Review by Fey
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Shu [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kagrra,...Beautiful
Just when I thought this album is not going to be as good as their last effort, Core, the Kagrra, boys proved me wrong. Samples does not do this album justice at all. Not one bit. This album is so full of various sounds, beautiful melodies and solid, solid composition- it's impossible to express how fantastic this album is. It's amazing how much the boys can experiment and still sound true to their Neo-Japanesque roots. Kagrra, keeps growing from strength to strength. Sakura Zukiyo definitely takes the top spot in this album. I cant emphasize how beautiful and melancholic the song is. It's one of their best songs to date. And the DVD. I am forever grateful to the boys for inserting more than just a PV into their DVD this time. The interview was insightful and the making-of PV simply adorable.
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X SINGLESXExcellent!
This CD is a must have for any X-Japan fan who doesn't have any of their early singles- it's a nice collection of their singles from their Sony days, from the legendary Kurenai, all-time favourite Endless Rain, fun Joker to the epic Silent Jealousy. Worth mentioning here is the single Week End- which is different than the Blue Blood version. Nice one, better than the BB version, I must say. X Japan's songs are timeless, and their magic will truly stand the test of time- this CD is proof of so.
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Core [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Kagrra,Back to the core and much more
Kagrra, are one of the few bands that are special to me, and this album proves more so. Though this record is less heavy than their early works, the Kagrra, guys have matured tremendously when producing songs- they have widen their horizons and are now truly the masters of combining tribal/ japanese folk sounds with rock/pop and other influences. They experimented a lot for this album, with almost every song giving off a different feel. All songs however, still retain the Kagrra-ish quality to them. I would give this album a 4/5, but with Irodori no Sanka and Boukyaku no Hate no Kogoeta Kodoku being on the album, 4/5 is not enough. Kagrra, always had a knack of creating beautiful melodies, and for Irodori no Sanka and Boukyaku no Hate no Kogoeta Kodoku, it's no exception. Irodori no Sanka has this majestic melody that is repeated and echoed throughout the song by the strings and guitars- beautiful. Kudos to Isshi for the lyrics as well- one of the most profound lyrics ever, IMO. Boukyaku no Hate no Kogoeta Kodoku on the other hand manages to be melancholic and sad without being too obvious/ in your face, which I think is a lost art. (Most other bands seem to diverge clearly between despair/ hope songs, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Kagrra, here, however offers a fresh direction). Other songs worth mentioning are no Ujou (groovy with an awesome intro to the guitar break), Shigatsu Tsuitachi, Kamikaze, Yuki Koi Uta and Shin-Hyakkiyakou (I loved the original and this remake. What an amazing psychotic jazzy mood to this song!) Overall, a very nice cd, with many sounds on it. This limited edition one comes with the PV to Irodori no Sanka, which is a lovely PV- one of their best, IMO. The 'YouTube' version does this PV injustice, really.
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Utada United 2006Hikaru UtadaAmazing concert!
I've seen a lot of live DVDs of various artists of different genres, and I have to say this DVD is certainly one of the best. This live is breathtaking- every song was performed amazingly well by Hikki (she does sound rather tired in Keep Tryin', but that's minor) and the visuals are fantastic. This live just confirms the fact that Hikki is one hell of a performer- putting heart and soul into it, and able to move one to joy or tears. I appreciate the fact that the band members and audience are given much camera-time in this DVD- it just adds to the atmosphere of the live. Overall, an amazing live in a lovely- packaged DVD. A must buy for Hikki fans and for anyone who appreciates a good live.
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NueKagrra,Beautiful Neo-Japanesque
"Nue" is my 1st Kagrra, cd and I have to say I'm immensely pleased with it! Probably one of the most memorable indie mini-albums I've ever heard, "Nue" is an album with amazing songs and interesting concepts that stand out amidst each other, from the chaotic "Kiyuu no Uta", the mysterious "Nue no Naku Koro" to the emotional "Konton". This album gives off a feeling of elegant darkness and madness, all without the screams and groans that some bands often rely on to make a song 'violent'. With this album Kagrra, has created a unique style of music that is exclusively theirs. An excellent buy for those new to Kagrra,, a must for fans.
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BRILLIANT WORLDTHE YELLOW MONKEYAmazing!
An excellent single with excellent songs. The first track "Brilliant World" is, in my opinion, one of Yemon's best songs. With a moving and heart-warming melody, amazing lyrics..It is truely brilliant. The second song "Girlie" features Yemon's characteristic rock and roll sound with amazing orchestra composition. One of Yemon's abilities are combining classical instruments with rock and roll elements, and it certainly showed off well here. "Merome" in this single sounds more 'raw' than the version on "8", but a lovely song nevertheless. Yoshii Kazuya's vocals are amazing. Overall, totally worth the purchase!