 | Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set + HALCALI – Konya wa Boogie Back |
September 30, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
An OK cover of the popular Kenji Ozawa song “Konya wa Boogie Back”. While the collaboration between Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set and HALCALI is very cool, I wish they covered the Ozawa/Scha Dara Parr version of “Konya wa Boogie Back” instead. Otherwise, a cool single from both groups.
GROUP: Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set + HALCALI
CD SINGLE: Konywa wa Boogie Back
LABEL: Tearbridge Records
CATALOG #: NFCD-27169
DURATION: 18:36
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2009
BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:
- 今夜はブギー・バック
- Rising Sun
- Innocent Love 2009
- 今夜はブギー・バック (Instrumental)
The hip hop trio, Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set is back with a new single on a new label.
The Japanese hip hop group which was formed back in the early 90′s consists of Hiroshi Kawanabe (DJ), Bikke (Vocals) and Toshimi Watanabe (vocals and guitar).
Since debuting back in 1994, the group has released a good number of singles but since starting on the Tearbridge Records label, the group is now collaborating with female hip hop duo HALCALI.
The first collaboration is a cover of the popular Kenji Ozawa song “Konya wa Boogie” which was enormously popular back in the mid-90′s, especially when Ozawa teamed up with hip hop group Scha Dara Parr. But the collaboration this time around is primarily a Ozawa Kenji cover without the hip hop lyrics and focusing on HALCALI singing the vocals while Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set provides the music.
The song actually caught attention back in 2009 when it was used for the Nissan Cube TV commercial and eventually charted on the Oricon Singles Charts top ten.
The second track “Rising Sun” features an upbeat J-Pop dance-track sporting the sing-song/hip-hop style the group is known for. While the third track “Innocent Love 2009″ is a remake of their 13th single “Innocent Love” (released as a digital single back in 2007), which is more of an upbeat track with synth violins in the background with a cool beat.
The four track features the instrumental version of “Konya wa Boogie Back”.
The CD single features artwork by Akatsuka Fujio, best known for creating “Himitsu no Akko-Chan” and “Osomatsu-kun”. Fujio passed away in 2008 and his artwork was used to promote the single. The CD insert features lyrics for the three tracks, production credits plus an insert promoting Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set’s mobile site.
Overall, “Konya wa Boogie Back” is a good single from the trio and the collaboration with HALCALI is pretty cool. But I have to say that compared to Kenji Ozawa ‘s version, this version doesn’t have that same type of energy nor is it as catchy. I have to admit that I was surprise that they didn’t cover the Ozawa + Scha Dara Parr version as it would make sense as both Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set and HALCALI are both known for their hip hop rhymes along with their singing vocals.
But it was a timely remake and it did well in the charts. As the for the other two tracks, they were pretty good and upbeat and is consistent with previous music from the group and found it pretty catchy.
Now is this single worth it? It’s OK, but if you want “Konya wa Boogie Back”, I highly recommend searching for the Kenji Ozawa or Scha Dara Parr version of the song.
BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:
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| Madonna – Celebration [Deluxe Edition] (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review) |
September 30, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“A magnificent release covering Madonna’s musical career from 1983-2009. Nearly every hit song is on this 36-track deluxe edition and is definitely a celebration of her awesome musical career. If you have ever been looking for one Madonna best album release, this is the definitive version to own!”
ARTIST: Madonna
ALBUM: Celebration (Deluxe Edition) – Digital Album Version
LABEL: Warner Bros.
DURATION: 2:41:05
RELEASE DATE: September 29, 2009
- Hung Up
- Music
- Vogue
- 4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake and Timberland)
- Holiday
- Everybody
- Like a Virgin
- Into the Groove
- Like a Prayer
- Ray of Light
- Sorry
- Express Yourself
- Open Your Heart
- Borderline
- Secret
- Erotica
- Justify My Love
- Revolver (Feat. Lil Wayne)
- Dress You Up
- Material Girl
- La Isla Bonita
- Papa Don’t Preach
- Lucky Star
- Burning Up
- Crazy For You
- Who’s That Girl
- Frozen
- Miles Away
- Take a Bow
- Live to Tell
- Beautiful Stranger
- Hollywood
- Die Another Day
- Don’t Tell Me
- Cherish
- Celebration
- Celebration (Benny Benassi Remix Edit) *Bonus Track for some online music stores*
- It’s So Cool *Bonus Track for some online music stores*
When it comes to best albums, typically one can be critical of them if the right songs are not on it. Especially when it comes to legendary artists and in this case, Madonna with her latest and third best compilation titled “Celebration”.
There are two versions available digitally of “Celebration”, an 18-track standard edition and a 36-track Deluxe Edition. Some online music stores offer remixes of “Celebration” and “It’s So Cool” for a total of 37 or 38 tracks.
Focusing on the Deluxe Edition (with someone with a long musical career such as Madonna, 18-tracks are simply not enough), the album consists of her hits from the 80′s up to the present. Back in March, Guy Oseary (manager of Madonna) encouraged fans to Twitter what songs they wanted to see on the album. And also announced by her publicist Liz Rosenberg, that there would be new tracks included on the album. And the album also marks the final album release through Warner Bros., the label that she has been with for 27-years.
But “Celebration” (Deluxe Edition) is simply a wonderful release of Madonna’s music from 1983-2009. From classics such as “Borderline”, “Like a Virgin”, “Into the Groove”, “Material Girl”, “Dress You Up”, “La Isla Bonita”, “Live to TEll” and so much more including her more recent hits such as “Hung Up” and “4 Minutes”.
As for the new tracks, included are the tracks such as her latest single “Celebration” which has been a hit in many countries. Also, included is the song “Revolver” featuring a collaboration with Lil Wayne. And of course, if you want more Madonna goodness, a “Celebration” DVD release is also available with 47 of her music videos.
Overall, there is nothing bad you can say about this best album. It literally includes all her top selling hits that was released. Needless to say that a large part of her successful music career is celebrated through this latest release. Of course, there are some tracks that slipped the cracks or perhaps fans didn’t vote for them (“Angel”, “True Blue”, “Deeper and Deeper”, “Rain”, “I’ll Remember”, “Bedtime Story”, “Human Nature”, “You’ll See”, “What It Feels For a Girl”, “Die Another Day”), but I’m guessing that there were no plans to go for a third disc on the album.
Nevertheless, personally, the essential Madonna releases that I have long enjoyed are included on this album and I think that those who grew up with this magnificent performer would agree that this is a solid release. For Madonna fans looking for a great collection of her music, “Celebration (Deluxe Edition)” is highly recommended!
 | Hugh Grant competing at The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland |
September 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · 2 Comments
Actor Hugh Grant hits his tee-shot on the first hole during the final practice round of The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingsbarns Golf Links on September 30, 2009 in Kingsbarns, Scotland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images). Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved.
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| Drew Barrymore at the Los Angeles premiere of “Whip It” |
September 29, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Actress/director Drew Barrymore arrives at the premiere of Fox Searchlight’s ‘Whip It’ on September 29, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images). Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved.
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| Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Set to Start Tomorrow |
September 29, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
After a lengthy break on the ASP Women’s World Tour, the third of seven stops will begin tomorrow with the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic which holds a waiting period from September 30 through October 5, 2009 at Dee Why in New South Wales.
Layne Beachley (AUS), 37, who is a seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion, is set to battle the onslaught of hungry up-and-coming talent on this year’s Dream Tour. Although Beachley is only competing part-time on this year’s tour, the veteran campaigner’s valuable competitive experience makes her a threat in every heat.
“There has been a big break on tour so it is somewhat fitting for it all to get back underway with the richest prize-purse on offer,” Beachley said. “It’s wonderful to have support from Australia’s leading bank, the Commonwealth Bank, and I’m looking forward to a terrific start tomorrow.”
After standing on the leading front of competitive female surfing for nearly 20 years, Beachely is now blending her competitive spirit while working hard to continue to create a future for the sport by founding events like the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic.
“I really find myself in juxtaposition this time of year,” Beachley said. “Emotionally I am invested in staging a great event but also wanting to compete at the best of my ability. I’m really focused on running a wonderful event for the surfers, sponsors and fans.”
Paige Hareb (NZL), 19, is currently sitting in the No. 3 spot on the ASP Women’s World Tour and is the leading rookie after the first two events. The young New Zealand talent has been keeping busy after the lengthy break by competing on the ASP WQS while spending some of the down time at home.
“It’s been like one big holiday,” Hareb said. “I’ve still been doing the world qualifying series in between but had a three-week break in California and have also been at home a bit hitting the snow!”
Although Hareb exceeded her expectations in the first two events on the 2009 calendar, the young Kiwi is hoping the keep the ball rolling at this week’s Commonwealth Bank Beachley classic and is looking to climb to the top of the ASP Women’s World Tour ratings.
“To be honest I’m surprised,” Hareb said. “I’ll take it though and of course I’m going to try and stay there if not better it.”
There will be an official press conference Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 10:45am at Dee Why Surf Club. Surfers Layne Beachley, defending ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 21, and defending Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Champion Tyler Wright (AUS), 15, will be attending.
For all of the LIVE Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic action log on to www.beachleyclassic.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com
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| Queen makes music history with launch of Absolute Greatest album |
September 29, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Logitech and Queen to distribute new album and exclusive content on new Logitech Squeezebox Radio Wi-Fi music player
FREMONT, Calif. — Sept. 29, 2009 — The legendary rock band, Queen, announced today that they are making music history with the release of their new album, Absolute Greatest – the ultimate compilation of the band’s most popular, enduring and iconic songs on EMI Music’s Parlophone Records. In an industry first, Queen are joining up with Logitech to offer Absolute Greatest exclusively on the company’s new Logitech Squeezebox™ Radio Wi-Fi music player. As of today, owners of the Logitech Squeezebox Radio can listen to the new Queen album before it hits the shops on November 16 and experience a series of unique Queen photos and track-by-track audio commentaries recorded by the band.
The release of Absolute Greatest on the Logitech Squeezebox Radio is the latest in a long-established record of firsts Queen has brought to the music industry. Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) was at first considered too long for successful radio play, but is now recognized as one of the greatest singles of all time. Its video was also the first genuine promotional video. In 1981, Queen became the first band to make a stadium tour of South America. There, in March that year, they played a single concert to 131,000 people in Sao Paolo, the largest paying audience for any band anywhere in the world. A second concert the following night drew an additional 120,000 people.
Ten years later, Queen made the first-ever commercial release of a collection of videos (Greatest Flix, 1991). And more recently still, the band brought their music to new generations through different art forms, like choreographer Maurice Béjart’s Ballet For Life, and their stage musical with Ben Elton, We Will Rock You, now in its eighth sell-out year in London and seen worldwide by over 10 million people.
Queen’s first Greatest Hits album is now officially the United Kingdom’s biggest-selling album ever. According to the BPI, the album has sold in excess of 5.6 million copies, outselling the Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album by almost a million copies.
The Logitech Squeezebox Radio Wi-Fi music player is a kind of magic jukebox for music lovers. Launched earlier this month, it provides instant access to a limitless choice of music – whether it’s from your personal music library, Internet radio from around the world or from the growing number of online subscription services such as Last.fm™, Napster® and Pandora®. This means owners of the Logitech Squeezebox Radio can bring the pleasure of many thousands of songs from all around the world into their home, in high-quality audio, at the touch of a button. The Squeezebox Radio also features a vibrant color screen, access to Facebook® and Flickr®, and delivers big sound thanks to the built-in speakers.
For seven weeks, leading up to the album’s availability on November 16, Queen fans who own a Logitech Squeezebox Radio will have exclusive access to the complete Absolute Greatest album, track lyrics and a series of Queen photographs that have been made available for the first time. They can also enjoy exclusive track-by-track audio commentaries in which Brian May and Roger Taylor talk through the composition and history of each famous song. All they need to do is select the Queen application found under the Squeezebox Radio’s new Apps menu.
Queen’s Roger Taylor said: “What a thrill to be first past the post on this new and mind- boggling technological innovation; another exciting step on our long journey.”
Antoine Preisig, Logitech’s vice president for sales and marketing in Europe said: “Logitech has been bringing consumers limitless choices of high-quality music for years and Queen have always been pioneers in bringing huge hits, like We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and A Kind Of Magic to millions of fans. In coming together to provide exclusive music and other content on the Logitech Squeezebox Radio, Logitech and Queen are setting an exciting example, bringing these timeless songs in a unique way to new generations of music lovers.”
For more information and a sneak preview of the Queen’s exclusive track-by-track audio commentaries and unique photos, visit www.logitech.com/queen or www.queenonline.com/logitech.
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| BECCA’S U.S. DEBUT EP KICKIN’ & SCREAMIN’ OUT TODAY ON SIN (SONY INDEPENDENT NETWORK) AVAILABLE AT ALL DIGITAL OUTLETS |
September 29, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
LOOK FOR FULL LENGTH CD ALIVE!! TO STREET IN 2010
U.S. DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
“She combines upbeat, kick-your-ass music with poignant lyrics to create an album that truly leaves you energized…the stage presence of Joan Jett and Suzy Quattro all rolled into one 20 year old young woman with a bit of a chip on her shoulder and a edge that we’ve not seen since those two artists hit rock in the late 70s” – Young Poor And Angry.com, September 2009
Hailing from Portland, OR and now based out of Los Angeles Becca has already made a mark on the international music charts and she is gearing up to do the same in the U.S. with her EP debut Kickin’ & Screamin’, out today at all digital outlets and her full length CD ALIVE!! coming in 2010, both releases on SIN – Sony Independent Network.
“It’s beautiful and has a sweet edge to it that gives it great playability.
She has everything a pop/rock songstress should have” – Rock On Request.com, September 2009
Becca’s proven equally adept at belting out full-throttle, female empowering rockers like “Kickin & Screamin” and “I’m ALIVE!,” her vow to live life to the fullest in the wake of the premature death of a friend. Though she’s equally prone to vent or switch the sexual tables as in “Guilty Pleasure” as well as croon big arena-sized power ballads such as “Lose You Now.” The 20-year-old brings a wisdom far beyond her years.
“This is something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” says Becca, who first picked up the guitar at 10 and by 14 was writing with fellow Oregonian Meredith Brooks, known for her multi-platinum hit “Bitch”. “It all happened when my family friend recorded a song I was singing in the school choir and handed over to Meredith” Becca says.
After a few years of writing music and pounding the pavement of the Los Angeles rock scene, playing clubs like The Roxy, Troubadour, Key Club and The Knitting Factory, word started to spread about this young rocker. In early 2008, she was offered a record deal by Sony Music and by June 2008, she released her first EP in Japan. Since then, she has performed at the famous Summersonic Festival and Yokohama Stadium, released a second EP, and her first full album that debut at #2 on the international charts, now at ripe age of 20 years old Becca is eager to tackle the American market.
www.BeccaOfficial.com <http://www.beccaofficial.com/>
www.myspace.com/beccachanofficial <http://www.myspace.com/beccachanofficial>
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| Janet Jackson at amfAR Milano 2009 in Milan, Italy |
September 28, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Janet Jackson attends amfAR Milano 2009 red carpet, the Inaugural Milan Fashion Week event at La Permanente on September 28, 2009 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images)
Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved.
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| TRIPLANE – Aikotoba (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
September 28, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“Another solid single from the rock band TRIPLANE. Despite only two tracks on the CD single, the DVD makes up for it with a music video and a 15-minute documentary chronicling the band’s performance at Akasaka Blitz and a look at the band’s live performance, stage setup and their appreciation for the fans. Definitely worth checking out!”
BAND: TRIPLANE
CD SINGLE: Aikotoba
LABEL: Tearbridge Records
CATALOG #: NFCD-27181
DURATION: 8:40
RELEASE DATE: May 13, 2009
BUY THIS CD SINGLE:
- アイコトバ
- イチョウ並木
DVD: Region 2, Duration: 20 minutes, 4:3
- アイコトバ MUSIC CLIP
- Documentary – One Man Live Tour 2009 and more!
TRIPLANE makes their return with their 9th CD single titled “Aikotoba”, a song used as the commercial theme song for the Dydo’s Demitasse coffee.
The band which consists of lead vocalist/guitarist Hyoue “Samurai” Ebata (known for his Mr Children/Sakurai Kazutoshi-like vocals and songwriting), Kenji Kawamura on guitar, Kazuya Takeda on bass and Makoto Hirota on drums.
With the first track “Aikotoba”, the song features an upbeat rock love ballad. Well-written lyrics that capture the feeling of love and longing to be with someone. The second track which “Ichou Namiki” refers to gingko trees, a song that is fitting for TRIPLANE’s earthy tracks, the acoustic guitar mid-tempo track is a delightful track.
Another solid single by the band but with only two tracks, one must wonder is that it? Fortunately, the accompanying DVD is where you will find a lot of TRIPLANE goodness.
The first track features a music video for “Aikotoba” which is about a guy and the girl that he likes saying goodbye as she is leaving back to her home via a bus terminal. The two absolutely miss each other and all they think about is each other despite being far apart. All he does is draw her in his sketch book and all she does is look at her phone, waiting for his call and the two decide to meet up with each other again by meeting each other halfway.
The second track is a TRIPLANE 15-minute documentary featuring the band’s performance at Akasaka BLITZ in March and Ebata’s One Man LIVE TOUR 2009 and the band meeting up with their fans after the concert plus a brief interview with each member of the band.
The CD insert features the lyrics to the two tracks and like most TRIPLANE releases, come with a discography sheet for TRIPLANE.
Overall, musically the “Aikotoba” is another solid single by the band. But there are no karaoke/instrumental tracks included, thus the addition of the DVD definitely helps enhance this single. Usually, with TRIPLANE releases, you do get a music video and a live performance but it was great to see this short documentary on the band’s live performance from earlier this Spring and seeing the fans really appreciative of their music.
Another solid release from TRIPLANE!
BUY THIS CD SINGLE:
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| Yu Nakamura – Questions? (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
September 28, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“A solid CD single debut for the bikini model/TV talent – Yu Nakamura.”
ARTIST: Yu Nakamura
CD SINGLE: questions?
LABEL: avex entertainment
CATALOG #: AVCA-29086
DURATION: 19:01
RELEASE DATE: January 28, 2009
BUY THIS CD SINGLE
- Questions?
- Today
- Questions? (Less Vocal)
- Today (Less Vocal)
- 中村優のテーマ (Nakamura Yu no Theme) – Secret Track
DVD: Region 2, Duration: 4:22, 16:9LB
- Questions? (Music Video)
Yu Nakamura is well-known in Japan for her body. Known for her bikini model photo books and DVD’s, the talent has been capturing attention on television for her appearance on the TV show “Saku Saku” and eventually performed the song “Nakamura Yu no Theme”. Also, the talent has become an actress appearing in the Tokusatsu series “Tomica Hero: Rescue Fire” as Ritsuka Yuki aka “Fire-3″.
This was enough to give the emerging starlet a music contract with Avex Entertainment and her first CD single “Questions?” became the theme song for the anime series “Tower of Druaga: The Sword of Uruk”.
The CD single kicks off with a fun, rock-based song titled “Questions?” and for the most part, Nakamura does a pretty good job with vocals and the supporting vocals, tends to give the song an enjoyable atmosphere as we hear screams of “Why don’t you?” and “Why can’t you?”. Overall, a solid track to debut her music.
The coupling track “Today” is a happy pop track and overall, a good track showcasing Nakamura’s vocals.
The third and fourth tracks are the karaoke aka “less vocal” tracks of the first two songs.
And there is a secret fifth track included in the single which is Nakamura performing her theme song (which was performed on the “Saku Saku” broadcast”) with her singing and playing the acoustic guitar. The lyrics are quite simple as the lyrics “My name is Nakamura, yuyuyu, I love you” is repeated but there are a few Japanese lyrics in the track and you can hear people in the background applauding her.
As for the DVD, the DVD is a CG track featuring Yu performing with her acoustic guitar and singing the song “Questions?” with digital artwork all around her and a lot of green screen graphics of animals, buildings and objects all around her. Overall, a fun but yet tame music video.
As for the CD insert, the insert is a three-panel foldout featuring the lyrics for the three vocal tracks and the other side featuring images of Yu Nakamura.
Overall, the CD single “Questions?” is a pretty good debut for the sexy model. For the most part, the rock music does fit her style but with most first CD single releases (especially for a talent), I look forward in hearing more from her and see how her music is marketed and for the most part, if there is consistency with each single release. But for Yu Nakamura fans, the CD single is a solid debut!
BUY THIS CD SINGLE
