Reviews written by SarangAsianMusic
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2NE1 1st Mini Album - 2NE1
2NE1 1st Mini Album - 2NE1
(24)Our Price: US$11.99List: US$15.99Save: US$4.00 (25%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
July 9, 2009 they definitely have it!Out of all these new female k-pop groups, I feel 2NE1 is the only group really owning up to their music and original image. Their collaboration with Big Bang (Lollipop) was an extremely creative way to introduce them to the public and it's nice to finally see Park Bom in action after her longs years as a trainee.
I have to say that 'Fire' took a minute for me to get into because I got spoiled with Lollipop (THE PV ROCKS!!!) I loved Lollipop so much that I was a little disappointed with Fire, but now I love it. ^_^
As for the other tracks on the mini album, 'I Don't Care' is a nice almost-ballad song with nice thumping bass and soothing backdrops. I really like this song and it goes well with the summer.
'In the Club' is a really nice hiphop/R&B song that has an excellent intro and verses, but I wish the vocals were stronger during the chorus. They are strong through the song, but when the sing 'in the club' repetively in the chorus, it feels like they should sing it loud with more strength. However, I still really like this song.
'Let's Go Party' has a bubblegum techno soft background with a thumping bass. The song is medium paced and the girls slow down a bit, but I can already see a nice dance step with this song.
'Pretty Boy' hypes up the mood a bit after two slower songs. This song has a 'stomp the yard' or 'drumline' kind of beat and CL's rapping is really nice. This song makes you feel like you're at a marching band competition. ^^~ I think this would make an interesting music video with marching bands...etc....
Finally, 'Stay Together' is a nice slow techno song where it feels like you can just cruise along. I really like the girl's vocal work in this song. There isn't really much hard rapping in this song, so it's nice to hear the singers in this song.
Overall, ALL of the tracks are nice. I really have no BAD complaints about any of the songs. This is an album I can listen all the way through without skipping a track. Nice debut 2NE1!!!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
3 Splash (Jacket B)(SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
3 Splash (Jacket B)(SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 9, 2009 Good, not great~ ^^Koda Kumi is once again back with a summer song that's all her own. 'Lick Me' is the hit release, however, I personally feel 'Ecstacy' should have been the release, but I understand the need to mix up song genres since Taboo was already a techno song released for the year. I also felt that the little interludes (Tracks 1, 4, 6, and 10) were a little redundant and unneccessary. However, this is how I am with Kuu's work. I either REALLY love her songs or I just can't seem to like them, but I love her all the same. Her talent knows no bounds, it's just a matter of the genre she chooses and if I care for it.
'Lick Me' 3/5
I understand the overall genre and style, but it isn't my preference. I think this song is excellent for its song type, but it's just not my taste in music hence the point deduction. The PV is cheerful etc... but all the bright colors and blonde americans scare me, lol O.o
'Ecstacy' 5/5
Very excellent techno song that I feel is composed EXTREMELY well. Very sexy and fierce. Koda Kumi is BEAST. lol *sorry, I couldn't think of a better term* and she has really shown her fierce side in the Trick album (This is not a love song, introduction to trick, driving, etc...) and now in this single with this song. I love Kuu's fierce hiphop/tencho mix side. Can't wait to see if she performs this song.
'Hashire' 4/5
A nice rock/pop mix song. It has a really nice ring within it and makes me want to listen to it again even though its not my favorite.
If I buy this single, I'll probably buy this version for the PVs and extra remixes.
Overall, good job Kuu! You are 'THE' j-pop diva! Keep up the good work.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mate Vol. 1 - Be Mate
Mate Vol. 1 - Be Mate
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
July 9, 2009 another great groupMate is a new korean indie rock band who are in line with the same style as artists like NELL, Dear Cloud, and Monni. However, this group has their own style and sound.
The single Track 2 (Geuriwo - Longing) is an excellent mix of ballad and rock and I feel was the best choice as an introduction to the group. Overall, the make-up of MATE is interesting. There are 2 vocalist who have very similar sounds to the point where sometimes their singing can't be told apart until you see the PV. Also, their drummer is not asian, but white. The lead singers are the guitarist and pianist. I love the overall creative aura of this band.
If you enjoy korean indie, I really recommend this new band if you're are looking for new artists. I hope they have a successful year with this album because they DEFINITELY deserve some attention.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Lee Min Woo Vol. 4.5 - Minnovation (Limited Edition)
Lee Min Woo Vol. 4.5 - Minnovation (Limited Edition)
(3)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 hm...I was expecting a bit more from this album...
Minnovation - I didn't really get into it when I heard it. However, I LOVED the PV. I can't listen to the song without the PV... -___- So, hopefully there will be a repackaged version with the PV attached, so I'm a bit hesitant to buy this. Usually if I don't like the hit song, the album doesn't do much for me.
Low and behold that's kinda of what happened. Out of 6 songs only 3 really caught my attention...
Track 4 is really the ONLY track I really love. It has a nice soft techno feel with a carribean-like flow. This is truly a summer song that I really love. It makes me wanna go to the beach. I love M's method of slurring speech to give the song a certain vibe. This is a song I look forward to seeing him perform if he goes on tour with these songs. ^_^ 5/5
Track 2 Love Me Ice Cream is another nice song that I found a liking to. 4/5 for its nice flow but I think more could've been with the backdrop.
Track 3 Summer Time is a nice song that has a driving in a car feel. The beat has a racing style. 4/5 cuz I love the beat but I wish for better vocal work with the melody. His singing is great but when he yells 'MICHEO' and interludes with 'L-O-V-E etc...' are the only times I felt he truly put vocal effort in. I wish he were singing that way throughout the entire song.
So, as the description says, this song explores different styles and I understand the concept completely, but I wish they had worked a bit more on it. ^_^ I love the overall style, I just think it needs a little work.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
KAT-TUN III -Queen of Pirates- (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
KAT-TUN III -Queen of Pirates- (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$30.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 made me a fanThis is the first album by KAT-TUN that made me a fan. In the past, I felt that KAT-TUN was holding themselves back. However, this album really shows some of their true potential.
TABOO and AFFECTION are excellend intro songs while tracks like HELL, NO and Ai no COMMAND add a rock feel. This album also includes touching slow songs such as MOTHER/FATHER and OUR STORY~prologue~.
True to it's name, you really get a nice pirate feel throughout the whole album. My only wish is that they'd put the member's solo works on here.
This is the other KAT-TUN album recommended by me.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
KAT-TUN Live Tour 2008 Queen Of Pirates (Japan Version)
KAT-TUN Live Tour 2008 Queen Of Pirates (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(4)Our Price: US$52.25Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 nice tourThis is a nice tour that really shows off KAT-TUN's skill as singers and stage performers. I really enjoyed this concert as well as many of the songs despite not being a JE fan. This concert is full of fanservice and humor between the members. (Not to mention nice solo stages) XP
I really recommend this tour to anyone being introduced to KAT-TUN for the first time.
PS The intro is extremely nice. Really draws in the crowd.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Break the Records -by you & for you- (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Break the Records -by you & for you- (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$32.75Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 impressiveI am not a Johnny's Entertainment fan at all, and no harm intended, but I feel that their artists need more vocal work before debuting them, however, KAT-TUN I feel has some potential. This album is the second one that has impressed me after Queen of Pirates. The QoP Tour also impressed me.
This album includes the first single that truly impressed me "RESCUE" as well as the singles 'Don't U Ever Stop' and the touching ballad 'White X'mas'. The most notable non-single song that impressed me was 'Water Dance'. It really showed of their R&B skills and has really nice composition. I also love the solo works. Ueda being my favorite (Track 10). The only song I truly didn't like was Koki (Pierrot). I know for a fact that he can SING but he refuses too. I don't find his screaming attractive at all and I wish he'd use his beautiful voice that I know he has. Overall, this album has really NICE tracks and I actually RECOMMEND this album to anyone new to KAT-TUN. There is a reason this album is one of the top releases of 2009. It's nicely put together!
The only downside is that this group doesn't release CD+DVD ALBUMS with all the PVs attached. If you miss your chance to buy the single with the PV, then you are out of luck.
This is all personal opinion.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
My Heaven (Jacket C)(Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
My Heaven (Jacket C)(Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$21.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
July 8, 2009 >_<I hate how Big Bang is doing their single release system. This system seems to just like KAT-TUNs style where 3 versions are released and there are differences between all three.
If you want the pv you have to give up extra songs! >_< I personally LOVE the Candle Remix which is why I would buy THIS version. However, I want the PV which is only on the Jacket A edition which lacks the extra remix song... This is SO frustrating and I refuse to pay twice for the same single.... -___-
HOWEVER...
Outside of these complaints, I really like the japanese version of My Heaven. ^_^ The remix of it (on Jacket B) is okay, but I prefer the original mix of this song. Emotion is a nice song and has a nice driver feel. ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Gara Gara Go!! (Jacket B)(Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Gara Gara Go!! (Jacket B)(Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$13.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
July 8, 2009 awesome.Big Bang is one of the top groups in korea and I've been following them since their debut, however for some reason, despite being a long time fan, I find them more interesting in japan... maybe it's because I'm anticipating how Japan will respond to them.
I personally really LOVE this single. Gara Gara Go! is a nice techno song and it's interesting hearing them sing in japanese. ^_^ The only thing that weirded me out was G-Dragon's hair in the PV... I'm sure NO ONE went...um....UNAFFECTED by the sight. lol ^^
Top of the World is another great song that I wish had a PV. It's has a nice hip hop feel.
It's Stylish was originally a korean song that used for a FILA commercial.
I think I like this single so much because it's original japanese songs by them instead of them remaking songs that was already released in korea.
10/10 from me! Good job Big Bang and hope you succeed in japan!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Moon Hee Jun Mini Album - Last Cry
Moon Hee Jun Mini Album - Last Cry
(3)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 EXCELLENTMoon Hee Jun impresses me once again with his recent works. Last year, I fell in love with Obsession and now Toy has become my summer anthem.
'Toy' is a hearwrenching ballad-like rock song that really gets you in your core. Both versions on the Mini Album are good. The original version *Track 4* has strings while the new version *Track 2* is the regular version featured the in video.
Track 1 ('Nan doolilaseo... Nan heunjalaseo') is a nice ballad that really shows off Moon Hee Jun's nice soothing vocal skills. I rarely hear him sing slower songs and ballads, so this one was a real treat for me.
Meanwhile, 'Why' is an upbeat rock ballad that makes you wanna jump.
I really respect Moon Hee Jun as a former H.O.T member and his solo work. I really enjoy watching his music progress over the years and seeing his personal style. I can't wait for his next album. ^_^ Thumbs up for the former leader of the legendary H.O.T!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
trax (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
trax (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$33.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 some good tracksravex has made some nice collaborated trax with this project, but the main reason I'd buy this album is for BoA's song 'Believe in Love' and Tohoshinki's 'Just the two of us'. I was a little disappointed that this original version of BoA's song wasn't on the Eien single. I extremely find this version well composed.
Tohoshinki's song is nice. I love their harmony when Yoochun sings the interlude in english and Junsu sings the second interlude in japanese. Yoochun has an excellent techno/electronica voice that I think DJ's love (for example: DJ Makai's past collaboration with Yoochun 'TOKYO LOVELIGHT'.) The groups harmonization during the interlude is really something else and really shows off their skills of making any song good with their harmonization. These interludes are the main reason people like the song. The harsh repitition of 'too late' and 'just the two of us' gets SO annoying in the song, but people keep listening just to get to the nice vocal part. ^_^
So, overall I give this album a 4/5. Good job avex. PS I hope koda kumi gets to be in the next one. ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
July 8, 2009 Another favorite
This is another favorite album of mine by The Gospellers because its an album that has all their past hits from the time it was released. I love the intro; an a cappella version of the legendary song "Promise" from their first album, which is simply gorgeous. This album also has my favorite song by them, Track 2 'Towani (Forevermore)'. I loved when Tohoshinki collaborated with them and sang this song.
'LOSER' is a nice slow song that I can't quite call a ballad for some reason. It has nice acoustics.... ^_^ 'I LOVE YOU, BABY' is a nice slow R&B song with some nice harmony and soul. This is a nice evening song that makes you want to just light some candles and have a nice dinner at home.
The last two tracks sort of tie in together in my opinion. Track 12 is a nice short a acappella piece with nothing but their voices but they make their own backbeats... I find this one captivating because the actual melody is nothing but voices... this track really just hooks me in... I wish it wasn't so short. Right after this is Hitori which is one of their hit a cappella singles that is composed of nothing but their voices as well.
Overall, this group never ceases to amaze me with their sound. ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Be as one (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Be as one (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$38.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 one of my favorite gospeller albumsThis album happens to be one of my TOP favorite albums by this group. Track 2 is an EXCELLENT single and I love the old school harmony. I can't help but move to this song... this whole album actually and it's hard not to when Kirk Franklin is featured in some of the tracks ('Lean on Me' and 'Love has the power'). The Gospellers really know their gospel and it shows well in these tracks. Here are some of my favorite tracks:
'Platinum Kiss' is a LOVELY acapella. I love all the acapella pieces The Gospellers break into in their albums. 'Let it Go' is a nice dance track that makes you want to sway or just take a drive and 'The Ruler' has a R&B old skool fool with some nice bass. The final track (Track 14) is a ballad that is really beautiful.
The Gospellers captivated me ever since I was introduced to them a few years back and makes me wish I found them earlier. I would have REALLY appreciated their music in the past. ^_^
As the years go by, they seem to become wiser with age as well as more youthful. ^_^ I love how this group never changes.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Koakuma Heaven (Japan Version)
Koakuma Heaven (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 interesting! ^_^I really agree with 'Nat' (previous reviewer). I believe that Gackt is going through a techno phase. When it comes to Gackt, his voice is one that I feel in love with in my youth ^_^. I've been a fan of his since the 90's and must say that his voice makes up for any musical shortcomings. When I hear his music, sometimes I think I won't like the song due to the intro/background music, but as soon as I hear his voice, I lose all doubt.
It happened for Ghost and once again for this single. I really didn't think I'd like Koakuma Heaven when I heard the opening beat, but as soon as the bridge and chorus hit, I was hooked. His voice has recently had a electronica feel and I find myself wanting to remix his songs. ^_^
'My Father's Day' has a rockish beat similar to Green Day or Blink182, but his voice totally makes the song his own. I love this song with his vocals, but I can see some american punk rock band singing this song, lol. However, despite it's upbeat feel, the lyrics are SO freaking SAD. OMG! lol I find myself smiling and rocking to the song, but then I listen to the lyrics more clearly and get this insane feeling that I shouldn't be happy... lol I feel like an oxymoron when listening to this, lol, but that's Gackt for ya! Gotta love him~~~Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Notes 4 You (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Notes 4 You (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$33.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 * * * * * 5/5 STARS!!!!I must say that these are 4 VERY talents young ladies.
It's rare to find japanese female artists with range that goes from low to high. Most j-pop female artist have mainly high pitched voices and impress audiences with their high notes like Ayumi Hamasaki. However, this group's appeal is their harmony and range. Just as The Gospellers, Tohoshinki, etc... bring amazing j-pop male group harmony, BRIGHT is the female counterpart. Closely similar to Tenjochiki/The Grace, these girls have soul.
Some of their songs have a gospel church feel like 'Love & Joy' and 'So Long, Too Late'. I'd really like to see them do a collaboration with Kirk Franklin just as The Gospellers did for one of their albums.
Though I've NEVER seen them perform live or any of their promotional videos, they are still a group I keep up with and anticipate. I took a risk with this album without so much as hearing a single song and LOVED them. If I were to compare them to an older j-pop female group, I'd call them the modern soul version of SPEED. ^_^
I HIGHLY recommend this album~~~~!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
⊿ (Triangle) (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
⊿ (Triangle) (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(3)Our Price: US$30.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2009 hm...Highly anticipated... not disappointed, but not really impressed either. Overall my favorites are still the singles released (One Room Disco, Dream Fighter, love the world, and the songs on those singles). The other new songs on the album have a less hard core techno feel and more of a slow old school, groovy 70's, and jazzy feel. I personally like their first album MUCH better.
The intro 'Take off', I extremely liked even though it was short. ^^ 'The best thing' was really the only song that REALLY caught my attention. However, no fan can be disappointed with more of these three talented girl's techno voices. ^_^
Overall, if you are a Perfume fan and can't afford to buy all of their singles, I'd buy the album for a lower price for all the songs.
PS Personally, I wish that their albums came out with different versions (Hong Kong, Korean, etc...) for DVD Region and cost purposes. ^^()Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Gundam Wing - Complete Collection 2 (Anime Legends) (US Version)
Gundam Wing - Complete Collection 2 (Anime Legends) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$25.99List: US$49.98Save: US$23.99 (48%)Related promotions:June 12, 2009 Part 2!As I reviewed on Box 1, I loved this series as a child and wanted it on DVD instead of VHS. These collections are extremely convenient.
However, I do not understand why yesasia has Box 2 for $25.99 and Box 1 for the high price of $49.98. Both have just about the same number of episodes and features, same number of discs and same boxing. O.o
Regardless both boxes complete the series and are worth their price! ^_^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
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$49.98Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated 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 7 - 14 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)
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