Posted: 08 Dec 2010, 05:35
So I guess noone did a review on this volume. It really wasn't that bad and actually features some great Eurobeat material, so I've decided to post my review. Better late than never.
Super Eurobeat 209 review
1.Go2- Samurai Blue (SCP)
So Go2 are back with another Soccer themed song, the funny thing is how late they show up to the game. The world cup has been over for more than a few months already, but somehow at AVEX ,someone thought it would be a good idea. In the past Eurobeat has had many of these Soccer themed songs. We have had Go Say Goal, Soccer Soccer Soccer, Go Nakata, just to name a few. This is the second one from SCP and while the melody surpasses the one of the first, it doesn’t live up to the production of Super Striker. This song sounds more like a preview of what the song should sound like. Kind of like a promotional min song that would have actually sounded pretty good if used to promote the games a few months back. After a few plays, I’m really trying to like the song, but the main beef for me would be, the song’s length. It seems that SCP is even forgetting how to create a proper intro for a song. It’s a really a pity, because by the time I’m really starting to get the tune, it’s over before I know it and that is not a good sign. Go2 themselves sound really great. Especially, Fastway. Ace just provides back up, but does do it effectively. The riff is also the kind I like in Eurobeat. A recognizable bass melody; that is easily accepted by the fans, and keeps the energy of the song at a high level. In the end; I’m forced to treat the song the same way I did Invisible Touch, by giving it a grade lower than I would have if the song actually had a proper intro and break. This song is a perfect example as to why I like those Instrumental versions are being offered as well and I’m definitely going to do a remix of my own. I think AVEX should let the fans submit their home made remixes and feature the winners as a third cd on the Best of series. Anyway, that’s just an idea that would surely arise the popularity among the Eurobeat community, but AVEX won’t take it into consideration, because it gives equal rights to the fans and we can’t have that, can we? LOL!
8+/10
2.Mari San- Change(GO GOs music)
I will say that Mari- San is a perfect vocalist to feature on a label like GGMs. Her vocal style sounds just like the spokes person of that label. I guess this would be considered her 3rd song at the label. I particularly do not care for her vocal style at all. She sounds too much like those English Euro dance vocalists of the 90s. I know some of you probably go nuts for her singing style, but not me. What this song has going for it; is a pretty decent sounding riff and exceptional back up work in the chorus. I do recognize that; and far as intros are concerned, the song also delivers a pretty good one. I also like the melody in the bridge to the chorus. The chorus itself is just all right; mainly because this is where she emphasizes on that singing style, that I don’t really like. So, I’m sitting here waiting for the break that arrives at the 3:00 minute mark. Not too much going on, except the dropping of the music as she repeats the chorus. I like the use of that same effect throughout the 3rd verse and chorus and frankly; since I’ve never really been too fond of GGM synth sounds; this for me, is where the song sounds its best. With the use, of less sound worlds. To end things, the song has a pretty little neat mini outro, which makes this song her best effort yet and pushes into the 7s in my Eurobeat grading scale.
7/10
3.DJ Moonraker- Bad (Saifam)
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for this next song. Here is one of two songs; besides the last two tracks, that sound totally misplaced on this compilation and the only reason I can see for its placement would be that, Saifam is too lazy to produce new Eurobeat music? As for the song itself; it’s trying desperately to fit in the Eurobeat world. The intro features the musical style of Bobby O and the synths are played like the Divine song, Step By Step. The idea; in itself are not terrible sounding, but not for some pop Michael Jackson song. The vocals actually sound like a speeded up M.J and they might as well given him the artist name of DJ Moonwalker. Where has all the originality in aliases gone to now days? There is really not too much more to say about this song, except that, after a few extraordinary showings from Siafam, this just takes them down a step in originality. There is definitely something wrong when a Mari- San song sounds better than a Saifam song?
5/10(for Bobboy O old school effects)
4.Manuel- Mad Man (Dima music)
Here we have the first and only Dima showing on this compilation. That in itself is a travesty, because I rely on Dima for some powerful melodies in the synth riff. This song really has that, and is a very entertaining song created under the hand of Manuel himself. The song also fits in nicely into the Halloween spirit with its very spooky intro. You got the chimes, the organ and Manuel’s trademark screams just seems to give the song the precise atmosphere to give it that Halloween feel. After that cool intro, the song goes off in another direction, but it still delivers in the craziness and energy that Manuel is so notorious for now a days. The synth riff is very good and sounds like one you would hear in a Dima production, but the other ingredients kind of have a GGMs sound to them, making this production sound like a sort of collaboration between the two labels. I gotta say that with each listen, the chorus is really sounding great and will be the reason this song gets a higher grade than I would normally give it. The absolute part that wins me over is the last chorus and guitar solo which follows it, but the outro; man o man, that’s what I call A Eurobeat outro.
8+/10
5.Ken Blast- New Horizon (DELTA)
Up next is one of my favorite tracks off the cd. It’s no doubt that it’s from one
of Eurobeat’s newest artists. I still think When The Sun Goes Down is his best, cuz it’s the first one and had that unmistaken able Phil & Stan vibe from TIME, but this one is a really great follow up and I can only see his songs getting better as his talent progresses. We also have another exceptional Capaldi intro that breaks away from the norm. You still hear a hint of it in the guitars, but the addition of the other soundworlds gives it a fresh sound. The whole song; in my opinion, sounds like what Kiven Johnson would, if was doing vocal work for a Capaldi production. A feeling I get when I hear that riff , as well. It’s one of those songs that doesn’t add too many new sounds to the genre, but still sounds great on all levels. The one constructive critisim,
I would have for Ken, is too work a bit on the levels of his vocal work. Especially;in the last note,right before the chorus. You really gotta belt that note without holding anything back to maintain the power of the song, but aside from that you he really is sounding better with each release. On a side note; I would like to add your vocals sound even better on the song Faithful Heart. Maybe something along those lines would sound cool on SEB too.
9-/10
6.Momo- One Heart One Soul (SCP)
Up next, is the song that grows on me with each listen. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that it’s run TIME is actually way over that 4:00 minuet mark and I can actually conceder it an extended version. It still needs about a minute or so, but for now the final package is effective enough. The intro is kind of acapella- like; which right off, is a great start and by the TIME, those piano beats arrive, I’m really getting the reaction I like for a riff introduction. Her vocals are actually sounding better with each release. I especially like the way she sounds like in the verses. It probably helps the matter more, that the surrounding sound worlds much resemble those you would hear in a Jay Lehr song. It doesn’t offer too much in the energy department, but its aishu- like melody is soothing enough and doesn’t venture too much into the trance realm of other SCP songs in the past. Infact, it has more of that Promised Discoland vibe. This is also really evident in the breakdown. It rather short, but feature a great buildup effect and I really get that “edge of your seat” moment when she does little scream right before the chorus. Nice song ,that will probably be overlooked by a lot of members, but for me it’s a perfect way to forgive the label for the catastrophe that will show up a little later on.
8+/10
7.Mega NRG Man- Japanese Girl (GGMs)
The second showing for GGMs label; who so far, has not sounded too bad on this compilation. I’ll go as far as to say, that this round, the label provides the most NRG filled number on the cd. Right from the start of the intro, you already know what you are in for and Thomas does know how to deliver in the NRG department. There is no doubt in one’s mind, that this is a GGMs production, as is clearly evident in the synth riff. The key change; for once actually gives more power to the song, than it usually does when used in other songs. It’s that synth riff, that also immediately gives the song a nice place in traditional Eurobeat territory. The lyrical work is providing the sing along factor and as I mentioned before, Thomas does seem to be in top form on this song and provides 0% of that feminine vibe most Kiaoh songs give off. There are really so many special parts in the song. Playing around with the melodies and words is just the chip off the block. It also has the perfect bridge to introduce that NRG filled chorus. Really can’t get it into words, but with this song, GGMs is giving me that feeling I get when hearing a killer Eurogrooves track for the first TIME. The replay factor is on a very high level and I can only guess that Thomas and everyone behind this production can pat themselves on the back and say “Hi Five”! I just hope this powerful high level continues at the label.
10+/10
8.Tora- Call My Name (Sinclaire Style)
Now we are up to Bratt’s latest Eurobeat addition. As far as I can remember ,the word Tora has not given me any good memories. Not as a song and not as an alias. I believe this was the artist that totally raped the classic King & Queen song from the 90s’? Anyway; as of late, Sinclaire has been getting back into form. I haven’t written off any of his latest productions, so lets hear when this song has to offer? Interesting intro. I like the melody as she begins to sing. It’s kind of short, but effective enough to introduce the riff. It’s that riff that takes you back to Bratt’s DELTA days! Uplifting and powerful. “ Love As A Weapon” comes to mind and that’s a really good memory. I also kind of get the “Kiss My Boo Boo” feeling from the way her vocals are being presented. It’s sounds sort of echo-ish. I wonder if she is the same vocalist? As I listen to the song, I realize how easy it really was to tell a Newfield and Bratt production apart back in the day. This song does have a lot of that DELTA old school sound to it. I guess the only real difference would be in the effect the song has. Sounds like it’s being played in a big hall or something. The music settings are at a very high level, but one eventually gets used to it. A nice song, F**king boogie and all.7+/10
9.Cy-Ro- Rainy Days (HRG Attack)
It’s TIME for our monthly dose of Italo Disco heaven and HRG Attack are here to provide that with this latest Cy-Ro offering. I’m still very high on Pretty Woman and Magic Of Sunshine, but I can really never get enough of that Italo vibe. As I am listening to this song, I’m really trying to picture the whole process of how this song was born. Are they sitting around playing some classic Italo vinyls on their tables and picking out melodies and ideas from their own favorites. I’m sure Claudio Accantino has a lot of say in this process and that riff melody sounds like it comes right from some classic Farina/Accantino collaboration. It sure would be a slice of heaven to be present at one of these recordings. I also think it’s a great idea to reintroduce the Italo roots of Eurobeat to the newer generation of Eurobeat fans. If this was indeed AVEX’s idea, than I can almost forgive them for the travesties of the past, but I think LMS had more in the say than they would have us believe. Anyway, to get on with the review of the actual song; as soon as this song starts playing, I’m immediately entering a different Eurobeat world and TIME. The song is very relaxing in bpms, but has enough power to contend with any of its much speedier rivals. Those synths alone, have the “medieval” sound that many Italo classics have. That alone won my heart. Roberto Festari gets better vocally with each song he is featured in and right here he nails the notes on target. I’m kind of wishing the song was a tad longer in length, because I feel it just needed one more verse after the break, but the song comes as close to perfection as any HRG Attack song can. As always, you can enjoy many different instruments in that last verse and some raw guitar notes right before the last breakdown. To give the song a perfect grade is not a big stretch at all , since we are dealing with very high Eurobeat quality. I can only hope that this streak of hit after hit will continue at LMS and, just when will Federicco take a shot at one of these Italo style productions?
10/10
10.Dave Rodgers feat Futura- Just Another Day With You (Sun Fire)
Another song that has the growing effect on me is the latest from Sun Fire records. It is one of those songs that carries the writing talents of Futura herself. I guess it’s her first TIME taking the reigns at Sun Fire? The song sounds so much better than the last Rich Hard song featured on SEB 208. The drum style at the intro closely resembles that of Fire Dragon, so there we showcase power, but there is also a lot of Ashuness in the “doodoodups”. What I always enjoyed in any Eurobeat song is that effect of the church choir sound. You hear it right before the doodups and have always sounded especially captivating to my ears. It was used a lot in the breakdowns for songs from the 90s and I thought I would mention it, cuz it’s just those little parts here and there that make me enjoy a song so much more. We also get a lot of the Flea syndrome. That was the sound Giancarlo used a lot in the 90s and became the backbone of his aishu style tracks for AbeatC, so we are surely in familiar territory when listening to this song. If you are a fan of his Aishu Duet style form ABeatC,then you should have no trouble liking this song. My one gripe would be that I don’t really think Dave & Futura make a good duet singing duo. Maybe Futura needs a bit of work, but the tone of her vocals doesn’t give me the same soothing vibe as his Dave’s duets with Domino, Nuage, nor Analise. Futura’s vocals are better suited for the HRG Attach high pitch era and she clashes with Dave’s more mature style of singing. The One part; that I really can’t get enough of, is that middle eastern style breakdown. At least, that’s the feeling I’m getting when I hear it, and it gives the song a fresh sound that is not used too often in Eurobeat. I’m still hoping that Futura’s vocals will only improve with TIME.
8+/10
11.Eliza- Fly(DELTA)
Are we up to song 11 already? That means we are up to DELTA’s second showing on the cd. The title Fly is one very heavily used in an aishu song and I think DELTA has used it a few TIMES already? We also get a new alias; who I suspect, could be the young lady who does Queen 26. I’m not 100%, but the fact that she uses the name Eliza, gives me that feeling. This song is nice, but I can almost recall 5 other ones that sound the same and are also from DELTA, so this TIME around the deja-vous vibe is not as positive as it is for me in other instances. I can almost picture this song coming out as one of those unreleased songs on one of those Eurobeat Masters compilation on Juno a few years back. There just seems to be something missing from the total package and I think it might very well be in the chorus. The key change just kinda sounds bland. It’s not a bad song, but doesn’t leave me with any real high after it ends.
7-/10
12.Jager- What D’you Want From Me (SCP)
Now we are up the “Expiremental” track off the cd. The one; causing the fans,to once again, choose sides. I’ll just go on record and say it’s probably the worst Eurobeat track I’ve ever heard. And I use the term Eurobeat loosely, because this song pushes it’s boundaries so far off the Eurobeat map, that it can only be considered Eurobeat for it’s synth riff. There are many reasons that attribute to me not liking this song on any Eurobeat level and here are all of them. Let’s begin with a crucial part of a song, the intro. This sounds like a hybred M.J. style beatboxing. I remember Gino Caria sometimes using this beat box style in songs like “High Energy” and “Flippin Out”. Those songs were 100% high Energy Eurobeat, so it sounded fresh, but on this Jager song; the effect just gives the song a more pop flavor and that’s no way to start of a Eurobeat track. What follows are soundworlds one would much rather expect to hear in a Tiao Cruz song. The total lack of Eurobeat soundworlds, in exchange for urban top 40 vibes is no road for a Eurobeat song to take. The vocal work is another turn off. Jager’s vocals have never really been my favorite, but he sounded ok on Blast. Anyway, his vocals really aren’t the problem; it’s more the singing style and tone
he uses on this song. I don’t know, but it seems he tries to insert too many words into one line. Therefore; making his voice sound like a chipmunk on certain parts of the song.
SCP is also using some weird musical device that makes his vocal tone sound like a lot of those urban dance music artists.Robotic. It’s not a vocoder, but I suspect it might be auto tune devices that Timabland and other pop producers are using a lot more of now a days.
I’m sorry, but I don’t hear anything even remotely Eurobeat about this song, besides the riff; which in itself isn’t too bad and would have sounded better on another song, and I will say ,that this is not the direction I would ever want Eurobeat to go into. I won’t even grade it on a Eurobeat scale. I’ll grade it as a top 40 pop song, which when viewed as that, is much better than what the radio actually has to offer.
N/A/10(Eurobeat scale)7+/10(as a top 40 radio song).
13.Kiss Me- Eurogrooves remix (Eurogrooves)
I usually end the cd’s review after track 12, but the Sergio Dall Ora remix for this song is so very well produced that it deserves honorable mention. I have to add that as soon as the track started ,I completely forgot I was listening to SEB 209, and was in fact readying myself for some new Chris Stanton song. I can’t really explain, but it had me at the edge of my seat. That feeling completely left me once the vocal work began. I do not think Japanese vocals are suited for Eurobeat, but I guess the original version of this song wasn’t meant to be eurobeat, so it doesn’t really matter. I’m pretty sure the song would sound so much better as an instrumental version. Sergio Dall Ora’s magic sounds would come alive; not only during the intro, but throughout the whole song. Anyway, even though I couldn’t enjoy the song to the fullest, its nice to know that Eurogrooves hasn’t lost the touch.
14.Alexis- Bye Bye Japan(Healing version)
Without realizing it, Dall Ora had two songs featured on this cd. Bye Bye Japan is an original Dall’Ora/Degani classic. As much as I love the original; this new healing version has none of the magic of a Eurobeat song. Well, except for Elena’s vocals. I think the original was Manuela Gubillini, but I’m not 100% sure, so I won’t even enter the terrirtory. I think it’s TIME that AVEX realizes that we are cured and no longer need any healing. What we do crave, is an original new Sergio Dall Ora production to once again grace the series.
Super Eurobeat 209 review
1.Go2- Samurai Blue (SCP)
So Go2 are back with another Soccer themed song, the funny thing is how late they show up to the game. The world cup has been over for more than a few months already, but somehow at AVEX ,someone thought it would be a good idea. In the past Eurobeat has had many of these Soccer themed songs. We have had Go Say Goal, Soccer Soccer Soccer, Go Nakata, just to name a few. This is the second one from SCP and while the melody surpasses the one of the first, it doesn’t live up to the production of Super Striker. This song sounds more like a preview of what the song should sound like. Kind of like a promotional min song that would have actually sounded pretty good if used to promote the games a few months back. After a few plays, I’m really trying to like the song, but the main beef for me would be, the song’s length. It seems that SCP is even forgetting how to create a proper intro for a song. It’s a really a pity, because by the time I’m really starting to get the tune, it’s over before I know it and that is not a good sign. Go2 themselves sound really great. Especially, Fastway. Ace just provides back up, but does do it effectively. The riff is also the kind I like in Eurobeat. A recognizable bass melody; that is easily accepted by the fans, and keeps the energy of the song at a high level. In the end; I’m forced to treat the song the same way I did Invisible Touch, by giving it a grade lower than I would have if the song actually had a proper intro and break. This song is a perfect example as to why I like those Instrumental versions are being offered as well and I’m definitely going to do a remix of my own. I think AVEX should let the fans submit their home made remixes and feature the winners as a third cd on the Best of series. Anyway, that’s just an idea that would surely arise the popularity among the Eurobeat community, but AVEX won’t take it into consideration, because it gives equal rights to the fans and we can’t have that, can we? LOL!
8+/10
2.Mari San- Change(GO GOs music)
I will say that Mari- San is a perfect vocalist to feature on a label like GGMs. Her vocal style sounds just like the spokes person of that label. I guess this would be considered her 3rd song at the label. I particularly do not care for her vocal style at all. She sounds too much like those English Euro dance vocalists of the 90s. I know some of you probably go nuts for her singing style, but not me. What this song has going for it; is a pretty decent sounding riff and exceptional back up work in the chorus. I do recognize that; and far as intros are concerned, the song also delivers a pretty good one. I also like the melody in the bridge to the chorus. The chorus itself is just all right; mainly because this is where she emphasizes on that singing style, that I don’t really like. So, I’m sitting here waiting for the break that arrives at the 3:00 minute mark. Not too much going on, except the dropping of the music as she repeats the chorus. I like the use of that same effect throughout the 3rd verse and chorus and frankly; since I’ve never really been too fond of GGM synth sounds; this for me, is where the song sounds its best. With the use, of less sound worlds. To end things, the song has a pretty little neat mini outro, which makes this song her best effort yet and pushes into the 7s in my Eurobeat grading scale.
7/10
3.DJ Moonraker- Bad (Saifam)
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for this next song. Here is one of two songs; besides the last two tracks, that sound totally misplaced on this compilation and the only reason I can see for its placement would be that, Saifam is too lazy to produce new Eurobeat music? As for the song itself; it’s trying desperately to fit in the Eurobeat world. The intro features the musical style of Bobby O and the synths are played like the Divine song, Step By Step. The idea; in itself are not terrible sounding, but not for some pop Michael Jackson song. The vocals actually sound like a speeded up M.J and they might as well given him the artist name of DJ Moonwalker. Where has all the originality in aliases gone to now days? There is really not too much more to say about this song, except that, after a few extraordinary showings from Siafam, this just takes them down a step in originality. There is definitely something wrong when a Mari- San song sounds better than a Saifam song?
5/10(for Bobboy O old school effects)
4.Manuel- Mad Man (Dima music)
Here we have the first and only Dima showing on this compilation. That in itself is a travesty, because I rely on Dima for some powerful melodies in the synth riff. This song really has that, and is a very entertaining song created under the hand of Manuel himself. The song also fits in nicely into the Halloween spirit with its very spooky intro. You got the chimes, the organ and Manuel’s trademark screams just seems to give the song the precise atmosphere to give it that Halloween feel. After that cool intro, the song goes off in another direction, but it still delivers in the craziness and energy that Manuel is so notorious for now a days. The synth riff is very good and sounds like one you would hear in a Dima production, but the other ingredients kind of have a GGMs sound to them, making this production sound like a sort of collaboration between the two labels. I gotta say that with each listen, the chorus is really sounding great and will be the reason this song gets a higher grade than I would normally give it. The absolute part that wins me over is the last chorus and guitar solo which follows it, but the outro; man o man, that’s what I call A Eurobeat outro.
8+/10
5.Ken Blast- New Horizon (DELTA)
Up next is one of my favorite tracks off the cd. It’s no doubt that it’s from one
of Eurobeat’s newest artists. I still think When The Sun Goes Down is his best, cuz it’s the first one and had that unmistaken able Phil & Stan vibe from TIME, but this one is a really great follow up and I can only see his songs getting better as his talent progresses. We also have another exceptional Capaldi intro that breaks away from the norm. You still hear a hint of it in the guitars, but the addition of the other soundworlds gives it a fresh sound. The whole song; in my opinion, sounds like what Kiven Johnson would, if was doing vocal work for a Capaldi production. A feeling I get when I hear that riff , as well. It’s one of those songs that doesn’t add too many new sounds to the genre, but still sounds great on all levels. The one constructive critisim,
I would have for Ken, is too work a bit on the levels of his vocal work. Especially;in the last note,right before the chorus. You really gotta belt that note without holding anything back to maintain the power of the song, but aside from that you he really is sounding better with each release. On a side note; I would like to add your vocals sound even better on the song Faithful Heart. Maybe something along those lines would sound cool on SEB too.
9-/10
6.Momo- One Heart One Soul (SCP)
Up next, is the song that grows on me with each listen. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that it’s run TIME is actually way over that 4:00 minuet mark and I can actually conceder it an extended version. It still needs about a minute or so, but for now the final package is effective enough. The intro is kind of acapella- like; which right off, is a great start and by the TIME, those piano beats arrive, I’m really getting the reaction I like for a riff introduction. Her vocals are actually sounding better with each release. I especially like the way she sounds like in the verses. It probably helps the matter more, that the surrounding sound worlds much resemble those you would hear in a Jay Lehr song. It doesn’t offer too much in the energy department, but its aishu- like melody is soothing enough and doesn’t venture too much into the trance realm of other SCP songs in the past. Infact, it has more of that Promised Discoland vibe. This is also really evident in the breakdown. It rather short, but feature a great buildup effect and I really get that “edge of your seat” moment when she does little scream right before the chorus. Nice song ,that will probably be overlooked by a lot of members, but for me it’s a perfect way to forgive the label for the catastrophe that will show up a little later on.
8+/10
7.Mega NRG Man- Japanese Girl (GGMs)
The second showing for GGMs label; who so far, has not sounded too bad on this compilation. I’ll go as far as to say, that this round, the label provides the most NRG filled number on the cd. Right from the start of the intro, you already know what you are in for and Thomas does know how to deliver in the NRG department. There is no doubt in one’s mind, that this is a GGMs production, as is clearly evident in the synth riff. The key change; for once actually gives more power to the song, than it usually does when used in other songs. It’s that synth riff, that also immediately gives the song a nice place in traditional Eurobeat territory. The lyrical work is providing the sing along factor and as I mentioned before, Thomas does seem to be in top form on this song and provides 0% of that feminine vibe most Kiaoh songs give off. There are really so many special parts in the song. Playing around with the melodies and words is just the chip off the block. It also has the perfect bridge to introduce that NRG filled chorus. Really can’t get it into words, but with this song, GGMs is giving me that feeling I get when hearing a killer Eurogrooves track for the first TIME. The replay factor is on a very high level and I can only guess that Thomas and everyone behind this production can pat themselves on the back and say “Hi Five”! I just hope this powerful high level continues at the label.
10+/10
8.Tora- Call My Name (Sinclaire Style)
Now we are up to Bratt’s latest Eurobeat addition. As far as I can remember ,the word Tora has not given me any good memories. Not as a song and not as an alias. I believe this was the artist that totally raped the classic King & Queen song from the 90s’? Anyway; as of late, Sinclaire has been getting back into form. I haven’t written off any of his latest productions, so lets hear when this song has to offer? Interesting intro. I like the melody as she begins to sing. It’s kind of short, but effective enough to introduce the riff. It’s that riff that takes you back to Bratt’s DELTA days! Uplifting and powerful. “ Love As A Weapon” comes to mind and that’s a really good memory. I also kind of get the “Kiss My Boo Boo” feeling from the way her vocals are being presented. It’s sounds sort of echo-ish. I wonder if she is the same vocalist? As I listen to the song, I realize how easy it really was to tell a Newfield and Bratt production apart back in the day. This song does have a lot of that DELTA old school sound to it. I guess the only real difference would be in the effect the song has. Sounds like it’s being played in a big hall or something. The music settings are at a very high level, but one eventually gets used to it. A nice song, F**king boogie and all.7+/10
9.Cy-Ro- Rainy Days (HRG Attack)
It’s TIME for our monthly dose of Italo Disco heaven and HRG Attack are here to provide that with this latest Cy-Ro offering. I’m still very high on Pretty Woman and Magic Of Sunshine, but I can really never get enough of that Italo vibe. As I am listening to this song, I’m really trying to picture the whole process of how this song was born. Are they sitting around playing some classic Italo vinyls on their tables and picking out melodies and ideas from their own favorites. I’m sure Claudio Accantino has a lot of say in this process and that riff melody sounds like it comes right from some classic Farina/Accantino collaboration. It sure would be a slice of heaven to be present at one of these recordings. I also think it’s a great idea to reintroduce the Italo roots of Eurobeat to the newer generation of Eurobeat fans. If this was indeed AVEX’s idea, than I can almost forgive them for the travesties of the past, but I think LMS had more in the say than they would have us believe. Anyway, to get on with the review of the actual song; as soon as this song starts playing, I’m immediately entering a different Eurobeat world and TIME. The song is very relaxing in bpms, but has enough power to contend with any of its much speedier rivals. Those synths alone, have the “medieval” sound that many Italo classics have. That alone won my heart. Roberto Festari gets better vocally with each song he is featured in and right here he nails the notes on target. I’m kind of wishing the song was a tad longer in length, because I feel it just needed one more verse after the break, but the song comes as close to perfection as any HRG Attack song can. As always, you can enjoy many different instruments in that last verse and some raw guitar notes right before the last breakdown. To give the song a perfect grade is not a big stretch at all , since we are dealing with very high Eurobeat quality. I can only hope that this streak of hit after hit will continue at LMS and, just when will Federicco take a shot at one of these Italo style productions?
10/10
10.Dave Rodgers feat Futura- Just Another Day With You (Sun Fire)
Another song that has the growing effect on me is the latest from Sun Fire records. It is one of those songs that carries the writing talents of Futura herself. I guess it’s her first TIME taking the reigns at Sun Fire? The song sounds so much better than the last Rich Hard song featured on SEB 208. The drum style at the intro closely resembles that of Fire Dragon, so there we showcase power, but there is also a lot of Ashuness in the “doodoodups”. What I always enjoyed in any Eurobeat song is that effect of the church choir sound. You hear it right before the doodups and have always sounded especially captivating to my ears. It was used a lot in the breakdowns for songs from the 90s and I thought I would mention it, cuz it’s just those little parts here and there that make me enjoy a song so much more. We also get a lot of the Flea syndrome. That was the sound Giancarlo used a lot in the 90s and became the backbone of his aishu style tracks for AbeatC, so we are surely in familiar territory when listening to this song. If you are a fan of his Aishu Duet style form ABeatC,then you should have no trouble liking this song. My one gripe would be that I don’t really think Dave & Futura make a good duet singing duo. Maybe Futura needs a bit of work, but the tone of her vocals doesn’t give me the same soothing vibe as his Dave’s duets with Domino, Nuage, nor Analise. Futura’s vocals are better suited for the HRG Attach high pitch era and she clashes with Dave’s more mature style of singing. The One part; that I really can’t get enough of, is that middle eastern style breakdown. At least, that’s the feeling I’m getting when I hear it, and it gives the song a fresh sound that is not used too often in Eurobeat. I’m still hoping that Futura’s vocals will only improve with TIME.
8+/10
11.Eliza- Fly(DELTA)
Are we up to song 11 already? That means we are up to DELTA’s second showing on the cd. The title Fly is one very heavily used in an aishu song and I think DELTA has used it a few TIMES already? We also get a new alias; who I suspect, could be the young lady who does Queen 26. I’m not 100%, but the fact that she uses the name Eliza, gives me that feeling. This song is nice, but I can almost recall 5 other ones that sound the same and are also from DELTA, so this TIME around the deja-vous vibe is not as positive as it is for me in other instances. I can almost picture this song coming out as one of those unreleased songs on one of those Eurobeat Masters compilation on Juno a few years back. There just seems to be something missing from the total package and I think it might very well be in the chorus. The key change just kinda sounds bland. It’s not a bad song, but doesn’t leave me with any real high after it ends.
7-/10
12.Jager- What D’you Want From Me (SCP)
Now we are up the “Expiremental” track off the cd. The one; causing the fans,to once again, choose sides. I’ll just go on record and say it’s probably the worst Eurobeat track I’ve ever heard. And I use the term Eurobeat loosely, because this song pushes it’s boundaries so far off the Eurobeat map, that it can only be considered Eurobeat for it’s synth riff. There are many reasons that attribute to me not liking this song on any Eurobeat level and here are all of them. Let’s begin with a crucial part of a song, the intro. This sounds like a hybred M.J. style beatboxing. I remember Gino Caria sometimes using this beat box style in songs like “High Energy” and “Flippin Out”. Those songs were 100% high Energy Eurobeat, so it sounded fresh, but on this Jager song; the effect just gives the song a more pop flavor and that’s no way to start of a Eurobeat track. What follows are soundworlds one would much rather expect to hear in a Tiao Cruz song. The total lack of Eurobeat soundworlds, in exchange for urban top 40 vibes is no road for a Eurobeat song to take. The vocal work is another turn off. Jager’s vocals have never really been my favorite, but he sounded ok on Blast. Anyway, his vocals really aren’t the problem; it’s more the singing style and tone
he uses on this song. I don’t know, but it seems he tries to insert too many words into one line. Therefore; making his voice sound like a chipmunk on certain parts of the song.
SCP is also using some weird musical device that makes his vocal tone sound like a lot of those urban dance music artists.Robotic. It’s not a vocoder, but I suspect it might be auto tune devices that Timabland and other pop producers are using a lot more of now a days.
I’m sorry, but I don’t hear anything even remotely Eurobeat about this song, besides the riff; which in itself isn’t too bad and would have sounded better on another song, and I will say ,that this is not the direction I would ever want Eurobeat to go into. I won’t even grade it on a Eurobeat scale. I’ll grade it as a top 40 pop song, which when viewed as that, is much better than what the radio actually has to offer.
N/A/10(Eurobeat scale)7+/10(as a top 40 radio song).
13.Kiss Me- Eurogrooves remix (Eurogrooves)
I usually end the cd’s review after track 12, but the Sergio Dall Ora remix for this song is so very well produced that it deserves honorable mention. I have to add that as soon as the track started ,I completely forgot I was listening to SEB 209, and was in fact readying myself for some new Chris Stanton song. I can’t really explain, but it had me at the edge of my seat. That feeling completely left me once the vocal work began. I do not think Japanese vocals are suited for Eurobeat, but I guess the original version of this song wasn’t meant to be eurobeat, so it doesn’t really matter. I’m pretty sure the song would sound so much better as an instrumental version. Sergio Dall Ora’s magic sounds would come alive; not only during the intro, but throughout the whole song. Anyway, even though I couldn’t enjoy the song to the fullest, its nice to know that Eurogrooves hasn’t lost the touch.
14.Alexis- Bye Bye Japan(Healing version)
Without realizing it, Dall Ora had two songs featured on this cd. Bye Bye Japan is an original Dall’Ora/Degani classic. As much as I love the original; this new healing version has none of the magic of a Eurobeat song. Well, except for Elena’s vocals. I think the original was Manuela Gubillini, but I’m not 100% sure, so I won’t even enter the terrirtory. I think it’s TIME that AVEX realizes that we are cured and no longer need any healing. What we do crave, is an original new Sergio Dall Ora production to once again grace the series.
