Groove Heroine

Google’s “Lively” Interesting?

groove777 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:50:14 +0000

To be honest, I’ve never done any live real-time social networking besides Final Fantasy XI which was fun but trying to level in that game was impossible to do. I have been wanting to try something new and interesting, and I figured I would try it out….has anyone else tried it? Is it good? Fun? I’ve heard so many things about SL (Second Life)…but I’m still kinda unsure if i want to do Second Life?

LISA’s (of m-flo) got that fever…of 80s new-wave & techno?

groove777 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:57:49 +0000

LISA, mostly known as the female rapper/singer to the Japanese Hip-hop popular group m-flo, has been solo for some time now although some fans suggest that she should return to the group or not have left in the first place. She has tried some styles to be successful in making it on her own, I personally liked her when she was in her R&B period with “GOD SISTA”, which is a great album. Like most Japanese artists lately, LISA has decided to go 80s with her next mini album release, “Got that Fever?”. The lead track “LEAVE” is a song that reminds me of 80s techno and new wave, with a slight edge of alternative in it. I also dig her new haircut, she looks punky but cool.

Although Bloodshy and Avant are said to have produced some tracks for “Got that Fever”, I’m surprised that m-flo hasn’t tapped her on the shoulder to do some sort of remix. Personally, I think LISA thought she could do better when she left m-flo, but I think no one told her that she looked and sounded better with m-flo in terms of vocals and beats. Despite the fact that m-flo has done better when LISA left the group, I don’t think I can say that LISA has experienced that kind of success when she left the group. Overall, I dig the song and I previewed the tracks for the mini album…i think its very solid. Hopefully, it’ll give her a good ranking and fans will enjoy it.

Color Change for Crystal Kay…flourishes

groove777 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:49:54 +0000

Surprisingly, Crystal Kay’s 8th album “Color Change” leaked the day before its release date (if you live in the US, it’s 8/5/2008…) other than that, it came out right on time in Japan (its 8/6/2008). I bought this album because I’ve liked Crystal Kay’s other albums a great deal…but I was very unsure of buying a CD that I hadn’t heard of the previews for in full…for 18 dollars from Korea from Yesasia. I’m listening to the album before my copy comes in the mail.

Aside from the singles, ONE and Namida no Saki ne…the album is a mixture of pop, R&B, dance, and ballad…maybe one ballad? Compared to ALL YOURS, her previous album from last year…this album pretty much goes all out on beats and producers…most of the producers are international such as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis…and Bloodshy & Avant. The album itself, I feel has a more universal feel..it can be played anywhere and people would like it. She uses more english than I remember, which is a good sign for others who want to listen to her…and not feel unsure in terms of Japanese. It is not known what songs the producers worked on….but overall, they did great for each song. I even like the slow song….and Shining (from her Christmas mini album) is on here as well.

If the album were released internationally, I can see this album doing very well…but I am unsure of Japan. In easier terms for the Kuri fans…this album is like “Kirakuni”….times 10.

Life Goes On for Chemistry?

groove777 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:04:14 +0000

After their most recent album “Face to Face” CHEMISTRY has returned with a new single with a simple title “LIFE Goes On”…I had a feeling it would be a ballad but suprisingly, it is not a balld but a upbeat techno song for the….K side.
There are two sides to the song, which I can translate as it could refer to the good and bad times of life. The K side is the upbeat track I feel that everyone is going to love when they start to perform the song live…the D side is an acoustic version of the song as well.