My CD of the Month

Artist : capsule
Title (Album) : PLAYER
Release Date : March 03, 2010

Genre : Electronic



PLAYER is capsule's 13th ALBUM, and it's AMAZING!

I was seriously surprised when I first heard it, I didn't expect it to be this good. PLAYER turned out to be so different than capsule's usual stuff, while still keeping a few things here and there that still have Nakata's trademark.

Stay with You, is the Album's opener which was given a lift from the Japanese Drama, LIAR GAME version. I do prefer it than the LIAR GAME version although the song as a whole is just your usual Nakata stuff, nothing special. the intro which is probably what I love most about the song, is nice and it makes a good kick to the start of the album.






Player which is the second song on the album as well as the album title, is actually long and repetitive. I wouldn't say I hated this track, but I will say it wasn't my favorite.

I wish You is nice, and very chill track. I absolutely love Toshiko's vocals in this. She sounds so mature!


Hands down one the of best tracks on Capsule's PLAYER album has to be, The Music I absolutely love EVERYTHING about this song! It's perfect all around, the lyrics, the synths, the vocals it's the real deal!
You will not be able to NOT dance when you hear this song!





Factory reminds me a lot of Player, I absolutely love the production of this song, But what on earth were the vocals for.. they pretty much suck.. and really don't need to be included in this track, but again,, the actual beat/music is nice!

I was Wrong This is a SUPER SUPER low key ambient lounge song...Most will say they hate it, but me? I actually loved it. It's a nice little break in the album, and I love the vocals! Now I can say this really doesn't sound like the kind of songs capsule puts out, however it's not a bad thing. I don't care what you say,I was Wrong is pretty solid for me and def. another one of my favorites.

Can I Have A Word goes back to Nakata's usual material, but unlike Stay with You, this one stands out from the rest. The synths and beats are super addictive, and the song is very catchy.

What do you want to do is another The Music,. It's one of the heaviest tracks in the album, just like The Music. Like The Music this song has explosive beats and synths.

Hello is catchy and well, I thought it should have been at the beginning of the album.

When I first heard Love or Lies when it was released as a digital single in the LIAR GAME version. I absolutely adored it from the first listen and this last track is a nice closing to an awesome album.






Overall PLAYER turned out to be an excellent album! Nakata took his experimentation to a whole new level. Nakata really put on work into this album and the hard work shows. I'm impressed and have had this album playing on repeat on my itouch for awhile now!


Top 3 Favorite Songs
The Music
Love or Lies
I was Wrong



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New Year, New Music

Not a huge post for today. I actually have a few exciting posts in the works for 2010! I know I am due for some more postings since I have been M.I.A due to work and personal issues.

Well there has been a great deal of new music for 2010 in the Japanese Music scene. I'm loving what I'm hearing so far and today I'm sharing a new single from BoA featuring one of my favorites in JR&B, Miura Daichi [三浦大知]. The song is called, Possibility, and the beat is amazing! I think I enjoy BoA more when she tackles more smooth R&B tracks rather than her pop material. Have a listen and Enjoy!


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Tis the season.. (Music Edition)

So it's been some time since I've updated 日本ーSuki. Believe me, I have wanted to get back into the blogging groove, but the past few months have been nothing but work work and more work. Although now that we are in the holiday season, I promised myself that I would come back to the site and start posting. I have quite a bit, but why not start with the music. So I'll be bringing you posts on some great holiday music coming out of Japan. Therhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife are quite a few artists that are creating Winter, themed singles, and albums. I'll call it "Tis the season Music Edition!"

FIRST UP an interesting listen to our beloved Disney songs, taken and remixed giving them a new R&B flavor. The album is called Mellow Disney ～R&B Revisited～



Overall, Mellow Disney ～R&B Revisited～ takes your favorite Disney songs and give them an R&B makeover, all sung by your favorite Japanese R&B artists including May J. , MIHIRO , Hirai Ken, DAICHI MIURA, and others.

There are 12 tracks on the CD and out of the 12 my favorites were, (in no real order)

Part of Your World [The Little Mermaid] - May J.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight [The Lion King] -MIHIRO ～マイロ～
When You Wish Upon a Star [Pinocchio]- Hirai Ken
When She Loved Me [Toy Story 2] - 三浦大知
(this song is my favorite on the entire CD. Smooth music and vocals by DAICHI MIURA)

With Colors of the Wind [Pocahontas] - Sweep , I was waiting for T-pain to jump in and start singing with the Autotune going on.. anyway The beat is something that has been done before , but it was still enjoyable. Vocals by R&B crooner Sweep were pretty good.
I've always liked his voice, but sometimes his style doesn't work with the song created, However, he pulled this song off.

You can go ahead and skip Someday [The Bells of Notre Dame] sung by 有坂美香. The tune is great, and calm.. but it's a waste with the vocals, as they really are hurtful to the ears. She starts off alright, but in the middle of the song, it sounds as if the artist is dying.. It really makes the song painful, but hey I never said all the songs on the CD were winners....

Here are some sample track from the album :








If you are a Disney fan I would highly suggest buying this album. Most of the remixes, are nicely put together, and not so overdone that it looses it's magical Disney quality we know oh so well. I found myself remember the movie as the songs played through and found myself grooving in my seat.
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Artist: ディズニー

ALBUM: Mellow Disney ～R&B Revisited～

Genre: R&B

Date: 2009-12-9

Description
ディズニーカヴァーALBUMのヒットシリーズにR&Bカヴァーが登場!! R&Bの「歌唱力」、そして「聴かせる」という魅力とディズニーが誇る色褪せる事のない誰もが知るメロディーが融合したメロウALBUM!! JCBドリームプロジェクトCMにも使用された青山テルマ「いつか王子様が」、東方神起「ホール?ニュー?ワールド」の有名DJによるRemix、その他R&B シーンで活躍するアーティストが参加!! クリスマスも近いこの時期にピッタリ!!

Tracklist

1 A Whole New World (DJ KAORI REMIX) [Aladdin] 東方神起
2 Part of Your World [The Little Mermaid] May J.
3 When You Wish Upon a Star [Pinocchio] 平井堅
4 Reflection [Mulan] 古内東子
5 When She Loved Me [Toy Story 2] 三浦大知
6 Go the Distance [Hercules] YOUNGSHIM
7 A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes [Cinderella] CHIHIRO
8 Colors of the Wind [Pocahontas] Sweep
9 Beauty and the Beast [Beauty and the Beast] COMA-CHI
10 Can You Feel the Love Tonight [The Lion King] MIHIRO ～マイロ～
11 Someday [The Bells of Notre Dame] 有坂美香
12 Some Day My Prince Will Come [Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs] 青山テルマ



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My Oricon Charts pick of the week!

For those of you out there that haven't a clue as to what Oricon is...
The Oricon Charts can be described as the Japanese version of the American Billboard Charts. Oricon represents the official statistics of the singles sold in Japan. Here are my pics on this weeks charts!

So I had quite a few favorites this week,
My first pic is by YUI. She actually topped the charts at #1 with her song
It's All Too Much Here have a look,


She sings, plays the acoustic guitar, and writes her own songs. Two of her songs, "LIFE" and "Rolling Star," are featured in Bleach, a Japanese anime series, which has brought her some international attention. She released another song called "Again" and is currently used as an opening theme to the new series of Fullmetal Alchemist.


The Next song is by a group called UNICORN　（ユニコーン). They are a Japanese rock band formed in 1986. The band split up in 1992 but returned in 2009 with their hit single "Wao!" The song is called 半世紀 少年 Hanseiki Shonen On the Oricon Charts they ranked #3



Next song is called Shunkashuto by HILCRHYME,
ranking number 6 on the charts! This is my first time listening to this artist. I had no idea who HILCRHYME was, but after hearing this song, I'm going to find more music! Ahh making rap sound more relaxing! ^^



One of my all time favorite groups dropped to # 8 on the charts, but I'm still loving this song!! Yell by Ikimonogakari !!! I love her voice and well.. just listen for yourself.

ikimono-gakari (いきものがかり) is a Japanese rock band.The band was formed in Kanagawa Prefecture in February 1999 by Hotaka Yamashita and Yoshiki Mizuno, and was later joined by lead vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka in December the same year.



Number 11 on the charts goes to the song Endless Road by DEEP....although wait.. aren't they the same guys from the group COLORS? Turns out they changed their name to DEEP,maybe a new direction but this songs sounds like their previous stuff.. anyway I liked it so here you are!



Fuyu Love by Juliet made it to # 13 on the charts. I'm not thrilled with this one, but I found myself humming it later after listening. That has to mean something right? ^^
Well personally, I find this song much better than their first single called Natsu Love

[PV]Juliet - フユラブ
by vivace520

Another favorite artist of mine is Jun Shibata. Her new song is called Love Letter, and this week it was at #14. I couldn't find a full video of her song but here is just a clip. I'll post a better one once I either post one myself or find another!



For those that are into Visual Kei bands. (I will admit I have a few songs on my ipod that I jam to ^^) My next song is called Chimes by the group Megamasso. This song is #16 on the charts.

Megamasso (メガマソ) is an indies Visual-Kei band, started by Ryouhei the former leader and guitarist of Ayabie. They have a fun filled experimental sound that mixes a lot of punk and upbeat poprock songs.

Ok my las vid is one that was on the charts for a bit, but this week it's at #24
Candy Girl by Mika Nakashima. I think I like it because it doesn't sound like her type of songs, in my opinion. Anyway when I first picked up her single, I was instantly drawn to this song. I really like this style. Keep surprising me Mika!



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Actually I lied.. I have another vid that I really liked.
Kimi No Shiranai Monogatari by Supercell. This song is the ending to the anime
Bakemonogatari I haven't seen it but maybe I'll check it out. Plus, I think both the song and PV are very sweet!

Supercell consists of ryo (composer/arranger) and nagi (vocalist).

ALRIGHT! I'm finished with my pics for this week. Hope you enjoy the selection
and if you want anymore information about any of the artists in this post, please feel free to leave me a comment! ^^



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Drunken Tiger makes a COMEBACK! -welcome back Tiger JK!

Getting stright to the point here, Korean show SBS Inkigayo aired a comeback by my favorite Korean Rapper and legend Tiger JK! Drunken Tiger made a comeback with guest rappers Bizzy and Paloaltoon the music contest show. Please continue reading to watch Drunken Tiger preform his new song "Monster"



Okay critique time...

On the first watch...Imma need for him to have a better intro THIS is sounding a little like DMX. where did he go? Jail? I think I need glasses,the camera isn't focusing right,.... DID THEY JUST CENSOR OUT A PART FROM 0:58 TO 1:00?!?! LOVE IT IF THEY DID!? All is good and well, but his backup hype boys are whack..what are they doing.. no really WHAT ARE THEY DOING?! It took me up ... to 2:31 to notice that he has aluminum bling around his neck.......*SIGHS* okay this song and video is whack. As I read over what I just wrote I'm pretty much hating all over the place, however Drunken Tiger is keeping his mysteriousness alive with him wearing that hat so low that I cant see his face. Therefore, the video, well, Tiger JK has received a B+ with a strong sarang heyo.

STILL,
nothing beats my all time favorite Drunken Tiger song "Convince Store" feat. Baby T/Tasha.. When I saw this video I was in LOVE WITH Tiger JK.. I mean there was something about him looking so rough and dirty in his unkempt shirt.. and crazy hair... yeah I will always love this song and him in it! ;-)


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Crystal Kay - After Love -First Boyfriend- PV

Not much to say here folks, Crystal Kay is my favorite artist in Japan, and she has just released her new PV for her new single titled, - After Love -First Boyfriend-. When first looking at this video I instantly thought of that Rhianna video she did with Ne-yo, where Rhi was in the bedroom getting all dressed and doing her thing while Ne-yo was making his way to the apartment. It had THAT type of feel to it I think. I feel CK has really grown as an artist over the years and she finally seems more of an adult now than she did before.

Anyway take a look and hope you enjoy!


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Get some REGGE in your life with SISTER KAYA-Japanese Regge Artist

I've never really gone into the Japanese/Regge music territory, but it's so interesting to listen to the Japanese's Jamaican flavor! While searching for artists, I stumbled on one who recently released an album, full easy grovin island beats. Her name, SISTER KAYA!


More info can be found on her site here...
She became well known throughout Japan after her first recording in Jamaica in 1996 and started production in 1998.SISTER KAYA has also work with some of the well known Jamaican, British and American reggae artistes including Sly and Robbie, Marcia Griffiths, Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Pam Hall, Don-G from ReFugee Camp, Big Mountain, Mad Professor etc. Here are a few samples from her new album as well as some older tunes..

オーガニックな"ジャワイアン?レゲエ"の傑作アルバム! コートニー?パインの人気曲「I'm Still Waiting」のカバーやスラックギターの日本を代表する名手?山内雄喜も参加したTR-1から"別世界"につれていかれる素敵な空間を提供する"リゾートミュージック"が体験できる1枚。







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Artist: SISTER KAYA

ALBUM: ORGANIC REGGAE

Genre: Reggae

Date: 2009-7-15

Tracklist
1. ~Intro~Jawaiian Breeze feat.Yuki Yamauti
2. Simple Life,Simple Mind
3. 溢れる想い
4. 風を感じて
5. I'm still waiting
6. Jah Islands fest.U-ROY
7. 泣かないで、愛しき人よ
8. Message
9. あなたと生きる
10. Be Natural~Rasta Woman Chant~
11. ~Interlude~Jamaican Breeze feat.Yuki Yamauti
12. Feel Free
13. Im stillwaiting REMIX feat.Yuki Yamauti
14. 溢れる想い REMIX feat.Kazutoki Umezu

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MUSIC ALERT-「SUGAR SHACK Official soundz mixed by DJ HAL」

Looking for a good Hip hop R&B collecion? Well I found one that I'm absolutely loving right now.. get your hands on SUGAR SHACK Official soundz mixed by DJ HAL」This collection features artists such as Full Of Harmony,LL BROTHERS,三浦大知,HI-D, and LEO






男性シンガーのみに焦点を絞った日本最大級のR&Bイベント、SUGAR SHACKのオフィシャル・ミックスCDが登場! CD-EXTRA仕様。
およそ1年をかけて男性R&Bシンガーのみに焦点を絞るという斬新な切り口で、豪華なアーティスト・ラインアップをえ、1ヶ月おきにライブ・ハウス(渋谷BOX)、クラブ(渋谷Nuts)と趣向を凝らしながら、国内有数&屈指のR&Bイベントへと成長してき日本最大級の R&Bイベント、「SUGAR SHACK(シュガー・シャック)」。イベントのレジデント・アーティストはFull Of Harmony、レジデントDJは今やDJ KOMORIに次ぐ男性若手DJとして飛ぶ鳥を落とす勢いのDJ HAL。そんな日本のR&Bの震源地としてのヴァイブスを伝えて止まない「SUGAR SHACK」のオフィシャル・ミックスCDがDJ HALのセレクション、ミックスで遂に登場します。しかも、ミックスCDにはエクスクルーシヴな新曲2曲も収録、この豪華絢爛なR&Bソングスター達の顔合わせも本作の大きな話題の一つ。



TRACKLIST:
1. SUGAR SHACK (Full Of Harmony,LL BROTHERS,三浦大知,HI-D,LEO)
2. BABY GIRL-TinyVoice,Production Remix (ZEEBRA Feat.Full Of Harmony)
3. Baby Girl (HI-D)
4. Girlfriends feat.ZEEBRA (HI-D)
5. Stand Up (LEO)
6. Open Your Heart (三浦大知)
7. Good Music Good Vibration feat.A Hundred Birds (Sweep)
8. Keep It Goin' On (三浦大知)
9. Movin’ On (JAY’ED)
10. Let's Get Together(remix) (HIRO & DOUBLE)
11. Full Of Harmony SKIT
12. Sweet home featuring マボロシ (Full Of Harmony)
13. This Summertime (JAY'ED)
14. Baby,Baby Feat JAY'ED (“E qual”)
15. スキナキモチ (HI-D)
16. HI-D SKIT
17. Baby I Love U (TEE)
18. Anniversary (TSUYOSHI)
19. Song For You (真之介)
20. Precious Girl (MICHIYA)
21. Gotta Roll (MICHIYA)
22. Tell Me (LEO)
23. Hypnotic Superstar (L&J feat KM-MARKIT)
24. Like a tattoo (URATA NAOYA)
25. Our Place (LEO)
26. G.O.O.D TIMES feat.Teddy Riley (Full Of Harmony)
27. SHE'S SO AMAZIN' (LL BROTHERS)
28. Perfect Man (JAY’ED,LEO,TSUYOSHI,L&J,MICHIYA,真之介 / Exclusive Brand New Track)



I don't normally do this but go to the link below if you want to get your hands on this awesome CD collection. Of course this is only for sample purposes and you should just go to yesasia and buy the cd :-)

「SUGAR SHACK Official soundz mixed by DJ HAL」



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For your Listening Pleasure: Introducing Hiromi (宏実)

Like I said before I'm on an R&B kick and here is another artist you MUST listen to. I am loving her voice and her new album is pretty good. Let me introduce to you Hiromi (宏実)



Hiromi (宏実) is an R&B singer and songwriter located in Tokyo, Japan.
Hiromi's not particularly well known, but she is VERY talented. She's released one mini-album and done a number of collaborations (including the Japanese version of Timbaland's The Way I Are) and has also contributed as a backup vocalist to songs for a number of other artists.Sometimes her voice will get a bit "whiny" when she reaches high notes, but after hearing her over and over I tend to brush it off. R&B suits her voice quite well, and she seems to be quite talented in terms of vocal ability and musical composition etc (she composes and writes or collaborates with other artists on the majority of her material).

Her newest Album is called RAINBOW, and it's been playing over and over on my ipod for weeks now! Tray a few sample songs here and if you want to buy the CD.. Please go right ahead, you will be pleased with every song on the the album RAINBOW





I would LOVE LOVE to hear her do something with my all time favorite singer, Crystal Kay!
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アーティスト (Artist): 宏実
ジャンル(Genre): R&B
タイトル (Title): 「RAINBOW」
オリジナル盤発売日(Release Date): 2009/6/24
収録時間 (Runtime): 71分 (minutes)
レーベル(Label): Indies Maker
言語(Language): 日本語 (Japanese)

Description:
2009年、今最も注目を浴びるアーティスト、宏美の1stフルアルバム?リリース!!
全米初登場3位に輝いた英語「STEP UP 2」の日本語版イメージソング「VANILLA」、Full Of Harmonyをフィーチャーした「WHY」、彼女の代表曲「RAINBOW」など収録.「YES」はフジテレビ"なべあちっ! "エンディングテーマ、テレビ東京"音風?"エンディングテーマに決定! 今作も豪華キャストを迎え、まさに日本音楽シーンを揺るがす品に仕上がった。正真正銘の最高傑作。

収録曲/Tracklist:
01.Intro - True Colors - 　　
02. Yes テレビPV試聴　　
03. Colorful World　　　
04. My Everything　　　
05. Rainbow　　　
06. Dr. Angel　　　
07. I'm With You ft. L-VOKAL　　　
08. Your Song　　　　
09. 愛されたい　　　
10. Vanilla　　　　
11. Why ft. Full Of Harmony　　　
12. 碇星　　　
13. Makin' Love　
14. Recover　　　
15. Secret　　　
16. 秘密

Official Homepage: http://hiromisrainbow.syncl.jp/
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/hiromisrainbow/
Official Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hiromisrainbow

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For your Listening Pleasure: Introducing Sonomi Tameoka (為岡そのみ)

I'm constantly looking for new Japanese singers to add to my music library, and recently I've been on an R&B kick! While looking at new music I came across a new album from a really talented singer. Her name is 為岡そのみ (Sonomi Tameoka) Have a listen


Sonomi started producing music at age 14!. Her early influences were, hip-hop, jazz and urban and it shows in her music. Her vocals definitely give me a Miho Fukuhara-vibe. Their tones and melisma have similar qualities, which I love. She does a lot of work with Jazztronik... Here is a live performance,


Her new album is called MOVIN' ON click the link if you want to buy this CD...


My personal favorite on her new album is a song called On and On



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Artist: 為岡そのみ

ALBUM: MOVIN' ON

Genre: R&B

Date: 2009-7-8


Description
最高の曲を聴かせる、噂の女性ソロ?アーティスト、
デビュー! R&Bをベースとした現代最高の楽曲を自ら書き、
歌い、感動させる大型新人アーティスト"TAMEOKA SONOMI"!
透き通る歌声とその強力な楽曲はまさに現代の"キャロル?キング"!

Tracklist
1. 虹をみたいの
2. Mermaid
3. movin’ on
4. Crying for you
5. PURPLE
6. I wanna know your feelin’
7. U & Me
8. 今愛する人とここで出逢えた
9. On & On
10. 虹をみたいの REMIX feat.STY



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IT'S HERE, NEW CRYSTAL KAY SINGLE! (After Love -First Boyfriend- feat.KANAME(CHEMISTRY)/Girlfriend feat.BoA [Promo CD])

Those who know me well, know I absolutely love.. LOVE the singer Crystal Kay. I made a post about her talent, and AMAZING voice in this entry. NOW she has released her new single and I was able to get my hands on it and of course, I'm loving every bit of this CD.

As written in my previous post on Miss CK, she is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut this year, and her new (single) CD titled (After Love -First Boyfriend- feat.KANAME(CHEMISTRY)/Girlfriend feat.BoA, is a part of the celebration. Let me tell you this CD is nothing short of amazing to my ears. Crystal Kay, has worked hard and by listening to the songs found on this new single, looks like the hard work paid off.



Check out what's on this new CD for yourself..

CRYSTAL KAY-After Love First Boyfriend


Crystal Kay-Girlfriend feat BoA

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Artist: Crystal Kay

ALBUM: After Love -First Boyfriend- feat.KANAME(CHEMISTRY)/Girlfriend feat.BoA
[Promo CD]

Genre: R&B
Date: 2009-8-12

Description
Crystal Kay、10周年という記念すべき年にリリースするダブルA面シングル!! 「Girlfriend feat.BoA」は、EXILEや倖田來未などの楽曲を手がける今をときめく音楽プロデューサーSTYが詞曲を書き下ろし。「男なんてイラナイ! キミ(Girlfriend)さえいればイイ!」という現代女子のぶっちゃけた気持ちが詰まった楽しい内容。映画『そんな彼なら捨てちゃえば?』イメージソングに決定! もう1曲は、10周年を機にさらに進化するCKの魅力が詰まった楽曲を収録。さらに、今回パッケージ初収録となる「出会えた奇跡」(2008年「ITOEN TULLY'S BARISTA'S SPECIAL」CMソング)も収録。

Tracklist
01.After Love-First Boyfriend- feat. KANAME(CHEMISTRY)
02.Girlfriend feat. BoA
03.出会えた奇跡



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MV SUPER JUNIOR(슈주) - SORRY,SORRY Review

Now I'm not a HUGE fan of boy and girl groups. Doesn't matter which country you are from.. I just don't get down with most anymore. (I did have teenie bopper days though where I was into the Backstreet boys.. wait ok forget I said that) Anyway I thought I would share a video with you of a song I recently was intorduced to by the korean group Super Junior . The song is called Sorry Sorry Sorry, and it's quite catchy Have a look...


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Ok so it's not so much of a review as it's mainly my commentary of the video. While you read I have points where you should stop and look, to get my point. Overall I loved the song so I was interested to see the video, and it was interesting.

Soo where to begin.. well, there are so many guys! Touring must be expensive..

1.) pause at 0:24..."ok there's, 1-2-3, 11 of them....
2.) 0:36 menh....
3.)0:38 bottom 3 in looks, the one to the far right is a girl and u cant tell me different...

4.) I LOVE them bringin back the Michael Jackson move at 0:45...
5.) 0:58 they should be kicked out...
6.) 1:04 middle dude I flinched when he tried to touch himself...
7.) 1:09 Rachel Maddow's galore...
8.) 1:22 MJ's song.."Shaare that beat and we can ride the boogey,"

Alright no more commenting. Rehearsals must be crazy though I must say
...but overall its a cool video.

OH must not forget, 2:27 to 2:29 LOVE all of them doing it together. Sounds like they're saying naked naked naked!

This song has me singing along with the chorus even though I don't know what they are saying AT ALL! Oh gotta love my K-POP

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WONDER GILRS ENGLISH SINGLE-NOBODY (My little Review)

This is the video for the WONDER GIRLS new ENGLSH single of their KOREAN hit called Nobody.
I was eager to hear what the groups English would sound like, because I feel it is important if they want to make it in the US charts. I've seen them in interviews and it wasn't very good, but take a look at the video and I will share with you my thoughts.





Ok Lets get down to business...

1. This is the first Korean to English song that I wasn't sitting here trying to figure out what in the hell they were saying. (Unlike Rain, and BoA) HUGE Props to their speech coaches!

2. I like how the JYP uses the Michael Jackson move in the beginning. The same move I liked in that other Kpop vid of Super Junior's Sorry sorry sorry (go to around 0:44) with 11 of them doing it at once.

3. Why does JYP look so mean!? Is it alright if I say he looks yuckie and I fear he would bite my arm off? ...

4. Do they seem darker? I thought they were doing a "Beyonce" for bit in the video. You know, where you can't tell if they wanted to be one color or not to appeal to many audiences. hmm Probably not, since its just a dubbed vid.

5. So as for the video itself, I think it was okay. ONLY okay. It reminded me of a 1950's dubbed movie... in full color. Again, Their speech coaches deserve awards!



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EVENT ALERT:[日本 EVENT] STEVE CONTE W/ YOKO KANNO & IN JAPAN!

Who out there is a big Yoko Kanno fan?
If you are not sure who she is well then let me inform you!
Yoko Kanno is a famous composer, arranger and musician, responsiable for the music you heard in the anime COWBOY BEBOP as well as Macross Plus,Vision of Escaflowne,Cardcaptor Sakura,and many many others. She will be in concert with her group, THE SEATBELTS, in Japan!


Ok so some of you might be wondering who is steve conte
Have you heard this song from Wolf's rain?


Or even this song from COWBOY BEBOP




Well Steve is also a member and the lead singer of the band The Contes along with his brother John Conte. I had the chance to see them preform live, a few years back at the Ohio anime convention called Ohayocon. He was the only reason I went that year and my friends and I ended up being in the front for his concert. He noticed us taking pictures and later on in an anime voice panal, My friend and I ad the chance to meet Steve and his brother. Steve was very nice and even remembered seeing us taking pictures. He asked to see the pictures and then use them on his website. I was so thrilled.







If you love his work with Yoko Kanno,I highly recommend you listen to his original work with his brother John and their group The Contes!


Anyway if you live in Japan you are in for a real treat!

Here are the details for the big event:

When:
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Where:
JAPAN, Saitama Super Arena


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CRYSTAL KAY and BOA Collaborate Again?

My favorite singer of all time, Miss CRYSTAL KAY, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut this year. Her first song for the year will be a called "Girlfriend feat. BoA." Yup, that's right out girl is going to be preforming another collaboration with BoA , titled "Girlfriend feat. BoA." It will be used as an image song for the Japanese release of the American romantic comedy "He's Just Not That into You."



About seven years ago, the two singers became very good friends after having the same dance instructor. As a result, the two said they really enjoyed recording the song, which talks about friendship between women.

HERE IS A CLIP OF THE NEW SONG!!!! \^o^/


They have already made one song together called UNIVERSE found on BoA's album,



ABOUT CRYSTAL KAY-
Crystal Kay is half black half Korean and was born and raised in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. She made a name for herself in the J-pop scene with a mix of song styles, some in a standard J-pop format and others based more on American '90s R&B. By 1998, she had signed to Epic Records at the age of 13. The following year, she debuted with the single "Eternal Memories". Since then she has been on her way, with other popular songs such as 2005's "Koi ni Ochitara", 2006's"Kirakuni" and 2007's "Kitto Eien ni" (used as the theme song for the live-action movie of Boku wa Imouto ni Koi wo Suru.)
CK has also preformed songs for the anime Nodame Cantabile. ("Konna ni Chikaku de...")
as well as the theme song to the 2008 Pokémon movie Giratina to Sora no Hanataba: Sheimi("One")



She has really made a name for herself, even more so when her album All Yours hitting the number one slot on the Oricon charts upon its debut.Kuri also has a new single out entitled "Over and Over" which was written by m-fl0 as well as a digital single titled Deaeta kiseki (出会えた奇跡)






Source: Tokyograph, Sports Hochi

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ARTIST OF THE DAY [Kanon Wakeshima]

She has a haunting sound with her voice, music, and astounding cello playing, and today Kanon Wakeshimais the artist of the day As a multi-talented artist, Kanon joined the Sony Music Audition as a singer. She was one of the finalists and she made a contract with DefSTAR RECORDS.


She is a true musician,who took up the cello at age 3 which led her she formed a cello duo and an ensemble group when in junior high school. At the age of 15, Wakeshima started playing the baroque cello as part classical ensembles. Her incredible talent attracted the attention of Visual-Kei star Mana (Moi dix Mois, Malice Mizer), who became the sound & visual image producer for Kanon for her debut single "still doll" (released in May 2008) from her first album. Wakeshima's rich.




This is a truly haunting sound and the cello fits perfectly to round the song out!
Wakeshima released her highly anticipated first album, Shinshoku Dolce, in February 2009. (Which I suggest you go and buy .. it's amazing!)


She has since moved on to become 2009 "Best Newcomer" Shojo Beat Music Award winner as well as beome an illustrator. Fans flocked to her November 2008 exhibition along with the mini-concert in Tokyo's fashion-conscious Harajuku, and she regularly posts her artwork on her Web site (http://www.kanonweb.jp). Samples of her music can be found on her MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kanonwakeshima.


I first heard of her while watching the Anime Vampire Knight (which is VERY good so go youtube it ^^)Wakeshima's Still Doll, was the ending somg for the anime's first Season. It fit perfectly with the vampire/dark theme of the show. Wakeshima went on to recod a second song for the second season of Vampire Knight titled, Suna no Oshiro

Wakeshima Kanon - Suna no Oshiro




Wakeshima has just begun to let the world know who she is though. It has just been announced that she will make her US debut at Otakon 2009. Those of you who live in the area or who are traveling to go to the con this year..you are really in for special treat so enjoy!

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ARTIST OF THE DAY: 三浦大知 Daichi Miura

So I am a HUGE fan of Jaoanese music. First it was only J-pop but I've grown to enjoy the whole spectrom of music from Japanese artists. My favorite will always be J-R&B...
One artist that I'm sure you never heard of (I didn't know of him until recently) is one of my fvorites when it comes to R&B and dance. His name.... 三浦大知 (Daichi Miura)




*BIOGRAPHY*

Daichi Miura was born IN Okinawa on 24th Aug 1987 and was the former lead singer of Folder - seven dance unit with two boys and five girls, from Aug 1997. Their debut single "Parachuter" was sold more than 10 million copies.

At 9, Daichi Miura was dubbed “Japan’s Smallest Soulman” thanks to his strong dancing and vocal abilities. Debut at the age of 10 and was praised by MISIA as "Japanese Michael Jackson" because of his outstanding singing ability. Puberty struck and Daichi stepped away for a bit as his voice began to change and members of Folder went on to become Folder5.

At 17 he declared a return to show business!! In January 2005, he held his fisrt live "Live Chapter-0" in Osaka and Tokyo went with his own full name "Daichi Miura".
Mar30th 2005 he debut as a solo artist with the single "Keep it goin' on" under avex trax label. This single is like a message to his fans showing his unchanging love for music and unstoppable effort to stand in this strict industry.

Primarily an R&B artist, his first album has impressed even ZEEBRA (considered to be the godfather of Japanese R&B), and his influences include Usher and Justin Timberlake. Daichi Miura is now 21 years old and has released six singles, one full length album and a live DVD. He also participated in many big live music events in Japanese and oversea like ROCK STEADY CREW 30th Anniversary Festival, Summer Sonic, a-nation...

NEW SINGLE-Delete My Memories (20 May, 2009)

DAICHI MIURA - Delete My Memories
by tatsuya-san

YOUR LOVE feat. Kreva (My favorite from him so far)

Daichi Miura ft. Kreva - Your Love [HQ PV]
by Ashelia

Southern Cross - Daichi Miura


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NEW ARTIST ALERT-JAY'ED

Saw a post with a video on facebook this morning and liked what I heard so I went digging.

Meet the newest act to crossover to Japan!! Hitting the J-R&B charts, JAY'ED was born in New Zealand to a Japanese father and a Kiwi mother. He released his first album in May of 2006 titled The Gift ~Just let me know~.
He's signed up to the same label as massively popular bands such as Mr.Children and BUMP OF CHICKEN.






Check out his official site here jayed.jp




For the most part I like his singing voice, but in this song he did seem a little weak in the beginning, but he does pick it up.I had no idea he had been indi for so long, but he really is someone I will be watching !! What do you all think? Seems he is another artist I like who is half Japanese, another artist I'm really into is Half Japanese, half Korean singer, Yuna Ito, but I'll post about her another time. :-)


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EVENT ALERT:[NYC EVENT] UTADA NYC IN STORE APPEARANCE-MAY 12

For those living in the US...
Utada's coming to a retail store near you!! She will traveling across the country the week of May 11th to promote the release of her new album This Is The One. This special album version includes 3 bonus tracks never before on CD, so make sure you get your copy & maybe even get it signed by Utada

Because I am in NYC here are the dates for the NYC store signing, MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE ..I KNOW I WILL BE ^_^



UTADA NYC IN STORE APPEARANCE
Tuesday, 5.12 @ 7:00 PM
Best Buy
529 5th Ave
New York, NY 10017-4608
For more info call: 212-808-0309
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Like the movie Drumline.. well now there is a stage show (NOW PLAYING IN JAPAN)

Last night I was doing my normal Keyhole TV channel surfing and stumbled upon a Japanese CM for a Drumeline Stage show. I was very surprised and so I researched it further online.

The show is called Drumline Live and is is created by the music team behind the movie Drumline. If you are unfamiliar with the movie here is a trailer.



They are doing a Worldwide tour, U.S., Japan, Korea, and More...
They are in Japan now!(4/22-4/26) as I saw the ads for their preformance.. Go here to check out the official site!
Check out the Japanese site here
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