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Asian Entertainment News and Pop Culture

Currently watching “BoA the Live - Ura BoA Kikase Kei” which will be released on March 7th . Please note, this is not my official review, just typing while I’m watching it.

I’m quite impressed with what I have seen so far. After seeing her perform on Korean and Japanes music shows when she debuted at thirteen showing off some awesome dance moves, as mentioned with my review of “made in twenty (20)”, we are seeing a mature side of BoA.

It’ quite interesting because there was a time that I felt she and her good friend Matsuura Aya, had similar qualities as “idol” like singers but no longer.

“BoA the Live - Ura Boa Kikase Kei” features footage from BoA’s first live house tour and features a total of 19 tracks (well, one extra bonus track for a total of 20). The songs are:

1. LISTEN TO MY HEART
2. VALENTI
3. DO THE MOTION
4. Soundscape
5. Your Color
6. Ain’t No Sunshine
7. make a secret
8. Moon & Sunrise
9. Kimi No Tonari De
10. Nanairo No Ashita ~Brand New Beat~
11. KEY OF HEART
12. La La La Love Song
13. QUINCY
14. EVERLASTING
15. Kono yo no Shirushi
16. Winter Love
17. Merikuri

*Bonus Track*
18. The Love Bug With M-Flo

The DVD is region 2 and approx. 113 minutes.

Booklet is just a large panel fold of photos from her concert. Not much listed on where she performed or any listing of location. Just a panel for credits.

Anyway, as for the DVD, it’s very mature in nature. BoA performs with a live band and even during the breaks when she is talking, her pianist is playing and to tell you the truth, from looking at the cover, I suppose I was thinking of something similar to her concert at New York-Tokyo Music Festival with the background dancers. It’s very live-house and sure, the concept is not new for a young female performer because we have seen Utada Hikaru perform with a live band at a young age as well. I guesss I expected something much different but with this performance, such a great balance between BoA and her and.

So, to see the emphasis on BoA, the band and the background singers was definitely quite refreshing.

Like the outfit of BA with the hat and top. Very Madonna-esque. Ahh…there are background dancers for her song “make a secret”. But BoA’s not dancing with them. In fact, she came out sporting a short dress while wearing short shorts. Oh, wait…she’s dancing a bit. Nice!

The next song “Moon & Sun” has BoA singing with her pianist. Wow, I’m really impressed. One of the best tracks on the DVD showcasing her singing her heart out. And another song with her pianist for “Kimi no Tonari de”.

Also, it’s cool to see the audience really into it and watching her fans sing along was pretty cool. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen a performance from a well-known pop star and the fans stand their like mannequins. This audience has energy and she is feeding off that which is pretty cool.

Especialy when she gets the audience to participate in her rendition of popular Kubota Toshinobu song “La.La.La Loves Song”.

As for the camera work, the camera work is just absolutely beautiful Camera angles from all angles and the top over the audience. The lighting was done very well for this concert.

All in all, a very different type of concert than what I was expecting (for some reason, the image of her in a cargo suit singing ID:Peace B and dancing in her Korean debut comes to mind) , it is such a different pace from what I was expecting and I know I said that before but it’s different. I really enjoyed it.

For me, it’s important to see the perform feeding off the energy from an audience that is interested and supportive.

Just a note that my reason why the m-flo loves BoA bonus track is kept separate (available when clicking on it on the main menu) is because all 19 tracks of the live house was with her band and this was the only song that was different from the pacing of the actual concert. Nevertheless, I’m glad they added it because it’s a very cool song an also it’s a pretty good performance. If you thought the audience was into it for “La.La.La Love Song”, the audience had their hands pumping their hands in the air. So, it’s cool to see the surprise guest appearance by m-flo.

You’ve waited and misono is back and this time with her first full-length album “never+land”.

This album shows that she’s more than just the younger sister of Koda Kumi and that she can do different types of music as opposed to the music many of us have enjoyed her singing as vocalist of day after tomorrow.

Coming out on Feb. 28th , “never+land” which contains a total of twelve tracks with seven of the tracks from previous CD singles released in 2006.

Since her debut, misono has incorporated more rock-based music into her sound while yet retaining the bubbliness and cuteness that she had as a member of day after tomorrow.

The first track on the album “powder” is a short drum and bass track which is pretty good and very different but unfortunately it’s only 1:44 long and the only track to incorporate this type of sound.

The second all rock track “Lovely Cats Eye ~Neko wa kotatsu de Harukunaru~ (AVCD-31087/B (with DVD), AVCD-31088) is misono’s fourth CD single that was released in November 2006.

The third track “Speed Live”(AVCD-31006/B (with DVD), AVCD-31007) is misono’s third CD single that was released in July 2006 and the theme song for the teen film “LOVE`*CON” or “LOVELY COMPLEX”.

The fourth track “A.___~answer~” is from her fifth CD single “Hot Time” (which is absent on this album).

The CD single is an inspiring theme song used on misono’s MTV “Girls meet Beauty” campaign in which the singer was put on a gruelling, diet and three month weight loss campaign.

I really enjoyed her debut CD single “VS” (AVCD-30913/B (DVD), AVCD-30914 (normal), released on March 29, 2006)  and the song gave me positive hopes that misono can make it through for her solo career.

Interesting is that many of the coupling songs from her CD singles are on this album (“Garasu no Kutsu” coupling song for “VS”, “pinkies” which is an awesome coupling song for her second single “Kojin Jugyo” (AVCD-30966/B(DVD), AVCD-30966 (normal), released on May 10, 2006) and “Ari to kirigirisu” coupling song for third CD single “SPEED LIVE”.

Although “Kojin Jugyo” was not included as a full song, track 10 is a “Finger 5 Medley” featuring misono singing several songs by the popular 70’s pop group.

There are several ballads on this album but the final track “Re: (Yomi: Repeat)” which is a piano-based song is beautiful.

The album definitely shows that misono can sing different types of music but not all songs in my opinion have been as strong as her debut CD single “VS”.

Also, I wonder if misono want to be taken seriously as a rock singer in the same vein of a Tomiko Van (lead singer of Do As Infinity) or an Aikawa Nanase?  Or possibly dabble with different music styles like her older sister has done.

If one thing has been evident in the past few CD +DVD singles, we have seen a cutesy, bubbly misono such as behaving and dressing like a cat  for “Lovely Cat’s Eye” and then the very emotional music video for “HOT TIME” that shows that there is a serious, emotional side of the artist.

As for music videos, the DVD version of “never+land” will contain the music videos for “Suna no Shiro no Mermaid ~Riku to umi no sekai~”, “A.__~answer~” and “Hot Time Mud 1 Take Ver.” and “The Making” featuring several making of clips of her music videos.

All in all, it’s a good album, average at best for me.   But give it a chance, you may enjoy it.

— DENNIS A. AMITH

Note: The version of never+land is a pre-release of never+land we received directly from the label  and is not the final press of the album.  The tracks are of the final release but we are unable to review the other contents such as DVD, photobook or lyric booklet.

Catalog #:  AVCD-23202 (CD+Photo Book), AVCD-23203/B (CD+DVD), AVCD-23204 (CD only) | Dur. 52:19.  Release date: February 28, 2007

For audio samples of this album, please visit mu-mo

1.  Powder
2.  Lovely Cat’s Eye ~Neko wa kotatsu de marukunaru~
3.  Speed Drive
4.  A.___~answer~
5.  Ari to kigirisu
6.  Suna no Shiro no Mermaid ~Riku to umi no Sekai~
7.  Kodomo no Jijou>Otona no Shijou 2
8.  Glass no Kutsu
9.  VS
10.  Finger 5 Medley
11.  pinkies
12.  Re: (yomi:repeat)

* NOTE: Preview album reviewed

Arashiro Beni is back with a new CD single featuring an R&B track titled “Luna” and reunited with YANAGIMAN (who has produced and arranged songs for groups like Def Tech and Ketsumeishi) and her last CD single “How Are U?”.

The latest CD single showcases three tracks that range from R&B to rock music.

The first track “Luna” features a beautiful R&B ballad that showcases the singer/model’s vocals.

With Arashiro’s involvement as an ambassador for the NFL in Tokyo, the second track “No Pain, No Gain” is a pop and rock theme song for NFL Tokyo.

For this song, Beni wrote with Mochizuki Haruka and the music and arrangement is by YANAGIMAN.

And hopefully starting a trend from her last CD single, what Arashiro CD single would be complete without a cover of a popular American song.

Her last CD single, she sung a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and for her new CD single, Arashiro sings a cover of “Diggin’ on you” is a cover of the popular 90’s TLC song.

Overall, “Luna” is a perfect CD single showcasing the performer’s vocal range and when it comes to R&B, that’s her element and would like to see her remain focused on that.

And just to think how far this performer has come since debuting in 2004 with her CD single “Harmony” (AVCD-30603, released in June 9th).

Since her debut, Arashiro has released a total of eight CD singles and two full-length albums.

Among her accomplishments is winning the 19th Nihon Record Taishou Awards “New Artist of the Year in 2005.

Part of the appeal of Arashiro Beni is not only is she a singer but a popular model.

As a matter of fact, included with the “Luna” CD single are various Beni and CECIL Mc BEE foil stickers and is featured in their February Spring catalog campaign.

It’s been over a decade since a model/singer named hitomi debuted for the Avex Trax label and it’s great to see another model who can sing beautifully is making it happen in Japan.

With good vocals, beauty and the fact that she speaks fluent Japanese and English is a major plus for worldwide promotion and I look forward to hearing more of her in the near future.

— DENNIS A. AMITH

Catalog #: AVCD-31163) | Dur. 52:19.
Release date: February 28, 2007

For audio samples visit of this CD single, visit mu-mo

1. Luna
2. No Pain, No Gain
3. Diggin’ on you
4. Luna (instrumental)
5. No Pain, No Gain (instrumental)

NOTES:

Arashiro Beni’s CD single comes with several Beni and CECIL Mc BEE foil stickers to promote Arashiro as the model for the company’s “First Spring Collection” 2007 which she is the main model for their vol. 7 catalog (show on left).

Around this same time a decade ago, I wrote a review for Amuro Namie’s “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?”.

For being an avid listener of Amuro in the 90’s, it’s very cool that ten years later and Amuro Namie still has me dancing in my seat with her 32nd CD single “Baby Don’t Cry”.

I have to admit that it’s always interesting to hear and see what will come from Amuro Namie with each release.

For this mid-tempo CD single, Amuro Namie reunites with producer Nao’ymt and the song is used for the ending theme for the KTV drama “Himitsu no Hanazono”

I just love how the song starts off with the bass thumping and features a catchy chorus.

This CD single is probably the first in many years from Amuro that I’ve listened to multiple times. I like it!

The coupling song is “Nobody” also written and produced by Nao’ymt.

The song was actually supposed to be used as the coupling song for her CD single “White Light” (AVCD-30889, released on November 16, 2005).

To round up the CD single, the other two tracks are the instrumental tracks for the two songs.

The accompanying DVD is quite a fresh look at an Amuro music video.

No dancing, just great imagery of Amuro Namie walking in the city and the park.

Sounds boring but it’s actually quite a beautiful music video to watch.

Going back to the old school days, I could remember when Amuro Namie broke CD sales records.

Well, in a fitting fashion that over a decade later, she continues to break another record.

Since 1995, Amuro has debuted on the Oricon Top 10 Weekly Charts and with “Baby Don’t Cry” debuting at #3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart has put her ahead of notable names such as Kudo Shizuka, Koizumi Kyoko and Nakayama Miho.

And perhaps Amuro Namie is warming up to music listeners again with this CD single which has sold over a 100,000 copies, her first since 2001.

For Amuro fans, on February 21st her new live DVD “namie amuro BEST tour “Live Style 2006” (AVBD-91466) was released.

The DVD features a total of 26 tracks from classics such as “Body Feels Exit” to her last CD single “CAN’T SLEEP, CAN’T EAT, I’m SICK”.

If anything, I just find Amuro Namie an artist and even though other female Avex artists have been in the spotlight ahead of her in the past few years, she still shows resilience.

There are not too many female R&B artists from Japan that have started out in their young teens and continue to be hit makers in their 30’s and continue to stay within that top 10.

Amuro Namie is the real deal and looking at her today, she still has to looks, still can shake and still can perform better than many female artists from Japan.

From her days as a SUPER MONKEY in the early 90’s to present time, I’m still enjoying her music.

— DENNIS A. AMITH

Catalog #: AVCD-31175 (CD+DVD), AVCD-31176 (CD only) | Dur. 20:11
Release date: January 24, 2007

For audio samples of this CD single, visit mu-mo 

1. Baby Don’t Cry
2. Nobody
3. Baby Don’t Cry (TV-MIX)
4. Nobody (TV-MIX)

DVD:
Duration: 5 minutes, 4:3, Region 2
1. Baby Don’t Cry

NOTES:

The CD+DVD and CD version have two different covers. The CD+DVD version features Amuro’s eyes closed, the latter with her eyes open. But the lyrics booklet inside the CD+DVD features the cover on the regular CD version.

The blue wolf has been unleashed and the film “Aoki Ookami” will be in theaters in Japan on March 3rd.

The epic Japanese/Mongol film which stars Sorichmachi Takashi and Korean CM queen Ara and many, many others about the life of legendary ruler (or conqueror), Genghis Khan.

Singing the theme song for this epic film is rhythm zone recording artist mink (which stands for “Made IN Korea”).

Released on New Year’s Day, the CD single “Innocent Blue ~Chi hate umi tsukiru made” features a beautiful slow ballad that continues to showcase mink’s vocal talents.

The CD single comes with a total of three ballads and three instrumental versions of those tracks.

The second track is “Aoki Ookami”, a mid-tempo ballad and like most her CD single releases, an all-English song is included. For this CD single, the third track in English is “BLESSING OF LOVE”.

For many people, this may be their first time discovering mink but this artist’s career has continued to blossom on the Amazon and iTunes music charts.

In April 2006, mink’s “Glory of Life” which was released in the US reached the #1 position on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play.

Her first concept album “Prologue” (RZCD-45228, released on Aug. 3, 2005) featuring covers of hits by Extreme, the EAGLES, DREAMS COME TRUE and Stevie Wonder debuted at #3 on Amazon Japan’s music chart and her CD singlereached to #2 on iTunes Japan.

Her second concept album “e+motion” (RZCD-45314, released on Dec. 7, 2005) debuted at #1 on the iTunes Music Store pop chart in Japan.

Her music has also been featured on several films and soundtracks.

Her last movie song “Eternal Love (Remix Version) was used for the film “Chisaki Yusha Tachi GAMERA” (RZCD-45342, released on April 19, 2006), “Beautiful” was used in the live film version of “Initial D” and in December of 2006, her song “Here by my side (original version)” was used as the theme for the 3D anime short “Joe and Marilyn” for the anime anthology “Amazing Nuts!” and featured in the soundtrack.

The singer who grew up listening to Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston has been attracting fans to her music and has recently been in the headlines promoting the film “Aoki Ookami”, performing the theme song “Innocent Blue~Chi hate umi tsukiru made~” on a number of music shows.

So, far I have enjoyed Mink’s music and to be perfectly honest, I have grown enamored with her ballads.

Having listened to her previous CD singles, her song “Here by my side” won me over and this CD single continues my enjoyment of her music.

For Avex, who has many women in their roster who are known for their R&B, Eurobeat or rock music, Mink has a way of standing out positively as a unique female vocalist.

Not only is she Korean woman who can sing Japanese and English (perfectly) but she’s managed to attract the attention of J-POP and non-J-POP fans.

As for the DVD in the CD/DVD version, the music video for “innocent blue” stars “Aoki Ookami” actress (Korean commercial queen) Ara and features both women in lush, beautiful backgrounds. Beautiful song and a beautiful music video.

Also, the two trailers for the film “Aoki Ookami” is included on the DVD.

A solid single that I would love to see an orchestra-based version someday but all in all, I’m quite content with it. So, check it out!

Also, an FYI that on Feb. 28th, mink will release her first full-length album “Shalom” which will feature “innocent blue ~Chi hate umi tsukiru made” and many of her previous hits.

— DENNIS A. AMITH

Catalog #: RZCD-45483/B | Dur. 29:14
Release date: January 1, 2007

For audio samples of this CD single, visit mu-mo 

1. Innocent Blue ~Chi Hate Umi Tsukiru
Made
2. Aoki Ookami
3. BLESSING OF LOVE
4. Innocent Blue ~Chi Hate Umi Tsukiru
Made (instrumental)
5. Aoki Ookami (instrumental)
6. BLESSING OF LOVE (instrumental)

DVD:
8 minutes, Region 2, 4:3

1. Innocent Blue ~Chi Hate Umi Tsukiru
Made~ Video Clip
2. Aoki Ookami Trailer 1
3. Aoki Ookami Trailer 2

The Johnny’s Jimusho group V6 featuring 20th Century (the eldest members) Sakamoto Masayuki, Nagano Hiroshi and Inohara Yoshiko and Coming Century (the younger members) Okada Junichi, Morita Go and Miyake Ken are back with their 30th CD single titled “HONEY BEAT/Boku to Bokunara no Ashita”.

V6 celebrated their 10th Anniversary in 1995 and I actually have supported this group since they debuted and have been a viewer of their “Gakkou e Ikou! MAX” variety show for many years.

With other Johnny’s Jimusho groups like SMAP and TOKIO which have had stylistic changes with their music, V6 always have remained consistent with their music.

Their latest CD single “HONEY BEAT” was released on January 31st and debuted at #1 on the Oricon Daily Chart and features three different releases.

I  am reviewing the regular release but want to quickly mention that the two other versions include additional material but the normal version  has more tracks.

Version A comes with a DVD of the music video clip for “Boku to Bokura no Ashita” and only the two title tracks.

I did find it interesting tht there is a music video for “HONE BEAT” that it wasn’t included with this CD+DVD release.

Version B includes  a total of four tracks.  A “British Rock” version of HONEY BEAT which splits the group into two groups of three featuring Sakamoto Masayuki, Nagano Hiroshi and Okada Junichi and Inohara Yoshikio, Morita Go and Miyake Ken.  Also,  an acoustic version of “Boku to bokura no Ashita” and includes a special booklet.

So, essentially, if you are a hardcore V6 fan, you may need to find all three versions.

As for the CD single, the first track “HONEY BEAT” (used for the Waseda Academy commercials) is an upbeat song that in a way has an energetic, fun style that the group exhibited back in the early 90’s.

The second track is “Boku to Bokura no Ashita” which is used as a theme song for their TBS variety show  “Gakkou e Ikou! MAX”.

This song is a good, slow to mid-tempo ballad and uplifting.  Featuring string accompaniment and spotlighting the vocals of each members.

The third track “Ai wo komete” is used as the theme for their Fuji TV “VVV6” variety show.

It’s a fast song that is on par with recent V6 songs which utilizes a lot of trumpet and has a two-step musical style to it.

The fourth track “I DON’T FORGIVE” is rather interesting.  It’s a rap song in English and Japanese that combines thrashing guitars and a LIMP BIZKET “In the End” piano style of segment and third transition into the chorus.  Three different style transitions in this song but it works in a cool way.

All in all, this CD single release is like three CD singles into one.  Each of the first three tracks could have been released a CD single and I wouldn’t be surprised if the songs debuted #1 on the charts.

As for CD booklet contents, just a single fold with the four track lyrics.

“HONEY BEAT/Boku to bokunara no ashita” is an enjoyable CD single and also one of their most strongest single releases I have heard from them in awhile.  V6 fans, check it out!

— DENNIS A. AMITH

Catalog #: AVCD-31188 (normal version) | Dur. 35:18 /AVCD-31187 (Contains special booklet and alternate “British Rock” versions of HONEY BEAT featuring versions splitting the group into three).  AVCD-31186 (comes with DVD).  Release date: January 31, 2007

1.  HONEY BEAT
2.  Boku to Bokura no Ashita
3.  Ai wo komete
4.  I DON’T FORGIVE
5.  HONEY BEAT - instrumental-
6.  Boku to Bokura no Ashita - instrumental-
7.  Ai wo komete - instrumental-
8.  I DON’T FORGIVE - instrumental-

NOTE: There are three different releases of this CD.  The normal version being reviewed has the most music tracks.

New photos of Lee Hyo-Lee for fashion magazine W-Korea has been creating a stir on the Internet.

According to Chosun, “A set of pictures of Lee Hyo-lee by photographer Park Ji-hyuk in the March edition of the fashion magazine W-Korea has set tongues a-wagging in cyberspace.”

Click here to view photos and read full article

With the success of Warner Bros. first major investment of “Infernal Affairs” (which was redone in the US aka “The Departed”) and having won several Academy Awards for the film, Warner Bros. has invested in “Confessions of Pain” according to CRIEnglish.com and a well-known star to be part of the film.

According to the article, “The Hollywood Reporter says that William Monahan, the screenwriter for “The Departed,” is writing a script for the new film. The story tells of a former cop who investigates the murder case of his best friend’s father-in-law and discovers a series of dark secrets about his friend.”

Click here for full article

A new rule in China will limit Hong Kong and Taiwan hosts time in mainland China.

According to CRIEnglish.com, “Hong Kong and Taiwan TV hosts can only appear on mainland TV shows as guest hosts and cannot host more than three episodes in a row.”

Click here for full article

Chinese experts are warning that heavily invested films in China may be facing a crisis.

According to CRIEnglish.com, “Yin dubbed the two movies “super blockbusters” because they were highly publicized and heavily invested that “even someone who did not like cinemas was tempted to have a look at it”.

“However, the domestic audience begin to feel disappointed after the big fanfare around their market debut and people don’t think they are as good as what they preached,” said Yin at a press conference held by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.”

Click here for full article