So, it’s finally out. Quite likely the last 2 character CDs unless there’s a second series, Koizumi and Kyon hit it big with their own singles. Talk and speculation have been flung around ever since the anime comunity were alerted of these were about to come out and who can blame them. And on finally coming out, there has been some mixed reviews from Youko’s amused (and quite attentive, I had trouble myself picking up some of those points and totally missed the cover alignment thing) post to some shameless but hilarious parodying to just the outright show of dislike for it so really, you gotta check it out to really find out how it is…. But then, here’s my thoughts on it…

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi Character CD Vol.8 - Koizumi Itsuki

Click the above for full size…

Artist: Ono Daisuke
Release Date: February 21, 2007

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1. Maggaare Spectacle
2. Hare Hare Yukai ~ Ver. Koizumi Itsuki
3. Maggaare Spectacle (off vocal)
4. Hare Hare Yukai ~ Ver. Koizumi Itsuki (off vocal)

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Alright, starting off after a voice alone preamble, the music starts and just for a second there, I had thought the ‘Maggaare Spectacle’ was going to give ‘Imouto Wasurecha Oshiokiyo’ a run for it’s money in being the most uber happiest but luckily it panned out a bit XD Maggaare Spectacle is actually quite a good slower but upbeat number bringing out the best of Ono Daisuke’s voice. What I loved alot was the brass fill ins and totally not expected as well were small voice cameos from Yuki and Mikuru as well.

Now was it just me or during his Hare Hare Yukai version, was anyone else a slightly bit scared… I mean, when the music hit in, I was alright with it even though the style is not my favourite but then I heard some purring and a little moaning ad lib and I kind of feared going on at that point. But I’m glad I did actually, as his version is quite a good straight-pop rendition, being slower, with a good sparse drum beat and stronger bass. The counter-melody over the top was an amazing touch and was a highlight for me. Tranlations of the lyrics can be found here.

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi Character CD Vol.9 - Kyon

Click the above for full size….

Artist: Sugita Tomokazu
Release Date: February 21, 2007

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1. Kentai Life Returns!
2. Hare Hare Yukai ~ Ver. Kyon
3. Kentai Life Returns! (off vocal)
4. Hare Hare Yukai ~ Ver. Kyon (off vocal)

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Kentai Life Returns! starts off strong with a good classic 50’s rock beginning with a good distortion guitar. Kyon’s personality is all there the whole way through which is lovely, every so often making some comments, and brilliantly Haruhi even joins in. And I don’t care what some people say, can actually sing but this song was like an ultimate gag in itself. Interlude with his voice and the solo guitar was brilliant ending with the most hilarious unmannish squeal ever and he seemed so tired of it all the whole way through, and so relieved when it ended.

Now, his Hare Hare Yukai is a nice acoustic piece, heavy on the accoustic guitar and having a slow lower toned feel (and Kyon still has his little outbursts the whole way through as well). When i first heard it, I was instantly reminded of a song sung by Keitarou that I had heard in a Love Hina character CD, which was strange but the style just works ever so well with both of their lower toned singing voices. Now, this was an extremely good version, and if there weren’t any of the small little outbursts ever so often and such, it would have been perfect to take around with me on the go to listen to again and again (although it would be less funny).Tranlations of the lyrics can be found here.