Magic Knight Rayearth: Best Song Book Japan Import w/ Obi Strip w/ Artwork
Magic Knight Rayearth: Best Song Book JAPAN Import w/ Obi Strip & Artwork 13 trk
Music
Audio CD
Polygram
1997
CD
$85.99
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The Magic Knight Rayearth Best Songbook is a must not only for anime and CLAMP fans, but for any who enjoy great pop music; since it is composed entirely of singles, the quality of each song is extremely high. It is one of the most life-affirming and inspiring albums that I have ever been privileged to hear. The album is unified by the common themes of the songs and their pop sensibility (reminscent to the early 90's in the US). Each song's lyrics encourages the pursuit of dreams, friendship, and personal growth. However, since the track is almost entirely in Japanese, those who don't understand the languages should be prepared to find lyrics translations.
The following is a bit of commentary and information for each of the thirteen tracks on the album:
1. Yuzurenai Negai (Unyielding Wish) The magnificent first opening theme song to the Magic Knight Rayearth TV series, it has delightful pop sensibility. Naomi Tamura has an unbelievably powerful and versatile voice (a la Celine Dion); the first time I heard it, my mouth dropped open in shock and wonder.
2. Asu-e no Yuuki (Courage Leading to Tomorrow) First ending theme song. A solid track with enjoyable music though it does seem to lend itself particularly to scrolling credits. Undoubtedly, the lyrics of this track are its greatest asset; one of my favorite lines translates into: "If you travel along the rail of your heart and never look back, your dream will always come true."
3. Kirai ni Narenai (I Can't Hate You) Second opening song. Though not as aurally impressive as either of those sung by Naomi Tamura, Ayumi Nakamura has a nice voice that doesn't rely upon the affected youth to which many Japanese female musicians adhere. It's music is upbeat and readily assessible to the listener.
4. Rararai - Yasashiku Dakasete/Lullaby - Hug me Softly Second ending song. Uncharacteristically dark, Minako Honda gives this song a difuse Latin sound. Delightfully eerie.
5. Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimeta Mama (Still Embracing the Light and Darkness) The third opening theme song, also sung by Naomi Tamura. This track is very similar to Yuzurenai Negai and just as enjoyable, but somehow it seems less cavalier. Beautiful and inspirational.
6. Itsuka Kagayaku (Someday Shining) Sung by Keiko Yoshinari, it is gentle, pleasant song but completely colorless. The music is singularly mediocre, and Yoshinari's childish voice fails to make up for it. I have trouble listening to it all the way through.
7. Moona no Ekaki Uta (How to Draw Mokona Song) A whimsical, playful song that reminds one of early Disney movies. Less like music and more like sound effects, it nonetheless has a addictive tune.
8. Itsuka Tenshi ni Nareru (Someday, Become an Angel) Umi's Image Song; sung by Konami Yoshida, the voice actress for Umi. Joyous, uplifting pop song that stops short of being shallow.
9. Soyokaze no Sonatine (Sonatine of the Breeze) Fuu's Image Song; sung by Hiroko Kasahara, voice actress for Fuu. Serene and slow with beautiful violin and bell music, it sound like a song from a Broadway musical. Kasahara has a sweet, lower voice that either Konami Yoshinari or Hekiru Shiina (voice actress for Hikaru).
10. Shoujo yo, Taishi wo Idake! (Girls, Embrace Ambition!) An imitation-rap song with the three girls espousing their respective philosophies in spoken word and song. Surprisingly good for what it's worth, but certainly not true rap.
11. Mokona-Ondo de Pupupu-no-pu (Puuing to the Mokona-Ondo) A song for summer. Another high-energy track that urges the listener to leave the past behind and start anew.
12. RUN Eagle's Image Song. Though this song has a dark and angsty sound, it, like all the others, has inspiring lyrics. This is undoubtedly the most majestic track on the album, and Megumi Ogata's deep, rich voice offers surprising and delightful maturity.
13. Seiya no Tenshi Tachi (Angels of the Holy Night) A love song for Christmas. The male chorus and bells give this song just the right atmosphere; it really sounds like a traditional Christmas song. Pleasant and relaxing.
For CD Player
The following is a bit of commentary and information for each of the thirteen tracks on the album:
1. Yuzurenai Negai (Unyielding Wish) The magnificent first opening theme song to the Magic Knight Rayearth TV series, it has delightful pop sensibility. Naomi Tamura has an unbelievably powerful and versatile voice (a la Celine Dion); the first time I heard it, my mouth dropped open in shock and wonder.
2. Asu-e no Yuuki (Courage Leading to Tomorrow) First ending theme song. A solid track with enjoyable music though it does seem to lend itself particularly to scrolling credits. Undoubtedly, the lyrics of this track are its greatest asset; one of my favorite lines translates into: "If you travel along the rail of your heart and never look back, your dream will always come true."
3. Kirai ni Narenai (I Can't Hate You) Second opening song. Though not as aurally impressive as either of those sung by Naomi Tamura, Ayumi Nakamura has a nice voice that doesn't rely upon the affected youth to which many Japanese female musicians adhere. It's music is upbeat and readily assessible to the listener.
4. Rararai - Yasashiku Dakasete/Lullaby - Hug me Softly Second ending song. Uncharacteristically dark, Minako Honda gives this song a difuse Latin sound. Delightfully eerie.
5. Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimeta Mama (Still Embracing the Light and Darkness) The third opening theme song, also sung by Naomi Tamura. This track is very similar to Yuzurenai Negai and just as enjoyable, but somehow it seems less cavalier. Beautiful and inspirational.
6. Itsuka Kagayaku (Someday Shining) Sung by Keiko Yoshinari, it is gentle, pleasant song but completely colorless. The music is singularly mediocre, and Yoshinari's childish voice fails to make up for it. I have trouble listening to it all the way through.
7. Moona no Ekaki Uta (How to Draw Mokona Song) A whimsical, playful song that reminds one of early Disney movies. Less like music and more like sound effects, it nonetheless has a addictive tune.
8. Itsuka Tenshi ni Nareru (Someday, Become an Angel) Umi's Image Song; sung by Konami Yoshida, the voice actress for Umi. Joyous, uplifting pop song that stops short of being shallow.
9. Soyokaze no Sonatine (Sonatine of the Breeze) Fuu's Image Song; sung by Hiroko Kasahara, voice actress for Fuu. Serene and slow with beautiful violin and bell music, it sound like a song from a Broadway musical. Kasahara has a sweet, lower voice that either Konami Yoshinari or Hekiru Shiina (voice actress for Hikaru).
10. Shoujo yo, Taishi wo Idake! (Girls, Embrace Ambition!) An imitation-rap song with the three girls espousing their respective philosophies in spoken word and song. Surprisingly good for what it's worth, but certainly not true rap.
11. Mokona-Ondo de Pupupu-no-pu (Puuing to the Mokona-Ondo) A song for summer. Another high-energy track that urges the listener to leave the past behind and start anew.
12. RUN Eagle's Image Song. Though this song has a dark and angsty sound, it, like all the others, has inspiring lyrics. This is undoubtedly the most majestic track on the album, and Megumi Ogata's deep, rich voice offers surprising and delightful maturity.
13. Seiya no Tenshi Tachi (Angels of the Holy Night) A love song for Christmas. The male chorus and bells give this song just the right atmosphere; it really sounds like a traditional Christmas song. Pleasant and relaxing.
For CD Player
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
