Reviews written by Sora
-
KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2014 -Bon Voyage - Shopping bag
1 people found this review helpful
July 14, 2014 Great!This bag is such a great item!
It is HUGE! The canvas is strong, without being rough. The zipper is heavy and durable. There is a small interior pocket for secrets.
I've used this bag several times for hauling around shoes, clothes, groceries, and all sorts of other things. It has handled everything I've put it through with ease.
Its also striking, with its bright stripes and cute emblems.
Really, an awesome tour bag!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
October 17, 2008 This is where her goodness started!
This was the first melody. single that really caught my attention.
The lite, playful guitar and sweet melody perfectly matches melody.'s breezy voice. The song is too damn catchy for its own good, and sticks with me for a long while after I've listened to it.
The b-side is pretty good as well, although it lacks the great feeling of the main track.
It's a pretty good single all over, with instrumental versions of both tracks rounding it out.
This is the Japanese version, and it feels stronger as a whole than the English version.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Best of melody. - Timeline (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
The Best of melody. - Timeline (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$42.75Related promotions:October 17, 2008 Retrospective of a great artistA fine compilation of melody.'s career.
The inclusion of a few b-sides from her singles is a pleasant surprise, and adds a little bit more variety to an album that would otherwise be redundant for a collector.
It's great to be able to sit and hear so clearly melody.'s evolution as a vocalist and artist. Her earlier singles are lite pop fluff, with not a whole lot to get excited about. But by track 5 she really starts to turn up the quality, both musically and vocally. And she just keeps getting better. :)
The retrospective might seem a bit premature for an artist who appeared to be just truly starting to find herself musically, but something about this release makes me think that melody.'s time as a jpop artist is over. There is a frightening finality to the release that seems to simply close the door to her. I hope I'm wrong, because with her last few releases she was evolving into a wonderful jpop artist.
The dvd is totally complete and offers all of her music videos to us. Its wonderful to be able to see her, even if some of the music videos aren't so fantastic. But like her music, her videos dramatically increase in quality. Some are wonderful, and for the most part, they all do a great job of matching the music. melody.'s beauty is at full force in her music videos, and they make for a pleasant viewing experience. :)
Also, the first press poster is GORGEOUS!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
RELATION -A No Kaze wo Tadotte- (Japan Version)
October 17, 2008 Suprisingly Wonderful!Satomi worries me sometimes, and surprises me often.
After hearing the main track for this single (Yuumachi Kaze), I was afraid we'd been handed another 'Arigatou' or 'Issho ni'.
However, the single has much more to offer than that. 'Yuumachi Kaze' seems a touch bland at first, but repeated listens warmed me to it. It's actually quite sweet, if a little lite for a fall release.
The other tracks remain on the lite side, but explore a bit more territory. Satomi gives a wonderful delivery for each track, and proves she is more versatile than I had thought. All of the tracks solidify nicely, and complement each other quite well. If we were given a couple more tracks (maybe a short intro and outro and one more full length track), and the instrumentals were removed, I'm convinced we'd have an excellent little mini-album on our hands.
The best track on the cd would have to be 'Aoi Hana'. It has a depth and warmth to it that the other tracks replace with a quaint breeziness. It still sits wonderfully with the others, but to my ears it stands out as superior. There's something about the arrangement that recalls 'Mou Ichido Hajime You' from her 'Arigatou' single. Satomi plays around with the track and changes her singing style quite effectively. This is a style I could see her successfully spending more time with.
I would love that. :)
Also, the first press cover is adorable! ^o^
But for now I'm eagerly awaiting her next release!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Choi Jin Yi Mini Album
Choi Jin Yi Mini Album
(1)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 9, 2008 Potentially PotentChoi Jin Yi of Rumble Fish breaks out onto her own to present us with her very first mini-album.
Sounds promising, and the music is pretty good. She plays around with a bit more of a poppy feel, but the material really keeps the Rumble Fish sound throughout. It could be just that her voice is so powerful that she will always make me think of Rumble Fish, or it could be that she didn't feel quite comfortable enough to really branch out just yet.
Either way, I'm just the slightest bit disappointed. I was hoping for something very original and unique. What she gave us is still very good, but still screams of her bandmates.
One of the tracks is a cover of Angela Aki's 'Kodoku no Kakera' that is rather pathetic. It's performed as a duet with Isu of M.C. the Max, and vocally is fine indeed. The problem is that they grabbed Angela Aki's single and just sang overtop of the track. There is no deviation from the original composition or arrangement in any way. They took a fantastic track, that could really have worked, and cheapened it with unoriginality. Aki's work could provide a goldmine of material for a voice like Choi Jin Yi's, but I'd really be most interested to see her put her own unique spin on the work.
After that rather upsetting track, the rest of the mini-album is filled with instrumental versions of the first three tracks, bringing the total track count to 7. To me, that feels pretty cheap for some reason. Now, if the release had been labeled and sold as a 'single', it would be fine and dandy to have instrumentals all over the place. But the title of 'mini album' clearly left me expecting more substance.
After all that negativity, you'd think I'd say to stay away from this release, but actually, as an occasional listen it is pretty pleasant. I just think that Choi Jin Yi has a lot of potential left in her, and I'd really like to see her tap into it.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
September 9, 2008 Not bad, but she has better
Kuu's second album. It's caught somewhere between her first album, and being rather good.
The sound is consistent, and it houses some classic tracks, but there is really something missing from the album.
It feels like Kuu is still trying to find herself as an artist. She experiments a wee bit on this one, but doesn't ever step out of the safe shelter of her hip-pop roots.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
September 9, 2008 Not too shabby
A collection of Ayumi Hamasaki's best ballads up to her RAINBOW album. Aside from a couple of recorded, or re-arranged tracks, this album doesnt offer a whole lot. There is, however, the fantastic reworking of Ayu's hit song 'M'. It was taken from pop-rock wondernut to fantastic pop ballad at the hands of HAL.
Easily, this is HAL's best contribution to Ayu's body of work. It's just wonderful.
This album also offers a rare cover by Ayu in the final track ' Sotsugyou Shashin'.
Actually, the album is not a bad listen by any means, its just a little bit redundant to serious fans of her work.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
MELLSCOPE (Album+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
MELLSCOPE (Album+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$32.49Related promotions:1 people found this review helpful
September 9, 2008 Interesting...To say that this album is a little strange, would be very nice.
There's something about this album that is just so weird it at once throws me off and draws me in. It could be MELL's interestingly unique voice, or the range of musical styles -from pop, to ballad types, to happy hardcore techno, to industrial, and to something quite organic courtesy of Eric Moquet- , or it could be that something else that i cant quite put my finger on.
Despite the array of sounds and styles present on the album, it all falls back on the wonderful production of I've Sound, and actually holds together fairly well. I'm not sure what to say of MELL's voice though...she can be tender and beautiful, harsh and forceful, and just plain weird. Somehow she manages to pull herself together to suit the music and provide an interesting performance. She can sometimes be insensitive towards the music, but that seems to be part of her charm.
Having said all that, there are some very good and solid tracks on this album, but I'm sure its not for everyone.
Still....its an interesting listen....and the packaging sure is spiffy!
The DVD has some alternate versions of her PVS. New footage is always a plus, and there's plenty of that!
It also has photo-shoot footage, and an interview with Eric Moquet of Deep Forest, who worked on the production of the final track of the album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
September 9, 2008 Closure
I was actually scared to listen to this album at first. I was afraid it would be pumped full of the turmoil, pain and entrapment U;nee may have been feeling around the time this was written and recorded. To my surprise, the album carries on without a care in the world. Just another fun, roaring pop album.
It was the final step in U;nee's evolution, but it made me want more. The album itself isn't anything spectacular, and indeed falls short of the hopes created with her second album, but it displays U;nee's abilities rather well. We see her tackle a real ballad (much more sincere than any of her previous ballads, which felt more like obligations than songs), and she does a very good job.
This album strays further away from the techno-dance pop of her debut, but she continues with the hip-pop/rap/heavy-pop feeling found there. It all comes from a different angle though, and feels a little fresh from her.
Her body of work is very small, but she covered a good amount of ground, and continually developed from one project to the next. We'll always be left to wonder where this potential could have taken her in the future. And we'll always miss her.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Tabibito (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
August 18, 2008 Excellent Debut!Excellent debut single from Takasugi Satomi.
The title track is a heavily spiced folk inspired piece with just the right amount of pop. It's fairly upbeat, and incredibly catchy. Satomi brings real warmth to the track with her pure and honest voice. It's an excellent debut song from a very promising talent.
The b-side is lite and a touch bland, but couples with the main track well enough. It does a good job of accompanying the main track without overshadowing it in anyway. Just a nice addition.
The bonus first press remix track is also quite nice. It doesn't see too much of a departure from the original version, but its enough to make it an interesting listen. It's a good addition for collectors, but nothing to go crazy over.
The dvd has two versions of the music video: the original and the movie tie-in version. The tie-in version features new footage of Satomi too, so it's a very good watch. There are some gorgeous extra scenes! It also features a movie trailer and a making-of for the music video.
All in all a good little bundle, and a great single!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Yukiboshi / Soshite Boku wa Tohou ni Kureru (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Yukiboshi / Soshite Boku wa Tohou ni Kureru (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$19.25Related promotions:1 people found this review helpful
July 18, 2008 Nice Change of StyleAn upbeat pop song from Satomi that does away with her typical 'folk-pop' sound.
Instead we're given a refreshingly peppy track released in winter (a time so heavily burdened with ballads in the jpop world) which made it stand out a fair bit at the time.
While the sound is in tune with a winter feeling, its versatility makes it playable all year round.
The other a-side 'Soshite Boku wa Tohou ni Kureru' is a quiet, dark and warm electronicy number that features Satomi's most soothing vocals to date. It's beautiful in a completely tranquil way. Warm and simply gorgeous. A must hear!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
My Other Self (Special Collectible Edition) (CD+DVD)
My Other Self (Special Collectible Edition) (CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(7)Our Price: US$27.59Related promotions:1 people found this review helpful
July 18, 2008 not too shabby!really cute. its lite, poppy and sweet, with some surprisingly solid numbers. not necessarily anything to go psycho over, but its pretty darn enjoyable. and rainie's singing isn't half bad either. she's very consistent and sounds strong and confident from beginning to end. i usually find chinese pop to be dry, but this album is so sweet and quite fun! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Speed of flow (Japan Version)
Speed of flow (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$12.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 18, 2008 who are these guys?i have no idea who these guys are, i was given this cd for free.
its not too shabby.
good, fun, slightly dark rock stuff.
not a bad listen at all.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
SHINE (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
SHINE (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$18.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found this review helpful
July 18, 2008 pretty goodpretty good. has a nice groove to the album. she manages to bring together all sorts of musical styles, without stretching herself too far. her voice is fantasticly rich and smokey; the best part of the album.
i look forward to seeing what else she'll have to offer in the future.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
July 18, 2008 nice :)
sweet ballad by bonnie.
what else to say....its lovely, and the bsides are good. a peppy cover of an aimee man song, and an acoustic version of the title track.
nice. :)Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Prisoner of Love (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
Prisoner of Love (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region All
(4)Our Price: US$16.75Related promotions:1 people found this review helpful
July 18, 2008 Not bad.doesnt add too much to the original (which is fantastic, by the way). the instrumentals are relaxing, and the quiet version of the title track is a rather interesting listen the first few times.
the pv is kinda lame, but its better than most of the other pvs off the 'heart station' album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
My Intuition (CD+VCD) (2nd Version)
My Intuition (CD+VCD) (2nd Version)
(21)Our Price: US$34.59Usually ships within 7 to 14 daysRelated promotions:July 18, 2008 She gets better!Sweet and cute, although not terribly exciting. a nice introduction to Rainie's career, but far weaker than her later material.
The VCD has some nice material, and is a pleasant watch.
She's far too cute!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found this review helpful
July 18, 2008 IncrediblePhenomenal. Mind blowing. Utterly and heart breakingly gorgeous. A deep, and rich look at traditional Chinese and Tibetan music with modern influences of electronic and other world flavours. Sa Ding Ding's voice is clear, strong and impactful in a way that only an ancient sounding voice can be. She touches many genres throughout the album, blending all into one harmonious and clairvoyant sound. She uses ancient and non-existent languages to fully express the pure beauty of sound, and sound alone, simply for sound's sake. An album that will truly make you rethink modern music and all of its emptiness. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
July 18, 2008 ick. her newer stuff is better
Crud. Musically impotent, and vocally weaker than ever. Truth, its melody.'s first album, but there is little to find desirable here. She's improved greatly, and her musical style has developed to better suit her strengths. Check out her other albums first if you're just getting interested. Leave this one more for collection purposes.
Although, the booklet and packaging are quite lovely.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Lee Jung Hyun vol.3 - Magic to go to my star
Lee Jung Hyun vol.3 - Magic to go to my star
(38)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 18, 2008 her best yetLee Jung Hyun's best album!
She manages to blend her typical techno-dance style with quirky pop pieces, trance, and all sorts of other types of music to create one unique, and surprisingly coherent album.
It's fairly impressive how the flow of the tracklist was so well thought out to almost effortlessly transition from one type of music to the next.
A hard hitting pop album with great pieces like Michu, Ban, Surisuri Masuri, Misty, and Nan Chukchi Anha (I'll Never Die...).Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
Bookmark & Share