Review by NekoGirl
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Alpha [Regular Edition]alice nine.Fantastic album!
This was a truly fantastic album from start to finish. It's the first Alice Nine album I've ever owned or listened to and I have to say that I'm seriously impressed! Songs like Blue Planet, Cosmic World, White Prayer, and Eraser are just amazing. The packaging is also kinda cool. My only dissapointment is that Tsubasa isn't on here...To bad, it's one of their strongest songs. But don't let that discourage you! If your a fan of J-rock then don't be afraid to pick this one up.
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Vandalize [Regular Edition]alice nine.Their best to date!
When Alice Nine first released Alpha I thought for sure that it would be their best album for all time. But then they released Vandalize. This style still continues on with the ones used in Alpha( As compared to the ones in some of their earlier works) but perfects it and then adds originality to it so that the album can stand on it's own. Best songs hands down would be The Beautiful Name, Crossgame, Rainbows, and Mirror Ball. The packaging is also really cool! The only disapointment was that once again, this album does not contain Tsubasa, which is one of their best songs. Despite that it's well worth buying. Easily one of the best rock albums I've heard in a while right up there with other bands like Girugamesh. Any J-rock lover will like this.
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Sunrise / Sunset -Love is All- [Jacket B]Ayumi HamasakiA solid single
I had heard some things poeple were saying about this single and wanted to write in to disagree. So maybe it's not the best single she has ever made but it's certainly not the worst. Fans of J-pop are bound to love Sunrise-Love Is all, which is a peppy summer pop song that will have you humming along with it. Sunset-love Is All is a glittery ballad that shows alot of originality and I hope it makes an appearance on Ayu's next album. The cover photo is not the greatest, mainly cause Ayu looks kinda sad in it, but has a nice concept to it at least. The music videos( Although they aren't offered up with this version) are just as nice and it's hard for me to say which one is better as they both have a great quality to them. so If you feel like spending the extra money to see and own them feel free as you won't regret that either. All in all this single shows alot of spirit and fans will appreciate it alot more than non-Ayu fans or newbies will. It's something to own as a collector's item since it can be asumed that only one version of this song will show up on the next album.
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Noble [w/ DVD, Limited Release]VersaillesA solid debut from a unique band
This was one of those albums where it was destined to make a splash and create some waves for itself. I can't say I enjoyed ALL of the songs 100%, but I CAN say that Noble is a great effort for a debut album from a band trying to do something a bit different with the Visual Kei sound without taking too much from other bands that came before them. I can also say that all of those songs were at least of GOOD quality, though some of them could use just a little bit of improvment( which is the reason I only rated it a 4). The songs I enjoyed the most would have to be Windress, After Cloudia, Zombie and Aristocrat's Symphony. The booklet was nice and showed off Versailles's unique image and the DVD was a nice little bonus. I can definately say that I will continue to keep my eye on this band and anticapate any of their future releases as I'm sure they will grow even stronger the longer they are around. Fans of Visual Kei will be bound to like, if not love, this album.
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NOW [Regular Edition]girugameshA Great Album!
This is easily one of the best rock albums I have had the pleasure of listening to in a long time. Girugamesh blends several diferent sounds together here. From the slight techno influence, to the hard rock sound complete with screaming, to a more melodic rock sound, to even rap or a Nu Metal sound. The lyrics carry some agression in them but balance that off with a steady sincerety and even slight sensitivity to them. The result is a fantastic rock album with a diverse and original sound to it that any fan of rock music would be happy to listen to. Best songs on here hands down would have to be "bit crash", "I think I can Fly", "Nobody", "Dirty Story", and "Arrow". The packaging is great. The little boy model ( Tipper Ryu) is adorable and expressed the bands optimism and enthusiasm for rock music perfectly. There are some great pics of the band themselves inside and even pics of what machine parts/instruments the band uses. There is also several pages worth of Liner Notes and an Interview with the band( written in kanji) at the very back. If your a lover of J-Rock, or just like rock music then pick this album up! You won't regret it!
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You were... / Ballad [CD (Type C) / Jacket C]Ayumi HamasakiHer fisrt solid ballad since Heaven
Right from the get go this single snags your attention. Ayu's vocals are fantastic on all three songs and it's a serious improvment to her last single Sunrise/Sunset-Love Is All. You were...is classic Ayu at her best. It's completely original and her spotless vocals are enhanced on the Music Box Re-Mix which is simple yet lovely. Ballad was a charming surprise. It's got a classical Japanese feel to it but happens to be her best ballad since Heaven. It has been a long time since Ayumi has released a ballad of this quality. Red Line~for TA is another nice surprise and I have a hard time picking which of the three songs is my favorite. Red Line~for TA has a sweet upbeat sound to it that reminds me of the song Next Level from her last album. And it's always a bonus that the packaging happens to be one of the most beautiful ever released on an Ayu single. If you were turned off by her last single then don't be afraid to pick this cd up. It's one of a kind.
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This Is The OneUtadaThe Album You've Been Waiting For
If you were dissipointed by Exodus don't hesitate to pick this album up. It's 100% better. First off, the Japanese version( advertised here) is slightly different than the American overseas version. Instead of the Simple And Clean, Passion( Opening&Ending) songs you get remixes for Come Back to Me which are pretty cool. Also the other tracks come in slightly different order on the American version. I'd say this is the better buy, although it's more expensive. You get the small bonus lyrics booklet with this and I don't much care for the Kingdome Hearts songs sung in english anyways since their Japanese versions are so much better. A few things about this album: First off don't expect to hear the usuall stuff Utada sings. The lyrics are a little bolder and show off a different side of her. The music plays it a little on the safe side too. No creative synth pop here. However it's still a good album worth the wait and fun to listen to. It's for long term Utada fans I think.
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Sailing free [CD+DVD]OLIVIAA Nice Single
My Pre-review comment says almost all but not quite. I wrote in a second time to rate it a 5 and also to say that the B-sides in here are fantastic, especially Love Love Love, a song that seems to be dedicated too her fans and is very soothing to listen to. Undress is a very personal song about sadness and insecurity with a deceptively peppy sound to it. If your a fan of Livey please pick this one up.
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Next Level [Jacket C]Ayumi HamasakiGreat new material
Despite there being some mixed reviws on this item I thought it was a great work by Ayu. She's gone back to her old techno-pop styles, but still keeps a heavy rock influence. It works as a great follow up to Guilty even though it isn't as heavy. Songs on here that I enjoyed the most would be Love n Hate, Identity, Rule, Sparkle, Green and Days. Songs like the title track Next Level, and the songs Curtain Call, EnergizE and rollin at first may seem nothing compared to the rest of the track listing but they are all great songs and grow on you the more you hear them. all the instrumentals are creative and fun to listen to and the inrtoduction, Bridge To The Sky is beautiful. The only thing I disliked is that for some reason Ayu has become much too thin, it's somewhat hidden in the booklet but obvious in the music videos. either she is sick or...But the actual album is 100 percent fantastic and will please any Ayu fan.
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Next Level [Jacket C]Ayumi HamasakiAyu 4 Ever!
After hearing all the singles for this new album I had to make sure to pre order it. Songs like Sparkle, Curtain Call and the title track Next Level are fantastic. Plus the new cover design and awesome song titles have me psyched! I would be very happy to see her returning to some of the electronica /dancetrack styles she's well known for. But no matter what she does I have no doubts in my mind that this album will be terrific.
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Sailing free [CD+DVD]OLIVIANice new material
If you were wondering about this single, it's a nice pop/rock song with music that's half Stars Shinning Out half Smashing Pumpkins and lyrics that follow up to her single Rain. I highly recomend the with DVD version. For 1 because I don't know if the other version on the DVD-less single is the same as the one in the PV, and 2 because the Pv is gorgeous. Features Livey looking cute on a paper cut out ship fighting her way through paper storms and turning dangerous paper octopus tentacles into paper rainbows on her way. Very Smashing Pumpkins like. I know cause I've seen it online already. If your like me and your desperate for new material then definately pick this one up ^-^
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Shinshoku Dolce [Regular Edition]Kanon WakeshimaGret album
Debut album from Kanon wakeshima won't disapoint. You can tell that it's her first work, there is some expiramenting that goes on, but it's creative and enthusiastic. The music is just simply beautiful and I have loved the style since her first two singles Still Doll and Suna No Oshiro came out. The album version for Still Doll is nice. It adds just a little bit extra by including the second verse as a refrain at the very beginning of the song before going into the version you've already heard. Also, sweet Ticket ( Track 1) is just an introduction with no vocals at all but nice to listen to anyways. My favorites on here would have to be tracks 6, 7 and 8. The booklet is beautiful with many pictures of lovely Kanon-san and the Vampire Knight sticker that came with the first press is nice too. It's a good buy, I'd recomend it to anybody.
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Nudy Show!Anna TsuchiyaNudy show
I gave this album a 4 because there is no such thing as a three and a half. If the cover image reminded you of David Bowie then you were spot on. It's that kind of retro rock. Not a bad thing at all just not what you would expect for a follow up to Strip Me. First off I wanna say that all the singles on here are worth listening to. Lucy, Crazy world, Bubble Trip, Virgin Cat and U are all great fun to listen to. The album version for Cocoon is beautiful, as is the deep sadness version for kuroi Namida. But there were just too many filler songs. Sweet Sweet Song definately needed to be in here and the fact that it wasn't was a direct blow to the album since serenade is NOT a love ballad and I didn't find Shape Of Your Love to be that good. I didn't like Ride On or Blood On Blood at all though Cockroach was an interesting song. Masquerade and Style are follow ups to Bubble Trip and are good Techno Pop/Rock, but not nearly good enough. Buy it if you are a hardcore fan, if not, stick to Strip Me.
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Trinka Trinka [Regular Edition]OLIVIATrinka Trinka
This was an okay Mini album from Olivia. It doesn't even come close to living up to the standards of The Cloudy Dreamer in any way, but what I enjoyed about Trinka Trinka was how happy it is. No more songs of insecurity and lonely nights. Trinka Trinka features the theme of finding the light at the end of the tunnel and being satisfied with ones self. Yes, the songs So Excited and Real Love are on here. They have just been renamed. The songs that stood out the most to me were Miss You, a gorgeous love ballad which really deserved it's own PV, and Collecting Sparkles, a heartfelt techno pop song. Long term fans will enjoy this because there is more of Olivia's personality in this and fans of The Cloudy Dreamer will enjoy this because the styles are closer to songs like Dream Catcher and Cloudy world. The art/photo book that came with the first press was quite nice too. Trinka trinka is a good listen through and through. I highly recomend it.
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Kimono Orb Hair Clip (partly made of antique kimono cloth) RedAmusementCute fashion accessory
This is the kind of fashion accessory that every girl likes to have in her jewerly box. The beads are just beautiful. The clip is nice and doesn't pich your scalp or pull your hair. it looks great if you put it on your ponytail or in your bun. It might seem a little expensive for just a hair clip at first but trust me when you get it you'll be happy you did. Plus it's a collectible.
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A Song for XXAyumi HamasakiBest Of The Old Part Two
Aside from Her album Duty, this is the best album from the beginning of Ayu's career. In my opinion it's better than Loveppears and shows off a sadder, more sentimental side of Ayu that can't be found in any other album. The songs are beautifully written and very personal. My favorites would have to be For My Dear, Depend On You, Powder Snow, Friend, Poker Face and of course the title track A Song For. But there isn't a single song on here that I can't listen to over and over again. It's one of those albums where I've never even had to acknowladge the skip button's existance. If your a fan of Ayumi Hamasaki, old or new, then don't waste any time picking up this album.
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LOVEppearsAyumi HamasakiQueen Of Eurobeat
This was a pretty good album from Ayu, although honostly I wasn't expecting anything less than that. Despite the fact that I don't think Loveppears totally lives up to it's reputation of being a "better" album than A Song For, it DOES stand on it's own as one of those Ayu items that isn't like anything else she's done. I only wish there had been more upbeat songs like Whatever on here instead of all those " Happy Eurobeat" songs like Trauma, Fly High and Boys&Girls. The song Kanariya wasn't even on here and that's one of my favorite songs by her. The ballads though are amazing especially the songs Appears which is the only song that continues the music styles from A Song For, and End Roll. The second disc was a nice little gift. Once you get past the two Mega Mixes, which were nothing compared to the one on her Ayu-Ro-Mix 3 Remix Album, the alternate versions for A Song For, Powder Snow and Friend II were really great. So Loveppears is not a bad second album at all. Buy it if you have all her others first.
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ayumi hamasaki RMX WORKS from ayu-mi-x 5 non stop mega mixAyumi HamasakiBest Of Techno
I bought this album along with the Ayu-Ro-Mix 3 album purely out of curiosity and because the music smaples had sounded pretty good. I was immediately sucked into the world of Ayumi Hamasaki Remixes by the first track and was able to listen to it easily from start to finish without having to press the skip button once. As far as Techno goes this album is quite impressive. All of the remixes are really high quality and fun to listen to. Ones that stick out would be Free&Easy"Huge Heavenly Mix", Track nine the second Hanabi mix, Close To You "NEWDEAL Mix", Dolls "Dub's Wax Figure Mix", and Voyage "83s Keys Eternal Mix". But there isn't a single track on here not worth listening to. If your a fan of Ayumi's remixes and/or the Techno genre then pick this album up.
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ayumi hamasaki RMX WORKS from SUPER EUROBEAT presents ayu-ro mix 3Ayumi HamasakiAyu Ready?
I bough this album along with the Ayu-Mi-X-5 non stop mega mix Album out of curiosity and becuase the music samples sounded good. Again I was just sucked into the whole thing. the first track Independant "Europop Mix" is really catchy and sets the vibe perfectly. Other mixes that are great are Dearest "Sentimental Euro Mix", which I actaully like a little better than the original mix, and Heartplace "Dreamland Mix", Naturally "Human Mix", Real Me "A Eurobeat Mix" and Voyage "Sweet Mix".This album has much more of a eurobeat appeal to it as compared to the Techno and Trance Ayu's done before on some of her other Remix albums so this might be an aquired taste. But I think it's pretty good and worth buying.
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all of me [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Yoko IshidaAnime Second Best
I bought this album ages ago but was surprised to find that nobody had written a review on it. Once again Yoko Ishida surprises me with her ability to make sweet and easy to listen to music. Although I thought this album wasn't as good as her first, there were more than enough classic songs on here to satisfy, like Door Of Truth, Open Your Mind, and Power Of Love. There were a few songs on here that were actually composed by voice artist/singer/songwritter Masami Okui so the album had a more gown up appeal to it and sounded somewhat busier than the very laid back first album. But, sadly enough I still like the first album Sweets better, so I only rated this one a 4 because of the DVD. The DVD content had the PV for Open Your Mind, which compared to her PV for Eternal Flower was only okay. But the real treasure was the behind the scenes making of footage which was incredibly fun to watch, mainly because Yoko herself has a charismatic personality. So this was a good buy for a hardcore anime and Oh My Goddess fan. Since this version is out of print, if you decide to buy the DVD-less regular version, do so ONLY after buying Sweets and if your a Yoko fan.