Sora ga Natteiru explained

Sora ga Natteiru
Cover:TJ-SoraOnna.jpg
Alt:A snowy scene of trees, lit against a blue sky. Shadows from the trees fall on the snow on the ground. At the bottom is a white logo of s crane
Caption:"Sora ga Natteiru/Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo" EP cover.
Type:single
Artist:Tokyo Jihen
Album:Dai Hakken
Recorded:2010
Genre:Alternative rock
Label:EMI Music Japan
Prev Title:Dopa-mint!
Prev Year:2010
Next Title:Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo
Next Year:2011

, also known by its English name "The Reverberation",[1] is one of the A-sides of the single "Sora ga Natteiru/Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo" by Japanese rock band Tokyo Jihen, led by musician Ringo Sheena. The song was the band's fourth to be used in a commercial campaign for Ezaki Glico's Watering Kissmint brand of gum. It was released digitally in February 2011, and eventually physically on May 11, 2011, after the three-month postponement of the physical edition.

Background and development

In July 2010, Tokyo Jihen released two digital singles: "Tengoku e Yōkoso", the theme song for the drama Atami no Sōsakan, and "Dopa-mint!", Tokyo Jihen's third song used Ezaki Glico's Watering Kissmint range of gum.[2] [3] The band performed at the EMI Rocks festival on November 6, 2010, celebrating 50 years of the EMI label.[4]

The band produced the single "Oishii Kisetsu" / "Ketteiteki Sanpunkan" for entertainer Chiaki Kuriyama, which was released on March 2, 2011.[5] After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami occurred on March 11, the band released a cover of Tokiko Iwatani's 1964 song "Yoake no Uta" to YouTube.[6]

The single was first announced on December 10, 2010, with a preliminary release date of February 23, 2011.[7]

Writing and production

The music for the song was written by Seiji Kameda, an infrequent songwriter for the band. Kameda wrote the tracks "Superstar" and "Tōmei Ningen" from Adult, and most notably the digital single "Senkō Shōjo" (2007), which was commercially successful enough to be certified gold by the RIAJ twice.[8] [9] Kameda considered the songs he had written for the band as all "bright", so wanted to attempt to make sad or dark songs. The song was originally called "Breast" in the demo stage.[10] When deciding which song was the best for the commercial, the band unanimously picked Kameda's composition, as they wanted to try something different from the songs previously featured in the campaign.[11]

Promotion and release

The song was first used in Watering Kissmint commercials from February 8, 2011.[12] The commercial was directed by long-time collaborator Yuichi Kodama, who also directed the music video for the song.

On February 12, band drummer Toshiki Hata was charged with interfering with a public servant, after hitting a police officer during an incident on February 10, when the officer had been called to a residence to investigate broken glass.[13] As a result, the single was postponed, and all promotional activities involving Hata were ceased.[14] All mention of the single's release date were removed from Tokyo Jihen's website.[15] The Watering Kissmint commercials began airing again from February 16, however with a rearranged "solo" version of the song entitled the, that did not feature Hata's drumming.[16] [17] The song was intended to be performed on Music Station on February 18, with "Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo" being performed the next week, however these appearances were cancelled.[18] The band eventually resumed activities together on April 5, 2011, and the single was given the new release date of May 11.[19] [20]

The song was first performed at the Terebi Asahi Dream Music Festival on September 24, 2011. It was additionally performed during the band's Discovery (2011) and Bon Voyage (2012) tours. These performances can be found on the tours' respective DVDs.[21] [22]

Music video

The music video was first unveiled on February 8, 2011, and was made available for streaming from the band's website.[23] It was directed by Yuichi Kodama, who also took charge of the video for "Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo", as well as the commercials for Watering Kissmint, and Shiseido's Maquillage commercials featuring "Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo".[23] [24] [25]

The video depicts the band performing the song as they sit around a table, eating breakfast foods. It also features close-up scenes of each member by themselves. Ukigumo is seen sitting in a parked car in a garage. Izawa is shown taking an eye examination, and Hata shown sitting on a couch, watching video footage of squirrels. Kameda is shown removing a pair of leather gloves at a table. Sheena is shown sitting in a corner of a room. Outside scenes are shown taken from a vehicle of a frosty countryside. Director Kodama revealed that Hata is meant to be watching the Discovery Channel, tying in with the theme of the album Dai Hakken.[26]

Critical reception

CDJournal reviewers called the song a "cool rock tune", and "hard boiled rock" with a "disturbing atmosphere", feeling the guitar intro gave the song a tense, running sound and noting the heaviness in Sheena's vocals.[27] [28] Hot Express reviewer Haruna Takakawa felt the song was very "Tokyo Jihen-like", likening it to the impact of "Gunjō Biyori". She praised the song's "sharpened sound and lyrics" and Sheena's "emotional vocals", noting that everything in the song is balanced and simple, that there was nothing superfluous.[29]

Personnel

Personnel details were sourced from Dai Hakkens liner notes booklet.[30]

Musicians and personnel

Chart rankings

Charts (2011)Peak
position
Japan Billboard Adult Contemporary Airplay[31] 24
Japan Billboard Japan Hot 100[32] 11
Japan Oricon weekly singles[33]
  • "Sora ga Natteiru/Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo"
6
Japan Oricon monthly singles[34]
  • "Sora ga Natteiru/Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo"
13
Japan RIAJ Digital Track Chart[35] 40

Sales and certifications

Release history

RegionDateFormatDistributing LabelCatalogue codes
Japan[37] Ringtone, cellphone downloadEMI Music Japan
[38] [39] CD, Rental CD, digital download (EP)TOCT-40320
Taiwan[40] CDGold TyphoonI5205

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Reverberation / Fly Me To Heaven / INCIDENTS TOKYO . Kronekodow . June 17, 2014.
  2. Web site: http://natalie.mu/music/news/34017 . ja:東京事変「時効警察」コンビの新作ドラマに主題歌提供 . Natalie . Japanese . June 30, 2010 . June 21, 2014.
  3. Web site: 東京事変の新曲『ドーパミント！』、CMタイアップ＆配信限定リリース決定！ . Universal . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20140621121909/http://www.tokyojihen.com/news/index_03.php . July 27, 1010 . June 21, 2014 . June 18, 2014.
  4. Web site: EMIミュージック・ジャパン主催『EMI ROCKS』に東京事変、吉井和哉、9mmら . Rockin' On . Japanese . July 1, 2010 . June 21, 2014.
  5. Web site: 栗山千明、椎名林檎プロデュース、東京事変の演奏による両A面シングルをリリース . Chiaki Kuriyama releases the Ringo Sheena produced double A side single, featuring Tokyo Jihen performing. . Rockin' On . January 28, 2011 . April 14, 2014.
  6. Web site: http://natalie.mu/music/news/47725 . ja:東京事変、名曲「夜明けのうた」カバー映像を公開 . Natalie . Japanese . April 12, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  7. Web site: http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . ja:東京事変始動！ニューシングル2011.2.23リリース決定！ . EMI Music Japan . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20110211195402/http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . December 10, 2010 . February 11, 2011 . June 22, 2014.
  8. Web site: ja:レコード協会調べ 1月度有料音楽配信認定 . Record Association Investigation: January Digital Music Download Certifications . http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w080220_3.html . . Japanese . February 20, 2008 . December 23, 2013.
  9. Web site: ja:レコード協会調べ 3月度有料音楽配信認定 . Record Association Investigation: March Digital Music Download Certifications . http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w080420_3.html . . Japanese . April 20, 2008 . December 23, 2013.
  10. Web site: http://www.tokyojihen.com/sp/notes/liner/toct40320/ . ja:「空が鳴っている／女の子は誰でも」ライナーノーツ . Kronekodow . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20140622083005/http://www.tokyojihen.com/sp/notes/liner/toct40320/ . June 30, 1010 . June 22, 2014 . June 18, 2014.
  11. Web site: http://www.tokyojihen.com/sp/notes/interview/toct40320/ . ja:「空が鳴っている／女の子は誰でも」オフィシャル・インタビュー . Kronekodow . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20140622083013/http://www.tokyojihen.com/sp/notes/interview/toct40320/ . June 22, 2014 . June 22, 2014.
  12. Web site: 演技はすべて逆回転！椎名林檎出演「キスミント」新CM . Natalie . Japanese . January 8, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  13. Web site: http://natalie.mu/music/news/44912 . ja:東京事変ドラマー刄田綴色が公務執行妨害の容疑で逮捕 . Natalie . Japanese . January 12, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  14. Web site: http://www.kronekodow.com/gaiko/20110212.html . ja:この度の刄田綴色の不祥事について . Kronekodow . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20110215045222/http://www.kronekodow.com/gaiko/20110212.html . February 12, 2011 . February 15, 2011 . June 22, 2014.
  15. Web site: http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . ja:東京事変シングル発売延期のお知らせ . EMI Music Japan . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20110217064301/http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . February 12, 2011 . February 17, 2011 . June 22, 2014.
  16. Web site: 「キスミント」CM楽曲、椎名林檎ソロアレンジに変更 . Natalie . Japanese . February 16, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  17. Web site: 林檎出演「マキアージュ」CMソング、ピアノソロアレンジに . Natalie . Japanese . February 21, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  18. Web site: 東京事変「Mステ」2週連続出演、両A面シングルお披露目 . Natalie . Japanese . January 26, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  19. Web site: http://natalie.mu/music/news/46956 . ja:東京事変・刄田綴色コメント発表、バンドは4月から再始動 . Natalie . Japanese . March 29, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  20. Web site: http://natalie.mu/music/news/47329 . ja:東京事変シングル発売日決定、初回プレスにツアー情報 . Natalie . Japanese . April 5, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  21. Book: ja:チャンネルガイド-東京事変オフィシャルブック- . Channel Guide: Tokyo Jihen Official Book . Japanese . Tokyo . Kronekodow . February 29, 2012 . 186–187 . 978-4884182984. February 2012 .
  22. Web site: http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000078774 . ja:東京事変、“最期の生実演”を完全収録した映像作品6/13発売決定 . Tokyo Jihen, DVD footage of their final concert to be released on 6/13. . Barks . Japanese . July 9, 2014.
  23. Web site: 2/23発売ニューシングルより「空が鳴っている」PV完成！＆ストリーミング開始！ . EMI Music Japan . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20110211195402/http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . February 8, 2011 . February 11, 2011 . June 22, 2014.
  24. Web site: http://www.spaceshowertv.com/search/detail.cgi?mu=0084569&ch=0 . ja:空が鳴っている . Space Shower . Japanese . June 17, 2014.
  25. Web site: http://www.spaceshowertv.com/search/detail.cgi?mu=0084690&ch=0 . ja:女の子は誰でも . Space Shower . Japanese . June 17, 2014.
  26. Book: ja:チャンネルガイド-東京事変オフィシャルブック- . Channel Guide: Tokyo Jihen Official Book . Japanese . Tokyo . Kronekodow . February 29, 2012 . 114 . 978-4884182984. February 2012 .
  27. Web site: http://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/4110120572 . ja:ミニ・レビュー . CDJournal . Japanese . June 19, 2014.
  28. Web site: http://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/4111050247 . ja:11空が鳴っている . CDJournal . Japanese . June 19, 2014.
  29. Web site: Hot Express . ja:空が鳴っている/女の子は誰でも . Hot Express . Haruna Takakawa . Japanese . June 19, 2014.
  30. . . 2011 . Japanese . . Tokyo, Japan.
  31. Adult Contemporary Airplay 2011/05/23 . . Japanese . May 23, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  32. Japan Billboard Hot 100 2011/05/23 . . Japanese . May 23, 2011 . June 21, 2014.
  33. Web site: http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/345261/products/music/902219/1/ . ja:「空が鳴っている／女の子は誰でも」 東京事変 . Oricon . Japanese . June 18, 2014.
  34. Web site: http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/m/ . ja:月間ランキング 2011年05月度 . Monthly ranking May 2011 edition . Oricon . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20110604220331/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/m/more/2/ . June 4, 2011 . June 17, 2014.
  35. Web site: レコード協会調べ 2011年02月08日～2011年02月15日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞ . Record Association Investigation: February 8, 2011 to February 15, 2011 (For Short: Recokyō Chart (Chaku-uta Full)) . . Japanese . February 18, 2011 . June 21, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140827020930/http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2011f&weeklyCd=20110215&rankKbn=50 . August 27, 2014 .
  36. Web site: オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」 . Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree' . . subscription . June 17, 2014.
  37. Web site: http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . ja:2/23発売ニューシングルより新曲「空が鳴っている」モバイル先行配信開始！ . EMI Music Japan . Japanese . https://web.archive.org/web/20110211195402/http://www.emimusic.jp/artist/tokyojihen/ . February 8, 2011 . February 11, 2011 . June 22, 2014.
  38. Web site: http://www.tsutaya.co.jp/works/20274918.html. ja:空が鳴っている／女の子は誰でも／東京事変 . Tsutaya . Japanese . June 16, 2014.
  39. Web site: ja:空が鳴っている／女の子は誰でも 東京事変 . https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00511AOUE/ . Amazon.co.jp . Japanese . June 21, 2014.
  40. Web site: http://www.g-music.com.tw/GMusicProduct.aspx?ProductID=5099909887121 . zh:東京事變/ 每個女孩子啊 . G-Music . Chinese . June 16, 2014.

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