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Just Because It Says Pokemon Doesn't Mean It's Bad

I. Jacobi | Dallas, TX USA | 07/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm going to admit to you one thing right off: I am a fan of Pokemon. But not ALL Pokemon. For example, the American anime is bad. The marketing to small children is bad (I'm not under 10, just so you know). The pure sickening merchandising and bundled music (on the American CDs) is bad. But I did not mention two things: The game (It's still great and unique, even if it is a little childish, but it's still great for trips) and the Japanese music. It is the Japanese music that I am concerned with here.In my opinion, SOME (not all) of the Japanese Pokemon music is great. And ALL of it is better than the American music, in every single way. So for me to rate this album, I gave it 4 stars. Now to discuss each track:1. Mezase Pokemon Master - A very nice rock piece sung by Rika Matsumoto (the voice of Satoshi/Ash in Japan) that was the music to the first opening in Japan. It's quite catchy, and I've managed to memorize most of the lyrics (and for good reason too. It's not bad.) If you've ever played Pokemon Pinball, you know that weird music that doesn't seem to fit in with the rest that's the capture music on the blue board? That's this track, except GameBoy-style.
2. Natsu Yasumi Fanclub - A kitchy kiddy piece that was used for the opening to Pikachu's Vacation (the sketch before Mewtwo Strikes Back) in Japan. Not bad, but it is a bit kiddy.
3. Hyaku Gojuu Ichi - The name means 151, just so you know. This is a strange song (But not the strangest. I'll get to that in a bit.) that was used for the first ending in Japan. It's interesting, and better than Natsu Yasumi Fanclub, but not TOO great.
4. Pokemon Kakerukana? - Another strange song much like Hyaku Gojuu Ichi. This song was used in a CD that was essentially used to give instructions on how to draw Pokemon. Yeah. Weird. But not as strange as the next song.
5. Utau Pokemon Zukan * Normal Pokemon Part 1 - I have yet to find anything from the CD that this came from, other than this track. It's an interesting ditty that is essentially the Japanese Pokedex, sung (That's what Utau Pokemon Zukan means, Singing Pokedex).
6. Rocket Dan Yo Eien Ni - For all you Team Rocket fans, this is the track you want. You remember the episode where Jigglypuff was first introduced? You remember the Rockets singing during that ep? Well this is that. But longer. And with the Japanese Rocket Motto thrown into the middle. Interesting, and another fairly good high point on the album. (Did you know that Musashi/Jessie is voiced (in Japan) by Megumi Hayashibara? If you know who that is, then you now know that she sings in this song.)
7. Pokemon Ierukana? - THIS is the weird song (well, and one more further down the line). Sung by Imakuni? (Yes, the question mark is part of his name). You know the Pokerap? Well, this is the Japanese Pokerap. Except not in rap. And not with the American names. You really don't want to know what types of music are in this. Due to its weirdness, this ranks up there as one of the more INTERESTING tracks of the CD. There's a version for Gold and Silver too (but not on this disc) named Pokemon Ierukana? neo.
8. Torikaekko Please - This song was used for a commercial in Japan (a lot of commercial songs are released as singles in Japan for some reason) and is essentially a song used to advertise Pokemon Trading Cards. The song has to do with Trading Pokemon Cards.
9. Pika Pika Massaichu - This one was the counterpart to Natsu Yasumi Fanclub. So it's the ending theme. It's also very kiddy.
10. Nyaasu no Uta - A very nice song (second ending in Japan) sung by Meowth. It's soft, slow, and almost sad. This might ALSO be because it's about Meowth singing about how lonely he is, as the only pokemon able to speak English/Japanese.
11. Kaze to Issho ni - The ending to Mewtwo Strikes Back. Very orchestral and grand. And very nice. Nearing the end, we're at the final high point of the album (that lasts through the next two tracks)
12. Mezase Pokemon Master '98 - Same song, new style. This song was used for the opening of Mewtwo Strikes Back. Just as good as the first version. (There are two other versions, used for the second Neo season, and the fourth movie)
13. Pokemon Ierukana Baby? - OK. You want weirdness again? One last time before this albums over! You get Ierukana again! But even stranger! This song is a bonus track only available on this album. The others were on singles.So to sum it up, this CD is a very good one to start your forays into Japanese Pokemon music. It has its high points, and it has its low points. But it's MUCH better than anything released over here. There are other Singles you may want to find too (As this only covers releases through the first movie) including: OK! (The first Neo Opening song), Nyaasu no Party (Another ending song during the second half of the Orange Islands), toi et moi (Ending to Revelation Lugia, done by Namie Amuro. Good way to start getting into JPop, though not the best), and Ready Go! (The latest opening theme. As the latest movie and its singles have come out in Japan, this song (redone) is probably one the opening. I'm eager to hear it)."