Crystal Kay performs 恋におちたら for the umpteenth time and I still swoon. She just sounds and looks so good. Love the pose at the end! Of course, Crystal is pimping out her most successful single to date on Music Fair to promote her new compilation album, BEST of CRYSTAL KAY, which is actually selling fairly well. I was a tad nervous when her double A-side After Love/Girlfriend basically bombed, but I guess a catalogue of all her hits along with Jin Akanishi's name on the cover of the CD is providing more of an incentive. As I've mentioned before, the album is absolutely amazing in all its awesomeness, and you should definitely pick it up if your a fan. Check out a couple of the tracks from the new disc below.
Step by Step
Crystal Kay
BEST of CRYSTAL KAY
Helpless Night
Crystal Kay featuring Jin Akanishi
BEST of CRYSTAL KAY
Step by Step must be a lot like crack. I don't know, I'll have to ask Whitney. But, seriously, I start to itch if I haven't heard it over six hours. It's the best result one could have imagined from a collaboration with Yasutaka Nakata; Kuri brought out the best in his style. Love it. Helpless Night is nice, but leaves a little to be desired. I'll go ahead and blame that on Jin; he just doesn't sell it. I would have preferred Wonder to be included instead, but again, it's not a bad listen. Honestly, with the After Love/Girlfriend single and the four new tracks included in this set, Kuri was well on her way to a new studio album. I'm a bit flummoxed as to why all these great tracks and high profile guests are being relegated to a first-press special edition disc, but then again, Crystal is never really promoted well. All we can do as fans is support our girl =D.
Because I can't help myself, I'm throwing in this video of Crystal Kay and BoA in the studio recording Girlfriend. They're so encouraging of one another. And Kuri doing the Eat You Up choreo!! かわいい！！
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Crystal Kay Promotes New Album: Watch 'KnO,' Listen to 'Step by Step' & 'Helpless Night' ft. Jin Akanishi
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Eek! September!! Fall TV Premieres!!
Ah, it's September! Can anyone else believe that summer's over and the year's almost through?? I know, right?
Along with the end of summer, September also means "back to school" and, infinitely less depressing, season premieres. Most anticipated on my list are the antics of our favorite Upper East Siders on GG. Considering all the crazy shit that went down while they were in high school, one can only imagine what's in store for their college years. But you won't have too much time to ponder all the trouble Blair can conjure up in NYU; new Gossip Girl episodes start on the 14th.
If GG doesn't tickle your fancy, fret not; there's a veritable panoply of premieres to enjoy this September. The second season of 90210 and the recycled, nay, revamped Melrose Place both premiere next Tuesday, the 8th. A whopping 13th cycle of America's Next Top Model starts next Wednesday, the 9th, along with the series premiere of the highly anticipated Glee. Damn, hasn't Tyra run out of ideas?? The sad reality is that she probably has...
More vamp fever!!; Ian Somerhalder stars in what's sure to be the newest blood-sucking craze, Vampire Diaries. See Ian's fangs and his dreamy, dreamy eyes on the 10th. Heroes makes its return on the 21st; hopefully the team behind the once-phenomenal series can resurrect the show from its messy, boring, convoluted ashes. My advice: kill someone off, and MORE POWERS!
Crystal Kay's second compilation drops tomorrow, yeeeee!! I currently have all three discs of Best of Crystal Kay on repeat and Kuri can be very proud of her body of work; not only are the new songs absolute FIRE but most of the oldies stand up to time really well. Make sure to get your copy -- it's the best introduction to Crystal Kay you can get, and the ultimate collection of hits if you're already a long-standing fan.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Crystal Kay & BoA Perform Girlfriend
I knew beforehand that this performance would be done to a backing track instead of a live band with backup singers, but I'm still a bit disappointed. I'm tired of these cutesy performances; these scarce Music Station appearances are really all we get to see of Crystal in the States. Can't we get something with a little more pow? Anyway, Kuri and BoA sound good together here -- both vocal performances were fairly solid. Didn't much care for Crystal's hair or BoA's outfit but, it's whatever I guess. I'm still holding out hope for a proper music video for Girlfriend, but as the single officially dropped this past week, my little hope candle is almost burned out.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
New Music Video: Beni feat. Tynisha Keli - The Boy is Mine
To be honest, I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner. Many of our old hits in the States have been re-recorded by Japanese artists and I figured it was only a matter of time until the rights to the most successful song Brandy or Monica ever made got snapped up. But, when I first saw Beni's name in the title I was pissed I didn't see 'featuring Crystal Kay!' If Crystal has a closer friend in the industry than BoA, it's Beni, and she would have been sooo hot on this song. Instead, we have Tynisha Keli's vocals to contend with.
Did I say I'd prefer Beni and Crystal Kay? Well, maybe Crystal and Tynisha would do a better job. Beni completely dropped the ball on this; her verses sound like Engrishu karaoke. She put no funk or flavor on the track, which is a damn crime considering all the attitude included in Brandy and Monica's version. Tynisha on the other hand is clearly a native English speaker and has a bit of a voice on her. She didn't exactly give Monica a run for her money, but she definitely held her own. It's clear that Beni and Tynisha actually like each other in real life; they could have used some of that real, tangible enmity that was the driving force behind Brandy and Monica's #1 interpretation. You could tell they couldn't stand each other and did everything they could to blow the other one out of the water.
But, herein lies a thought: Crystal, whenever she decides to attempt the jump to America, should do a classic R&B song as a promo track. This would give new listeners a chance to hear her signature vocal style and exploit their nostalgic weakness. Someone put me in charge of the Crystal crossover -- I'd do that shit right. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the Girlfriend video...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New Music Video: Crystal Kay feat. KANAME - After Love
Oh. Em. Gee. Crystal has finally (FINALLY!) turned out a good video! It's safe to say that, perhaps with the exception of the きっと永遠に video, she's never looked better. There's a mature feel about it and Crystal is effortlessly sexy. I love it! Can't wait for the Girlfriend video; hopefully it can live up to this new standard.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Enjoy the "Best of Crystal Kay"
Crystal Kay will indeed be releasing her second compilation album in commemoration of her decade in the music industry on September 2nd titled Best of Crystal Kay. This news, coupled with all the new music she's been working out is really the most her fans could have hoped for. I'm certainly satisfied. You can't help but be proud of Kuri, huh? Only 23 and celebrating ten years in the game? I thought Christina Aguilera was awesome for hitting that milestone at 28. (She is, of course).
Best of Crystal Kay is rumored to include a whopping three discs containing well over 30 tracks from her diverse discography. I hope you all voted as I requested because it would seem that Kuri has already selected the tracklist. Check it out.
Yay, all my tracks made the list! Well, there wasn't much doubt about 恋におちたら (Koi ni Ochitara) and こんなに近くで (Konna ni Chikaku de) but even the album track I Know (which is pure gold) was included! Woot. I love that 帰り道 (Kaerimichi) is in there, too. Now you may notice that Crystal's newest material like Girlfriend, After Love, and, more importantly, Over and Over, which has never seen a physical release, are not included in the track listing. I fretted for a while, but it was later revealed that the First Press Limited Edition will include a 5-track bonus disc containing her previously unreleased material. The tracklist for this disc hasn't been explicitly stated yet, but I can guess it will include Girlfriend, After Love, Over and Over, and Step by Step. Which leaves one space empty. Ah, the possibilities! 出会えた軌跡 (Deaeta Kiseki)? Hold On from the Dolan's Cadillac soundtrack? Wonder, her duet with Jin Akanishi?
No matter what the final mystery track turns out to be, it's clear that Crystal Kay has assembled quite the package for her fans. I'll definitely be picking up my three discs of Kuri goodness. Congrats again, Kuri-chan!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Crystal Kay's 'Human Nature'
Ahh, I may have to just rechristen my blog "Crystal Kay Central." But, since they took the amazing, amazing live video of すき (Suki) down (I'm so upset) I had to share this one with you guys. I mentioned in an earlier post that Crystal Kay did a cover of the late (so weird to say) Michael Jackson's Human Nature and now we have the full video. Check it out.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
New Music: Crystal Kay - Hold On
The rumors regarding a Crystal Kay track on the soundtrack to the upcoming Stephen King novel-turned-movie Dolan's Cadillac have been swirling around for so long now that I thought the track would never drop. But, Hold On has finally landed -- and I love it. Crystal, in case you were unaware, sounds every bit as good in English as she does in Japanese and the production, a combo of echoed vocals and a moody beat, is great. Crystal sounds eerily like Janet at some points and works a vocal style I've never heard from her before. Good stuff. I'm loving the onslaught of Kuri tracks; keep 'em comin'!
Listen to Hold On below.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Oh, look. Summer.
It's July and it's finally feeling like summertime here in NYC. Joy!
This month, our favorite wizard starts his search for Voldemort's horcruxes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I was pretty disappointed in the last movie but, I still have high hopes for this one -- the trailers look great. After this, there's only the two movies comprising the final book left. Damn, time flies. Check out HP6 in theaters on the 15th.
Happy 10th anniversary to Miss Crystal Kay. I hope you're around for decades to come. 愛してるよ。♥♥♥
Finally, Brüno comes to American theaters on the 10th. I was worried that Cohen taking on this character would be something like a white person in blackface, but early reviews have allayed my fears and I'm actually excited to see it.
Hope everyone had an awesome Independence Day! And, Happy July!!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Crystal Kay Performs After Love, Suki
Crystal recently had a little showcase in honor of her ten year anniversary in the biz. Among other songs like her signature 恋におちたら (Koi ni Ochitara) and a cover of Michael Jackson's Human Nature, Crystal performed her brand new single with KANAME, After Love -First Boyfriend- for the first time. Check it out. (I love the cute dress).
Crystal also recently performed at a special live concert. BoA performed at this concert as well, and even though part of me was hoping they'd perform Girlfriend together, I was more than happy with Crystal's stunning performance of すき (Suki). It's beautiful -- check it out below.
Happy Anniversary, Crystal Kay ♥
This bitch is giving good face! Crystal Kay is officially on the grind; After Love -First Boyfriend- is the latest Crystal Kay song to drop. Seeing her collaborate once again with KANAME from CHEMISTRY, it has been revealed that this track will accompany Girlfriend, Crystal's duet with BoA, on a double A-side to be released on August 12th. After Love strikes me as a more mature, but less catchy Two as One. Unfortunately KANAME doesn't have much of a presence on the song, but I do find the track easy to listen to -- the cutesy beat and smooth vocals have a nice effect. The song will serve as yet another tie-in for the Tully's Coffee chain.
Listen to After Love -First Boyfriend- (damn, how many Kuri songs have 'boyfriend' in the title?!) below.
While the upcoming double A-side will also feature 出会えた奇跡 (Deaeta Kiseki), there is still no word on when or whether Over and Over and Wonder, Crystal's collaboration with Jin Akanishi, will see official releases. However, Over and Over was recently featured in an NTT (a Japanese radio station) commercial and rumors abound regarding Wonder's future release. There is speculation that the single will drop within the year and that Jin and Crystal have formed a unit, aptly christened "Crystal Red." Of course, these rumors fuel those other rumors linking Jin and Crystal together romantically. Time will tell. Both these songs are too hot to sleep on, though, so something better happen. Also, can we get some music videos, please? Kthx.
Finally, there are whispers that Crystal's second compilation album, titled BEST OF CK, will be released this coming September in commemoration of her ten years in the music industry. Congratulations, Kuri! Perhaps Over and Over and maybe even Wonder will find a home in this compilation. Check out the three new commercials featuring Crystal's music below.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Crystal Kay & BoA - Girlfriend (Full)
Yay. My first day back in NYC and Girlfriend drops in full. うれしいいい！
Girlfriend easily surpasses UNIVERSE; Crystal and BoA sound better together this time around. Crystal kinda pulls away, though. She just has more swagger. I'll be pissed if the video doesn't drop soon. Time for Crystal to get on the grind.
Check out Girlfriend below.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Crystal Kay's got songs in the oven - Over and Over, Girlfriend ft. BoA, Wonder duet w/Jin Akanishi
As Crystal's tenth anniversary draws closer, she reveals some of the tricks she has up her sleeve. Sneaky Crystal got a little more out of her collaboration with m-flo and BoA earlier this year than she originally let on. A couple of weeks back it was announced that Crystal had scored the theme song for new show DRESS. Over and Over, produced by Taku Takahashi of m-flo, was later debuted by Crystal herself on Japanese radio. Unfortunately, the radio rip is still all that is currently available but at least you can get a feel for the track while you wait for its release in HQ. Over and Over is a house track. Normally that's a dealbreaker for me, but there's no denying this song's heat. Check out Over and Over below (updated with HQ version).
Over and Over
Crystal Kay
BEST of CRYSTAL KAY
Kuri also revealed today on her website that her following single will be Girlfriend, another collaboration with BoA. Even after UNIVERSE, I have to say I'm still interested to hear what they will sound like together, especially without Verbal's rhymes taking up space. Crystal arguably outshined BoA when she was featuring so I'm sure she'll shut BoA down completely now that it's the other way around. Girlfriend will be a tie-in with the Japanese release of He's Just Not That Into You. The song is supposed to be a girl anthem, we-don't-need-boys sort of thing, sort of like one of her very first singles, Girl's Night. Hopefully we get a video this time. Here's an MQ snippet. Sigh. Even a pretty girl like BoA shouldn't stand next to Crystal Kay.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Crystal Kay's It's a crime - Acoustic Version by Kelly Rose
YouTube really is a wonderful thing. I stumbled upon this cover of It's a crime, one of the hottest tracks on Crystal Kay's most recent album, Color Change. Kelly Rose killed it! I think a lot of what made the original song special was all the effects and Kuri's processed vocals; it was such a departure from Crystal's usual sound and it made the song stand out. But, this slowed down, acoustic version is just lovely. It's got me jonesing for the days when Crystal used to do acoustic performances. Check out Kelly Rose's cover of It's a crime. You won't regret it; girl is talented!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Crystal Kay's 10th Anniversary - Vote for your favorite songs!
As I mentioned before, Crystal Kay will be commemorating her 10 years in the music industry on July 1st with a special release of some sort. Her very first single, Eternal Memories, was released on July 1st, 1999. My guess is that she will release a compilation album and a new single, as クリ reports on her blog that she is in and out of the studio recording. With her milestone quickly approaching, Crystal has reached out to her fans through her official website and asked for their input. She wants you to vote for your three favorite songs from her decade-spanning discography -- from Eternal Memories to 出会えた軌跡 (Deaeta Kiseki). Tough, I know.
Her site is in Japanese, but it's not too difficult to navigate from here. Just select your favorite songs, give your nickname, gender, and age, and tell Crystal why you chose the songs you selected. It only takes a couple minutes or so, depending on how much you'd like to write, but I think it would be a great way to show support for Crystal in America. If BoA can crossover to the States, Crystal Kay certainly can, and maybe this will help make it happen.
The three songs I chose were 恋におちたら (Koi ni Ochitara) and I Know from Call Me Miss... and こんなに近くで。。。(Konna ni Chikaku De) from ALL YOURS. Some of Crystal's most popular songs, but hey, they're popular for good reason. Check out my favorite live performance of 恋におちたら (Koi ni Ochitara) and listen to こんなに近くで。。。(Konna ni Chikaku De) and I Know below. And don't forget to vote!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Cuteness Overload - Crystal Kay ft. Pikachu: ONE
Crystal Kay has this gorgeous song from her last album called ONE (#7 on my Best of 2008 list). It's one of those songs that gets me to smile no matter what mood I'm in. When it was released as a single last summer, it was a tie-in for the 276890499th (ok, only the 11th) Pokémon movie. Apparently, Pikachu saw fit to drop by the studio and drop some vocals on the track.
I didn't know this existed until last night, and I kind of wish I could have stayed oblivious. Cuteness of this severity can make you unwillingly cover your face with your hands, laugh uncontrollably, or die. Damn you, Pikachu, and your little Poké-pal, for being so damned adorable, damn it. Take a listen if you dare. You've been warned.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Universe, eyes here - BoA, Crystal Kay & Verbal to Perform UNIVERSE
BoA, Crystal Kay, and Verbal are set to perform their new single, Universe, this Friday on Music Station! This is pretty surprising news because, as far as I know, Crystal and m-flo have never taken to the stage together before, despite their many collaborations. Even their last project, the awesome Love Don't Cry from m-flo's collaboration album Cosmicolor, saw random J-pop ladies filling in for Crystal when performed live. It seems their contractual limitations have been sorted out.
Unlike Crystal Kay tours, performances from Music Station regularly make it over to the States so I'll be sure to post it here as soon as I can get my hands on it. Seems BoA is taking the promotion for Best & USA seriously in Japan. It'd be nice if she could make an appearance in the US, though. I mean, they know who she is over there. Anyways, super excited!! ^_^ Seems I haven't seen a live Kuri performance in ages.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Universe, listen up - BoA, Crystal Kay & Verbal UNIVERSE Single
It has landed. It's been a while since I've looked forward to a single as much as I've been anticipating Universe. It sounds pretty much exactly how you think a collaboration featuring Crystal, BoA, and Verbal would: quirky, yet fierce. I love the chorus. It doesn't knock quite as hard as I would have liked, but I'm holding out hope for the HQ version. BoA took the risk of working with another female artist with more personality and the results were predictable. Crystal takes over. BoA should be shifted to the "feature" spot. Listen to Universe below. Can't wait for the video!!! ^_^
Friday, January 30, 2009
Where's Crystal Kay??? - Tour Info, New Song, & Upcoming Collab
By all appearances, Crystal Kay was gunned down in an alley immediately after shooting the ONE video. Sure, there were rumors of her going on tour in Japan since then, but if the All Yours Tour is anything to go by, no one outside of Japan would ever see any footage. So, as a disheartened Kuri fan, I decided to check her blog and official site to see if I could send flowers to her burial site. To my surprise, Crystal's alive! And apparently kicking...
- I Can't Wait
- It's a crime
- Good Times
- ITOSHIIHITO
- こんなに近くで。。。
- トキノカケラ
- TIME GOES BY
- 恋におちたら
- Help Me Out
- 帰り道
- 涙のさきに
- ONE
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