“Britney Spears returns with her sixth album.  Mature and dance/pop driven, the collaborations with well-known producers and giving her a fresh sound definitely makes things work.  The “Circus” has come to town and the ringmaster Britney Spears is back!  A fantastic album!”

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ARTIST: Britney Spears

ALBUM: Circus (Digital Version)

LABEL: Jive

DURATION: 46:15

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Womanizer
2. Circus
3. Out From Under
4. Kill the Lights
5. Shattered Glass
6. If U Seek Amy
7. Unusual You
8. Blur
9. Mmm Papi
10. Mannequin
11. Lace and Leather
12. My Baby
13. Radar (Bonus Track)
14. Rock Me In (Bonus Track)
15. Phonography (Bonus Track)

2008 has been a good year for Britney Spears.  The pop diva who has sold over 83 million albums and the first female artist on Nielsen Soundscan to have four consecutive albums debut at #1 is back with her sixth album “Circus”.

When Britney Spear released her 24th CD single “Womanizer”, I had no doubt in my mind that the pop princess would be back on the charts and with new collaborations planned for “Circus”, I was excited to see what kind of music the producers would have in store for Britney.

The album starts off with her first single from the album “Womanizer” which was Spears first #1 hit on the Billboard Hit 100 since her 1998 debut hit “…Baby One More Time”.  The song was produced by K. Briscoe and the Outsyders.  I love this song!  I don’t know how many times I’ve listened to this CD single but overall its a fantastic track!

The second track is the album title track and also Spear’s second single off the album.  “Circus” was produced by Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco.  Dr. Luke is known for his hit songs for Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne and Benny Blanco who has had hits with Dr. Luke for Katy Perry’s first two singles come up with an upbeat dance track for Britney Spears.  The duo produce a second dance track on the album titled “Shattered Glass” which for me was a bit average.   Dr. Luke has a third track which he produced on the album titled “Lace and Leather”.

The third track “Out from Under” is produced by former FrouFrou member Guy Sigworth and this time a beautiful slow jam.  Known for his electronica music, the ballad has a catch melody and I really dig this track.  Sigworth takes advantage of Britney’s elegant singing voice in a second ballad titled “My Baby” which is another beautiful track on the album.

The fourth track “Kill the Lights” by Danja, known for his collaborative productions with Timbaland for Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado features an upbeat dance track that after repeated listening really caught my attention.  Very hot!  Danja also collaborates with Spears on a second track titled “Blur”.

The sixth track “If U Seek Amy” features another collaboration between Spears and Swedish producer and hitmaker Max Martin (responsible for Spear’s “…Baby One More Time”).  A song that is one of my favorites on the album.  Both Max Martin and Dr. Luke have produced countless hits together but Martin definitely gave Britney an upbeat pop song that she can work her magic on and definitely dig the musical arrangement and the melody.  At first I wondered about the title of the track but realized it’s a clever play on the F-word and “me”. Naughty! Naughty!

The seventh track “Unusual You” is also another collaboration between Spears and Bloodshy & Avant (who produced Britney’s hit song “Toxic”).  The mid-tempo track that has a smooth digital, pulsating groove and one of the catchier tracks that are unlike other tracks on the album which are more pop/dance driven.

The ninth track “Mmm Papi” is produced by Let’s Go to War.  This track is vintage Britney Spears.  A sexy pop track that fans of her older work will probably dig.

The tenth track “Mannequin” continues the upbeat dance track them of the album featuring a collaboration with the Underdogs Harvey Mason Jr. and Rob Knox.  Another favorite on the album.

There are also various releases of “Circus” that include bonus tracks.  iTunes offers three additional tracks with “Radar”, “Rock Me In” and “Phonography”.  Also, a pre-ordered track titled “Trouble” and other iTunes in Europe and also the Britney.com members have access to other tracks as well).

The bonus tracks feature upbeat Bloodshy and Avant tracks such as “Radar” and “Phongraphy” but one track that is my favorite was “Rock Me In” produced by Greg Kurstin.  An incredible dance track that I wished was included on the regular album.

The Deluxe Edition features “The Making of the Circus Album”, “Womanizer (Director’s Cut)” and a Digital Booklet - Circus.  These can also be purchased on iTunes.

“Circus” definitely was an enjoyable album.  For the most part, the album featured a more mature sound but also working with different producers which definitely made the album quite refreshing.

A good number of tracks featured dance tracks infectious melodies and addictive beats and Britney Spears showed us why she is the “pop princess”.  And as many dance tracks on the album, I am glad to have the dance breaks with the Guy Sigworth ballads and also Bloodshy & Avant’s “Unusual You”.

As for “Circus”, the album does feature a lot of enjoyable tracks.  There were very few that I felt were just OK such as “Blur” and “Lace and Leather” but in the most part, this is a pretty damn good album.

For those who have written Britney Spears off because of her antics in the past, well, the past is past.  The “Circus” has come to town and the ringmaster Britney Spears wants to let you know that she’s back!  A fantastic album!

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“Are you growing tired of the same Christmas songs every year?  Then definitely give ‘A Christmas Duel’ a try and have yourself a dysfunctional Christmas courtesy of THE HIVES and Cyndi Lauper.”

BUY THIS CD SINGLE:

BAND: THE HIVES and CYNDI LAUPER

CD SINGLE: A Christmas Duel (digital version)

LABEL: No Fun AB

DURATION: 4:49

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2008

1. A Christmas Duel

What an interesting collaboration to have pop legend Cyndi Lauper and garage punk band from Sweden, The Hives together for a Christmas single titled “A Christmas Duel”.

Unlike your happy or sad Christmas songs out there, both the HIVES and Lauper go for a Christmas song that is more towards dysfunctional.

Just showing you the lyrics will be to show how dysfunctional and fun this song is:

Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist: I bought no gift this year and I slept with your sister.  I know I should have thought twice before I kissed her.  But with the year we had last and the dress that she wore.  I just went along for the ride and I came back for more.  And I’m sorry baby.

Cyndi Lauper: That’s OK Honey pussy.  I bought a new tree this year and I slept with your brother.  I wrecked your daddy’s car and went down on your mother.  I set your record collection on fire and said I never knew, felt kind of bad about that and I know you did too.  So, whatever you say, it’s all fine with me.  Who the fuck anyway, wants a Christmas tree.

The song is just a fun Christmas rock song that is just enjoyable and fun to listen to.

With Christmas coming up, I’m sure some will get tired of the usual Christmas songs that they hear every year.  But for those who just wants to listen to something different, fun and so dysfunctional, definitely give “A Christmas Duel” a try.

A fun collaboration with THE HIVES and Cyndi Lauper and a Christmas song that definitely will be in my holiday music playlist!

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“A special live performance to honor super producer David Foster.  He is joined by his friends and talented artists such as Celine Dion, Kenny G.,  Michael Buble, Peter Cetera and many others for one special night and some of those performances featured on the album.  A fun, nostalgic and heartwarming album.”

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ARTIST: Various Artists

ALBUM: Hit Man: David Foster & Friends (Digital Version)

LABEL: 143/Reprise

DURATION: 41:12

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire - David Foster and Kenny G
2. Home - Michael Buble and Blake Shelton
3. I Have Nothing/I Will Always Love You - David Foster and Charice Pempengco
4. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Josh Groban, Brian McKnight
5. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
6. Wildflower - Blake Shelton
7. Somewhere - Katherine Mcphee
8. Hard to Say I’m Sorry/You’re the Inspiration/Glory of Love - Peter Cetera
9. The Prayer - Katherine McPhee and Andrea Bocceli
10. Amapola - Andrea Bocceli

David Foster, one of the world’s most popular songwriter’s and 15-time Grammy winner had worked with many artists which include Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Chicago, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Michael Buble, N’Sync, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gloria Estefan, Toni Braxton and many others.

And earlier this year, to celebrate his career, a few of the artists came to join David Foster in Las Vegas for a special performance and that special performance was released as an album and also on DVD this month.

There are so many David Foster songs that I grew up listening to, songs that were a big part of my life as a child, a teenager and as an adult and his songs have inspired many people and also music that people can just listen to and just feel the passion within the music itself.

With “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends”, the album starts off with one of the most beautiful movie themes and that is the theme song for “St. Elmo’s Fire”.  You really don’t hear too many instrumental themes debuting on top of the charts these days but in the 80’s, very few did and David Foster was able to score a hit with this beautiful song.  Joining him in this performance was musician Kenny G.  Beautiful song!

The second track featured “Home” by Michael Buble and Blake Shelton.  The interesting thing is that crooner Buble sung the song first and country singer Blake Shelton made a cover of the song.  So, to have both singing the song was definitely great to here.

The third track features the singer that capture many hearts and that is Charice (Pempengco) from the Philippines who has captured hearts from her performance on YouTube and since then has been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey shows and had the opportunity to perform on stage with her idol Celine Dion and the 15-year-old had the opportunity of the lifetime to join David Foster and perform two Whitney Houston hits  “I Have Nothing” and “I WIll Always Love You” in front of a live audience.  Charice’s powerful and beautiful vocals are just amazing!   And I can’t wait for her upcoming album and collaboration with David Foster.

The fourth track “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, the popular Simon & Garfunkel hit that has been covered by many artists but for this live performance, it brought together two awesome vocalists Josh Groban and Brian McKnight.  Another cool performance from these two artists.

The fifth track “Because You Loved Me” was sung by Celine Dion.  I am passionate for Celine Dion’s music and her performance of her hit song was great (I’ve heard her sing this song live much better) but she did a great job.

The sixth track “Wildflower” was sung by country singer Blake Shelton, followed by American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee singing Barbara Streisand’s “Somewhere”.  McPhee does an awesome job singing this song.  Beautiful vocals!

The seventh track is a medley with David Foster and Peter Cetera performing to Chicago hit “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re the Inspiration” and Cetera’s solo “Karate Kid 2″ hit song “Glory of Love”.

The next song is one of my favorites, “The Prayer” by Katharine McPhee and tenor Andrea Bocelli.  I’m so passionate towards the Charlotte Church and Josh Groban version but I was impressed by both McPhee’s and Bocelli’s performance.  They did a great job!

The album ends with “Amapola” by Andrea Bocceli.  I’m a fan of Andrea Bocelli, so it was great to hear him perform this song.  Well-done!!!

I am a fan of David Foster’s music and to hear these performer’s all together to celebrate the success of Foster is truly awesome.  You get a good number of spectacular performances and overall, the album is solid.

But I do have one gripe and that’s knowing so many performances were featured on the DVD version, how come those songs were not featured on the album.  At 41 minutes in length, I can’t help but think how happy I would have been to find an album filled with a lot of the music performed that night.  Ten songs is rather short.

But overall, a whimsical and nostalgic walk through musical memory lane and hearing these classic hits sung by these talented artists from that special night.  And it was great to have many of those special live performances offered together on one album.

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“Kanye West’s ‘808s & Heartbreak’ comes from the soul, using his creative genius to release a painful and personal album that yet manages to capture the listener’s attention and demonstrating this electronic side with dark overtones, but yet continue to be creative and successful at doing so.  West called his fourth full-length album ‘therapeutic’, I call it a ‘masterpiece’.”

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ARTIST: Kanye West

ALBUM: 808s & Heartbreak (Digital Version)

LABEL: Roc-a-Fella Records

DURATION: 52:06

RELEASE DATE: November 24, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Say You Will
2. Welcome to Heartbreak
3. Heartless
4. Amazing
5. Love Lockdown
6. Paranoid
7. RoboCop
8. Street Lights
9. Bad News
10. See You in My Nightmares
11. Coldest Winter
12. Pinocchio Story (Freestyle Live from Singapore)

When you think of Kanye West, you think about his hip hop music, his well-written lyrics and literally a genius at what he does best.

But West has gone through a lot of pain since the death of his mother last fall, the ending of his engagement and relationship and he’s often under media scrutiny.

In Nov. 2008, it was time for the highly anticipated release of Kanye West’s fourth full-length album “808s & Heartbreak”, a direction which West wanted to effectively put his emotions into his own music and also show off his creative side outside of hip hop through a musical genre he describes as “pop art”.

So, with “808’s & Heartbreak” which features the Roland TR-808 drum machine and the heartbreak described in an interview with MTV, West said, “It’s a little bit of autotune and a whole lot of f*cked up life. This album was therapeutic- it’s lonely at the top.”

As for the “Auto-Tune”, many familiar with T-Pain’s music can identify with his use of the voice audio processor technology which he has enjoyed using and both the TR-808 and auto-tune are showcased throughout the album.  But the biggest surprise to many is that this album is not hip-hop, it’s about music that West enjoys and doing the music that he feels like doing.

The album starts off with “Say you Will”, it has a dark undertone but with a ray of sunlight peaking through the darkness.  With lyrics of “I wish this song would really come true, I admit I still fantasize about you” and “When I grab your neck, I touch your soul”, touching lyrics.

The second tack “Welcome to Heartbreak” is West showcasing lyrics that hit you hard and showcasing the side of him not feeling to content with his life.  The lyrics start out “My friend showed me pictures of his kids and all I can do is show him picture of my cribs.  He said his daughter got a brand-new report card,
And all I got was a brand-new sportscar.”  While singing, you get the deep beats but your mind is so tuned into the West’s personal lyrics.   Another well done track!

The third track “Heartless” is the second single from the album and is absolutely fantastic.  Dig the beat and dig the vocals.   Catchy melody and overall an awesome track!

The fourth track “Amazing” features a collaboration with Young Jeezy.  The style of the track was just awesome how it starts of with cool beats and then West breaks out with this vocal style that was deep.  Overall an awesome collaboration.  I felt this track was just brilliant!

The fifth track “Love Lockdown” features the first single from the album.  Awesome drum transitions from the TR-808 to the tribal drums.  Awesome!  West has since released (on Nov. 8th) another fuller version of “Love Lockdown” on his blog a few weeks before the release of the album.

The sixth track “Paranoid” was a pretty cool track because it has an 80’s vibe and compared to the other tracks, West is singing and rhyming and overall the song is just fun, happy, catchy and one of my favorites on the album!

The seventh track “RoboCop” was leaked online and features a string arrangement with the TR-808 drums going on the background.  I dig the musical arrangement and fun vocals towards the end of the track.

Whereas the eighth track “Street Lights” seems as a song of self-reflection, the ninth track “Bad News” happens to be West’s favorite track on the album.  Featuring deep beats, a cool string arrangement that comes towards the middle of the track and is from a perspective of a woman who broke up with a guy and the guy found a new woman and not having that second chance.  The Audio-Tune is utilized throughout the track.  I dig the drum arrangement on this track.

The tenth track “See You Nightmares” features a collaboration with Lil Wayne and no hip hop in this track, Wayne does Auto-Tune vocal work.  And another track that beautifully incorporates a string arrangement.

The eleventh track “Coldest Winter” is a personal track that West created for his mother.   West sings “Goodbye my friend, I won’t ever love again.  Never again.”  The drums plays another significant part for this sad song.  This strikes really deep into the heart since West was interviewed by British media not long ago and said he partially blames himself for his mother’s death.  The strong bond between West and his mother have been well-documented and as a listener, you can’t help but feel the pain when he sings this song.

The final track on this album is “Pinocchio Story”, a live freestyle track which I’ve read that Beyonce recommended for him to keep on this album.  A song that showcases West’s brilliance as a music artist.  A song that is personal in which West sings about his fame and how he feel’s that he’s not living a real life and that like Pinocchio’s story of wanting to be a real boy.

I’ve listened to this album on repeat over and over again and it may a bit dark for some.  In fact, for him to stepping away from hip hop on this album, personally it didn’t bother me because West is a musical genius.

He’s one of those artists that can probably do whatever he wants and still have people appreciate him for his well-written lyrics, his ability to take his music and almost like a painter, creatively paint these visions onto canvas and have it translated to music.

I tend to view “808s & Heartbreak” like an adventure. Starting off in darkness and walking the field alone and with a track like “Welcome to Heartbreak” being a song of just letting out how one feels about one’s life.  Where Michael Jackson can sing a song “Man in the Mirror” and singing “take a look at yourself and make that change”, I can’t help but listening to these songs and feel that West is just using music as a way to figure out these emotions and self-reflect.

But as the adventure continues, there is that light that West has walked towards and he’s able to laugh again with humorous tracks such as “Paranoid” and “RoboCop”.

But then knowing that you can find happiness towards the light, knowing that there is some more pain that he needs to deal with, such as tracks like “Coldest Winter”.

And obviously, there are some deep words that he sings about in his freestyle live track “Pinocchio Story”.

Kanye West has said that “808s & Heartbreak” was “therapeutic”.  As a listener, I probably looked at these songs as a continual paint stroke on canvas and pop art was successfully achieved.  Sure, the album I’m sure for West was called “therapeutic” but I am more inclined to also call the album a “masterpiece”.

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“This album is absolutely jam packed.  Not only do you get an excellent album, you get two DVD’s with a lot of content.  The first featuring music videos and making of videos and the second featuring an awesome anime OAV feature with the members of EXILE in a Seven Samurai style of storyline.  All of this jam packed in one album!  Just awesome!”

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EXILE Entertainment Best [CD+2DVD]

EXILE

GROUP: EXILE

ALBUM: EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

DURATION: 1:07:54

RELEASE DATE: July 23, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. EXILE RELOADED
2. SUPER SHINE
3. MY FANTASY
4. STAY
5. Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz
6. New Jack Swing
7. EVOLUTION
8. SCREAM/GLAY x EXILE
9. 24karats -type EX/Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC.
10. Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic
11. DANCER’S ANTHEM 2
12. What is Love
13. Make Love
14. My Buddy / EXILE TAKAHIRO + NESMITH, SHOKICHI (J Soul Brothers)
15. So Special -Version EX / EXILE ATSUSHI + AI
16. 真夏の果実

DVD 1: Region 2, 4:3, DURATION: 65 minutes

1. SUPER SHINE
2. 24karats -type EX (kodomo Version) Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC.
3. 24karats -type EX / Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC.
4. EVOLUTION
5. Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic
6. So Special -Version EX- / EXILE ATSUSHI + AI
7. WE! / J Soul Brothers (Special Track)
   
8. Making of: SUPER SHINE, 24karats -type EX (Docomo Version), 24karats -type EX, EVOLUTION, Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic, Sp Special -Version EX-

DVD 3: Region 2, 16:9 LB, DURATION: 38 minutes

1. Eggzamurai Honpen - Roppongi Jigokujo no Sho
2. Eggzamurai Honpen - EASTERN BOYZ ‘N EASTERN GIRLZ (Video Clip)

Fantastic!

This the word that comes to mind when I think about this best album of Japan’s R&B vocal group EXILE.  The chart toppping vocal group features a total of seven members.  The group is led by Hiro, a member from one of Japan’s first R&B vocal/dance groups ZOO and includes Makidai, Matsu, Usa, Akira who do a lot of the dancing and background vocals and features two main vocalists consisting of Atsushi and Takahiro.

Their music is classified R&B and unlike other male groups in Japan, don’t really dwell into Japanese idol pop but is all about cool soul R&B beats and great vocals.

With this album “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST”, the album is the group’s fifth best album. And it may be a bit confusing to people because the word “Best” usually means an album featuring the group’s CD singles and hit tracks but “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” only features one track from their released singles and that is “24karats -type EX” which was featured as a double A-side track on the group’s 25th CD single release.

But the album does feature past collaborative hit tracks such as the 2005 hit “SCREAM” which the group collaborated with J-rock band GLAY.  Also, a few other collaborative tracks such as “My Buddy” with J Soul Brothers and “So Special -version EX-” with music artist AI.

Overall, the album is quite solid with a good balance of tracks with smooth vocal tracks such as “MY FANTASY” which is so reminiscent of one of my favorite 80s R&B group GUY.  Then there is “Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz” with a bass-driven track which is the theme song for their animated feature “Eggzamurai Honten”.

And to further add to the similarities to the old school vocal group GUY, the group has a track titled “New Jack Swing”.  The title is a term coined by GUY’s Teddy Riley which means “pop music usually performed by black musicians that combines elements of jazz, funk, rap, and rhythm and blues”.

With “SCREAM” by EXILExGLAY, this was probably a collaboration that no one would see coming.  Two groups from two different musical genres but both groups made the song work.

My favorite song on the track “24karats -type EX” features an upbeat, body rockin’ track featuring DOBERMAN INC. with the rhymes and vocals by EXILE and songstress Sowelu.  An awesome song!

Another favorite is “Touch the Sky” featuring a collaboration with mega producer Bach Logic who has produced many hits in Japan and even collaborated with remixes for Jay-Z and Akon and of course, known for his work with DOBERMAN INC.  The track is a fast, upbeat track.  Cool vocals and overall, a wonderful song.

“What is Love” is just an awesome song.  Another song that showcases the groups harmonies and overall a smooth track that J R&B fans well just dig!

And rounding out the album are the other two collabs with J Soul Brothers and EXILE’s Takahiro for the track “My Buddy”.  The fact that the two groups are known for their outstanding vocals and also, somewhat a similar style, I don’t think anyone can tell their is a collaboration unless they see it in the track title credits.

And the track “So Special” featuring EXILE Atsushi and AI, two awesome Japanese R&B vocalists was definitely impressive.  The two have a good chemistry vocally and the harmonies with the two and the group was just right!

And to end the album is the group’s cover of the popular Southern All Stars track “Manatsu no Kajitsu”.  EXILE’s version is just fantastic and also, another song that I was surprised to find on the album.  Another favorite track on the album!

DVD 1:

This album version comes with two DVD’s and the first DVD features plenty of music videos and the making of the music videos.

The first video “SUPER SHINE” features the guy decked in pretty cool outfits and dancing in futuristice white and black settings and CG in the future style animation when showcasing the group outdoors.

The second video “24karats -type EX- features an awesome colloboraton with Sowelu, EXILE and DOBERMAN INC.  The first video (kodomo version) features different dance groups showcasing their choreography from teenagers (girls and guys) and then young children.  The second video features EXILE, Sowelu and DOBERMAN INC. performing and dancing.

The fourth video “EVOLUTION” features prisoners crammed in their cell and the guys singing and dancing and eventually releasing all the prisoners from their cells.

The fifth video “Touch the Sky feat. Bach Logic” features the group donning white suits in dark scenery and black suits in white scenery.  The guys dance and perform together.

The sixth video “So Special -Version EX” features a slow jam with EXILE’s Atsushi and AI.  Two awesome vocalists together.  A definitely awesome collaboration with a music video featuring the two singing together at the studio and behind-the-scene clips of the group working out the lyrics and song together in the studio.

The seventh video features a special track titled “WE! / J Soul Brothers”.  J Soul Brothers was the previous name of the group before they named themselves EXILE.   HIRO restarted the group with new members (a total of seven people) and overall, a pretty awesome track and adding another awesome vocal group to the Rhythm Zone roster along with the group COLOR (produced by EXILE’s ATSUSHI)

The final half hour of the first DVD features the making of the music videos.

DVD 2:

Also, included in this already jam packed album (1CD+2DVD) version, the second DVD features the animated feature “Eggzamurai Honpen - Roppongi Jigokujo no Sho”.  With Avex having its own animation division and investing in anime, we are seeing more and more collaborations with the music artists from their labels and anime outside of the standard theme songs.

In this case, it’s actually a beautiful animated feature only available on this album and the animation and even the background’s are very well done.  This is not some low budget piece, this is an actual real animated feature that was written and directed by Yuichi Abe (”Gundam Evolve”, “SD Gundam Force” and “Prince of Tennis” - live action film).  The original plan of the animated series was courtesy of HIRO (Exile) and Makoto Matsuda and music by Ken Harada.

The storyline of “Eggzamurai Honpen - Roppongi Jigokujo no Sho” features a world that is quite dark and people are being kidnapped or murdered by a corrupt ruler.  The members of EXILE do the voice acting of samurai’s, in a “Seven Samurai” style of storyline.  Two sisters are separated after the evil soldiers of the corrupt government kidnap them.  One of the sisters goes to an Eggzamurai member for their help and thus sets up a battle between the group and the evil empire.

Each character is designed after a member of EXILE but with slight differences (such as hair color) and many of the songs featured on the animated feature are from the “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” album.

Following the animated feature is a music video for “Eggzamurai”.  The track “Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz” features a high budget video that is based on the animated film but in this case, the video is actually not animated.  The set designers went all of their way to create that dark atmosphere and the whole CG landscape of destruction.  Then the guys come out in their Eggzamurai garb and start singing and dancing.

The music video was very awesome and quite impressed with how much went into the making of this video.  You can tell it probably was very expensive.

CD INSERT:

As for the CD, the insert booklet features lyrics and pictures of each member of the group.  Also, production credits.  Also, a flier promoting upcoming Rhythm Zone releases.

There is a second insert booklet primarily on “Eggzamurai” featuring words from the director Yuichi Abe, character information, synopsis and pictures of the concept art for the animated series which was just incredible.

“EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” is a fantastic album.  Not only do you get a solid album featuring a lot of awesome tracks but you get two DVD’s just loaded with content.

It’s one thing to have the music videos included on the first DVD but was very happy to see a lengthy “making off” also included.  And for the second DVD, a pleasant surprise to see an animated feature with the group.  It’s not cheesy at all.   Good animation, great painted backgrounds and the music video for “Eastern Boyz ‘N Eastern Girlz”, the staff really went all out for that music video as it looks quite expensive in creating this devastated city and dark atmosphere.

So, overall, this album is just a solid release and you definitely get your money’s worth.  All in all, “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST” is fantastic!

BUY THIS ALBUM:

EXILE Entertainment Best [CD+2DVD]

EXILE

“Smile.dk has gone through several changes over the years but the Swedish pop group is back with their fifth album (their first in six years) featuring a good balance of Euro dance pop music, beautiful vocals and several songs with a Japanese twist.”

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GROUP: Smile.dk

ALBUM: Party Around the World (Digital Version)

LABEL: Ninthwave Media

DURATION: 46:45

RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Doki Doki
2. Japanese Boy
3. Temptation Island
4. Nothing’s Missing - For Once in My Life (feat. Lasse Wellander)
5. Koko Soko
6. Summer Party
7. It’s In Your Melody
8. Chick Tricks
9. Hummingbird
10. Paradise
11. Tomoe
12. Around the World
13. Heal My Broken Heart (Bonus Track-Almight Definitive Mix)

My first time I heard of Smile.dk (or at the time known as Smile) was when I was in Japan at Sega Joypolis pumping coins into the “Dance Dance Revolution” arcade game.  Their song “Butterfly” was a catchy song that really caught my attention a decade ago and since then, their music over the years have been featured on various DDR games and ten years later, the group has a new track titled “Doki Doki” (Panic Mix) which will be featured on “Dance Dance Revolution Universe” for the XBOX 360.

But back in 2005, I remember that there was new going on if the group would continue because the women were married and have become mothers, also the group has changed quite a bit with Veronica Larsson, the only member of the original duo that still performs with the group.  Malin Kernby who replaced Nina Boquist (the original member) left the group earlier this year.   Malin did take part in recording a few tracks on this album such as “Doki Doki” but left the group due to personal matters and brought in Hanna Stockzell to replace her.

So, the year has been a restart of Smile.dk which now currently consists of Veronica Larsson and Hanna Stockzell, a new start with a new label, new producers and now a new album titled “Party Around the World”.

Having not released an album since 2002, Smile.dk has released their fifth album on Oct. 2008 with “Party Around the World” and needless to say, American fans are excited with the announcement that the duo will be performing at Sakura-Con in the Summer of 2009.

The duo’s album “Party Around the World” features a good balance of European Pop/dance tracks such as “Doki Doki” (which is a Japanese slang for the heart beating).  The track incorporates a traditional Japanese style of Koto sound but showcasing the group’s sugary pop style.

The album features a few song with a Japanese-related title such as the upbeat tracks “Japanese Boy”, “Koko Soko” (Here There) and “Tomoe”.

But as the duo is known for their high energy pop tracks, which the majority of the tracks on “Party Around the World” features upbeat, happy pop tracks, you’ll find a few songs that really showcase the group’s vocals with songs such as the ballad “Nothing’s Missing - For Once in My Life” which features legendary Swiss guitarist Lasse Wellander.  A beautiful ballad showcasing the group’s harmonies.  Very well done!

For those who are familiar with Smile.dk’s music in the past, you will still find that style of music on “Party Around the World”.  Despite not having released an album in six years, “Party Around the World” is a solid, enjoyable album featuring fun, enjoyable pop tracks.

But I have to admit that when I heard the track “Nothing’s Missing - For Once in My Life”, I was really impressed by the duo’s vocals and the fact that the song was not a high energy dance track and wouldn’t mind hearing a few experimentation tracks of the group trying out other styles of music.  In fact, the track “Around the World” is an upbeat track on the album that is one of those songs that don’t go the Euro dance pop route compared to the other songs on the album.

Of course, a large part of their fandom are passionate about their Euro dance pop tracks and on “Party Around the World”, they don’t let their fans down as there are plenty of dance tracks throughout the album to keep fans satisfied.

Tracks such as “Doki Doki”, “Koko Soko”, “Summer Party”, “Its In Your Melody”, “Hummingbird” and “Tomoe” are definite tracks that are catchy, fun and all have a similar style to their popular classic hit “Butterfly” that should definitely keep their fans happy.

Overall, a very good, solid album from Smile.dk!  If you enjoyed their tracks from the past, then definitely check this album out!

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“With the second generation of newer members of the Japanese R&B group Color, their second album ‘Blue ~Tears from the sky~’ manages to showcase the group’s dedication to great vocals, that western R&B flavor and more.  Romantic, beautiful and solid!”

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Blue -Tears from the sky- [CD+DVD / Jacket A]

COLOR

GROUP: Color

ALBUM: Blue ~Tears from the Sky~

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

DURATION: 56:36

RELEASE DATE: January 23, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. You Are
2. Blue Sky
3. 青い鳥
4. Make It Hot
5. 君のいない道
6. I’m thinkin’ bout U
7. Since You Went Away
8. End of the Road
9. 涙が落ちないように
10. For you ~blue tears~
11. Baby Girl
12. Lost Moments ~置き忘れた時間~
13. If I…

DVD: Region 2, DURATION: 25 minutes

1. Namida ga Ochinai Yoni (Video Clip)
2. Blue Sky (Video Clip)
3. Aoi Tori (Video Clip)
4. Kimi no Inai Michi (Video Clip)
5. Lost Moments ~feat. ATSISHI (from EXILE LOVE TOUR 2007 EXILE EVOLUTION~SUMMER TIME LOVE - 2007)

The Japanese quarter Color has gone through changes within the last two years.  Originally a side project group of EXILE’s ATSUSHI, ATSUSHI and several of the members of the group left to pursue other interests.

For ATSUSHI, EXILE had become such a big hit with countless #1 albums and CD singles and the guys were literally busy.  So, busy that that he and even others who had their own side projects had to focus on EXILE.

With one of my favorite albums of 2005-2006 being COLOR’s “RED Love is All Around”, I wasn’t sure what to expect when the group reannounced that they would regroup in 2007 and come out with a new CD single.

And sure enough, the new quartet featuring TAKA, YUICHIRO, KEISEI and RYO came out with the romantic but upbeat single “Namida ga Ochinai Yoni” and was quite happy that the newer members continued the smooth R&B vocal style that the original group had.

The album has a good balance of upbeat songs and also plenty of slow jams.

Standouts on the album for me are:

“You are” featuring a collaboration with MICHICO who wrote the lyrics and the music for the track.  Quite beautiful with the piano playing through the background, cool beats and beautiful harmonies of the group.  Well done!

“Make It Hot” features an upbeat track that focuses on the guy’s harmonies.  Well done and really smooth vocals!

“Kimi no Inai Michi” and “Lost Moments” are just lovely ballads written by ATSUSHI and featuring a nice touch of piano and percussion.  Both are very beautiful and romantic ballads!

The album also contains its share of all-English tracks such as “Since You Went Away” which features ATSUSHI, an acapella cover of the Boyz II Men hit “End of the Road” and the KSK Music track “If I…” courtesy of Kevin and Sean Kumar.

And of course, the single tracks such as the beautiful mid-tempo ballad “Aoi Tori”, the mentioned “Kimi no Inai Michi” and the upbeat “Namida ga Ochinai Yoni” are also awesome tracks.

The DVD feature the music videos for the four single tracks.

The music video for “Namida ga Ochinai Yoni” features a music ideo of the guys looking like they are going through their separate ways and leaving the group and holding an airline ticket with their names on it and they all end up ripping the ticket.

The music video for “Blue Sky” features a CG video of the guys performing with the sky and sunlight in the background and the group singing.

The music video for “Aoi Tori” features a sad track of saying goodbye.  I this case, a husband and family are saying good bye to a love one and are at the church to say their final goodbyes.  The family remembers the good time they had together with the whole family and then you see a flashback of the family eating dinner together and then mourning.  A lot shot of the wife buried in blue flowers and a last shot of the family taking their final photo together.

The music video for “Kimi no Inai Michi” features the guys singing in a building and positioned behind windows.

The fifth video is a live performance with EXILE’s ATSUSHI and COLOR performing “Lost Moments”.  ATSUSHI playing the piano and all his female fans screaming his name.  ATSUSHI sings the opening and then is joined by COLOR.  A very awesome live performance showcasing the group’s vocals.

There is a sixth unlisted video featuring information on the group, their website and fan club.  Also, a short promotion for EXILE.

CD insert booklet features lyrics and pictures of the guys and a flyer promoting Rhythm Zone releases of the month this album was released.

Old group or new group, COLOR is one of the few Japanese boy bands where vocals is what is showcased.  The guys are just talented vocalists and their harmonies are just incredible.  The fact that ATSUSHI of EXILE is still involved as a producer is great but these four on their own are talented singers.

The group differs with other male bands on the Rhythm Zone label like EXILE and Tohoshinki in that these guys are not dancers, they are vocalists and most of their songs emphasize the harmonies and the unity of the four performers.

Overall, “Blue ~Tears from the Sky~” is a pretty awesome album, not sure if I want to necessarily call it a debut album (since it’s their second overall but with new members) but there is a good balance of upbeat jams and slow ballads that Japanese R&B fans will truly dig.

Overall, a solid album!

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Blue -Tears from the sky- [CD+DVD / Jacket A]

COLOR

“THIRD EYE BLIND returns with their 12th CD single, their first since 2003’s ‘Crystal Baller’.  The new single is more political and even more deep than previous CD singles but at the same time, lyrically it showcases how vocalist Stephan Jenkins has evolved as a songwriter.  Overall, a solid CD single from the band! ”

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BAND: THIRD EYE BLIND

CD SINGLE: RED STAR

LABEL: MRI

DURATION: 14:10

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2008

1. Non Dairy Creamer
2. Red Star
3. Why Can’t You Be

It’s been five years since a CD single came from the band THIRD EYE BLIND.

With a new album “URSA MAJOR” to be released in 2009, the band released their 12th CD single “RED STAR” in November 2008 which features three tracks that showcases a political track and a deep relationship track that is executed brilliantly thanks to the songwriting talent of lead vocalist Stephan Jenkins.

And although the band has not released a new single in five years, the band still remained busy as they would celebrate their 10th Year Anniversary and perform throughout the country in 2007. It has been an interesting year for Stephan Jenkins as he was very much involved in the presidential campaign’s promoting Barack Obama.

Then in Sept. 2008, the band would try an experiment online (through Indaba.com) via a contest by releasing the track “Non Dairy Creamer” in individual stems featuring the vocals, backing vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keys and violin and gave people a chance to mix and edit the songs as they wished and the best mixes would be released digitally.

In October, Jenkins would talk about the difficulty of releasing an album at the SanFran MusicTech Summit and went as far as saying that albums are unnecessary in the Digital Age.

And sure enough, the following month, here we are with the latest CD single from the group.  The first track on the CD single “Non Dairy Creamer” features an enjoyable, well-written, politically driven song.

The song looks into the problems in the country.  From student shootings at high schools, to girls that have STD’s and the question asked by Jenkins is “What’s it gonna be?  Are you real to me?  Or are you non-dairy creamer?” building to a moment where the band starts singing “Don’t date Republicans” (or is it “Young Gay Republicans?).

I really dig the music, especially when the drummer, bassist and guitarist start jamming and out of nowhere, Jenkins starts singing M.I.A.’s “Some some some I some I murder, Some I some I let go” (from her hit song “Paper Planes”).   All in all, “Non Dairy Creamer” was a fun track to listen to musically and lyrically.

The title track “Red Star” is more of a polished, commercial track.  It’s actually a very well-done track.  A bit mellow but all in all, a pretty cool love song.

The third track “Why Can’t You Be” is a live track but an interesting track.  The song is acoustic-guitar and percussion driven but the highlight is the lyrics behind the song.  Lyrics that seem to be heartfelt after a breakup or major fight.  This song is classic “THIRD EYE BLIND”.

Overall, this long awaited CD single was definitely well-welcomed.  I enjoy THIRD EYE BLIND’s music and how it balances out with Jenkins well-written lyrics.  Their music is quite profound and each time I hear a song, it’s almost like poetry or a well-written story in a way.

Granted, there are people who are more into the music these days and don’t really pay attention to the lyrics of the songs but with THIRD EYE BLIND, to me, you just can’t help but be happy if you are among the few who gets their music, who gets the lyrics and can really enjoy their music.

“RED STAR” is not exactly a CD single that screams “listen to me, I’m all commercial”.  No, this CD single is like artwork and can truly be enjoyed by those who really just kick back, listen to the music and pay attention to how the lyrics are just woven in and communicates back to you.   All in all, a very cool release and 3EB fans will definitely enjoy it!

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“The debut mini-album of Hangry (Hitomi Yoshizawa) and Angry (Rika Ishikawa) features a upbeat, rock-themed style.  Very fun, very cool and their music is quite enjoyable!”

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ARTIST: Hangry & Angry

ALBUM: KILL ME KISS ME (Digital Version)

LABEL: JapanFiles.com

DURATION: 20:33

RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Kill Me Kiss Me
2. Angelia
3. GIZA GIZA
4. Romantic ni Violence
5. WALL FLOWER

I have to admit that I was extremely excited hearing about Hangry & Angry’s US and Japan simultaneous release and upcoming international tour.  As a fan of Morning Musume, both Hitomi Yoshizawa and Rika Ishikawa brought personality and something special to the group, may it be through the popular group or the side groups, Pucchi Moni, Tanpopo or Country Musume (which Ishikawa was part of).

I have to be truthful that I haven’t really followed the two women since they graduated from Morning Musume but when I heard that both would be forming a duo with the personas as “Hangry” (Yoshizawa) and “Angry” (Ishikawa) and that it would be in collaboration with a fashion store with the same name in Harajuku.

So, with a digital and album release in Japan and the US, I listened to the duo’s debut mini-album “Kill Me Kiss Me” with no expectations. And with the photos featuring the look of the duo’s persona, it was quite different from their normal look but because these are personas, I just embraced their look and I pretty much expected a Japanese rock-based style of music to go with the fashion style.

The first track “Kill Me Kiss Me” was very catchy and really enjoyed the electric guitar infused track.  I have to admit that part of the enjoyment of the song came from watching the music video and to see them play in character and also try to do the reverse “fan service” that we would see from the male Japanese rock bands when two guys tease the fans of getting close together, in this case, the music video tries to do something similar.  Granted, it may seem a bit tA.T.u-ish but I actually enjoyed it.

The second track “Angelia” somehow grew on me and became the single that I listened to a lot.  I really enjoyed the harmonies between both women in this song and I really enjoyed how Angry (Ishikawa) sings “Angelia” in a high pitched kawaii-voice.

The third track “GIZA-GIZA” is another electric guitar driven track with a touch of synth.  This track is another fun track and appears to be a more Angry vocal driven track.

The fourth track “Romantic ni Violence” is another electric guitar but synth-driven track.  And another track which I enjoy both Hangry & Angry’s harmonies.  The song for me wasn’t as strong as the first three tracks but still quite cool to listen to for the music and hearing the electric guitar’s churning in the background with the nice touch of piano in the background.

The fifth track “WALL FLOWER” is actually a pretty cool song that is more pop-based compared to the other four tracks.  But all in all, another cool track showcasing the harmonies of Hangry & Angry.  Catchy melodies and overall a cool song!

I know that Hangry & Angry’s “Kill Me Kiss Me” mini-album is a test for Hello! Project in the US market and to see how sales will go for the album.  Granted, I know some hardcore Morning Musume fans are not as accepting to the duo’s sound and the fashion style of Yoshizawa and Ishikawa’s Hangry & Angry style but fortunately, there are those who have embraced their style and the duo’s sound.

I enjoyed this mini-album and actually, kind of like seeing the two in a different light through the persona of being Hangry & Angry.  You really don’t see Ishikawa sport a growl on a video, so I found it pretty cute.

Also, I like the rock-based sound and the fact that Hello! Project are trying something different with this group.  Definitely infuses some synergy featuring these two ladies and I hope American listeners and fans support the duo’s US release and if they happen to tour in the US in 2009.

“Kill Me Kiss Me” is a mini-album that I found catchy and fun to listen to. Again, I dig the persona, the style (especially their plush)  and I dig the electric guitar-driven music especially how Hangry & Angry interact together and how they harmonize well together.  So, definitely check this mini-album out!

And last, I’m really grateful for Hello! Project taking note of the growing popularity of Japanese music in the US and worldwide.   I’m glad that they are willing to showcase Hangry & Angry in the US but of course, in order for more releases and possibly releases from Morning Musume and other H!P artists or groups, it’s going to take the support of the fans to go out and buy this mini-album from the JapanFiles.com website.

BUY THIS ALBUM FROM JapanFiles.com