Reviews written by hinting
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K - Beyond The Sea
K - Beyond The Sea
(5)Our Price: US$15.99List: US$22.99Save: US$7.00 (30%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:August 19, 2006 Worth trying!K - Male Korean Singer with 2 albums in Korean (:K-2004:Beautiful Smile-2006:) and this Japanese album (:Beyond the Sea-2006:)
I know Kei from my 2004 trip to Seoul. The self-titled album was good, but it was too repetitive for me. While watching the TBS Drama H2〜君といた日々 (based on the H2 Comic) last year, I saw this familiar name attached on this lovely opening song - 'Over...'.
A voice familiar to Ken Hirai, with the expanded jpop tempo, surprisingly easy to digest. It's been a while for a new JR&B artist, and this is worth waiting for.
Opening song 'Cover Girl' has a catchy fast beat(boutique style), with light-beat 'Girlfriend', follow by emotional 'Only Human'. Then Hirai-style 'Taxi', soft '陸の上の舟', 'Fly Away' and soulful title song 'Beyond The Sea'.
Track 9 'Friends Before Lovers' Baby-face style R&B, then a ballad '抱きしめたい' and the famous chart bullet 'Over...'
Standard manufactured jpop resulted in something different... must be the flesh voice. Remarkable for a debut album.
Recommended Tracks:
02 . Girlfriend
03 . Only Human
11 . Over...
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m-flo inside -WORKS BEST II- (Japan Version)
m-flo inside -WORKS BEST II- (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$33.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:August 12, 2006 Yo, mediarite-flo! Here we go2 years ago I brought the limited edition of :m-flo inside: from Japan. It was a huge deal for me, as I was a fan since their appearance in Beatmania IIDX with "Been so long", and their breakup with Lisa meant that I was hungry for their Hip-hop beats for a few years. :m-flo inside: was the first collection of collaboration with other artists at their troubled time.
Since the success with this collection, Taku and Verbal did :Astromantic: and :Dope space nine:, that follow this particular formula.
Enough with the background, lets review m-flo inside part II. This compilation consist of 2 CDs. First CD collects the B-side of some singles, some other remixes. The new "Lotta Love" and "Let go" acoustic version are well done, the rest are really under par (as I have heard them b4, and expecting more).
The Second CD is THE MIX tape of the top classic tunes from the m-flo journey so far and it tops the lot! Deckstream is on the mix (could have done better), and the selection is so fine.
I love mixing myself, so rarely to hear someone else's mix CD, but this one is different. Quite a few exclusive new tracks are on the deck, and with old tunes all the way back to circa 2000.
If you have never tried m-flo, this is a good intro of what they are this few years. Not certain where they are heading. I am waiting for something great to be produced by this creative group!
:hinting
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Seo Ji Young Vol. 1 - Listen To My Heart
Seo Ji Young Vol. 1 - Listen To My Heart
(3)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:July 10, 2006 Good enough to last in KPOP?Seo Ji Young is an actress for the award winning TV drama "I'm sorry I love you" and was part of the old KPOP group S#arp. This is her first solo album, I thought it will be one of those dance album the S#arp was famous for (back in those day I DJ asian dance music).
This album's music is more like a retro 90s upbeat Jpop style thing>> The melody is lighthearted easy-listening in the dance portion, and soft on the ballad. Her voice do suit the faster numbers, but still young for slow ones. That bad attitude thing is supposed to be a style?
She is more than a pretty-face, unfortunately in the fast-changing world of KPOP, not certain there will be audience for a second album...
Favourite Tracks:
01 . Sweet Love
09 . 다시 시작하기
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Call me Miss... (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Call me Miss... (ALBUM+DVD)(Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(6)Our Price: US$38.75Related promotions:April 14, 2006 Best in 2006 so farCrystal Kay Williams from Yokohama, born to african bassist dad and korean singer mum, musician parents, an English/Japanese artist Since 1999. This is her 7th full album "Call me Miss..." and she is pumping out great R&B at the age of 20 as an university student.
The collaboration with M-flo in 2001 "Ex-boyfriend" and 2003 with "I like it" and Reeewind!" heighten her exposure and got more "pop" in the J-music scene. Currently on Live tour'06
CK doesn't have the great look as most female singers in Japan has, but her unique voice is just captivating.
“恋におちたら” in 2005, the title song for the drama under the same name is definitely the best track on the album, and her music and lyric in “I Know”, collaborated with Taku from m-flo has just got it right.
“fly to you” brought in sample of her own song “Motherland” with lyric of “kiss”, definitely a twist from the original ending theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist in 2004. “Two As One” is the one she did with male group Chemistry (who had recently released a special edition of their 4th album with addition of “Dance With Me” with Lena Park.) Apparently “Two As One” become a hit as Car ad “WiSH” commercial
Highly recommended.
Favourite tracks
3. 恋におちたら
7. I Know
10. fly to you
12. Two As One
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Fly to the Sky Vol. 6 - TRANSITION
Fly to the Sky Vol. 6 - TRANSITION
(31)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:April 13, 2006 Soft and MellowAfter launching their best album "Eternity" last year, and 2 years since the 5th Album "Gravity" in '04, Fanny and Brian come back with the 6th Album "Transition". (seemingly 'singer’s nodule' diagnosed delayed the launch) Changing from the Music Giant SM Entertainment and moving to the EMI Group is obviously a move to go international, mixing up with Simon Webbe from the Blue (UK pop group).
They have continued their quest on soulful ballad and hearty R&B. Nothing is surprisingly new, while they are doing what they do best 좻 beautiful vocal with soft melodies. Taking on influences from Craig David / Justin Timberlake while bringing on the supports from Gummy and Lisa, it is clear that they are trying to break new ground, without actually reaching the goal…yet.
Haven’t found many comforting album since Wheesung’s Vol 4 “love.love?love!”, this is a considerably a 'no-skip' album. Like it, but I am clearly expecting better.
Favourite tracks:
01. Be With You
06. 하루가 가(with Gummy)
12. 심장
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Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection - Utabaka (2CD+DVD)(Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection - Utabaka (2CD+DVD)(Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
(5)Our Price: US$47.25Related promotions:April 13, 2006 You don't have to buy any other album of Hirai! ThCollecting a decade of singles on 2CD and featuring all his MTVs on a DVD, this is the best collection of the Ken Hirai for old fans and new....
From the humble beginning of J-R&B (best for Japan to offer since Toshinobu Kubota), to the latest pop hits, he is the boy wonder, and one of few Japanese artist I still listens to.
Love Love love, Rakuen, kiss of life, Life is... and Pop Star all the good hits are here!
:hinting
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Epik High Vol. 3 - Swan Song's
Epik High Vol. 3 - Swan Song's
(8)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:April 13, 2006 It's a mood changer, not a player all-dayerEpik High, hiphop crew for vocal/rap-centred music. Band member Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz participated in project-X OST and older CB MASS albums.
Collaborated with non-hiphop Brown Eyed Souls Ku Yung Joon, Alex from Clazziquai and others, their experimental styles is enriched with different elements...not as underground as they once were. While rhythm and beats are playfully mixed with the vocals, there is a profound lack of melody. If they (or their producers) work a little harder on the melody, and sing a song without their band name mentioned, they can go way further. Yes every song on the album, epik high is on the lyrics!
It is a good album for a change of mood. Not great for playing over and over and over again.
Favourite tracks
04. Fly
10. Paris
11. Let it Rain
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Fly to the Sky Vol. 6 - TRANSITION
Fly to the Sky Vol. 6 - TRANSITION
(31)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:February 20, 2006 Can be betterAfter launching their best album "Eternity" last year, and 2 years since the 5th Album "Gravity" in '04, Fanny and Brian come back with the 6th Album "Transition". (seemingly 'singer’s nodule' diagnosed delayed the launch) Changing from the Music Giant SM Entertainment and moving to the EMI Group is obviously a move to go international, mixing up with Simon Webbe from the Blue (UK pop group).
They have continued their quest on soulful ballad and hearty R&B. Nothing is surprisingly new, while they are doing what they do best 좻 beautiful vocal with soft melodies. Taking on influences from Craig David / Justin Timberlake while bringing on the supports from Gummy and Lisa, it is clear that they are trying to break new ground, without actually reaching the goal…yet.
Haven’t found many comforting album since Wheesung’s Vol 4 “love.love?love!”, this is a considerably a 'no-skip' album. Like it, but I am clearly expecting better.
Favourite tracks:
01. Be With You
06. 하루가 가(with Gummy)
12. 심장
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Fin.K.L Forever : 1998-2005 Music & Story DTS
Fin.K.L Forever : 1998-2005 Music & Story DTS DVD Region All
(10)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$39.99Save: US$12.00 (30%)Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
January 29, 2006 No sub?It is a very good collection, but no subtitle... hard thing for the fans outside S. Korea! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Nakashima Mika - Best (Korean Version)
Nakashima Mika - Best (Korean Version)
(3)Our Price: US$16.99List: US$23.99Save: US$7.00 (29%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:3 people found the following helpful
January 17, 2006 Cream of the cropMika Nakashima, one of the most noticeable voice in the Japanese Pop Scene. After 3 successful albums ("True", "Love" & "Music"), and the movie adaptation of the comic "NANA", this is a retrospective collection of her 14 singles releases between 2001-2005 on CD, and 20 tracks on DVD separately marketed.
Her music is 'produced' in the safe zone of easy-listening ballad & jazz, with the exception of the little rock in "Glamorous Sky" from the O.S.T. of "NANA". Since the first single of star, Mika has been topping the ORICON chart. Her voice is amazing, and she has matured in the brief 5 years as a vocal artist, screaming with youth, resistance and strength. Her weakness in the very high note is still apparent, unfortunately. The Fantasy/Lotus theme has became the brand she holds, as a reflection to the emotional struggle in the young adulthood.
If you are unfamiliar with her, this is a good introduction to this fantastic singer. There is also a Music video collection under the same title, well made, on par with Utada Hikaru's. As I teach animation and video editing, these are some of the best references I use in the Eastern World.
Highly recommended.
Favourite tracks:
04. Will
10. Seven
14. Glamorous Sky
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RZ the best of rhythm zone 2005 (CD+DVD)(Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
RZ the best of rhythm zone 2005 (CD+DVD)(Normal Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$35.25Related promotions:September 17, 2005 Great collectionHappy songs from this collection of J-DANCE. Typical snapshot of a sector of the JPOP scene. Rhythm Zone is the Label for Exile, M-flo and 倖田來未. This is a new collection featuring old and new artists. They actually included 東方神起, Boy band from Seoul. Kpop seems to have penetrate Japan market pretty deep. Track 6 by Color is really hearty R&B beat!!
Great to play for work hours.... depends on your job I guess
Favourite tracks:
03. HUG (International Ver.) / 東方神起
06. FIND YOU / COLOR
07. So Beautiful / LISADid you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Loveholic Vol. 2 - Invisible Things
Loveholic Vol. 2 - Invisible Things
(8)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
September 17, 2005 next step forwardLoveholic is addictive to Love. Every Album, every song comes with a pill for this sickness...
Since their debut Florist released in April 2003, this energetic group provide good alternative to the KPOP scene. Their music is modern, sophisticated and beautiful.
Loveholic's second album, 'Invisible Things 2004' fill with their unique blend of different genies. If you like ClaZziQuai, you will like Loveholic.
Favourites Tracks:
01-Magic
03-Want You Hear
04-Blue 923
06-Kiss me, hold me
10-Sylvia.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Lim Jeong Hee Vol. 1 - Music is My Life
Lim Jeong Hee Vol. 1 - Music is My Life
(4)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:September 17, 2005 Not bad!Lim Jeong Hee, I can only describe her as a Korean version of Alicia Keys. She is that good. The funkiness is on par with Lyn's cool 3rd album, and some of the classic Misia tracks. Lim's voice is young, but she is soulful! One of the best album this year.
Favorite tracks:
"Music Is My Life,"
"말을 해 (Say it!),"
"자유 (Freedom),"
"희망의 끝에서 (At the End of a Wish)"Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Oak Joo Hyun vol.2 - L' Ordeur Original
Oak Joo Hyun vol.2 - L' Ordeur Original
(9)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:September 17, 2005 MMM... missing somethingOak Joo Hyun was part of pop group Fin.K.L. I noticed her voice on Lyn's First Album. This is a slow beat R&B produced by Park Kyung-jin with hearty Soul and Blue.
This is not the best album for her beautiful voice I once knew. It is not the uplifting type. It is best for late night backgrounds stuff. Once you are cast-type as pop.... producers do manufacture.
Favourite track:
03. 자리
09. 짝사랑.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Voices
The Voices
(1)Our Price: US$16.99List: US$23.99Save: US$7.00 (29%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:3 people found the following helpful
September 17, 2005 It is a 2CD, not DVD set......Han Eun Jeong and Hwang Jung Eum has nothing to do with the Music collection. It is quite an interesting way to sell an all male compilation with two female actresses. So is the target audience male or female?
Disc 1 is original version of pop songs from the pass year, and their are just the usual soft pop. Disc 2 is totally different. It includes selected club remixes of those soft track and yes there are good. Especially the SG Wannabe remixes... they recreate those song into awesome dance tunes. Just those SGW remixes worth the purchase.
Favourite Tracks:
B-01 Wild (club mix).Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Gummy vol.2 - It's Different
Gummy vol.2 - It's Different
(6)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
September 17, 2005 One of the best in 2004Ok it is already a year and in fact her new album is already out, but, I just couldn't miss a review on this wonderful album.
Since Tasha went quiet, I can only get my K-R&B from all the new talents in this music scene. Ann, Lyn and Lim Jeong Hee are great, Gummy still shines out of this bunch.
Collaborating with Wheesung, jinu, lexy and others the rich mix of Soul + R&B is simply one of the best album of 2004. Her voice is so echos with the beats, just great talent.
Favourite tracks:
04. Forgive me
06. Love Again (Feat Ha Dong Gun from Wanted)Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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