It wasn't too long ago that I introduced this music group called ROUND TABLE with their long-time guest vocalist Nino as a unit that delved into the wonders of Akishibu-kei（アキシブ系）, music for the anime lovers out there done in the funky style of yesteryear. Not surprisingly, a lot of these songs were used as theme tunes for anime starting from the turn of the century, and my first article on ROUND TABLE featured one such song, the 2005 "Groovin' Magic" for the show "Top wo Nerae 2!"（トップをねらえ2!）.
ROUND TABLE and Nino's first collaboration though was back in 2002 when they came up with "Let Me Be With You", the opening theme for the anime "Chobits"（ちょびっツ）. Written and composed by vocalist and guitarist Katsutoshi Kitagawa（北川勝利）, it was indeed a match made in heaven when it was released as a single in April that year with the adorably high-pitched and silky vocals of Nino and the bouncy R&B. The bouncy and catchy "ooh, ooh" don't hurt either plied with the bass.
This is one of the first songs that got me into Japanese music when I was younger. I love the groovy basslines that Round Table always seems to have in this era, and Nino's soft voice is a great pairing.
ReplyDeleteHello, Anthony. Thanks for your comments, and yep, though I'm still a newbie when it comes to the Akishibu-kei, I've been liking what I've been hearing so far.
DeleteYeah! I first heard them on the OP for "Welcome to the NHK"
ReplyDeleteSuch a great song
Hi, Pagan and thanks for your comments. It looks like both you and Anthony enjoy the genre. Any other Akishibu-kei songs that you can recommend?
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