Nine Smile report - An awesome show with a less awesome ending

I'm sure you've all heard about it by now. Koharu is leaving Morning Musume and Hello! Project. There's no real info why or what she's gonna do in the future. I really want to believe she didn't make the decision to leave. All why's should be sent to Tsunku.

To me it makes sense though. The other day I was questioning her future in the group since the Kirarin era is over. In the current MM, with their different approach music wise Koharu haven't felt as a good fit. Her genki and childish character going straight to mature slash cool slash sexy music. She's already 17 but it's asking for too much to expect her to grow out of the Kirarin role and handle the new environment. Either Tsunku or Koharu herself realized it won't work and decided to end things here. Anyway, I'll miss Koharu a lot, for sure. But idol comes and goes so lets move on to reviewing the actual concert tour.

Until song #11 on the set list, I was extremely pleased. That was when they started performing "Aki Urara", a song I guess we would have to expect to be there. Then there was some more lame songs like "Dekkai Uchuu ni Ai ga Aru", which was saved though with the girls using like cardboard cutout smilies like the ones in the tour logo. Risa was hiding her face behind it and I couldn't help myself from laughing. I don't approve of the encore songs, as in SONGS and Love Machine. Overall I'm more than satisfied though. Some songs I was extremely happy to see performed today:

+ Genki+ - One of my absolute favourite MM songs, and I finally got to see it live!
+ Haru Beautiful Everyday - A damn adorable duo, without overexaggerating
+ Kioku no Meiro - This song is so great it should have been saved for being released as an A side
+ Sakura Manaki - Seriously? I would never even dream about them performing this beyond awesome song
+ Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni Naranee!~ - And on top of SK, of course an Otore Gumi song! At this point of the concert I was in a place greater than heaven
+ The God Damn Awesome Medley - Further comments unnecessary
+ Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari - A new version with the current lineup, yay's!

The whole set list can be found here.

As mentioned before, I had first row center block for the opening concert. It was just as awesome as anyone would imagine. I've had between 2nd and 5th row many times, but that's uncomparable to having 1st. If you ever would get the chance to see the girls live and you can afford a first row ticket... dude, go for it. It's worth all money you can invest in it. Probably more.

I'd give this concert a 8.5/10 in awesomeness. By far the best MM tour I've got to see live so far. Leaving some room for improvement with the recent singles performed all being appealing to me.

Regarding the new single "Kimagure Princess", I don't know what to say about it. I'm unfortunately not sure if it's appealing to me at all. FYI they turn around and pretend to rub their butts while singing the "Sexy princess!" part. The "O_o" emoticon suits well here.

Now back to drinking and try forget about Koharu soon leaving. Over and out and stay toon!

オマリー