Reviews written by Andrew Martinez

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Contact (Japan Version)
May 19, 2006 A Playful MixWhat can I say about FPM's music other than that you just have to hear it? His style on this album is a slightly wacky, off-beat lounge experience that he became popular for in his early career. A few of this tracks actually have pretty humorous lyrics if you listen to them carefully, and you're almost led to believe that FPM is trying to cover it up with the music, trying to simply slip it past you. City Lights and Love Is Psychedelic (Full Spoken Mix) are prime examples of this. I actually really like the latter of those two songs, but City Lights wasn't all that impressive to me. There a few songs on here that lack a little bit of FPM's chracteristically strong style and feel a little washed out amongst the other songs.All in all, though, the album is a pretty enjoyable ride through some unique tunes. Favorites were Paragon2, Black Dada (Edo-Mae Mix), Love Is Psychedelic (Full Spoken Mix), and Todos Os Desejos (King Britt's Scub Mix). Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
nobuchikaeri.rx (Japan Version)
May 19, 2006 A little shortLet me just get this out of the way: this album was a little bit short. Not so short that it's not worth the money, but I definitely would have liked to see a longer track list (especially a remix of Inner Glow, but that's because of personal preference). However, looking at the tracks included, I still enjoyed this club-centered album. There's no question these tracks are made for lounging and dancing. To me, they're sort of more what I had expected Eri's music to be like when all I head heard from her was the tracks on the PSP game Lumines- slightly less melodious than the songs on her debut album and a little more beat-heavy. As far as individual tracks, I was a little upset about the FPM remix as it's really just a mash-up. I'm not a fan for mash-ups, but if you like them, then maybe this will be up your alley. The other track that bothered me was Herbert's Pikey Remix of Kodou, which could have been better without the annoying, repeating vox they used. My favorite on the album was the Azzido Da Bass remix of Voice, although, again, it's slightly less melodious. They also took out the most impressive part of the original Voice- Eri's long hold on the high note towards the middle of the song. I would have liked to see that stay, but even without it, the remix is still pretty rockin'. The Linus Loves Remix of Yume No Kakera and Sing A Song "Royksopp I Kramsno Remix" are probably next in line. The former has a nice, chill feel, while the latter just meanders between rhythms and tones extremely well. It's a snog you can really get lost in. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Clazziquai Project 2nd Remix Album - Pinch Your Soul
Clazziquai Project 2nd Remix Album - Pinch Your Soul
(4)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysMay 19, 2006 Better than the lastThis remix album took a different approach than did the album ZBAM. There was a higher degree of cohesiveness with this release, as well as a stronger tie-in to the original tracks, as many of these remixes were still funk inspired, just with a little bit of a twist or more electronica added in. Unfortunately, there was no single song on this album that stood out as a phenom. On ZBAM, the Mellotron remix of Come To Me simply stood out as an amazingly well-composed and beautiful track the grabbed me the very first time I heard it. For me, I did not get the same experience on this album. Of course, the album is still far from being a bad album even without that. The new original song, Love Mode, was also very good, and I'm sure that if it hadn't been placed on this album, it would have made it on the next Clazziquai original album as it has just as much clever composition and pure stule as any of their other songs. This album has, certainly, kept my excitement up for any future releases that are to come our way from Clazziquai. Favorites were Color Your Soul (Pinch You Remix), Love Mode, Fill This Night (Paradox Remix), and Sweety (Cosmo Remix) [FINALLY, a Clazziquai song that' all in English I can understand!=P]. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Heart & Symphony (Japan Version)
2 people found the following helpful
May 19, 2006 Lots of vocal expressionHitomi's music is such a unique blend of dance and orchestral composition that I really can't think of anything to compare it to off the top of my head. Her music on this album, much like what can be found on Crossover, is extremely dramatic in its presentation. I imagine that music like hers could be a movie producer's dream as its emotion is so clearly laid out in her vocals and the supporting composition. Two-Mix, of course, is one group known for incorporating classical influences and sometimes even using classical instruments in their compositions, but the approach in Hitomi's music is much different. It's more straightforward, and I belive it has a stronger impact. For example, the track Mermai has a chorus using the melody of a famous classical composition, though I'm not well versed enough in the area to identify it. I tended to like the faster, more dance-oriented tracjs simply because they're more interesting to me when sung by Hitomi. Her slower, balld-astyle songs are actually pretty, and she has a decently melodious voice, but she doesn't keep my attention as succesfully on these songs. To me, it seems like she tones herself down for her slower songs, but I would rather see her approach these with all the emoitonal fervor that she brings to the dance-oriented tracks. Favorites on this album were Sara Souju, Garnet Moon (though I liked the Crossover Version better), Mona Lisa, Mermaid, and Voice. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
REMIX ATTACK (Japan Version)
1 people found the following helpful
May 19, 2006 Great for its energyThis album surprised me a bit just with the amount of energy that's present. I didn't really think the songs could be more hyper or dramatic than on the original album =P. A lot of these remixes turned out to be hardcroe techno remixes, almost to the point of being happy hardcore (really energetic techno). There are, of course, some exceptions to this, like DMX miyazaki's remix of Taiyou. Speaking of which, I was pretty dissapointed by the first of DMX Miyazaki's tracks. He was one of my favorite remixers on the almost all of Ayu's old singles, but he seems to have changed his style somewhat, and Taiyou, in particular, just isn't nearly as creative. It even seems to drag; this is not what I've come to expect from DMX Miyazaki. His remix of Bokura No Te was closer to what I was hoping for from him, but still not quite as unique as some of his older tracks. As a whole, however, the album seemed to be fairly succesful at creating remixes that were different from the originals, but still kept some semblence of the tracks from which they originated. I do have to say that on the opposite end of the spectrum, I immensely enjoyed both Wall5 remixes. The remix of Dragon Fire is my favorite on teh album, with the Blood on Fire remix next, and finally the remix version of Chikyuu Ni Idakarete. Hallelujah (Hype Remix) also had a good, rock feel to it. If you want something that can keep up with you when you're feeling pretty energetic, or maybe even an album that's great to listen to while running, this one should be at the top of your list. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
AMIx WORLD (Japan Version)
1 people found the following helpful
May 19, 2006 For trance & dance fansThis remix album is a dance/trance lover's dream. Almost all of the remixes are in a style highly reminiscent of eurodance tracks that were coming out from techno names like Svenson & gielen, Special D, Fragma, etc. just a few years ago. Personally, it was great a experience to relive the music popularized by artists like these. Many of the tracks simply have great, classic dance rhythms and synth techniques that should be very comfortable for any techno fan. In the techno vien, there are even some influences of house that show up pretty stronly on individual tracks. There are some tracks, of course, that break the mold; these are usually smoother in sound and even border more on a soul and straight-up pop feel. Now, this album is pretty different in that every other track is a different remix of the song Around The World- similar to the old Ayumi single releases. I do have to admit that this album could have pulled this off a little better. Though there was variety on the album as a whole, it was usually the other tracks that were the more unique additions. So many of the remixes of Around The World tend not to stand out later on. A couple of exceptions to this are the Sham-poo vs Heavens Wire RMX and the Wall5 Remix, but these were really just the versions that stand out as exceptional dance/trance tracks more than for being unique in themselves. As for the other tracks, the best were Hopeful (M.O.R. Remix), Negaigoto (Dub's The Wish Was Fulfilled Remix), and Alone (Furon Dark Star Remix). The remix of Negaigoto by DMX Miyazaki was a pleasant relief; as I had not found his work on the recent AAA remix album as good as past ventures. This track, however, displayed more of his creativity. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
maniac (Japan Version)
4 people found the following helpful
April 2, 2006 Maniac's just as Great as any other Globe album!Given Globes previous release habits, I was REALLY surprised to find out that this album was going to be released so soon after Globe 2. After listening to it, though, it kind of makes sense. In a way, this album is to Globe 2 what Lights 2 was to Lights. But then, you cant really name the album Globe 2 2 =P. What I mean by that is the songs on here sound very much like theyre in the same vein as the ones on Globe 2, just that theyre, for the most part, toned down a bit. Theyre not quite as dreamlike as the ones on Lights 2, but theyre quieter, more contemplative. You can also feel TKs work a lot more on this album, especially on Please Dont Give Up. With the exception of a gew songs, though, it seems like Globe also went even more into their original sound than they did on Globe 2, which I enjoyed a lot. One thing that bothered me, though, was that the preview MV for Soldier posted on their website must have been for a single version or something, because the part of the song that was posted isnt on this version at all. I was also taken back a little bit by Appreciate, a sort of beat-nick meets techno track that was all in English. When I saw the English in the lyrics book, I assumed Marc would be singing it, but its Keiko. And even Keiko knows shes not the best at English; I would have preferred Marc on this track. As for the second disc, I LOVE the band versions of Judgment and Lost. If Globe decided to pursue that sound on future works, I certainly wouldnt complain. To me, these versions are even better than their originals. The rest of the second disc was sort of a toss-up for me since I had 4 of the songs already from Cyber X, KCO, and Experience. For those without these albums, though, they certainly picked great songs to feature. I kind of wish they would have put the full version of Cosmic Dream on, but thats ok. The TK tracks on here are particularly dream-like in quality, especially To Solid Snake and it kind of caught me off guard. Favorites (from the original album) were Please Dont Give Up (in this song, TK does an interesting thing by providing the background instruments in the first chorus as orchestral instruments, then changing to electric guitar the second time around), Why Why Tell Me Why, Orbit, Tokyo, and Simplove. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
BEST - second session (Jacket C)(Japan Version)
BEST - second session (Jacket C)(Japan Version)
(7)Our Price: US$32.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysApril 2, 2006 RelievedI was very relieved when I heard this album. I havent really liked any of KKs albums that much since Grow Into One, but this one is finally one that I can say I really did enjoy. I would say that this is because KK has returned on this album to more of the sound that made her great when she first started- pop with just a little bit of hip/hop attitude. Just enough to make it interesting. On Secret, I think she tried to add too much of that and it just didnt work for me. She still hasnt gone back to making songs like Pearl Moon, Maze, and Ranhansha, but I still like the sound shes chosen to accentuate this time around. I really felt that the middle of this album, from track 5 to about 11 was the strongest showing for this endeavor. Towards the end, there are a few slower ballads, that, though theyre pretty well-sung, I kind of lost interest in. Especially the whole Peabo Bryson duet of A Whole New World. Im sorry, but that just didnt impress me. All in all, though, this was a very good album and am glad to see this style and quality from KK once again. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
God Sista (Japan Version)
April 2, 2006 Hate to admit it, but I was dissapointedI have to admit, I dont think this is a particularly strong showing from Lisa. Although I do enjoy a few of the songs like Its On, God Sista, and Bootylectric overall, I dont like this heavy R&B feel for Lisa. Or at least not for an entire album. Ive always loved that Lisa likes to mix it up on her albums, and that obviously, was not the case for this album. There are certain songs where I even think Lisas voice just doesnt belong, like in the Raggeaton remix of I, Rhythm. Lisa is WAY too melodious and harmonizing for Raggeaton. And why were I Promise, GET REAL, and Remember Me on this album when they were on previous Lisa albums? I feel a little ripped off since these were basically useless filler. The DJ Watarai remix of Switch, one of my favorite Lisa tracks, was interesting but not nearly as good as the original. In a way, this album is very similar to what Namie did under the Suite Chic name, but this isnt the way I prefer to hear Lisa.
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FLY ME SO HIGH (Japan Version)
April 2, 2006 Save your money unless you're a collectorI have to admit, I mainly bought this single not for the title track, but for one of the remixes. I remembered loving the Mushroom Huntin remix of Super Sonic Dance, and just had to have it in my collection. As for the main A and B side tracks, Ive always liked Fly Me So High a lot; it has a great trance feel that reminds me a bit of Wanna Fly To Be Wild, and Sunday Funday is a pretty fun song in the same vein, though its a bit less electronica-heavy. I was kind of hoping that the version of the A-side on this single would be different from the album version, but no such luck. Id only get this one if you really want to have ALL the Move songs or really love one of the remixes. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
imaginations (Japan Version)
April 2, 2006 Some of his best tracks to date!This latest release from FPM is almost completely a collaboration album. Although hes chosen to work with some pretty big names on some songs (Clazziquai and Bonnie Pink, for example), there are also a few tracks with lesser-knowns (like Tahiti80 and Ugly Duckling). Because of this collaboration aspect, every song is largely different from the other tracks on the album. Whereas previous albums had a definite lounge or bossa presence, that style was pretty much nowehere to be found on this album. Instead, theres more of a pop song to some of the songs, especially Dont You Know? feat. Clazzuquai Project, while others have more of a general electronica sound. Even without this lounge feel, though, I dont think any fan would have trouble identifying this work as FPMs pretty quickly. It still has some of the funky touches and almost silly extras he likes to add in. I did find that the lyrics for a lot of these songs are a good deal more depressing than past albums, and sometimes the songs themselves cover this up with their melodies that sound more upbeat. Again, Dont You Know? is a good example of this. Favorites were Dont You Know? feat. Clazziquai Project, Paparuwa, French Kiss, and Obsession. I highly recommend checking out the video for Dont You Know?; its a really cool video, especially design-wise, and it has a pretty crazy ending. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Jewel of Jewels (Japan Version)
April 2, 2006 The Ladies Still Deliver!Ive been waiting for this release for a long time. I discovered Max from their Precious Collection album, and have been wanting more ever since. On this album, the girls sound more mature stylistically. I was surprised by the variety on this album; I was expecting more monotony from a unit such as this, but that wasnt the case. They still have some songs on here that have their characteristic smooth diva feel to them, but there are quite a few upbeat tracks as well. Some that you could really get dancing to, in my opinion. Im not sure I would be able to say the same of their past works. I was also pretty surprised by the rapping on Whats Going On, and at first thought it might be Heartsdales, but the lyrics book credits no one, so Max definitely pulled something new out of their bag of tricks for this song. It was a nice new aspect for their music. Their English, of course, sounds like its actually improved a bit in the meantime, too. Always a plus for Western listeners like me. There are some real gems (no pun intended =P) on this album, like Love Screw (love Arab-inspired instrumental that shows up every now and then), Kirakirai, Naughty Boy, and Melty Love. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
ATTACK (ALBUM)(Japan Version)
April 2, 2006 Surprised by how much I liked itOk, I never, EVER thought I would like one of these massive teen-pop groups. I had heard AAAs rendition of Crazy Gonna Crazy on TRFs Life E-Motions bonus disc, and decided I had to at least check them out. Well, of course, I was wrong about that Never EVER thing. I love AAA. Like Nami Tamaki, theyre keeping up a pretty strong Eurobeat feel, though theirs is more towards the rock/euro than techno/euro style of Nami. Of course, being a teen pop band, most of their songs are irresistibly catchy and do make you want to move. The one thing they dont really do well in my opinion, though, is the slower almost-ballad songs. They really do sound like every other teen pop band on these tracks, whereas their more upbeat songs are more unique and individual. I was surprised to find that the track Saikyou Babe, a sort of latin-inspired dance track featuring the guys, was actually written by MOTSU of Move. Pretty cool to me, personally. Anyway, favorites on this album were Blood on Fire, Dragon Fire, and Saikyou Babe. I also recommend checking out the Dragon Fire vid, its pretty funn Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
crossover (Japan Version)
1 people found the following helpful
April 2, 2006 Love her soundThis was a blind purchase for me since Ive never heard any of Shimatanis music before. All I knew was that this has been featured on Takashi Kimuras (Move) weblog for a really long time, so it got me interested. Hitomi has a really nice voice with a lot of emotive expression. To me a lot of her music almost sounds theatrical, it has that much emotion in it. I also like the use of background vocals on this album; they dont feel compulsory; instead, theyre all unique and add their own touches to the songs. Theyre not Shes also very effective at singing over a surprisingly wide range of pitches. On songs like Soushun, she sings in a pretty high tone, and yet on Shanty, she delivers quite a smoky performance at points. This album seems to feature two styles: ballads and dance songs. I prefer her dance tracks, but that may just be because theyre more catchy. Overall, Id definitely recommend this album if you pay attention to a singers actual talent and want something thats going to involve you more than the typical pop. Favorite tracks were Perseus, I Will, Z!Z!Z!, and Shanty. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Clazziquai Project Vol. 2 - Color of Your Soul
Clazziquai Project Vol. 2 - Color of Your Soul
(7)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)1 people found the following helpful
April 2, 2006 Nice Stylistic AdventureFrom the very first track on this album, Clazziquai sets up a slight shift in style emphasis for their sophomore album. Instead of the electro-pop/bossanova combo they delivered on Instant Pig, Clazziquai has instead combined their electro-pop with a disco/funk style. There are still a couple of bossa-inspired tracks on this album, but theyre not nearly as prevalent. Compared to their first album, I dont think this one was as instantly likeable. However, now that I have given it time, I think I may like it overall more than Instant Pig. My favorite Clazziquai songs may still be ones from Instant Pig, but this album, as a whole, sounds better and more polished. As it should, since its a second release. Plus, I really like the disco/funk sound for them. Horan, in particular, seems to sound very good in this style. My favorite tracks were Fill This Night, Cry Out Loud, Be My Love, Dance, and Color Your Soul. Be My Love is a slightly corny track as the guest singer (Yi Sung Yoi) definitely sounds like hes trying to be Tom Jones, but he manages to pull it off pretty well, in spite of however silly the concept may seem. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
ClaZziQuai Project Remix - ZBAM
ClaZziQuai Project Remix - ZBAM
(2)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 7 daysApril 2, 2006 Great remixesThis is Clazziquais first remix album, which is mainly composed of remixes from Instant Pig, though there are also some new songs on this album. Even if you do not get this entire album, you have to find some way to check out the mellotron remix of Come To Me (its the version in the MV for this song). It is amazing and so soothing. Again, a song you can loop through forever and not grow tired of it. As a remix album, I was pleasantly surprised by not only the diversity of the songs, but the quality. A lot of these sound like originals, and are just as memorable. Ive said this before about Suite Chics When Pop Hits The Lab, and I think its even more applicable here: this doesnt really feel like a remix album, it feels more like just a second version of Instant Pig. The best remixes were Futuristic- House Remix, of course Come To Me- Mellotron Remix, and Stepping Out- Step Remix. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Clazziquai Vol. 1 - Instant Pig
Clazziquai Vol. 1 - Instant Pig
(13)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysApril 2, 2006 Impressive!This album is simply amazing, especially for a first release. All of the songs on this album are so easy to get into and so memorable. My significant other and I simply couldnt stop listening to this album as soon as I received it. Overall, Clazziquai has built an album of tracks with an electro-pop feel and others with a bossanova style. I found this combination particularly interesting, but it lends a definite lounge-esque feel to the album, and mixes things up so that you never tire of the songs. This is one of those albums that you can listen to hundreds of times and never grow tired of it. Besides the music, I was also pretty impressed with the singing itself. Alex has a nice, smooth, voice, and Horan is very good at harmonizing and being very melodious. Christina has some surprisingly good English, and her voice certainly commands attention. If you want something thats very fresh, and very well-executed, I highly recommend this album. Favorites were You Never Know, Come To Me, Sweety, Tattoo, Gentle Rain, Flower, and Play Girl. Also, the final track, Cat Bossa, is a pretty funny song, since its supposed to be sung from the point of view of a pretty pretentious cat. The lyrics book even includes only part of the lyrics then says bLa bLa bLa bLa . . Nice touch of humor. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
OUTGROW (Japan Version)
March 3, 2006 BoA's talent in strengtheningIts been quite a while since BoAs made a full album release in Japanese, and I believe the wait has been worth it. Although there arent really any songs on this new album that I would say were able to move me the way that some of the ones on Valenti did (Kiseki, for example), I still think that BoA did a very fine job in singing all of the tracks on this album. In contrast to Valenti, this album seems to be a little bit more experimental for BoA, as she sings to a little bit wider variety of musical styles backing her up. Perhaps this is the meaning behind the name of the album. For example, the track Do The Motion is a nice easy listening, slightly jazzy track, while two songs later, the title track Outgrow sounds like something you really wouldnt be surprised if you heard Britney Spears singing. (Incidentally, this may be my favorite song on the album, something which makes me think I may be losing my mind =P.) Anyway, I like this broadening of her styles that BoA has been attempting lately, as I believe she is strengthening her skill in the process. Of course, she is a bit older now, but she seems to have gained a good deal of maturity in her ability to express herself with her voice by this point. Favorite tracks were Silent Screamerz, Outgrow, Cosmic Eyes, Love Is Just What You Cant See, and Soundscape. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Shiawase no Hyogen (Japan Version)
March 3, 2006 Always loved this songThis single was the last release made by Gaball. (Im not sure they ever officially split up, but they havent made music in a while). Its almost a shame that this song was put on a single, because it would have fit really well on Gaballs album, Represent_01, especially as a complement to the track Wind Of You. That aside, this song is a very soothing, almost ethereal trance track. This is what makes it much like Wind Of You, and is the reason these two songs have become my favorite tracks by GABALL. Being a single, of course, there are a few extra versions included here. I think the original (feat. Joanne) is the best, but I also liked the version featuring Erika because it took on more of a house beat which was a nice feel for the vocals. The version with Dragon is alright, but it doesnt stand out very much from the Joanne version, and is actually not as good in my opinion, so I almost rather not have it included on this release. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Lif-e-Motions (2CD)(Japan Version)
March 3, 2006 Nice Turn-Around for TRFAfter absolutely hating my last TRF purchase, I was a little scared to go ahead and take a chance on this one. But I figured that this album represents an historic moment in J-pop history and that it was worth giving TRF another chance. I am glad I did because they have certainly improved their sound; its much cleaner, more mature, and with much better production value, than their previous work Ive heard. In addition, they seem to have gotten over some of their English troubles they were having before. With Loop #1999, I felt that they were stretching too hard to have a full world sound, but this time they just concentrated on what they do best: creating catchy pop tunes with great dance beats. In addition, this album comes with one killer bonus disc. The tribute album that is included is just as good as the original album, and just as good as other compilation albums Ive purchased before. Having two discs of such great quality in one package really makes this a great value set. On the original album, favorites were Everlastings (a track with just the right touch of trance to give it some depth), Where To Begin, Precious, and Signal Theta, an instrumental track. I was also happy to see One Nation, the song featured on the Song+Nation album, on this album as well, but I was sort of hoping it would be a new version. However, for those who have never heard this song, it will be great to have it on this album. Its simply an awesome trance track, written by TK and DJ Dragon (basically GABALL), which pretty much guarantees it will be something unlike any other song youve heard. On the tribute album, the songs that really shine are Keikos trance/house version of EZ Do Dance, Silver and Gold Dance covered by TM Revolution, BoAs ultra-bouncy version of Survival Dance, and AAAs version of Crazy Gonna Crazy. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)





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