Review by Alice
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BECK 55 CapGoodsCool Cap
Although you would have to read the manga to "get" the "55," fans of BECK might recognize this while you are walking on the street! It's a nice basic cap; this cap is very comfortable to wear, and you can also accessorize it with badge pins if you would like!
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Voyage ("Fantasic Children" intro theme)Animation (Inori)Listening to a Journey
Every time I listen to the intro theme, I think about the scenes from the show that were very heart-rending and touching. The singer's expressive voice makes you feel a sentimental longing for home, a sort of pining, but then you detect the strongness of a brave core. The cello instrumental version is also atmospheric and beautiful to listen to.
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HIT IN THE USABEAT CRUSADERSDon't be fooled by the cover
Whenever I hear the opening beats of this song, immediately the images of Beck's opening animation of Las Vegas surfaced in my mind. This year, I moved to Las Vegas, and as I drove from California to Nevada, I played this upbeat, banging song in the car and it's become my theme song when I enter the Strip. The B-Side track is not bad either; both are catchy and songs that you want to play loud!
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ONE PIECE BEST ALBUM 2 Piece. [Shipping Within Japan Only]V.A.Satisfactory Compilation
Do you like One Piece's newer opening and ending songs? If so, then this CD is for you. Although I already own several of the singles that are on this CD, it is always nice to pop in a compilation CD that has all the tracks. Also included are the first and second openings ("Believe" is one of my favorites), as well as "Bokutachi wa Family" (sung by the entire main cast). The opening for the Skypiea story arc, "Bon Voyage" is irresistibly catchy and beachy (if you watch the show, this is one of the most touching, and better choreographed/directed openings, in my opinion). One of my other favorites is the ending sung by Ruppina -- it is very soothing and hopeful-sounding. All in all, it is a satisfactory compilation if you are a completist.
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NARUTO [Shueisha 2006 Calender]CalendarColorful Calendar
This is a B3 size horizontally-aligned full-color calendar of Naruto manga art by the mangaka, Kishimoto Masashi. All of the images are very detailed and very colorful. Actually, I am impressed that when blown up to this size, the detail is still very good because originally, these images were used for covers, etc. which are smaller-sized. As with most calendars this year, every image has two months (i.e. May and June are just one image) on it, and it is on the bottom of the image so as not to detract from the artwork. My only gripe about this calendar is that most of the images are of Uzumaki Naruto, and also Uchiha Sasuke, to a lesser frequency. I would have liked to see more of the other characters from the series in this calendar, such as more females: Sakura, Ino, Kurenai, Hinata, etc. Still, a nice calendar.
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KujiraBuzyEmotionally Powerful Pop
Buzy, a girl group, sang the OP for "Futatsu no Spica," which is about a little girl in Japan who strives to be an astronaut, even after losing her mother to a horribly tragic accident involving a failed launch. It is one of the most touching anime I have seen in a long time, with a great story, and the opening theme is perfect for it -- a very catchy and emotionally powerful pop tune, though the Engrish doesn't make a lot of sense at times. But be aware, the extended version of "Venus Say" is "Kujira," but the lyrics are entirely different! There is also no karaoke (instrumental) track on the single, unfortunately, for karaoke fans. The B-side song is a cute and bouncy tune -- more mellow than "Venus Say." Truly, I do not get tired of listening to this CD.
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BLEACH [Shueisha 2006 Calender]CalendarVery nice
This calendar is filled with full-color images from the manga artist, Tite Kubo. Each image is used for two months (i.e. March and April), and the calendar is at the bottom of the B3 size image so as not to detract from the artwork. In fact, it complements it well. I believe some images have been used before in other mediums, but that's okay, it's still very easy on the eyes. Great for Bleach fans!
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Planetarium [CD+DVD]Ai OtsukaSweetness, a Summery Song
Known for her more upbeat tunes, such as the chart-topping "Sakuranbo," Ostuka Ai brings us a song that is a bittersweet summer ballad of remembrance. The harmonious inclusion of more traditional Japanese instruments with a charming melody is a perfect blend. I love the hanabi (fireworks) sound effects in this song -- it feels like you are standing in a yutake on the side of a river in Japan, watching fireworks at a matsuri. This song was used as an image song in the Japanese live action version of "Hana Yori Dango" (an image song is something played in the series, but not an intro or an outro). Listening to this song will make you remember the best moments of the j-dorama!
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Lonely in GorgeousTommy february6Catchy and Danceable Beat
The title track, "Lonely in Gorgeous," is performed by Tommy february6 a.k.a. Kawase Tomoko, who sings vocals for band, The Brilliant Green (nickname: Buri Guri). She also released an album under her other persona, Tommy heavenly6. I bought this single for the instrumental track of "Lonely in Gorgeous" so I could sing karaoke to it. The title track is a nifty little synth pop dance tune and is the best song on the CD. The other two tracks are not as catchy, but still in the 80s style, still very Engrish (it's reported that Tommy writes all of her own lyrics though -- pretty impressive!). I personally liked "Email more" better than "is this feeling love?" because it's slightly more upbeat.