access – Dream Runner August 30, 2008

Track Listing

1. Dream Runner
2. PARADISE
3. Dream Runner (TV version)
4. Dream Runner (Instrumental)

1. Dream Runner

Definitly an odd and annoying start with Takami bein long and stupid.  Daisuke comes in with some interesting synths I have never heard in his collection.  There’s something obviously familiar with the song and Takami is in limbo with some of the worst notes to hold.  Just ruins the song, but the angry verses are quite nice for being access…Not a good A-side and disappoints after “Doubt & Trust”

2. PARADISE

Then we get this very upbeat, almost soothing dance track.  Then Takami shoots lyrics like rapid fir which was hard to swallow but he comes back to Earth with some smoother stuff.  It’s odd for me and was probably unusual for them using many new sounds and tricks and there’s a whistle…this was just as random as T.M.Revolution’s track “Salsa Bazaar”  Definitly a nice listen.

 

 

access’s newest single was much a more of a nod to their past songs though I can’t say it was as good as “Doubt & Trust” this was a bit of a step down and I enjoyed the B-side much more than the A-side.  Still, I love how Daisuke is reaching to new sounds with each release whether it’s with access or T.M.R.

access – Doubt & Trust August 21, 2008

 

Track Listing

1. Doubt & Trust
2. GONNA BE
3. Doubt & Trust (DAwnforce Mix) (CD+DVD only)
4. Doubt & Trust (Instrumental)

1. Doubt & Trust

This has got to be one of the best piano openings to a song I’ve heard in a while.  This is one of epic song openings from the anime D. Gray-Man.  access put their pop sound in the backseat for this rock track and to me, it’s one of the best efforts in their career.  Daisuke always seems to impress me with his skill on the keyboard and Takami uses a more deep voice to sing the track and it isn’t bad at all.  Awesome track!

2. GONNA BE

The beginning sounds were so damn annoying and even kept going when Takami started singing.  About his singing…he’s under the vocoder, which sounded pretty awesome.  Though I didn’t like it when they hit the chorus.  It just sounded weak and bleh.  I don’t knowbut I hope this doesn’t end up on their next album.

3. Doubt & Trust (DAwnforce Mix)

Yup, this is definitly Daisuke’s mix.  It starts out like the original but then it get’s very robotic and full of synths.  Not that it’s anything bad but it just took the song into a totally different direction.  Takami’s voice is filtered and the music is louder which kind of turned me off.   Not my favorite here

 

 

access’s recent single was a great way to bring back access and it shows since they were at the top 10 on the oricon charts.  Doubt & Trust was an awesome rock track and made a pretty damn cool opening for D. Gray-Man.  GONNA BE though was a nice try and was good with the vocoder but came out so boring.  The remix however was a little bit on the bad side with overbearing music.  It’s still a nice single though.

 

access – Best Selection: CD1 Singles Selection July 20, 2008

Track Listing

1. VIRGIN EMOTION
2. JEWELRY ANGEL
3. NAKED DESIRE
4. MOONSHINE DANCE
5. TRY AGAIN
6. Yume wo Mitai Kara
7. MISTY HEARTBREAK
8. SWEET SILENCE
9. DRASTIC MERMAID
10. SCANDALOUS BLUE
11. TEAR’S LIBERATION
12. Only the love survive
13. EDGE
14. REAL AT NIGHT ~Nemurenu Yoru no Mukou ni~
15. Hitomi no Tsubasa
16. Doubt & Trust

1. VIRGIN EMOTION

Ok, this is the first time, that I didn’t like the first track.  Takami is strangely sharp for this song, and sounds so messed up.  The chorus does prevent any more issues.  The guitar sounds cool too, but c’mon, seriously this song sucks still.

2. JEWELRY ANGEL

Didn’t I just listen to this song?  Well, it has the same kind of beginning, but this time Takami sounds right.  This time it’s the chorus that’s a bit strange to my ears.  ~Jury Angle?~ maybe he needs to take some English classes.  I do like the afterchorus, where Daisuke takes over for a bit.

3. NAKED DESIRE

That was a cool guitar opening.  Then we get to Takami’s funky lyrics.  The bridge sounds so cool though with the staccato synths.  This songs screams anthem-y as there is some chanting in it, which bothered me a bit.  Still, it’s definitly a step up from the two tracks before it. 

4. MOONSHINE DANCE

Now this is definitly way better.  Daisuke starts off with a hot synth beat reminescent of a Mortal Kombat movie.  Takami sounds so much better and everything is just real catchy here.  The enthusiasm in the title in the chorus is so good.  It’s so far the best track. Daisuke’s solo = WIN

5. TRY AGAIN

A ballad comes in as track 5, TRY AGAIN.  There’s some tribal instruments trinkling throughout but it’s mostly the normal band instruments.  The strings do give it a more pleasant feel for it.  It’s better than the other songs that are just like this song.

6. Yume wo Mitai Kara

A bit more lively than TRY AGAIN, Yume wo Mitai Kara is mainly a synth/piano pop tune.  The guitar gots some quirky inputs during the verses/bridge which is pretty cool.  Somehow, this song just bores me…It doesn’t have any bam in it. 

7. MISTY HEARTBREAK

I’m kinda of getting bored of the same sounding synths.  Though this song has some of the coolest things going on, especially in the verses.  There’s some very cool stuff from Daisuke and it’s got a steady hot beat.  Takami once again sounds great in this song, probably this is their best song from the past.

8. SWEET SILENCE

The verses in SWEET SILENCE bothered me so much!  Like it’s normal then he speeds through the second part throwing the listener off.  The music is definitly nothing new still.  If it wasn’t a single this would be a filler track, since it doesn’t really peak my interest at all.

9. DRASTIC MERMAID

This continuation of this sound is really making me bored and this song isn’t helping it any.  It’s still the medium-tempo track and doesn’t really bring anything new to the table.  The guitar is pretty cool to listen to though.  Boring track overall.

10. SCANDALOUS BLUE

Taking a sound that’s more familiar to T.M.Revolution’s stuff, SCANDALOUS BLUE sounds very tense and sort of messy right until the chorus where it gets boring again.  It’s a happy track, which is more or less a difference to me, because I’m still not impressed.

11. TEAR’S LIBERATION

Luckily, this is the final track before where things start to change.  It’s still the normal Daisuke treatment of a song, which I can’t really stand anymore.  Though the happy feling does me wanna tap my feet to it.  I think it’s probably one of the better songs off the CD.

12. Only the love survive

Finally, a difference in production.  The song is very space-like in the beginning, while Takami’s vocals sound a tad nasally, but I think there was help with it.  The difference in the synth for me was almost godly, but it wasn’t til the next song where I actually said it.

13. EDGE

I was shocked when I heard this and said to myself “Is this really access?” The effective synth storm found across this song is too damn catchy and Takami sounded perfect angry and he really made the song.  When Daisuke takes his solo, OMG I’m falling in love all over again.  The epitome of an aggressive track is right here.  The lyrics, though strange, do eventually make sense near the end.  If there’s one track that needs to be downloaded from them it’s this one!

14. REAL AT NIGHT ~Nemurenu Yoru no Mukou ni~

 The beginning with the guitar was pretty impressive with some different sounding synths again really made it a dark track.  Then Takami comes in with softer vocals, but it kind of sounds lifeless.  I guess they were trying to take on a slower pop side, but to me, it didn’t work this time.

15. Hitomi no Tsubasa

One of Code Geass’s opening’s, this fared so much better as the slower pop track, because it had so much power in it.  I like how Daisuke plays his solo and how strong Takami is in it.  The lead guitar played so well also.  This song just oozes cool everywhere.

16. Doubt & Trust

Another tie-in with an anime, this time D.Gray-Man’s 3rd opening.  This is actually mostly rock since there’s not much of synths and more of just Daisuke playing regular piano!!! ZOMG!!!  Anyway if you’ve seen D.Gray-Man, then you would know it’s a dark and scary atmosphere.  Takami takes on the verses in a lower register to which he sounds better.  Daisuke singing too?  What’s this world coming to?  Still it’s their most recent single, and IMO a great comeback to the music forefront!

Tracks Recommended

• EDGE
• Doubt & Trust
• MOONSHINE DANCE
• Hitomi no Tsubasa
• MISTY HEARTBREAK

Yeah, this is the worst CD, pretty much from VIRGIN EMOTION straight to Only the love survive was downright boring and unoriginal.  The last few songs definitly kicked them back up though.  I know they were all singles but damn…a lot of them just sounded to similar.

access – Best Selection: CD2 Daisuke Asukara’s Selection July 11, 2008

Track Listing

1. SEQUENCE MEDITATION ~Chouden Doushikou Kairo Dai’ichi Gakushou Kakumei~
2. FIND NEW WAY
3. BE NUDE
4. LYIN’ EYES
5. STONED MERGE
6. DECADE & xxx
7. BEAT PLANET
8. SHAKE THE SUNRISE
9. AGAINST THE RULES 2002
10. Hung Me For The Distance ~Kizuna Sareta Ai no Hate ni~
11. balearic GHOST
12. Stay
13. Life goes on
14. STAY MY LOVE

1. SEQUENCE MEDITATION ~Chouden Doushikou Kairo Dai’ichi Gakushou Kakumei~

Why is this such a long title?  Even then it’s for a short introduction.  It’s a real quiet one at first but a minute in, Organ starts playing and some synths creating a terrifying atmosphere but then it stops and guitar comes in and then some funky sounds.  This is just the weirdest interlude/beginning ever.

2. FIND NEW WAY

I can see why Daisuke chose this.  It has some of the coolest synth playing in it.  But that’s all it’s good for.  Takami sounds a bit bored in this song, and this tune is a bit bland after a while.  It’s your normal tune, oddly it reminds me of T.M.Revolution’s song I just reviewed “Hesoshukujo -Venus-”

3. BE NUDE

A funky entrance, then Takami comes in, The title is a bit strange too, cmon BE NUDE? WTF.  This song is a bit more minimalistic in sound then the previous tune, Which is pretty much a better thing.  Though once again I’m bored but at least the chorus is lively!

4. LYIN’ EYES

A very space-like opening to LYIN’ EYES.  Once again Takami is rapping but somewhere in there I can hear him say ~Sexy~.  It’s definitly got a great dance beat to it.  It’s definitly a better song on this album just for the pulsating dance synths, which I am grateful for.  DAISUKE LOVE!!!! BTW I think Takami cusses a bit.  Another out of left field surprise from access.

5. STONED MERGE

A dark rush of sounds filters through the speakers at first then even more synths are added.  Altogether making a mysterious sound, it’s actually very weird but cool.  Takami whispers the lyrics, sad I couldnt tell what he was saying because the music was very loud.  Then it gets really fast for the chorus and Takami becomes more apparant.  Definitly the creepy track.

6. DECADE & xxx

Sweeping synths and piano play at the beginning of the tune. It’s once again a piano ladened dance track.  But, Takami finally rears his ugly vocals in this song which totally destroys it.  I think I’f be rather better off not listening to this, but Daisuke did make the song cool.

7. BEAT PLANET

Ooooo, this track, off the same original album as the previous song, this was way better.  Though the verses seem sort of monotone, Daisuke helped this out in the keyboarding department.  It’s got a forceful beat to it, and make you wanna listen and see what else can happen during the song, which is once again a dance track.  The chorus does take out the beats for a bit and leaves the piano which was great.  This song has an awesome beat to it, great song.

8. SHAKE THE SUNRISE

This is definitly a song that makes you think of the sun, but oddly there’s great feel of speed here too.  The beat is fast, Daisuke playing the synths is as catchy.  It reminds me of DJ Sammy, which is in no way a bad thing.  The guitarist in the song is so great here too.  The one problem I had was that this was a long song clocking over 7 minutes, it can get a bit boring.

9. AGAINST THE RULES 2002

Well, we’re back to this poor song.  Like I said in the last review this song didn’t really capture my attention, but when I heard this remixed, it changed my view a bit.  It’s got a more dance and ethereal view on it and it’s so much better.  Daisuke is the awesomest in playing in this song. Very memorable indeed.

10. Hung Me For The Distance ~Kizuna Sareta Ai no Hate ni~

Another great dance/trance track.  It begins with the strings, but then leads to the dance part.  It’s got more of a sad tone to it, but doesn’t back away from the beats.  The chorus sounds great also with Takami’s voice.  3rd verse, it gains some very cosmic beeps which really got me happy.  Definitly the best track off of this CD

11. balearic GHOST

Gosh, this is a very interesting track from them.  It’s very speedy but has so many oddities in it like the church bells in it, The guitar keeps poppin in and out of the track but at the same time created a nice burst.  Though the instrumentation get get boring quickly and Takami being practically nonexistant in the track, this could lead to problems.

12. Stay

The longest track covering 9 minutes of time.  This would not be on my list of songs I’d keep listening to.  It’s got a mysterious entrance and carries throughout.  The synths though are great but Takami won’t come in until 2 minutes in.  It’s kind of boring and Takami is monotone a lot in the song, which annoyed me.  PASS!

13. Life goes on

A more brighter tune, Life goes on actually is a a fast rock tune.  It sounds like Takami and Daisuke were thinking fun for this track and it worked on their behalf.  he synths can get catchy so watch out there.  It’s got a lot of bright features like the synth and Daisuke’s solo, which was awesome!  Takami also sounds like he loves the song.

14. STAY MY LOVE

And we end the album with a ballad.  In fact it sounds a lot better than the ballads found on the 3rd CD.  Takami has good vocals when he isn’t trying to sound brash.  It’s just Takami and piano this time but there’s a clarinet and flute secretly in there.  It’s definitely a great CD ending

Tracks Recommended

• Hung Me For The Distance ~Kizuna Sareta Ai no Hate ni
• Life goes on
• LYIN’ EYES
• AGAINST THE RULES 2002
• STAY MY LOVE

So, the 2nd CD is Daisuke’s choices and actually he did a better job at picking then Takami, there was only a few songs I couldnt stand but the rest were pretty good especially the top 5 songs I liked.  Anyways, great CD, I can’t wait to do the 1st CD

 

access – Best Selection: CD3 Takami Hiroyuki’s Selection July 10, 2008

Track Listing

1. SUMMER NIGHT BREEZER
2. closet
3. Especially Kiss
4. White Lights
5. PALE BLUE RAIN
6. JUNGLING PARTY
7. NIGHT WAVE
8. AGAINST THE RULES
9. SILVER HEART (binary engine version 2007)
10. CATCH THE RAINBOW
11. VIEW
12. OZONE, IN THE NATIVE
13. Grand Muse
14. LOOK-A-HEAD

1. SUMMER NIGHT BREEZER

Starting immediatly Takami’s almost nasally voice kinda kills it quickly.  Then his voice gets synthed up pretty good in the verses.  Daisuke’s signature synth usage is pretty catchy actually.  The chorus is where Takami just kinda ruins it with his unusual voice.  I can’t help but like the rest of the song, cause it’s futuristic in nature.  So I’ll let his off vocals pass by.

2. closet

As if, this song is freaky in many ways.  It’s got a dark creepy theme to it.  Takami this time whispering his vocals, which is probably a good thing considering how bad it was.  IMO, he sounds better like this, using a sexy/creepy tone.  Daisuke actually has a more prominent role in this song as well, his solo part has many swoop synths it’s pretty cool. 

3. Especially Kiss

A quieter beginning, but still retaining the futuristic sound, Especially Kiss brings back the odd Takami, to the vocals.  Though it isn’t horrible this time.  It’s a tad slow for my taste, but its got a pretty good feeling to it.  Daisuke, wow, I’m always impressed with your playing.  It’s got so much wonder in it.  I LOVE YOU DAISUKE!!!!

4. White Lights

Uhm, I immediatly thought of Earthbound from the SNES when I heard the beginning.  It was kinda scary but at the same time intriguing.  Takami, are you trying to rap or just sing fast?  It’s a more ethereal tune on the album which is a surprise.  Takami sounds great, but he’s really soft, and the music can somewhat take over too much.  It’s definitly a great song to listen to, makes me wanna slow dance. 

5. PALE BLUE RAIN

A ballad from access?  This is more or less a surprise.  It’s pretty much Takami and Daisuke playing piano or more like hitting the piano.  As it is being attacked which made me laugh.  There’s little bloops from the synths, but the person they are highlighting is Takami who sounds great here.  Though it can drag, cuz it’s at a very steady beat. It gets louder and guitar comes in which probably helped it a bit.

6. JUNGLING PARTY

Classic, access right here.  You can’t tell if it was T.M.Revolution or access without the help of Takami’s signature voice.  This is the party song of the album and i love the track.  It makes you wanna get up and dance along with it.  It’s got a lot a latino flavor in it, which isn’t normal for any J-pop group.  Anyway, Takami sounds so happy to be singing, it’s kinda cute.  Awesome Track and Guitar Solo.

7. NIGHT WAVE

The rock track, well as much as it can.  This is another one of the pretty bad moments with Takami’s vocals.  He was all over the place, and the other random crap that was all over the track really killed the song.  It sounds very 80’s pop.  Though I liked the chorus and his aggression saying ~Night Wave~.  The other guy saying the dumb things annoyed me to no end….w/e

8. AGAINST THE RULES

Continuing the annoying random sayings, AGAINST THE RULES is actually faring more better than the previous song.  It’s so strange just to listen.  There is a guy rapping for a bit which is disturbing.  This would be the song to hear if you were playing sports of any kind, it’s got a very different sound.  Not my kind of song though.

9. SILVER HEART (binary engine version 2007)

Getting back to normal, SILVER HEART has an eerie beginning with repetitions between the piano and what i think is guitar.  Then Takami speaks English but is messed with alot.  Takami comes in the verses quietly but his voice has been tweaked with a bit again.  Though with this tweak he sounds pretty cool.  The chorus is loud and Daisuke and pointing it out with the beats.  It retains the repititions majority of the song.  It’s definitly the dark and mysterious song off the CD.

10. CATCH THE RAINBOW

I reacted so good with this song, though it’s the “Gay” song off the album, I mean c;mon Catch the Rainbow? hahaha.  Anyway, Daisuke created this racing feeling with his synthing, I actually thought of Gran Turismo, or Ridge Racer for that matter.  The chorus, just screams so wrong.  Doesn’t mean the song was all that bad though.  It’s a fest feeling song, if you know what I mean.

11. VIEW

The longest track, passing 7 minutes.  It kind of reminds me of “CATCH THE RAINBOW” but with guitars….so, I can’t say it was the same feeling.  This song was so much better.  I like the hectic lyrics, it’s get an ethereal dance feeling to it and made this song so cool.  I love the bridge, there’s vocals but Takami is also saying something else at the same time.  The chorus is a pretty happy chorus.  Daisuke also is great in this song.  The usage of the synth to create a magical place is great.  STILL LOVIN’ YOU!!!!  Actually I think it’s the total opposite of “EDGE” on the 1st CD.  Which is great.

12. OZONE, IN THE NATIVE

Interesting opening, It’s also a fast song, but Takami, is using a different voice here, it’s like sexy, but with a twinge of anger, then he comes in with his full voice.  Then again, the chorus is also too happy.  We’re back to the hurtful sounds from Takami, I hate when he uses it, but he makes up for it, with his manly voice.  It still pales to “VIEW”

13. Grand Muse

Strings open the tune up, and it seems to be in a R&B style, this is just wrong.  It sounds like I’d hear on the radio.  Though it quickly opens up further with the guitar at the chorus.  I just thought this track was so boring in fact.  Nothing really made me feel that this track was special.

14. LOOK-A-HEAD

The last song has a pretty awesome opening and great sounds coming from Daisuke.  Then Takami is leading in the verses and then other voices add in at the end of a stanza which was great.  Takami also sounds enthusiastic in this song.  There is one problem, he should not go for the high notes, he sounds so bad trying to get there.  The piano solo, was definitly a great addition.  Oh yea, they say ~access~ in it XD.  A fitting ending to the CD

Tracks Recommended

• VIEW
• White Lights
• Especially Kiss
• JUNGLING PARTY
• SILVER HEART

 

The 3rd of the BEST of is what Takami Hiroyuki chose, and you know, it’s kinda disappointing, since half the songs were great then the other half really was atrocious.  Still, they were good choices.  You’ll also notice I like the newer stuff rather than the older stuff.