Review by K
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SniperTsukiko Amanoclassic classic
As an early release, Sniper has all the same energy as staple singles like B.G. and Love Dealer. It's peppy and upbeat and catchy as all get out. It's a song to make you move. The b-side, Spider, is one of my favorite b-sides. It's got more of an independent, less-radio friendly feel to it, but is still solid in its rock foundation. Also, this is another of the few singles that has a suginamix. Like B.G., it's interesting and worth the listen.
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NingyouTsukiko AmanoAuditory Love
Ningyou was the next song of Amano's that I fell head-over-heels in love with. It's the same creative thread as Bodaiju as both are powerful rock songs with driving string intros and agressive vocals that blow you away. Strong emotion, really well handled and controlled. Amazing. B-side, Ningyo, is really spunky and punky and is absolute love. You can't help but move around to it. One of the last or possible the last single to feature a suginamix of the title track. Like the others, the Ningyou suginamix is interesting and worth the listen.
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ZEROTsukiko AmanoBittersweet.
As her very last release under the name Tsukiko Amano, Zero is a good way to go. The first half is essentially what I was wanting, something familiar sounding, something that sounds like her but better than she's ever produced before. The second half comes off softer. The tracks lack the edge of the first half, but they still have their individual charms, moments that made my ears perk up and go, "Oh, nice." It's an eclectic cd full of nice sounds and textures and a lot of interesting layering. stand ot tracks, Spy, Hands, itodenwa, hello. (keep in mind that it doesn't mean I dont like the others as well.)
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Zero no ChoritsuTsukiko Amanowow
The title track, Zero no Chouritsu, is an incredibly catchy and texture rich musical delight. the arrangment sounds quite complicated and while it's not like the previous Fatal Frame songs Chou and Koe, as a stand alone piece, it's quite a work of art. It could quite possibly be Amano at her best.
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B.G.Tsukiko AmanoClassic, Classic
As classic as you can get when it comes to Amano. This is before her depressing power ballads like Chou and Koe and her progressive punk song like Karasu and Same. This is Amano as adorable as you can get her while still rocking a guitar. B-side B.G. Golden Boy is excellent punk with more of an indie flair. And one of the few singles that features a suginamix. B.G. suginamix is...well, interesting and worth at least a listen.
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Love DealerAmano TsukikoA classic
Probably one of my favorite Amano singles of all time. Love Dealer is just an incredible pop rock song that has all the fervor of her earlier releases coupled with all foundations that will fuel later releases. It's a staple for any Amano fan. The B-side Missile is energetic pop rock love with aggressive vocals and a less radio-friendly sound for those more into the indie world.
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MistyA LunchDrool worthy
The title track "MISTY" is an indie power ballad if ever I heard one. It's driving and the vocals ache and own. I adore this track. It's much different than A Lunch's mini album "First Food" and is more along the lines of Amano's solo work, but it's still raw and less produced, retaining it's indie flair. The second track "JET STREAM" is more like their usual sound. It's an energetic indie pop punk track that's sure to get you moving. The last track is rather nice and is more along the lines of "Slowly Life" on their "First Food" mini album. It's not a disappointing release. It maintains the level of quality you expect and pushes beyond.
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Heaven' GateTsukiko AmanoNew Year, New Single, New Sound
This single is is from the same creative thread that was started with the Five anniversary singles and what was continued with Howling. Heaven's Gate is a aggressive pop rock laden with edgy guitar work. It's noticeably a lot more produced than her previous tracks and a lot more upbeat as well. The B-side, Seven to Date is pure cutsy pop fluff and it does little to hide it. She has a tendency to couple two completely different textures on her single releases.
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Tashika niAngela AkiPeppy
Tashika ni is definitely a peppy song with encouraging lyrics. I enjoy the positive energy in it's beat. It's interesting that there really aren't b-sides on this single, just a piano version of the song. I do miss her b-sides, but the single itself is a nice pick up from Kodoku no Kakera.
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HowlingTsukiko AmanoInteresting
I don't know what I was expecting from Howling, but it's very soft, and very tender. It's almost a new sound for Amano. I'm very curious to hear where she takes her music after hearing this. Bowling - Back to the poppy, eighties influenced tracks she was exploring during Moon Child and in The Five b-sides. Awesome. ^^
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Five [Limited Pressing]Tsukiko AmanoWow
This dvd contains all five anniversary pvs played as one long music video. Seen consecutively like this The Five really are just one, each pv showcasing one personality and all five making up a Amano herself. They really highly her sense of humor, style, and self. There is also an interview with Amano and she talks about the concepts and the outfits (I believe?) as well as six tv spots. I really enjoyed watching this dvd and I feel like it was well worth my money.
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Catalog Deluxe [Limited Pressing]Tsukiko AmanoGood song choices
As a compilation greatest hits, the songs chosen for this album are comprehensive and represent Amano's various sounds well, showcasing her at her best. They also work well together to make a great hits album that is a full as it could possibly be. A few changes to certain songs are a curious choice however, such as the strings missing from "Bodaiju". The last track "Ongaku" is a wonderfully playful with engaging vocals. The dvd contains a Anniversary 5 pv making of which is nicely coupled with the 5 DVD
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Raspberry PieNakanomori BandDebut single not bad at all
Raspberry Pie is a slower song and doesn't really encompass the energetic sound the band acquires later on with their second and third singles "Whatever" and "Oh My Darlin'" but it's still a solid sound if just a little rough around the edges. With time, I think this band can make some good tracks and have a lot of fun while they're at it.
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HisuiTsukiko AmanoSentimental Amano
Some fans love this song. Some fans like it but wish she went back to her Sharon Stones days. "Hisui" is a sentimental ballad with a full orchestra instrumentation. It's powerful, bitter sweet, and very poetic and actually makes my friend cry. It's definitely a song to feel -something- to. The other tracks are "love" versions of "Camelia" and "Hone", softer versions with orchestra accompaniments. I'd venture to say this is Amano experimenting around with sound. The emotion and the feel is Amano through and through, but she just chose to experiment with how she presents it. I'd say it's a success.
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Tsuki (Movie "Moonlight Jellyfish" Main Theme)Tsukiko AmanoBallad
It's not too impressive of a song but it has good emotion in it and it's soft, a sound she doesn't do too much. This isn't a power ballad like her others and it falls pleasantly on the ears. Fans of her harder work or her power ballads could potentially be disappointed with this track. the b-side "Taiyou", on the other hand, is full of energy and an unconventional sound. It's not new for her, but definitely not something she does too often. I usually label things like this as Amano having fun. the coupling together amuses me. She tends to pair up songs that are either complete opposites or compliment each other extremely well.
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Idea ("Konjiki no Gash Bell" Outro Theme)Tsukiko Amanotakes some time
If you're an Amano fan who likes her ballads like "Chou" or "Koe", "Idea" might not be to your fancy. It starts off with short intro with a piano and then immediately moves to the guitars. The song isn't radio friendly and doesn't catch the ears immediately for most people. I happen to like music like this so it immediately was a like for me. The B-side is much the same way, as most of her b-sides tend to be more on the independent, underground side of rock. If you like her less popular tracks, give this cd a try.
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Koe (PS2 Game "Zero - Shisei no Koe" Main Theme)Tsukiko AmanoCan you say "Wow"?
The theme of Fatal Frame III: The Tormented. It's a power ballad like Chou with a massive musical build up to an eerie and alarming climax. The arrangement of the song is extremely well done with good eletric guitar riffs that work well with her powerful voice. The feel of the song is very much desperate and creepy. A perfect compliment for the game. the B-side is a good rock sock with excellent Amano style punk pop energy.
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INSOMNIAChihiro Onitsukaextraoradinary
This was an impressive debut album with a lot of artistic guts. The songs are lyrically beautiful and sweeping. Stand out tracks are definitely "Gekko", "Back Door", and "Memai". She my favorite music discovery this year.
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KarasuTsukiko AmanoExcellent energy!
I enjoy Karasu a great deal. It has driving energy and a good pace to it. Easily a song I can fall in love with with that great attitude. The B-side has a funky beat I enjoy and a little more bass and eletronic sounds than I`m used to from her but it`s not something to shun.
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FukuroTsukiko Amanoimpressive
This isn`t a bad single at all. So far, each of the five anniversary singles released have a different sound and a different feel and energy. It`s really nice. This song definitely follows her current trend of eighties influence in certain areas but is modern enough to make an interesting mix. The B-side surprised me because it`s much softer. It`s Amano`s quiet side coming out. It`s not really sentimental either. It`s quite nice.