J-pop

16 June 2023

J-pop Glossary
- J-pop Glossary Entry 1: Single
- J-pop Glossary Entry 2: Album


J-pop News
- Dream ~あなたの夢を応援します~
- 坂本龍一様


J-pop Live @ Singapore
- Aikawa Nanase Fort Canning Live 10.6.06
(10 June 2006 @ Fort Canning Park)

- THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA @ Singapore Expo
(13 September 2008 @ Singapore Expo Hall 1)


20years of J-pop
- Op GP Journal 5: 21years of J-pop


J-pop Artwork
- TPJC Artwork: Sketching ayu: A Sketch for ××
- TPJC Artwork: Sketching ayu: A SKETCH

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J-pop   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

坂本龍一様

29 March 2023

RIP Sakamoto Ryuichi 坂本龍一 (17.1.1952-28.3.2023), a pioneer of modern J-pop.

His band Yellow Music Orchestra (YMO) revolutionalized the global electronic music scene and directly influenced the musicians of the Shibuya-kei (渋谷系) [Musicians/Remixers of Shibuya-kei includes Fantastic Plastic Machine, Nakata Yasutaka, Buffalo Daughter, etc.] His bandmate Takahashi Yukihiro 高橋幸宏 (6.6.1952 - 11.1.2023) just passed away on 11 January 2023 due to complications from brain tumour. As such, Hosono Haruomi 細野晴臣 is the only surviving member of YMO.

Sakamoto Ryuichi is known internationally as a film soundtrack composer, notably for "Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence", "The Last Emperor" & "The Little Buddha".

Sakamoto Ryuichi is also an actor, model (quite handsome in his younger days) and environmental activist. He has been incorporating sound recordings of nature and the environment into his compositions to raise environmental awareness. He also believes that anything can make music (e.g. installing microphones everywhere in his house & transform his house into an instrument), which is the concept of his 2017 album "async".




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坂本龍一様   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Purchase Review

16 June 2022

About Purchase Review
"Music is my LIFE: Purchase Review" is a collection of music review published on the 11th of each month. Each review will critique a CD/DVD that I bought recently.

Format of Purchase Review
Each review is presented in the following format:

- artist name
- title
- cover art
- release date (in dd.mm.yy format)
- release information (e.g. debut single, 1st album, 1st video)
- catalogue number

- tracklisting

- purchase date (in dd.mm.yy format; date I bought this release)

- review (my detailed review of this release)

- recommending (3 outstanding tracks that I recommended for this release)
- rating (my rating score for this release; please refer to my rating scoring system below)

Rating scoring system for Purchase Review
0/10 horrible (not recommended)
1/10 terrible
2/10 very bad
3/10 bad
4/10 poor
5/10 ok
6/10 average
7/10 above average
8/10 good
9/10 very good
10/10 excellent


Purchase Review index

J-pop

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
Baby Don't Cry (9/10 very good)
BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006" (10/10 excellent)
FUNKY TOWN (6/10 average)
PLAY (4/10 poor)

Do As Infinity
Do The B-side (7/10 above average)

Dream
~あなたの夢を応援します~

globe
preview (1/10 terrible)

浜崎あゆみ Hamasaki Ayumi
BLUE BIRD (3/10 bad)
Secret (8/10 good)

仁絵 HITOE (新垣仁絵 Arakaki Hitoe)
I Got You (7/10 above average)

MAX
LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet (8/10 good)

中島美嘉 Nakashima Mika
LEGEND (9/10 very good)
THE END (5/10 ok)
YES (3/10 bad)

大塚愛 Otsuka Ai
金魚花火 (8/10 good)
大好きだよ。 (8/10 good)
愛 am BEST (10/10 excellent)

椎名林檎 Shiina Ringo
平成風俗 (10/10 excellent)

宇多田ヒカル Utada Hikaru
SINGLE CLIP COLLECTION VOL.4 (6/10 average)
Flavor Of Life (8/10 good)

矢井田瞳 Yaida Hitomi
モノクロレター (9/10 very good)


K-pop

BoA
MADE IN TWENTY (20) (9/10 very good)

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Purchase Review   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

ビートの惑星

13 December 2021

ace 佐藤優樹 (sato masaki)’s final single before she graduate from morning musume tonight (13.12.21), after being in the group for 10years 2months 11days (7th longest tenure).

“ビートの惑星” (BEAT no wakusei/planet) is the 3rd A-side of this triple A-side single “Teenage Solution / よしよししてほしいの / ビートの惑星”, which also happens to be morning musume’s 70th single. unlike her seniors with >10years tenure (ai, risa, reina, sayu), it is surprising that maa-chan dont have a solo song in her grad single. but nevertheless, masaki is the centre for all 3 songs & she has epic close-up at the start & end of each pv. furthermore, a new ‘21 re-make of “joshi kashimashi monogatari” is surprisingly included, because the ‘17 re-make hinted of maa’s intention to graduate this year. i dont like “Teenage Solution”, but enjoyed “yoshi yoshi shite hoshiino” & “BEAT no wakusei” being my favourite. “yoshi yoshi shite hoshiino” has a contemporary urban oriental sound similar to “junjou evidence”, while “BEAT no wakusei” features mm’s signature happy-go-lucky euro-disco sound similar to “utakata Saturday Night”, “Sukatto My Heart”, “The Matenrou Show” & “The Peace!”.

the pv of “BEAT no wakusei” continues with the ‘cosmic disco’ theme & setup of “yoshi yoshi shite hoshiino”. it opens with masaki sitting on a high chair, followed by a close-up of maa & her ad-libs. while the focus is on masaki + ayumin & sakura (who are closest to masaki & the dance/vocal aces of mm), it is good that all members gets solo line & ample screentime in this song. but still, kaede & nonaka stands out throughout this pv. quite surprised to see both kaede & nonaka being featured during the bridge (2:43), as such prominent spots usually goes to leader/boring mizuki or visual maria. happy to see kaede getting more lines/screentime for these 3 new songs & rising to be on par with ayumin as the dancing machines of mm, as kaede has the skills to pull it off. sakura’s vocal has always been powerful since debut, but her dancing was pretty average. sakura’s dancing capabilities improved so much in recent years till she can do locking wrist roll (at 2:28), hand wave & happy feet etc with so much ease & swag now. the pv closes with another close-up of maa, followed by a shooting star passing by the emerald planet, which kinda signify the graduation of a star (as masaki’s member colour is emerald green).

with masaki graduating, i guess it will be a battle between nonaka (who is already the 4th best vocalist), rio (up & rising 15G) & yokoyan (who is getting more lines & becoming more charismatic) to be the new ace & fill up the huge vocal void. i also think maa’s bffs ayumin (last remaining member of 10G) & sakura (main vocalist) will be the most impacted. 10G has the best friendship among generation mates. from blog & ig posts, can tell ayumin cant bear to lose her naughty batchmate. i do hope to see 10G (haruna & haruka) make a guest appearance & reunite on stage to perform together during masaki’s grad concert tonight. without masaki, sakura will also become the only true ace of the current generation. we wont get to hear more of masaku’s harmonious duet like the lalala lines in “ナルシス カマってちゃん協奏曲第5番”. but that also means fans will get to see more frienemy moments between ayumin & sakura (like at 2:12) & how mm will transform musically.

i really hope mizuki will graduate soon (or she stop hoarding the lines with her emotionless voice), so that juniors who are more talented can have more lines & screentime; i also hope to see erina or ayumin leading the group with their tough love.

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ビートの惑星   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Op GP Journal 5: 21years of J-pop

06 June 2020

celebrated 20years of J-pop last year.
my love is still the same, but added a few ‘未開封’ rare collectibles & new titles that i bought over the past few months.

this project allows me to know a few J-pop collectible comrades thru ig + dream’s Tachibana Kana liked my post (fanboy mode).

almost finish downloading my entire CD collection (tbh i really lose count on the number & $$$) into my iTunes Library (should be able to complete this way overdue task during my recovery period). cant wait for the convenience of listening to every songs without searching high & low thru my room again. :)
perhaps i should do a review for my K-pop collection’s 20th Anniversary (June 2022) too.

[Original Introduction 2019] 20years of J-pop:
besides maps, music is the other major interests that defines my life. i played a few instruments; wrote lyrics & listens to various genres/languages. Of which, nothing beats J-pop. i like J-pop for its creativity, talent & open-mindedness.
the very first J-pop song i heard was “DANCING JUNK” by SUPER MONKEY (parent group of 安室奈美恵 & MAX) in 1993. “DANCING JUNK” was the ending theme for the ninja cartoon “忍者乱太郎”, which was aired thru Ch8 on Saturday morning.
I was officially introduced to J-pop during my days in concert band. my band played numerous Japanese folk & J-pop pieces, which includes Puffy’s “アジアの純真”, Kinki Kids “硝子の少年”, Le Couple “ひだまりの詩”, “上を向いて歩こう (Sukiyaki)”, “Nippon Minyo” etc. (sometimes we joked that we are a Japanese school band).
We started playing SPEED’s “White Love” in February 1999 and this song completely changed my life. i was addicted to the song and eventually bought my 1st J-pop CD (SPEED’s best album “MOMENT”) on 26 June 1999. in the next few months, i fell in love with all the songs included in “MOMENT”, kickstarting a crazy fandom on SPEED.
shortly later, SPEED disbanded & i started following a list of J-pop artists I like. before the age of iTunes, it is difficult & expensive to purchase J-pop outside Japan. over the years, i witnessed the transformation of J-pop; rise & fall of superstars; and a fair amount of artists i like who choose to retire/hiatus/disband/nosedive/transform/comeback. it has been an exciting 20years. to commemorate the 20th anniversary, i will be rolling out a new series (wanted to do this for a while & started planning since December 2018), featuring the Top 20 J-pop artists i like, over the next 20days.

[Original Ranking 2019 (actually still the same)]
J-pop Artists I Like:
1位: SPEED
2位: 浜崎あゆみ Hamasaki Ayumi
3位: 安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
4位: dream
5位: 倖田來未 Koda Kumi
6位: MAX
7位: モーニング娘。 morning musume.
8位: Do As Infinity
9位: 宇多田ヒカル Utada Hikaru
10位: globe
11位: 中島美嘉 Nakashima Mika
12位: 相川七瀬 Aikawa Nanase
13位: Every Little Thing
14位: 椎名林檎 Shiina Ringo
15位: hitomi
16位: m-flo
17位: 矢井田瞳 Yaida Hitomi
18位: MISIA
19位: GLAY
20位: 倉木麻衣 Kuraki Mai

#20yearsofJpop #Jpop #BPmusic
#MusicismyLIFE #otaku #collectible

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Op GP Journal 5: 21years of J-pop   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Dream ~あなたの夢を応援します~

15 September 2011

Finally received my DVD from avex :)
& to my surprise, it is autographed by Dream!


Dream パスポート３作連動企画 "~あなたの夢を応援します~" DVD

About Dream パスポート３作連動企画 "～あなたの夢を応援します～"
Fans who purchased "My Way ~ULala~", "Ev'rybody Alright!" and "Hands Up!" could participate in this campaign. Fans could compile and mail the coupons available in the 3 releases back to avex (expiry date: 31st March 2011 Thursday 23.59 ) to obtain this "~あなたの夢を応援します~" DVD. This "~あなたの夢を応援します~" DVD contains a message video by Dream, who thanked fans for their support.

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Dream ~あなたの夢を応援します~   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

ROCK or DIE

05 May 2010

ROCK or DIE
CD Advertisement for Magazine
B5 (17.6cm × 25cm)
Paper
April 2010

"ROCK or DIE" is a fake advertisement specially created for my magazine "Music is my LIFE". This fake advertisement is created because this magazine assignment requires all photographs and illustrations featured to be my own creations.

"ROCK or DIE Singapore Limited Edition" is a fake localized edition of Aikawa Nanase best album "ROCK or DIE", which was released on 16 February 2010 in Japan. This edition features an imagined tracklisting that is different from the original.

The image featured is shot by me when Aikawa Nanase performed at Fort Canning Park on 10 June 2006. For more details of the concert, please read my blog entry Aikawa Nanase Fort Canning Live 10.6.06.


ROCK or DIE Singapore Limited Edition advertisement

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ROCK or DIE   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Romantic Memories

Dynamic Romantic Memories
CD Advertisement for Magazine
B5 (17.6cm × 25cm)
Paper
April 2010

"Dynamic Romantic Memories" is a fake advertisement specially created for my magazine "Music is my LIFE". This fake advertisement is created because this magazine assignment requires all photographs and illustrations featured to be my own creations.

"Dynamic Romantic Memories" is a fake best album by the J-pop girl group DRM. The album is a memorial release to commemorate lead vocalist Hasebe Yu's departure from the group on 31 July 2008 to pursue a solo career.

Most of the songs are included as alternative version. Disc 1 "Dynamic" contains dance tracks of the group, while Disc 2 "Romantic" comprises ballad. Whereas Disc 3 "Memories" includes solo tracks by the 8 members.


Dynamic Romantic Memories advertisement

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Dynamic Romantic Memories   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

VELOCITY

VELOCITY
CD Advertisement for Magazine
B5 (17.6cm × 25cm)
Paper
April 2010

"VELOCITY" is a fake advertisement specially created for my magazine "Music is my LIFE". This fake advertisement is created because this magazine assignment requires all photographs and illustrations featured to be my own creations.

"VELOCITY" is a fake best album by the veteran J-pop girl group SPEED. The album is a memorial release by their former record label Toy's Factory to commemorate SPEED's reunion in 2008. This best album includes all singles, coupling tracks and promotional videos released via Toy's Factory between 1996 and 2001.


VELOCITY advertisement

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VELOCITY   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA @ Singapore Expo

14 September 2008

THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA
Singapore Expo Hall 1
13.9.08
8:00pm


catalogue & ticket


Singapore Expo Hall 1


HMV staffs selling MISIA CD/DVD


MISIA on stage

Set List
M1 Opening ~ HIP HOP medley (Royal Chocolate Flush ~ GROOVIN' ~ BACK BLOCKS ~ Escape ~ Rhythm Reflection ~ TYO ~ 以心伝心)
-MC-
-Introduction-
M2 Catch the Rainbow
M3 Yes Forever
-interlude-
M4 眠れぬ夜は君のせい
M5 そばにいて...
M6 it's just love
M7 Everything
M8 太陽の地図
M9 We are the music
M10 陽のあたる場所
M11 つつみ込むように...
[Encore]
E12 HOUSE medley (約束の翼 ~ To Be In Love ~ THE GLORY DAY ~ 忘れない日々 ~ sweetness ~ Never gonna cry!)
E13 INTO THE LIGHT
E14 LUV PARADE
[Encore 2]
E15 太陽のマライカ


before show


after show inside Singapore Expo Hall 1 (I'm wearing DISCOTHEQUE ASIA T-Shirt)

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THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA @ Singapore Expo   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

PLAY / Amuro Namie

11 August 2007

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
PLAY

27.6.07
7th album
AVCD-23342/B

tracklisting
CD
1 HIDE & SEEK
2 FULL MOON
3 CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK
4 IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
5 FUNKY TOWN
6 STEP WITH IT!
7 HELLO
8 SHOULD I LOVE HIM?
9 TOP SECRET
10 Violet Sauce (Spicy)
11 Baby Don't Cry
12 PINK KEY
DVD
1 HIDE & SEEK (VIDEO CLIP)
2 CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK (VIDEO CLIP)
3 FUNKY TOWN (VIDEO CLIP)
4 HELLO (VIDEO CLIP)
5 Baby Don't Cry (VIDEO CLIP)
-SPECIAL CONTENTS-
6 NAMIE AMURO × The World of GOLDEN EGGS SPECIAL MOVIE

purchase date 14.7.07

review
After a long 2 years wait, Namie finally released her 7th original album "PLAY". This is her 1st original album to be released in both CD and CD+DVD format. For the first time in history, Namie took on the role of producer for this album, giving her full creative control in making this album. "PLAY" contains 4 previously released singles and 8 new songs. T.Kura produced 6 songs and Nao'ymt produced the remaining 6. The cover art of the CD format features Namie in blue nurse cosplay costume, whereas the CD+DVD format shows Namie wearing a SM Queen cosplay costume.

"PLAY" opens with the lead song "HIDE & SEEK", a march-style funk number composed and produced by Nao'ymt. "HIDE & SEEK" is a pretty good work that is in line with her recent hip-pop and funk style. This song is a lot better than her previous single "FUNKY TOWN". The PV of "HIDE & SEEK" shares the same SM-influenced image as the album cover art and it suits the theme of this song.

"FULL MOON" reminds me of "Violet Sauce". In this song, sound of wolf howling is heard, which relates to the concept and relationship of werewolf and full moon. "FULL MOON" is one of the better new song in this album.

"CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK" is my favourite single last year and till now, this energetic funk number produced by T.Kura is still among one of my highest airplay. Despite being choreographed by world renowned Shawnette Heard, "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK" has one of the most boring PV, filming Namie dancing in front of lights with her dancers only.

"IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU" is Namie's 1st attempt in rock music, but unfortunately, it is not up to expectation. Namie can't bring out the essence of rock tune, hence making it sounds like hip-pop with bad vocal technique. It is the exact problem with BoA's "Rock With You" years ago.

"FUNKY TOWN" is the worst single among the 4 included singles. The killer factor of this song is, it has a music style and PV that is similar to "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK", but yet it is not better or memorable. I still think that its B-side "DARLING" is much better than "FUNKY TOWN" and deserve a place in this album instead.

"STEP WITH IT!" sounds like an out-take from SUITE CHIC, whereas "HELLO" sounds like Namie earlier R&B song after her maternity comeback. Both styles sound pretty old school now. Furthermore, the pv of "HELLO" is quite plain and boring. "SHOULD I LOVE HIM?" is the only ballad in this album. It is Namie's typical R&B ballad that can be found in many b-sides and album filler, nothing spectacular, but nothing bad either.

"TOP SECRET" is inevitably the best new song in this album. This song features a dark spooky atmosphere with constant whispering that totally communicates the concept of secret. It has very strong beat and contemporary disruptive arrangement. I think "TOP SECRET" deserves to have a pv more than "HELLO", as I foresee more potential in creativity.

Instead of including the main A-side "White Light", Namie decided to include the alternate A-side of the same single "Violet Sauce" in the tracklisting. This makes "White Light" the 3rd A-side to be omitted from an original album after "toi et moi" and "the SPEED STAR". It is in no doubt that "Violet Sauce" fits in more appropriately with the overall concept of this album and other songs. "Violet Sauce" is also of better quality and far more popular than "White Light". This might explain the reason why the omission of "White Light" triggers minimal unhappiness among fans as compared to "the SPEED STAR" being left out from the tracklisting of "Queen of Hip-Pop". Initially, the original version was listed to be included, but the confirmed tracklisting indicated the inclusion of a new album version instead. Creatively titled "Violet Sauce (Spicy)", this album version is named in a similar fusion as the remix previously included in the single. But after listening to this new mix, I'm quite disappointed with the amendments made. Firstly, the attention-grabbing glockenspiel was blunt throughout the song, making "Violet Sauce" loses its cool and mysterious appeal. By enhancing the electone parts makes the song sounds harsh and rugged and it seems out of place with the sophisticated lyrics. Changing the much hyped "Welcome to Sin City" distorted voice into "Enjoy my PLAY LAND" sounds childish and stylistically awkward with the remaining lyrics. I like the original version a lot more for its creativity and cool elements.

Unless there is a really supreme work to be released in the remaining months of 2007, "Baby Don't Cry" is likely going to be crowned my favourite single for this year. "Baby Don't Cry" is the big hit spring-themed medium R&B ballad with positive and encouraging lyrics. The PV for this song filmed Namie walking elegantly around the streets and parks of Tokyo. Althrough simple, the pv fits in perfectly with the overall image of this song.

"PINK KEY" easily becomes the most annoying track in this album. It has a very irritating march-style arrangement, which will force me to skip this song everytime I listen to this album. "PINK KEY" and "IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU" are the worst songs in this album, if not the worst in Namie's career.

The DVD contains the video clip for "HIDE & SEEK", "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK", "FUNKY TOWN", "HELLO" and "Baby Don't Cry" plus a special content titled "NAMIE AMURO × The World of GOLDEN EGGS SPECIAL MOVIE". Although credited as a huge collaboration, "NAMIE AMURO × The World of GOLDEN EGGS SPECIAL MOVIE" looks like a low budget 2D cartoon. Basically the video shows a fictional interview of GUSHIKEN BAND FEAT. NAMIE AMURO and it is interesting to note that Namie did not use her actual kanji name for her character in this clip. The worst moment in this bonus video is that horrible unmelodic singing, or more correctly, random screaming and yelling in unknown language by the trio. In conclusion, "NAMIE AMURO × The World of GOLDEN EGGS SPECIAL MOVIE" is a terrible nonsense added to the collection for longer playtime.

I'm afraid that "PLAY" isn't as good as "Queen of Hip-Pop", which I think was Namie's best original album after "SWEET 19 BLUES". "PLAY" offers very limited improvement and surprise as compared to "STYLE" and "Queen of Hip-Pop". Furthermore, among the 8 new songs, only "TOP SECRET", "HIDE & SEEK", "FULL MOON" and "SHOULD I LOVE HIM?" are good. Many new songs included in "PLAY" are boring (e.g. "HELLO" and "STEP WITH IT!") or downright bad (e.g. "PINK KEY" and "IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU"). Overall, "PLAY" is a disappointment that did not meet my expectation. It is the worst post SUITE CHIC album, being slightly better than "break the rules" only by a small margin.

recommending #9 TOP SECRET, #2 FULL MOON, #1 HIDE & SEEK
rating 4/10 poor

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PLAY / Amuro Namie   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

平成風俗 / Shiina Ringo

11 June 2007

椎名林檎 Shiina Ringo
平成風俗

21.2.07
6th album
TOCT-26210

tracklisting
1 ギャンブル
2 茎
3 錯乱 TERRA ver.
4 ハツコイ娼女
5 パパイヤマンゴー
6 意識
7 浴室
8 迷彩
9 ポルターガイスト
10 カリソメ乙女 TAMEIKESANNOH ver.
11 花魁
12 夢のあと
13 この世の限り

purchase date 10.5.07

review
I have difficulty classifying this album. "平成風俗" is a concept album recorded live by an orchestra of over 70 members. Although labelled as an original album, "平成風俗" actually contained 7 previously released tracks that easily qualified as a best album. But yet these songs are not really enough to conclude her 8 years career. Besides, "平成風俗" also doubles as the soundtrack for movie "さくらん", in which Shiina Ringo took on the role as music director for this manga-inspired film. Shiina Ringo collaborated with reputable conductor Saito Neko, who arranged or rearranged all the included tracks.

The first track "ギャンブル" is extracted from the concept single "絶頂集" released on 13.9.00. The new arrangement features a jazz band and a full orchestra of 15 violins, 6 violas, 6 cellos, 4 double basses, a harp, a piccolo, 2 flutes, an oboe, a clarinet, 3 trumpets, 4 french horns, 3 trombones, a tuba, timpani and percussions. This resulted in a grand big band jazz sound that sets the right mood for the entire album. "茎" is the all-English oricon #1 single and the theme song for her directorial debut "百色眼鏡". The arrangement switched from the traditional Japanese folk sound to a tranquil classical mood that matched the English lyrics better.

Written completely in English, "錯乱" is the coupling track of the advance single "この世の限り". Recorded by a full jazz band, this album version of "錯乱" also delivers a retro jazz sound similar to "ギャンブル" on track 1. Following next is one of the two lead tracks of this album "ハツコイ娼女". Unlike the previous 3 tracks, "ハツコイ娼女" features an urban dance sound. It generates a significant amount of mystery, created by the strong strings and woodwind sections that are combined with the distorted vocal of Ringo. I like this song.

"パパイヤマンゴー" is actually a cover of jazz standard "MANGOS". Ringo did a modest job for this cover, nothing really outstanding. "意識" is the B-side off the single "茎". Like its A-side, the original eerie arrangement was simplified into an elegant big band sound that is perfect for ballroom functions. The new arrangement of "浴室" is actually a hybrid of the original version from her 2nd album "勝訴ストリップ" and its English alternative "la salle de bain".

Originally included as the B-side of "茎", "迷彩" retains the original jazz sound, but completely removed the eerie atmosphere from it. This made the song more pleasant and enjoyable. "ポルターガイスト" was previously included in her 3rd album "加爾基 精液 栗ノ花". The original train sound at the beginning was removed, resulting in the new arrangement of "ポルターガイスト". This simplified version offers a more tranquil and relaxing sound than the original.

"カリソメ乙女" was first released as a digital single on 11.11.06 and an alternate version was later included in the "この世の限り" single. The album version of "カリソメ乙女" is another simple ballad with all-English lyrics. "花魁" is the other lead track of this album. Like "ハツコイ娼女", "花魁" is another urban dance track atypical of Ringo. However, "花魁" is even more avant-garde, with its trance-like mood and upbeat tempo. "花魁" is my favourite track in this album. Both "ハツコイ娼女" and "花魁" have creative CG PV that perfectly suits the lyrics and mood of the songs.

Originally, "夢のあと" was the jazz ballad finale of "教育". The new arrangement of "夢のあと" is again a simplified version. Released as the advance single for this album on 17.1.07, "この世の限り" is a duet between Ringo and her brother Shiina Junhei. I don't like this song when I first heard it. The disappointment caused by "この世の限り" greatly reduces my anticipation for this album. But luckily, I was proven wrong after listening through the album. "この世の限り" is a very simple ballad, too simple compared to her older works. It took me a very long time to like this song. In fact, it is very common to take ages to appreciate works by Ringo and I'm growing to like "この世の限り".

Featuring a big band & jazz sound typical to the 1960s, "平成風俗" is a very huge departure from her previous 3 solo albums or Tokyo Jihen works. "平成風俗" is quite similar in style to "加爾基 精液 栗ノ花", but "平成風俗" is not eerie. It is much more pop and easier to digest. Ever since making her comeback from her pregnancy, Ringo's sound has been evolving towards jazz music. In fact, she has strayed so much away from standard pop rock that her older fans might not like "加爾基 精液 栗ノ花" and "平成風俗". After hearing this album, it is really hard to imagine that Ringo was actually crowned the Queen of Shinjuku-Rock in her earlier career. Overall, "平成風俗" delivers a high amount of creativity, detailed elements of jazz and big band, great surprises in the rearranged tracks, and the courage in making music of minority genres.

recommending #1 ギャンブル, #4 ハツコイ娼女, #11 花魁
rating 10/10 excellent

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平成風俗 / Shiina Ringo   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

愛 am BEST / Otsuka Ai

大塚愛 Otsuka Ai
愛 am BEST

28.3.07
best album
AVCD-23271/B

tracklisting
CD
1 桃ノ花ビラ
2 さくらんぼ
3 甘えんぼ
4 Happy Days
5 金魚花火
6 大好きだよ。
7 黒毛和牛上塩タン焼６８０円
8 Cherish
9 SMILY
10 ビー玉
11 ネコに風船
12 プラネタリウム
13 LOVE MUSiC
secret track
99 BABASHIのテ―マ
DVD
1 桃ノ花ビラ Music Clip
2 さくらんぼ Music Clip
3 甘えんぼ Music Clip
4 Happy Days Music Clip
5 金魚花火 Music Clip
6 大好きだよ。 Music Clip
7 黒毛和牛上塩タン焼６８０円 Music Clip
8 Cherish Music Clip
9 SMILY Music Clip
10 ビー玉 Music Clip
11 ネコに風船 Music Clip
12 プラネタリウム Music Clip
13 LOVE MUSiC Music Clip

purchase date 10.5.07

review
It has been a very long time since I'm so pleased with a best album. The reason is because recent best albums were very commercialize and were simply released to make huge profit using the lowest budget. There is little new materials and minimal sincerity. However this problem does not seems to exist in "愛 am BEST". The CD of "愛 am BEST" includes all single A-sides released within 2003-2005, whereas its respective PV were included in the DVD. Plus, the booklet also published the image of the single besides the lyrics of its respective song. This is something simple that provides a thorough review of the artist. While this seems like a necessity, it is ironically rare in many best albums. Furthermore, numerous behind-the-scenes photos are compiled. The making clips of most PV were also edited into a special credit roll.

"愛 am BEST" opens with ai's debut single "桃ノ花ビラ" (literally translated as peach petals). Written as a tribute to her friend, "桃ノ花ビラ" is a high quality debut from a singer/songwriter. The use of traditional Japanese musical instruments reminds me of Namie's evergreen classic "NEVER END". Filmed in a forest (I think it might be the same forest as the PV of globe's "genesis of next" and dream's "Yourself"), "桃ノ花ビラ" has a green PV that is enhanced with CG effects to add an animated peach character, butterfly-like peach petals and many other insects. Notably is Cyndi Wang did a Chinese cover of "桃ノ花ビラ" in her 3rd album.

The second track is ai's breakthrough signature tune "さくらんぼ" (literally translated as cherry). This lively pop-rock has a minimal retro-jazz touch. Similar to many SPEED's euro-pop songs, "さくらんぼ" is capable of brightening up a gloomy day. It has been a very long while since a J-pop artist released a new song from this genre, which brings back fond memories. "さくらんぼ" has a cute PV centring on shades of red complemented by a variety of pastel colours.

Beginning with an Oboe solo, "甘えんぼ" (literally translated as indulgence) is a typical ballad that yields little surprises, especially after hearing 2 great singles. Despite being an Oboe player and my strong love for Oboe, I don't like "甘えんぼ" as I find it boring. But "甘えんぼ" is still a decent ballad of acceptable quality, just not as good as other outstanding ballad by ai. Filmed during winter in a park of Tokyo, "甘えんぼ" do have a beautiful PV starring ai as a cat spirit. Again, a wide range of pastel colours was used to create a cosy ambience.

"Happy Days" is a catchy summer pop-rock much in line with her hit "さくらんぼ". "Happy Days" rocks much tougher through extensive use of bass and drum beat. However, ai distorted vocal and the numerous "um!" in the chorus can get annoying at times. The PV of "Happy Days" is filmed in a pseudo-outdoor set with rolling field and bright blue colour sky. This exaggerating PV fits perfectly for the song, especially with the use of loudspeaker.

"金魚花火" has always been my favourite song from ai since watching her performing this song in "a-nation '04". The arrangement of "金魚花火" consists of an acoustic piano accompanied by numerous types of mallet instruments that truly replicate the style of traditional Japanese music. Fireworks is an essential element of summer in Japan and fireworks play a key role in the lyrics of "金魚花火". The use of bass drum to create the sound of fireworks being ignited enhanced the loneliness and desperation on a summer night. This beautiful ballad with poetic lyrics and creative arrangement fully demonstrated the multiple talents of ai. "金魚花火" has a very beautiful PV and the full story is available in the DVD of her 2nd album "LOVE JAM".

"大好きだよ。" is another of my favourite song from ai. "大好きだよ。" is a ballad performed by a mini orchestra and arranged with a little rock sound added. It is upon hearing the demo of "大好きだよ。" that avex decided to award ai a contract. "大好きだよ。" has a very sad PV showing memories of ai with her dying boyfriend. An alternate pv is included in her 2nd album "LOVE JAM". The animated version features Ai's self-drawn cartoon rabbit character "LOVE" and this is the pv that introduced me to Ai.

"黒毛和牛上塩タン焼６８０円" was recut from "黒毛和牛上塩タン焼７３５円", the lead song of her 2nd album "LOVE JAM". It was rearranged from an acoustic jazz song into a ballad-rock number and renamed "黒毛和牛上塩タン焼６８０円". The strange title of this love song originated from Ai's favourite dish from a restaurant in her hometown Osaka. Both versions have its strength and weakness, so it is hard to decide which is better. The hilarious PV of "黒毛和牛上塩タン焼６８０円" features ai in gothic rock-chic image barbequing pieces of beef for the actor. For the cover art, bull horns are even added to complement this dark image. I really like this concept.

Being a huge fan of manga "NANA", ai participated in the tribute album for the comic by contributing "Cherish". "Cherish" is a ballad-rock performed under the image of REIRA, the vocalist of TRAPNEST, one of the band featured in the comic. Being a fan of "NANA" myself, I like "Cherish" because this ballad-rock fits the image of TRAPNEST more closely than Ito Yuna's songs. The PV of "Cherish" creates the exact gothic ambience of Scotland where TRAPNEST likes to record their album in the comic.

"SMILY / ビー玉" is ai's first single to debut #1 on oricon. Like "さくらんぼ", "pretty voice" and "Happy Days", "SMILY" is ai's typical cheerful happy-go-lucky pop-rock tune with a cheeky PV. "ビー玉" (literally translated as marble) is a medium tempo cute pop song with a colourful PV. I personally think that "ビー玉" is the worst song in this best album.

"ネコに風船" (literally translated as cat and balloon) shows ai venture into country-rock. I don't really like "ネコに風船" initially, but after watching the PV, I am instantly hooked to this acoustic guitar piece. "ネコに風船" has very creative lyrics that is written from a cat's perception on the human world and ai's writing style is very similar to literature of the Showa period. The lyrics are complemented with a retro Showa-style image and a PV that perfectly suits the theme.

"プラネタリウム" (literally translated as planetarium) is my 3rd favourite song after "金魚花火" and "大好きだよ。". Featuring acoustic piano and alto flute, "プラネタリウム" delivers a traditional Japanese music vibe similar to "金魚花火", but the overall ballad-rock arrangement creates a more modern sound. Despite being a great song, "プラネタリウム" has the most boring PV in this collection, with only very few scenes that can be considered beautiful.

"フレンズ -サバカン ver.-" was initially planned to be included in this best album. However, the confirmed tracklisting replaced it with "LOVE MUSiC". "LOVE MUSiC" is extracted from her 3rd album "LOVE COOK". It is a country-rock, but unlike "ネコに風船", it has a more varied arrangement that is enhanced with a Bassoon. Quoted from her "LOVE IS BORN" premium live, "LOVE MUSiC" is ai's message to her fans. The PV of "LOVE MUSiC" is specially filmed for this best album. A heart is placed in the centre throughout the PV.

Creativity can be found throughout "愛 am BEST". Even the title has double meaning of 'I am BEST' and 'Ai is the best'. Creativity is most notable by having the secret track recorded on track 99, a reference to her birthday (9 September). In order to do so, tracks 14 to 98 were deliberately left blank. The secret track, believed to be titled "BABASHI" is ai's typical whacky track that keeps repeating the only lyrics "BABASHI" throughout.

Like the CD, the DVD also contains a secret track and it is even trickier to find it. To watch this secret track, user have to process a set of command in between the skydiver opening and the menu. User needs to press the DVD Player Remote Control ↑ button 9 times, → button 9 times, ↓ button 9 times, ← button 9 times and finally pressing the enter button. Immediately after the execution of this command, the PV of "BABASHI", titled "BEST OF BABASHI" will start. The menu will appear after "BEST OF BABASHI" ended. This command also works for overseas (OS) version, so there is no need to buy the much more expensive japan (JP) version for this secret PV.

It is a deliberate decision that the 4 newer singles released after "LOVE COOK" were excluded from this best album. It is likely due to limited storage to record 18 songs in a CD or because ai's 4th album is in the pipeline. "愛 am BEST" would have been better if Ai had included the lead song of her first album "しゃぼん玉" into the tracklisting and printed her full discography in the booklet. Otherwise I'm really very satisfied with this best album. Those interested with the DVD should watch the animated PV of "ユメクイ", as it is created with reference to all PV prior to it.

recommending #5 "金魚花火", #6 "大好きだよ。", #12 "プラネタリウム"
rating 10/10 excellent

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愛 am BEST / Otsuka Ai   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

FUNKY TOWN / Amuro Namie

11 May 2007

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
FUNKY TOWN

4.4.07
38th single
AVCD-31216

tracklisting
1 FUNKY TOWN
2 DARLING
3 FUNKY TOWN (INSTRUMENTAL)
4 DARLING (INSTRUMENTAL)

purchase date 19.4.07

review
Within a short 3 months after the release of big hit "Baby Don't Cry", Namie delivers another new single "FUNKY TOWN" before her 7th original album is due for release on 27.6.07.

However, "FUNKY TOWN" is a little disappointing and boring. "FUNKY TOWN" is too similar, but yet not better than "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK" in terms of music genre, image style and pv. Compared to recent hits like "WANT ME, WANT ME" and "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK", "FUNKY TOWN" offers nothing spectacular to capture my attention instantly. It is only after many repetitions that I'm finally able to register its melody and grow to like "FUNKY TOWN". "FUNKY TOWN" is just too uncharacteristic among Namie recent hip-pop songs.

After having a cover and a sequel as b-sides for the past 2 singles, it's great to have "DARLING" as a b-side. I personally think that the b-side "DARLING", although very simple and repetitive in arrangement, is actually much more catchy and creative than "FUNKY TOWN". The song starts with some repetition of "want me baby" before adding a rhythm that continues throughout the song. Namie also gets to showcase her vocal (a little) in the latter part of this song. Although "DARLING" isn't of a-side quality, this song actually helps increase my impression on this single.

Something credible for this single would be the 2 cover arts that beautifully blends retro and modern party elements together. "FUNKY TOWN" might not be Namie's greatest work, this single is still worth buying for the b-side "DARLING", which is unlikely to be featured in her album.

recommending #2 DARLING
rating 6/10 average

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FUNKY TOWN / Amuro Namie   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

YES / Nakashima Mika

11 April 2007

中島美嘉 Nakashima Mika
YES

14.3.07
5th album
AICL-1798~9

tracklisting
CD
1 I LOVE YOU (Album Ver.)
2 見えない星
3 素直なまま
4 CRY NO MORE
5 ALL HANDS TOGETHER
6 DANCE WITH THE DEVIL
7 BLACK & BLUE
8 JOY
9 THE DIVIDING LINE
10 MY SUGAR CAT
11 汚れた花
12 GOING BACK HOME
13 祈念歌
14 WHAT A WONDERFL WORLD
DVD
1 opening
2 CRY NO MORE
3 BLACK & BLUE
4 ALL HANDS TOGETHER
5 MY SUGAR CAT
6 見えない星
7 I LOVE YOU
8 WHAT A WONDERFL WORLD (LIVE)
9 ending roll

purchase date 23.3.07

review
2 years after the release of an excellent album "MUSIC", Mika finally return with her 4th original album "YES". Like "THE END" released under NANA starring Mika Nakashima, "YES" failed to top the chart, thus breaking her record of having all of her full album debuting at the #1 spot of oricon.

Following the trend of including a cover song in every album, "YES" opens with the album version of "I LOVE YOU", another Mika-styled charming rendition of a J-pop classic. "見えない星" is the much hyped advance single similar in style as her star-themed mega hits "STARS" and "WILL". Released as a simultaneous single and produced by RYOJI from KETSUMEISHI, "素直なまま" is a mellow ballad typical to Mika's older work. Although Mika maintained her standard with quality soulful vocal in "I LOVE YOU", "見えない星" and "素直なまま", there isn't anything surprises to makes these songs standout.

Surprises are mostly found at the next jazz segment starting with the album's first single "CRY NO MORE". "CRY NO MORE" is Mika's attempt on gospel blues music. "CRY NO MORE" showcase mika's powerful vocal performances from the bridge onwards. "ALL HANDS TOGETHER" is one of my favourite single of 2006 and is my favourite song in this album. "ALL HANDS TOGETHER" is the charity single release last summer which proceeds is used to rebuild New Orleans. In collaboration with a reputable jazz band and choir from New Orleans, Mika challenged herself with some high notes in this song. "DANCE WITH THE DEVIL" is the lead track of this album. "DANCE WITH THE DEVIL" features a jazzy sound with a little country rock influence. "BLACK & BLUE" is the jazz-rock coupling track of "CRY NO MORE" and it is good to have this good B-side included here. Something notable would be Mika's use of falsetto in the chorus.

The album starts getting bored with "JOY" and songs to follow. "JOY" is a sweet all-English piano ballad that is very Mika in style. The simple arrangement makes this song unique, and it truly stands out after 4 vibrant jazz songs. "THE DIVIDING LINE" is a nostalgic folk-rock that has sentimental vocal in the chorus.

Reggae might be Mika's root, but "MY SUGAR CAT" is Mika first single to fall out of oricon top 10 and is her worst selling single since debut. Nevertheless, "MY SUGAR CAT" is still good by mika's standard. Indeed, "MY SUGAR CAT" stand out as an excellent track by placing it within this segment of lullaby.

After the up-tempo "MY SUGAR CAT", this segment reverts back to its folk-rock genre with "汚れた花" that has an introduction resembling a BEGIN's Okinawan folk tune. The next folk-rock "GOING BACK HOME" has words penned by Mochida Kaori from Every Little Thing. Despite starting with a jazz-like opening, "祈念歌" is another folk-rock that seems to drag play time longer. Although these 4 folk-rock numbers are very boring, Mika's vocal performance does help to make these songs a little more interesting. This is partly because I can feel Mika's sincerity through her vocal in all tracks.

This album ends with another cover song "WHAT A WONDERFL WORLD". Being a cover that is already being included in the "ALL HANDS TOGETHER" single, I absolutely think that this song should be omitted from this album.

Unlike her previous 2 albums that focused on jazz music, "YES" only had 6 jazz numbers and 5 of these songs were already released as singles. This might be the reason of poor sales as Mika's name is so closely tied with Jazz since the success of "RESISTANCE". Furthermore, all single materials, with the exception of "MY SUGAR CAT" are being lumped in the beginning of the album, resulting in an unhealthy mix of boring folk-rock towards the end.

This album is definitely not as great as "LØVE" or "MUSIC". I think "YES" is even worse than "THE END". If not for the high quality singles, I would not have bought this album.

With the exception of "素直なまま", the pv of all singles and a live footage of "WHAT A WONDERFL WORLD" are included in the DVD. Among this collection, beautiful video would be "CRY NO MORE", "見えない星" and "I LOVE YOU". Various trends show that Mika's reign as the Princess of J-pop is badly threatened, especially with the rise of Koda Kumi and consistent quality of Otsuka Ai. Mika seriously needs a new hit song to save her career.

recommending #5 ALL HANDS TOGETHER, #4 CRY NO MORE, #1 I LOVE YOU (Album Ver.)
rating 3/10 bad

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YES / Nakashima Mika   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Flavor Of Life / Utada Hikaru

宇多田ヒカル Utada Hikaru
Flavor Of Life

28.2.07
18th single
TOCT-40095

tracklisting
1 Flavor Of Life
2 Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version-
3 Flavor Of Life (Original Karaoke)
4 Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version- (Original Karaoke)
5 Flavor Of Life -Antidote Mix-

purchase date 23.3.07

review
"Flavor Of Life" is a reasonably good ballad comparable to her older works. Tied as the theme song for Japan's version of "Meteor Garden 2", "Flavor Of Life" is hikki first oricon #1 single after the release of "Be My Last" in 2005, and hikki manage to secure this top spot for 3 consecutive weeks. Unlike any of her post-best singles with pathetic few tracks, "Flavor Of Life" has 3 versions for a total of 5 tracks, which might be the key reason for the good sales result.

Arranged solely by hikki, the original version retains her recent mild dance beat that is similar, but better than "COLORS". The original version do link back a little to her R&B roots. However, the beats of this original version makes the song sounds very rushed. Furthermore, hikki's vocal is a little incompatible with the electone arrangement, making her voice floating randomly above the instrumental.

Being the lead track, the -Ballad Version- obviously has better arrangement backed by a full orchestra. Compared to the original version, the ballad version is more relaxing and laidback, which I think suits the lyrics and melody better.

Remixed by Alexis Smith, the -Antidote Mix- can be classified as a simplified version, as it is recorded with only drum beat and minimal programming. This version is very similar in style to the "Passion ~after the battle~" and is more in line with hikki's recent works.

Overall, I really like "Flavor Of Life". I think this is her best single since "誰かの願いが叶うころ", because I actually like "Flavor Of Life" upon my first listen, as contrast to her post-EXODUS singles which requires a long digestion period.

recommending #2 Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version-, #5 Flavor Of Life -Antidote Mix-
rating 8/10 good

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Flavor Of Life / Utada Hikaru   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006" / Amuro Namie

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"

21.2.07
12th video
AVBD-91466

tracklisting
1 Violet Sauce
2 HANDLE ME
3 Without me
4 Fish
5 a walk in the park
6 Say the word
7 Put 'Em Up
8 ALARM
9 no more tears
10 STROBE
11 exist for you
12 Four Seasons
13 人魚
14 lovin' it
15 Drive
16 GIRL TALK
17 CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK
18 Introducing the Band
19 Do or Die
20 "Uh Uh,,,,,,"
21 How to be a Girl
22 WANT ME, WANT ME
23 shine more
24 the SPEED STAR
25 Body Feels EXIT
26 Chase the Chance
27 CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK -REMIX- & Introducing the Dancers
BONUS FEATURES
28 Interview in OKINAWA and more!

purchase date 23.3.07

review
Commemorating her 15th anniversary since debut, Namie embarked on her 8th nationwide live tour "BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"" performing a repertoire focusing on songs from the album "STYLE", various B-sides and collaboration songs with other artists. Like her previous 2 tours, "BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"" does not have an opening, starting straight with the first song "Violet Sauce". Namie appeared with a long violet coat with her dancers, delivering a near perfect rendition of this dark number. Instead of the original distorted vocal of "Welcome to Sin City" being played in the bridge, "Welcome to my world" was being said by Namie in a distorted voice with much confident.

After removing her coat, Namie presented "HANDLE ME", which is the Indian-styled B-side from "WANT ME, WANT ME". Namie was backed with white-masked dancers holding on to some elastic bands. After performing a SUITE CHIC song "Without me", in which Namie and dancers danced confidently with the handrail, Namie retreated for her 1st costume change. Till now, Namie did an excellent job through her vocal and dances. The choreography fits perfectly with the songs.

While Namie was changing, the dancers dominated the stage, dancing to the opening of "Fish", a collaboration work from "STYLE". Returning in a black sporting outfit, Namie delivered 4 danceable classics "a walk in the park", "Say the word", "Put 'Em Up" and "ALARM", which she really rocks while performing "ALARM".

During the 2nd costume change, the band played a portion of the Junior Vasquez remix of "no more tears" that was transit into the original mix and Namie returned to the stage in a monochrome lolita. Next is "STROBE", the horny B-side from "ALARM". This is followed by the emotional rendition of the R&B ballad "exist for you", the B-side from "Put 'Em Up" amid modern dancing. Towards the end of the bittersweet "Four Seasons", loads of paper yellow butterfly were released, resembling the scene of "STILL IN LOVE" during her "TOUR "GENIUS 2000"".

Changing into a long pink gown with flowers accessories, Namie sang "人魚", a cover of NOKKO's classic, which is the theme song of her 1st drama "That's Cunning". Namie then performed "lovin' it", the songnation collaboration with VERBAL that eventually gave her the opportunity to become the vocalist of SUITE CHIC. Within a short period of time, the elegant pink gown has evolved into a pink mini-dress decorated with a princess crown and Namie presented "Drive", her self-penned R&B B-side from "shine more". Namie continues to perform danceable "GIRL TALK" and "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK" before withdrawing for another costume change.

During the interval, the band members introduces themselves before playing the introduction of "Do or Die", a collaboration work with JHETT. Like the "SO CRAZY tour featuring BEST singles 2003-2004", ""Uh Uh,,,,,,"" is performed on a frame structure. At the bridge of "How to be a Girl", Namie did a short pole dance, which is too conservative as compared to the aggressive pole dance performance for "PLEASE SMILE AGAIN" during "SO CRAZY tour featuring BEST singles 2003-2004". After the energetic performance of "WANT ME, WANT ME", "shine more" and "the SPEED STAR", the main segment ended.

For the encore segment, Namie returned with evergreen classics "Body Feels EXIT" and "Chase the Chance". For some stops of this tour, classics like "You're my sunshine", "NEVER END", "GO! GO! ~夢の速さで~" and "CAN YOU CELEBRATE?" were performed, but were not included in this video. The remix of "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK" is being performed as the finale with the dancers being introduced in the bridge.

This live video features a bonus interview filmed in Okinawa, Namie's hometown and the final stop of this tour. Besides Namie, the dancers, band and staff were also interviewed. During the interview, Namie hinted about the possibility for a world tour.

"BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"" is nevertheless another excellent live video from a highly reputable artist. Although not as great as her all-time best "SO CRAZY tour featuring BEST singles 2003-2004", it is a little better than her previous "Space of Hip-Pop TOUR 2005", which was already a very good live performance. Namie recent releases never failed to exceed my expectation.

recommending #1 Violet Sauce, #3 Without me, #11 exist for you
rating 10/10 excellent

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BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006" / Amuro Namie   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Baby Don't Cry / Amuro Namie

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie
Baby Don't Cry

24.1.07
37th single
AVCD-31176

tracklisting
1 Baby Don't Cry
2 Nobody
3 Baby Don't Cry (TV-MIX)
4 Nobody (TV-MIX)

purchase date 23.3.07

review
8 long months has passed since the release of the excellent "CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK / 人魚" single; Namie is finally back with an all new single "Baby Don't Cry". This is the longest interval between single release, excluding her 13 months maternity break between "Dreaming I was dreaming" and "I HAVE NEVER SEEN".

The title track is a very typical Namie-styled medium tempo R&B Ballad that is similar in style to "GIRL TALK". But do keep in mind that being typical does not mean it is bad. In fact, I think every artist should build up an unique style of their own before branching out to experiment other music genre. After years in the R&B scene, Namie has created an unique style of her own, which is evitable in this song. "Baby Don't Cry" has a spring-themed melody and encouraging lyrics; something Namie hadn't been doing much since her classic "NEVER END". I really love this heart-warming song, especially lines like "rainy morning Baby don't cry", "You'll see the sunshine", "you've been tryin' alone" etc...

However, I'm a little disappointed with the B-side. "Nobody" is the continuation to her first winter ballad "White Light", which was released in 2005. Both songs have the same melody but different words and slight deviation in arrangement. Comparing both versions, I think "White Light" is a better version for its seasonal theme and joyful atmosphere. In fact, "Nobody" was supposed to be the B-side of "White Light / Violet Sauce", before it was replaced by the excellent remix " Violet Sauce ". It is not that "Nobody" is really bad, but I think it is more of disc filler. I would really prefer a brand-new B-side (or remixes) to be coupled with "Baby Don't Cry".

recommending #1 Baby Don't Cry
rating 9/10 very good

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Baby Don't Cry / Amuro Namie   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

MADE IN TWENTY (20) / BoA

11 March 2007

BoA
MADE IN TWENTY (20)

17.1.07
5th album
AVCD-23153/B

tracklisting
CD
1 Lady Galaxy
2 七色の明日~brand new beat~
3 Winter Love
4 STILL.
5 SO REAL
6 KEY OF HEART
7 OUR LOVE ~to my parents~
8 no more make me sick
9 Revolution-CODE 1986-1105 Feat.RAH-D
10 Your Color
11 Prayers
12 Candle Lights
13 Gracious Days
Bonus Track
14 LAST CHRISTMAS
DVD
video clip
1 七色の明日~brand new beat~
2 KEY OF HEART
3 Winter Love
THE LIVE
4 LISTEN TO MY HEART
5 VALENTI
6 soundscape
7 Ain't no sunshine
8 make a secret
9 Moon & Sunrise
10 Winter Love
11 メリクリ
12 七色の明日~brand new beat~
13 Everlasting

purchase date 16.2.07

review
Approximately a year after her ultra successful 4th album "OUTGROW", BoA returns with her 5th original Japanese album "MADE IN TWENTY (20)". I only really start to like BoA after she did an excellent collaboration with m-flo in "the Love Bug" and her greatest single of all time "DO THE MOTION". These works shows great vocal improvement by BoA, who was infamous for her hit-or-miss pitching, uncontrolled yelling, unstable coarse vocal and random switching between register in some of her earlier works (e.g. "VALENTI", "Rock With You").

In contrast to the strong singles and c/w included in "OUTGROW", the 3 singles released prior to this album are considerably weaker. "MADE IN TWENTY (20)" begins with a new song "Lady Galaxy" that reminds me of Gwen Stefani and Fergie. Several other songs in this album like "Revolution-CODE 1986-1105" and "Prayers" share the same problem. It's not that this style is not good, just that it is not original.

Despite changing into a new mature image and music style since "DO THE MOTION", BoA somewhat revert to her old happy-go-lucky style with "七色の明日~brand new beat~", in which the music style is similar to "Shine We Are!". But interestingly, her new visual image and fashion sense were retained in the pv and cover art of the single. "Winter Love" was BoA's winter single released after the mega hit "メリクリ". It is a decent ballad, but not as great as "メリクリ". This song somehow reminds me of Mika's 2003 winter classic "雪の華". Especially for the video of "Winter Love", which shares the same theme and colour scheme as "雪の華".

"STILL.", "SO REAL" and "no more make me sick" are BoA's typical R&B common in her earlier album particularly "VALENTI", but obviously with better vocal. BoA's vocal is substantially better than her earlier days and she did a decent job for these songs. In fact, these tracks are the 3 best songs in this album.

"KEY OF HEART" is in my opinion, BoA's worst single release of 2006; it might even be her worst single to date. Like the previous single "七色の明日~brand new beat~", "KEY OF HEART" again features music style of her earlier career. However, this kind of music and whacky dance moves just does not suits her new image and vocal style anymore.

"OUR LOVE ~to my parents~" is a R&B ballad similar in style to "キミのとなりで". The Japanese lyrics were penned by BoA herself, which serves as a tribute to her parents. "Your Color" and "Candle Lights" are medium R&B ballad common in her recent works. BoA's vocal performance has tremendously improved over the years to handle these emotional ballads easily. She performed relatively well for both songs by delivering stable high notes of the correct pitch. "Gracious Days" is a joyful R&B ballad very suitable as an ending for an album and is my favourite track in this album. The bonus track is an English cover of x'mas classic "LAST CHRISTMAS".

Like other avex album, "MADE IN TWENTY (20)" comes with a CD+DVD edition containing video clips of the 3 singles and live footage from her latest tour "BoA THE LIVE". Unlike other live performance, BoA did not dance to her tune, focusing only on her vocal. The arrangement of the songs are also dramatically changed to suits the performance, giving these songs a new jazz sound. However, the live footage only features part of the tour and the complete performance is only available on a separate live video release "BoA THE LIVE 裏ボア...聴かせ系"; another good marketing strategy from avex.

Overall, this album is of very good quality. I like all the new songs recorded for this album. In fact, the worse tracks are the included singles, which "KEY OF HEART" is the worst song in this album. "MADE IN TWENTY (20)" is slightly better than "OUTGROW" and definitely better than any of her earlier albums. However, there is still some room for improvement for BoA's vocal.

recommending #13 Gracious Days, #8 no more make me sick, #5 SO REAL
rating 9/10 very good

Buy it here:
Made In Twenty (20) [CD+DVD] / BoA

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MADE IN TWENTY (20) / BoA   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet / MAX

11 February 2007

MAX
LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet

24.10.01
6th video
AVVD-90118 & AVBD-91063

tracklisting
1 OPENING
2 Just wanna lovin' you
3 Lovin' All Night
4 バラ色の日々
5 whispers
6 Never gonna stop it
7 Love is Dreaming ~ Shinin'on-Shinin'love
8 Wired
9 Bible××
10 Give me a Shake
11 Ride on time
12 always love
13 Crazy in my love
14 Perfect Love
15 So tight ~ 一緒に… ~ So tight
16 mum
17 moonlight
18 But My Love / M&I
19 SO REAL
20 夏よ咲いて

purchase date 2.2.07

review
I have been hunting for this video since my "Go Discover Tour" to much disappointment. But surprisingly, Vivocity music junction (mj) is selling "LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet" at a ridiculously low discount price of $5... "LIVE CONTACT 2000 ~No boundly~" is also sold at $5, which I paid $25 for it last year...

This live video begin with a short behind-the-scene footage showing MAX and their staff right before the show starts. It quickly switched over to the front stage, in which a pre-recorded acappella of MAX singing the opening theme of "Bitter 4 Sweet ", accompanied by special lights and laser effects. Shortly after the acappella opening ended, the music of "Just wanna lovin' you" is been played, featuring green laser beams dancing in sync with the rhythm, making it a simple, but yet captivating opening. MAX first appears in a sexy black bra-top, before changing into a more conservative outfit in the middle of the song. "Just wanna lovin' you" is the excellent b-side from the "always love" single and MAX gave a supreme performance for this techno song.

This is followed by the up-tempo "Lovin' All Night". "Lovin' All Night" set the mood for the live, which is evident by the audience putting their hands up in the air. Next is MAX's all-time worst single "バラ色の日々". The original bridge was replaced by a new percussion rhythm and MAX dance in sync to the beat. This is very similar to what Namie did for "toi et moi", therefore nothing original. After adding a white tuxedo to their black outfit, MAX performed "whispers", showcasing chair dancing, which is very common in Namie and TRF concerts. Although MAX did a decent performance for both "バラ色の日々" and "whispers", both songs just reminds viewers of Namie's live performance that is atypical of MAX's concert.

But luckily, the usual MAX returned to stage with a high quality performance of "Never gonna stop it". The climax of this song would be the individual rap by each member and Nana did a very good job for her verse. While Mina and Reina retreat to the backstage for a costume change, Nana and Lina performed a rap exclusive for this live that quickly transited into a hip hop medley of "Love is Dreaming ~ Shinin'on-Shinin'love". The hip hop version is a great departure from the original, making these older songs fits in nicely with the style of their new album "EMOTIONAL HISTORY".

MAX then gave an emotional rendition for "Wired", before gaining back energy for "Bible××". While the girls are having their 5th costume change, the dancers takes the centre stage delivering a dance presentation that transits into a bossa nova version of "Give me a Shake" and a latin enhanced version of "Ride on time". Like the earlier "Love is Dreaming ~ Shinin'on-Shinin'love" medley, the new version for both classic are very different from the original. Nana and Lina received more singing lines in these new versions and the newer songs.

The dancers were introduced during the bridge of "always love". After the lively dance performance for "always love" and "Crazy in my love", MAX had another quick costume change to suit the mood of "Perfect Love". The band were introduced at the bridge of "So tight" and right after the band introduction, the melody changed into that of "一緒に…". After a short performance of "一緒に…", the melody changed back into "So tight". As the beat of "一緒に…" is more up tempo than the original version, the x'mas feel was removed, so it doesn't sound that odd to mix a ballad into a fast number. The medley "So tight ~ 一緒に… ~ So tight" is the final performance for the main segment.

After a short break, the encore segment starts with ballad "mum", followed by the premium maiden performance of their then-upcoming single "moonlight". ISSA from DA PUMP made a guest appearance for the performance of "But My Love / M&I". The live was supposed to end with "SO REAL", but MAX decided to perform another song "夏よ咲いて" at this final stop of their tour.

It's good that the repertoire for this tour focused on their newer works, particularly songs from their latest album "EMOTIONAL HISTORY" and numerous b-sides. Furthermore, the older classic featured were given a new lease of life with remix that are so different from the original. MAX delivered great vocal and dance performance, making "LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet" a very good live video.

recommending #2 Just wanna lovin' you, #3 Lovin' All Night, #7 Love is Dreaming ~ Shinin'on-Shinin'love
rating 8/10 good

Buy it here:
MAX LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet / MAX

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LIVE CONTACT 2001 Bitter 4 Sweet / MAX   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.