Brief review of some items I purchased for the past 6 months:
Exile Live Tour 2013: EXILE PRIDE Concert DVD (Exile)
CD Cover
Favorite Performances:
1. Victory
2. Won’t be Long
3. 24Karats Tribe of Gold
4. Performers’ Pride
5. Toki no Kakera
6. Love, Dream, and Happiness
My thoughts:
- I was bothered by Takahiro’s vocals in the first performances. It’s either he was sick or his voice has deteriorated. Plus, he looks struggling to hit some notes in some of the songs. I still give him the benefit of the doubt because I love hearing his voice, since it has a calming effect on me. When blended with Atsushi’s voice, Exile songs become a gem. As a vocalist, Takahiro should really take care of his voice.
- The performers are amazing. Though there are times when they seem synchronized, their energy level is still commendable. My favorite performers are Tetsuya, Naoto, and Naoki.
- THE SECOND from EXILE performances are always a treat. I feel that THE SECOND is underrated in the EXILE Tribe, so I always have a soft spot for them.
Standard CD Album (SCANDAL)
Top: The DVD+T-Shirt Box; Bottom: The t-shirt and the CD
Favorite Songs:
1. Metronome
2. Awanai Tsumori no, Genki de ne (I Don’t Plan On Seeing You; Take Care)
3. Koi no Gestalt Houkai (The Collapse of Love’s Gestalt)
4. Kimi to Mirai to Kanzen Douki (Fully Synchronized With You and the Future)
5. Brand New Wave
6. Weather Report
My thoughts:
- While I like their “Queens are Trumps” album, “Standard” also doesn’t disappoint. Most of the songs in their previous album are rock, while in this new album, their songs are more diverse. It’s worth noting, however, that the album started with a poppish song (for Scandal) and ended with an somewhat garage-rock song, which is written and composed by the girls themselves. Indeed, SCANDAL keeps on improving and innovating themselves.
- I wish “Metronome” was also made a single. It’s a powerful song, and is VERY Scandal. It gives me a Shunkan Sentimental, Shoujo S, and Nanka Buttobase feeling.
- Haruna’s vocals improved a lot. Though it looks like she won’t be able to get her old voice back, at least she seems more conscious with her singing. The other members have more obvious vocal participation here. Until now, I can’t get over Rina singing in Over Drive. Who knew she could also sing in low voice?
- I love the t-shirt. It is simple, yet comfortable. Plus, it’s also my first Scandal merchandise that is not a CD or a DVD.
CHAIN Live Tour 2012 (KAT-TUN)
Front and Back Covers of the DVD
Favorite Performances:
1. Star Rider
2. Lock On
3. Finale
4. Perfect
5. Runaway
6. No Matter. No Matter
7. Entire Disc 2 🙂
My thoughts:
- I had a hard time listing my favorite performances because I love the entire concert.
- They look so happy during the concert. While they’re all amazing in their solo performances, Junno and Ueda shone the most.
- It’s too bad that Koki was fired from the group. Watching this concert made me realize that I’ll miss his shouts and strong vocals.
- How I wish I could attend their concert. I’m envious to all those people in the audience.
Hyphenized Changjo 