Review by Damon Mudgway
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The Sixth Day - Single CollectionGacktGreat for casual fans.
This first best of compilation is an excellent place for casual or new fans of Gackt to start their collection. There is little point in purchasing his singles on their own unless you're a completist. The singles on this set vary in musical style, from pop to industrial metal to ballads. All are superb, and highlight the musical genius that Gackt clearly is. My favorite song of Gackt's is Decembers Love Song (not included in this set unfortunately), a gorgeous festive ballad about peace and love, and a song that should be heard at all costs. If you are considering buying music by Gackt, get this, buy 'Mervielles' by Gackt era Malice Mizer (an absolute classic album), and wait for his next singles collection. Sooner or later the whole world will know of Gackt.
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The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian 3-Disc Premium Art & Picture Set [Limited Release]MovieNice set.
The packaging and extras in this premium set are superb. The movie itself is terrible. A pity, because it could have been so much more.
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Chinese Democracy [SHM-CD] [Limited Edition]GUNS N' ROSESDon't bother.
As a long time fan of all things GNR and their offshoots, I have been looking forward to this release for a long time. After having listened to the album several times all the way through, I can sum it up in one word: "rubbish". Dont waste your hard earned money on this drivel.
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Speed & Power Style 2008V.A.Great dance/drive compilation.
Another excellent Avex release in the Speed&Power Style catalog. Speed side (disc 1) does not vary much, and is not up to the standard of the Power side, which is scorching. Music on this disc varies from trance to house to hip-hop, then back to trance again. Very cool. As a whole, not up to the standard of Speed&Power Style Best (released the same year), but great nonetheless. Roll on S&PS2009!
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A New Day Has Come Collector's Edition [Cardboard Sleeve] [w/ DVD, Limited Release]Celine DionExcellent version.
Beautifully packaged re-issue of this classic Celine album. Tri-fold cardboard sleeve opens to gorgeous home photos of Celine's family and friends. This set has been done with the fans in mind. Looking forward to her other albums being done in a similar way.
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Sweet Bossa. Burt Bacharach (They long to be) Close to youV.A.Perfect, just perfect.
Burt in bossa, what more needs to be said? What's interesting here is the inclusion of covers sung in Spanish/Portuguese, the artists having taken the time to both honour Mr Bacharach, and provide a level of authenticity in keeping with the bossa flavour. Superb, laid back, but please don't call it 'elevator musac'.
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ma cherie - Itoshii Kimi e -MALICE MIZERma cherie-my love
Brilliant pop song from Gackt era Malice Mizer with tons of swirling keyboards and great guitar interplay. Second track "Regret" is a gorgeous piano piece by Gackt. These guys really were fantastic, better than anything Gackt is pursuing solo (IMO). Very commercial, appealing to both goth rock and general pop fans. The packaging, as mentioned by other reviewers, is in the form of a book. It measures 23cm high x 19cm wide and 1cm thick, made of super heavy card stock (unbendable) and containing beautiful photos of the band. The CD itself mounts in the back cover via a recessed plastic centre spool. Just beautiful. This, along with the Mervielles Limited Edition CD/book, are essential for anyone who appreciates great music.
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Coffee and Tea with Beautiful MusicV.A.Typically superb Universal compilation.
Yet another well presented compilation from Universal Japan. Gorgeous cover art and a very strong selection of diverse tracks, all 'beautiful' in their own way. To put a cut from the Supremes on the same album as one from Weezer is just plain brilliant! Simply put, Universal Japan release classy compilations. If you're a V.A. afficianado as I am, this release is essential.
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RevelationJOURNEYAmazing Journey
Incredible new album from long time melodic rock gods Journey. The aquisition of new singer Pineda via YouTube is a fabulous story, resulting in a renewed vigor from the rest of the band. Much better album than Generations, and probably their most polished since Raised On Radio. The Japanese version in first press incarnation is great. Slip case (not box as such), 2DW CD case to house the expanded booklet and goodies, and of course the OBI. However, and this a big however, I have this version and the Walmart exclusive US digipack 2CD/1DVD. In this case, and it doesn't happen often, the US release is superior, as the DVD features the band live in Vegas with Pineda, and is incredible to behold. If you can get the first press Japanese edition, you'll have an appreciating asset, otherwise I recommemnd the US Walmart exclusive over the standard Jap release. Essential.
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[Theatrical Feature] Rebuild of Evangelion: 1.0 You are (not) Alone Original SoundtrackAnimation SoundtrackGreat soundtrack
First press has sold out (came in a nice solid white slipcase). Release now comes in standard jewel case with a black cover. This is the edition to get as it has extra tracks. Reccommended.
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Ultimate Box [w/ DVD, Limited Release]Celine DionBeautiful collection
Box construction is of thick card stock outer slip case with duo-fold internal case, also of thick card and containing the 5 discs in concertina effect. Photo and discography booklet included reflecting the package art, and also a lyric booklet in standard white A5 size. Beautifully constructed and in all a site to behold. My wife loves this boxset, and the DVD's are all superb in a different way. An up to date slice of Celine's history encaspulated in one glorious set. A must have for fans, and for casual followers wanting the best of this amazing Diva in one set.
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Pirates Of The Caribbean At World's End Collector's Set [Limited Edition]MovieNIce entry in the Pirates saga.
The movie itself can not compare to the oriignal. That said this box makes for an interesting release, as there is nothing comparable in the other two entries in the trilogy. I have to disagree with the previous reviewer in that the construction of the box is a little flimsy, made of reasonably thin card stock. The box opens to reveal a slip out tray of even thinner card that contains both the DVD and the rather useless trincket. The jewel in the crown for this however, is the superb art book that covers all of the trilogy. There is little in the way of text, but the concept art more than makes up for this. Recommended for completist fans only.
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Alfa Sound 1 - compiled and mixed by Toshio Matsuura Featuring 8C competizioneV.A.Unbelievable compilation.
This set mixed by legendary ex U.F.O. member Matsuura is nothing short of stunning. Absolutely perfect in every way. It even features the sound of the Alfa 8C revving or driving mixed into the intros of some of the tracks. I cannot praise this album highly enough, and I have been a listener of the lounge/ chillout scene since the early 90's. This goes straight into my Top 10 compilations of all time . Well done Toshio! One thing, the disc is described on the packaging and the CD itself as an enhanced CD. I have tried the disc on numerous computers and there is NO enhanced content. Maybe only Japanese computers can open this? I have e-mailed the label to see if this a problem with the initial pressing.
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Ex Machina -Appleseed Saga- (English Subtitles) Premium EditionAnimationEnglish 5.1 and Dolby surround provided.
Typically gorgeous boxset from Japan. The first Applessed feature and it's Japanese release did not cater for an english speaking audience, not even providing subtitles. However this time around there has been considerable effort put into making this appealing to english speaking fans. Disc 3 features the U.S. theatrical release in both English 5.1 and dolby surround. Disc 1 has the outstanding Japanese language track with english subtitles provided. The fourth disc I guess you could use to prop up the legs on your table, as it features the film in the now defunct HD-DVD format. Be aware this attracts ridiculous shipping costs. I paid $US50 over and above the purchase price for EMS to New Zealand, a little excessive in my view.
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La Collection "merveilles" - L'edition Limitee [CD+DVD] [Limited Release]MALICE MIZERNice box, how about the music?
As everyone else before me has stated, the quality of the box is superb, but what about the music? Is this the best J-Rock release ever? I wouldn't have clue, as I am not a bonafide J-Pop afficianado. One could decribe the music as theatrical, and even pompous. The band throw everything into the mix; strings, music-box, rock, synth-pop and even classical. It may sound like the band lack a cohesive direction, but being engaged in the visual arena, it's only logical the music borders on the cusp of show tunes. That said, the listener will be rewarded by what I humbly consider to be one of the greatest rock albums...period. 'Merveilles' really is one of those magical moments when the heavens open, the sun shines brighter, and all seems right with the world. The songs are melodic, angst ridden and on accasion, beautiful. The accompanying DVD's offer some insight into the group, playing at their peak. I like to listen to quality music no matter what the genre. Rest assured, all the reviewers here have it right.
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Sing! - RCA Female Vocal SelectionV.A.Swing with a female twist.
For lovers of 50's era swing in the vain of Sinatra and Martin, but performed by beautiful women. There are many cuts you've probably heard before, recorded and made popular by the likes of Sinatra et al. A stirling compilation from BMG Japan, and endorsed by Japan's Swing Journal to boot.
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Buono! ItalianV.A.Classic Italian pop!
Classic Italian pop hits mainly from the 60's, many tracks in mono (but still sound great), and collecting some tracks that have become Italian standards. Perfect, authentic, inspired! Great with a Chianti while preparing your favorite pasta.
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Bossa DeliciousV.A.Bossa to sooth the soul.
Relaxing Bossa compilation from Toshiba EMI Japan. Some original material and some cover versions of popular Bossa standards make for an interesting release. Not quite on par with Voce E Bossa on the Universal label, but essential nonetheless. Nice cover art and packaged beautifully, as only the Japanese can. Beautiful summer music.
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Day Break-Radio Hits 60'sV.A.Great Collection
Another fantastic compilation from Universal Japan. The sound reproduction is superb considering the source material, and the track selection outstanding. I have fond memories of a lot of these tracks from when I was growing up as a child in the 70's. Life seemed so simple then, and to have anything remind oneself of the innocent times is a rarity in these turbulent times. Recommended.
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Ultra Zip Best-Zippie AnniversaryV.A.Interesting variety.
Jakob from Germany is right, this is a sterling release from Avex, collecting together a non-stop mix on CD1 and ZIP FM Radio(Japan) fan favorites on CD2. There is all sorts going on here, house, trance, pop and even rock crossover (but all in a dance vain). As pointed out by Jakob, the Sean & Kim track is stellar, but the standout cut for me is the hyper-paced and extremely melodic "Billy Jive (with Billy's Wife)" by E-rotic. You've gotta love these compilations, and you can only get them from Japan. Highly recommended.