[GALLERY] LA Celebrates Harvest Moon Festival

On September 23, the Los Angeles Asian community celebrated the first day of autumn with its annual Harvest Moon Festival.  Although the Harvest Moon Festival is mainly celebrated in China, the Los Angeles festival includes many cultures of Asia.   Entertainment showcased local and international performers representing many Asian countries.

Featured performers included:

From It’s Showtime at the Apollo and America’s Got Talent, Tatum Jones.

From the television show So You Think You Can Dance? and Black Eyed Peas’ music video for “Pump It”, QUEST.

Kuh Ledesma, a popular singer from the Philippines.

 

[Wii] Nodame Cantabile coming out in Japan on December 27th

 

Image linked from DengekiOnline.com 

“Nodame Cantabile” is a popular drama and anime series which has come out on the Nintendo DS and now it will be coming out on the Nintendo Wii.

The game will be a music game which the wiimote will be used to play music and the game will utilize 4-player gameplay.

The game will be out in Japan on December 27th for Y6,090.

More on this article 

 

AAA – Red Soul (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

AAA’s 16th single “RED SOUL” definitely is one of their “consistent” upbeat power tracks but having released so many singles in a short time, I can’t say that “Red Soul” is my favorite as I have been listening to the coupling remix tracks much more.  But for the most part, it’s a good CD single, not their best single but still consistent when compared to their other power pop tracks! 

GROUP: AAA

CD SINGLE: RED SOUL

LABEL: Avex Trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-31278/B

DURATION: 16:37

RELEASE DATE: September 19, 2007

BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:

 

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to m.o.v.e – 10th Anniversary MEGA BEST

GROUP: m.o.v.e

ALBUM TITLE: 10th Anniversary MEGA BEST

LABEL: avex tune

CATALOG #: AVCT-10163~4/B

RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2007

DURATION: [CD 1] 1:10:41 [CD 2] 1:09:02

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

[DISC 1 - Thank you for the fan -]

1. Gamble Rumble
2. DOGFIGHT
3. ANGEL EYES
4. Romancing Train
5. DISCO TIME
6. Blaziin Beat
7. Painless PAIN
8. Blast My Desire
9. around the world
10. SUPER SONIC DANCE
11. Systematic FANTASY
12. Good Day
13. SPEED MASTER
14. Key Ring
15. Sugar Sugar Rain

[DISC 2 - Thank you for the music -]

1. platinum (Drum n’ Bass REMIX) / Remix by Takashi Kimura
2. Raimei -out of kontrol- (Reggaeton REMIX / Remixed by motsu
3. Noizy Tribe (Rave REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
4. How To See You Again (Jungle REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
5. BURNING DANCE (Glitch REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
6. BREAK IN2 THE NITE (Mashp Remix) / Remixed by motsu
7. FREAKY PLANET (Disctoque REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
8. come together (Bangladesh ‘Mid East’ REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
9. !WAKE YOUR LOVE! (Hardcore REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
10. WORLD’S END (Old School REMIX) / Remixed by motsu (motsu Select)
11. GHETTO BLASTER (BigBeat REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
12. over drive (Electro Mix) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
13. words of the mind -brandnew journey- (Dream House REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
14. Disinfected Generation (Hard House REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura (yuri Select)
15. Rage your dream (Dance Pop REMIX) / Remixed by motsu
16. sweet vibration (italo House REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
17. ROCK IT DOWN (High Eenrgy REMIX) / Remixed by motsu
18. FUTURE BREEZE (Psychedelic REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura
19. FLY ME SO HIGH (Trance REMIX)/ Remixed by Takashi Kimura
20. SUPER SONIC DANCE (Hyper Techno REMIX) / Remixed by Takashi Kimura (t-kimura Select)

DVD – Non Stop VJ Mix -: Region 2, 4:3, 51 minutes, VJ: D-SK Non Stop Mixed by T-TASHIRO

NOTE: 27 music video clips remixed. Short video clips remixed from first CD single “ROCK IT DOWN” up to their 28th CD single “SPEED MASTER”

The trio known as m.o.v.e celebrates their 10th Year Anniversary and to celebrate is the group’s third best album titled “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST”.

What I enjoy the most about m.o.v.e best albums is that they try to introduce something new with each release. Things that you will not see with other artists with the exception of probably Hamasaki Ayumi.

“m.o.v.e super tune BEST SELECTIONS” back in 2002 featured a CD and DVD release. The songs non-stop, thus it seemed like one big remix (FYI – there are chapter tracks), then in 2004 was the release of “REWIND – singles collection +” featuring nearly all the CD singles from m.o.v.e and complete music videos.

With “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST”, on the first disc you get a total of 15 tracks featuring the top 15 fan selections from their 10 Years as a group (so, in other words, if you want a true set of all of m.o.v.e’s songs, you still need to buy all three best albums as the cheapest alternative).

The second disc features 20 remixes by m.o.v.e members Takashi Kimura (note: t-kimura has gone back to using his full name) and motsu.

And then to top it off, there is a DVD which features a remix of 27 of their music videos (video clips about 2 minutes long) but done in a way that it’s like a DJ remixes music, in this case, a remix of a VJ mixing videos. So, when you hear scratching, the video goes along with the scratching and if you hear a transition to a new song, you get a college of that segment and so forth.

The CD-insert features all the lyrics to the songs featured on the album. Inside the case are photo clips of all of m.o.v.e’s CD singles and albums.

Also, to be released on the same day is “10th Anniversay GIGA BEST” which features the full music video clips from the group.

I personally feel that all m.o.v.e best albums are must-buy albums if you are a fan of their music. With each best release, there is no skimping. Multi-CD’s, DVD’s, etc. you can’t go wrong with what they jam pack into their best releases.

With “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST”, it’s definitely an awesome album worth getting because you get 15 awesome songs (selected by fans) but there has not been a collection of their remixes from their Hyper Techno and “TropicanTrops” albums until now.

Also, the non-stop VJ mix is such an awesome idea. When “m.o.v.e super tune -BEST SELECTIONS” was released, I thought it was good to get a non-stop release and how everything melded together, despite the songs being full tracks was a novel idea. But to see it done with 27 of their music videos and to watch them flow so well and mixed together was more than I can ask for from a m.o.v.e album.

m.o.v.e’s “10th Anniversary MEGA BEST” is truly a definitive 10th Anniversary album and again I’m impressed with what is bundled in this album.

If you are a m.o.v.e fan, this best album is highly recommended!

 

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to AAA – “AROUND”

GROUP: AAA

ALBUM TITLE: AROUND

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-23348/B

RELEASE DATE: September 19, 2007

DURATION: 50:00

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Get chuu!
2. SUNSHINE
3. She no Jijitsu
4. Deai no Chikara II
5. kuchibiru kara romantica
6. Red Soul
7. Paradise Paradise
8. Hanabi
9. No End Summer
10. Body Talker
11. That’s Right
12. Saigo no Kotoba

DVD: Region 2, 16:9LB, Duration: 37 minutes

1. Kagi no Aru Basho (short film)

The hybrid boy band/girl band known as AAA (Attack All Around) is back with their third album “AROUND”.

A few things have changed since our last review, this time the group has seven members (former member Goto Yukari had to leave the group in June due to a major health condition. But fans can keep up-to-date with her progress through her blog and her new life as she studies to become a bookkeeper and a dedicated L’Arc~en~Ciel fan).

Also, the group continues to do very well with nearly every CD single and album making it into the Oricon Daily Charts top 10 and top 5.

Now, here they are with their third full-length album “AROUND” and after listening to the album multiple times, I actually like it a lot!

The album features twelve tracks which includes the group’s 13th CD single “Get Chu!/She no Jijitsu”, 14th CD single “kuchibiru kara no romantica” and coupling song “That’s Right”, 15th CD single “Natsumono” songs: “SUNSHINE”, “No End Summer” and “Hanabi” and 16th CD single “Red Soul”.

You get a good balance of music with the happy, dance, pop song “Get Chu!”, the big band, stylish song “Kuchibiru kara no romantica”, the smooth slow tempo song “Hanabi” which features a duet with AAA girls Uno Misako and Ito Chiaki, “That’s Right” featuring a very cool song with Nisshy and Urata and “Red Soul” which is reminiscent of their earlier songs such as “BLOOD ON FIRE”.

But with eight of the songs featured on CD singles (please check out our other World Groove reviews for these CD singles ), is it even worth purchasing the album for four more tracks?

Especially, if you are an AAA fan who bought the multiple CD single versions to get the DVD music videos (NOTE: AAA CD+DVD singles such as “Natsu Mono” had four version releases, three that comes with DVD’s and each has a music video for one of the songs featured on the CD single. A common practice for AAA CD+DVD releases).

So, taking a look at the four songs on the album that are not on the CD singles.

“Deai no Chikara” is a song that I enjoyed from the first album “ATTACK” and the second version “Deai no Chikara II” is just as enjoyable, upbeat version and a great song showcasing Nishijima Takahiro and Uno Misako’s vocals. The original is my favorite, because it’s more of a ballad.

“Paradise Paradise” is a very cool upbeat song that blends pop music with a touch of Mid East influence.

“BODY TALKER” is a pop song that incorporates a lot of brass and a average pop song. Ok, its my least favorite song of the album.

“Saigo no Kotoba” is a slow-tempo song featuring the members rapping and singing. A song that I would not be surprised if the group performed at the end of their concert. The song is also the ending theme for their short film “Kagi no Aru Basho”.

As for the DVD for the CD+DVD version, the short film “Kagi no Aru Basho” is the first to have all members of the group act together. Each member of AAA are also talented actors that have taken part in theater, drama series and film in Japan.

The film revolves around relationships. The main storyline arc is centered around Sueyoshi Shuta’s character. A young man who doesn’t get along with his father and his father seems to be out of his life, always gone. Until one day, he finds out why his father is always gone at night.

The other storyline arc features Atae Shinjiro who is always going to the combini (convenience store) to get food to eat and always sees a dog always waiting outside the store which he tends to feed until one night, the dog appears to be asking him for help.

Then there is Uno Misako’s story arc featuring her relationship with a former friend (played by Ito Chiaki).

What I found interesting is that since Nishijima is typically the actor appearing in theater and on television, his role as a traffic coordinator is quite small. As for Urata, he plays a driver and Hidaka Mitsuhiro plays a buddy of Sueyoshi’s character.

All in all, it was great to see all members of AAA act together in a short film. On previous concert DVD’s, we got to see them act in a theater-style type of play but it’s cool to see them in a short film like this and I really applaud Avex doing these type of films on their DVD’s. We had the one hour long film for Koda Kumi and another short film for Kiyokiba Shunsuke’s CD single, so I hope they continue to do more of these.

As for the CD insert, the booklet contains photos of each member and the lyrics for the songs on the album.

In Japan, a few listeners have been critical because the album mostly consists of CD singles. In Japan, the music industry is focused on CD single sales and for AAA fans, because the releases are monthly and there are various releases of the CD singles, Japanese listeners want to know that they are getting more bang for the buck.

So, typically on Japanese releases, you get an album version or the CD single but with different music or something new. That is not the case with “AROUND”.

So, it all comes down to the person who wants to buy the album. Don’t have the CD singles, then you can purchase the album and be happy. Those who own all CD singles should then purchase the CD+DVD version for the additional songs but most importantly, you get to see a cool short film with all AAA members on it.

But if you are an AAA fan, I’m sure you will buy it anyway to complete the “ATTACK ALL AROUND” album trilogy.

All in all, “AROUND” is a very cool album that features a good balance of music. I actually like them all but one song. And I have listened to the album like a dozen times already and still not tired of it.

Definitely check it out!

 

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to ASIAN2 – “Country Road”

GROUP: ASIAN2

CD SINGLE: Country Road

LABEL: SONIC GROOVE

CATALOG #: AVCD-16136

RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2007

DURATION: 12:03

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Country Road
2. AFRICA
3. ASIAN VIBRATION [acoustic ver.]

“Country Road” the latest CD single from five member hip-hop group ASIAN2 is out and the latest CD single is catching attention as the song is heard on the commercials for Fuji FinePix, Sapporo Brewery and also on Asahi Broadcasting segments.

ASIAN2 is a hip-hop and band that consists of TATSU, TWENTY “20″ as the MC’s, KENSUKE on guitar, SHOJI on bass and HIDEO on drums.

So, unlike other hip-hop artists that use drum machines, samples and electronic productions and many in Japan having an East Coast US flavor to their music, ASIAN2 does their own music in a funk/rock style and incorporates synth that gives a orchestra style of feel.

For those wondering if “Country Road” or “AFRICA” are cover songs (that have been covered on several Japanese CD singles), they are not.

The first track “Country Road” features a smooth, funky, earthy commercial hip-hop of Japanese flavor. Definitely not in your face style of hip-hop music but funky no less.

The second track “AFRICA” features also a funky, earthy style but is more direct in the bands message of its lyrics as they express their feelings of Africa with kids infected with HIV, millions of refugees and how in other countries, people have coffee and toast on Sunday morning but people in Africa are not that fortunate.

The third and final track “ASIAN VIBRATION ~acoustic ver.~” is another version of their fourth CD single with the music in all acoustic guitar.

The CD insert features the music lyrics of the three tracks.

I have to admit that I enjoyed the latest CD single from ASIAN2. By using rock/funk music with musicians and not going the urban beats or punk sound that many hip hop groups are doing in Japan, it’s cool to get something different.

ASIAN2 offers an alternative for those who want to experience Japanese hip-hop but in a different musical light.

Although some may dismiss “Country Road” as hip-hop that is very commercial because of its light, funky and earthy feeling, because the music is done in that way, I enjoy the different style and their music overall on this CD single. Check it out!

 

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to My Little Lover – “dreamy success”

BAND: My Little Lover

CD SINGLE: dreamy success

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-31237

DURATION: 21:23

RELEASE DATE: August 22, 2007

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. dreamy success
2. jelly fish
3. kuchibiru
4. dreamy success (instrumental)
5. jelly fish (instrumental)

My Little Lover’s akko is back with her third CD single through avex trax titled “dreamy success”.

For those who are reading this and wondering if My Little Lover is a band, I guess you can say that it operates similar to the band ZARD. Which started out as a band but later became a solo artist (in ZARD’s case… Izumi Sakai), My Little Lover was a trio, then duo and now with the move to avex trax focuses on vocalist acco while husband, musician and producer T. Kobayashi focuses on ap bank projects, events and also producing other artists.

The last CD single “Afureru” brought T. Kobayashi back to producing and even participating in the music but in the latest CD single “dreamy success”, akko continues to work with different musicians and the latest CD single features three diverse tracks that don’t all incorporate the My Little Lover style of music but by no means does it mean its a bad thing.

The first track “dreamy success” is a catchy pop song which incorporates a MLL feel that is happy, fast-paced song which incorporates a heavy beat.

While “jelly fish” shows a bit of acco’s interest in incorporating more acoustic tracks to her music. And with akko interested in several American artists that do incorporate a country/rock/acoustic style feel to their music, it was nice to see a different type of song that she takes on and does well with. The song has a Jack Johnson acoustic feel but with a beat.

The third track “kuchibiru” is a slow ballad that incorporates a piano/acoustic/drum accompaniment. It’s a beautiful song that is very mature and hip lounge style of song.

All three songs are written by akko.

The CD insert comes with the lyrics to the music and an insert promoting My Little Lover’s winter acoustic tour.

I’ve grown up with My Little Lover’s music and learned to enjoy their style of music, may it be the style of past, or a style incorporating worldly instruments and beats to an electronic underground style of music.

For me, I have enjoyed My Little Lover’s music and how they are able to embrace musical styles worldwide and most of all, not afraid to experiment without any worry of offending fans used to a certain style of music of theirs.

“dreamy success” is a good single, definitely not among their best material to date but still an enjoyable CD single that manages to experiment with musical styles again but yet sounding so fresh and appealing that longtime listeners of the band won’t be disappointed.

With acco’s acoustic concert coming up in Winter 2007, it’s great to get a sample on this CD single of what she has in store for her live performance and I look forward to checking that out.

 

New York-Tokyo Presents GNG: September at DigitalLife 2007

New York-Tokyo Presents GNG: September at DigitalLife 2007

Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
11th Avenue and 34th Street,
New York City
>>>DIRECTIONS<<<

When: September 27-30, 2007
>>>GET TICKETS HERE<<<

For more information, visit the DigitalLife website at www.digitallife.com
Come visit our GAME ZONE at booth #1261!
featuring EA’s SKATE, other brand new next-gen titles, and more!

 

[VIDEO GAMES][PR] NINTENDO’S POPULAR BRAIN AGE 2 POPS UP IN UNLIKELY PLACES

People Everywhere Find the Brain-Training Game Engaging

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 27, 2007 – Hair salons, RV shows and shopping malls might not be the first places you think of when it’s time to exercise your brain. But that’s exactly where Nintendo is showing off the brain-training abilities of its new Brain Age™ 2: More Training in Minutes a Day program for Nintendo DS™.

“Many different people are sampling and playing Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, including some people you might not expect to be trying video games,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “The title draws people in with its engaging game play, so this summer we’re giving all kinds of people a chance to energize and sharpen their brains while demonstrating that everyone’s a gamer.”

Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day contains a collection of 15 fun, challenging exercises to get users’ brains pumping. Tasks in memory, math, reading and even music challenge users to complete them as quickly – and as accurately – as possible. Combined, global sales of Brain Age™: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day and Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day already have topped 14 million and still are increasing. Between now and January, Nintendo will showcase Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day in a variety of expected – and some unexpected – locations:

• A 50-City Mall Experience: Between now and Jan. 8, Brain Age 2 will be part of a 50-city nationwide mall game-play experience. Visitors can train their brains and check out all the latest Nintendo games. To find a location near you, visit http://wii.nintendo.com/malltour_07.jsp.
• Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk Events: As part of this nationwide event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, Nintendo is sponsoring booths at Memory Walk events in Chicago, Austin, New York, Washington and Los Angeles. Participants and visitors can sample Brain Age 2 and learn how to keep their minds active.
• A Hair Salon (yes, a hair salon): In honor of National Self-Improvement Month, Nintendo has sent Nintendo DS systems and copies of Brain Age 2 to the new Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif. During September, visitors to the salon will have the chance to freshen up the insides of their heads while stylists coif their tresses.
• Nintendo Street Team Appearances: Members of the Nintendo Street Team will fan out across the country to show off Brain Age 2 at a variety of major landmarks and expanded-audience events like home shows and fitness expos, including the Atlanta Home Show (Sept. 28-30) and the Long Island Fall Home Show (Sept. 28-30).

Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day is rated E for Everyone. For more information about Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, visit www.BrainAge.com.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy® Advance and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.4 billion video games and more than 420 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario™, Donkey Kong®, Metroid®, Zelda™ and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company’s Web site at www.nintendo.com.

 

[VIDEO GAMES] Some “Halo 3″ owners encountering problems

Yesterday’s “Halo 3″ news was about scratched disks, todays news seems to be more of bad news that there may be a large batch of “Halo 3″ games out there that may not work.

According to some owners on the xbox.com forums, owners of the game are encountering “Disk read error” messages during single player campaign and multiplayer.

If you are experiencing this problem, please visit the official XBOX forum

 

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