away.

6. Marushoku / Daie / Cosmos / Hirose (supermarkets, drugstores)　マルショク / Ｄａｉｅ / コスモス / ヒロセ

Japanese supermarkets and drugstores, temples of good food, fresh or frozen, and a wide variety of drinks including sake and shochu.

7. Daisou & other 100 yen shops　ザ・ダイソウ

Although with the taxes nothing really costs 100 yen but 105, you can really live for cheap in Japan if you shop in The Daisou or 100-yen-Plaza regularly. They have absolutely everything, and last but not least most of the items are sold for 105 yens. The few ones that cost 210yen, 315yen or more areclearly mentioned and even the staff will ask you if you noticed the difference when it's time to pay.

8. Book Off / Off House

Second hand books, CDs, DVDs, videogames, magazines, clothes, Hello Kitty, bookcases, fans, heaters, juicers, toys, tables, bags, chairs, guitars, fridges... what else? Go there and see. A nice place to visit anytime.

9. 7/11, Family Mart (Kombini)　コンビに

Kombini (convenience stores) are everything you need to survive at night. You can compare them with night-shops but with a wider choice.

On part 3, we'll visit Yamada Denki and take a drink on a vending machine. Stay connected!

Links: http://www.japan-guide.com

What happened on November some years ago?

Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...

15/11/1988: Crosy Stills Nash and Young come back with the modern-sounding "American Dream".

17/11/1980: Clarke Isaac Hanson (Hanson) says hello to the world. Remember Hanson?

23/11/1969: Donnell Clyde 'Spade' Cooley, swing musician, says bye bye to the world and probably meets his wife Ella Mae Evans up there, wife that he killed by himself previously.

You like Awaken? You *will* like this album:

LIPPS INC., 4 (1983)

Best known for the still widely famous "Funky Town", Lipps Inc is a project by multi-instrumentist Steven Greenberg and guest singers and players. There's obviously a Lipps Inc type of sound, from 1979 till that last LP in 1983. Something thin yet danceable, funky and a bit robotic, with female voices and layers of synthesizers. The album 4 (which is, could you guess, the 4th one) is a bit darker and deeper than the 3 previous ones, with great tunes like "Obsessed", "Never Could Be Sorry" and "Addicted To The Night". "Choir Practice" is a funny gospel-influenced electronic piece and the closer is a tasty slow-motion funk. I have no idea if 4 is available on CD and I honestly don't give a shit: you can find a second-hand vinyl easily, why always bothering about digital editions? 4 is Lipps Inc's best record and you can enjoy a 33rpm, no? I swear it won't kill you.

Links: http://www.funkytown.com/

Who knows what toorrow might bring?

Take care and see you!

byPODCAST-BP

email: awamail(at)hellokitty.com

Awaken main sites: www.awaken.be

www.beppunights.com

It's Oh! Music

© AWAKEN-Awanews-

[downloadable pdf version here]

Present・プレゼント・Món quà

Viết! Write! 書いて!

Write a review of "My Last Evening In Ôita" and win 3 rare songs of Awaken! How to do?

1. Listen to the single here: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt

2. Write your feelings (follow the link under the single or send email at awamail(at)hellokitty.com or write here)

3. I send you a secret link to download the 3 songs! And your opinion will be published on Awa-net.

OK? Start the race now!

Gilles

プレゼントが欲しかったら、珍しい歌を聴きたかったら、『My Last Evening In Ôita』についてレビューを書いて下さい。

どうしょう？

1. リンクhttp://bit.ly/3nv4Ktをクリックして、『My Last Evening In 大分』と『Chase Around 大分駅』を聞いて。

2. 意見を書いて、メールsnowcat_the_neko(at)hellokitty.comで送って下さい。 このBLOGで書いても良いよ。

3. 僕は秘密のリンクを送ります。珍しいAWAKENの歌のダウンロードが出来ます！そして意見はAwa-netの中読まれる。

分かりましたか？

レビューを待ってます！

宜しくお願いします。

雪猫ジル

Nếu bạn viết ý kiến về bài hát "My Last Evening In Ôita" thì có thể nhận 3 bài hát hiếm có của Awaken !

Làm thế nào ?

1. Nghe "My Last Evening In Ôita" ở đây: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt

2. Viết ý kiến rồi cho tôi gửi bằng email (awamail(at)hellokitty.com) hoặc trên Blog này.

3. Tôi sẽ cho bạn gửi một link bí mật để download 3 bài hát hiếm có!

Hiểu chưa? Viết nhé! :D

Gilles

Awa-news 09: Number 9, number 9, nyanyan, meomeo!

n°9, 5th of November, 2009

www.awaken.be


[downloadable pdf version here]

Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,

number 9... number 9... number 9... the number of the Cats! Happy number 9 to all our friends the bad cats!

Enough said, time to jump into Awa-news number 9!

Artists sometimes say very smart sentences, with or without knowing.

It's rock'n'roll philosophy time!

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

If a man gets up in the morning, goes to bed at night, and does what he pleases in between, he's a success. (Bob Dylan)

You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do. (Jerry Garcia)

What are the hottest news in Awaken's Universe?

Sessions, sessions

After having written the song "Gouttes De Pluie" in the wonderful Beppu City for the new Sousbock album Lune Et L'autre, Gilles Snowcat the old Cat sang and co-wrote two pieces on the forthcoming TrustNoOne record. And some synths too. To be released soon, as usual with prolific TrustNoOne!

Moreover, the Old Cat has been caught playing a few synthesizers on the forthcoming single of Japanese singer Morry Ken, on the It's Oh! Music indies label.

To be continued!

Our interview:

JOHN SINCLAIR: Effective communication

It was obvious: John Sinclair *had* to be in Awa-news. For two reasons: 1) his keyboards style in the Heavy Metal Kids and Uriah Heep are among Awaken's notable influences; and 2) because he since became hypnotherapist, a discipline that has a fascinating impact on the Awaken Universe. Back to his days of intensive touring, John joined Uriah Heep for the Abominog album, after Mick Box had done a cleaning-up of the band. Instead of copying Ken Hensley, Sinclair brought his own bunch of skills and influences, focussing on synthesizers and giving Uriah Heep a fresher sound. On the three albums he recorded with Uriah Heep, Sinclair painted the music with creative and colorful sounds. Just listen to the album version of "Think It Over", "Sweet Talk", "Poor Little Rich Girl", or the surprising "Rockarama". Still into music but not touring like in the past, John Sinclair, busy since he became a qualified hypnotherapist, kindly accepted to be interviewed byAwa-news.

-Nice to meet you, John. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-John Sinclair: How you doin'?

-What brought you to become an active musician?
-John Sinclair: My father bought a piano, and I was the only one that could play it.

-Now you became a hypnotherapist. Music can have some power that could, in a way, be compared to some kind of hypnosis. How do you use your musical sensitivity to practice hypnosis?
-John Sinclair: Hypnotherapy is about effective communication, as is music.

-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-John Sinclair: I've not done it yet.

-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-John Sinclair: I've not done that yet either.

-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-John Sinclair: The Average White Band. Actually if I had a magic wand, I'd probably sell it and buy a bigger Pro Tools system.

-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to the albums you contributed to?
-John Sinclair: I'd prefer they make their own choices.

-Can you tell us more about the current musical projects that involve you?
-John Sinclair: All stage musical material, but I am working with an 80's inspired pop/rock band.

-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-John Sinclair: I would admit it if I was, but I've not seen it.

Links: http://www.johntsinclair.co.uk/

What happened on November some years ago?

Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...

15/11/1976: Kiss releases Rock & Roll Over. The Catman and Spaceman are real here (not the fake ones from 2009) .

11/11/1989: Birth of Japanese idol Reina Tanaka (Morning Musume).

16/11/1982: Death of bebop jazz pianist Al Haig.

You like Awaken? You *will* like this album:

PAUL McCARTNEY, Tug Of War (1982)

It's not always easy to be a legend. When he just turns 40 and still full of projects, the public eye sees Paul McCartney as the member of the Beatles and, despite his success with Wings or in solo, the left-handed bass player knows that whatever he does will be compared to his past work. But something like 20 years after the rise of the Fab Four's popularity, McCartney proves that he's more inspired than ever. Tug Of War is a fucking good album, and although it's a solo record, it features some guests that would make any fan happy to hear play there: George Martin, Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, Al McKay, Steve Gadd, Dave Mattacks, Carl Perkins, Stanley Clarke, Eric Stewart, Denny Laine...
The sessions of Tug Of War started in October 1980 as a Wings album, but the sadness due to death of John Lennon made McCartney and Martin stop everything until February of 1981. The song "Here Today" (later covered by Awaken) was written for him. There's a bunch of excellent stuff on Tug Of War, like "Take It Away" with Ringo and George Martin, "What's That You're Doing" with Stevie Wonder, the funky-rocking "Dress Me Up As A Robber" or the splendid "Here Today". Nothing to forget on Tug Of War, this is a true McCartney piece of art. Who said the 80's were sad times????!!!

Links: http://www.paulmccartney.com/

Seb Bournier from Sousbock tells the ugly truth about Snowcat and more tips to travel in Japan. And? And? More!

Take care and see you!

email: awamail(at)hellokitty.com

Awaken main sites: www.awaken.be

www.beppunights.com

It's Oh! Music

© AWAKEN-Awanews-

[downloadable pdf version here]