The Ultimate Battle - Momoko vs Momochi

All opinions are my own. Please respect that. If you have Allodoxaphobia or something, then, why the hell are you reading ablog based on opinions, hm? Uh...anyway, my point is...my opinion is mine and your opinion is your's. Obviously, our opinions will clash. I'm fine with my opinions being challenged, as long as it's in a civilised manner.

 

You don't like 'Momochi'? Yurushite nyan!

 

So, if there's one thing that any H!P fan knows, it's that 'Momochi' seems to be, generally, hated. However, what amuses me is that people don't seem to realise that 'Momochi' isn't real - she's a character, an enhanced version of Momoko. I wonder if anyone has noticed that, if anyone complains about Sayumi's based on her 'ichiban kawaii' act, they will blow a proper gasket trying to prove to you that it's all put on for the sake of entertainment, but, when the same accusations are made of our Pinky Queen, no-one appears to be nearly as quick to jump to her defense. Why that is, I'm not entirely sure but, regardless of the reason, here I stand, in protection of Momoko's...um...dignity, maybe? Well, surely, you get my point.

Please love me, nyan~!

 

I believe it's basic knowledge that Sayumi's stint as the (self-proclamied) cutest girl in MoMusu, if not the world (though, isn't this all opinion? I find Reina cuter than Sayu, to be perfectly honest - she kind of reminds me of a cat at times and I'm extremely biased towards cats, and, she also has a kind of dainty, pixie look going for her) is all put on - some people believe that it's a little more than that seeing as it's been her default character since she joined the group (once she got past being the Tetris master, seeing as the appeal of that can only draw people in for so long), while others believe it's her own personal attempt to raise her self-esteem, due to the fact she didn't have many friends at school. Whatever the reason for it is, I don't really care, it's not my business, but, regardless, it's being used to her advantage as a selling point and nearly everyone seems to be aware of that by now. However, people are still accusing of Momoko of being annoying and vain. Is it because she's had less time for people to get used to the whole act? But, then, she hasn't even been 'Momochi' for her whole career. In fact, she's not even 'Momochi' all the time, which is something that makes her stand out from Sayu. If anything, the fact that she does make clear switches between these two personalities should make it more obvious that Momoko and Momochi are, technically, different people.

Momoko without the Momochi look. Face it, she looks far less creepy and somewhat endearing, too~

You have to consider that Momochi has actually done great things for Berryz Koubou, and Hello!Project in general. She's definitely brought attention to them, anyway. The 'Momochi' character makes for great telly, face it, and producers are aware of this. Why do you think Momoko's been getting so many TV shows lately? Viewers will eat the constant slapstick, sarcasm and tsukkomi-boke Momochi allows and provides right up, that's what the producers have come to realise. The moments where you can see her inner-Momoko slipping in through the cracks when Momochi is insulted or repremanded is also amusing, I find. I mean, this is an undeniable truth - do you see any other H!P members appearing as guests on VS Arashi, one of the (many) hugely popular show hosted by, y'know, only the most popular boyband Japan has ever seen? And just once! Twice, at least! So many people want to see H!P become more relevant in the world of J-Pop, particularly the groups that aren't MoMusu, seeing as theyre already a group destinied to go down in history, pretty much. Then, why, tell me, do they hate Momoko for her Momochi character? I mean, I get that they hate Momochi, but, why Momoko? Unless they disliked Momoko herself already, before the Momochi thing properly came about. That's fair enough.



Momo on VS Arashi - sure, I wanted a shot with her actually anywhere near Arashi, but the school's filtering system screwed that one up.

Though, I understand fully what the stigma towards the Momochi character is about - for a while, I wasn't too fond of it, but, now, I don't entirely care either way, granted I still get me some Momoko on the side. So, what's the deal with Momochi? Well, most people I've talked to about it find her annoying, creepy or both. She's got that weird, kind of forced smile and that squeaky-beyond-all-reason voice - the latter being an issue in that some people, who don't care enough about Momoko to pay her any attention yet bash her regardless, appear to have decided that this is her natural voice. Again, and I can't stress this enough, it's an act! Of course, there are some who do appreciate this but hate that squeaky voice because they find it irritating. Honestly, I think idol fans would be used to this by now. And, besides, at least you know it's meant to sound like it's put on. I'd prefer that to any of those god-awful idols who speak in soft and squeaky voices that are clearly fake without any kind of personality trait to pick it up. Of course, some people do just have squeaky voices but you can normally tell which ones are faking - they often speak in voices that only an awful fetish-tastic anime girl would have. On that note, the fact that Momoko's doing it as part of Momochi is a lot more appealing than what I just mentioned, seeing as Momochi's meant to be kind of annoying and not desirable or sexually enticing.

Okay, I admit, when she pulls things like this, I could see why people would find her a little creepy

Of course, a lot of the hate for Momochi appears to be directed specifically at her pigtails - why are they called pigtails anyway? I mean, just in general, pigs don't have two tails? To be honest, Momochi's pigtails look more like the tail of pony than any ponytail she's ever worn. That aside, the overwhelming majority of the H!P fandom, myself admittedly included, are bored to tears of seeing those bloody pigtails. Whether you thought they were kinda cute at first, or you hated them with a passion from the get-go, you're probably sick of them by now. Though, she very, very rarely wears her hair like that for Buono! - in fact, the Momochi act doesn't even touch Buono!, thankfully. As much as I love the girl, I want a break from the Momochi thing, too! Of course, she keeps up with the constant claims that she's the cutest but it's all clearly in good humour. The pigtails are a little scary, in their own right, in that they don't move. They're solid or something! Well, they move sometimes, I'm exaggerating, but, really, just watch the Be Genki! Naseba Naru video (which was, on a separate note, filmed in Minato 21, Yokohama, which explains why I thought the set was so pretty Yokohama, it's gorgeous).

My pigtails creep you out? Yurushite Nyan!
I swear, the Yurushite Nyan gag is pretty damn easy to catch onto. I won't lie - I do use this gag to piss my sister off. I don't blame Momo for using it so much, it's kinda fun.
 

I think one of the main issues with the whole Momochi thing is the obvious effect it has on her as a Berryz member. Now, I say Berryz member as, like I said, it doesn't really show up in the Buono! world. We were all sick of seeing her with the physics-defying pigtails and unnerving wide-eyed smile (eye-smiles are better on you, Momo!) in Berryz's PVs. Though, I'm sure the entire H!P fandom rejoiced when the pictures for their new single, WANT! were revealed, and, then again when the PV was dropped. No pigtails, no creepy smiles, nothing! Just 100% pure Momoko. The antics of Momochi were not able to taint this PV! I would even say that Momo looks the cutest she has in a long time in this PV. Yes, Momoko just showed Momochi how it was done. Yes, Momo just showed herself up.

Seriously, though, she looks lovely like this!! And purple suits her so well.

My personal belief is that they had her in the Momochi get-up for the last few singles, so that people who had seen her on TV could spot her easily. Maybe, if they had found her funny or entertaining, they'd become unwittingly interested in Berryz Koubou and, eventually, become a fan, however casual. But, since Momochi's been strutting her stuff for some time now, it's probably gotten to point where she's easily recognisable and distinct just on her own. Basically, as far as Berryz are concerned, Momochi's work is done. Though, I am in no way suggesting that Momochi will be taking the back seat. I imagine she'll remain on TV Screens, getting herself into embarrassing situations and confusing guests, for a good amount of time longer.

I have respect for Momoko, though. I'm honestly impressed by her ability to keep up the persona, but also switch to a different persona (unlike Sayumi, whom has, essentially, become her persona on camera). In this sense, she's a fantastic actor. On top of that, she's actually pretty talented. Sure, the Momochi voice distracts you from it, but she's a really good singer. When she sings in her lower, more natural voice, granted she's not doing that shouty thing she does, she sounds amazing. And, face it, regardless of what tone she's using, she's pitch-perfect. I still harbour much respect for Momoko, who was the person I admired greatly and wanted to be just like when I was between the ages of 12 and 14 (I'm currently 16, 17 on Saturday, so), and she's my favourite in current H!P (she's second overall - I can't deny the perfection that is Ai-cha, I apologise). I'd like to admit it, right now. I'm proud to claim that I am, in fact, an otomomochi!

[REVIEW] Buono! - SHERBET (aka Guess Who Can't Think Up A Creative Title?!)

All views are my own; your views are your own, so on and so forth. Disagreeing with me is okay, as is stating so, but don’t be an arse about.

Out of the two covers, this is definitely my favourite. It's so cute and fun and fits the title so well!

1.   FEVER

The mini-album kicks off with a song which is very typical of Buono!, in that it has the upbeat rock sound in the back with a very idol-song like melody. The idol feeling is especially strong in parts of this song, though. But, so is the rock. It all balances out in the end, it seems, so you don’t get overwhelmed by either of the two aspects. I really like the melody and beat of this song. It’s catchy and…well, how do I say it? It has an almost hopeful feeling? Like, you know how anime openings have those kind of happy-go-lucky songs that are kind of pop-rocky? That’s exactly what this song’s like. In fact, it would work so well as an anime opening – which is probably why, to me, it seems so reminiscent of older Buono! Songs from back when they were not much more than a group formed to provide anime openings. I really like this song, though. It’s cutesy yet powerful at the same time and is the kind of song that just makes you feel happy inside. Like, for me, there are certain songs that make me feel all giggly and happy and stuff if I listen to them while walking on a sunny day, like when I leave school to get to the bus for example. It’s probably something that only applies to me and a few other people, but, this song seems like it would have this effect on me in that situation. I don’t know but I do love this song and I love typical Buono!

2.  GO!GO!Goda!

This song is really short, but it’s also cute and really fun to listen to. And, even though it’s cute, it still has quite a strong pop-rock backtrack. It’s another very Buono!-ish song. It reminds me of Café Buono! As far as style goes, only a little heavier. The melody of the first part of the chorus reminds me very much of Momo’s solo, Kia-Ora-Gracias-Arigato, from their last mini-album, though. It’s a fun song, though, it’s about bloody cheese! And the ‘GO!GO!Goda! Ganbare Goda!’ parts are really fun and catchy. They remind me of Momoiro Clover in a way, in the use of harmonisation and repetition of words, as well as the fact that they are being used as fun little openers and closers to the song. The main issue I have with this song would be the length. At only 1:53 minutes in length, it’s a pretty short song.

3.  Hatsukoi Cider (Album Version)

This version is a lot more Buono!-ish than the original, with the instruments being a lot more powerful. It’s a rockier version, basically. Even so, it works amazingly, to the extent that I can’t choose which version I prefer. I adore the original but this version has won me over as well. I love the styles of both versions, but, generally, I prefer the style of the album version. I guess Buono! are a source of J-Poppy nostalgia for me in many respects, so I’m immediately drawn to any song that features their basic style for which they are most well-known. I suppose, though, that the best part about this is that is different from the original but it still sounds good. I tend to be a little iffy about alternate versions sometimes, such as the album version of Yamashita Tomohisa’s ‘Hadakanbo’ – it’s jazz-style didn’t work for me at all and made an original strong and upbeat song feel far too calm and relaxed. The fact that this style fits the song just as well as the original makes me really happy, I mean.

Now, let's take a break halfway through for another picture! I love Airi's hair so much xD

4.  Mirai Drive

I think I loved this song from the moment I pressed play. I love this style a lot. I blame KAT-TUN’s albums and B-Sides, just saying. But, this is a really good song. It’s perfect for listening to in the middle of the night – which was when I first heard it, making that first listen all the more perfect. I love the melody and beat and mood and tone and…ah. I don’t think this song lets me down in anyway. The build-up from verse to chorus is done really nicely and the whole song just flows really well. What made this even better, though, was the chorus. It was all in falsetto! I love falsetto, especially when combined with this style of song. It works so well together and sounds so pretty. This song really shows off the girls’ voices. All three of them can sing so well, even if Berryz don’t give seem to be giving Momoko the chance to show it anymore. They have such gorgeous vocal tones, too and they can maintain that falsetto beautifully, especially Airi – her bridge line sounds amazing. On top of that, these three really do blend perfectly. This is definitely my favourite track of the album.

5. BELIEVE★★★

This song is good, don’t get me wrong; I do really like it, but it’s my least favourite off the album. Unlike in FEVER, where the idol and rock themes worked really well together, this song sounds like a bit of a mish-mash. The vocals seem very befitting of a song with an oldies feel, like 2^nd Gen Tanpopo songs or something. Especially the chorus – it just sounds like it should have lighter back track. If you just had the synthesiser and keyboard stuff, it’d work better. The only bits that fully blend are the build-ups to the chorus and Momoko’s bridge. The mix does sound interesting and it grows on you after a while, but, the first few times I heard this, I couldn’t help but think that something didn’t quite slot into place the way it should. It’s a song of acquired taste, I find. But I do like it. It just didn’t impress me as much as the rest of the album.

6. Natsu no Hoshizora

The title, meaning Summer’s Starlit Sky, sets the mood for the whole song right of the beat. It’s a sort of ballad-esque track, the kind of song that’d be good for helping you drift off, with a kind of twinkly feeling to it. If I had to compare it to any other Buono! song in terms of style, I’d have to go with Kimi ga Ireba. It has a similar tone. The vocals are so clear in the song and you can really how perfect the blending is. These three were meant to be a trio, they sound so good together. The chorus is really pretty and sung in a quite high tone. It’s a really sweet and relaxing song that you can sway to really well. The melody is really nice, too. I’m really glad they include a ballad on this mini-album cause these girls sound brilliant when they sing ballads in their own groups, never mind together.

7. NEVER GONNA STOP

This is the main track for this album, the one with the PV. When I first heard this song, it took me until to the 2^nd verse to actually start liking it as I thought that, with the reverb and multiple voice effects, it sounded kind of messy. By the 2^nd verse, I had entirely changed mind and realised that the song worked pretty well. I really just had to accustom to the effects, since they kind of quieten the vocals a little. I came to the conclusion that it was just that kind of song. It was meant to sound powerful and it got the feeling across. The chorus was probably what got me most. The verses are nice but they don’t really draw me in. The chorus, however, is seriously catchy. I swear I heard the song once and, I swear, I had the song stuck in my head all day after that. I actually adore the chorus, and the vocal effects actually work really well there. What I do love about the vocal effects, though, is the aged kind of sound they give the song. By aged, I mean to say, that it makes the song sound a few decades older than it really is. However, no thanks to occasions in the past, from before when I had my own MP3 Player (quite a few years ago), that had me sitting in the car on a Summer holiday while my parents decided to listen to the music they like when they were young, this effect makes me feel nostalgic and a little Summery (ignoring that Buono! are a pop-rock idol group and these bands were punk bands from the 70s and 80s, I was mainly referring to the reverb sound). It’s a really good promo track and sets a great feel for the rest of the mini-album, but also closes it really well, too.

And, here, I present to you, the other cover, just to finish things off!

In conclusion, as I’m sure you gathered, I really like this mini-album. It’s bloody obvious. But, really, the main reason for my loving it so much is that it was the best reminder anyone could have given me as to why Buono! are my favourite girl group (3^rd favourite group overall but that sounds less meaningful, y’know), as to why I used to love them so much before a certain two boybands (KAT-TUN & NEWS, if you didn’t know) came along and caught my attention – I still love Buono! as much as I ever did, and I totally understand why. In fact, I possibly love them more than I used to. I feel that they are one of the very best groups that H!P has ever seen and I really hope they stay active for a long time!