Random Curiosity

「ララ」 (Rara)
“Lala”

Episode at a Glance:
Making his way towards Gid’s spaceship, Rito is left wondering if it’s okay for him to be helped, but Saruyama doubts that anyone’s going to criticize Rito about this unreasonable game.

With the finale of To LOVE-Ru coming up this week, I thought this would be as good a time as ever to post the PV for the opening theme. When I first heard this song back in April, I admittedly had no idea who THYME was, but found the song itself surprisingly catchy—a sentiment that only grew the more I listened to it. While the fan-service filled opening sequence definitely added to the song’s appeal, it’s actually pretty good on its own, especially in the full version we have here.

Originally an indie band, THYME (pronounced “time”) was formed in 2004 by Thyme (vocals, lyrics) and Shimizu Teppei (arrangement, composition, guitar), but Hoshino Takafumi (music engineer) joined the group a couple of years later when his skills were deemed necessary for them to progress. Prior to forming the band with Teppei, Thyme (real name: Kamiyama Sayaka 神山 さやか) was pursuing a solo music career, but needed someone to help her compose music, thus leading to the THYME we know today. It wasn’t until September 2007 that they had their first major debut though, releasing their single “Hello” after signing with Geneon Entertainment. Under Geneon, their involvement in anime naturally followed suit, which is (probably) why “forever we can make it!” was used as To LOVE-Ru’s opening theme. This trend continued on to the summer season, where their song “Fly Away” was used as the opening theme of Mahou Tsukai Taisetsu na Koto ~Natsu no Sora~, which some of you may recall I originally started blogging.

Seeing as I hadn’t heard of THYME half a year ago but am already a fan of this song and “Fly Away”, I guess this goes to show what a little anime exposure can do for new artists. While these up-and-coming artists probably never pictured having their music used in anime, I doubt they’ll complain about having a few otakus buy their CDs. On a separate note, is it just me or does Sayaka only look half Japanese? I haven’t come across any information stating that she is, but there’s something about her eyes (and straight teeth) that make me think she is. In any case, enjoy the video!

「地球最後の夜」 (Chikyuu Saigo no Yoru)
“The Earth’s Final Night”

Episode at a Glance:
Having made his presence known across the globe, Gid is attacked by the local army, so he displays his ability to destroy the planet in a blink of an eye if he wanted to.

「はじらいながら」 (Hajirai Nagara)
“While Shying Away”

Episode at a Glance:
Rito wakes up to find Lala naked in his bed again, but is surprised to see her unusually embarrassed about it.

「猿山の大奥物語」 (Saruyama no Oooku Monogatari)
“Saruyama’s Shogun Harem Tale”

Episode at a Glance:
Observing from afar, Saruyama concludes that all the girls around Rito are in love with him no matter how you look at it, making him think that Rito’s like some sort of Edo period king.

「戦慄！文化祭」 (Senritsu! Bunkasai)
“Shudder! The Culture Festival”

Episode at a Glance:
After reflecting on her experiences on Earth, Yami reminds herself that she’s an assassin and decides to look for a job. At school, Yui tries to coordinate what her class is going to do for the culture festival and gives only two options, a calligraphy display or a region research exhibit, much to the everyone’s disappointment.

「結城亭血風録」 (Yuukitei Keppuuroku)
“Bloodshed Record of the Yuuki Inn”

Episode at a Glance:
Tempted at the prospect of running Earth’s only (and potentially universe’s best) alien hotel by Mikado-sensei and Kimio, Galaxy Network’s editor, Yuuki decides to give it a try using the old school building.

「爆熱少女マジカルキョーコ炎」 (Bakunetsu Shoujo Majikaru Kyooko Fureimu)
“Bursting Fever Magical Kyoko Flame”

Episode at a Glance:
After learning that the afro inflicting General Mojack is attempting to take over the world, Kirisaki Kyoko takes it upon herself to stop him and changes into Magical Kyoko Flame.