Review by blue cat

I've seen many Japanese music artist LIVE concerts (on TV and DVD) before, but what I find interesting about this LIVE DVD by ASIAN KUNG-FU is that its almost filmed like a music video (and most concert DVDs are not filmed that way). Though the concert stage may be small and doesn't really have any fog machines or pyrotechnics or fireworks, a huge emphasis on lighting is made apparent in their LIVE act. It's music video feel is something that you wouldn't even be able to experience if you were to attend one of their concerts. So not only do you get the experience of witnessing their LIVE act (on your TV set in the comfort of your house), but you get to be a part of much more (that only the DVD has to offer). "Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol.2" is a must-own for every ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION fan, and any fan of LIVE concert DVDs!!

A must-have for any ORANGE RANGE fan!! This DVD is a fine example of their supreme skills in putting on a great LIVE act. Last December 2005, I attended their NATURAL TOUR LIVE concert at the Yokohama Arena (in Japan) and it was nothing short of AMAZING!! An extremely memorable experience; one that I will continue to cherish for the rest of my life. If you've never been to an ORANGE RANGE concert before, this is the closest you're going to get. But trust me, even though it's not the "real thing," it's still worth the viewing experience!!! :)

I'm disappointed with this album but at the same time I'm not. I'm disappointed b/c I'd say half the songs on the album are good (or decent, at the most), and the other half is mixed of tracks that are either mediocre or just plain bad and unacceptable. The album shines with remixes for songs like "Shanghai Honey," "Locolotion," "Natural Pop," and "Asterisk," but the album greatly disappoints with such remixes for songs like "BETWEEN," "Love Parade," "Chesuto," and "Hana". BUT, I'm not disappointed cuz it's not really the fault of ORANGE RANGE themselves. It may be their fault a little bit since they were the ones who probably had the final say in what songs go on the final album, and which ones don't, but it's not their fault cuz these aren't really their songs; they're REMIXES of their original songs. Overall, "Squeezed" is a mixed bag. But, I'd definitely see this album catering more towards techno/electronica/dance music fans, rather than for an ORANGE RANGE fan. Basically, if you like ORANGE RANGE and remixes, then this album is probably for you. If you just want to add this album to your ORANGE RANGE CD collection, then it will be a must-have. If not the above, don't bother.

It's been over 6 months since ORANGE RANGE has released anything new, which is actually a rarity for the band. But after they released their 3rd album "NATURAL" last October 2005, and after a well-deserved break, ORANGE RANGE is back with new material!! Although, I'm not including their remix album "Squeezed" that was just released since it consists of remixes and nothing new by the band. Not only will "Champione" be ORANGE RANGE's 13th single, but it will also serve as the NHK World Cup Broadcast Theme Song. The single will also be coupled with "Walk on," which is the Ending Theme Song for the upcoming Japanese film "Chekeraccho!!" and is the CM song for the current T&C Surf (or, Townandrange) Campaign. A short audio sample of "Champione" is now available at orangerange.net and it sounds AWESOME!! It sounds like a very energetic and fun song; definitely suitable to be the theme song for the NHK Japan broadcast of the World Cup. ORANGE RANGE is known for releasing great singles and I'm positive that "Champione" will be another big hit single released by them. In a nutshell, I can't wait!!! :)

Although I haven't heard the full version of "Good-bye days" yet, I know it will be a great song by YUI. I'm also confident that the single will be a big hit since the song is tied to the upcoming Japanese film "Taiyou no Uta" in which YUI will make her acting debut!! I've heard "Good-bye days" from the movie trailer of "Taiyou no Uta" and it sounds amazing!! YUI has NOT disappointed her fans yet with the release of her beautiful singles (with amazing b-sides) and with her fantastic debut album, and so I know she will not disappoint with "Good-bye days". :)

A friend of mine who lives in Japan recommended that I listen to Remioromen and I had picked up a copy of their album "ether" at the Tower Records in Shibuya last winter, not knowing anything about the band and their music (other than their weird name). The minute I listened to the album, I instantly fell in love with the band. The music was so sincere and powerful, the lyrics were poetic and incredibly beautiful. After two albums, and an upcoming third album release (in May 2006), Remioromen is still a relatively new band and has just recently been becoming more popular in Japan (mainly due to the use of their songs "Sangatsu Kokonoka" and "Konayuki" in the sad but touching Japanese dorama series, "Ichi Rittoru no Namida"). They are a 3-piece band (guitarist/singer, bassist, and drummer) and have so far produced nothing but quality music. The producer for their band is Takeshi Kobayashi, the same producer for "Mr.Children". If you are new to Remioromen, I highly recommend starting with "ether" first, and then "Asagao" second; but the order may change once "Horizon" is released. :)