Customer Reviews

Kouseki Radio

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first listened to Akino's beautiful voice from the anime Outlaw Star and ever since I have been hooked to her voice. I may not like american pop, but her voice and this song can make any pop haters appreciate pop musicians like her!

Akino's got arguably the sweetest voice ever; to say, angelic, is not an overstatement. Her rhythm arrangements are cutting edge modern. Her mixes are awesome, blending modern instruments with orchestral seemlessly, retaining a very modern, pop feel. Truly a unique artist at the peak of her craft. Reminds of a mix of Japanese girl, meets Radiohead, and George Martin in Studio.

The only caveat is, that there are at least 3 or 4 "throwaway tracks". Whazzup widdat ?! I call 'em glips. ( Glip - a track with no chance ever for public performance of any kind. Examples: Revolution 9 - Beatles, Fitter Happier - Radiohead. )

Even with those, however, this CD contains at least 3 PERFECT songs. PERFECT, I say. This is the kind of CD that makes you
glad you're surfing around for esoteria.

If you can find it, her CD with Yula Yayoi - Goddess in the Morning is equally transendent.

As others have, I first became acquainted with Akino Arai through her work on "Outlaw Star." She recorded both end themes, "Hiru no Tsuki" (Melfina's Theme) and "Tsuki no Ie." This is truly an album in the artistic sense. The theme is an exploration of the offerings on the radio dial, thus the selections are eclectic. However, whatever the musical style, all the cuts are done with the virtuosity, humor, refreshing intelligence, and enchantingly understated style for which Miss Arai is known. The entertainment value of this very enjoyable album has changed my perception of pop music. As performed by Akino Arai, "Koseki Radio" is a rare treat. (BTW, the tenth track is "Riskcaution Corporation.")

Like most American Otaku, I fell in love with Akino Arai's voice through the many anime pictures she's done tracks for. A few Mp3's of material from different albums and I was hooked. This is not the best of her albums, but it is strong nonetheless. If you can find Furu Platina and her Best Of discs, they'll become treasured possessions in no time. Any man (or woman) not moved by "Moon Light Anthem" (from the best of disc) has no soul within them. Open yourself up to a different kind of music, even if you don't know all the words (she sings mostly in Japanese, but some in English and one of her best "Reve" is done in French). And hey, Amazon, get a few of her discs into your catalog while you're at it.

... Akino Arai. I had first heard this beautiful woman`s voice when I saw Macross Plus for the first time with the song "Voices", and I immediatly fell in love. I totally despise Amerikan Hip Hop/Pop, but there are many acceptions. Like that of Megumi Hayashibara, Ayumi Hamasaki and Yuu Asakawa, just to name a few. J-Pop is such a relief from the ... pop of Amerika and a lot of time, it just fills you with a certain joy. Akino Arai does just that. I have every one of her albums and singles (I splurged when I went to Japan ^_^;;) and none of them let me down. Her voice is that of an Angel, and her beauty likewise. If you are in for a change of musik, buy this album. And while you`re at it, find someplace that carries and buy "Furu Purachina", hehe.