Reviews written by Richie
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Goraku (Variety) (Japan Version)
Goraku (Variety) (Japan Version)
(3)Our Price: US$34.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 25, 2007 A Challenging Sonic CollageChallenging because it is definitely going to take more than a few listens to get into Variety/Goraku. Much like a variety music show, the sounds here are disjointed not only from song to song, but verse-to-chorus. Within the duration of a song and throughout the album, you'll hear happy then angry bundled with fast and slow, lite and heavy.
Imagine a music show with guests like Red Hot Chili Peppers (Mirrorball), George Benson (Boutomin), Linkin Park (Fukushuu), Barbee Boys and a bunch of other 80's jrock bands, toss in a polka band (Kronekodow) for fun, and you have a good idea of what you get here.
What die-hard Shiina Ringo fans will notice is that the Ringo-ness we've become used to isn't here just in case you feel something is missing and can't figure out what. This is because she didn't compose any of the music. That aside, we witness the pure strength of her bandmates individual songwriting skills. There are many gems here, but be patient and open-minded, and disregard the idea of what could have been if Mikio Hirama were still in Tokyo Jihen. This is a very good album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Killer Tune (Japan Version)
September 10, 2007 Spotlight on IzawaTokyo Jihen fans already know Ichiyo Izawa could write a good song when we first heard the epic ballad "Tegami" from the Adult album. The song title "Killer Tune" is amusingly appropriate because the chorus really pushes Ringo's vocal abilities to the limit to where she really has to reeaach to hit the high notes.
Couplings are two songs by Ukigumo. Like "OSCA" and "Mirrorball," "BBQueen" is another borrowed tune from Uki's band The Petrolz. The song is riff-heavy rock; a style Ringo fans haven't heard her do since Shouso Strip. "Karada" is sterotypically sexed-up R&B with lyrics by Ringo. The song is is a pure indulgence for Ringo, like many of her b-sides are.
This single is the last primer for the upcoming landmark album that might create a HUGE rift among the hardcore Shiina Ringo fans, the open-minded fans, and the new fans who knew of Tokyo Jihen before they found out TJ's singer had an illustrious solo career. A generous 8 from me.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
OSCA (Japan Version)
August 18, 2007 Uki and Izawa in the spotlightIn a bold and risky move for Tokyo Incidents 3rd album and singles, Shiina Ringo has surrendered herself to the skills of her new bandmates' songwriting skills. Its a fine preview of what is to come with the Variety album in which Ringo does not compose any of the music; providing only lyrics and vocals.
The Osca single has proven that she is not the only other writer in the band besided Kameda who can write strong material.
Osca (by Ukigumo) itself is quirky and slightly funky avant garde rock. It might take a few listens before the song sinks in your head comfortably. Pinocchio (by Izawa) is a dramatic ballad that turns the mood of single 90 degrees, and Crosswalk/Kaban no Nakami (also Izawa) is a mellow piano-rocker with lyrics and melody so good that it could have been its own single.
What you have here are 3 great original songs. No weird or crappy covers this time. Buy it.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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