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Post by grant on Jun 16, 2011 12:41:46 GMT
Hello everyone Well, I finally managed to escape from my camera and the computer for an hour or so this morning to listen to my copy of this album in peace with only a cup of coffee for company. I have to say though, that I cannot hear any discernable difference in sound quality from the New Zealand release. I do like the Japanese version of Profumo di Limone but Hayley's latest version of Amazing Grace is outstanding - by far my favourite. There's something special about Hayley singing in Japanese, but when it's Amazing Grace it just blows me away Like WOWWW!!!. Enjoyed the Whispers In A Dream video too - did anyone notice right at the end, almost as it's fading out where Hayley looks at the camera and seems surprised to see it there? Thought that was so cute  OK, back to work now!  Best wishes Grant |
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Post by pjrcorreia on Jun 16, 2011 18:22:16 GMT
Hi Paulo. It was even number three on 6 June as was shown below. www.music-chart.info/Japan/archive/genre/23/Vocal/2011/06/06So you can imagine how Hayley's Amazing Grace was loved here in Japan. I was intending to report Japanese Paradiso faster than anyone in HWI but my intention was completely failed. I had a big problem obtaining the CD. The local CD stores were closed. I went to the nearest one on 8 June but the store was out of business and was closed informed by the next store where they sell books. I went to another store and I found the same situation. Then I went to another store a bit far away but the owner said, “It was sold out”. Although I was not able to buy, I even felt happy to hear the word “sold out”. They say that the CD business is not going well these days in Japan. The Internet is changing our life style as well as the business style. I think I have to order it to CD Japan or I must try iTune now. Best wishes. Maya Hi Maya, So sorry to read about your troubles to get "Paradiso", have you managed to get the CD by now? My copy from Japan hasn't arrived yet!  "Amazing Grace" is still number 5, and "Paradiso" is now number 5 in Itunes Japan Vocal chart. "The Edge of Love" is the only track that Japanese's Itunes users don't seem to like. Best wishes, Paulo Correia |
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Post by martindn on Jun 16, 2011 19:49:05 GMT
It takes all sorts, but for me "the Edge of Love" was a slow burner. I had to hear it a few times before I realised what a beautiful song it really is. iTunes is perhaps a bit unforgiving - if you only ever by single tracks rather than albums, then first impressions will rule and folk could miss out on the pleasures of songs that take a little while to appreciate.
It is almost as if all albums are treated as a collection of singles. with iTunes It might work with some albums, but for others it would be a disaster.
I remember that Pink Floyd famously resfused to allow single tracks of some of their iconic albums to be downloaded individually. Because they were recorded as albums, and unless listened to in that way the intended artistic effect would be lost.
"Another Brick in the Wall" their best selling single was a case in point. As a single, which reached No 1 in the UK, it was out of context and fostered a completely different meaning to that in the context of the album (The Wall). The single on its own was a bunch of kids objecting to being subjected to education for no good reason except rebellion against authority, and it sold well. On the album, it was because of the near psychopathic attitude of some of the teachers, who clearly hated children and missed no opportunity to belittle their efforts.
As a rule Hayley's albums are not concept albums (alhough in a way the two HSJS albums are) and the songs can be enjoyed individually. But if you buy an album, some tracks have immediate appeal, they are the "hook" that keeps you listening, and then gradually other tracks creep up and you start to realise how good they actually are. "The Edge of Love" was like that for me. On first listen, it was one of my least favourite tracks, now after perhaps 50 listens to this album, I consider it one of the best.
Martin D
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Post by grant on Jun 19, 2011 14:58:35 GMT
Hello everyone This is odd! Looks like Amazon UK are offering Japanese Paradiso for £39.17! Alerted to this by email this morning. Now wondering why they haven't noticed that the album is called Paradiso! HEREBest wishes Grant |
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Post by Libby on Jun 19, 2011 19:51:58 GMT
The U.S. Amazon has been showing this version for a while, too. Of course it shows the cover, which says Paradiso, but the title listed below says "Ennio Morricone". It's going to be released on June 21st. I found something else interesting. I saw a Paradiso listed as an import, and says it will be released on Sept. 6th. Could this be the UK version? I can't think of what else it would be. I must say, it got my hopes up at first when I saw it. |
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Post by albertan on Jun 19, 2011 20:42:43 GMT
I see today that Amazon.co.uk is announcing a release on Tuesday (Jun 21) of a CD that they are calling "Ennio Morricone" by Hayley Westenra. It is in fact "Paradiso" with a different cover picture (which still says "Paradiso" on it). Other significant differences:
(1) It is an SHM-CD, which uses a more transparent plastic layer on the CD that allegedly gives better transmission of the laser light used to play the CD, resulting in higher quality sound. It plays on regular CD equipment. Others see this format as more of a gimmick to increase profits, generating sound that is not perceptibly that much -- if any -- better.
(2) The price: Amazon is asking £39.17 (!!!) for this CD.
M'thinks I will wait until August.
- Gordon
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Post by grant on Jun 19, 2011 21:05:21 GMT
Hi Gordon I see today that Amazon.co.uk is announcing a release on Tuesday (Jun 21) of a CD that they are calling "Ennio Morricone" by Hayley Westenra. It is in fact "Paradiso" with a different cover picture (which still says "Paradiso" on it). Other significant differences:
(1) It is an SHM-CD, which uses a more transparent plastic layer on the CD that allegedly gives better transmission of the laser light used to play the CD, resulting in higher quality sound. It plays on regular CD equipment. Others see this format as more of a gimmick to increase profits, generating sound that is not perceptibly that much -- if any -- better.
(2) The price: Amazon is asking £39.17 (!!!) for this CD.
M'thinks I will wait until August.
- Gordon This is an import which is actually the Japanese release. See my post HERE at almost £40 it's cheaper to buy it from CD Japan!. Best wishes Grant |
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,699
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Post by Dave on Jun 19, 2011 21:40:03 GMT
Hi Grant,
What was the total cost to you then, when all converted into sterling? As I have always been caught for import VAT on Japan CD imports unlike some of you in other parts of the Country) the Amazon UK version may be worth considering, for me anyway.
I will move this and the previous two posts from the Paradiso UK thread into the Japan release thread.
Cheers, Dave
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Post by gordon on Jun 19, 2011 22:16:20 GMT
Hi Dave,
Just for the record when I paid for this item from CD Japan in April using my paypal account,the sum of £27.68 was debited.
Gordon
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Post by comet on Jun 20, 2011 1:41:37 GMT
There is an option with Cd.Japan.
To have the item marked as a "GIFT" on the declaration form.
In many countries this means the item is exempt from import duty or VAT.
Other Customs declaration forms often used the phrase "Of no commercial value"
My single copy came through untaxed.
Two copies of the NZ edition also came through without being taken hostage for a ransom.
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Post by grant on Jun 20, 2011 8:29:09 GMT
Hi Dave and Gordon Just for the record when I paid for this item from CD Japan in April using my paypal account,the sum of £27.68 was debited. That's interesting. I also used PayPal but I was only charged £25.38 on 20th April. Perhaps we used different delivery options. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by scoobedoo on Jun 20, 2011 11:28:27 GMT
I still like the price I paid NZ $21.50 which equates to approx GBP 11.40. By hokey the price isn't cheap in the UK by the sounds of it.
The NZ price also includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Your prices equate over NZ $86.00 man alive CD's appear to be expensive in the UK if they are imported. Just for curiosity what was your cost for those of you who imported Paradiso from NZ?
cheers,
Rodders
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Post by Simba on Jun 20, 2011 11:42:17 GMT
Lol I noticed that too, and I've been having that pic as my avatar for ages XD, it was so cool XD
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Post by Raymond on Jun 20, 2011 12:23:29 GMT
Mine also just arrived. I am now enjoying it.  Raymond |
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Post by gordon on Jun 20, 2011 14:35:39 GMT
Hi Rodders,
I paid NZ$34.47 for the NZ release from Marbecks which converted to £17.28.
Gordon
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