短篇栏目精选 PART.1

From music freak magazine Vol.64 / Vol.66 / Vol.70 / Vol.71 / Vol.72 / Vol.74

Short Corner Collection PART.1

This section brings together and re-edits short pieces about GARNET CROW that appeared previously in the magazine.

Selected reviews

*Mysterious Eyes*

From music freak magazine Vol.64

GIZA studio / GZCA-1028 / ¥1,260 / March 29, 2000

1. Mysterious Eyes
2. Timing
3. Mysterious Eyes 〜Instrumental〜

The mini-album released on an independent label last December sold out one after another at imported record shops such as Tower Records in Shibuya. GARNET CROW, already attracting attention and with many devoted fans, has finally made its official major-label debut, releasing two records at the same time. This is one of them and is currently being broadcast as the opening theme for the popular anime *Detective Conan*. Its bright, classic pop sound blends with Yuri Nakamura’s delicate voice to create an exceptionally comfortable song.

(Miyu Sone)

*君の家に着くまでずっと走ってゆく*

From music freak magazine Vol.64

GIZA studio / GZCA-1029 / ¥1,260 / March 29, 2000

1. 君の家に着くまでずっと走ってゆく
2. in little time
3. 君の家に着くまでずっと走ってゆく 〜Instrumental〜

The independent mini-album released last December sold out repeatedly at imported record shops and attracted attention. A song was selected from it, rearranged, and released this time as a major-label single. Their music is deeply influenced by the Neo Acoustic style that was popular in the 1980s, and this work shows that influence too: nostalgic yet fresh, it is a kind of “healing music.” Compared with the independent release, this arrangement also brings out the appeal of Yuri Nakamura’s comfortable low and middle register more fully.

(Karen Hayama)

*二人のロケット*

From music freak magazine Vol.66

GIZA studio / GZCA-1032 / ¥1,050 / May 17, 2000

1. 二人のロケット
2. 未完成な音色
3. 二人のロケット 〜cool smooth ver.〜
4. 二人のロケット 〜Instrumental〜

GARNET CROW, which officially made its major-label debut in March with two singles released simultaneously, now presents a new single. This song was also included on their first independent mini-album; its fresh piano and acoustic-guitar phrases and Yuri Nakamura’s full, powerful voice in the chorus are especially memorable. The second song is sung softly and tenderly, with a faint melancholy; the third is a rearrangement of the first and has a distinctly Western flavor. It is a record where you can enjoy several different kinds of song, so please give it a listen.

(Chihiro Matsuoka)

*千以上の言葉を並べても...*

From music freak magazine Vol.70

GIZA studio / GZCA-1044 / ¥1,050 / September 27, 2000

1. 千以上の言葉を並べても...
2. blue bird
3. 千以上の言葉を並べても... 〜instrumental〜

About four months after “二人のロケット,” GARNET CROW will release a new single. Its gentle music evokes autumn as it sings about things that happen in everyday life. The layered accompaniment, harmonies, and calm lead vocal blend beautifully and slowly seep into the listener’s heart. The coupling song “blue bird” is fresh and pop-oriented. These two songs should let you enjoy the appeal of high-quality pop.

(Yuki Tachibana)

*夏の幻*

From music freak magazine Vol.71

GIZA studio / GZCA-1050 / ¥1,260 / October 25, 2000

1. 夏の幻
2. hi-Speed スペシャル oneday
3. 夏の幻 〜instrumental〜

Only one month later, GARNET CROW has released another single at this remarkable pace. This mid-tempo song begins with acoustic-guitar phrases full of nostalgia. The lyrics depict the end of summer; you might expect sadness, but the chorus brings a refreshing feeling, as if a sudden breeze has blown through. The buoyant rhythm is another distinctive feature, making the song very pleasant to hear. The coupling song combines a relaxed rhythm with lyrics full of everyday life, and its memorable title is worth noting too.

(Akira Ozawa)

*flying*

From music freak magazine Vol.72

GIZA studio / GZCA-1055 / ¥1,050 / November 29, 2000

1. flying
2. Cried a little
3. flying 〜instrumental〜

This *flying* brings GARNET CROW’s three-month run of single releases to a close. Used as a game theme song, it responds to the game’s worldview with music full of fantasy and an expansive scale. Its heavy, powerful accompaniment and Nakamura’s equally commanding voice are the main things to hear. The coupling song is mid-tempo and makes us feel the sadness of a protagonist who has lost something precious. The two songs have different styles, conveying both the beauty of living positively and the difficulty contained in doing so.

(Yuki Tachibana)

*First fine day*

From music freak magazine Vol.72

GIZA studio / GZCA-1052 / ¥1,260 / November 22, 2000

1. First fine day
2. joyride
3. Res-no

GARNET CROW guitarist Hitoshi Okamoto presents a solo Maxi Single. Alongside natural, unpretentious guitar playing, it also reveals his sweet, mellow voice. The clear sound running through the work makes it very comfortable to hear. The handmade quality that comes through the pop melodies comes from the texture of the home recording. The three songs include two relaxed, easygoing pieces and one rhythmically driven track, offering a full view of Hitoshi Okamoto as a solo musician.

(Akira Ozawa)

*first soundscope 〜水のない晴れた海へ〜*

From music freak magazine Vol.74

GIZA studio / GZCA-1061 / ¥3,059 / January 31, 2001

1. 水のない晴れた海へ
2. 君の家に着くまでずっと走ってゆく
3. 夏の幻
4. 二人のロケット
5. 巡り来る春に
6. HAPPY DAYS?
7. Mysterious Eyes
8. Rhythm
9. Holding you, and swinging
10. flying
11. 千以上の言葉を並べても...
12. wonder land

GARNET CROW, which made its official major-label debut last March and has continued releasing work at a rapid pace, presents its long-awaited first album. It contains all six singles released so far. Those songs form the pillars of the album’s world, joined by new material. The new songs also incorporate each member’s character: the first is surrounded by floating sounds, the fifth lets you fully appreciate Nakamura’s powerful voice, and the eighth emphasizes electronic sounds. The many different musical treatments continually stimulate the listener’s imagination.

The layered sounds reveal the precision of GARNET CROW’s music-making, while the album also contains passages with a strong live feel, such as the keyboard solo in the first song. Throughout the album, you can feel their commitment to music.

The album title contains the idea of a “kaleidoscope of sound.” “We want to make an album from which all kinds of music pour out when you look inside...” The members’ intentions are fully concentrated in this work. Please listen carefully and take the time to savor it.

(Yuki Tachibana)