Reviews written by Glenn
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FM S.H.E (Retro Radio Edition) (Preorder Version) (With FM S.H.E Single) (Hong Kong Version)
FM S.H.E (Retro Radio Edition) (Preorder Version) (With FM S.H.E Single) (Hong Kong Version)
(1)Our Price: US$18.49Related promotions:October 6, 2008 A huge disappointmentLet me begin this review by posing a question: What happened to S.H.E's music? The first track is a generic intro with the S.H.E girls just talking and sounding cute. The majority of the other tracks are boring, uninspired, annoyingly repetitive, and just awful. On the positive side, I have two favorite songs on this album: Track 04 and Track 15. Track 04 is a sweet ballad with a great chorus S.H.E fans are familiar with. Track 15 is a fun, carefree song one is expected to hear from S.H.E. But as I've stated, the others are simply horrible with boring compositions, lengthy nonsensical sound effects, and it just feels like S.H.E tried too hard to be different with this album. Since only 2 songs out of 15 are "acceptable," I cannot recommend this album to anyone at all.
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Postmen In The Mountains (DVD) (China Version)
Postmen In The Mountains (DVD) (China Version) DVD Region All
(2)Our Price: US$6.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 21, 2008 Surprisingly good!With a title like "Postmen in the Mountains," one is inclined to think of an adventure movie. I did not do any research about this movie before purchase and I eventually took the "risk" because of the great reviews and fantastic price. When I finally received this movie, I was immediately disappointed that English subtitles were not included; even YesAsia clearly states this also. I guess I just assumed English subtitles would be included. In addition, the presentation of this movie is awful and the menu is just horrid. Before deciding to return it, I pushed the PLAY button on my remote and WOW, it was quite an adventure indeed!
There are too many wonderful things about "Postmen in the Mountains" to overshadow the negatives I described above. First, the opening scene will grab you and from there, you will be treated to awe-inspiring scenery. Some of the scenery during the movie look like they are paintings! That's how wonderful they look! Second, the drama is very nicely executed. Don't be surprised if tears are suddenly sliding down your face while watching two particularly touching scenes. Third, the unexpected comedy is extremely satisfying. And last, even though this is an extremely short movie, I felt fully satisfied at the ending. If there was one thing I wanted more, it was definitely more screen time of the beautiful lady farmer. :)
To summarize, this is for anyone looking for a movie that masterfully incorporates adventure, drama, comedy, and some romance in less than 2 hours. Some viewers may comment that some parts were slow, but I think every scene was nicely done and well-paced. To drive my point, I don't even understand Chinese, but after the credits rolled, I felt like I understood everything that happened. If that doesn't convince you how good this movie is, then I don't know what will.
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S.H.E. Youth MV Gallery
S.H.E. Youth MV Gallery DVD Region All
(11)Our Price: US$29.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:August 20, 2008 So-soI became a fan of S.H.E around 2005, so seeing this DVD was a bit of a shock to me. It's almost disappointing, yet interesting to see the S.H.E girls look so different. In addition, the quality of the music videos are laughable compared to the ones on their PLAY DVD. I believe there are only 2 songs that interests me on this DVD: Track 1 titled "Remember" and Track 10 called "Beauty up my life."
To summarize, this is the first S.H.E MV DVD that was released so please lower your expectations if you have already seen their PLAY MV DVD. On the positive side, I had a great laugh trying to figure out how to open this DVD case. So overall, purchase this if you're collecting S.H.E DVDs. Else, just spend your money on the much more elegant and higher quality S.H.E PLAY MV DVD.
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August 20, 2008 Fun for all ages
Upon popping this DVD into your player, you are pleasantly welcomed by beautiful images of the three S.H.E girls: Selina, Hebe, and Ella. There is just no other way to describe how wonderful the songs on this DVD are. My one year old niece couldn't take her eyes off the television during Track 2, Track 3, and especially Track 8. Overall, this is just a wonderful music video DVD for S.H.E fans and non-S.H.E fans alike. My whole family was able to enjoy the music and wonderful scenery in each music video. And trust me, they are very hard to please music-wise!
So in conclusion, this DVD is for anyone out there who is looking to enjoy pure, fun, and easy-going music. And to make your purchase even more gratifying, a WHOLE concert is actually included in this DVD!
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Kaze fukeba Koi (Japan Version)
Kaze fukeba Koi (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$16.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 6, 2008 M-m-mmarvelous!The first song, "Kaze Fukeba Koi," quickly grew on me because I watched the promotional video of it over 100 times now; it's just that good. The second song, "Suishinryoku," is a refreshing tune with the band members using their charmingly cute voices. It also proves that the use of other musical instruments, other than their usual guitar, bass guitar, and drums, can create a unique background track that ultimately delivers an all-around wonderful song. Finally, the last track, "three sheep," is a soft, tender song that masterfully incorporates the lead vocalist's voice, her two comrades' (the bass guitar player and drum player), that results in a magical piece of music. And for those readers waiting for my sarcastic input on this review, "meh-ee-eh-eh like 'three sheep' a lot."
To summarize, I highly recommend "Kaze Fukeba Koi" to new and veteran chatmonchy fans alike. I usually abhor singles due to their few number of songs, but this chatmonchy single is just fantastic. And for the price, you just can't go wrong buying this thing. I wish a promotional DVD was included, but that would've increased the price anyway. So, all in all, please purchase this single to support one of the fastest-rising three-girl rock bands of Japan, chatmonchy.
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Prisoner of Love (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Prisoner of Love (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region All
(4)Our Price: US$21.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 1, 2008 Prisoner of Utada's worksBefore I begin, let me state that I recently came back from a trip from the Philippines. And during my airline flights, my mp3 player mysteriously shuffled Utada Hikaru's songs one after another from my tiny Jpop playlist consisting of Ayumi Hamasaki, Funky Monkey Babys, Thelma Aoyama, SoulJa, ET-KING, and others. Even though I set my mp3 player on Shuffle, I would hear "Heart Station" to "Passion" to "Hikari" and its other versions to "Wait And See" and of course, "Prisoner of Love" in a row! My point is, it seems my mp3 player has taken a liking to Utada Hikaru's songs, for some odd reason. It still does it from time to time, and I don't blame my mp3 player, since Utada Hikaru's works have been consistently phenomenal. For those who are wondering, my mp3 player is a 30GB Creative Zen Vision M. Maybe I should carve into it, 'Creative Zen Vision Me Like Utada Hikaru.' Ahem, ok, please forgive the awfully cheap sarcasm.
Anyway, "Prisoner of Love" is just a plain joy to listen to. Before seeing the promotional video, I found the tempo, tones, pitch, and other musical terms associated with the song to be well, flawless. And I used to hate it whenever Utada Hikaru would blend English lyrics into her Japanese songs, but as far as I know, she seems to be getting the hang of blending English into her songs in an artful, nonforceful, professional, profound, and yet simple way.
Furthermore, after I saw the "Prisoner of Love" promotional video, I was stunned how gorgeous she looked. Utada Hikaru looked so cute in the video; she's practically begging to be hugged. And she looked so beautiful when she was asleep. Awww. But she would probably shadow box, like she did in the video, me to oblivion if I hugged her. Hmmm, oh well.
In conclusion, this song rocks. Plain and simple. I could care less about the other versions, quiet and whatnot, "Prisoner of Love" is just an impressive song by one of Japan's finest musical artists, Utada Hikaru. And to make your purchase even more satisfying, you get the "Prisoner of Love" promotional video in DVD quality.
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Spirits X'tended (ALBUM+DVD) (Japan Version)
Spirits X'tended (ALBUM+DVD) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$37.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 1, 2008 50/50Like many of you, I discovered SoulJa of Japan due to his collaboration with Thelma Aoyama in the creation of the hit song, "Soba Ni Iru Ne." Introductions aside, this album is very unbalanced quality wise. In my opinion, there are only SIX songs worth noting on this SoulJa album.
The first one is obviously Track 1, titled "Koko Ni Iru Yo" feat Thelma Aoyama. I don't think I need to explain further why this song is so beautiful; it was the one that led to the creation of Thelma Aoyama's "Soba Ni Iru Ne."
Next, is Track 2, called "Soba Ni Iru Ne" feat another Japanese singer named Yukie. Compared to Thelma's version, this version is a bit more laid-back, and has a wonderful composition that balances SoulJa's vocals with Yukie's nearly flawlessly.
The third song that's worth listening to is Track 8, simply titled "Rain." At first, it may seem very repetitive, but let SoulJa's smooth and outstanding voice grow on you and this song will get stuck in your head. I especially love the ending of this song when SoulJa makes his voice very aggressive.
After getting an adrenaline rush from listening to "Rain", feel free to listen to the next track, Track 9, called "Dogg Pound." This is just a fun, no holds barred, hip hop song with clever lyrics and pacing from the man who calls himself SoulJa.
Attempting to break the monotonous sounds of rap/ hip-hop music, SoulJa gives us Track 10, titled "Lotus." This is an inspirational song that takes advantage of SoulJa's mastery of rapping and the sounds of children singing, all the while SoulJa manages to give an inspirational speech near the end of this refreshing song.
Finally, there is Track 11, called "First Contact." Within 3 seconds, you are greeted by the thumping sounds of a hip-hop song accompanied by SoulJa's unrivaled rapping speed. In short, this song may be repetitive but like Track 8, "Rain," let "First Contact" grow on you and it'll become one of your favorites.
So why did I score this album so highly when only six songs out of twelve impressed me? For one, I am awed by SoulJa's rapping style. He seems to have a mastery of rapping Japanese and I love the flexibility of his voice. He is able to sing and rap very gently, but also very aggressively. I'm just disappointed that most people these days in our society, upon hearing a foreign singer rapping/ singing hip-hop, assume it will be very bad. And next, I want to support SoulJa since based on the six songs I mentioned above, this man has talent. And last, this version of the product comes with the DVD containing the promotional videos of some of the songs. So before purchasing this product, consider that you will probably enjoy only the six songs above and receive DVD quality versions of some of SoulJa's songs. But then again, that doesn't sound so bad, does it now?
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Passion (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Passion (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(16)Our Price: US$19.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
December 14, 2005 OutstandingIf you asked me to describe "Passion" by Utada Hikaru in one word, that word would be beautiful. In my opinion, the song is the result of a flawless combination of different music genres. For example, one can say the song is New Age, yet others may also say it's a Ballad. The simple drums, guitar, piano, and other minor instruments that compose the background further add to the wonderful mystique of the song. In short, listening to "Passion" is an extremely unique and fresh experience for foreign and non-foreign music fans alike.
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ayumi hamasaki DOME TOUR 2001 A (Japan Version)
ayumi hamasaki DOME TOUR 2001 A (Japan Version) VHS
(2)Our Price: US$64.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
June 7, 2003 LegendaryI only became an Ayu fan around February 2003 and this was the first concert I bought. Because I didn't have an All Region DVD player, I had to buy VHS so I took the plunge to show my support for Ayumi Hamasaki. After seeing this concert for the first time, I just had to watch it over and over again.
Overall, the ending was extremely depressing for me since I do not understand Japanese. And the fact that Ayumi kept running around didn't help either because (in my opinion) it symbolized her running to somebody, such as her father.
The performance by Ayu herself is exceptional since her voice sounded terrific and the costumes were just plain beautiful. The songs were smartly chosen and the audience participation is great. So for any new Ayu fan out there, please buy this concert as an introduction to the amazing talent of Ayumi Hamasaki.
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