クレマチ一ス!!

Yeah...

2005-11-30T19:23:39Z

Bet you all haven't seen this poppin' up on your friends list in a while.

Well, I was gonna do an update with Jo about a month ago... BUT, my website expired. So, our friend J hooked us up with some new space.

THEN my screen decided to break and all I can see is dark gray, which super annoys me, and I don't like to do more than I have to on that computer. I'm going to have to call Dell and send it in and get it fixed.

But... if in the future... you would like an update... What kind of music are you looking for? I keep thinking about it. Maybe if we get some input there could be an update forthcoming soon.

Pick one from each section:

Languages:
1. Chinese
2. Korean
3. Japanese
4. English
5. Different Than All The Above (may include French, Spanish, Portuguese, Punjabi...)

Types (includes sub genres of the categories):
1. Rock
2. R&B, Hip Hop, etc.
3. Pop
4. Dance
5. Other (may include instrumental, sound-scape type tracks)

Kuremachisu Mini-Update: A Seven Day Stretch in Japan

2005-07-24T02:41:36Z

Azora here. I'm bringing you all a mini-themed update just to keep the party rockin'. "A Seven Day Stretch in Japan" is five songs released within the period of April 20th-April 27th. I thought it might be fun to do a flashback update - but not TOO much of a flashback. Most of these are singles that I hadn't even heard during this period anyway. So here we go.

7-24-05: I've found out that Kuremachisu has been listed as Music LJ of the Week over at zhongwenmp3. <3 Hee. I'm excited. For those of you that don't know, zhongwenmp3 is another music LJ that samples mostly Chinese music.

SOMETHING TO SAY? We want to hear it. Don't flame us in the comment field. Take some time to show that you care. Send an email my way: ladymisswarp[at]gmail[dot]com with appropriate signs in the appropriate places. We will read and take into consideration every email that you send.

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. This still goes for our new Friends-Only rule. And we like comments! :D
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: Whenever.

Title: Etc.
Artist(s): Suitei Shojo
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: 17's Heaven [Album]
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Let's face it. I know nothing about these two. The group is composed of Rino and Lissa. According to their website, they were both born in 1987 - that makes them a year younger than I am. Also according to their website, they have horrible fashion sense. Please save me. They've also had one of their songs featured as an anime theme, "Jouhou". [I think there's something odd about this group though... hm... Can anyone tell me? Is there something up with them? That would be weird... Not.]

[REVIEW]

I like the song though! It's a very poppy song infused with rock. It starts off kind of monotonous as far as music goes, but then it kicks it up a bit. It's a good opener for their CD in any case. It kind of reminds me a bit of BENNIE K's stuff... but not really. No R&B. The song is decent in any case. I'd listen to more of their stuff, to say something. I think this might not be the best example of their music though.

Title: Itonamu to Iukoto
Artist(s): RAMJA
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Ai no Seikatsu [Album]
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Pop/Jazz
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Lim Ramja was born in Korea, but has lived in Fukuoka Prefecture since she was a child. She dropped out of school and traveled to Jamaica to learn about her musical love, Reggae, and has traveled to India and Thailand as well. She debuted with her first single, Tsuki to Yuei in 2004.

[REVIEW]

I'm sampling RAMJA this time around because her name interested me. It turns out that she's worth sampling, at least in my opinion. I could have sampled her single, though, but I decided I liked Itonamu to Iukoto better. What I really like about this song is the amount of percussion that it uses and there isn't really a lot of instrumentation. RAMJA's voice is somewhere between jazzy and pop, a little deep but not really. Granted, she doesn't really hit that many high notes, but the song is still decent. It's something different in any case.

Title: OVER
Artist(s): HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: OVER [Single]
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Rap/Rock
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR is led by a duo of vocalists, Maki and Yuwasuke. The band is also composed of guitarists MEG and mACKAz, and SASSY on drums. They are signed with Sony Music Japan and have released several singles thus far, their first hit being "PRIDE" in 2005.

[REVIEW]

I remembered HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR's first single, and when I saw they'd released something in this time period, I decided to give their single "OVER" a shot. I'll admit I didn't like it as much as the first single, but if they released the same music all the time they'd be really boring. There seems to be more of their rock/rap element in this song, and the two vocalists pretty much share the song - where the female vocalist did most of their last single. The song is somewhat fast-paced though. Not really a bad song to sample at all.

Title: CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY
Artist(s): May Nakabayashi
Language: Japanese/English
Album/Single: CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY [Single]
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Urban/Dance
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

May Nakabayashi is a 15 year old chanteuse from Nagoya, Japan, who released her first single CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY in April '05.

[REVIEW]

I am in love with this song. It's something that Namie could have done a number on, and I see a lot of similarities in May Nakabayashi's style. Then again, after Namie's urban success, so many other Japanese singers have showed up and have tried to do the same style - the newest that come to my mind are May Nakabayashi and Kaori Natori. In any case, CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY showcases May's deep voice and her decent English in some parts. There's a lot of synth in the background, and of course your basic urban/dance beats. But if you like Namie, I recommend this.

Title: Nemurenu no Yoru Tameni
Artist(s): Yuki Otake
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Greensleaves
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Acid Pop (Lol).
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Yuki Otake is one of Toshia-EMI's newest artists, and released her first mini-album, "Greensleeves - Nemurenu Yoru no Tameni" in 2005. One of her songs was also featured in a recent Japanese drama.

[REVIEW]

Okay, the creepy thing about this song? It sounds like the theme to The Secret Garden. Anyone remember that movie? With the girl from India who goes to England to live with her uncle and she doesn't know how to cry? *ruins the movie for everyone* Anyway. I don't know anything about Yuki Otake except that I liked the name of her album and so I decided to sample her. But this song is kind of poppy/trancey... The Secret Garden on Acid, let's say. Lol.

KUREMACHISU! COMEBACK: MIA, Maki Nomiya, Youmi Kimura, advantage Lucy....

2005-06-15T04:21:00Z

KUREMACHISU! COMEBACK SPECIAL:
Music that Sucks Infinitely Less Cock than Ayu

Ayumi Hamasaki is to JPop what marijuana is to that exciting world of illict narcotics (which Zora & I do not, by the way, endorse in any way, shape, or form) - The gateway drug (and also, Zora points out to me as I write this, "the drug of inferior quality- why smoke pot when you can do a line of coke?"- I wouldn't know about that though, although she clearly does) and love it or hate it, along with BoA's new haircut (I mean, come on. Bangs? The girl's one claim to fame is that she only has two hairstyles and even less facial expressions. I fear a change at this late stage could be dangerous to her career, but that's a topic for an entirely different update), Ayu's demise has been one of the more hotly debated topics of the JPop world. Or at least, the JPop world outside Japan, where the crazier fanboys & girls seem to reside anyway.

First, let's get one thing sorted out. I -liked- Ayu. Loved her, even. I actually OWN 4 of her albums, which means I actually paid for all of them. At $35 a pop when I already had all the songs in mp3 format, that's no mean feat. She's just not one of my fandoms anymore, and that's because her music jumped the shark. Goodness knows her image didn't, she's still as beautiful as before, but somewhere along the line (hell, let's pinpoint. The last song of hers I actually liked was theme of a-nation '03, which at least, surely, deserves a proper title?) her music lost a little something that made it Ayu- her lyrics and songs were, to an extent, an image of human existance. They were deeply personal to her. And they're just not anymore. Now whether you blame this on Ayu or her management, for many former fans, the fact remains.

Now back to the marijuana thing. From marijuana, as you will well know if you paid attention in Drug Education, we addicts move on to bigger and better things! And that's what Zora & I aim to bring you with this update- a snippet of what we, at least, think is some of the better Asian music which you might be missing if you're still chilling in Camp Ayu. And if you ARE still a Happy Camper and we can't change your mind, do yourself a favour- frisbee your "MY STORY" CD in the general direction of the garbage can and buy yourself a copy of "I am..." or "Duty". Now THERE is some quality music.

Disclaimer: we mean no offense to anyone, except that at the same time, we TOTALLY do, because we're shameless attention seekers. If you send us hatemail for this one, Zora says she'll call you 7 kinds of dirty words. If you defriend us, you're too easily offended and, really, a bit of a loser, and we make no apology for insulting your fandom.

SOMETHING TO SAY? We want to hear it. Don't flame us in the comment field. Take some time to show that you care. Send an email my way: ladymisswarp[at]gmail[dot]com with appropriate signs in the appropriate places. We will read and take into consideration every email that you send.

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. This still goes for our new Friends-Only rule. And we like comments! :D
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: Whenever.

Title: Ba kkwo
Artist(s): Lee Jung Hyun
Language: Korean
Album/Single: Let's go to my star
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Dance/Electronica
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Lee Jung Hyun was born in Daegu, South Korea in 1980. She began her singing/acting career at the age of 16 in the movie Ggotip. Lee Jung Hyun has continously topped the dance/pop charts in Korea since her debut single "Wa" and has won numerous awards. Her trademarks are electronica and gritty dance numbers, as well as her mini-microphone that she wears on her finger during performances.

[REVIEW]

"Ba kkwo" caught my attention immediately when I listened to my first Lee Jung Hyun album. It's also her third single, I believe. Anyway, this is a gritty dance-anthem. The title means "Change", if I'm correct. In any case, Lee Jung Hyun is a departure from most Asian dance music, being that she sounds very angry. I love it! The song is very catchy too, but original, even though it incorporates all the elements of a song of its genre. Ayu tried that too, but, well... the unoriginal backing on "INSPIRE" just didn't really work out.

Title: Galang
Artist(s): M.I.A.
Language: English/Mixed
Album/Single: Arular
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Dance/Electronic
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

The sole member of M.I.A., Mathangi Arulpragasam, a.k.a Maya, was born in Hounslow, London, though is a native of Sri Lanka. She grew up in Sri Lanka in the midst of a civil war, has lived in India, and eventually her family fled Sri Lanka to live in London. Arular is her first album, and her first single, "Galang", was an international dance hit.

[REVIEW]

I really can't say much about this song. It rocks so much. Muy groovy. There are a lot of electronic sounds sampled here, and Maya mixes English with slang, and (from what I'm told) her native language. It's easy to sing along to, as well. The best part is towards the end though. Just download it and see. As for comparing it Ayu? Ayu cannot compare.

Title: Mizu no Sanbyoshi
Artist(s): Youmi Kimura
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Mizu no Sanbyoshi [Single]
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Opera/Classical Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Youmi Kimura, more recently known for her song "Itsumo Nando Demo" which was the theme for Spirited Away, a Hayao Miyazaki film, is a classical composer, singer, and lyre and piano player. She once studied abroad in California at both the high school and university level.

[REVIEW]

I fell in love with Youmi Kimura when I heard "Itsumo Nando Demo" on the credits of Spirited Away and this is the only song I've found by her since. I'm planning on stocking up on her albums one of these days. Youmi has such a strong voice and she just holds her tones to perfection – if you like Emiko Shiratori, you might enjoy Youmi too. The song is pretty mellow. Compare it to some of Ayu's vibrato-driven ballads and I think some of you may prefer this.

Title: Nemurenu Shoujo [Live]
Artist(s): Yumi Shizukusa
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Kokoro wa Itsumo Rainbow Color [Single]
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Pop/R&B
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Yumi Shizukusa, who briefly stinted on the Indies scene, is an Urban artist with Giza.
She performed live with Mai Kuraki and Rina Aiuchi before her debut.

[REVIEW]

This is a live cut from Yumi's first albums. The quality of her voice live is very enjoyable – you just can't tell with artists anymore. In fact, the track from her album is nearly identical in voice quality – I've compared them. Of course, this is more like an acoustic version with different background singers.

Title: Star Struck
Artist(s): Maki Nomiya
Language: Japanese / English
Album/Single: Miss Maki Nomiya Sings (Album, 2001)
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.missmakinomiya.com
Genre: Electronic
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Though Maki Nomiya started her life in the limelight as a model in the late 70's, she began singing when she released her first album, an idol record titled Pinku no Kokoro, in 1982. She was picked up by group Portable Rock and left her idol days behind to become their lead vocalist. It was here that she attracted the attention of Pizzicato Five, who had just lost their previous vocalist, and was persuaded to join the band. The song "Twiggy Twiggy" from Maki's first album was given the Pizzicato makeover and became instrumental to P5's success, both overseas and in Japan. Maki released her second solo album, Miss Maki Nomiya Sings, while still with the band, and stayed with them until their eventual split in 2001. The following year she released her third solo album, LadyMissWarp. She has since written several books (Cahier de la Mode, which is semi-autobiographical, as well as Star Struck and more recently an advice book titled Dress Code), worked with numerous other artists including m-flo, and put out her fourth solo album (officially, her third, since PNK isn't listed or recognised by Maki or her management). She recently joined Japanese group The Plastics and formed a new unit with them titled Plastics Sex. She has been touring with PS and they will release an album together soon.

[REVIEW]

Firstly, I should remind everyone of my undying love for Ms. Nomiya. The undisputed Queen of Shibuya Kei (the pop-music revolution that has its roots in Tokyo's stylish Shibuya district and has spawned legendary artists like Cornelius and Mondo Grosso), she made Pizzicato Five what they are best known for today. So, in attempting to bring you the best of the best, Maki (for her shere influence, not to mention her stunning vocals) seemed like an obvious choice. She has real staying-power: building up a cult following and even stirring the US market in her 23-year career. Even though she's older now and married with children, she shows no signs of slowing down.
Now, a bit about the song: I will remember this song, eternally, from one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Travelling into Melbourne city to stay in a hotel for a night, we took the train and got off at one of the underground stations. The underground part, obviously, is linked up the ground-level part of the station by a gigantic escalator with stainless steel walls. It's very eerily quiet, too. So I had this on my earphones and I was heading up this huge, pseudo-futuristic escalator. It was very bizarre but seemed strangely fitting of the song.
If you find the influences on this song familiar, that would be because it was both written and produced by Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda- better known, by all accounts, as Cibo Matto! I didn't know that when first I heard it, but I nearly died when I found out, and it has cemented it as one of my favourite Maki songs ever. It's electronic with dreamy vocals, and Yuka's obvious instrumental influences. Not typical Maki, by any means, but great stuff anyway.

Title: i dream about you
Artist(s): Yuka Honda
Language: English
Album/Single: Eucademix (Album, 2004)
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: Electronic
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Japanese ex-patriot Yuka Honda DJed with many small outfits before meeting Miho Hatori and starting legendary trip-hop outfit Cibo Matto. Originally, Yuka was responsible for all the groups' music, while Miho handled lyrics and vocals. This changed by the time their second album, Stereo Type A, was released. At the height of Cibo Matto's success, Yuka met her former boyfriend and long-time artistic partner Sean Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono). He played bass on ST-A as well as the Super Relax EP and toured with the group. Yuka produced his first solo album, Into the Sun, for him and also lent vocals to the piece. She also worked on a number of other projects while with Cibo Matto. After their split, Yuka released her first solo album (Memories Are My Only Witness), DJed a lot live in New York, produced numerous other projects and eventually released her second album, Eucademix (a play on words for "Yuka de Mix" which translates roughly to "Yuka Mixes") last year.

[REVIEW]

After I randomly downloaded Yuka's Memories Are My Only Witness earlier this year, I became hooked. Her music is unique, abstract techno but still with catchy melodies. MAMOW is more instrumental and spacey than Eucademix, though, which returns to more recognisable Cibo-Matto-esque songs and features more vocals (including those of Miho Hatori, proving that there is no anamosity between the two). Compared with Miho's recent efforts (collaborations with the Beastie Boys and Baldwin Bros, as well a as Brazillian-influenced duo Smokey & Miho), I tend to prefer Yuka's work. I also like MAMOW more than Eucademix, but I was trying to pick a song that was user-friendly and this seemed an obvious choice. It's a little strange, a little experimental and a little hard to place, but it definitely hooked me from first listen.

Title: Red Bicycle
Artist(s): advantage Lucy
Language: English
Album/Single: Red Bicycle (single, released on promotional cassette), Have a Good Journey (Greatest Hits package, album, 2001)
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: Pop-rock
Link: http://www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/advantageLucy/
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

I can't tell you much about advantage Lucy. As a largely indies group, not much English info is available about them. I can tell you that they were once known as Lucy Van Pelt (after the Peanuts character), breifly had a contract with Toshiba EMI at the height of their popularity in the late 90's, but left the label to form their own independent one, Solaris Records. Though they've suffered many member changes, they're still gigging today and their new album will be released very soon.

[REVIEW]

I have no idea how I survived before I discovered aL. I actually only downloaded this song because hell, it was a cool name for a band. On first listen, I didn't pay much attention to it, but each subsequent time I heard it, I loved it more and more. It's not my favourite aL song, but it's one of their first and best-known, released while they were still Lucy Van Pelt. The Engrish can be a little irritating at times (I have no idea what they're saying, to be honest), but it's good old-fashioned melodic pop-rock at its finest, with backing vocals that remind me, strangely enough, of Billy Corgan (Smashing Punpkins' lead singer). Lead singer Aiko's voice is adorable, too, but not in a sickly way. ENJOY!

Title: Pan-da
Artist(s): Aprils
Language: Japanese / English
Album/Single: Pan-da (Album, 2004)
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: Techno-pop-rock-Shibuya Kei
Link: http://aprils.jp
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

The Aprils are another one of those bands I've randomly discovered that I know little to nothing about. I can tell you that they're signed with Usagi-Chang records, though, and have released 3 albums to date. Pan-da is probably the best known of those, because of its cover art which features the now-famous Pandatone Gloomy, created by Mori Chack. The Aprils got together back in college and started gigging for real in '99.

[REVIEW]

I wishwishwishwishwishWISH I had the PV for this song. Because it's animated and features the Pandatone Gloomy doing all kinds of shit in accordance with the lyrics of female lead Miho Iguchi's part. Anyway, if I ever figure out all the lyrics to this, I will die of happiness. But I do know the PAN-DA CHOP! part from watching the live-video. This song is cutesy without being coma-inducing pop-rock with a real techno/Shibuya-Kei edge. It's catchy as hell, but it tires pretty quickly. Still, I find it amusing and someone else here might too!

APRIL KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT COCAINE, WHERE OR FROM WHOM IT CAN BE PURCHASED. Thanks.

Kuremachisu! Comeback

2005-05-16T06:38:16Z

This weekend or next, depending when I finish song selections- Zora has picked hers already and I, as always, am much with the lag.

We have a special surprise theme for this update, which we have a feeling you guys will either love or hate, but it's going to be a blast for us either way!

Stay tuned, guys. We miss you heaps!

~Jo xxx

Yeaaaah

2005-02-03T20:41:04Z

I know, it's been a while. But sadly this isn't an update. I just wanted to let everyone know Jo and I are still alive. We just haven't had the time to update, like some other journals. Jo just got off holidays, and I switched classes at my school recently. I have four 85 minute blocks each day, and on January 22 that's our "switch date" where we get four new classes. So I've been trying to focus on my classes, get my homework done, all the while having to go to work at least 4 out of 7 days of the week. Oh yeah, and I've been working on a social life too. So I haven't had time, sorry!

Getting the information is a bit time consuming, but I feel it's pointless to just post a song without any information. I mean, if you know nothing about the artist or song, what's the chance you're going to buy their music? Hello?! You need to know what album, single, etc, it's on.

Because I can't say I really -promote- piracy. I want people to support the artists.

Anyway, I'm alive. So's Jo. We're just kickin' back.

New Yurz, ft. some bitchin' tunes

2004-12-31T05:30:34Z

Hm.

2004-12-27T01:09:43Z

We were supposed to update today. Well, I haven't talked to Jo in the past few days, but I know that we both planned to update...

I'll get around to it when I get around to it. I'm going to relax and enjoy my holiday a little more.

Just a quick note to say...

2004-12-13T04:06:25Z

...that I added my songs to Zora's rotation a little while ago. So if you've already downloaded, you can check back and you may find something else you like. <3 Sorry for the delay & the Friends List floodage.

December 12 ft. Emiko Shiratori, Matsu Takako, DOUBLE, Ayaka Hirahara...

2004-12-12T06:10:48Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. This still goes for our new Friends-Only rule. And we like comments! :D
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, December 26th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Azora.: First off, all the biography info on my picks are coming off the top of my head. I don't feel like looking for bio info this time around, but I think I know enough. Anyway, this update has a bit of a midtempo theme. I'm on a midtempo theme for now, listening to Ayaka and Takako and just recently Chihiro Onitsuka. If the bio information looks weird, forgive me. But um, I'm tired and I don't really care today. ^^; Enjoy the downloads.

Jo.: I have been so lazy lately with the not-updating and so forth, but I'm on vacation now so once again I will try to keep my act together. Thanks Zora for keeping the place running like you always do ^.~ Anyway I tried to pick some slow songs this week to fit with Zora's mid-tempo idea. It's just random songs I picked & ripped off CDs (hint: copy protection= not as shiny as the record companies think). Ditto on the crappy bios this week thing. Enjoy, anyway. ^^ Sorry I'm a bit late. I also romanized that song title for you, Zora ^.~

Title: Risshuu ~Kaze ni Fukarete~ / The First Day of Autumn ~Blown in The Wind~
Artist(s): Emiko Shiratori
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Cross My Heart
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: pop ballad/folk
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Emiko Shiratori's been around for a while. She sung at the Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She's more known today among gamers for her theme song for FF9, "Melodies of Life". Emiko also sings very well in English and seems to be fond of cover songs.

[REVIEW]

Yeah, I know, my info sucks. But I'm lazy. Anyway, I just got her Cross My Heart album which I've been LUSTING after since like, forever. The First Day of Autumn (I lack romanized track titles right now because my romanizing site is down) is a folky sounding pop ballad that sounds very much like a mix between Emiko's "popera" style as I've heard one person put it and country. It's more pop ballad than anything though, and is midtempo enough without being totally upbeat.

Title: The Shooting Star
Artist(s): Matsu Takako
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Itsuka, Sakure no Ame ni...
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Contemporary pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Matsu Takako is a well-known j-dorama actress and contemporary pop singer. She has released several albums and headed several of her own tours.

[REVIEW]

Yay for Matsu Takako. <3 Alright, this is a little more upbeat than midtempo, but it's a fabulous song. Definitely one of my favorites, even though it's an older song. The Shooting Star is partly responsible for me getting into Matsu Takako. It's got this groovy underbeat, but it's her smooth vocals that I'm loving. She just get carried away trying to show off her voice - it's just there. Anyway, it's got that great orchestra backing in some parts too... This is definitely one of my guilty pleasures right here. (Oh wait, no. That's actually enjoying BoA's English on the b-side to her new Christmas single, The Christmas Song. O.o!)

Title: Moon River
Artist(s): DOUBLE
Language: English
Album/Single: Life is Beautiful
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Jazz
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

DOUBLE is one half of an original duo. I can't remember their names (I don't think I've ever known them) but it used to be a duo of sisters. One of the sisters died the summer after their breakthrough hit, and the other one now goes on using the same name. DOUBLE normally does R&B infused pop and dance.

[REVIEW]

Ooh, I'm loving this. Moon River has been sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn before DOUBLE and fans of old-time jazz and old flicks will probably immediately recognize it. The Frontpage Orchestra is what you'll hear in the background, and they're absolutely amazing. DOUBLE isn't too shabby herself, and her English is pretty good. She says huckleberry a bit funny, but I suppose no-one's perfect. Everyone should hear me roll my R's for Spanish. My double-R's are non-existent. Anyway, good song. <3

Title: I
Artist(s): Ayaka Hirahara
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: The Voice
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Ayaka Hirahara hit the charts with a bang with her single Jupiter, and a voice that reminded more than a few of ballad singer Asuca Hayashi. She's released her newest album now, titled The Voice.

[REVIEW]

I could have been repetitive and posted the English version of Jupiter that I like so much, but I decided to go with my second favorite cutting off the album, "I". Ayaka sticks to the low notes, which is fine with me. It's a pop song that switches between all the tempos - low, mid, up- and even has a few of those dramatic electric guitars in the background. Anyway, it's good. I mean, I listen to it. Of course it's good. XP

Title: Never On Sunday
Artist(s): Maki Nomiya
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Lady Miss Warp
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: Retro-pop/Shibuya-Kei
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Maki Nomiya is the ex-vocalist of now-defunct influential Shibuya-Kei group Pizzicato Five. Since the group's split in 2001, Maki has released 2 solo albums, written 3 books, featured on songs by S-Kei mainstays such as Towa Tei and Crazy Ken Band and started her own clothing label, mini-she by Maki Nomiya.

[REVIEW]

I know I wrote a proper bio for Maki at some point but I couldn't be bothered finding it. Anyway, Maki Nomiya is a goddess as far as I am concerned. I love her albums and the work she did with m-flo has become my absolute favourite song, not only of 2004, but of all time (any song which can amuse me for over 6 months earns that title). Her retro, 60's & jazz influenced pop isn't for everyone though. Never On Sunday was the first single off Maki's third (second post-P5) album Lady Miss Warp. It's a ballad that sounds like something Burt Bacharach might have done in the 60's, which is non-surprising since he's one of her favourite artists. It's not one of my favourites of Maki, but still good.

Title: Close to you
Artist(s): Ayumi Hamasaki
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: RAINBOW
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: Pop/ballad
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Ayumi Hamasaki is one of Japan's most influential pop stars ever. In the 6 years she has been in the music biz, she has released six albums, a load of singles and hundreds of remixes, earning her the title of being one the most remixed artists in the world. Her sales often break records and it is rare for her singles to not go to number one. Her music covers heaps of genres, from pop to rock to techno and everything in between.

[REVIEW]

This song is a standard Ayu ballad and not one of my favourites, but it would be a bit lame to post something like HANABI since everyone has that already, so here you go, Close to you. It reminds me a bit of Christmas because of the bells I think. Speaking of Ayu, who here has heard the stuff off her new album? I used to be a massive Ayu fan but now I can't bring myself to care. Still, can anyone tell me if it's any good?

Title: SIGNS OF LIFE
Artist(s): SUITE CHIC
Language: English
Album/Single: When Pop Hits the Fan
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: R'n'B
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

SUITE CHIC is a project made up of some of Japan's best and most influential DJs, MCs and producers. It featured people like VERBAL, ZEEBRA, michico, AI, and of course vocals done by Namie Amuro. Only one album was released, plus a remix album, but many fans hope a second will be made in the near future, and Namie has hinted towards it at various points.

[REVIEW]

I've liked this song since the first time I heard it. It's very ambient and relaxing. As for Namie doing an entire song in english- it sounds like a daunting prospect but it's not so bad. Her pronunciation is a little off, but the lyrics were written by a native english speaker (as with the backup vocals in the chorus) so the "signs of rife" aren't as annoying as they could be. VERBAL also acted as an English consultant for the entire album which is why the english is some of Namie's best. But I disgress. I like this song- some of the rhyming in the lyrics is a bit obvious, but I like the message- that you can meet someone who brings you back to life. Very nice ball

Hm.

2004-12-07T15:53:58Z

If you haven't noticed, Jo and I didn't get to it this time around.

But, there are a couple options for the next update that I, at least, am thinking of offering. The next update will probably be this next Sunday.

1. A bit torrent of a video.
2. A bit torrent of an album.
3. A multimedia package concerning an artist (either a .rar file or a bit torrent, probably mirrored several times on yousendit.com). Will probably contain a single or two, maybe a wallpaper, things like that.
4. The normal rundown of various songs.

So, comment. Tell me what you think is a good idea. It might not happen, but it's good to have input.

Nov. 21 ft. Yumi Shizukusa, Faye Wong, Cibo Matto, Les.R, hitomi

2004-11-21T04:38:03Z

Nov. 6th ft. Tsukiko Amano, Emi Hinouchi, Ayumi Hamasaki x2, Stefanie Sun, OLIVIA x2, & Uhm Jung Hwa

2004-11-06T19:59:41Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. And we like comments! :D
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, November 21th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Azora.:* - ¿Qué pasa? What's up, all? All-Request Fortnight recieved a good amount of requests over-all, considering our "going public" phase. skrknmt, rinkun, and cat_o_ninetails, I PROMISE to post your songs either between updates or November 21st. I have both Cibo Matto's and Faye Wong's song, and will be looking for hitomi's. But I don't know when I will be posting them. I decided to post it today so I don't have to worry about it tonight when I'm dead tired. This means you get two weeks and a day. :D Enjoy!

Everyone else can request for next time with our Request List.

Title: Pass me the sugar
Artist(s): OLIVIA
Language: English
Album/Single: So Beautiful (Single)
Requested by: dustthouart
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.olivialufkinonline.com (unofficial)
Genre: Punk-Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Olivia Lufkin was born in Okinawa, an island south-west of mainland Japan. She speaks English and Japanese fluently, though prefers English. She was a member of the pop group D&D before she split (even though they were quite popular) to have a solo career.

[REVIEW]

The first OLIVIA song I ever heard was the Japanese version of this song and I've been in love with both versions of it (and most of her music) since. It's a fun punky song, but not too punk - hence the punk-pop genre. Then again, OLIVIA's music usually gravitates between those two genres. This is also one of her English songs where you can understand all the words. >_>; She either has an odd accent or it's just the way she sings, but I can't understand half the English in her songs. (And yes, I know she's lived in the United States, but that doesn't mean anything.)

Title: skip to a little
Artist(s): OLIVIA
Language: English
Album/Single: Comatose Butcher Bunny [mini-album]
Requested by: senshicalico
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.olivialufkinonline.com (unofficial)
Genre: Rap/Rock
Download (right or left click): here.

[REVIEW]

Yeah, two OLIVIA songs in one post... but that's alright. This isn't as popular as some of her songs considering it's on one of her mini-albums and isn't a single, so I thought I'd post this. If you like rock/rap-ish songs, I'd try this one. I'm not really, unfortunately. This song just seems a little mediocre to me, as the majority of what she sings is simply repetition and the guy says things here and there. OLIVIA has done, and can do, better. Speaking of doing, this girl SERIOUSLY needs to record a new single! I waaaaaaaaaant.

Title: Idea
Artist(s): Tsukiko Amano
Language: Japanese/English
Album/Single:
Requested by: rowena
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.otokura.com/amano/
Genre: Rock
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Tsukiko Amano plays refined alternative rock. Much of her music features guitars and orchestral backings, along with her soft-yet-strong voice. Tsukiko isn’t afraid to experiment; in one song from the album Tenryu, she spoke through an entire song. She tends to name all of her albums after Western actresses: Meg & Lion, Sharon Stones, and Winona Riders. Her album Tenryu seems to be the exception thus far.

[REVIEW]

I saw the video caps for this song about a week ago before I could find the single and I was so excited. Haha. So when rowena asked for a song, even though it wasn't this one, I thought it'd be a perfect opportunity to share it! (Hope you like it rowena, and don't mind.) Anyway, this song is very upbeat and typical Tsukiko Amano. I can't say anything else except that I love it. Typical Tsukiko. Then again, I generally love everything she makes... I actually can't think of a song of hers that I don't like. Hm.

Title: Tong Lei (Same Kind)
Artist(s): Yan Zi Sun (Stephanie Sun)
Language: Mandarin
Album/Single: Stefanie [Album]
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.yanzi.com.tw/
Genre: Ballad
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Yan Zi Sun is a popular singer/songwriter from Singapore and is fluent in both Mandarin and English.

[REVIEW]

I thought I'd give Stefanie's new album a try and decided to post this one up for sampling. I like the beginning to it. It sounds like a sample from some song, but I don't know which or whether it is or not. This ballad features prominently guitar and violin in instrumentation, and of course, a background orchestra here and there. I can't help but think Stefanie's voice fits this kind of song very well.

Title: Da Ga Ra
Artist(s): Uhm Jung Hwa
Language: Korean/English
Album/Single: Hwa (Vol. 7)
Requested by: dustthouart
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.uhmjunghwaforever.com/
Genre: Club/Funk/Dance
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Born in the 70's, Uhm Jung Hwa graduated with an engineering degree of a sort before deciding on a singing career. Her usual style is techno-infused pop, but also covers the other mainstream sections with ballads and pop songs. She is known as the Dancing Queen as a result of her many club hits.

[REVIEW]

Gosh, I love this song. It's like retro club music. Uhm Jung Hwa's voice fits so well with retro-ish music it's astounding. I suppose I can't help connect her to that kind of music since her 8th album features so much music that recall the retro days, and her 8th album was the first one I heard music off of. (I hear she can't sing live though. Is this true? I need a live UJH song to see.) This song is guaranteed to get you dancing, in your seat, singing, "Da Ga Ra! Hey boys!"

Title: Love ~since 1999~
Artist(s): Ayumi Hamasaki ft. Tsunku
Language: Japanese/Engrish
Album/Single: Love ~Destiny~ (single)
Company: Avex
Requested by: ai_love_chu
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/
Genre: Pop/ballad
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Ayumi Hamasaki was born in Fukuoka, in the south of Japan. After a stint as a model and actress, and a failed indies hip hop album with rapper Dohzi-t, she was discovered singing karaoke by Avex super-producer Max Matsuura. Her first single with Avex, poker face, was released in 1998 and she has been a huge hit ever since. She has released 8 original albums and a multitude of remix albums with Avex. At one point, she was responsible for over 30% of their sales.

Tsunku is best known for being the Hello! Project Super Producer and for discovering Morning Musume. He started off in band Sharan-Q, but following the competition to discover a new rock vocalist (won by Michiyo Heike) Tsunku turned his hand to producing. Until recently, he single-handedly wrote and produced every song for the Hello! Project, and also recently released his own album, TAKE 1.

[REVIEW]

When Tsunku released TAKE 1 (which was actually a reasonable album) he redid this song with Morning Musume member Ai Takahashi, and I actually liked that version a whole lot better. But here it is, the original. I haven't listened to it in months, but it has a bit more of a cheesy 80's sound than the cover does. The engrish is bad. "I cry for you and you cry for me, well can I loving you forever?"
It's ok.

Title: theme of a-nation '03
Artist(s): Ayumi Hamasaki
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: & [Single]
Requested by: mirai_noah
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/
Genre: pop/contemporary traditional
Download (right or left click): here.

[REVIEW]

This is definitely one of my favorite Ayumi songs of all time. It reminds me of some of her older work.. which I'm far more fond of than her newer stuff. But it uses her "new voice style". Some of you know what I mean, I'm sure. But it's a good mix, her voice and the music. And I love the traditional touches she put into the song. The lyrics are also very sad... If you can, go look up a translation.

Title: Trap
Artist(s): Emi Hinouchi
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Dramatiques (album)
Company: Tachytelic
Requested by: onewingedhyu
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.tachytelic.co.jp
Genre: R'n'B
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Emi Hinouchi was discovered by m-flo DJ Taku Takahashi. She is the first artist to be signed to his record label, Tachytelic Records, and has had one album and several singles as well as featuring on both the latest m-flo album (ASTROMANTIC) and the latest MIC BANDITZ album (Johnny Astro & the Diamond Crooks).

[REVIEW]

This is a pretty standard dancey Emi r'n'b number. There's a sample in there which I recognise from somewhere, but I can't remember where. Anyway, Emi's lower range really shows here. As always, I love her because she's cute. <3 Emi!

LAST CALL.

2004-11-05T21:53:00Z

Alright everybody, last call for All-Request Fortnight. We won't be accepting requests after today.

Go here to see what songs we can offer. Some might be missing (the majority are still available though), but we'll try as much as possible to put them up.

If you have a song you'd like to request but we don't have it, you MAY request it, but there is hardly a chance that we'll put it up or have it. However, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Well, well.

2004-11-01T01:50:48Z

Azora here.

I'd just like to let everyone know that we will be going public once again.

Friends-Onlying actually didn't help much. Instead it shut a lot of people out from sampling music from our journal. We did not get a better ratio of comments to downloads in any case, as I thought we would.

I'm still hoping that people will comment as they download, but I suppose I can't have everything and some people, no matter how many times you suggest it, will not comment. I don't want to take away from those who will though. Our next update will be November 7th, in any case, and will be an All-Request Fortnight post.

Everyone and anyone should request something! It just might be put up. :D The Request List is here. If we don't have what you've requested (or it was lost), the chances of it being put up are lower than average. However, we'll try to put up what you request.

Kuremachisu! news.

2004-09-05T19:59:47Z

Azora.:* Well, Jo and I have come to make a couple of decisions over the last few days about Kuremachisu. I would, first, like to tell everyone we won't be updating this week. Jo and I found that we just don't have the time. But, here are our decisions and the reasons why.

1. We will be updating fortnightly instead of weekly (every two weeks). This will allow us to manage our time more effectively. We have school, homework, our own interests other than Kuremachisu, and I have a part time job I work at 3-4 days a week. Our next update will be the 12th.

2. We will be making this journal friends-only. I've been pondering this since other journals have done it, and it's the only option right now. My bandwidth nearly got fried last month. I love doing songs for Kuremachisu, but I can't let my hostees down. They're more important to me. I'm offering them a place to host their sites that like, never has downtime. My site doesn't have downtime ever, as far as I know.

3. Number 2 probably wouldn't bother me as much, but I know there's a bunch of people out there not commenting. Those of you that do comment, don't take this the wrong way! We appreciate your comments so much! But I don't like people who don't comment. By friends-onlying this journal, I will know more or less who might be downloading the songs - and how many aren't commenting.

4. We will be cutting down on the number of songs we post. This relates to Number 1. Jo and I will be doing 2-3 songs a week. Next time we update though, I will be putting up however many requests that I agreed to upload this week. I can't do it this week though. I don't know whether or not Jo will be doing the same. I don't speak for her. After that I'll be doing 2-3 songs though. This is in part to stop my bandwidth from being fried.

5. All music journals that we have friended will still be friended. I'm sure that you guys all comment simply for the fact that you expect comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to view and download from future Kuremachisu updates, please reply to this post.

Aug. 29th ft. RIKKI, Emiko Shiratori, WAX, and more to come...

2004-08-30T00:34:09Z

The B*tch is Back! HAHA. ft. Maki Nomiya, BoA, Emi Hinouchi, Miyavi, Ayaka Komatsu, Pizzicato Five

2004-08-24T03:03:22Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. Not to mention that you're a REJECT if you don't.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, August 29th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Jo.:* I was going to go with "the B*tch is Back" but decided this would be more user-friendly. Anyway, I'm back! Yeah, it's been like a month, and I've been largely too lazy to get my act together, but I promise I will try hard to stay up-to-date from now on!
This week Azora "let" me pick all the songs. Actually I kinda asked but I think she was glad not to have to do it, haha. Anyway, I decided to pick 7 songs and then added an 8th because eight is a rounder number and also all the songs were in Japanese. So against my better judgement I am posting a Korean BoA song.
With this update I tried to represent where my musical taste is, overall- a bit of vintage jazz, r'n'b, and rock. The songs all ended up being a bit same~ish, but I don't have much Japanese music on my poor HD anymore.

Regarding the request list, I have decided that from now on, ALL REQUESTS FOR THE SUNDAY UPDATE MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY. This is because a large part of the music on the request list is still on my laptop. I DO NOT HAVE DIRECT INTERNET ACCESS FROM MY LAPTOP. Because of this, I have to transfer files, which is a painful process and can be a bit of a pain in the ass if I have to do it a lot of times. So if you want to request something, please make sure you do it by Friday, so I can get whatever I need to off my other computer all in one go. If it's already past Friday, please leave your request until the following week. If you don't, we'll probably just ignore it. Thanks.

Thanks again to Zora for keeping everything running in my absence, and to every one of you for continuing to support Kuremachisu!

Much <3, Jo. xo

Azora.:* I thought "the B*tch is Back" was cute, so I put it in the subject. :P Anyway, enjoy songs ya'll. I have no input really.

Request List Is Here, As Always..

Title: Spark
Artist(s): BoA
Language: Korean/English
Album/Single: My Name (album)
Company: SM Town
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.avexnet.or.jp/boa/
Genre: Pop

[BIO]

BoA is a crossover star in Japan and Korea. At the age of thirteen, she was signed to SMTOWN records in Korea. She did so well in Korea they decided to market her in Japan. BoA released a Japanese version of her album ID; Peace B and was a hit. For every Korean album she has, there is a Japanese album and then some. She is also said to speak English fluently and is fond of making English versions of her singles as c/w tracks.

[REVIEW]

OK, it's no secret that I really don't like BoA. But I'm posting this anyway because I managed to d/l the first few songs from her "My Name" album from soulseek. It sounds very Britney Spears~ish to me (I'm sorry to the people who hate that comparison, but it does) and is basically just pop. The vocals are solid (I prefer BoA in Korean to Japanese or any other language for that matter), and the chorus is catchy enough to make you listen, but not exactly something that sticks in your brain. Standard BoA.

Title: Brand New Love
Artist(s): Emi Hinouchi
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Dramatiques (album)
Company: Tachytelic
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.tachytelic.co.jp
Genre: R'n'B

[BIO]

Emi Hinouchi was discovered by m-flo DJ Taku Takahashi. She is the first artist to be signed to his record label, Tachytelic Records, and has had one album and several singles as well as featuring on both the latest m-flo album (ASTROMANTIC) and the latest MIC BANDITZ album (Johnny Astro & the Diamond Crooks).

[REVIEW]

This is a cute Emi r'n'b number with a bit of a jazzy influence. Her vocals are awesome as always (I know I say it a lot, but I love this girl's voice) and her counting in Chinese at the start is very cute. <3 Emi!

Title: Cosmic Night Run ~Night at Nomiya Maki Show~
Artist(s): Maki Nomiya w/ m-flo & Crazy Ken Band
Language: Japanese/English
Album/Single: Dress Code, ASTROMANTIC
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Genre: r'n'b/Samba/Jazz
Link(s): http://www.missmakinomiya.com

[BIO]

Maki Nomiya started life as a model, but turned to singing in a band. She released her first solo album, Pinku no Kokoro, in the mid 80's. It was then that she was discovered by members of the band Pizzicato Five and was persuaded to join the band. The song "Twiggy Twiggy" from Maki's album was given the Pizzicato makeover and became instrumental to P5's success, both overseas and in Japan. Maki released her second solo album, Miss Maki Nomiya Sings, while still with the band, and stayed with them until their eventual split in 2001. The following year she released her third solo album, LadyMissWarp. She then worked on writing her autobiography (Cahier de la Mode) and working on her fashion line (Mini SHE by Maki Nomiya), as well as featuring on m-flo's latest album, ASTROMANTIC. Her most recent album Dress Code was released in July 2004.

[REVIEW]

This isn't actually the same Cosmic Night Run that is on ASTROMANTIC. I guess you could say it's more of a remix. It has quite a different feel and seems more relaxed, and the background track is less distorted than in the original. All the original vocals are still in place (including Verbal's two raps), but seems to play Maki's vocals up more. Overall, I thought Dress Code was a decent album, but this track is definitely the standout. Cosmic Night Run is one of my favourite songs and I couldn't be happier with this remix.

Title: Ashita, Genki ni Naare
Artist(s): Miyavi
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Ashita, Genki ni Naare (single)
Genre: Rock
Company: PSC
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.o-re-sa-ma.com

[BIO]

Miyavi is the former guitarist of the JRock band Due le Quartz. When he was with the band, he was known by "Miyabi" but made the change at the start of his solo career. His first single was Girls, Be Ambitious and his first album was Gagaku. While still technically an indies artist, his music is now distributed by a major label making him "semi-indies". His most recent album was released last year and was entitled "Galyuu".

[REVIEW]

This song is more pop-rock than anything else but I still love it, as it makes me feel all warm inside. The PV is also very cute. A lot of people have liked this song more than previous Miyavi singles because his voice sounds more mature and his singing is better overall. I just wish I could figure out what the english is. Overall it's a very nice, bright, upbeat Miyavi number.

Title: Kiss! Bang! (squared)
Artist(s): Ayaka Komatsu
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon DJ Moon Volume 3 (album)
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.amuse.co.jp/artist/ayaka_komatsu/profile.html
Genre: Pop

[BIO]

Ayaka Komatsu began her life in the limelight after she auditioned to be a model for the fashion magazine CANDy. After successful modelling with the magazine, she auditioned for the role of Minako Aino, Sailor Venus, on the live action series of Sailor Moon. (This has been fan-dubbed PGSM - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon - which is basically a simplified translation of BSSM - Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon. It is also referred to as Live Action Sailor Moon or LASM by some people). She won the part. Since Minako is an idol singer, she had to sing for the role. She has sung 4 songs for the TV show, with Kiss! Kiss! Bang! Bang! being the most recent.

[REVIEW]

This is my favourite Ayaka song from PGSM. I'm a big Ayaka fan (Minako is my favourite character on the show, whereas in the anime I never liked her) so when I found out she had a new song called "Kiss! Bang! (squared)" I rushed to find it (partly because there's a Pizzicato 5 song of the same name).
Anyway it's guitar influenced pop and sounds like a cross between Ayaka's song "Romance" and Chieco Kawabe's "be your girl". It's very catchy and fun to sing along to.

Title: Twiggy Twiggy
Artist(s): Pizzicato Five
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: This Year's Girl (album)
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): n/a
Genre: 60s/Pop/Shibuya-Kei

[BIO]

Pizzicato Five originally started to form as far back as 1979, when university students Yasuharu Konishi and Keitaro Takanami first met at a local music society meeting. They recruited fellow society member Ryo Kamamiya and vocalist Mamiko Sasaki. Their first single, Audrey Hepburn Complex, was released in 1984. After Sasaki and Kamamiya quit the group, P5 hired up & coming vocalist from the band Portable Rock, Maki Nomiya. She sung on all their hits from 1990 onwards. The band officially split in March 2001. Pizzicato Five are the undisputed fathers of Shibuya-Kei- the style of ultra modern music coming from the Shibuya area of Tokyo and giving birth to such groups as Fantastic Plastic Machine and Puffy.

[REVIEW]

Since I mentioned this song earlier, and also since I love it so much, I decided to post it. In all honesty, many people might very well hate this song- it has an ultra-retro 60's feel to it and is decidedly jazzy. It is the song P5 are often remembered by, though, and shows of Maki's adorable vocals. I especially love the piano at the end.

Title: Marunouchi Sadistic
Artist(s): Shiina Ringo
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Muzai Moratorium (album)
Company: Toshiba-EMI
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.toshiba-emi.co.jp/ringo/
Genre: Rock

[BIO]

Shiina studied ballet and drama as a teenager, and was also the drummer in an all-girl band Marvelous Marbles. In 1995 she won a prize at a Music Quest competition. She has lived in England and debuted in 1998 with her single, “Koufukuron” and her album in 1999 Muzai Moratorium. She is known for trading styles of music left and right, and can be put in both Jpop and Jrock categories.

[REVIEW]

I'm not a Shiina fan, but I fell in love with this song from the first time I heard it- a live performance with Shiina's new band, Tokyo Jihen. After a frantic search to find out what it was, I finally managed to download it. I listen to it a lot. This song is basically a love song from Shiina to her favourite instruments. It's catchy, gentle, and shows of Shiina's eclectic voice.

Title: Give Me Up
Artist(s): W
Language: Japanese/English
Album/Single: Duo U&U (album)
Company: Zetima
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Jo
Link(s): http://www.helloproject.com/w
Genre: Retro/Dance/Pop

[BIO]

"W" is a group made up of ex Morning Musume members Ai Kago and Nozomi Tsuji. Since the two members joined at the same time, look similar, and have done almost everything together within the group- as well as being two thirds of the original members of Mini Moni- it was only fitting that they graduated together and remained together after the graduation. Their first album, Duo U&U, was made up entirely of covers of JPop songs from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. They also sang the theme for the new season of Doraemon.

[REVIEW]

This is probably the most underrated song on Duo U&U as well as being the only one I still listen to, other than Koi no Vacance. I didn't really like the album so much, but this song is great. I think it's a cover of a German song, originally, and from the beat you can tell it's probably from the 80's. It displays the girls' vocals, including proving that Nozomi actually is a good song. I just wish I knew who this song was originally by- if you know, please let me know too!

Aug 15th ft. Yaida Hitomi, Faye Wong, Mina, Yumi Shizukusa, RIKKI, Cocco & Nobuo Uematsu

2004-08-15T05:14:42Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. Not to mention that you're a REJECT if you don't.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, August 22nd, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Comment, or Sailor Venus will hunt you down and kick your ass - and Jo and Zora will be there, laughing and taking pictures.

Azora.:* - All of the songs will be up gradually. I got tapped to work tomorrow so I really don't have time to be putting up all the songs at once. I need to get
some sleep. However, I can tell you that most of the songs on the update will be Japanese. I'm trying to keep some kind of balance between the languages, or at least
the major ones that I have, but it's a little hard sometimes when there's things I want to share and they're all in one language. Heh. Anyway, comment and come back whenever -
maybe more things will be up then. Also, keep in mind, if you take something - comment, even if it has to be repeatedly. Hopefully all the songs will be up tomorrow, but I'm
not promising anything. You can look in the Subject to see some of who's coming.

Request List Here.

Title: Hitori Jenga
Artist(s): Yaida Hitomi
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Air/Cook/Sky
Company: Toshiba EMI
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): n/a
Genre: Rock/Jazz/Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Yaida Hitomi never played a live show before she was signed. She sent a demo tape around when she was 21, which eventually found it's way to a record company, Aozora Records
and then to three of Tokyo's biggest radio stations. She plays many instruments, but often plays only her guitar during recording and shows, leaving the other instruments to a band called Diamond Head.

[REVIEW]

I've liked Yaida Hitomi for a while, but until recently haven't gotten to sample most of her work. Hitori Jenga is one of my
favorite songs already. I'm a sucker for songs with a clapping beat. Her voice is something too. It's almost nasal, but she keeps
enough control that she doesn't, if that makes sense. *shrug* I put down jazz too because
while this song isn't jazz, she gets this jazzy lilt to her voice at parts and something in the rhythm just makes me think jazz.

Title: Cold War (Lang Jeen)
Artist(s): Faye Wong
Language: Cantonese
Album/Single: Hundred Thousand Whys
Company: Cinepoly
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.sonymusic.com.tw/pop/fayewong/
Genre: Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Faye Wong is arguably one of the most well known Chinese musicians in the world.
She began her career doing “normal” pop songs (fabricated maybe?) under the name Shirley Wong, but at one point decided to change her style and her name to Faye Wong.
She now does pop her own way - and it seemed to have made her only more popular.
Faye is probably best known to gamers worldwide as the woman who sang “Eyes on Me”.

[REVIEW]

This is a mostly piano song, with Faye's voice. This is also a cover of the popular Tori Amos song, "Silent All These Years". For some reason,
Faye renamed it. However, I still like it. The chorus is quite interesting, like a choir and Faye's voice is almost earsplitting in an angelic way.
I also decided to put this up because someone mentioned they liked Cantonese better than Mandarin, and Faye, contrary to what I first thought,
is more of a Cantopop singer than a Mandopop singer.

Title: Jjang (The Best)
Artist(s): Mina
Language: Korean
Album/Single: RE:TURN 2 MINA
Company: J-Entercom
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): n/a
Genre: Urban/Dance
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Shin Mina was first spotted at a 2002 South Korean Soccer World Cup game, cheering on the South Korea team. She was also crowned Miss World Cup for South Korea. Before being "spotted" for her looks, she was a backup dancer
for Park Ji Yoon.

[REVIEW]

First off, the only thing I dislike about Mina is that she was noticed by a couple of photographers during a game. She wasn't discovered for her singing or anything like that. But hey, however it happens, I guess.
This is quite Urban sounding, and very groovy. It's got a bouncy quality to it, very dancy. Jjang, the title, can mean
something like "The Best" or like the Boss. It's disputable. Mina sounds very good on this song, although once again, I'm not sure if she's a studio
artist or if she can actually sing. She's got the "urban" thing down anyway. Or at least pseudo-urban. She seems a little bit manufactured, but that does not
take the edge off of the groove for me.

Title: Kagerou
Artist(s): RIKKI
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Mitsu
Company:
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s):
Genre: Traditional/Contemporary
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

RIKKI is a traditional-contemporary artist. She performed the theme song for FFX, Suteki Da Ne, but also is an accomplished artist
on her own and has released several albums.

[REVIEW]

This is quite a sharp sounding song. RIKKI's vocals almost seem out of this world, and I'm not quite sure whether her voice
is digitalized in this song, or whether she really sounds like this. However, after hearing a live version of Suteki Da Ne, I'm
convinced this is her actual voice, no smoke and mirrors. The backing music is quite traditional sounding, but almost seems
electronic. It's, by all means, modern traditional music.

Title: The Place I'll Return To Somewhere
Artist(s): Nobuo Uematsu
Language: None.
Album/Single: Final Fantasy 9 OST
Company:
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s):
Genre: Instrumental/Medieval
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Nobuo Uematsu is the renowned composer at Squaresoft for the Final Fantasy games. He began playing the piano on his own at the age of 12 without
instruction. He graduated from the University of Kanagawa with a major in Music. He enjoys Japanese pro wrestling, drinking and making beer, and learning how to play
the fiddle. He was also named as on of the 100 innovators in Time Magazine for the piece, "Time 100: The Next Wave - Music".

[REVIEW]

This has a very medieval sound to it, and I love it. This is the opening theme song for FF9 - not THE theme song, that's Melodies of Life -
but this is the song they play on the opening screen for the game. It has this feeling of being more of a theme for the game than MoL is.
It has the whole Alexandria feel to it, and is a great pre-theme to the game. IMO, always, of course.

Title: COUNTDOWN (KAUTODAUN)
Artist(s): Cocco
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: Bougainvillea, Best
Company: Speedstar
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.cocco.co.jp
Genre: Rock
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Cocco's real name is Makishi Satoko. Her first "album" was a three song EP, self-titled. One of the songs off
the EP was selected by Tower Records for their advertising campaign, and Cocco to star in them. She released four albums
before announcing her retirement from music. However, she has contributed to the Yutaka Ozaki tribute album and wrote a book.
Cocco is a very emotional person, and puts all her emotions into her music.
She finds it hard to be in the spotlight and cannot stand fame, shying away from it.

[REVIEW]

This song starts out just absolutely beautiful. A piano and violin intro. I remember when I first got my Best album, I was so silent
when I heard the beginning. Cocco's is so soft and calm that you don't expect the song to explode. And it does. She gets right in her
element quickly. The thing about Cocco is that she's so emotional, all the time, you can't help but love her for it. The violin does make
repeated appearances on musical breaks too, and that's what keeps the song together really. The music and Cocco's voice go back and forth between
calm and serious to hurried. This isn't my favorite song, but it's close, very close.

Title: TAKE ME TAKE ME ~N-Balance Mix~
Artist(s): Yumi Shizukusa
Language: Japanese/English
Album/Single: TAKE ME TAKE ME
Company: Giza
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.yumi-shizukusa.com
Genre: Remix/Urban/Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Yumi Shizukusa, who briefly stinted on the Indies scene, is an Urban artist with Giza. She performed live with Mai Kuraki and Rina Aiuchi before her debut.

[REVIEW]

I thought I'd serve up a "new" take on one of my old Yumi Shizukusa favorites, the anthem-ish "TAKE ME TAKE ME". I <3 the original version, but
surprisingly, this remix from the single really gets things heated up. There's some extra drums, and this awesome guitar in parts. Of course, there's
a section devoted to a little bit of synthesizing, but not much, and it's not major synth anyway. Most of the song is kept intact here,
and I like that. I'm sure that the remix itself would have made a great single instead of the original version, but both are equally good. Yumi's different
from your average Urban artist, but that doesn't mean she bad at all - quite the opposite.

Aug. 8th ft. Elva Hsiao, Matsu Takako, Ah Rae Ro, SAKURA, Chakra, Kim Yoon Ah, Rivermaya, Teresa W..

2004-08-08T18:28:08Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. Not to mention that you're a REJECT if you don't.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, August 15th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Azora.:* - I didn't get many requests, only two or three - none of which I actually filled. Sorry. I'd like to point out something about the Request List that I have unfairly not pointed out. I will not be posting the same artist for 1-2 posts after I have posted them once, unless I change my mind. Then again, I don't often post "new" stuff anyway. That might change, it might not. Just keep that in mind, and to those who did request an artist featured on last week's post, I'm sorry I didn't clarify about requesting.

Request List Here.

Title: Qiangwei (Rose)
Artist(s): Elva Hsiao
Language: Mandarin
Album/Single: The Best of Elva: A Beautiful Episode
Company: EMI
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): n/a
Genre: Ballad/Pop/R&B
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Elva Hsiao is a Mandopop artist from Taiwan. She performs a variety of music, mostly pop and R&B, and has released several albums, including her
first compilation of 5 years - The Best of Elva: A Beautiful Episode. She also made a cameo in the hit movie Infernal Affairs, starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung.

[REVIEW]

For me, Elva's best songs have a piano in them. (Like Di Xia Tie, aka Subway - so good.) The piano intro in this song is so simplistic, but it's very nice.
The song picks up, and there's some percussion, and I can hear strings in the background as well. Elva's voice is strong here,
but not overpowering for the song. This is somewhere between a ballad and your regular pop song, but it manages really not to be either -
at least in instrumentation. Personally,the best thing about the song is not the instrumentation though, it's Elva herself. The chorus is rather
catchy too.

Title: Ai Ga Watashi Ni Oshiete Kuretakoto
Artist(s): Matsu Takako
Language: Japanese
Album/Single: homegrown
Company: Universal Music
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.universal-music.co.jp/matsu/index.html
Genre: Jazz/Pop/Easy Listening
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Matsu Takako is an artist currently under Universal Music management. She plays piano and performs music that can be described as "easy listening." She is
also a well-known actress, acting in Drama Series, movies, and stage productions.

[REVIEW]

This is my second favorite song after "Hana no Youni" from Takako's homegrown album. The music is
very jazzy sounding (to me) and Takako's voice is just -perfect- for this song. She doesn't manage to be too
deep nor too high. Her voice fits very well with the music. This is a somewhat soothing song, but the chorus totally
makes me want to sing along, especially when the (what seems to be) electric guitar comes in. It's just like, one chord, but
it totally MAKES the chorus. :D So this is... kind of dancy in a midtempo way. I'd dance to it anyway.

Title: Ah Rae Ro
Artist(s): Maya
Language: Korean
Album/Single: Vol. 2 - Rock Star
Company: YBM Seoul Records
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Genre: Rock/Pop/Latino
Link(s): http://www.soulmaya.net/
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Maya is a rising star in Korea. She reworked an immensely popular poem, by Korean poet Kim So Wol, "Azaleas" into a popular song. Maya performed
regularly as a guest singer at JK Dong Wook and Lee Hyun Woo's concerts. Maya also practices Judo.

[REVIEW]

This song has a Latin feel in the beginning, reminding me of Italian restaurants and Spanish fiestas, but is actually
a jazzed up rock song by this Korean artist. The chorus is the part I love best about this song "Ah Rae Ro" - she says it several times
really strongly, and you can't help but sing along. She rolls her R's a lot too, which makes it sound cool. It's just a fun bouncy rockish song.
I think if you like Latin influences, or the Italian restaurant/Venice feel, you might like this song for the background music.

Title: Surf
Artist(s): SAKURA
Language: Japanese/English
Album/Single: Lana
Genre: R&B/Jazz
Company: Toshiba EMI
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.aloha.co.jp/NEO_ALOHA/html/ARTIST/SAKU.htm
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

SAKURA performs pop and R&B/funk music. She plays the guitar, writes lyrics, and also composes. She is fluent in English, as well, and has
lived in Sweden.

[REVIEW]

This song starts out very jazzy, and does retain some of that influence throughout the song, but I think of this
as being more R&B. The beginning is one of my favorite parts. SAKURA does this really jazzy "da da dun dun" and it's just the
big pickup. She mixes quite a bit of English in the song, as well. This has a very "bum" feel to it, like a beach-band song. But
the chorus, as it seems today, is the killer. "Let me show you..." It's in English, and SAKURA's voice is very soulful in this song.
Mm. SAKURA. <3 She's one of my favorites. The end gets in her Hawaiian theme as of late, with some tap-clapping and what sounds like a ukele. Neat.

Title: Ex-Boyfriend
Artist(s): Chakra
Language: Korean/English
Album/Single: Vol. 4 - Tomato
Company: Kiss Entertainment
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://kiss-ent.com/artist/artistinfo.php?aid=kiss-chakra
Genre: Club/Hip-Hop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Chakra is a popular 4-woman group composed of Eani, Hwang Bo, Ryeo Won, and Eun. They perform mostly techno-infused dance music, and have released 4 albums.
Ryeo Won is also an actress, Eani placed third in the Miss Korea '97 contest, Hwang Bo rapped for the Bros., and Eun is a beauty model.

[REVIEW]

This song, to me, sounds very American. It's got a heavy club beat, and some of the singing is very low and just the tiniest
bit gritty - it's like a club anthem. I really like the girls' voices though. They mix very well, and while I prefer "strong voices" I like
how they all don't have strong voices, which makes for a good mix. The higher voices in the background add depth to the lower voices. The reason why I've
also got "hip-hop" added to the genre section is that it's very hip-hoppish as well, but definitely is a club song.

Title: Bul Ah Neun Young Ho Neul Jahm Shik Hahn Da
Artist(s): Kim Yoon Ah
Language: Korean
Album/Single: vol. 2 - Glass Mask
Company: T-Entertainment
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): n/a
Genre: Classical Pop
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Kim Yoon Ah is the vocalist for Korean rock band Jaurim. She has released two albums on her own.

[REVIEW]

I was going to do a different song, girl talk, which is different from most of the songs on her album Glass Mask, but
decided against it instead. The majority of songs on Glass Mask have a 1920's jazzy, but classical, feel to them, and this song
is no exception. Kim Yoon Ah's voice is strong, and she really can hit all the notes - but she's no Mariah Carey if that's what you're thinking.
Her voice almost has a haunting feel to it, and this song has a haunting melody.

Title: 'Wag Na Init Ulo Baby (Don't Be So Hot-Headed Baby)
Artist(s): Rivermaya
Language: Tagalog/English
Album/Single: Tuloy Ang Liaya
Company: BMG Records Pilipinas
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): http://www.rivermaya.net
Genre: Easy Rock
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Rivermaya is a popular Filipino rock band with a musical career spanning over a decade.
The members are band frontman Rico Blanco, guitarists Michael Elgar and Kakoi Legaspi, bassist Japs Sergio, and drummer Mark Escueta.

[REVIEW]

This song is great. I like the title alot, it's funny. The song itself is kind of funny too. It's about (what I'm assuming)
to be a girlfriend, and she's always mad and "hot-headed", and he tells her that it's catching and that she should calm down. He loves her,
but he wants her to chill. Heh. In the beginning, there's a sound like a foghorn, but as you listen you realize that it must be a trumpet. It becomes then
a simple melody, with synth sounds and what I think are bongo drums. And of course, that trumpet comes back too.

Title: Tang Swings
Artist(s): Teresa Wong
Language: Instrumental
Album/Single: Modern Tang Allures
Company: n/a
Requested by: n/a
Reviewed by: Azora
Link(s): n/a
Genre: Classical/Traditional/Contemporary
Download (right or left click): here.

[BIO]

Teresa Wong is a ehru soloist who began training at the age of six. She has also studied piano and Chinese zither.
Teresa attended the Central Music Academy when she was 17 and when she graduated,
was selected to perform in the China Central Orchestra.

[REVIEW]

An anonymous person requested some traditiona/classical/contemporary music, so I started looking for some other
than the artists I have on my list (mostly for my sake - I <3 this kind of music). They said "not Chinese" for some odd reason, but I decided to put up some Chinese music anyway. Hopefully they'll like this even though it's Chinese. If not, oh well, I like it. The intro actually reminds me of "Ami" from FF8, but then Teresa starts playing. This is
a very beautiful song. It starts out slow, but works up to midtempo. Teresa's style kind of reminds me of some of the other
new traditional/contemporary groups out now. She dresses very modern, and she's a very talented musician - but sometimes incorporates
more modern beats in the background. This has an electronic thump to it, but there are also some other traditional instruments that
I can't identify, as well as metal drums in the background. However, if you're like me, you like modern traditional music that focuses on
the traditional instrument itself, and Teresa Wong's music does just that. It's not overdubbed with a club beat.

Aug 1st ft. Rin', Bonnie Pink, Tsukiko Amano, Tommy february6, HIBARI, MOJOFLY, Miz, Ko...

2004-08-01T05:07:42Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. Not to mention that you're a REJECT if you don't.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, August 1st, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Comment, or Sailor Venus will hunt you down and kick your ass- and Jo and Zora will be there, laughing and taking pictures.

Azora.:* Dang, it's August already. Almost time to go back to school. Ugh. Until Jo gets her computer back on it's non-existent feet, like she said, I'll be doing the update by myself. I don't plan on taking a break, but who knows. I have a couple of requests filled right now, including Hitomi Shimatani's Perseus - it's just not uploaded yet. [edit] Tommy february6's song also needs to be uploaded. Oops. I'll upload them later on today when I get the time. So, whoever requested those songs, you'll have to wait. It's coming though. I just don't have the time right now. I'll be using various icons now, maybe, because it doesn't seem right to use our Kuremachisu! icon without Jo. ;-;

So, get downloading, and don't forget to comment. Otherwise Venus is gonna kick yer' sorry ass. :P I'm still contemplating what next week's theme will be, if there will be one at all. I just got some new WAX stuff in , from WAX's third album - but it hasn't been added to the request list. Keep checking back if you're interested in.

Request List Here.

// Perseus by Hitomi Shimatani
In: Japanese
From: Perseus [Single]
On: Avex
Requested by: ketsune
Type: Dramatic Pop/Dance
Link: http://www.avexnet.or.jp/shimatani/

[BIO]

Hitomi Shimatani debuted in July of 1999. Since then, she has released roughly 12 singles, 3 albums, and one mini-album. She draws from many musical influences, including Spanish, dance, and enka.

[REVIEW]

The “type” was pretty hard to pick out on this song. It’s fast paced, but it doesn’t have a fast enough pace to be considered a club song. It’s more of a dramatic pop, but it’s not a ballad either. There’s elements of classical music and traditional music in the background too, but they aren’t noticeable enough to be thought of as part of the genre. Hitomi’s got a somewhat throaty voice here, but it doesn’t feel out of place at all. It’s a song with an element of “hurry” in it. I believe this was my second Hitomi Shimatani song I heard. My first was Viola - another excellent song.

// Release by Rin’
In: Japanese
From: Yachiyo no Kaze [Single]
On: Avex
Requested by: black_winter, taiirei, ayuvolution :D
Type: Traditional/Contemporary
Link: http://www.avexnet.or.jp/rin/

[BIO]

Mana Yoshinaga, Tomoca Nagasu, and Chie Arai form Rin’. With their traditional instruments (biwa, shakuhachi, koto, sangen, and jushichi-gen), they sing and perform contemporary traditional music.

[REVIEW]

I’m actually more of a fan of the instrumental tracks Rin’ has, but I need to give their singing more chances. It’s not bad, but I prefer them just to play. This song is the c/w to Yachiyo no Kaze and I really love the instrumentation. I don't know if it's "less well-known" or not, but it seems to me that people always have the single and not the c/w track, so I figured this would work. It reminds me of a pine forest, with a creek, and birds singing - and no, I’m not comparing their voices to birds. Anyway, Release is a decent song.

// I’m in the mood for dancing by Bonnie Pink
In: English
From: Last Kiss [Single]
On: Organon
Requested by: lyttostarlite
Type: R&B/50's pop/Dance
Link: http://www.bonniepink.jp/

[BIO]

Asada Kaori, better known to fans and the public as Bonnie Pink, is a singer-songwriter who has released 11 albums and a long list of singles. She released her first album in 1995 under her real name, but then met The Cardigans’ producer Tore Johannsen - and recorded her first two albums under the name Bonnie Pink. She also idolizes singer-songwriter, Aimee Mann.

[REVIEW]

This is kind of a mixture of R&B, pop, and a Motown wannabe’s first single. This song is pretty repetitive, but Bonnie’s voice isn’t bad at all and I think the lyrics are kind of sweet. This almost reminds me of some of No Doubt’s “earlier” stuff from their Tragic Kingdom CD. There’s a bunch of Oooh-oooh-ooh’ing too, in the back. This song is also completely in English, and Bonnie’s accent is great. There’s no mistaking this as anything other than the c/w song this is though.

// ChOOse mE or Die by Tommy february6
In: Japanese/English
From: Tommy airline [album]
On: Sony Music
Requested by: Anonymous
Type: Retro Pop/Electronica
Link: http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/Tommyfebruary6/

[BIO]

Tomoko Kawase, the lead singer of popular three-piece band The Brilliant Green, also releases music under her aliases Tommy february6 and Tommy heavenly6. Tommy february6's music tends to be more 80's and electronica pop driven, while Tommy heavenly6's music is whatever is popular at the moment. Tomoko also has a group she mentors, called Tommy angels.

[REVIEW]

I like most of Tommy february6's stuff, and Choose me or Die (I am not typing it out funky again) is the song that first turned me onto her music. This is a pretty retro sounding song, like the majority of Tomoko’s music put out under this alias. There are lots of electronic sounds, and she’s got some really cute lyrics in this song. “If you don’t love me I’ll kill you,” etc. However, I really hate how she spells her titles. It’s like one of those annoying people I’d like to kill, that type “lyke dis and LoVE To uSe thE stiCKY cAPs” style. Ugh. Cringe. This is a catchy song though.

// ½ Wishing by MOJOFLY
In: English
From: Mojofly [album]
On: n/a
Requested by: shirenu
Type: Easy Rock
Link: n/a

[BIO]

MOJOFLY is a Filipino rock band. Lead singer Katrina “Kitchie” Nadal provides her raspy, jazzy voice for the instrumentation by the band. The group was formed by ex-Hungry Young Poets bassist Ricci Gurango after his split with HYP, and the other band-mates are Jun Jun Regalado III and Ray Golamco. In 2003, Kitchie decided to leave the group so she could attend to her studies. The replacing vocalist is Lougee Basabas. Kitchie has also now decided to write/sing songs as a solo artist.

[REVIEW]

Another kind of sad song by MOJOFLY, but it’s a really good one again. It has this kind of stellar beginning, with these weird electronic sounds, but then it moves on. This is with Kitchie, still, as the vocalist. <3 I’ve gotten used to Lougee’s singing on the other song I have, but I still <3 Kitchie. Anyway, this song’s got a nice guitar melody and a good hook. Great chorus. “In the loneliness that haunts me like your killer melodies. But the more I try to reach you, the more I start to see...” Good stuff, folks. I guess I really can’t analyze this one.

// Got It by Miz
In: Japanese/English
From: Waiting For [Single]
On: Victor Entertainment
Type: Rock/Pop
Link: http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/miz/

[BIO]

Miz is a newcomer to the Jpop scene, hailing from Hokkaido. Her first single, “New Day” was featured as a CM song. “New Day” made it to the top ten on the Oricon, Japan’s “Billboard Charts”.

[REVIEW]

I actually like this song better than the single. The guitar riffs in the beginning are great, and remind me somewhat of FeFe Dobson. But just for a second there. Miz moves into her own territory quickly. I like the chorus “I would if I could say no, but I can’t let go.” Miz’s English isn’t as good on this song as on “New Day” and “What’s It To You?!” - they probably let down the bar of excellence since she did so well on the Oricon for her debut. She’s got a great voice though - I’d love to get a sample of her singing live and see whether the studio is glossing her up or if she really sounds like this.

// Sekaiju no Kodomotachi ga (KAORI meets I.S.O) by HIBARI
In: Japanese
From: Sekaiju no Kodomotachi ga (BRISA BRASILIERA) [Single]
On: Universal International
Type: Pop/R&B
Link: http://www.universal-music.co.jp/defjam/hibari/

[BIO]

HIBARI is singer KAORI’s solo project. HIBARI debuted with the single “Back In Love Again”, an R&B song reminiscent of Hikaru Utada’s earlier works.

[REVIEW]

This takes most of the Brazilian influence out of the original title song on the single and instead focuses on the R&B-ish influence that HIBARI exuded on their first single, Back In Love Again. (I lost that song, I’ve got to go find it again. I liked it a lot.) In place of the frisky Brazilian beat, there’s a tap-beat-tap and some more back-up voices. It’s a very good version of Sekiaju no Kodomotachi ga, IMO.

// Heat by Koda Kumi ft. Megaryu
In: Japanese
From: Chase [Single]
On: Avex
Type: R&B/Reggae/Dance Hall
Link: http://www.avexnet.co.jp/koda

[BIO]

Koda Kumi is the older sibling of Misono, from the popular band Day After Tomorrow. She debuted with her single “Take Back” in 2000, which also reached No. 18 on the Hot Dance Chart in the U.S after it’s release in 2001. She voice-acted for Lenne in FFX-2, sang the two theme songs for FFX-2, and is also a model for Christian Dior in Japan.

[REVIEW]

This song starts out feeling reggae/dance hall-ish so I wasn’t sure what to think of it. It keeps the dance hall beat throughout the song though. The rapping is by Megaryu, someone I’ve never heard of. He’s either annoying or endearing, one of the two. Koda’s vocals are pretty much basic here, nothing original or new. She does a pretty cool rap near the end though, kind of like Megaryu’s rap earlier in the song. Other than that, I’m not really impressed with that song - but since this is Koda’s c/w to her new single “Chase” I thought I’d post it.

// Kame (Tortoise) by Tsukiko Amano
In: Japanese
From: Same (Shark) [Single]
On: Pony Canyon [Japan]
Type: Rock/Lounge
Link: http://www.otokura.com/amano/

[BIO]

Tsukiko Amano plays refined alternative rock. Much of her music features guitars and orchestral backings, along with her soft-yet-strong voice. Tsukiko isn’t afraid to experiment; in one song from the album Tenryu, she spoke through an entire song. She tends to name all of her albums after Western actresses: Meg & Lion, Sharon Stones, and Winona Riders. Her album Tenryu seems to be the exception thus far. Her lyrics are also fairly notorious for being hard to find on the internet (although you can find them now at Cori’s Jpop Lyrics).

[REVIEW]

If I’m not mistaken, I think Tsukiko puts a new song on every single. After all, Winona Riders is a collection of all of her c/w’s from previous singles. This still has a rock feel, but there’s more of a “lounge” overtone. Maybe something that would be played at a club or a laid-back lounge. The guitar feels kind of jazzy here, and so do Tsukiko’s vocals. There’s an awesome drum beat too, and I can hear piano as well.as well.

July 25th, ft. eVonne Hsu, Uhm Jung Hwa, Jolin Tsai, Ccotbyul, GiGi Leung, Yu Chae Young, Landy Wen

2004-07-26T01:53:49Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. Not to mention that you're a REJECT if you don't.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, July 25th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Comment, or Sailor Venus will hunt you down and kick your ass- and Jo and Zora will be there, laughing and taking pictures.

----------

Azora.:* - I have sad news, all. Jo's computer has died. So, until she gets it fixed, there won't be any updates from her and I'll have to fill in. I'll try to do my best, but I don't have a lot in the same style that she does. The death of Jo's computer also may mess with the requesting for a bit if she has lost some of her music. Or all of it. ;-; But, the request list will be officially released today. I may try to find the songs that were Jo's, but probably not - most likely I will ask for a substitute song. (If you've read this before, you'll notice it's changed - I changed my mind on a couple of things.) No promises. We don't have it marked down who has what either, so you'll have to deal with not knowing. It's a big list, divided by artist's nationality/country where majority of music is released. There's more about it on the list page.

Request List Here. I hope everything works okay. If you want to request, request in the comments when you take something (or when you'd just plain like to request something). Please keep in mind that I won't be filling some requests, because some are Jo's songs. This includes the majority of the Hello! Project songs, but I do have a few myself - so just ask! Jo and I do have some of the same songs - few, but still.

As for today's update, sorry it's so late. Like I said, I had plans, and then I found out Jo's comp had died. I decided to do a "Somewhat/Majorly Popular Female Chinese Artist" + "Somewhat/Majorly Popular Female Korean Artist" update. I think I've been posting too much Japanese lately, and considering Zhongwenmp3 is down and out for the count for a while, I thought I'd have a bunch of Chinese music. And I thought I'd give you some GOOD Korean music (by my standards of course) to listen to.

I would also like to thank everyone for all those comments last week! We had forty comments altogether (counting ours, but still - we were talking about serious stuff yo) and that's just so awesome! Hee. <3 I <3 all of you that comment. And everyone surely knows what I think of those that didn't.

Next week I'm considering a "Japanese Singles c/w" update.

// Yu Er Shui Zhong (Fish Swimming In The Water) by eVonne Hsu
In: Mandarin
From: Lonely Ballet
On: What’s Music (HK)
Requested By: ayuvolution
Type: R&B/Dance/Pop
Link: http://www.coremusic.com.tw/evonne/evonne
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]
eVonne Hsu is a relative newcomer to the Chinese music scene and has only been around for a couple years. A Chinese-American from Texas, she releases Mandarin music in China. She does mainly R&B, Pop, and Dance music. She speaks Mandarin well, but cannot read nor write it.

[REVIEW]

This song points out one of the things I loved about eVonne Hsu’s first album. She had songs that would surprise you, that started out as something and would become totally different the next second. Yu Er Shui Zhong You is kind of like that. It starts out mellow, with a R&B backbeat, but then it launches into this fast paced club-beat and eVonne sings pretty fast - then it mellows out again. The title rocks. I mean, Fish Swimming in The Water? Crazy. The only thing about this song that I dislike, almost to the point of hating, is eVonne’s cheesy English rap. The song would be extra sweet if that wasn’t there.

// Boa Jin Ni (Hug You Tightly) by GiGi Leung
In: Mandarin
From: Sense of Belonging
On: Warner Music (HK)
Type: Pop/Rock
Link: http://www.warnermusic.hk (Listed as a local artist, 3rd block in menu)
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

Unlike many Chinese popstars who juggle acting and singing, GiGi began acting first. She initially took a small part time job at a modeling agency while she was in college, which turned into the opportunity for a small film role, and then a bigger role in Full Throttle, directed by Derek Yee. She began recording music in 1996, is more popular as a singer, and speaks excellent English.

[REVIEW]

This song is really laid back in the beginning, with a couple of neat guitar chords. GiGi’s vocals are great and clear too. The reason why I enjoy this song so much (besides that it’s a refreshing break from the ballads on her album) is the chorus. It gets all upbeat and poppy and has a slight taste of rock too. This song has this feeling to it... like... when you’re away from someone for a while, and you see them again - and you’re so happy, and you just want to give them a hug and go for walks with them, etc. <3 That’s probably not what the song is about, but that’s the feeling I get.

// Guai Mao (Obedient Cat) by Jolin Tsai
In: Mandarin
From: Castle
On: Sony
Type: Pop/Dance
Link: http://www.sonymusic.com.tw/pop/jolin/
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

Jolin Tsai entered the Mandarin pop scene in 1999 after being discovered (and winning) a singing contest on MTV in Taiwan. She is the daughter of a human resources consultant and a housewife, and has translated three of Madonna’s books into Chinese. She has also been romantically linked to Jay Chou, although they both deny that they are involved and are just “close friends”.

[REVIEW]

I love this song! It’s so fun and happy. The best part is when Jolin meows. Haha. It’s got a catchy beat, and it’s just so fun. I have no critical opinion on this song at all. It’s just cool.

// Boogie Woogie by Landy Wen
In: Mandarin
From: Landy Effect
On: BMG
Type: R&B/Dance/Pop
Link: http://www.bmg.com.tw/album.asp?cid=1&sid=89&x=13&y=3
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

Landy Wen is a popular Taiwanese singer, with three albums under her belt. Her image dramatically changed for her third album. She is also a member of the indigenous Taiwanese tribe, the Taiya.

[REVIEW]

I chose this song because I like the sassy beat it has. Landy Wen says Boogie Woogie funny, but it was probably intentional for her to say that. I also chose this song because it’s off her first studio album in like, two years - a long time for a Chinese artist to go without singing if you ask me. They seem to shell out those albums like nothing. Landy has some real attitude in this song as well, and she more or less talks than sings. But it’s still fun. The only thing I don’t like is the part of the lyrics where she says, “Landy, Landy, crazy and sexy” like she’s trying to tell her listeners what to think of her. Then again, she could mean someone else in the song is saying that, but to someone who doesn’t speak the language, it just seems like she’s being full of herself.

//My Darling by Daylight
In: Korean
From: Daylight
On: Media Synnara
Type: Pop/Rock
Link: n/a
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

Kang Yeon Kyeong, who uses the stage name Daylight, is a Korean songstress who debuted with a remade version of The Brilliant Green’s “Angel song ~eve no kane~”. She has also recorded some of her songs into Japanese, and will be singing the theme for a Japanese television drama. If “Angel Song” is chosen, it will be the first occurrence of reverse exporting of Japanese pop by a Korean musician, according to this website.

[REVIEW]

After hearing Angel Song, I feel in love with Daylight’s music. I loved Buri Guri’s version too, of course, but the Korean version was just muy excellente. While My Darling doesn’t have the more-or-less rock feel of Angel Song, it’s still a nice rock song with Daylight’s fantastic vocals. She doesn’t get all screechy and it doesn’t sound too polished either, which is great. IMO, rock shouldn’t sound too polished. It’s kind of mid-tempoed. A relaxing song.

// Fantasy by Uhm Jung Hwa
In: Korean
From: Vol. 6 - Queen of Charisma
On: EMI
Type: Dance/Pop/Techno
Link: http://www.uhmjunghwaforever.com
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

Born in the 70's, Uhm Jung Hwa graduated with an engineering degree of a sort before deciding on a singing career. Her usual style is techno-infused pop, but also covers the other mainstream sections with ballads and pop songs. She is known as the Dancing Queen as a result of her many club hits.

[REVIEW]

Okay, am I the only one, or does the beginning of this song totally remind anyone else of a Morning Musume song? One two cha cha cha! Or maybe a Mini Moni song. I’m not sure. Might be both. Anyway, it gets past the MoMusu-esqueness quickly and becomes a fun jolly club song. Hwa’s voice is strong here, and it’s one of the reasons why I like her. She doesn’t mumble or sing so low you can’t really hear her, which is what some artists like Park Ji Yoon do sometimes. Granted, I recently became a fan of P.J.Y’s stuff, but sometimes that irritates me. The MoMusu-ness does come back intermittedly in the song, but if you’re not a fan, it shouldn’t bother you that much. If you are a fan of MoMusu, you’ll probably find it really amusing.

// Do La Ji (Broad Bellflower) by Ccotbyul
From: Vol 2 - Star Garden
On: Leafage
Type: Instrumental/Traditional/Classical-Contemporary
Link: n/a
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

Ccotbyul plays a traditional Korean instrument - the Korean fiddle, also known as a haegum. She debuted with her CD “Small Flowers”, and then released her second CD, Star Garden, in 2004, in both Japan and Korea.

[REVIEW]

I’ve never heard the Korean fiddle being played before, so Ccotbyul was a treat for me. This track has a soft drum beat that almost reminds me of the tropics, but the music is in fact, focused on Ccotbyul and her haegum, which is what I enjoy. This song has a definite oriental feel, but it’s different from what I’ve heard before. But, Do La Ji does indeed remind me of a remote tropic island (do not think Hawaiian music, by the way - I don’t think it sounds tropical in that sense) or maybe a forested area. It’s nice to see a modern classical artist actually focus on her instrument, instead of laying the instrumentation over with a multitude of club beats. *cough* I’d say names, but I’d be a traitor as a fan.

// Flower by Yu Chae Young
In: Korean
From: Emotion
On: SM Entertainment
Type: Dance/Pop
Link: n/a
Download (right or left click): here

[BIO]

[REVIEW]

Now, in my opinion, Yu Chae Young doesn’t pull off the Middle Eastern voice as well as KOKIA does, but I still like this song. I’ve noticed a revival in the lusting after Yu Chae Young music on a couple forums, so I though I’d throw this on the update. It’s got Middle Eastern sections, and a good tempo - but it’s definitely a CD track. Unless it was remixed, it’d never be played in a club I don’t think. Good song to bounce to though. This is from her debut though... and she released a second CD in 2002 - I wonder if Yu Chae will come back? It doesn’t look as if she’s with them any longer - or at least I don’t see her on SM’s roster.

Today's Update

2004-07-25T06:22:40Z

My part of the update will probably be up later in the day (I'm on Eastern Time, btw) versus earlier this morning as I had planned. I have some unexpected plans for today and will probably be gone for the majority of the day, so I won't be able to update until later. Jo might get hers up though before then. I haven't gotten the chance to talk to her yet so I'm not sure. So, expect an update later in the day than normally (you know, when we get it up on time XD). It could change though.

- Azora

July18th ft. Heartsdales, MIC BANDITZ, MiniMoni, KOKIA, paris match, FLAME, Rivermaya, MoMusu...

2004-07-18T04:02:21Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates. Not to mention that you're a REJECT if you don't.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, July 25th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Jo.:* ------ Finishing up the last of the requests this week. MIC BANDITZ, MiniMoni and a MoMusu c/w as requested, and Heartsdales to round out the four since it got a good response last week. We were so surprised by how many requests we got last time! Wow guys, thanks so much for the terrific response! ^^
Hope you're really enjoying your vacation. Stay safe always and enjoy the music <3

Azora.:* ----- Hey all. I'm finishing up my requests as well. If you look below, you'll see KOKIA and FLAME listed as two of my songs. Enjoy those two, and the other ones
that I chose for the update. Jo and I are working on a request list as well, listing all of our songs - which is no small feat to configure, I assure you. Especially since we both
get new stuff all the time. But, once it's coded and up, I'm sure that it'll be a handy tool for everyone - because, of course, songs we already have are given priority when requested. It will
also be updated all the time. But that's the end of that news.

Please Note: If some things aren't showing up, or aren't downloadable, please come back later and try again.

//Summer Time Blues - Heartsdales
In: Japanese/English
From: Sugar Shine (album)
On: Espionage
Picked By: Jo
Type: Rap/R'n'B
Link: http://www.heartdales.net
http://www.espionage.jp/

[BIO]

The Heartsdales- Rum and Jewels- are a sister rapping duo discovered by m-flo MC Verbal in auditions on the popular TV show Asayan. They are signed to his label, Espionage Records. They have enjoyed great success, with two albums (Radioactive and Sugar Shine) and a number of hit singles including the collaboration with SOUL'd Out, CANDY POP. Rum also featured on m-flo's latest album, ASTROMANTIC.

[REVIEW]

This song makes me want to dance! It has a certain melancholy feel but it basically a club-type tune. Jewels sings on this one (and does a fairly decent job) and the rapping is good.

//Venus by FLAME
In: Japanese
From: Venus [Single]
On: Avex Trax
Requested by: shiroko
Reviewed by: Azora
Link: http://www.fl-a-me.com/

[BIO]

FLAME has two members from Osaka, front-man Izaki Yusuke and Izaki Hisato, and Kaneko Kyohei from Miyagi and Kitamura Yu from Tochigi. They debuted in 2001 with “Mune no Kodo”, and followed up with several singles and their first album, Boys’ Quest.

[REVIEW]

This song has a sampled beginning, with some voices and stuff, but it’s not too long of an intro. It’s quite fast paced, with a neat little synth-and-percussion beat. However, FLAME appears, to me, to be a group of rapper-boy-band types. I kind of like it when they say, “You’re my Venus,” but overall the song hasn’t really caught on me yet. They have decent voices though, but I don’t really care for it when they rap.

//MiniMoni Hinamatsuri - MiniMoni
In: Japanese
From: MiniMoni Hinamatsuri (single)
Picked By: Jo, for riikouexe
Type: Pop
Link: http://www.hellproject.com/minimoni

[BIO]

MiniMoni began when Morning Musume member Mari Yaguchi proposed to producer Tsunku that the three shortest MoMusu members- herself, Ai Kago and Nozomi Tsuji- be put in a group called "MiniMoni", short for "Mini Morning Musume". They would sing songs for kids. Tsunku liked the idea and also added Coconuts Musume member Mika Todd "for international flavour". She made the height requirement for the group- all members must be under 150cm tall.
After their first album, MiniMoni starred in a movie (The Great Cake Adventure) which co-starred new MoMusu recruit Ai Takahashi. Following Mari's graduation from the group, Ai T. was added even though she was 153cm tall. They have since had another album, and adopted a new r'n'b feel. However, the group was put on an "official long-term hiatus" following the graduation of Mika Todd in May of this year.

[REVIEW]

This is sort of the song that got me hooked on MiniMoni and was eventually my gateway to the wonderful world of H!P. It's bouncy and has addictive qualities. Perfect for fans of idol pop (I know you're out there somewhere).

//STARS by paris match
In: Japanese
From: b5(FLAT FIVE) [album]
On: Victor Entertainment
Reviewed by: Azora
Link: http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/parismatch/

[BIO]

paris match debuted in 2000 with their first album “Volume One”. Since then, they have released 7 albums and several singles. Their lead singer is Mari Mizuno, and the other two members are Yosuke Sugiyama and Tai Furusawa.

[REVIEW]

I don’t know a lot about paris match, but I thought I’d give them a listen. This has a big-band salsa feel. There’s horns and a fast paced drum beats. Mari’s voice is quite nice and isn’t grating or anything. I don’t know whether I really like it a lot or not. Tell me what you think.

//Radio Radio - MIC BANDITZ
In: Japanese
From: Sixth Sense (album)
Picked By: Jo, for pilferette
Type: Rap
Link: http://www.espionage.jp/

[BIO]

The MIC BANDITZ are Verbal's rap "posse". They are signed to his label, Espionage Records aka ESP along with the Heartsdales. Apart from Verbal, there are 5 MIC BANDITZ- Arkitec, Mr. Blistah, Clench, 51-GOICHI, and COYASS. They have had two full length albums- Johnny Astro & the Diamond Crooks and Sixth Sense, and an EP- The Visitorz. They have also featured on a number of other artists' albums.

[REVIEW]

This is the song that got me hooked on MIC BANDITZ. Having said that, it's completely different from everything else they've released since, but I still love it. The rapping is fast-paced, and the beat is catchy. Plus Verbal sounds great and we all know what a sucker for him I am. <3 Anyway, a good rap song overall. Check out the Banditz' webpage for some cute candid photos from the recording of their album Johnny Astro & the Diamond Crooks.

//Hana by KOKIA
In: Japanese
From: trip trip
On: Victor Entertainment
Reviewed by: Azora
Requested by taiirei
Link: http://www.motherld.com/kokia

[BIO]

KOKIA began her music career as a child, loving to play the piano. She attended a summer music school in the United States when she was 10 and 14. She majored in high school was Opera, and she studied classical music at a music school. In her profile on her website, it says, of her time in the United States, “Through these experiences, she has firmly believed that it is possible to get across to people all over the world with music even they are not able to understand each [others’]languages.”

[REVIEW]

This is probably one of my favorite KOKIA songs thus far, of what I’ve heard. She has such an amazing voice in this song that reaches so many pitches. It has almost an Arabic feel, and reminds me of another singer, an Israeli who performs under the name Ishtar. KOKIA’s trademark piano is also featured in this song, but the orchestra instrumentation and her voice are what give the song the Middle Eastern feel. This isn’t the best quality song (if you listen closely there are a couple minor skips) but they really aren’t noticeable, and I actually didn’t notice them until I was writing this... But really, it’s a great song anyway!

//Popcorn Love - Morning Musume
In: Japanese
From: Mr. Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~ (single)
On: Zetima
Picked By: Jo, for shirenu
Type: Pop
Link: http://www.helloproject.com

[BIO]

Morning Musume. was originally made up of just five members- Yuko Nakazawa, Kaori Iida, Aya Ishiguro, Natsumi Abe, and Asuka Fukuda. They were losers of a nation-wide contest being run by ex-Sharan Q member Tsunku for a "female rock vocalist" (won by Michiyo Heike). Their first single was Morning Coffee, released in 1998. By the time their first album- the aptly titled "First Time"- was released, they had added Mari Yaguchi, Kei Yasuda and Sayaka Ichii to the ranks. The continued to lose and gain members over the course of their career. Each new set of members was called a "generation" and each time a member left, there was a "graduation". The most members ever was 16, and the fewest was 5. Currently there are 14 girls in the line-up-
1st generation's Kaori Iida, 2nd's Mari Yaguchi, 4th's Hitomi Yoshizawa, Rika Ishikawa and (until August) Ai Kago and Nozomi Tsuji, 5th's Ai Takahashi, Asami Konno, Makoto Ogawa and Risa Niigaki, and 6th gen newbies Miki Fujimoto, Eri Kamei, Reina Tanaka and Sayumi Michishige. Currently, there is no end in sight, although sales have dropped significantly since their 1999 chart-busting hit Love Machine. All their music is written and produced by Tsunku. Successful idol-pop singer Maki Goto was once a member of Morning Musume.

[REVIEW]

This is the first MoMusu song I ever heard and I still love it. Mr. Moonlight was my favourite single and this made a really great c/w. It's got a very retro feel with the trumpets and so forth and the singing is really good, even though the english is a bit shaky.

//Balisong by Rivermaya
In: English
From: Between the Stars and Waves
On: Viva Records
Reviewed by: Azora
Link: http://www.rivermaya.net

[BIO]

Rivermaya is a popular Filipino rock band with a musical career spanning over a decade. The members are band frontman Rico Blanco, guitarists Michael Elgar and Kakoi Legaspi, bassist Japs Sergio, and drummer Mark Escueta.

[REVIEW]

This song is sooo sweet. My friend Nikki (who lives in the Philippines) told me that it’s not often that local artists reach #1 on the radio stations, but I guess Rivermaya has done it with this song. I absolutely love everything about this song. Rico’s voice (doesn’t make me melt as much as the other song, but it’s working on it :D), the instrumentation, the lyrics... It’s really a laid back love song about being in love with a friend and being sure that the friend is the perfect person for you.

June 18th ft. Every Little Thing, PIERROT, UA, SweetS, MOJOFLY, Cibo Matto...

2004-07-11T05:49:03Z

* - If you download, please COMMENT. That's the only way we can tell what music you like, and it will help us choose music for future updates.
* - Please download only one song at a time, and DO NOT HOTLINK. Any hotlinking may result in a temporary suspension of files, and that means no downloads for anyone. Please remember, the internet is there to be shared, so respect others.
* - If you like the music, support the artists. These files are intended for sampling purposes only.
* - This week's songs will be removed: We'll say Sunday, July 18th, 2004 - but you know how that goes.

Azora.:* Well, here we are! All-Requests Week! Thank you so much to everyone who requested something! I for one was surprised by the amount of requests we received and am so pleased that people paid attention to our annoucements! However, most of what was requested was Japanese - I was hoping for a little more variety. Maybe next time we do All-Requests, eh? Anyway, Jo and I are also working on a Request list for everyone so you will know which requests will get priority over others. This time around we had to do a lot of searching - at least I did - but that's okay. However, I'll continue with some more requests next week along with my chosen song. KOKIA's Hana and FLAME's Venus will be posted. I do have to apologize to a few people however - those who requested 'rare' Utada Hikaru tracks, Penny Dai's 1999, and Komi Hirose stuff (besides Groovy!). I just --could not-- find them. Apologies. If anyone has something that may help fill these requests, do say something! Remember, as it says in our rules - the internet is there to share! Sharing is fun. Have a nice week everyone and I hope you enjoy the requests!

//Sasayaka na Inori by Every Little Thing
In: Japanese
From: Many Pieces
On: Avex Trax
Requested by: skrknmt
Reviewed by: Azora
Type: General Pop/Rock
Link: http://www.avexnet.or.jp/elt/

[BIO]

Every Little Thing, also known to fans as ELT, is a co-ed duo. Kaori Mochida provides the vocals while Ichiro Ito plays guitar. They debuted in 1996 with their first single, “Fell My Heart” and when they released their debut album in 1997, they sold a over a record 2 million - in Japan alone.

[REVIEW]

The music in this song is a bit upbeat and lighthearted. I like the sound of it. However, while Kaori’s vocals aren’t bad, they aren’t anything to exclaim over. They’re your general pop/rock vocals. I can only hear the guitar faintly... it’s overpowered in this song by the other backing instruments and Kaori’s voice. It’s an ok song, and I’m sure all the ELT fans will enjoy it.

//Last Cry In Hades (Not Guilty) by PIERROT
In: Japanese
From: Private Enemy
On: Polydor
Requested by: pseudosex
Reviewed by: Azora
Type: Rock
Link: http://www.pierrot-web.jp/

[BIO]

PIERROT was founded by members Kirito and Jun in 1994. Kohta, Hidelow (Vo) and Luka (D) joined. They released a couple demo tapes together. Hidelow and Luka left the band, and Aiji joined as the replacing guitarist for Kirito, Kirito did vocals, and Takeo joined to be the drummer. In 1998 they signed with Toshiba EMI and released their first major single Clear Sky. Today they are with Universal Music.

[REVIEW]

Alright, Jrockers. This one’s for you. ^_~ This one’s also for Josh! Now, I’m not a big fan of male Jrock bands, but this song isn’t too bad. The lead singer’s voice isn’t strong enough for my tastes, but at least it’s different from every other generic Jrocker I’ve heard. I don’t care much for the main guitar in this song, it kind of grates on me. There’s a more electric one later on, in the musical break, that I really enjoy. It sounds great, and the drum beat is good and constant - a plus in a rock song. Although, even though this song isn’t bad, I probably won’t be listening to male Jrock bands anytime soon. I’ll stick with my Cocco, Tsukiko Amano, and Aikawa Nanase, thanks.

//Amai Unmei by UA
In: Japanese
From: Amai Unmei [single]
On: n/a
Requested by: ai_no_miko
Reviewed by: Azora
Type: Soft Pop
Link: http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/speedstar/artist/ua/

[BIO]

UA debuted in 1995 with her single, “HORIZON”. Since then she has released a couple of albums, a couple of singles, and also formed AJICO, a band on Speedstar Records, of which she is a member. In Suwahiri, an African language, UA means “flower” - consequently, it also has the meaning of “killing”.

REVIEW]

I really didn’t care for this song when I first downloaded it. I really didn’t. But that’s just ‘cause I’m picky when it comes to new music. I’m a little more used to it now. It’s pretty differnt than what I listen to normally. There’s an interesting tap beat that reminds me of some English song I know, but whatever. It has this twangy guitar that reminds me of a day at the beach maybe (look at the single cover, maybe that was the intentional mood!). UA’s voice is a little soft, but all you have to do is blast the song a little. The good thing is her voice doesn’t overpower the song. It stays mellow. :D The chorus is kind of catchy too.

//Lonesome Cherry by SweetS
In: Japanese/English
From: SweetS
On: Avex
Requested by: ketsune
Reviewed by: Azora
Type: Poppy Rock/Electrified Pop
Link: http://www.avexnet.or.jp/sweets/

[BIO]

SweetS is one of Avex’s girl groups. There are five members: Aki, Aya, Haruna, Miori, and Mai. The members are in their mid-teens (14-15). Their first album, notably, contained songs with fruits in the titles. The girls generally do “serious” pop.

[REVIEW]

Okay, looking at the SweetS official site, those girls look WAY too serious! But they’re easy to make fun of too. Aki looks cross eyed, Haruna looks like she thinks she’s gonna be the next friggin’ Ayumi Hamasaki (preferably old-school please), and well... Miori just... has big ears, okay? Not to say I don’t like their music! Just having a little fun! Haha. (Seriously, go look at the profile page.) But I really can’t take a song called Lonesome Cherry seriously. I just can’t! It’s got a cool beat though. It’s a bit like electronified pop. I like it when they go “oh oh oh oh” in the beginning. It’s a general SweetS song. If you enjoyed their single Lolita Strawberry In Summer, you might like this. :D Bouncy SweetS music! I have to say that I’m liking this a lot better than their new single. “Grow Into Shinin’ Stars” just didn’t impress me much. Lonesome cherry...~

//Alright Without U by MOJOFLY
In: English
From: A Million Stories
On: n/a
Requested by: shirenu
Reviewed by: Azora
Type: Easy Rock
Link: n/a

[BIO]

MOJOFLY is a Filipino rock band. Lead singer Katrina “Kitchie” Nadal provides her raspy, jazzy voice for the instrumentation by the band. The group was formed by ex-Hungry Young Poets bassist Ricci Gurango after his split with HYP, and the other band-mates are Jun Jun Regalado III and Ray Golamco. In 2003, Kitchie decided to leave the group so she could attend to her studies. The replacing vocalist is Lougee Basabas. Kitchie has also now decided to write/sing songs as a solo artist.

[REVIEW]

Well, this song is a little upbeat! That’s what was asked for. This song is about getting over someone, about being “alright without” them. The chorus is really the kick to this song, but as usual, Kitchie keeps her vocals nice and smooth. She could have hit a different pitch maybe for this song, but this is definitely a Kitchie-trademark tone and I’m still impressed with her. She manages to convince me that she’ll really be alright. I still prefer Kitchie over Lougee Basabas... But then again, I really need to get my hands on more Lougee-esque MOJOFLY. I'm certain my opinion will stay the same though. *whistles and goes onto the next request*

//Sugar Water by Cibo Matto
In: English
From: Viva! La Woman
On: Warner Brothers
Requested by: jaleco
Reviewed by: Azora
Type: Alternative/Easy Listening
Link: www.wbr.com/cibomatto

[BIO]

Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori are Cibo Matto. Cibo Matto means “Sexy Food”, a play on an old 1970's Italian erotic film’s name. They released a Super Relax EP in Japan before recording their two US albums, “Viva La Woman!” and “Stereotype A”. Many of their songs use different foods to express deeper feelings and meanings. They do a wide variety of music, but can’t really be pinned down as having a particular style - Cibo Matto is, simply, Cibo Matto.

[REVIEW]

I think I used Alternative Easy Listening last time, but I hate having to pin these two down with a style. It’s so... wrong! Anyway, I <3 J(aleco) ‘cause she <3's Cibo Matto (I generally just <3 her anyway). Buffy fans out there might recognize this song. It was featured in the series and on a soundtrack for the show. Sugar Water has some pretty silly lyrics - I suggest you go look at the website and see what I mean. It’s got a nice feel to it thought. It’s got this laid back drum beat... kind of a supernatural feel when they start singing too, after the part about the “woman in the moon singing to the earth”. Lalalala... lalalala. <3

Belated update!

2004-07-07T03:38:46Z

Hey, Jo here. Just posting to let you know that we're taking the week off. We've gotten a little behind (due to the general pressures of vacation) and Zora (not so much me, since I'm lazy as hell) has been working REALLY hard trying to fill as many requests as she can.
SO, the ALL-REQUESTS UPDATE will be posted this Sunday instead of well.. last Sunday. The bandwidth we save, we can hopefully use to post more songs and make it a bumper-update. Also, we hope to get back into the general swing of Sunday-ly updates. It's been hard because Zora and I are in different timezones and coordinating things is often quite difficult, but we're gonna keep trying our best to bring you great music.
Thanks, everyone, for continuing to support Kuremachisu!

- Jo & Zora