Eri Nobuchika – Sketch for Summer September 1, 2008

 

Track Listing

1. Sketch for Summer
2. Sketch for Summer (Live @ Sony Music Studio)
3. Voice (Bob Sinclair Voiceless Remix)
4. Sketch for Summer (Karaoke)

1. Sketch for Summer

Taking a new turn, Sketch for Summer is definitly a ballad.  Though coming from me, I found this a bad direction as I liked her combinations of dance and such to her music.  Eri though sounds beautiful and her and ballads are great.  Then the song turns all jazzy and full of nice band sounds.  I think the song is a little too long for my taste for a good job overall.

2. Sketch for Summer (Live @ Sony Music Studio)

Even more ballad-like to the original, I once thought, it’s too damn long.  Truthfully, this was a little too boring.  Then again Eri sounds strong if not more than the original.  After a while, the jazz instruments which are more prominent this time around, join in the fray and made the song more enjoyable.  Loved it.

3. Voice (Bob Sinclair Voiceless Remix)

Yep, where the hell is my Eri?  Voice isnt full without Eri in it.  However, it makes a good club song w/o them.  There’s more to the song like extra beats and synths/piano but its still got the same buildup as the original….failed.

 

 

Eri’s 3rd single probably surprised a few people as it was a jazz ballad instead of a dance-hybrid.  Though it isn’t my favorite single it had some nice qualities to it.  Though I wonder who decided to put Eri in a ballad….that was a bold idea that worked.

Tsukiko Amano – A MOON CHILD IN THE SKY September 1, 2008

 

Track Listing

1. A MOON CHILD IN THE SKY
2. Devil Flamingo
3. JOKER JOE
4. iDEA (A Moon Child mix)
5. Stone
6. Hisui (A Moon Child mix)
7. 1/2 -a half-
8. Koe
9. Satoumizu
10. Parade
11. Hakase to Kujaku
12. Kakan
13. Taisou (hidden track)

1. A MOON CHILD IN THE SKY

Interesting and soothing opening to the album.  It sounds very depressing with guitar playing a melody and sounds of waves.  Though the album is so not like this at all. Then as fast as it starts it’s led to our next track.

2. Devil Flamingo

Damn, this song starts off with some synths and are led into this cool rock track.  Tsukiko sounds very cool and she releases energy in flurry in the chorus.  The guitar riff is so damn catchy and adds power in the song.  The synths aso pop in also and to be exact it’s almost perfect.  The interlude in the song with a guitar solo, then a quiet part surprised me.  Already it’s a favorite track of mine.

3. JOKER JOE

JOKER JOE is another rock heavy track, but lacks the interesting synth usage “Devil Flamingo” produced.  It’s there but it’s miniscule.  The bridge was smooth and then the chorus fires up and starts with ~JOKER JOE~ easily making sense.  It’s more controlled and sounds like it would be an awesome song to hear on a tour.  Tsukiko’s strong vocals are awesome still.

4. iDEA (A Moon Child mix)

I noticed what the major change to the song which was a muffled beginning.  I thought it was going to be a ballad, but it turns out to be rock-affiliated.  It actually is a lot more controlled.  Though, I didn’t like the chorus to this it was kind of boring and just uneventful.  Though, I still enjoy the arrangement in the music.

5. Stone

Stone changes the song into a more positive light with it’s bouncy arrangement and piano inclusion.  It’s got a nice sound to it and her singing just fits nicely into it.  I can’t believe she has good control on her voice.  Very pop/rock here.

6. Hisui (A Moon Child mix)

Hisui is a piano ballad and to be honest I was hoping to here one of them on the album.  Her voice sounds a bit thin for some of the higher notes in the song but she performed this track very nicely.  After a while, it gains some other instruments and the strings that appear sound beautiful.  I haven’t heard the original, but I can only guess what it sounds like.  I like this song as it represents a more calmer Tsukiko.

7. 1/2 -a half-

A more ominous song, with it’s creepy opening on the pipe organ and the gradual rise of sound and then everything just comes in.  The synths and bass in this song just wins me over immediatly.  Then the chorus starts and wow, it just sounds pop/rock with dark twinges of sound.  It’s definitly a standout track for sure.

8. Koe

Whatever this album meant was definitly shutoff when this very awesome track starts up.  Starting with piano chords that you can only hear in horror movies.  Then it gets melancholic when the piano actually starts making right sounds.  Koe is so full of darkness and fear that you can’t but appreciate Tsukiko’s work.  Then the chorus is so epic and just full of life and Tsukiko kicks ass in the vocal department.  No wonder why it’s her biggest hit and being used in Fatal Frame doesn’t hurt either.

9. Satoumizu

I thought, another “Koe”?  Nope there’s some awkward stuff going on.  Like the beginning sounded out like “Koe” very dark and scary…then when she starts singing there’s a waltz-like tone to it which surprised and then the song goes into an orchestrated rock song.  This song is just so weird, but works because of all the interesting factors in it.  Oh yea, guitar solo = WIN

10. Parade

Then Tsukiko goes all Miyavi in this song.  It’s fast-paced and loud.  Her voice sounds muffled like the microphone has some problems.  Oh man, the bridge is effin awesome however, I can’t say the same for the entire chorus.  She sounds a bit flat against the music.  My least favorite track from the album.

11. Hakase to Kujaku

Maybe, I wasn’t paying too much attention, but this song was another WTF track on the album.  It’s playfulness really did a 180 for me.  The piano is nice and there’s flutes featured somewhat.  This kind of fluffy pop song is definitly a nice moment and the awe-inspiring magical sounds are so apparant, what a nice song, but definitly wouldnt have fit anywhere else on the album.

12. Kakan

Kakan is like “Koe” in some ways being piano mostly but then turns so powerful and just one of those epic songs.  I thought this was as good as “Koe” if not more because of Tsukiko’s vocals just sounding so good.  Then again Kakan had some awesome usage as well.  It’s definitly a great track.

13. Taisou

After hardcore Kakan we’re are led instantly to a hidden track….which is a big WTF moment on the album.  Not only does it sound like nothing on the album, this has the most annoying voices that aren’t Tsukiko’s.  It’s just very pop and maybe corny at the same time.  I do give credit that it is silly as hell.

Recommended Tracks

• Devil Flamingo
• Koe
• 1/2 -a half-
• Hisui (A Moon Child mix)
• Hakase to Kujaku

Totally my favorite album from her.  It’s got so many different perspectives from Tsukiko.  We got haunted Koe, angry Devil Flamingo, magical Hakase to Kujaku and silly Taisou.  It’ll have a lasting effect on the listener, I know it did for me.  I Tsukiko <3

BTW the Star Wars themed cover is the awesomest cover ever!