BAND-MAID / Puzzle - Live @ Studio Coast REACTION/ANALYSIS!! ..NOT The New Official Live Video -_-;;

So here's the bad part about recording a bunch of content in one sitting, sometimes, when you plan for your video to go live, there is a drop of some new amazing content about the thing that you are also trying to do... idk wtf I'm saying, but this IS NOT the official live version XD
Bright side! I do believe with the launch of the official live version, I WAS TECHNICALLY CORRECT WHEN I SAID this studio coast version is the "penultimate" version of this track!! /dead
Ha. Y'all thought I was dumb, but actually I was just ahead of the curve 😂😂
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[@jakeimhotep4866]

The first BAND-MAID song I watched was Domination and I thought "That's a great band". A couple of songs later I watched Onset and realized "This is an awesome band". Not long after I watched this performance and realized "This is my favourite band of all time".

[@harryivory5961]

The studio coast mix is the best I’ve heard.

[@FrankieBag0donuts]

This version is actually better than the brand new live version. This performance hits you like a ton of bricks... from Misa's thumping bass to Saiki's soaring vocals to Kanami's stellar guitar work. Another thing that nobody ever mentions is the excellent use of compression to bring out the subtleties of Saiki's voice in that breathy whisper mode without losing volume. You did good here.... NO apologies necessary for picking this version. Rock on! 🤘😎

[@alskiindy]

This is still my favorite version, but they're all great.

[@billhallisey7298]

Need to give Miku props on this song. She provides the wall of sound over which Kanami can do her thing. Miku has become an essential part of this group.

[@dkmusic7000]

100%. Without Miku's chunky guitar, Kanami wouldn't have been able to pull off the lead as intense as she did. This is my favorite version simply because I can clearly hear her guitar. It sounds so good. ぽ

[@troppala]

Miku is the founder of the band and she is a decent guitarist, she deserves respect for that, this being said, any decent guitarist can do what she does music wise, Kanami’s prowess is off the charts as a technician on her instrument or as a composer, so the fan attitude consisting of always presenting Miku as « essential » lack objectivity, she is the leader of the band so she’s essential that way, but be realistic about her guitar skills, she’s good but her backup singing with Saiki is way more impressive than what she does on a guitar

[@troppala]

To be totally honest the fact that Miku surrounded herself with such musical geniuses as Kanami Misa and Akane is her biggest accomplishment and I’ll always respect and thank her for that, she is the cutest in the eyes of many, she prolly has with Saiki the biggest fan base, but real music lovers knows that the biggest asset to the band are Kanami Misa and Akane

[@neilcam]

@@troppala No troll. REAL music lovers know that the biggest assets to this band is every single member! So sad that you feel the need to denigrate Miku's contribution with your ignorance.

[@geoffb5]

Just fyi there is another live in addition to Studio Coast and the newly released MV. They also streamed Puzzle live on their 8/16/20 online Okyuji. All 3 are fantastic. This was the first version I heard and along with Matchless Gum and Awkward from this concert pushed me to get the DVD and later the Blu-ray of the concert. Thank you for your great reviews/reactions.

[@edwardallen4051]

Not often commented on but it's another track which shows what a fantastic asset Akane is. The way she leads into all the changes in the song is so good.

[@surfingasongwave]

What's cool about that little "hop-skip thing" in Kanami's solo - MISA and Akane are matching her. I hadn't noticed until the TGT version they just released. This is rock and roll at its finest.

[@dennisthemenace671]

The consensus is that Kanami`s low mix is by her design , she is a very humble person n does not want to out shine any other member in the band , even though she writes n arranges the music , she could write herself all kinds of solo`s but she doesn`t only what's necessary n best of the song and the Band .

[@Bekka_Noyb]

This is still my fave version of this song. Don't get me wrong the new live version is great too! ♥ Top tier Band Maid here! You gotta check out Band Maid Manners & Bubble (official videos) sometime!

[@dkmusic7000]

I'll say it again and again. An absolute masterpiece. Right next to From Now On and Secret My Lips. These are my top three, in no order. They exemplify Band-Maid, and show off the skills and complexity only B-M can bring. ぽ

[@zer0tzer0]

They just released a new 'Puzzle' LIVE as well. I haven't heard it yet, but it will be hard pressed to top this one. It's songs like this that had people believing they weren't playing it LIVE.

[@henry6782]

Its kinda funny how Saiki's voice becomes more clearer as the years go on. Her voice now is better then ever but, back then the little rasp/grit she had in her voice had its own little charm🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@jwoodjapan]

I like this version better than the one that just came out from Tokyo Garden Theater. I can hear the bass better and Kanami's solo is smoother here. Anyway, it's my favorite Maid song.

[@Hethern]

And I’m jealous!!

[@_JimS]

This is my favorite concert BECAUSE of the mix. The 2020 Shibuya show doesn't even come close to this clinical mix but it does grab the wonderful LIVE show reverb.....which is cool. The newest Tokyo Garden video doesn't pick up Miku's chunky rhythm guitar as well and to me that's a driving force to the song. Kanami changed her Tokyo Gardens solo slightly from this version, and Akane went right her so yeah it was planned. I'm out of breath just listening to Saiki here. OMG! Your daughter is so adorable.....

[@randymcmillen647]

When a reactor spends more time analyzing one Band Maid song than it takes to listen to it then you realize just how excellent they are! KURRUPO!

[@threemonkeysk]

The Live this is from, "Studio Coast" is 1 WHOLE hour of sound and vision just like this. Bliss

[@GaryHolloway-810]

No worries Jon. The Studio coast version is an absolute banger & then you still get to do the new official live version too. Where's the Puzzle in that.🤷‍♂️

[@TomClark-Futoura]

The only Puzzle for me is... why didn't the suits use the Studio Coast version for their new release? I know they're wanting to promote the Garden concert release later this month... but come on B-M management. You've got to use the best version in performance, sound and venue response. (The audience at SC weren't masked and told not to yell like at the Garden.)

[@GaryHolloway-810]

​@@TomClark-Futoura It should've been done a long time ago, Tom. It's a pity Tokyo Garden crowd couldn't participate cos the post production audio of "Puzzle" is great & really lets kanami's PRS & Miku's backing vocals shine thru. No way would they be able to keep US & UK fans quiet :)

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Exactly. Keep US/UK B-M fans quite? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TlanImass]

Oh, I hope Jon tries to analyze the lyrics this time for the just released official live version.

[@haggaisimon7748]

I like this version more than official one. Especially the bridge before Kanami solo is different from the official one. Although the official version includes cool harmony during the solo.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Band-Maid. Puzzle. Studio Coast. Nuff said. Thx, Jon!

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

There's a newer live version of "Puzzle" released in the last two weeks from last January's TGT show and the new mix is EVEN BETTER! The video is better too! It's on the Band-Maid YT channel.

[@saikisfang9339]

I still prefer this live version over the new one by a hair. They just bring it. Of course, this one is one of the first songs that got me hooked.

[@phaeron]

Let's put it better than that. :) The studio version is already great, but to experience the whole thing visually accompanied and with a mix like this makes it a masterpiece. 😇 It's an assault on the senses from all sides in the best possible of ways. 🤘🏻🔥 And by the looks of it, I guess we can officially welcome our youngest member among us Maidiacs. 🤭 Absolutely adorable. Give her a big hug from all of us. 💕👍🏻 _____________________ 「 _'Our rock never dies ever. Forever!'_ 」 --- *BAND-MAID* 'Manners' 🕊

[@Valenvenge]

now we have the studio ver, 2 live ver and 1 acoustic live ver... finally we got an official release!!!

[@grahamreed8774]

As mentioned below- Yes, to add to the choices they released a new Official Live Video this week from the 9 Jan Show in Tokyo this year. Amongst many, the moment I enjoyed most in the latest video was seeing Miku playing a solo guitar intro before Kanami's solo. I'm not sure, but don't think I have seen that on any of the other live video's of this song. Go Miku Po!

[@waynebenedict4609]

Let's not leave out the relentless vocals of Saiki! Miku is great on the backing vocals!

[@JuanSan66]

They always go to eleven with this track.

[@fastskipper777]

This song "Puzzle" is the best top 3 B-M songs of 5 together with "From Now On" and "secret My lips". There I said it. You can guess the other two.

[@haggaisimon7748]

The problem is that it’s almost impossible to guess. I may mention 50 my favourite BM songs but there’s absolutely no guarantee that even one of two will be there.

[@sugaanessena3143]

Today is a good day, I got a ticket for the Yokohama Arena show in november.😁 Holy crap,.. I`m going Japan...😱

[@eaglez1901]

Not jealous 😥

[@sugaanessena3143]

@@suzuki8582 Congrats👍

[@TlanImass]

No Miku-chan after the guitar solo for a measure. She was just hyping up the audience and singing backup. Miku-chan and Saiki-san's harmonies are so good together you actually thought it was just an echo. :P~

[@markdzima]

You're right to have spent so much time praising the mix. As far as I'm concerned, this entire concert has the best mix of any of the Band-Maid concert recordings. There's not much I would ever criticize Band-Maid about, but on many of their live recordings I find myself mentally screaming that Kanami's sound needs to be boosted up. I've wondered if it has been a deliberate generosity on Kanami's part, to the rest of the band, with the intent to make herself less of a "star" and make it easier for the others to have their outstanding musicianship not be overlooked.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

19:10 to answer your question, Miku is mirroring the root note of Kanami for the first 8 bars, and then she is complementing with chords for the 2nd 8. Mozart level sh*t. Kanami is not a songwriter, she is a composer.

[@makmiskell3733]

Thanks Jon!

[@bandmaidfanATL]

There have always been complaints on the Line Cube Shibuya concert that Kanami was too low in the mix. But this one and Zepp Tokyo are mixed perfectly. Miku and that Zemaitis! Also, you do realize that they just released an OLV of this from January yesterday. And you didn't even praise the 🦍! No 🍌🍌🍌🍌 for you.

[@benjpr5395]

Yes the sound engineer who mixed that show is a wizard, magician, genius or whatever you want to call him! The mix is darker than the new one and gives more angst to the song where the new one feels more hopeful imo, both are f-ing good but I like the Studio coast one better, just a matter of taste. If you REALLY want to be assassinated by MISA check Moratorium from the same show her tone is otherwordly it's ridiculous 😁 It's the song right before Puzzle on the setlist of the show and this is ultimate combo you just can't be OK after it lol since you are wearing a MK shirt I'd say it's like taking all the fatalities of every character in the game in your face at once 🤣everytime I watch this show I need a minute to recover after those 2 songs

[@reesereese2524]

Excellent job Jon . Great breakdown of Puzzle . You're daughter is adorable ... Reminds me of my grand daughter ...

[@arminthielen8570]

So much more powerful than the Album Version. One of my favorites from the older Tracks. Compared to the new Released Live Version from the Tokyo Garden Concert , the Bass is far more present in the Version here. Anyway happy to have preordered the Tokyo garden BluRay . Great Set List on this one. Another Version of Onset ( you need to do Onset ) is worth every Euro. Ohh and ... Would you kindly check out Gacharic Spin please ? Mindset or I wish I 🤭 Did you play Bioshock ?

[@viaverde3153]

Still the best one live version.

[@himbo754]

Miku does a lot of "grungy" or chunky sounding rhythm guitar work, offsetting Kanami's very precise lead guitar work. And of course, Miku also does her vocal harmonies with Saiki. Every member works hard in this song. Which is why it is great -- one of my top favourites by Band-Maid (or by anyone).

[@bruceveary1758]

BM: Born to Kick Major Ass!!!!!

[@mjelks4227]

I know you had this one cooking in the YT rendering machine, but as others have said, they totally punked you by releasing an official live version yesterday, I think. Also, the way you lose your mind is hilarious.

[@785boats]

I prefer this recording better than the new release. It has more depth & bass. Especially with Saiki's voice.

[@tkmetal3788]

この曲はMikuのギターリフも決まってますよね😊

[@Alpha-Omega-TFOA]

You should reach out to Allan and Ryan from Gaijin Guys podcast. Band Maid fanatics and would absolutely talk all day about them to you. There's even a specific Band Maid channel dedicated to them called Maid News Network, there 2 guys who run it are super chill.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!! the studio version isn't maybe "Bullshit" but it is certainly the red headed stepchild compared to ALL the Live versions Studio Coast, Zepp (Acoustic) and now Tokyo Garden.

[@shamalamadingdong5718]

Yeah I am not too fond of the album version either. If the powers that be would mix all of their albums and live shows like this I would be ecstatic!

[@christopherscottdempwolf5759]

Their new "Official Live" version is very good, but not this good imo. This is 🔥

[@jeremydawkins8814]

Just a correction the acoustic version is Saiki and Kanami

[@JON.HOUSE24]

Did I say Miku again? Idk why I keep doing that 😂😂

[@jeremydawkins8814]

@@JON.HOUSE24 Well these days Miku could probably do it with how far she's come in her playing ability.

[@greylocke100]

@@jeremydawkins8814 She could do it, but would she? I don't think so, I don't think she wants Kanami to tear her hair out for taking away her duet with Saiki.

[@jeremydawkins8814]

@@greylocke100ROTFLMAO 🤣🤣

[@kevinmiller1121]

Awesome analysis. One quibble: penultimate means next to last. I think the word you were looking for is preeminent, and in this case I agree.

[@JON.HOUSE24]

Lol check the description 😂😂 But yes. My Patreon subscribers already informed me I've been using that word wrong my entire life 😂😂

[@kevinmiller1121]

@@JON.HOUSE24 Ha, no worries! We keep showing up for the passion and excitement, not the vocab!

[@metalishimo6645]

Much better than the Studio coast version!

[@RahimRahmat]

So I'm just going to state a highly unpopular thing.... but I prefer the newest live version from Tokyo Garden Theatre over the Studio Coast version. Sorry everyone, but I just prefer the TGT sound more. I know most people won't share my opinion, so, sorry once again folks! Nevertheless, all their versions of this song have been nothing short of amazing. Now if you're throwing in the Acoustic version for comparison.... well... hang on.... that acoustic version is really too special..... not a fair fight...

[@Sylaous]

In the new version Miku's guitar often gets lost in the background. This one, all instruments are clear and distinct for the entire song.

[@lazareinvisible]

I think my opinion is slightly unpopular, but i prefer the studio version the most. Any of them are my favorite song, so it doesn't matter.