Review by -
Nickname changes can be made in your account information.
-
Pafait [CD+DVD]Candy KissA Sweet "Parfait"
"Parfait" by Candy Kiss is the most original and innovative Japanese idol album of the past few years! All of the songs on the album are previously unreleased, although some have been performed live in the months perceding the release of the album. The album is set up like a Japanese radio braodcast with an opening "Interlude" that introduces the three members of the group. They talk about the next three songs you will hear: "Luna no Sasayaki", "Odotte Utatte Waratte Idaite" and "Hot Summer". The third song is partially sung in English. Another interlude follows with the girls talking about their album and YouTube channel! Then the next three songs are briefly discussed: "Chotto Dake", "Open Arms" and "First Love". "Open Arms" is an extended mix of their live version, and "First Love" is a ballad sung by Ruri Yoshizawa and Kotoko Fukushima only. A third interlude follows with the intros for the next three songs: "Bara no Maho", "Kanashimi no Burning Love" and "to Ai Shita Hito". "Bara no Maho" is a flamenco song, something Candy Kiss haven't done before. Haunting keyboard intros are used for the next two songs, both of which are among the most beautiful songs Candy Kiss have recorded. This album is simply perfect in every way. The vocals from all three girls, including the current leader Ryoka Oguchi, are achingly beutiful! Candy Kiss are, quite simply, amazing beyond words! The songs are mature pop songs sung by a group that is ever moving forward and evolving into the perfect idol group! "Parfait" will rank high among my favorite Japanese idol albums forever! The DVD included with the album is 54 minutes long and contains interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, live performances and a studio music video for "to Ai Shita Hito". The credits give thanks to former members Maya Sakurai and Kaede Shimoda. I've never seen an idol album (or idol company) that acknoledges graduated members. This is something else that makes this album different.
-
Lucky Star [CD+DVD]mlmiLucky Listeners!
"Lucky Star" by mImi is a great song by a group that has had a long history! Created by Step One Sendai, mImi have been around since at least 2010 with various lineups. The current lineup features five girls named Oomura Kana, Abe Nanami, Arai Yurika, Okamoto Yuina and Nakamura Hina. "Lucky Star" is a fun, peppy pop song with lead vocals by the three oldest members, Kana, Nanami and Yurika. The B-Side "Girls' Revolution" is another great song, this time with more of a rock sound (despite the "record scratch" at the beginning). This version of the single also comes with a four minute DVD which has the music video for the title song. Highly recommended to those who wish to support up-and-coming young idols.
-
Love RomancerCandy KissI Love This Romantic Group!
"Love Romancer" is Candy Kiss' fourth single and without a doubt one of the best songs of 2014! It has a synth pop sound like other Candy Kiss songs yet its peppy rhythm keeps you dancing or at least tapping your fingers throughout. The English used in the lyrics is memorable even if the words "Love Romancer" seem a bit odd when looking at it in print. This is a song that just won't leave my head, which is definitely a good thing. The B-Side is a new version of "Mou Ichido...", originally recorded for the "Tinker Bell ga Yattekitta" single. The new version is a solo sung by the leader of the group, Sakurai Maya. I like Maya's vocals, however I prefer the original sung by now-departed member Yamashita Honoka along with Fukushima Kotoko and Yoshizawa Ruri. There is also a remix of "Love Romancer" and the instrumental version for karaoke fans.
-
EDGE BEAT IDOL vol.1 - Anison Cover Edition -V.A.Awesome Anime Song Covers
This CD has 16 anime songs covered by two of today's best indie idol groups and some other groups that I'm less interested in. A total of eight groups sing two songs each. Caramel Ribbon sing "Cruel Angel" (track 2) and "Sparking Daydream" (track 13) and Michinoku Sendai ORI HIMETAI sing "Happy Material" (track 5) and "Haiyore! Nyaruko-san" (track 8), the four songs I purchased the CD for. At times it's hard to recognize these groups as they are singing songs that are different from their usual style. There are a few other good songs although sometimes a group has one good song and one mediocre or bad song. The worst songs here are sung by Peach sugar snow, whose whispered (almost spoken) vocals are definitely an acquired taste. Most of the songs are from 21st Century anime, although "Cruel Angel" was originally recorded in 1995. Recommended primarily for anime enthusiasts and fans of the groups.
-
SEVENTEEN 2014 May IssueShueishaAyaka The Goddess!
Miyoshi Ayaka along with Nakajo Ayami and Fujii Sachi are on the cover of the latest issue of Seventeen (Japan version)! Inside Ayaka appears on six pages with and without her friends, and smaller photos of Ayaka appear on three other pages. In addition to this, Ayaka is spotlighted on a page of the detachable section titled "Seventeen Models Perfect Guide" making that seven pages of larger sized photos and ten pages of Ayaka altogether! Definitely worth the price of the magazine if you're a major fan of Ayaka like me. Ayaka's friend from Sakura Gakuin, Muto Ayami, is spotlighted in a half page black and white article too. Also appearing in the "Perfect Guide" is Fairies member Shimomura Miki. You also get a Cecil McBee bag in a thin box attached with the magazine. I think girls use this to store personal belongings. I do know that Cecil McBee is one of Ayaka's favorite brands.
-
Shuriken Shushu / Kunoichi GIRLHmj Himekko 5Cute Ninja Idols!
Hmj Hime Musume 5 a.k.a. Himekko 5 or as they say in their videos, Himekko Hime, are a ninja-themed Japanese idol group. How many ninja-themed idol groups can you name? That's right, just one - Himekko 5! The first song "Shuriken Shu Shu" is a really cute and fast-paced pop-rocker with some awesome keyboards and percussion driving the song along at a steady beat throughout. It's completely infectious and will stay in your mind long after hearing it. It's absolutely one of the best idol songs I've ever heard! The second song is "Kuonichi GIRL" and it starts off with some soft music before picking up and moving fairly fast. It's almost as good as "Shuriken Shu Shu", but falls a bit short of being a total classic. The third song is actually a remix of "Shuriken Shu Shu", referred to as "Hurricane Rock Hashon". What this means is it's a metal remix! Yep, a fast paced song just got faster (and the song is a minute shorter than the original). In all three cases the vocals are mostly sung by all three members - sisters Kana and Minami, plus Saki - in unison, although in "Shuriken" they each get a line to themselves. The vocals are very cute and suit the music perfectly. Tracks 4 through 6 are short 50 second voice messages from each girl, and tracks 7 and 8 are the instrumentals for the first two songs. There isn't an instrumental for the remix, unfortunately. Overall, I love this single and I love this group! I think Himekko 5 would have the potential to become a more popular group with the right promotion and a major label deal. They recently added two new members so Himekko 5 actually lives up to the 5 in their name now. I hope I can someday get the second single as I want to continue supporting this wonderful group!
-
Miraie [TYPE A/CD+DVD]Party RocketsRockin' Rockets!
"MIRAIE" is the second single from idol rockers Party Rockets and features two hard rock classics. The title song features music written by Eric Martin of Mr. Big ("Addicted To That Rush") fame, and it's a mid-paced rock song with very nice vocals from Koume and Yuuka and some excellent guitar playing. The other members (Haruka, Fumika and Akari) sing backup vocals, usually distorted, here. The second track is the fast rocker "Zettai LOVE" and it's even more fun than the first song! This song was originally performed live in October 2012 when Hiyori was still in the group, and she sang backup and chorus vocals in the live version. Her presence is missed here, as I was a major fan of Hiyori. Still, both songs are excellent and are two of the best Japanese idol songs of 2013. A Region 2 DVD is included with this version of the single and it contains the music video for the title song.
-
Japan Idol FileV.A.Rare Idol Songs And More!
This is a five CD compilation of 64 idol songs from as many groups. There are a variety of musical styles represented here, and there's something for all types of idol fans. One interesting thing for me in particular was the inclusion of some songs previously only available on venue-only singles. "Niji Iro" by Caramel Ribbon (disc 3, track 5) is one of these songs, and my primary reason for purchasing this. Other fine examples of these types of songs are "Sakura no Hana ga Saku Goro" by Michinoku Sendai ORI HIMETAI (disc 1, track 5) and "Arigatou" by Whip Girls (disc 1, track 8). There's plenty of other good songs including "Triangle Square" by Dorothy Little Happy (disc 1, track 3), "NO : ID" by B Flat (disc 1, track 11, which is the same exact version that's on the CD "LOCAL IDOL BEST!"), "Shuriken Shu Shu" by Himekko 5 (disc 4, track 5), "Hare Ruya!" by nanoCUNE (disc 4, track 1) and others I'm sure I'm forgetting. True, I don't care for every single song and group, but the pluses of owning this compilation far outweigh the minuses. It should also be noted that some of these groups have now broken up, so this may be the only way to get their songs.
-
Take Off! [w/ DVD, Limited Edition] [Shipping Within Japan Only]PrizmmyTake Off To A Brand New World!
Prizmmy's first album is a great collection of six previously released A-Sides, three new studio songs and two live songs. "Niji Iro Coaster" starts off the album with a mid-paced, fun pop number that's one of my favorites. Three of the singles, all very good, are next. My favorite is Prizmmy's first single, "Everybody's Gonna Be Happy". Track five is "Smooth & Easy", my favorite of the new songs. Another single, "Dear My Future ~Mirai no Juban e~", is followed by "Tear smile", a solo by Karin! Karin is a fantastic singer, and if you need proof, just listen to this song. Two more singles, including another favorite titled "Body Rock", are next. Finally we have the two live songs. They are both good, but if it wasn't for the sound of the audience clapping and an announcer talking I wouldn't be able to tell them apart from the studio versions. Still, this is a worthy purchase for fans of Japanese idol music.
-
Crazy Gonna Crazy Happy Price Edition [w/ DVD, Limited Edition] [Shipping Within Japan Only]PrizmmyCrazy Fun!
This is a special edition of Prizmmy's ninth single, "CRAZY GONNA CRAZY", a cover song originally recorded by TRF. (I also heard a version by the avex artist academy group Girly Chou, featuring Mia's friend Konishi Rika). There are three versions of the song, the regular vocal version, a "Funkot Mix" and the instrumental of the first track. I prefer the first track although the remix is kind of fun to listen to. There is also a DVD (Region 2) with two versions of the music video and a "Prizmmy Let's! Dance! CRAZY GONNA CRAZY!!" dance instruction video for those who want to dance like the Prizmmy girls. Inside the CD booklet is a foldout with small photos of the dance steps to help you even more. It also comes with a Prism Stone, a jewel trinket for girls. I will probably not have any use for this, but it's a cute bonus.
-
B.L.T. Kanto Ban 2013 December Issue [Cover] SKE48 w/ Team Shachihoko BookTokyo News ServiceAttention Ayaka Miyoshi And EbiChu Fans!
I bought this magazine for the three pages with actress and model Ayaka Miyoshi (again, these Japanese magazines seem to use the Western style version of her name when writing it in English), a former member of Sakura Gakuin. Ayaka is wearing what looks like a fake fur sweater (at least, I hope it's fake) and a dark blue skirt. She is stunning as always! There is also two pages with Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku members Mayama Rika, Anno Natsu and Yasumoto Ayaka. This is worth purchasing for all fans of these girls!
-
BARFOUT! 207 [Cover&Featuere] Emi Takei & Touri MatsuzakaBrown's BooksAlert To Ayaka Miyoshi Fans!
I purchased this magazine for the single page (!) with actress, model and former Sakura Gakuin member Ayaka Miyoshi. There's a very nice photo accompanied by a short text piece. I was unfamiliar with the other people in this magazine. This magazine is strictly for Ayaka's hardcore fans!
-
Screen+ me [Cover&Feature] Emi Takei (SCREEN Tokubetsu Ban)Kindai EigashaAttention Again Ayaka Miyoshi Fans!
My favorite Japanese actress, model and former Sakura Gakuin member Ayaka Miyoshi appears in six pages of this magazine! This time her name does not appear in Western style English, but that is okay. Ayaka is wearing a long white blouse with black trim and a black miniskirt, with a necklace that says "Believe"! She is promoting her film GUMO EBIAN! for which she won a Sponichi Grand Prix Newcomer Award at the 2012 Mainichi Film Awards! I'm not familiar with the other people in this magazine, but for Ayaka's fans this is definitely worth purchasing!
-
BARFOUT! 213 [Cover & Feature] Kamenashi Kazuya (KAT-TUN)Brown's BooksAttention Ayaka Miyoshi Fans!
Fans of actress, model and former Sakura Gakuin and SCOOPERS singer Ayaka Miyoshi (credited like that, her name in Western style English) will want this magazine for the four page photo article included. The photos are all very beautiful with Ayaka wearing a white dress and some perils. There's a short article too, and a small photo from her film JUGO NO HARA ~TABIDACHI NO UTA~. The other articles and photos didn't really interest me as I wasn't familiar with the people in them.
-
BOG BIG ONE GIRLS No.16 [Cover&Feature] Haruka ShimazakiKindaieigashaFor The Sakura Gakuin Fan!
If you are a fan of the Japanese idol group Sakura Gakuin, this magazine is for you! I primarily purchased this for the three page article on Ayaka Miyoshi, which has some really nice photos of her. She is promoting her latest film, JUGO NO HARA ~TABIDACHI NO UTA~. Ayaka, of course, is a former member of Sakura Gakuin and the subunit SCOOPERS. Also in this issue is an eight page article on Ayaka's former group, Sakura Gakuin! This article focuses on the current lineup, but also includes some photos of graduated members Nakamoto Suzka and Sugimoto Mariri. There's also an article on Sakura Gakuin subunit BABYMETAL that's nine pages, plus they are on the back cover. Interestingly enough, the text on the back cover is in English! This is a great purchase for fans of these girls!
-
CD Journal 2013 October Issue [Cover] Juice=JuiceOngaku ShuppanshaAttention Caramel Ribbon Fans!
I purchased this magazine for the two page article on my favorite Japanese indie idol group, Caramel Ribbon. I wish I could read Japanese so I could read this article. There is also an article on Bob Dylan, believe it or not. The spectrum of music covered by this magazine is astonishing!
-
RainBow X RainBow [CD+DVD] [Shipping Within Japan Only]Prism BoxRainbow Smiles!
The debut single from Prism Box, the group that combines Japanese idols Prizmmy with their "sister" group Prism Mates, is one of the most fun mash-up songs ever recorded! The chorus of "RainBow x RainBow" has a fast-paced dance rhythm and is sung by all 11 members, while the verses all have different music for each subunit within the group. The first verse is sung by Natsu and Yuka of Prism Mates (although the obi included indicates Prism Mates member Momona is supposed to be a part of this subunit) and it spotlights the incredible vocals of the two girls who sing it. (Natsu is especially impressive.) The second and third verses are different-sounding hip-hop pieces and are a lot of fun to listen to, although hip-hop is not my favorite musical genre. The fourth verse is mature-sounding pop from the fashion girls, Hina of Prism Mates and Mia and Ayami of Prizmmy. I'm impressed by Hina and Mia in particular. The second song, "Boyfriend..." is a cute pop song that sounds as if the Prism Mates are primarily singing. This is perfectly fine with me as I still have all my Prizmmy singles to listen to when I just want to hear those four girls. A Region 2 DVD is also included with this release and it includes three versions of the music video for the title song. This is another highly recommended Japanese idol release that I can't get enough of! The title song belongs on a list of the best songs of 2013!
-
Yakusoku no Basho
Caramel RibbonYakusoku no BashoCaramel RibbonThe Promised Group!"Yakusoku no Basho" ("The Promised Place") is the third single from a promising Japanese indie idol group that was first formed by ESSE Academy in January 2009. Caramel Ribbon consist of Fukada Seina, Ueno Amane and Yoshinaka Aoi, all three of which are excellent singers. "Yakusoku no Basho" starts of with soft bells and progresses with an upbeat tempo that invites the listener to get up and dance (or at least tap your fingers and feet to the rhythm). It's a terrific song that makes me smile and feel good! "Ashita e to" ("To Tomorrow") Dance Version is another great song and a bit different for Caramel Ribbon in that it sounds like their attempt to do a modern dance pop song rather than the retro-pop sound they are best known for. It's not too modern sounding, thankfully, and it's worth listening to over and over like all of their songs. Caramel Ribbon are simply one of the most entertaining Japanese pop groups ever! I cannot recommend this CD release high enough!
-
Start Ribbon
Caramel RibbonStart RibbonCaramel RibbonStart Dancing!The fourth single for Caramel Ribbon, and their first for T-Palette Records, is another classic for this cute and fun retro-pop girl group. "Start Ribbon" has some peppy music complete with horns (or snyth-horns) and a guitar solo to go along with the sweet vocals of Fukada Seina, Ueno Amane and Yoshinaka Aoi, the three members of this idol trio. "ALL NEW FEELIN'" is a bit softer but well-paced and a lot of fun to listen to. These songs belong on a list of the best Japanese idol songs of 2013! Caramel Ribbon are the best indie idol group in Japan and this release should be in any serious Japanese idol fan's collection!