Listen/Review: "alone" by

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks for all the comments, everyone! I'm trying to reply to everyone, but my home internet keeps bugging out and then I have to reset the modem/router and wait three minutes. :-)

[@chakouyang2545]

Thank you for react to our favorite band ❤

[@johnverley1739]

As usual, great observation Chan! When I first listened to this album I came across Alone and put it on replay for 3 strait days on my way to and from work. It captivated me - soon after I found it was their first 100% BM song. Of course it was… History made!

[@Chan_Fry]

It's been rolling through my head in the days since I recorded this video... Even though I can't say it's my favorite Band-Maid melody, it IS catchy. :-)

[@mightydegu]

You found the karaoke version. Miku's Rickenbacker magically transformed into a Zemaitis.

[@Chan_Fry]

Karaoke is something I didn't know they did, until all the comments here. Very interesting.

[@G-man_810]

Good catch on the guitar change. 🤘🕊️🦍🥷👸🏻👀PO!

[@Glenner7]

This is one of my favourite Kanami solos. No need for a boom mic in an MV!🙂

[@Chan_Fry]

Ha. Yes, as soon as I said "boom mic", I realized how dumb that sounded, LOL. I was thinking of movie/film scenes. :-)

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Alone is the culmination of about 3 years of trying to write a good song on Kanami's part. Since then, I think she is up to about 85+ songs, without a bad one in sight.

[@Chan_Fry]

Whatever the steps she/they took, they were the right ones, I guess. This song is more impressive/intricate than tons of rock songs I've enjoyed over the years -- even if the melody isn't my favorite. :-)

[@miqoto]

VERY much a precursor to their future sound they develop and "make their own" 2020.12.13 they did a special intro version of Alone side note: the alternate version(from Karaoke chain) included the DVD intro which was an extended intro to the regular version music video. the alternate one Miku uses her Zemaitis guitar instead of the Rickenbacker she used in the original MV. no special affects were added by me, this was the special video they made for the chain. i believe the live is Shinkiba so 2017.11.24

[@geoffb5]

Definitely Shinkiba Studio Coast from the stage setting.

[@Chan_Fry]

Thank you for the info. Late 2017 makes sense, given the improved quality of Saiki's voice. "precursor" - Yes, this has nearly all the Band-Maid "ingredients" we've come to expect. :-)

[@bbobjs]

There's a TINY bit of English in the final bridge(?) "I’m just suffocating here I need escape from this place here I wanna go 3, 2, 1 go" And lyrics that basically match those sprinkled into each verse: I'm suffocating Doesn't matter if it isn't true Searching for a way to escape Doesn't matter if it isn't real Doesn't matter if it's all a lie I wouldn't say the way English is used in this song is atypical of Miku's later writings, but she does seem to develop a tendency to use English for a song's hook.

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! Apparently in the English-translation insert I was reading from, they ran out of space and left off part of the song... Now I'm looking at the *actual* lyrics and can clearly see the English parts. :-)

[@bandmaidfanATL]

I was lucky enough to get to hear this live in DC for my first Band-Maid serving. And I am eternally grateful to Vladimir Chupin so I can relive it anytime I want.

[@joki5346]

Same for me, but that was in Amsterdam in November 2018...and Vladimir recorded it as well !!!

[@Chan_Fry]

Very nice! Sounds like Mr. Chupin has done us all many favors. :-)

[@bandmaidfanATL]

24:43 Yeah, I like to call those Mincho Diddles.

[@Chan_Fry]

Great name, LOL. I love that she's confident enough by that point to toy with the sound and change her own song (though I assume she didn't come up with it on the fly -- she seems like the kind of person who has experimented with it in private first before trying it live.) I think I might not have noticed it had I been in the crowd that day; it's just that it stood out in my headphones. :-)

[@tmctmhs]

楽しい解説をありがとう！ I'd like to introduce one of the vocal devices in this song that I like. 「現実からの逃避行さ」 “It’s just an escape from reality” The pronunciation of the second half of this is slightly different between the first and last times. 4:52（flat pronunciation） ♪to-hi-ko-sa 8:34（pronounced pronunciation） ♪to-hi-i-ko wo sa

[@Chan_Fry]

You're right! They added an extra syllable the second time. :-)

[@G-man_810]

In the last video you can see how hard Akane plays the drum…and she does this for a 23 songs set or Yokohama 33 song set…she is the beast. Miku was quoted saying she knew which studio they were rehearsing in because she could hear Akane the Gorilla playing her drums! 🤘🕊️🦍🥷👸🏻👀PO! Bring more bananas

[@Chan_Fry]

Akane was my first favorite Maid - it was a while before the others caught up. 😊

[@Lillywhite]

Aw yeah. Things started to get serious from this point. Really loving this format.

[@Chan_Fry]

Thank you. I do think the transition was pretty smooth (from outside writers to Band-Maid writing) -- I doubt I would be able to tell exactly which song went over the line, without outside information. :-)

[@ikirurosemountain1590]

About the second video: there were a few videos just like this. They all had this same style of editing and camera angels and split screen. They were meant for karaoke parlours as promotional material.

[@Chan_Fry]

It's hard to decide, but I think I like it better - just because I can see them better. :-)

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Also, remember this video (overhead view with all the cables) later when you get to Unleash!!!!!

[@Chan_Fry]

I think I'll remember it -- the sight of that cable maze caught my attention quickly. :-)

[@russellpotter7294]

The alternate version was recorded for a karaoke company according to the info. The live I think is from 2017. There is another live version from the covid concerts. Great seeing the live versions as it shows the work and enthusiasm they had then and still have now.

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! Now I want to see a fancam of random bar patrons singing this for karaoke, LOL. And yes, their unmasked enjoyment in the live performances, mixed seamlessly with professionalism and competence, is truly wondrous to behold.

[@danmolnar402]

Akane plays with so much stick 'amplitude' in that London video! Love it

[@Chan_Fry]

Indeed!

[@BM4-Life]

I would highly suggest you check out *BAND-MAID / Alone cello cover* it is an amazing cover by a cellist.

[@Chan_Fry]

Great suggestion! Thanks.

[@HaroMatsuRestarted]

The live video is from 2017/11/24 Shinkiba Studio Coast show. The fan cam where Akane’s awesome drumming is so visual, which from 2016/5/28 at London COMIC CON, in Platinum Suite for the evening stage.

[@Chan_Fry]

Cool! The late 2017 date confirms that it was after Saiki's surgery, I think, which explains why her voice sounds smoother there. What an amazing show!

[@tinyhato]

Always happy to see a video from you. You're right that your videos do feel like just sitting down and having a chat about this amazing band. It's a great format. I feel like this song is a big step up from their previous output (and I like most of their previous output!). I don't remember if I knew that this song was their first self-written one when I heard it for the first time, so maybe I'm being biased. I do try to not be biased, though, and I don't just praise everything they do. Yeah, they were writing songs the whole time. Unfortunately when they've been asked if we'll ever hear any of those songs the band has been VERY clear that those songs are gone forever. I love that you notice Akane's consistent improvement over time. According to the interviews in the Unseen World scorebook, Akane struggled the most at the start. You wouldn't know it today when you see her laughing while playing through their current crazy output. One cool thing in the original MV: In the first half-second, Saiki violently slams the mic stand to the floor. In their previous videos for "Thrill" and "Real Existence" she sings in front of a mic stand. After this, she never gets in front of a mic stand again. How's that for symbolizing taking control for yourself? The live performance you watched is from the legendary Shinkiba Studio Coast show, famous for Band-Maid's "best ever live mix". I'm glad you found the Comic Con video. It's legendary (do I say that too much...no, it's Band-Maid) for the view of Akane's drumming. Can't wait for Just Bring It! Band-Maid is about to push themselves to new heights.

[@Chan_Fry]

"mic stand" - Ah! I had to look carefully for it, but yes, I see Saiki slamming it to the floor. Very symbolic. "big step up" -- I was just replying to someone else that I thought the transition was fairly seamless -- at least on this album (all of which is a step up from earlier output). If I didn't know which song was their "first", I might have thought the same people wrote all the songs on this album. :-) "Akane's improvement" -- it's truly impressive how far she came over the course of these first three albums... Much like Miku's later improvement on guitar or Saiki's shift from hesitant front-man to crowd-control guru. :-) "Comic Con video" -- I didn't realize until editing that my face-box covered Akane during half the video. Sorry about that. Maybe I can work on making my face smaller for those in the future. :-/

[@elliott8339]

As always, your comments are greatly appreciated. This song is so catchy...I'm pretty sure I'll be humming it in my sleep. Can't wait for your next Band-Maid reaction video. Cheers!

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! I think next will be YOLO -- though I'm still deciding on whether to do the entire single in one video or split it between songs... (Maybe YOLO and the instrumental in one video, then Matchless Gum and Unfair Game in another...)

[@geoffb5]

About the 6 sec. mark in the MV if you frame by frame you can see Saiki throwing down her mike stand. In the earlier videos she was at, tied to, a mike stand but after this she held the mike herself and was free to roam around.

[@Chan_Fry]

Excellent observation. I missed the mic-stand part but now I've gone back and sure enough, there it is. :-) Very symbolic...

[@dazedandconfused318]

The most noticeable difference in the alt video is Miku is using her Zemaitis rather than her original Rickenbacker. It was during the time of this album that she switched to Zemaitis which makes me think that Alone was the first MV off this album that they made. Akane is also using a different kit but that may simply be that one or other or both were studio kits.

[@Chan_Fry]

Ah! I didn't even notice the guitar switch -- it's amazing what details I miss while zeroing in on others. :-) (Going back, frame by frame, I did see what you mean -- the guitar in the original MV is obviously different in appearance than the other but it's kinda like when my wife sees two cars and doesn't know one's a Ford and the other is a Subaru, LOL.)

[@AndersonConnors]

Oh, you're right - that second verse is a pile of fun. I also think Saiki's voice gives this song a "signature" in a way that some other songs don't really have.

[@Chan_Fry]

Interesting point. Now that you mention it, maybe you're right. Some other Band-Maid songs could be covered by another vocalist and still sound "right", but this one seems to require her particular sound. :-)

[@waynebenedict5785]

This song is as meaningful to Band-Maid's journey as "Thrill", as it's the first song their label allowed onto a album written and arranged by them. If you do "Yolo", it was released as a EP and included "Yolo", "Unfair Game", and "matchless GUM" as well as a instrumental version of "Yolo". As you have probably surmised Band-Maid doesn't do "B" sides!

[@Chan_Fry]

The "YOLO" single is coming up next... But it's the first one that I don't have a physical copy of -- I'll have to find the audio on YT or Spotify ("YOLO" the song is on the next album, so I have that, but not the other three tracks...) I think I remember liking "Matchless Gum" the first time I heard it. :-)

[@zossuzuki9265]

Thank you for up load , first time to see this comic con fan cam video that is so good to see the view from the side of Akane , It`s so impressive and I enjoy your reaction 🤘 I am old rock fan had been listening especially Led Zep and The Who , her performance reminds me the feeling when I had . I am so happy to encounter a great drummer like her again.

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! Yes, watching and hearing Akane play gives me such a good feeling, perhaps better than any other drummer I've ever watched/heard. Maybe it's that recording technology is better than it used to be, but also she just plays exactly what my heart needs to hear. :-)

[@zossuzuki9265]

@@Chan_Fry That would be a good idea I`m looking forward to 👍

[@zossuzuki9265]

wrong place to reply 😅

[@zinoviylubman5553]

Love this song! Love BAND MAID! Love Kanami, she is a Queen! They all 5 QUEENs of course! Thanks for your great work!

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks for watching! I'm increasingly emotionally invested in this band and can't wait to hear and see more.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!! plenty of English just hard to pick out lol the live was 15th song from the Studio Coast 24th Nov 2017 Okyu-ji (Five big screens at the back of the stage)

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks for the correction. It turns out the translation insert I was looking at cut off the second half of the song (I guess they ran out of paper?) But the liner notes for the album include the English phrases among the Japanese, so now I feel dumb for saying that, LOL.

[@artomatt]

I guess I'm not the only one who gets such a kick out of seeing Akane from that side view at the Comicon performance. In the past, from what I've heard, someone (presumably the copyright holder) was blocking that video every time it was uploaded, but I guess they're not doing that now, thankfully. From what I gather, Akane later changed her drumming posture after having back pain. She looks more efficient with her movements nowadays, which is good, but I so like the expressive way she used to put her whole body into it. You noted that that video started with Mincho facing the back of the stage. Did you realize upon starting it that she was turning her guitar toward her amp to get the feedback sounds?

[@Chan_Fry]

Ah, the feedback makes sense! (I assumed she was coordinating with Akane.)

[@sandcrab3706]

Hey Chan, thanks for taking us on this journey. I'm really enjoying the ride! Re: the alternate video, here is a link to the video by the Karaoke chain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5yVaahnZ9yWrcksi=o_NoWCxp5-6OOuoE Re: the first live video, as others have mentioned it is from 2017-11-24 @ Shinkiba Studio Coast (I think Saiki's surgery was in July of 2017?). BTW, if you get the chance check out this okyuji. IMO, it features the best performances of Moratorium, Puzzle, matchless GUM, Awkward, Daydreaming, YOLO, alone, Take me higher!!, and Play. PLUS, it is one of Kanami's most energetic recorded performances (again IMO). Looking forward to your review of Just Bring It, but would also really enjoy your review of the YOLO single, where all 3 songs were written by BAND-MAID (from what I understand, the label was going to continue providing songs to the band for this single, but found the band's songs were better!).🤘

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks for watching! (and for the link -- what an interesting setup, having both videos side by side...) "Shinkiba Studio Coast" -- I think this is the first video I've seen from that show, and wow, was I impressed with the sound! Can't wait to discover more from that same show. "YOLO" -- I plan to do it next (chronological is my goal here), but I don't have a physical copy so I'll locate the audio *somewhere*. :-)

[@johalareewi]

Playing catch up with your Band Maid journey. The London gig footage reminded me that there are YT videos of the whole concert(s). This one is the first concert kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWnc3WYfLVlo5I There used to be one with the second concert. Note that Kanami, Miku and Misa have swapped sides on the stage.

[@Chan_Fry]

@@johalareewi Cool! Thanks.

[@Chan_Fry]

@@johalareewi I can't help but think about how upside down the world is when they can play that high-energy set and not become overnight superstars. Good grief.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Once they were left "Alone" by their record / management companies to create what they wanted, well... look what they did. Alone's somewhat sad, heavy yet empowering story (topics Miku's known for writing about), up against Kanami's up-tempo, complex yet rockin' music is quintessential Band-Maid. BAND-MAID is an important influence and contributor to the music industry with a continuous, growing worldwide fanbase. But to me, they are just the best sounding, best writers of hard rock music, and the most fun, joyous group of musicians to come along since the Beatles! Thx, Chan!

[@Chan_Fry]

Totally agree! Before discovering Band-Maid, I always struggled to answer the "Deserted Island" question (if you were stranded and could only have one album/group to listen to for the rest of your life...) But now there's no question who it would be. And hopefully by the end of this quest, I'll be able to pick a single album. (Do Greatest Hits albums count? LOL.)

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@Chan_Fry That's such a great question -- what one album. Same for what single food, tool, person, game, book, video... But as for bands... it would be the Maids for me too, Chan!

[@geoffb5]

There is some English. Saiki speaks in English right before Kanami's solo.

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes, apparently the lyrics insert I was reading didn't have the entire song... It just cut off at the end of the paper, LOL. But the full lyrics sheet, in the actual album liner, includes the English. :-)

[@TomClark-Futoura]

FYI - The fourth MV is from the Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concert, Chan! This one and the 2018 ZEPP concerts are number one and two best Band-Maid concerts, imo... other than the 2024 Yokohama 10 year epic!

[@Chan_Fry]

I think I've seen a couple of the Zepp videos, but this might be my first from the Shinkiba Studio Coast show. I was incredibly impressed by the sound of it, even when watching my own video later with poorer speakers.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@Chan_Fry I've stopped using speakers for headphones with a preamp! [{-!-}]

[@_JimS]

The virst video we get a rare glimpse of Saiki wearing an apron........she hated the thought of wearing an apron, like MISA hated her "little hat", that Akane retrieved after MISA chucked it and sported it for years....till late 2017 maybe early 2018 I believe. That's a good way to date music videos is Akane's "little hat". That second to last LIVE videos was their 2017 Studio Coast show. MISA had her Black Cloud "Black Smoker" custom bass too. I haven't seen that last video in Years! Thanks!

[@Chan_Fry]

Ah, I didn't see the apron on Saiki, but did notice the hat on Akane. :-) I appreciate you stopping by.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

This is certaiy not Mincho's first solo, but it definitely is the first solo that belongs to her. This song also retired her red Addictone. Starting with Yolo, she started playing PRS.

[@waynebenedict5785]

It's also the last time Miku uses her Rickenbacker and started using Zemaitis guitars, if I'm not mistaken.

[@Chan_Fry]

I've enjoyed all her solos up to this point, but this one feels special because I know it originated with her completely. It also has the *sound* of breaking free and flying solo. (I've been timing all the solos so far and keeping a list, just for fun. By my count, this is the longest one so far, beating "Look At Me Baby" by more than three seconds... Although I realized it's subjective when it comes to the exact starting/stopping point of the solos.)

[@armynurseboy]

Lots of English in this song. But their accents are so heavy that it's hard to understand at times. The video has a subtle double meaning. Although the lyrics are about maybe a bad breakup, at the end of the video, you notice that they are by themselves in the studio, no one engineering or helping them, doing it all "alone"..... The second MV was the karaoke version....

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks. I won't blame it on their accents; I'll take the blame for having a bad ear. :-) (Sometimes I can't understand Americans speaking English right in front of me, despite medical hearing tests saying my ears are fine, and for decades I've missed tons of American lyrics.) Also I was depending on the lyrics translation sheet, which apparently doesn't include the entire song (it cuts off at the end of the paper!) In the full Japanese lyrics, the English is clear as day. :-) "double meaning" -- Ah! Excellent symbolism. :-)

[@AK-tv6bo]

話が長すぎる、もう少し短めでお願いします🙇⤵️