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Release Date: 2009-06-23, Audio CD, Universal Japan/Zoom

Japanese edition, recorded live in 2002, release from the r ... Read more

Japanese edition, recorded live in 2002, release from the rock act featuring former members of King Crimson features 12 audio tracks on CD, plus 14 audio/video tracks on a bonus DVD (NTSC/Region 2). The DVD does feature the same set list as the CD with the exception of 2 extra tracks, 'Tomorrow's People' & 'If I Was'. Color/116 minutes. Universal. Minimize

LIMITED/PAPER SLEEVE/REMASTERING/JAPAN ONLY

Release Date: 2011-06-14, Audio CD, Universal Japan

Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers Japanese SHM CD

The Japanese didn't invent '80s rock, but they sure took it ... Read more

The Japanese didn't invent '80s rock, but they sure took it to heart, and Blue Blood is definite proof of that if there ever was one. On this record, X Japan move through the hard rock variations of their time with the ease of Ritchie Blackmore whipping out the "Smoke on the Water" riff for the umpteenth time. There's even a glam rock detour ("Easy Fight Rambling") and a power ballad, although for the most part the band is content to rock their hearts out, staying on the coordinate grid set by Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Queensrýche and perhaps updated Thin Lizzy, with the results being not too far from what Helloween were doing at the time. Whether or not the Germans influenced X-Japan is up for debate, but the similarities are obvious, as the Japanese exhibit the same aptness for combining menacing guitar work with anthemic -- or rather, in this case, cinematic -- hook-laden melodies and performing it at a tempo able to get them a speeding ticket on a highway. Blue Blood is rounded out by the raspy but stro Minimize

2010 release Japanese only SHM CD pressing of the 1972 albu ... Read more

2010 release Japanese only SHM CD pressing of the 1972 album. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. Tracks: 1 - Hot 'N' Nasty 2 - The Fixer 3 - You're So Good For Me 4 - C'mon Everybody 5 - Time Feelin' 6 - Thirty Days In The Hole 7 - Road Runner 8 - I Wonder 9 - Sweet Peace And Time. Minimize

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super ... Read more

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Common has done this sort of thing before--namely, coming u ... Read more

Common has done this sort of thing before--namely, coming up with a record so different in tone and musical style it confounds fans and critics alike. The unchecked experimentation on ELECTRIC CIRCUS had his public polarized and left some wondering if Common's future work would be anything like hip-hop. This time around, on his eighth LP, the Chi-town lyricist once again bucks expectations, with 10 tracks of Bambaataa-esque electro courtesy of the Neptunes and Mr. DJ. This is original hip-hop--as Pharrell's "Planet Rock"-inspired hook on the opening title cut should proclaim loud and clear for those old enough to remember. On the lyrical front, Common is as captivating as ever. In between the lusty club-bangers and throw-your-hands-up anthems, he comes correct with a lofty, extended-metaphor take on the Obama era ("Changes") and an inspired homage to Biggie ("Announcement (Sped Up)"), where he and Pharrell rework some of the notorious one's most memorable lines. Minimize

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super ... Read more

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super ... Read more

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super ... Read more

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Chihiro Yamanaka's eighth leader album with Universal Music ... Read more

Chihiro Yamanaka's eighth leader album with Universal Music, Reminiscence is packed with her unique personality, deriving from the accumulation of her years of colorful activities. She creates her unmistakable world by integrating her own swing, bluesiness, funkiness, as well as her free viewpoint towards a wide range of music genres, all in line. A contemporary jazz piano which stretches outwardly after absorbing all of the old school jazz piano - experiencing her free-spirited and full-of-personality groove is part of the thrilling joy only jazz can provide. Her new album Reminiscence seems to have a special meaning to her. The title is a reminder of the nuclear accident in her hometown of Fukushima. When the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, Yamanaka was staying in Japan. Her indignation and mixed emotions stayed on with her even after going back to the US - not wanting to forget such emotions, she decided to name this album Reminiscence. In fact, her only original piece "Rain, Rain and Rain" is about the power plant accident and her prayers for recovery of her hometown. Taking a bluesy, and nostalgic melody as a motif, she narrates her emotions along with her free imagination. The rest of the tracks are filled with originals from famous jazzmen and pop tunes. Having said that, she has meticulously and exclusively cooked these ingredients with her distinctive senses. Yamanaka, not trapped by the existing playing styles, shifts smoothly between jazz, pop, soul, and Brazilian music regardless of genre, with her senses open in various directions. We can easily see Yamanaka, a contemporary player of our times, stripped down to her real self when she makes all of such genres her own. "Soul Searchin'" is an original track of the guru of funky jazz, Horace Silver, included in the album Total Response (1971). Despite having such a bluesy and friendly melody, it had never come under the spotlight - casually picking this track as her repertoire is truly Yamanaka-esque. The beats of "(They Long to Be) Close to You", a major hit by the Carpenters, stand out, and the expression of her melodies of Sean Lennon's "Dead Meat" from his album Friendly Fire (2006) are wistful. In the Brazilian waltz masterpiece "Ele e Ela" written by Marcos Valle, she delivers a light and beautiful original waltz rhythm, which flows from its theme. Yamanaka's touch is steady and seems to have a certain affection towards its lyrical melodies. "She Did It Again", written by Michel Petrucciani, contains an interesting accent which resembles a puzzle, and she makes it even thrilling by turning it more up-tempo. "La Samba des Prophetes", written by drummer Aldo Romano is also a piece included in Petrucciani's album Estate - we can therefore not help but notice her thorough elaborations through such choice of tracks. Another notable element could be the participation of Larry Grenadier and Bernard "Pretty" Purdy as the drummer for "This Masquerade" and "You've Got a Friend / Central Park West". It goes without saying that Bernard Purdy is a star player in all soul, R&B, and fusion scenes, and the depth of his insight has no limits. Supported by the abundant flow of beats, the lean lyricism of Yamanaka reaches its peak. The last track of the album is the 1967 hit by Frankie Valli, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", which lead the disco boom of the 80's when Boys Town Gang turned it into a mega hit and later into a standard. Its classy arrangement also demonstrates Yamanaka's "sense of melody", and even wraps the album with a humorous surprise. Reminiscence, released in Japan last August, has received the "Jazz Japan Award 2011" given to the best album in Japan, will be released internationally - in Europe in April, in US in May. There is no question that this album will become another milestone for Chihiro Yamanaka's career. Please fully enjoy the phantasmagoric and kaleidoscopic world of Chihiro Yamanaka. Masamichi Oka Minimize

Common has done this sort of thing before--namely, coming u ... Read more

Common has done this sort of thing before--namely, coming up with a record so different in tone and musical style it confounds fans and critics alike. The unchecked experimentation on ELECTRIC CIRCUS had his public polarized and left some wondering if Common's future work would be anything like hip-hop. This time around, on his eighth LP, the Chi-town lyricist once again bucks expectations, with 10 tracks of Bambaataa-esque electro courtesy of the Neptunes and Mr. DJ. This is original hip-hop--as Pharrell's "Planet Rock"-inspired hook on the opening title cut should proclaim loud and clear for those old enough to remember. On the lyrical front, Common is as captivating as ever. In between the lusty club-bangers and throw-your-hands-up anthems, he comes correct with a lofty, extended-metaphor take on the Obama era ("Changes") and an inspired homage to Biggie ("Announcement (Sped Up)"), where he and Pharrell rework some of the notorious one's most memorable lines. Minimize

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super ... Read more

Japanese only SHM Paper Sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Japanese only 2 x SHM Deluxe Edition, paper sleeve pressing ... Read more

Japanese only 2 x SHM Deluxe Edition, paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. Includes four bonu ... Read more

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. Includes four bonus tracks. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2010. Minimize

Limited Edition Japanese pressing comes housed in a miniatu ... Read more

Limited Edition Japanese pressing comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Universal. 2008. * Please note these are issued on Universal EU barcodes but are in fact pressed in Japan and include an OBI and booklet. Minimize

LIMITED/PAPER SLEEVE/REMASTERING/JAPAN ONLY

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. Features 2009 rema ... Read more

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. Features 2009 remastering. Only available on CD in Japan! The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC & Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Warner. 2009. Minimize

Chihiro Yamanaka's eighth leader album with Universal Music ... Read more

Chihiro Yamanaka's eighth leader album with Universal Music, Reminiscence is packed with her unique personality, deriving from the accumulation of her years of colorful activities. She creates her unmistakable world by integrating her own swing, bluesiness, funkiness, as well as her free viewpoint towards a wide range of music genres, all in line. A contemporary jazz piano which stretches outwardly after absorbing all of the old school jazz piano - experiencing her free-spirited and full-of-personality groove is part of the thrilling joy only jazz can provide. Her new album Reminiscence seems to have a special meaning to her. The title is a reminder of the nuclear accident in her hometown of Fukushima. When the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, Yamanaka was staying in Japan. Her indignation and mixed emotions stayed on with her even after going back to the US - not wanting to forget such emotions, she decided to name this album Reminiscence. In fact, her only original piece "Rain, Rain and Rain" is about the power plant accident and her prayers for recovery of her hometown. Taking a bluesy, and nostalgic melody as a motif, she narrates her emotions along with her free imagination. The rest of the tracks are filled with originals from famous jazzmen and pop tunes. Having said that, she has meticulously and exclusively cooked these ingredients with her distinctive senses. Yamanaka, not trapped by the existing playing styles, shifts smoothly between jazz, pop, soul, and Brazilian music regardless of genre, with her senses open in various directions. We can easily see Yamanaka, a contemporary player of our times, stripped down to her real self when she makes all of such genres her own. "Soul Searchin'" is an original track of the guru of funky jazz, Horace Silver, included in the album Total Response (1971). Despite having such a bluesy and friendly melody, it had never come under the spotlight - casually picking this track as her repertoire is truly Yamanaka-esque. The beats of "(They Long to Be) Close to You", a major hit by the Carpenters, stand out, and the expression of her melodies of Sean Lennon's "Dead Meat" from his album Friendly Fire (2006) are wistful. In the Brazilian waltz masterpiece "Ele e Ela" written by Marcos Valle, she delivers a light and beautiful original waltz rhythm, which flows from its theme. Yamanaka's touch is steady and seems to have a certain affection towards its lyrical melodies. "She Did It Again", written by Michel Petrucciani, contains an interesting accent which resembles a puzzle, and she makes it even thrilling by turning it more up-tempo. "La Samba des Prophetes", written by drummer Aldo Romano is also a piece included in Petrucciani's album Estate - we can therefore not help but notice her thorough elaborations through such choice of tracks. Another notable element could be the participation of Larry Grenadier and Bernard "Pretty" Purdy as the drummer for "This Masquerade" and "You've Got a Friend / Central Park West". It goes without saying that Bernard Purdy is a star player in all soul, R&B, and fusion scenes, and the depth of his insight has no limits. Supported by the abundant flow of beats, the lean lyricism of Yamanaka reaches its peak. The last track of the album is the 1967 hit by Frankie Valli, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", which lead the disco boom of the 80's when Boys Town Gang turned it into a mega hit and later into a standard. Its classy arrangement also demonstrates Yamanaka's "sense of melody", and even wraps the album with a humorous surprise. Reminiscence, released in Japan last August, has received the "Jazz Japan Award 2011" given to the best album in Japan, will be released internationally - in Europe in April, in US in May. There is no question that this album will become another milestone for Chihiro Yamanaka's career. Please fully enjoy the phantasmagoric and kaleidoscopic world of Chihiro Yamanaka. Masamichi Oka Minimize

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super ... Read more

Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. 2009. Minimize