短篇栏目精选 PART.4

●○○ From music freak magazine Vol.90／Vol.100／Vol.107

SHORT CORNER COLLECTION PART.4

★This [SHORT CORNER COLLECTION] is a feature that re-edits and brings together the short corners about GARNET CROW that have appeared so far!★

〜REVIEW COLLECTIONS〜

●○○ From music freak magazine Vol.107

GARNET CROW livescope 2004
B-VISION　ONBD-7034　¥3,990　04.6.16

The live DVD capturing GARNET CROW's second nationwide live tour is being released. Since their first live tour was also released on DVD, live DVDs are becoming an essential item for GARNET CROW. This disc fully captures the nationwide tour “GARNET CROW livescope 2004〜Kimi to Iu Hikari〜,” which began on January 27. The fact that the material works as a release in its own right is proof of the high quality of the stages they perform. In this tour as well, the sound space created by the four members captures the audience's hearts, and you can feel through the footage how the entire venue becomes one. People who attended the shows can enjoy images different from what was shown on the screen above the stage, while those who did not can fully appreciate the group's stage performance, including “Ameagari no Blue,” a song not released on CD. In addition to the live footage, the DVD contains tour documentary scenes and comments from each member about the live shows. It will become one of the precious records of their activities.　　　　　(Akira Ozawa)

●○○ From music freak magazine Vol.115

I'm waiting 4 you
GIZA studio　GZCA-5052　¥3,059　04.12.8

GARNET CROW's new album is finally here. Though they have released work consistently, this is their largest album yet, with 13 songs. Alongside the latest single “Wasurezaki,” the album is filled with their sonic world, including singles released during the year such as “Bokura dake no Mirai” and “Kimi wo Kazaru Hana wo Sakaso.” The album ranges from minor-key songs to refreshing numbers: the stately “Yuzukuyo,” the life-filled sound of “U,” “Kono Fuyu no Shiro-sa ni,” perfect for this season, and “In the Blue Forest,” whose charm lies in Nakamura's buoyant vocals. It is wonderful how each member's color fits into the whole without clashing. The connection between AZUKI's lyrics and Nakamura's melodies has grown even stronger, establishing the core of GARNET CROW. Next year will mark their fifth year since their major-label debut. Carrying this album, which reflects their rich musical activity, they will embark on the long-awaited tour. I cannot wait to see how these songs will be presented.　　　　　(Yuki Tachibana)

●○○ From music freak magazine Vol.120

FF/REWIND
Hitoshi Okamoto
GIZA studio　GZCA-5050　¥2,100　04.11.17

The second album by GARNET CROW guitarist Hitoshi Okamoto is finally being released. Coming two years and eight months after his first album, 『a first find day』, this work retains his distinctive pop sensibility while building a new world with the same home-recording feel. If the previous album felt like singing leisurely in a room, perhaps I am the only one who felt that this album sends that voice outward. “LOST CHILD” hits hard from the intro with a full-on rough guitar sound, while the approachable “It's only love” has a slightly masculine edge that makes it feel just a little reassuring (laughs). The album also includes a cover of Badfinger's “No Matter What,” as well as “telepathy,” a song he provided to Hayami Kishimoto and sings with English lyrics he wrote himself. The finished work more fully reflects Hitoshi Okamoto as a solo artist. It may sound at first like airy pop music that is difficult to grasp, but there is a firm core beneath the soft sounds, and the distinctive texture that emerges from it becomes addictive.　　　　　(Akira Ozawa)