Review by Christina
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ayumi hamasaki -Power of Music- 2011 A Limited Edition [Blu-ray]Ayumi HamasakiSPECTACULAR!!
Ayu combines everything using her regular band and dancers while adding a live present symphony orchestra for an incredible show filled with numerous types of music, many of her classics performed with an added classical twist. She also includes several other things such as gorgeous outfits and interpretive dance creating an emotional yet overly enjoyable atmosphere filled with so many feelings you just can't find in mainstream music these days. The bluray is more than worth both your time and money. I highly recommend it as a real treat for both your eyes and ears.
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True Lovers Tour 2013Miliyah KatoTrue Love For Miliyah
I've only known and been listening to Miliyah for less than a year now, and I feel sad to have not found my way on board with both her voice and her music ages ago. She has a truly stupendous voice, vocals that leave many others, even some of my favorites dragging in the dust. This was one of the first things that caught my attention and awe from both listening to & watching her. The entire show is filmed in a large stadium (which one, I'm not sure) with a very large stage designed in an Ancient Rome ruins setting. The opening movie itself features a unicorn galloping across a sandy beach and shots of Miliyah standing among a desert in a white drags-dress pulling on chains. She has many costume changes, some wonderful choreographed dancing and is wonderful with connecting with the audience both vocally and visually. Even her dancers and band showed off some very excellent skills and fun bits when the time came for their introductions. I enjoyed every moment of the show, well every one except a small part. I know and can tell by the audience's reaction that SHUN & Shota Shimizu must be very popular in Japan, but I personally didn't care for them on "Konya ha Boogie Back". I liked the performance of Shota with Miliyah on Love Story much more, but he's still not really someone I'd listen to or watch on a regular basis. The bonus movie of the behind-the-scenes shows off some very wonderful scenes which brought tears to my eyes. Her devotion and love towards her fellow staff members and her fans is just remarkable and beautiful. She never holds back any and all of her feelings towards all of them. I won't spoil it of course, but both the show and the bonus film are something I highly recommend needs to be seen by anyone who loves great music from a person with a lot of talent and a lot of heart.
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Get Back On StageSEAMOAWESOME DEBUT
Six years ago in 2008 I first bought BoA's The Face album, where I first heard this artist SEAMO on the bonus track "Hey Boy Hey Girl SEAMO Feat. BoA". I've always loved the track and never thought anything more of it. However, just the other day I FINALLY decided I wanted to check into SEAMO's own solo work, and I've never been more impressed. His albums are even more enjoyable than m-flo who is another great HipHop/Rap artist from Japan. This album is just SEAMO's debut, but it is just packed with SO MANY AWESOME tracks to jam to. I can't recommend it enough. This should be in EVERY fan of Japanese music's collection.
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We Don't Stop [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kana NishinoFantastic Starter
I'll be honest, I have a hard time these days finding new singers I TRULY like and would continue to follow for a long time. I'm always looking for the ones that truly stand out from the rest, and lately I just haven't been finding all that many. This was my introduction to Kana Nishino after ignoring people for ages that kept badgering me to listen to her. Well I'm glad I FINALLY did. She has a great voice and both the song We Don't Stop and music video are wonderful. She truly does have those things I've been desperately searching for. She's made me into a fan, and I can't wait to have my copy of this single arrive at my doorstep. I highly recommend giving her music and this single a try. ^_^
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Tsuki [CD+DVD]Namie AmuroFANTASTIC SINGLE
Great single. When I first heard Ballerina & Neonlight Lipstick they were only previews in very LQ and I wasn't impressed, but now that I've heard the FULL single in proper HQ I'm really enjoying it all the way through. TSUKI is a beautiful ballad with a gorgeous PV while Neonlight Lipstick is SOOOO INFECTIOUS, especially when paired with the AWESOME PV. Ballerina IMO, is the weakest track on the single, but I still really like it a lot. The PV is neat, but I think it leaves a tad to be desired over-all. It's her best work in awhile, and I'm extremely pleased with the entire single... well minus the covers. The back cover is quite nice, but the front covers of both CD Only & CD+DVD editions, she looks like she shot 'em immediately after getting out of bed without so much as a morning coffee. It's just the tired-bored look that continues to bother me no matter how many times I look at 'em. This is also why I turned down getting the poster with the single. So all-in-all, a perfect brand new single. Can't wait for a new album from Amuro-chan.
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Pretty Guardian (Bishojo Senshi) Sailor Moon The 20th Anniversary Memorial TributeV.A.TERRIBLE
I saw a preview trailer featuring snippets of every track on this album, and the only half decent one is Tommy February^6 performing La Soldier. The others are just beyond TERRIBLE!! I've heard better singing out of 4-year olds in a Karaoke Bar. This album is an insult to the series and dedicated long-time Moonies like myself. The people they chose to do this need to seriously consider getting new careers, and I'm still trying to figure out how they ever passed a singing audition to begin with. Seriously, DO NOT waste your money on this.
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Pretty Guardian (Bishojo Senshi) Sailor Moon [Complete Edition] 1Naoko TakeuchiGORGEOUS!!
These new re-releases put the previous ones to shame. The new art is GORGEOUS to say the least. Plus the cover actually shimmers and shines in the light, which is just lovely. Also, these are being compacted once again down to 10 Volumes instead of 12, so you get even more of the story in each book. I'm still working on polishing my Japanese, so I still have a bit of trouble reading them, but they're a pure joy to own. I can't recommend these enough out to ALL MOONIES. Get these whether you're Japanese fluent or even just only know an occasional few words. They make a collectible item one way or the other. <3
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Koda Kumi Live Tour 2013 -Japonesque-Kumi KodaJaponesque 2013
Before I start on the concert itself, I'd like to say that from the moment I received it, I was really impressed. The packaging is FAR MORE GORGEOUS than any photos you will see of it online. The quality is also fantastic. Even the slip cover is a pure joy worth owning. Speaking of HQ, DON'T settle for the DVD version. With the Bluray, the FULL concert is only 1 Bluray while the DVD it's spread out over 2 disks. Also, the audio & video quality is SO MUCH MORE gorgeously crisp and clear. You can actually see the clear details of her name and logo on the chopsticks in her hair during the first couple performances. Onto the show itself, Kuu brings her usual sexy, tough, charming and sweet sides to the stage with some great vocals and dances. However, this time I feel this tour lacks something. It doesn't have those entertaining unique interlude movies, some costumes don't fit the performance & while some people may not miss it, the show also lacks her usual sugary pop cutesy sections that are normally in EVERY concert. Has her step into motherhood made her want to come out and be more mature? Another big surprise is (while I'm convinced they cut it) the show lacks much of her multiple usual endless talking sessions except one rather emotional one just after LaLaLaLaLa. The enormously long track list may appear exciting, but it leaves the show feeling rushed much of the time. She tries to pack 2 albums & a couple recent singles all into a regular concert, which unfortunately doesn't really work out the greatest. Despite the flaws though she still keeps the show fun, catchy & energetic. Plus, it still does have a few memorable moments like her playing the drums during No Man's Land & moving beams of light with her hands during Be My Baby just to name a couple. Also the opening reminds me of what she might have done for the opening to her Second Session 06-07 concert if she had of been just as popular during that time. Another quick mention is the performance of All For You really got to me. It was very simplistic & despite my Japanese skills still need work, I could really feel Kuu's feelings she was trying to express towards all her fans. Over all, a very nice addition to any fan's collection. It seems she just had a bit of a rough 2013 after returning to music, but 2014's a new year. Next comes her new album Bon Voyage which I'm super excited for, as always. <3
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Eternity - Love & Songs -Kumi KodaBeautiful Cover Album
Sadly, I can honestly say I didn't know most of the originals of these songs, or even admit to have heard of the original artists who did them to begin with, well except for Kuu's sister Misono. I also admit that I'm not usually a big fan of Cover Albums, but this one is honestly fantastic. I gave all the originals a listen and they were never bad by any means, but Koda Kumi has truly brought new life to every song on this album and gave many her own unique flavor too. With this she also proves her capabilities at tackling and performing a wide range of different genres and eras of music. The packaging for this album is also rather simple, but every image and design throughout it from the disk, case and even booklet are lovely & elegant. I highly recommend this CD to be added to everyone who has a wonderful appreciation of great music's collection.
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Vivid [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Crystal KayPerfection
I've had this album for about a year now. I actually bought it several months after it released as my first album by CK. I had ignored her for AGES. THAT WAS A MISTAKE! CK is a fabulous singer in both Japanese & English. Every song on this album is just fantastic. I think my favorites though are What We Do, Take It Outside, Superman & Haru Arashi. Also, her MVs aren't overly elaborate like many of Ayumi Hamasaki's or Kumi Koda's, but they're just wonderful all the same. Plus the Making Of Footage was a real joy to watch as well. And check out her other albums too. A couple other albums of hers to become my favorites are All Yours, Color Change & Crystal Style. Highly Recommended!!
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EvaiolinNAOrchestraGORGEOUS
I'm not the biggest Eva fan in the world, but it is on my list of some of my most favorite series (combining both anime & everything else) that I've ever seen, and one of the things to catch my attention with the series is its music. I've always loved Classical & Orchestra music with a devout passion, and this album delivers perfectly. The compositions are wonderful and the tracks are just as wonderfully played. Even a few of my family members and friends who aren't into anime LOVE this soundtrack as much as I do. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to EVERYONE who enjoys the violin, Eva fans or not.
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ARTPOP Deluxe Edition (Title subject to change) [w/ DVD, Limited Low-priced Edition]Lady GagaMother Monster Is Back
This is yet another great album from Mother Monster even though it's very different from her past few. For starters, I'm SO glad she ditched the all B&W covers for something in color. It's very vibrant and gorgeous. Even the inside packaging is awesome. I love every photo in the booklet. My favorite tracks are Venus, G.U.Y, Sexxx Dreams, ARTPOP, Applause and then Dope & Gypsy really move me, often enough to the point of wanting to cry. My least favorite song is Jewels N' Drugs, but it's still not bad enough to the point of being skip-able. The bonus remix tracks are okay, but not overly fantastic in my personal opinion. Then the DVD is a real treat. When I tried to watch the concert stream online before it kept freezing up and the quality wasn't consistent which made it difficult to watch properly. I loved watching it on here, and its definitely worth the money to have it to watch over and over again. The interview was fantastic as well. Just FYI though, the questions are all just displayed on the screen in Japanese text, so if you can't read Japanese, you may have trouble understanding what LG's responding to. I had to ask a friend of mine in Osaka to translate those for me. Over all a highly recommended album!!
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Love BalladMay J.Sorry Girl....
As the title suggests this is a mini album of nothing but ballads. Every track is a slow love song. While I love many ballads, these are pretty but they're nothing overly special. I'm quite fond of the majority of May J's discography but this one falls flat. She has the same gorgeous voice here, but the songs themselves feel so typical of Asian ballads in general. Nothing seems original or stands out enough that even a month from now I'd remember it. I'm disappointed altogether to say the least.
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Lady Ga Ga [Calendar 2014 (Import)]Lady Ga GaPerfect Calendar
I bought this over a month ago actually and its a gorgeous calendar. I like it even more than the other one that's listed to be able to purchase. The calendar is 42x29.5cm big and made of very high quality thick paper. The pages are held together by one of those looping metal ring design things at the top with a clip hook for hanging it nicely. Also makes it very easy for flipping the pages from one to the next when it's time to change over to the next month. Every photo inside features a great image of Lady Gaga at her best. Quite often when I buy calendars of any type there's usually one picture that I'm not overly fond of. This DID NOT happen with this calendar. I love every last image through and through. Very highly recommended to every Little Monster out there.
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Wild Life [Blu-ray]Hikaru UtadaFANTASTIC!
If you're looking for HUGE elaborate stages with countless dances, fireworks, numerous costume changes and other such things look elsewhere. Hikki keeps her concerts simple, but fun. There's only maybe 2 costume changes throughout the entire show and there are some light effects used on her, but the real major attraction is her incredible voice and talent for music itself. Her vocals are INCREDIBLE from start to finish. She never shows that she's tired and does well with the audience, and trust me, you WILL NOT get bored with the show in the slightest. Also, while much of the speaking MC parts are in Japanese, two of her band members don't speak Japanese. One is from Canada and the other's from the US. During some of these parts you will get to hear them and Hikki speaking English which is a nice treat for anyone who isn't all that Japanese fluent. The bonus back stage stuff is also very fun to watch. It's great to see just how well her and all her staff worked so hard on preparing this concert. Plus Hikki herself is just so fun and funny to watch. She's such a geek sometimes that I got a good laugh out of it. LOL Also just to mention, but the Bluray quality is fantastic. You can hear and see everything so crisp and clear that it blows away the capabilities of DVD altogether. It's a great purchase. If you like Hikaru Utada, give this a shot. You won't be disappointed.
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Mononoke Hime SoundtrackJoe HisaishiBreathtaking
Mononoke Hime (aka Princess Mononoke) is a classic masterpiece. However so is its music. This soundtrack includes EVERY music masterpiece for your ears. It flows perfectly from start to finish. You can hear so many emotions all conveyed through the movie's themes. The booklet included only has a few pages written entirely in Japanese, but it has some great shots from the film and some images from the people working on the film's music that are wonderful to enjoy. I've owned this soundtrack for several years now, and honestly, if you haven't already picked up a copy I strongly encourage you to do so now. It's not something you want to miss out on.
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Feel [CD+Blu-ray]Namie AmuroYes And No
Namie goes very American with this album and uses more English then ever before. Personally, I feel it both does and doesn't work for her with this CD. It's not terrible by any means, but it's definitely not her best either. 1) This track feels like it's trying to build up to something but can't quite reach its peak. I'm disappoint with it tbh. Even the PV lacks. 2.5/5 2) Very upbeat fun song. 4/5 3) Very cute. Mostly in English with a tiny sprinkle of Japanese. Sadly, not sure why but when they say "let's start this day in a big way" it reminds me of another song which I can't quite put my finger on. 3.5/5 4)I've had a love-hate relationship with BBC since day 1. Just feels too unusual for my personal taste. The PV has a very Xmas theme to it, which is cute but feels out of place. 3.2/5 5)One of my favorites on the CD. It's sexy and incredibly fun for summer. Great dance track. The PV is awesome and TLC even makes a cameo which is great. 5/5 6)I get such a retro dance club feel from this song, which isn't a bad thing in the slightest. It's a lot of fun from start to finish. 5/5 7)Interesting track that I like. Just it reminds me of something, but don't know what. 4.2/5 8)Like it, but I'm not totally nuts over it. 3.5/5 9)It sort of reminds me of B.Spears meets KPOP meets US 90s song Kiss Of A Rose for some odd reason, but I kinda like it. 3.2/5 10)The first ballad on the album. Her English pronunciation is pretty good through this song. I get a real retro feeling from this as well, which I love. It's very sweet sounding. Also, I loved the piano touch put into the PV. Beautifully done. 5/5 11)Another favorite of mine. Sorta mid tempo upbeat fun song. Not sure how to describe it, but very lovely. The PV's gorgeous too. 5/5 12)A lovely finale to the album. I also felt it truly deserved a PV as well. 4.8/5 The digipak is very nice and well designed. Only tiny complaint is that they put the tracklist on a sticker on the OUTSIDE of the plastic wrap. The quality of the BR is fantastic and makes owning it over the DVD edition SO worth it. Plus if you click on Namie's nail on the menu it brings up a hidden Making-Of Video, which is SO much fun to watch.
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A ClassicalAyumi HamasakiPretty Good
This is Ayu's second attempt at mixing up her songs as Classical Music, and to be perfectly honest, I feel her previous one "My Story Classical" was better. However, that doesn't make this one awful by any means. I ADORE Classical music, which is my first attraction to her Classical albums. They're very enjoyable. I think my favorite tracks on here are SEASONS, Dearest & Blue Bird. One that I was surprised with a bit though is I wasn't expecting to like the Classical version of "You & Me", but it was actually pretty decent. Just I must admit it was the weakest track on the CD. The only biggest 2 complaints from me is that at only 10 tracks and none of the songs are extended leaving the album to fall a bit short. The other small thing is while I enjoy Ayu very much, her voice doesn't perfectly suit this genre the absolute best. On "MS Classical" the Classical Version of "a song is born" was instrumental and sounded absolutely gorgeous. I would've honestly preferred if ALL the Classical Versions had no vocals in them, but even with Ayu's voice present it's still not terrible.
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Aikotoba [Regular Edition]Mika NakashimaBeautiful & Classy
I rarely ever buy singles, but this one felt SO worth it. Ai Kotoba is a beautiful very special ballad to me. It feels unique to me from some of the recent ballads she's been doing. Plus I'm a sucker for piano and she uses it beautifully in this song. The 2nd track Missing You is also just as lovely, but sadly no piano for me to enjoy this time. Still the song holds its own charms and stands on its own to be just as good as its predecessor. The acoustic version of Hatsukoi is pure heaven. The entire tracklist for this single is just perfect relaxing enjoyment for the ears. Not recommended for those who prefer only fast paced hyper fun dancing music. Another thing I wanted to bring up about this single is the cover concept. Her outfit highly reminds me of the styles and pictures from the 1940s. I used to see lovely photos of my grandmother in lovely outfits like this. It feels I'm like taking a trip back in time watching her perform on stage in some old classy 40s night club or theater just looking at the cover while playing this CD. If you're into ballads, especially some with some classy charms, give this single a try. ^_~
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Can't Buy My Love [Regular Edition]YUINothing All That Special
YUI's music is basically simply happy girl soft rock, and that's about all you'll get with this. Her voice isn't all that special or unique to my ears from the majority of most basic JPOP, and neither is her music. I tired of her voice and music very quickly. I need something that really stands out from the crowd, and this is something she fails to do on every track. I will however say she is quite good on an acoustic guitar. Maybe she should go try playing it as a career option instead...