|
|
Post by Ross on Mar 28, 2009 3:15:37 GMT
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifExcellent review Martin. It is exactly how I felt about the album. And thanks Maya for the japanese lyrics to Cosmos. It shows how much Hayley changes the lyrics to suit the songs. It wouldn't take much more for her to write lyrics to her own new songs.
|
|
|
|
Post by postscript on Mar 28, 2009 11:44:02 GMT
Dear Martin. I have now had time to read and absorb your response to HSJS2 HERE. In my view it is one of the best critical essays we have ever had on this forum and I recommend everyone to read it. I still have not had the chance to play HSJS1! but will be ordering 2 as soon as I get the chance to do so. I shall go for the extended edition to obtain the video. On your report alone I would wish to draw Hayley's management team's attention to what I said in my response to the request for fan response on Hayley. Hayley's Japanese CDs MUST be available on a worldwide basis. Is that why Steve accompanied her to Japan at the start of her tour?   Let's hope so and that there are no legal difficulties put in their way. I take note of your comment Martin that these 'may be for her established fans' rather than the new listener, so perhaps care is needed in the way they are announced and made available, perhaps as a commemorative set of two with an enticer, like 'Pure', or perhaps a less-well selling CD added in? Well done, Martin and thank you for your time and effort. Perhaps Mods, Martin's 'essay' should be made available on the front page, or at least referred to there? It might encourage browsers to join to read more of what is on the Forum. Peter S. |
|
|
|
Post by postscript on Mar 28, 2009 12:02:56 GMT
If you just want space, Maya, Angelfire (now a subdivision of Lycos) has very good rates.
Peter S.
|
|
|
|
Post by nicola on Mar 28, 2009 12:59:07 GMT
Am I the only one still waiting?  |
|
|
|
Post by maya on Mar 28, 2009 13:05:49 GMT
If you just want space, Maya, Angelfire (now a subdivision of Lycos) has very good rates. Peter S. Thank you Peter for the advise.  I just will check it. Best regards. Maya |
|
|
|
Post by postscript on Mar 28, 2009 13:10:21 GMT
Maya,
your contribution is wonderful. Do not in any way feel it is not adequate. It is good to have you interacting with us.
Peter S.
|
|
|
|
Post by postscript on Mar 28, 2009 14:06:25 GMT
Hello Martin and everyone ... Getting to grips with the 'concept' theme of motherhood and with Hayley's lyrics, it is hard to imagine the sacrifices Hayley and her family have made for Hayley to persue her dream, leaving home at such a tender age and setting up home on her own in a strange new world. It saddens me a little to think of it. Hi Grant. Did you see the UK TV series on John Adams? It brought a new perspective on Americanism to me. My thinking on those who signed the American Declaration of Independence was profound. It made me think of the tremendous courage needed to sail to the new world in the first place and to then decide to cut all ties with the homeland was like setting sail all over again. The one word covering my emotions for them on this was COURAGE. It required great courage from Hayley to launch her talent abroad. Great courage then to cast away the parental presence, 'I'm ready to go it alone, Mum, look after the others'. Courage too was required of Jill and Gerald, as in any parent but with such distances far more so than for most parents, their courage to LET GO. In both cases, what an awesome result! Peter S. |
|
|
|
Post by grant on Mar 28, 2009 14:32:13 GMT
Hi Nicola Am I the only one still waiting? Did you pre-order like most of us here? Last I heard, Sing was still waitiing for hers and mine has gone missing!  I Emailed CD Japan this morning. Best wishes Grant |
|
|
|
Post by nicola on Mar 28, 2009 17:25:27 GMT
I ordered it over two weeks ago, but I didn't pre-order. I chose the Registered Airmail option. I ordered it with an anime soundtrack, which I thought may have slowed it down, but I have never waited this long from CDJapan before (I'm a regular user due to my love of anime/game music and J-pop). I *think* it dispatched in on the 18th, so it's not like it's impossibly late or anything. If it doesn't arrive next week, I'll send an e-mail, but I really was expecting it this week. |
|
|
|
Post by 1littlegirl on Mar 28, 2009 17:28:13 GMT
Hi everyone, I decided to write a little review of this album. I hope you like it. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifOh, I guess I should say this post may contain spoilers if you haven't heard the album yet!!  --------------------------------- Hayley just never ceases to amaze me. HSJS2 does just that. I know it is inevitably being compared to her first Japanese album which was absolutely spectacular. I listened to HSJS1 well over 150 times according to my iPod.  But I think HSJS2 has even topped that incredible album. The quality of the music and Hayley’s voice is just stunning. 1. A Bud – This is an absolutely delightful song and one of my favourites! It’s a great start to the album. Hayley’s soft voice starts it off and portrays a bit of emotion and builds up to the beautiful chorus. I love the music video of this song and I always picture it as I listen to the song. I also really love the voice layering which also appears in many of the other songs. 2. A Crescent Moon – Another gorgeous song. The lyrics remind me a little bit of ‘Who Painted the Moon Black?’. I love the transition from each verse into the lovely chorus. Very well done. Hayley sings this song with such ease and makes it a very enjoyable experience each time listening. 3. To the Future – This song is so pretty. The melody is quite catchy and the lyrics are pretty too. Not sure if this is an appropriate word for this song, but I would describe it as being very ‘cute’! 4. To Mother – Great song. I love the chorus with the interesting bit of syncopation. Hayley did an excellent job and this is one of my favourites also. The lyrics are very sweet. 5. Love Love Love – This song is brilliant. I love the whole song. It’s neat how all the verses are at the beginning and then the rest of the song is just ‘love love love.’ I never get tired of that word. Love it! 6. Cosmos – Well, after the first five songs being some of my favourites, this is the first one that I’m not as crazy about. Although it’s quite a bit different, it’s still a lovely song! After several listens I’ve started to like it more. Perhaps it is the sadness and minor key that get to me. 7. A Child God – This is a very gorgeous lullaby. I would definitely sing this song to my child! Very well done and I love the few Japanese words in the background. It is a very calm, soothing and sweet song. 8. Mother of Mine – Unlike some people here, I had never heard this song previously. I have to admit it is not one of my favourites, but it’s still a good song. 9. Many Times Always – This song is absolutely brilliant! I think it is the most unique song on the whole album. It has a very classical flavour to it and it is one of my favourites! I can picture this song being in a movie like ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It reminds me of a waltz. The ‘lalalas’ and ‘looloos’ are so pretty! Hayley did a great job here. 10. Flower – Wow! This is probably my favourite of the whole album. I love how it starts right into the chorus and really sort of surprises you! This song is so catchy. I adore the chorus and all the verses. A brilliant song all the way around. 11. Lullaby under the Silk Tree – Very pretty lullaby sung in Japanese. Hayley just sings this song so beautifully and it shows off the amazing control of her voice and her ability to sing in Japanese! This song is pretty short, but that is perfectly fine since it is a slow song. A calm ending to the wonderful album. So in conclusion, I would like to sum up this album in one simple sentence: HSJS2 is the soundtrack of heaven. |
|
|
|
Post by postscript on Mar 28, 2009 17:36:03 GMT
Hi 1littlegirl.
Interesting contrast to Grant's earlier critique. Nice to read your views.
Peter S.
|
|
|
|
Post by grant on Mar 28, 2009 18:48:05 GMT
Hi Cathleen Many thanks for your review of HSJS2. It is very interesting to read the different thoughts and feelings of each listener and I also find it interesting that several members are coming out in favour of this one being the better of the two. I'm not so brave!  Nice 'conclusion' too Best wishes Grant |
|
|
|
Post by grant on Mar 28, 2009 19:05:14 GMT
Hi Nicola I ordered it over two weeks ago, but I didn't pre-order. I chose the Registered Airmail option. I ordered it with an anime soundtrack, which I thought may have slowed it down, but I have never waited this long from CDJapan before (I'm a regular user due to my love of anime/game music and J-pop). I *think* it dispatched in on the 18th, so it's not like it's impossibly late or anything. If it doesn't arrive next week, I'll send an e-mail, but I really was expecting it this week. They say 4-12 days on average so you have a few days yet, although, generally speaking, 4-6 days seem to be the norm. I hope yours arrives soon - it's been nearly 3 weeks for mine so it could be anywhere  I'll post their reply to my email when I receive it. Best wishes Grant |
|
|
|
Post by comet on Mar 28, 2009 21:10:18 GMT
Track 9
Many Times Always.
This seems to be a song by someone who was driven over the edge,
Someone who was pushed too far and has gone to that beautiful place we call insanity to protect themselves from reality.
It has a beautiful airy fairy feeling to it where nothing can go wrong,even in the dark.
"But I hold a light to light my way"
This is the most beautifully insane song I have ever heard.
I can see a girl dancing, holding her dress up with both hands as she waltzes alone, totally oblivious to the world around her, In a world of her own, where everything is perfect in her eye.. reflecting something new in shattered glass pieces.
Anyone know the origins of this song or the original writer ?
|
|
|
|
Post by dutchjoyce on Mar 28, 2009 21:45:18 GMT
Hi ....listened to the album several times, and in the beginning, i told you, that it is for me a different album.
Now laying in my bed , with a fever.............listening to it, again again......and agian................................and again................i must say I love it !!!
I have enough time to listen, to the lyrics, .....hope i found the right translation, and i'm impressed by Hayley's talent to write such beautiful lyrics.
Greetz JOYCE
|
|
But I think HSJS2 has even topped that incredible album. The quality of the music and Hayley’s voice is just stunning. 
I'll post their reply to my email when I receive it.
