The Twilight Valley [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]

This is the first album I've heard from Garnet Crow and I have to say, it's not what I expected. The haunting, emotional songs are unique and quite different from traditional Japanese Pop. In fact, it sounds more like something one could have heard at Lillith Fair in the past. Yuri Nakamura's vocals fit perfectly with the sophisticated musical arrangements and the entire album flows like a calm, relaxing river. While there are some upbeat tunes, like Yume Hanabi and Mou Chotto Sagashite Mimashou, the overall vibe of the album is mellow and relaxing. This Limited Edition includes a DVD with clips of live concert footage. The venue is classy and elegant, like the band itself, and the performance is good, if not somewhat reserved, as would be expected from this style of music. Unfortunately, the DVD does not include the entire concert, as some other artists' Limited Editions have. Nor does it even include entire song from the performance. It is just short clips of several songs. This is one of those albums that's perfect for late-night freeway driving. Put this CD on, turn it up and you'll have a wonderful, memorable trip.