Ayumi vs. Porno Graffitti

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As we all relax, adjust our beach chairs and turn on the latest summer Jpop tunes, a little of Ayaka’s “Jewelry day” or GReeeeN’s hit “Ai Uta”, maybe some of Amuro Namie’s new album “PLAY”, or perhaps we’re still hooked on Hikki’s “Flavor of Life”, whatever the case, there is a new battle fiercely being played out for Oricon’s prized #1 position this week. Jpop queen Ayumi Hamasaki and the well-renowned band Porno Graffitti are battling it out for the top spot this week, a neck to neck race that has left fans of both parties watching in awe. It’s obvious (and rightfully so) that respectively, both record companies are pushing these forces with promotion, as seen on the official webpage of Avex, where Ayumi Hamasaki adorns the ”new releases” notice, the same with Porno Graffitti on Sony Music Japan’s home page. This comes after a spell of “dry” weeks, where singles did not have to rake in high sales to earn their way to #1.

“glitter/fated” is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 41st single and first single to be released in more than a year. “glitter” is an uplifting summer song equiped with the infectious “woah woah woah”s that labelmates TRF would be proud of, while “fated” is a nice, mid-tempo rock ballad. Shedding the traditional beaches of summers past, both PVs were shot in Hong Kong and are part of a short movie, entitled “Distance Love”, which can be found on the CD+DVD version of the single. “glitter” is currently the CM song for Zespri’s Gold Kiwi (Watch CM 1 / CM 2), while “fated” is the theme song to the movie “Kaidan” (watch trailer here) which stars none other than Inoue Mao of “Hana Yori Dango” .

Porno Graffitti’s newest single, “リンク” (”Link”), is a slick summer song with a guitar and drum-filled intro that will leave you impressed. The PV is quite simple in black and white, but presents quite the imagery and energetic singing of Porno Graffitti’s vocalist Okano Akihito. The song is currently being used as the CM song for Subaru’s new Impreza (which can be seen here).

While both singles have been received warmly judging by the sales, as of now it is uncertain who will hold the top position at the end of the week. Indicators provided by Oricon style prove that it is certainly a close race. Fortunately, the world will go on when one of these artists grab the top spot. However, there are stories behind these artists. Ayumi Hamasaki has been holding the record of most consecutive #1s (pertaining to singles, although all of her studio albums have hit #1) for a female artist, which will unfortunately be broken if “glitter/fated” fails to secure the top spot this week, a record which has been holding since the release of her 26th single, “Free & Easy”, back in April of 2002. Porno Graffitti, on the other hand, only recently got their first #1 single in a while with “Winding Road” (released in October of 2006), something achieved long after their last #1 single, “ラック” (”Lack”), in 2003. This week is definitely an exciting event for watchers of the Oricon music chart; it will either mean the end of Ayumi’s streak and the beginning of a streak for Porno Graffitti, or the continuance of Ayumi’s record. Either way, keep the music coming!

Note:
Both Hamasaki and Porno Graffitti are scheduled to appear on July 20th’s “Music Station”.

Credits: Ikimasshoi

Ayumi Hamasaki Official Site
Porno Graffitti Official Site