Review by Mikomi

A lovely wristband featuring a punk-style bambi along with a metal chain attached to it, held in black and white. A great accessory for any cool outfit.

As always, compared to the CD-only version the concent of the CD is exactly the same. But the different cover is enough reason for me to buy both versions. Aside from the already known music videos for the previously released singles, the DVD edition contains the clips for '(Don't) Leave me alone' and 'Marionette' as well as the short film 'Kyo Ai -Distance Love-' (released with the single 'glitter/fated').

'Guilty' is Ayu's 9th album and, as always, I think it's better than the previous ones. It contains the previously released singles 'Talkin' 2 myself' with b-side 'decision' and 'glitter/fated' along with digital single only release 'Together when...'. I recommend the new track '(Don't) Leave me alone' as well as 'Marionette' which happen to be my favorites (and which I like somewhat more than the singles).

ayu-mi-x returns, finally. I've always loved any remix albums released by Ayu, preferable the ayu-mi-x ones thus I couldn't be happier about this release... which even comes with two albums at once. -Gold- includes the first part, featuring remixes of songs from 'Memorial address' up to 'Guilty'. While I like all remixes, I recommened the DJ Kentaro remix of 'Moments' the most.

And the second part of the new ayu-mi-x release, -Silver-, which includes another set of remixes from songs of the past albums, starting with 'Memorial address' and ending with 'Guilty'. Once again, I've enjoyed all remixes though I'd recommend the last one, the Co-Fusion mix of 'Together When...', the most.

Aside from the DVD which includes the music videos and therefore exactly the same content as the regular +DVD edition, this limited version comes with a 2nd CD which includes the live versions of a total of 14 tracks recorded at the 'Premium Countdown Live 2008 - 2009'. I highly recommened this edition to any Ayu fan, this live CD is the first ever released and therefore a real treasure for any collection.

What I really appreciate about Ayu's album releases is the +DVD edition which comes with music videos and their making-of footage. Even if they include the videos of previously released singles. Aside from the clips for the previously released singles 'Days/Green' and 'Rule/Sparkle' this version includes the videos for 'Next Level' and 'Curtain call' (of which I like the last one the most).

I'm always looking forward to Ayu's releases and 'Next Level' was no exception. In my opinion, every new album is better than the last. 'Next Level' has instantly become my new fave album of Ayu, the music style fits my taste just perfectly. The songs I'd recommened to anyone are, strangely enough, none of the previously released singles but album-only tracks: 'Next Level', 'EnergizE' and 'Love 'n' Hate'. Not to forget the instrumentals in between, they are pretty addictive as well.

'No way to say' is actually my fave Ayu single when it comes to winter releases. The song fits that season just perfectly. Not to forget the included acoustic orchestra versions of 'Dearest' and 'Voyage' which are another highlight of this release.

Ayu's new release featuring the international theme song for the movie 'Dragonball Evolution', 'Rule'. And the up-beat track 'Rule' really fits that movie perfectly. The second a-side, 'Sparkle', is also up-beat though somewhat more mellow in its pace. Moreover, this version includes two remix versions of 'Rule', both of which are very nice to listen to. The +DVD edition includes with music videos for both tracks (of which I recommened 'Sparkle' the most).

Most content of the cd-only version type A is exactly the same as the of the CD+DVD release. However, this version includes two more versions of the track 'Days', a remix version by YMCK and, most notable, the acoustic orchestra version which I highly recommened.

Like type A, most content of the CD-only version type B is identical to the CD+DVD release. This version, however, comes with two new versions of 'Green', a remix version by CMJK and an acoustic orchestra version which I highly recommened.

The second and, sadly enough, last single of Juka which features an a-side written by himself. In my opinion, 'Saint Croix' is even better than the b-side, 'Fall of Leaves', which is written by Kamijo (though I really appreciate his works). The purchase is also worth it for the DVD which includes music videos for both tracks.

I've enjoyed all of Ayu's previous calendars and the 2009 one is no exception. Another set of seven pages with beautiful pictures. Nearly too precious to be hung up on a wall.

A Complete is a journey from the very beginning of Ayu's career up to 'Mirrorcle World' and shows the development of her music style in general. Any true fan will appreciate the features of the +DVD version. Aside from unreleased live footage from 'a-nation' (the previously available footage was beyond awesome already) it features footage of the 'Limited A Live Tour' which was a FC members-only event (footage many fans have been craving for... at least, I did).

Finally a compilation which includes all of Ayu's A-sides up to 'Mirrorcle World' on 3 discs along with a new version of one of my fave songs, 'Who...'. A journey from the beginning to the here and now which shows the development in her music style. Some of the remastered versions sound slightly different from the original release but in a refreshing way.

I was more than surprised to see that 'Next Level' would be released on USB and more than happy that I was able to order one of the encore editions (as the first edition was sold out way too fast). The pendant is pretty beyond words and really makes a wonderful accessory when worn with the included chain. Not to forget the additional 1.3GB space. A lovely item for any Ayu fan.

I've been anticipating this release ever since the tour started as KAT-TUN's third album contains most of my fave songs. Not to forget the member solos previously released with the limited editions of 'Don't U Ever Stop'. KAT-TUN fans will certainly enjoy this concert DVD, a tour with a pirates theme (once again). I especially recommened the solos for this one.

The case has a really nice color, held in light blue with images of strawberries on its front and completely pink inside, it fits the new iPod nano perfectly. The only sad thing about it is that there're hardly images of Rilakkuma, none at the front and only two at the back.

The towel is as pretty as already seen on the picture. Not to mention very fluffy. A nice item for everyday use and it fits perfectly in any bag.