Review by Nackar
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Fan's BestMiyaviHow about some new material?
A best album? Seriously? His last studio had been released in march 2008. His next release was a singles collection in December 2008. And after that, nothing. I understand he's been busy, but this is a pointless and redundant release, which I can really only see as coming from his record company to grab some extra cash.
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Live Chronicle 3 - "Kyutai" in Nippon Budokan - [Limited Release]MUCCEh, a very, VERY steep price
We can be short about the concert : Awesome. Mucc seems to lose a bit of its playing power in a larger arena, but it's all done very tightly and you can see their enthusiasm. But the price. Seriously? 130 dollars? I mean, for collectors, these are some nice items, a bass pick, a guitar pick, a member's card ( a whole lot less interesting) and a ... booklet? The general live DVD is around 60 dollars. They are actually expecting you to SEVENTY DOLLARS MORE for a few "collectibles". I'm not saying that what you get isn't nice, I'm saying the price is way too high. 90, or even a 100 dollars would seem a lot better for what you're getting here. If you're not that big on collecting, consider getting the regular release of the live DVD, due to be released in March 2010 ; )
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BEST -third universe- & 8th AL "Universe" [Best Album+Original Album+DVD]Kumi KodaSeriously?
Seriously? Is Avex going crazy? ANOTHER best-of album? She released one in 2005. And one in 2006. A love-song best of in 2007. And in 2009 she has already released one album compiling all of her collaborations and one with all remixes. And now ANOTHER best-of? Must have something to do with her strongly dropping sales. That's what you get when you force someone on the public, Avex.
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Abingdon Road [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]abingdon boys schoolGreat that there's a new album, but ...
Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that there's going to be a new album, but I AM a bit disappointed that they're going to use all the 5 previously releaseed singles. I always think it's a bit cheap if artists release more than 3 singles for an Album, but that might just be me. Oh well, as long as the rest is great I suppose it's all good.
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MAGIC [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]B'zB'z never dissappoints
Some people have critized B'z: It's not really hard-rock, but more pop with a thick guitar layer. Their songs aren't original. They never try anything new. Maybe. Maybe all of that is true. But there's ONE thing that B'z never does: dissappoint. Each of their songs are powerful, strong songs that are great to listen to and each does what it's supposed to do: The faster songs make you wanna dance or just jump around like crazy, the ballads hit you in just the right spot and every song makes you want to sing along. It's not easy to keep producing material that may carry the same sound as your older, but is still different and still fresh and interesting. But B'z always pulls it off. If you've liked anything from B'z in the past, you're guaranteed to like this as well.
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Superficial Gossip (Sanmon Gossip)Ringo SheenaShe's back again
Shiina Ringo is a true genius from our beloved land of the rising sun. She's been away for a while, but she's back and better than ever. Featuring the same jazzy mood as her previous album, Heisei Fuuzoku, Sanmon Gossip also sets itself apart. It's much more dynamic and features more high-paced songs instead of the mood songs -sometimes bordering on muzak- that could be found on Heisei Fuuzoku. This is definitely a good development for fans of her earlier, punk-like sound, since the music is now faster, though they may still miss the roughness featured in her earlier works. For fans of Heisei Fuuzoku, such as myself, this album is pure heaven. I really think everyone should listen to this album at least once, just to get a general idea what it's about. I wouldn't take her recent single "Ariamaru Tomi" as a guideline for the general sound of the album, though: It's not even featured on the album and does not sport the jazzy sound. Love it, and I'm sure you all will as well.
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Coupling BestMUCCNice!
At first, all I could think was "ANOTHER Best-Of?", what with "The Worst of Mucc" and "The Best of Mucc" having been released in 2007. But then I read the part about it being B-sides, and boy am I glad! I love Mucc B-sides. I'd like to get them all, but no way am I going to spell over a hundred dollars to get them all. Now, however, I just have to buy 20 or so. Convenient. I wish more artists would release USEFUL and CHEAP best-ofs, preferably more with B-sides on them. Good idea maybe, Alice Nine?
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PS Company 10th Anniversary Concert Peace & Smile Carnival January 3, 2009 at Nippon Budokan [Limited Edition]V.A.Great concert, good DVD
Just like the previous PSC carnival, the concert was amazing. Every band was great and they all rocked the Nippon Budokan. But to be honest, I feel the DVD fell a bit short. For starters: where are the extras? The previous DVD was so popular because of all the extras. The backstage filming, the little interviews and the overall silly attitude of the two hosts. Here, we only get to see a short introduction and the ending. Secondly, I see no need for them to cut the performances. SuG and SCREW now simply feel like stick-ons, and alice nine. was left with a song that is obviously not their opening. Finally, it's not really worth getting the limited edition. Yes, there are booklets, but they're small, no text and most pictures can easily be found on the internet. That's not worth the extra 12 euros. Don't get me wrong though: the performances are still amazing. If you're a fan of any of the bands, this is basically a must-buy. I would, however, really think twice before getting the limited edition. Personally, I think it wasn't worth it.
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Uso [w/ DVD (Type A), Limited Edition / Type A]SIDPure SID gold, and that's not a lie
The video to this song has recently appeared on Youtube, so I've had the opportunity to listen to the song already. Let me just tell you this: It's amazing SID music. If you're a fan, you need not hesitate order this CD. Of course, if there's one thing SID has managed to do in its relatively short career, it's not having released any weak singles. I can't speak for the B - side yet, but this purchase should be worth it just for Uso, which shows us a lovely hint of their newfound Latin influence. Not a SID fan? I'm inclined to say "buy it anyway", but maybe you should listen to the song first. Still, any fan of J-pop/rock should soak this single right up.
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HYDE [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]HYDEBest Best-of I have ever seen
This is one of the few occasions where I've bought the Best-of without actually knowing a lot of music from the artist. I'm a big fan of L'Arc~en~Ciel and I've both VAMPS singles, but from Hyde's solo work I new nothing, besides Countdown and Sweet Vanilla. Safely to say, I was greatly surprised. This album shows us all sides of Hyde: Soft, sweet, aggressive, daring and tough. From the hard-rocking Countdown to the heavenly Lost Angels, from his growling voice in Made in Heaven to the whispered vocals of Evergreen on the DVD. Also a recommendation: The earlier clips are simple, but still interesting and the later ones are a real treat to the eyes. HYDE does nothing but deliver us the best that Hyde has to offer. Whether you're a fan or just curious, don't pass up on this chance!
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Journey through the Decade [CD+DVD]GacktGackt's return to Gackt style
The previous two singles released by this man, especially the latest, were quite a departure from his usual style. They were definitely not bad releases and did quite well, but there were fans who were a bit dissappointed. This song, however is closer to the style of his older songs and is therefore sure to please many. I suppose it takes some getting used to; but it's worth the trouble. Without the use of a filter we can enjoy his own voice, which has changed over the years and now sound less sweet, but more mature. The music is perfectly planned out and there isn't a dull moment in the song. Couple that with the use as a theme song for Kamen Rider's Decade, and this may be another close contender for no # 1 Oricon spot. His previously collabaration with a major franchise (Metamorphoze, for Gundam) also landed him a high spot. (#2) This is a great song and it'd be good news if Gackt manages to score another high hitter. Everyone, don't be shy and buy the song, I'm sure it won't dissappoint!
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GhostGacktYup, it's still Gackt
Nope, this doesn't sound at all like Tsuki no Uta. or Jesus. Or Vanilla. Heck, it's unlike anything he's done before. But it's an amazing song in itself. Especially the B - side is a surprise : very strong atmospherically. You can basically trust this man with any music genre there is. Ghost is another masterpiece.
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Gackt [Calendar 2009 (Try-X Ltd.)]GacktI'm a guy
To the commenter before me: Yeah, I'm a guy, but I AM the type of guy that likes other guys so I don't know if this counts for you, XD. The poster itself is amazing. Great quality pictures in a nice variety, and the poster is just huge. It may be a bit too big, but I don't think it should be a problem. The front cover is very beautiful as well <3 (Gackt's ever-watching eye)
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Hitomi no JyuninL'Arc-en-CielBeautiful song by Laruku
I'll start off by saying that I absolutely adore the title track, Hitomi no Jyunin. It's a very powerful song with wonderful lyrics, which hyde sings perfectly. He hits the high notes with ease and it only adds to the power of the music. The extra tracks are all great fun. It's always nice hearing ken and yukihiro sing. I guess the extra tracks are only really interesting to the actual Laruku fans, but I'd recommend this single to non-fans just for Hitomi no Jyunin alone.
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GhostGacktGackt's on a roll
JESUS has only just been released and we're already treated to a new Gackt single! Looks like he's back at it again. I'm sure this one will be great as well. He never ceases to amaze!
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"Fire Emblem: Ankoku Ryu to Hikari no Tsurugi" Original SoundtrackGame MusicGreat music as always
Fire emblem's music is always great, but I really liked the music from this remake. If the OST CD will feature fully orchestrated versions of the in-game music, this will be awesome! <3
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JesusGacktMore Gackt!
Gackt's at it again! First Nine*nine, now a new single. I've seen people argue about the name, but you have to remember that it means hardly anything to your average Japanese. He probably doesn't mean anything with it. Other than that, I'm looking forward to his new sound. Whatever it will be, I'm sure it'll be awesome. Go Gackt! <3
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Requiem et Reminiscence -Shuen to seijaku-GacktOne of Gackt's best tours!
For any fan of Gackt, this DVD is definitely a must-buy. He sings perfectly, never singing out of tune, and he doesn't seem to get out of breath as easily as he did with MARS. He's obviously grown since then, and it shows. While the movie bits might be difficult to understand, I don't see how that would affect anyone's judgement of the entire concert, which is simply phenomenal. It starts dark, with a dark set, and later moves to become spectacular and seductive. Whereas in the first part you can see Gackt freaking out whilst singing the beautiful rock song Maria, in the second part you can see him jumping around on a stage filled with Cats. It's madness, it's beautiful, it's Gackt.