Do you listen to any music while reading Usagi?

[LenLovecraft]

Hey guys? A question for you.
I know some people probably don't like to do this since they want to concentrate on reading but for those of you that do...
Do you enjoy listening to music while reading Usagi Yojimbo? If so what kind of music do you listen to?
I personally really enjoy listening to soundtracks from samurai movies or shows. I found the theme song to "Lone wolf and cub (1973-1976)" to go super well with it in the background I know it might be silly but It helps getting immersed and into the action. I also found a playlist on youtube containing music from Akira Kurosawa's samurai movies and it's super good too!
Tell me what about you guys? Am I the only one?

[maichan]

I don't generally listen to music while reading but if I did, I'd be listening to various traditional Japanese tracks to set to mood.

With the advent of today's state-of-the art electronics and the presence of so many music listening options, it's a wonder I don't... guess I'm just behind the times! But now you've got me thinking to build a music library to read Usagi Yojimbo by... and Lone Wolf & Cub, and Samurai Executioner...

[LenLovecraft]

I don't generally listen to music while reading but if I did, I'd be listening to various traditional Japanese tracks to set to mood.

With the advent of today's state-of-the art electronics and the presence of so many music listening options, it's a wonder I don't... guess I'm just behind the times! But now you've got me thinking to build a music library to read Usagi Yojimbo by... and Lone Wolf & Cub, and Samurai Executioner...

Oh you should most definitely try it and then tell me if it makes reading more immersive for you! The strategy game Shogun Total War 2 specifically has some really good almost orchestral music that fits the comic very well too!

[go]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEgz115KNz8

[maichan]

I don't generally listen to music while reading but if I did, I'd be listening to various traditional Japanese tracks to set to mood.

With the advent of today's state-of-the art electronics and the presence of so many music listening options, it's a wonder I don't... guess I'm just behind the times! But now you've got me thinking to build a music library to read Usagi Yojimbo by... and Lone Wolf & Cub, and Samurai Executioner...

Oh you should most definitely try it and then tell me if it makes reading more immersive for you! The strategy game Shogun Total War 2 specifically has some really good almost orchestral music that fits the comic very well too!

Well, I have done it. It's just these days I don't do it on a regular basis. I remember when I was reading the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit many, many years ago, that I'd listen to various classical tunes that went well with the story. I've done the same with other fantasy novels in the past. It definitely enhances the reading experience.

I'll certainly have to give it a try with Usagi.

Maybe we can build a playlist here that members can both contribute to, and use as a reference.

[maichan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEgz115KNz8

Very nice!

Which lead to a quick search for ideas....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N0EX6jZsfA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyieFu7BnHE

Some contemporary suggestions for certain tunes .... Kitaro, Hiroshima and Keiko Matsui

[LenLovecraft]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEgz115KNz8

Very nice!

Which lead to a quick search for ideas....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N0EX6jZsfA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyieFu7BnHE

Some contemporary suggestions for certain tunes .... Kitaro, Hiroshima and Keiko Matsui

Wow! Okami that never even crossed my mind! Thats a brilliant suggestion Maichan. I'm going to have to add that to the playlist

[Usagi-chan]

I don't usually listen to music while I'm reading, although sometimes I listen to classical.

[BuckRogers]

A bit of a late welcome to the Dojo LenLoveCraft!!!

I do love to listen to music while reading at night or just to have on background at work.

My go-to favorite is the Seven Samurai Original Soundtrack for most any occasion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOQEvtztigI

Great discussion!

[maichan]

Oh... good one Buck!

This discussion brought back some memories and thoughts that I had when I was more actively listening to music while reading. One thing that always stuck with me, it's it's not always easy to find the right music. What I mean by that is, in a story, the mood and setting can change quickly, but the music you listen to might not always go with that mood. These thoughts all came back to me while trying to find some proper Usagi music. There is a lot of great music to be found, especially on You Tube, but finding just the right blend or mix is tough. I think that was one reason why I stopped trying to listen to music while reading. I'll keep searching though... it's fun finding new music...

Here are some random collections that I found...

Japan Koto Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZ67UQkpG8 (this one is actually my favorite of all those I've listed here)

"Snow"Japan Relaxing Music,japanese traditional, Background Music,,shamisen,koto,Instrumental - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJI5gaWuf6w

Creepy Japanese Music | Gashadokuro | Ambient Japanese Koto & Flute - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb7yhXrPfC4

100 Minutes Traditional Japanese Music: Old Songs on Koto (琴, 箏), Shamisen (三味線) & Bamboo Flute (尺八) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8p-HVkWyJw

Bamboo Flute Music: 1 Hour Japanese Meditation Music for Shakuhachi (尺八) Flute - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJDelLCAlD8

[Lobster Johnson]

Oh... good one Buck!

This discussion brought back some memories and thoughts that I had when I was more actively listening to music while reading. One thing that always stuck with me, it's it's not always easy to find the right music. What I mean by that is, in a story, the mood and setting can change quickly, but the music you listen to might not always go with that mood. These thoughts all came back to me while trying to find some proper Usagi music. There is a lot of great music to be found, especially on You Tube, but finding just the right blend or mix is tough. I think that was one reason why I stopped trying to listen to music while reading. I'll keep searching though... it's fun finding new music...

That's why I don't listen to much music while I read. The music can create a weird effect of the mood of the story contrasting with the mood of the music. I do listen to songs occasionally while I read, and there have been some interesting suggestions in this thread. I'll be sure to check out some of the songs you guys have been recommending.

[LenLovecraft]

A bit of a late welcome to the Dojo LenLoveCraft!!!

I do love to listen to music while reading at night or just to have on background at work.

My go-to favorite is the Seven Samurai Original Soundtrack for most any occasion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOQEvtztigI

Great discussion!

Thank you for the warm welcome! And oh absolutely you can never go wrong with Akira Kurosawa film soundtracks Great choice!

[maichan]

Just saw these guys on NHK TV, so I Googled them and found some videos.

The YOSHIDA BROTHERS - http://www.domomusicgroup.com/yoshidabrothers/

Check them out!