Reviews written by SarangAsianMusic
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Gundam Wing - Complete Collection 1 (Anime Legends; Multi-Disc Set) (US Version)
Gundam Wing - Complete Collection 1 (Anime Legends; Multi-Disc Set) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$49.98Related promotions:June 12, 2009 My childhoodThis was my alltime favorite anime with I was an elementary school kid. I would tape it off of the TV and collect the VHS's when they were released (back when DVDs weren't that popular). However, eventually tape players become unreliable, so I was EXTREMELY happy when these DVD box sets were released so I could relive some of my childhood pleasures. ^_^ I bought both collections 1 and 2 to complete the set and gave away the VHS to a friends.
I also like these collections because it's the original unedited version and I can watch it in it's original japanese language.
This box contains episodes 1-25 (DVD's 1-5) while the second collection 2 will contain episodes 26-49 (DVD's 6-10).
For any Gundam fan, this is a real bargain for this legendary series compared to buying the DVD's one by one for $20 a piece. ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
SHINee 2nd Mini Album - Romeo
SHINee 2nd Mini Album - Romeo
(18)Our Price: US$11.99List: US$15.99Save: US$4.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
June 12, 2009 Amazing comebackSHINee has done it again with an excellent comeback. I love that SHINee's overall style hasn't changed at all. Their originality in their clothes and overall look I feel is another attribute to this group. If I described their first Mini Album as broadway/pop (Real, Love Should Go On), I'd say this one has a more R&B/hip-hop/pop feel.
Track 1 (Talk To You) 5/5
This is one of my favorite tracks on the song. It has a nice thumping beat and I love their harmonization. It really blends R&B well into SHINee's overall sound.
Track 2 (JULIETTE) 5/5
From my understanding, some people (American Fans that I know) have some contrversy with this song because it is originally a High School Musical song. Some hate the fact that it's a HSM song while HSM fans are mad at it being remade, however no one has complained that the song is bad. I personally never watched the movie and am really unbiased towards this whole thing, all I can say is the SHINee has done an amazing remake and I applaud for it. Also, fans should realize that SM has a knack for remaking songs (Timeless (Zhang Li Yin), Beautiful Life (TVXQ), Monster (Super Junior), etc... I personally think SM may have some deal with American music businesses to somehow introduce american songs to asia and there's a money flow happening...
Track 3 (Hit Me Baby) 100000000%%%%
This is my overall favorite track on this single. The boys harmonize so beautifully and the beat is a nice R&B flow... It's hard to put this song into words... O_O
Track 4 (Senorite) 4/5
A really nice pop/old school feeling song that makes you wanna groove. The voice blending at the beginning is really something else!
Track 5 (Please, Don't Go) 3/5
Not my favorite choice of song, but I personally love duets with Onew and Jonghyun. They compliment each other really well, but I didn't think the choice of song was right to show their true skills. However, the two did a good job with the song given. The orchestra in the background is good as well.
Track 6 (Romeo+Juliette) 5/5
A really nice slowjam track that uses a bit of digitalizing in the vocals. I really like this song A LOT.
P.S. I got the Jonghyun back cover and the CD book is similiar to Epik High's Lovescream where the CD is in the end of the book withing tabs/folds.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dong Bang Shin Ki - Wall Calendar 2009 (Limited Edition)
Dong Bang Shin Ki - Wall Calendar 2009 (Limited Edition)
(22)Our Price: US$19.99List: US$49.99Save: US$30.00 (60%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:June 12, 2009 Love the qualityThough this calendar is smaller than the Paris Calendar, the paper quality really makes up for that shortcoming. I was late to order this calendar because I ordered the desk calender and the japanese calendar already and was short on money... lol ^^() Anways, I finally got around to ordering this and I am SO glad I did. The pictures are REALLY nice simple shots of the boys, and the paper is thick.
When it comes to shipping, you don't have to worry about having the unroll and flatten this calendar like the past ones. This one came in a big thin box with TVXQ and SM logos on the box (just a larger version of the box the desk calendar came in). This box itself was bubble wrapped and put in a shipping bag, so I'm glad I get to keep the nice box with the serial number and stuff without damage. ^_^
Overall, I am EXTREMELY happy with this product.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Zankoku na tenshi no thesis (Japan Version)
Zankoku na tenshi no thesis (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 11, 2009 Gotta love the voiceYoko Takahashi is one of the strongest old school japanese vocalist I ever had the pleasure of listening to when I was young. When she sings 'Tamashii no RUFURAN' or 'Zankoku no tenshi ni thesis', you can just feel the power she emits. These songs are legengary to me, not the mention the anime its associated with. Neon Genesis Evangelion really does change lives...SERIOUSLY. So whether you're a fan of Yoko's music or simply an otaku, this is a must have for your collection. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kin no Nami Sen no Nami (Japan Version)
Kin no Nami Sen no Nami (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 11, 2009 HeavenlyThis single has a heavenly sound that reminds me of the sky with angels... I don't if it's just me, but that's the picture I get when I hear "Kin no Nami Sen no Nami". I give this song a 4/5 because I didn't really care for the opening of the song. I loved the violins, but the verse sounded a little too mainstream for Arai and I hope she doesn't go mainstream because that tends to change an artists' overall sound. However, halfway through the song I love when she adds her overlaying voices like "carolling" or "chiming". So after the opening, when they add more sounds, I like the song better. ^_^ Overall, another good single by Arai Akino. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kimi e Mukau Hikari (Japan Version)
Kimi e Mukau Hikari (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 11, 2009 Same as everArai Akino has been around since the mid-late 80's and still has yet to fail me. Over the years, she never loses touch with her original sound and I LOVE that about her. This single is simply gorgeous mixing her voice with techno rhythms during the verses and soft rock during the chorus and refrain.
I really love this song by her and was searching for this single, however, when you search Arai Akino and click her for the "matched artist", this single is not listed with the music. O_O I found this odd, but then I found it when I clicked under "Customers who bought ___ also bought:". That's how I finally found this. However, when you click the artist name from this link, this is the only single listed under the name. So somehow yesasia has 2 lists for this Arai Akino... O.oDid you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
sora no uta (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
sora no uta (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(3)Our Price: US$33.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 11, 2009 A legendArai Akino is another one of the japanese artists I grew up with since the 90's. This album compiles song of her greatests works like the two hits ('Tsuki No Ie' and 'Hiro No Tsuki') from 1998 and Kirei no Kanjou. Though her RGB album from 2002 contains these hits as well, this album also has Kakusei Toshi, Voices, Koneko no Shinzou and many other songs I loved as a kid.
Arai Akino is an artist with extremely soft vocals and a soothing sound overall. Her overall singing presence is astounding and after listening to her, you'll find that you can't listen to mainstream music without cringing at how loud it is. She really gives you a softer outlook of music.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Hyousa (Japan Version)
June 11, 2009 Highly anticipatedI was really anticipating this single and I must say that Rurutia never disappoints me.
The opening track (Hyousa) is really nice and caught me immediately. It could just be that I long to hear her voice more often since she's not a mainstream artist, but it was SO refreshing to hear her voice again.
I personally didn't really care too much for track 2, however the ballad versions (track 3-6) blew me away again. The ballad version of Opus (track 3) really caught me the most. It was breathtaking with the added orchesta. I actually loved this version better than the original single version.
Rurutia is one of those artists that gives music that really helps you to wind down and I find myself appreciating her music more and more. ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Opus (Japan Version)
June 11, 2009 BreathtakingYet another breathtaking single by Rurutia. Rurutia is one of those artists I find myself anticipating her singles because she's not mainstream and only puts out songs once or twice a year at most. She falls into the same genre as Arai Akino, Sakamoto Maaya, Ilaria Graziano, origa,...etc... However, I truly find Rurutia amazing.
The first two tracks are nice songs, but I was most interested in the ballad versions of her past songs (Tracks 3-5). They truly blew me away! O.O I love the purity of her voice and to able to hear it so clearly with minimal music is a treat. Track 4 has to be my favorite track on this single. You can hear so clearly...
Track 6 is also one of my favorites and is especially breathtaking. It really feels as if you're underwater or in another world. It makes you want to just close your eyes and imagine...Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Share The World / We Are! (Jacket B)(Hong Kong Version)
Share The World / We Are! (Jacket B)(Hong Kong Version)
(3)Our Price: US$9.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 11, 2009 Response to kamekami初回限定特典：12頁日文歌詞本、東方神起專屬封面式卡片封入！(6種隨機封入1種)
Jacket B (CD Only) cames with a 12 page booklet.
You will recieve a randomly selected photocard from 6 (either an idividual of one of the five boys or a group shot).
PS You will recieve a photocard regardless of which jacket you buy (CD Only or CD+DVD) with this Hong Kong Version.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Share The World / We Are! (Jacket A)(SINGLE+DVD)(Hong Kong Version)
Share The World / We Are! (Jacket A)(SINGLE+DVD)(Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$12.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
May 21, 2009 Love the offshoot! ^^With this verison, I got the Group photocard.
When it comes to the PV for Share the World, I can understand how some people were disappointed and say that it seemed low budget, however, the overall concept is to appear to the younger age groups since this is a theme song for an anime (One Piece). However, no one can doubt that they 'looked' good in the PV. I think people wanted to see them dance more, but I don't see this as a song that can be danced to so simply, so I think the PV director did the best he could. If you are hesitant to buy this version because you didn't like the PV, at least buy it for the Offshot. It is so funny watching the boys fooling around while shooting.
(Check my other review for the CD only version for song reviews and quality reviews).Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Share The World / We Are! (Jacket B)(Hong Kong Version)
Share The World / We Are! (Jacket B)(Hong Kong Version)
(3)Our Price: US$9.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
May 21, 2009 Fast shipping! O_OI ordered both versions of this single and I was honestly surprised at how fast the shipment came!
With this verison, I got the Yoochun photocard (I never get Jaejoong T_T).
When it comes to the music, I personally didn't really understand Share the World's concept and was a little skeptical, however, I've come to love this song a lot. It's uplifting and positive message is just what the world needs. ^^ The 'Share the World -Save A Remix-' is amazing as well. We Are! is a song I was used to hearing on One Piece, so I was wondering when the whole song was going to released on a cd. Overall, I am glad I bought this. ^^
If people are debating whether or not to get the Korean or Hong Kong Version of a Japanese item, Hong Kong has MUCH better quality than the Korean version even though the Hong Kong version costs less. I don't know why this is, but I've had some bad experiences with the Korean version of items. The photocard is more flimsy and the way the CD fits in its slot isn't right, so the CD always falls out easily. So, I highly recommend the Hong Kong version of items.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Loving You (DVD) (Taiwan Version)
Loving You (DVD) (Taiwan Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$19.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:May 16, 2009 Unexpectingly GoodThough I don't watch many boy love dramas or movies, I believe this film has just enough balance to make it an enjoyable film without gay prejudice. I found the storyline interesting immediately and didn't even realise it was actually a boy love movie until halfway through the movie. ^^() Saitoh Takumi does some really good acting and this film really lets the viewer get captured by his smile.
I really recommend this regardless of if you are into boy love or not. The story line is really what draws you in.
PS The only downside is that I wish this came english subtitled. I can understand enough of the japanese to understand the plot completely, but it's still be nice to be able to understand every word the actors are saying incase I miss something.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Tae Goon 2nd Mini Album - Rising Star
Tae Goon 2nd Mini Album - Rising Star
(3)Our Price: US$11.99List: US$15.99Save: US$4.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
May 15, 2009 Once AgainOnce Again, Taegoon releases another mini album that's completely his own. Call Me was an excellent single however, this time arounf, the single Superstar was one of the songs I didn't really care for compared to the other songs on the mini album. I think ByeBye would have been the best choice as a single release. ^^
However, regardless, I love every other song on the mini album. Call Me Remix is wonderfully done with H-Eugene.
Good job Taegoon. Just keep the ball rolling until your first album! ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dong Bang Shin Ki - The 3rd Asia Tour Concert "Mirotic" In Seoul 2009 - Concert Book
Dong Bang Shin Ki - The 3rd Asia Tour Concert "Mirotic" In Seoul 2009 - Concert Book
(3)Our Price: US$49.99List: US$69.99Save: US$20.00 (29%)Related promotions:May 11, 2009 book is misleading/yesasia has the BEST shippingThe mailman left this package for me on my doorstep on a day when there was torrential rain all day long. By the time I got home, the box was soaked to the bone to the point where when I picked up the box, it fell apart. I was so scared that the book got soaked and had water damage... but when I opened it, the book was completely dry because of yesasia's double bubble wrap and plastic. GO YESASIA! >_<
I myself am extremely satisfied with the product. I like seeing the boys when they're in action and not posed for shots. However, I understand people's disappointment because most of the shots aren't glamourous and nice poses like in the Paris or It's Stylish paris books. This is book has shots you'd expect to get with the Concert DVD (like the photobook that comes with 'O' Concert DVD). People may find that the photos posted online by groups such as TVXQevent, etc... take better shots. However, I personally like this book very much, especially the thin extra backstage booklet.
I also must say that this book has misled some buyers because the advertised photos and posters for this concert released earlier and the cover/sheath of the book makes the buyer think that shots will be posed and full of charisma.
I give this book a 9/10
.5 deduction for misleading people with the cover sheath
.5 deduction for the striped edges of the pages. Like S. says, it's EXTREMELY annoying to look at... I have half a mind to cut them out myself as well.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Secret Code (Jacket C)(Hong Kong Version)
3 people found the following helpful
May 11, 2009 another order of The Secret CodeI had to order this version for my mother (since she gets jealous of ALL the TVXQ merchandise I buy now... -___-). Despite the late shipment (the dates kept getting pushed back), it was a real treat since she recieved the package on Mother's Day which made her more happy than the dinner I treated her too.... -___-;;;; This came with a free poster, which was shipped ahead of the CD early in April (check out my review for the poster).
Once again, this album is awesome (look at my review for the 2CD+DVD Japanese Version of the songs).
PS This one came with the Group Photocard.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Proglution Tour 2008 (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Proglution Tour 2008 (Normal Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$44.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:May 6, 2009 Nice concertI've loved UVERworld since "just melody" released in 2006 and I must say that this concert really does show them at their best. UVERworld tends to have a different stage demeanor than other rock bands in general. The lead singer (Takuya) has such a calming stage presence and I found the way he communicates with the audience to be interesting. I must say that this concert was an awesome experience.
This concert really does UVERworld some justice. Though they are fairly popular in Japan, they tend to have the attitude of a small band who just wants to get a message across and I really liked that feeling. It makes the viewer feel like a part of the audience and not just a random number in a crowd.
Performance wise, the vocals were amazingly flawless. UVERworld's amazing mixture of rock and rap has an original style where in some songs, it even feels like he's just having a converstation with you. When it comes to the band, they play extremely well. It was nice that they had a small solo interlude (expod-digital) and it was right before UNKNOWN ORCHESTRA, which I feel is UVERworld's best composed piece yet. Balancing on a fine line between rock+techno+rap, they have the talents of combining these elements flawlessly.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Spirits (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Spirits (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$29.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:May 3, 2009 Review continuedREVIEW PART 2
...Soulja also has a nice soothing rapping voice for songs like "Cassis". He slows down his hard rap to a smooth jazzy tone. It's also nice to hear a good mixture of Japanese/English where it's easy to understand. His pronunciation is clear and there's no getting confused with the english lyrics and trying to get what he's saying.
"LIBERTANGO(Pierrot)" shows some good composing skills. It mixes his smooth rapping with spanish strings and guitars. "Rain" is another piece where his rapping is nicely mixed with the piano. Compositionally, the repeating patterns of two pianos mixed with violins in the background really work out well.
Personally, I think he does well when he collaborates with female artists instead of hardcore rapping by himself. When he does rap by himself, I like when he tones it down. On this album, I didn't care for only 2 tracks which were when he was hardcore rapping.
I think he'd do extremely well in a group/duo with a female singer. It's rare to see duos made of one male and one female. I think it'd be extremely interesting to see this happen with Soulja and a good singer.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Spirits (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Spirits (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$29.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:May 3, 2009 Interesting...REVIEW PART 1
I was first introduced to Soulja through his collaboration with Thelma Aoyama in "Koko ni iru yo". The track is gorgeous and I highly recommend it to J-Pop listeners. If you liked Yuna Ito and Spontania's collaboration "Ima demo zutto", then you'll like this song.
Listening to his solo works in this album really surprised me. His rapping style is extremely different from the mainstream J-Rap ("Dogg Pound" and "First Contact"<-Too much hard rapping for me. ^^) I won't say his rapping style in these are bad, it's just outside of what I usually listen to.
Soulja has a deep voice and his "singing" is soothing (shown especially "Song for you"). Tracks like "ID" really mix his rap with his singing voice nicely... It takes some getting used to his rap style, but you eventually get drawn in. "Lotus" and "Sotsugyo" are a truly uplifting songs mixed with children singing. It feels like songs I'd hear at a Youth Christian Group and it really shows a different side to his music. It made me want to cry a bit. ^^
to be continued in next review...Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
In Physical (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version)
In Physical (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$41.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:May 1, 2009 Amazing CompositionsKen has REALLY outdone himself this time. This album shows off his talent with the most ear-grabbing sounds. The opening song, though it doesn't have words, is an EXCELLENT opening. The title "REPOSE IN SOUND SLEEP" really does it serious justice. It goes so well with the cover design as well... It's as if the song is a lullaby taking you into Ken's "physical" world which can't be seen while awake. Even the album cover looks as if Ken is falling asleep into a luring dream...
The rest of the songs really shows off Ken's personal taste in music aside from L'Arc~en~ciel's overall theme. When listening to L'Arc~en~ciel play, Ken's solo parts are amazing. Well, imagine having an entire album full of his solo work? This album includes the singles "Speed", "Deeper", and the recently released "S". However, all of the songs on the album feel as though they could have been a hit single.
Ken has an interesting voice and it's easy to fall into. It's... different and adding to the fact that any L'Arc~en~ciel fan can listen to guitar music and immediately pick up Ken's playing, this album REALLY shows off his freestyling skill.
When it comes to albums, I really look closely at the opening and ending songs because they usually hold the key to the albums true feel and what the artist wants the listener to get out of the album. "Save Me" was an excellent choice as an ending song and it REALLY hits home. After such an intense album, this song slows you down a bit with his echoing vocals and gives you a taste of Ken's english skills. It's as if the song is saying that after getting too deep into the dream (the album), there must be a way to get out and move on, even if its just a little (even if it's just next door~). I really like his pure vocals in this song.
The album, IN PHYSICAL, let's you truly get a taste of the world of Ken Kitamura. True to it's title, this album really has his "touch" in everything from the vocals to the music and I must say that it's a real treat.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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