[Official Message] 『A SUMMER BEST』8. August 2012

[kinix]

Originally Posted by relmy

Why not just release a single? Like people have said, this doesn't even make sense as a BEST for casual buyers, because all these songs are on the other BEST collections, and for hardcore fans it's even more redundant - we have the single, the album, the BEST :S

I buy everything. Should I blindly buy everything 'cause it's Ayu? No way. I have everything here except You & Me and Happening Here (dnw), on PHYSICAL release. Yes, even theme of a-nation.

I'm not buying this, it's plain and simple a cash cow release. I'll just get the new song, and I didn't even bother illegally downloading Happening Here because it's so vile.

Maybe I'll buy the OS press one day when the "you must buy everything to have the right to complain" brigade share some of this cash they're using to buy every single Ayu product. It's up to me if I deem a product worthy of buying, buying something just because it has Ayumi Hamasaki slapped on it is stupid.


lol

These are the songs that are NOT IN OTHER BEST albums and I'm sure that some fans had actually wanted a BEST album as it's been close to 5yrs since A BEST 2 (though it wasnt really an A BEST 3... Hopefully they wun release 1 next year...)
A COMPLETE shouldnt be counted as BEST album as it's just the songs from her singles.

・BLUE BIRD
・glitter
・Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~
・AUDIENCE
・NEXT LEVEL
・Happening Here
・Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~
・monochrome
・fated
・theme of a-nation'03
・blossom
・MOON
・ANother song feat. URATA NAOYA
・You & Me（※new song）

1 new song, 1 song not from single only, 1 song only from digital download and 1 from mini album.

So did you bought A BEST, A BEST 2 Black and White?

[njanjayrp]

Ah why do people get upset over stuff like this...seriously. No you don't have to buy anything. I personally don't find the release worth the cash, as I have all, but 2 of those tracks on CDs, yet I find the a-nation perfs quite appealing. Even so 42 euros is a lot so I am not sure if I'll end up buying it or not. Nevertheless I am glad it's being released.

[TeamAyu2004]

yeah, i too dont get why people want to complain about this...
I ordered it because i wanted it.
Can i get it by just combining all her other stuff... yes.
But do i want to, no.
I know she will have a new photo shoot for this and we get new pictures which is what I like it.
Plus a new song is nice.

But, people love to complain, so thats what they do.

[jbrat2219]

Wow this album is expensive!

I get that this release isn't for everyone, but is it really necessary to call everything you don't like "crap" and "trash"? I expect that behavior from rabid haters not her own fans. It is clear this is for casual fans and I highly doubt they take the time to notice how many other albums evolution or Boys & Girls has been on prior to this release. Plus there could be potential new fans who weren't aware of ayu during her last few compilation albums and would be interested in this for the summer. It is really not so big of a deal to get heated over.

[krtman2002]

This album is as expensive as all of them... :S

Nothing special about the price imo.

[kinix]

Originally Posted by njanjayrp

Ah why do people get upset over stuff like this...seriously. No you don't have to buy anything. I personally don't find the release worth the cash, as I have all, but 2 of those tracks on CDs, yet I find the a-nation perfs quite appealing. Even so 42 euros is a lot so I am not sure if I'll end up buying it or not. Nevertheless I am glad it's being released.

There will always be a disappointed/pissed off/angry ayu fan whenever she do or release anything! Just pray that the majority is still in favour of her works =.=
And yeap, the a-nation live is a appealing thing in this release as most ppl didnt bought a nation's dvd
Here's some of the details on which DVD was the song performed.
Others song might be telecast on TV but not released on DVD. I'm not really sure as my files were gone =.= if not, it means that we'll have unreleased performance from a-nation again =)
・BLUE BIRD - 06,09,10,11
・July 1st -03,04,05,07,08,09,10,11
・glitter -07,10,
・Greatful days -03,04,08,10,11
・Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~ -09
・Boys & Girls -03,04,06,07,08,09,10
・evolution -02,06
・INSPIRE -04
・UNITE! -06
・AUDIENCE -08
・ANother song feat. URATA NAOYA -11
・HANABI -02,04,05,08
・Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~ -09
・fairyland -05,08
・fated -07
・HANABI ~episode II~ -03
・NEXT LEVEL
・independent
・monochrome
・SEASONS
・theme of a-nation'03
・blossom
・MOON
・Far away

RED is released on A COMPLETE

[Uemarasan]

I think casual fans would have preferred a single CD release instead of a double CD one... She really should have just chosen the best summer songs. I don't think casual listeners like being forced to buy 2 CDs, unless it's A Best 3.

Truth be told, I haven't bought an Ayu album since Secret And the only best album I have is A Ballads. But I will purchase Next Level and Love Songs at some point

[Ayu-me]

Originally Posted by SummonerXI

Wow, dude, chill the hell out. Are you the opinion police? Can't they state their opinion without you flipping out? Get off your condescending high horse. I ALSO think Boys & Girls is overused too and shouldn't be released on another Best so soon. It's just on there to milk more money because it was one of her more successful singles to date. Even though it's been on 2 out of 3 of the previous best albums. And she sings it on almost ever tour, although I don't mind that because it's a good song to get the audience to sing along with since it's so popular. The fact of the matter is it's overplayed, so no need to be mean to them because they realize it too. They honestly do not need this song released on yet another album.

I'm pretty disappointed by this. I really hope some of the older, over-used songs are re-arranged or at least re-recorded (Such as evolution, Boys & Girls, UNITE, . I'm hoping for a re-arrangement similar to how they're played live these days. Why is Sunrise/Sunset even on there? And ANother Song was JUST on last year's mini album. WTF, Ayu, what what WHAT are you doing.



If NONE of these songs are re-recorded, I am just going to buy You & Me off iTunes as other suggested. The only songs I really like on this album were all re-mastered for A Complete. F this album. She should have done this similar to A Ballads with the rearrangements and the two new songs, etc. I've never felt this disgusted over an Ayu release before, but the way things are looking, this album is going to be crap.

You're allowed to have your own opinion, but I have to say that this post makes it like YOU're the one on the condescending high horse.
First off, the point of a "BEST"-album is to show off an artists BEST songs/greatest hits. This particular best-album is meant to show off Ayu's summer hits, of which one of the biggest happens to be Boys & Girls, so I don't see any reason why that song shouldn't have been included.
Second, some of Ayu's newer releases were also included because this best-album isn't specialised on showing off a specific Ayu era, it's meant to show off Ayu's summer hits over her whole career. Sunrise ~LiA~ was a relatively big hit for Ayu, though I'm not sure about Sunset/ANother song (but I'm pretty sure both of those did well on digital charts).
Third, I'm surprised at the way you seem to take such personal affront by this album. Not every Ayu release is going to satisfy you, if you don't like something you can ignore it, one single album won't ruin your world, Ayu won't come knocking on your door if you don't buy her releases.
So calm down. I'm fine with your dislike of this album, but you don't need to act as if this is somehow personal. Releasing albums that are in essence, unnecessary, is part of the money-milking that music labels thrive on, they don't force you into liking or buying any of it. You can keep on living your life as you wish, you can buy or not buy any release from Ayu you want to.
When it comes to my own opinions on this album, I can agree that the album isn't all that necessary, but I don't own many of Ayu's albums yet so filling my collection with some more songs (including a completely new one) plus a DVD with Ayu's a-nation performances is good enough reason for me to buy it.

[Pieces_of_SEVEN]

I definitely hope the older tracks are rerecorded and even rearranged, just to give it a new feel. We already have these tracks on so many physical releases.

[Aderianu]

Originally Posted by kinix

Here's some of the details on which DVD was the song performed.
Others song might be telecast on TV but not released on DVD. I'm not really sure as my files were gone =.= if not, it means that we'll have unreleased performance from a-nation again =)
・BLUE BIRD - 06,09,10,11
・July 1st -03,04,05,07,08,09,10,11
・glitter -07,10,
・Greatful days -03,04,08,10,11
・Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~ -09
・Boys & Girls -03,04,06,07,08,09,10
・evolution -02,06
・INSPIRE -04
・UNITE! -06
・AUDIENCE -08
・ANother song feat. URATA NAOYA -11
・HANABI -02,04,05,08
・Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~ -09
・fairyland -05,08
・fated -07
・HANABI ~episode II~ -03
・NEXT LEVEL
・independent
・monochrome
・SEASONS
・theme of a-nation'03
・blossom
・MOON
・Far away

RED is released on A COMPLETE

I made a list of where she performed songs
http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/showpo...1&postcount=48

[JackieRos]

I hate that oh you don't have to buy it crap.
No ****** I don't like that ayu is releasing an a best but oh well.

[MissElin_]

I'm actually supricing myself and feel excited about this album. It feels like it's gonna be perfect for this summer. Some Ayu and Kuu summer best songs. Lovely! Also I'm looking forward to delete PQ cover from excitence (since it's being frequently used now on TV e.t.c. since it's the most recent official Ayu picture). I hope the new cover will breathe UNITE! 2012 or even better, & 2012 or something like it.

[Zeke.]

I think it's just a mixed bag of emotions regarding this album. There are many things people do not like about it.

1. Overuse of songs that have appeared on many other compilations
2. Songs that shouldn't be on there
3. 1 new song
4. No re-arrengement / re-recordings officially announced
5. Almost 2 YEARS since last single (which happened to be her 50th)

I'm not saying Ayu does not work hard, we all know she does... but... I think most of us are sick of her pushing off the 51st single release. I was thinking this year, she would go full force in releasing a badass summer SINGLE. Something extravagant, double A-side, with special editions, different covers, and killer remixes (how the BLUE BIRD single was handled but even better). But no, it turned out to be like the least amount of effort she could do in order to give fans something new...

I mean, look at Kumi (yes I know people hate comparisons); she's effin' 9 months pregnant and HER best album are all re-worked (re-mixed), one new song, and another new song was just announced! Oh, and she's recently engaged!

[RayJason]

Originally Posted by TeamAyu2004

yeah, i too dont get why people want to complain about this... But, people love to complain, so thats what they do.

People complain because they are not satisfied, not because they like to complain. I wouldn't even call it complain, just people who are stating their opinions. You guys should respect that instead of playing the "****ing complainers all over AHS / nobody is forcing you to buy" card. IMO It's WAY too early for her to release another BEST album. And you should also stop provoking the Timmy hate (you probably didn't mean to do that though otherwise it'd be really pathetic).

Originally Posted by TeamAyu2004

Im thinking its done by Timmy... which of course is gonna make some people mad.

[Pieces_of_SEVEN]

I don't think they ever announce re-arrangements or recordings at first. Once we get the official tracklist we'll know for sure.

[LONJJONG]

Or avex wants her to maintain her 'number one album each year' streak..

[Andrenekoi]

Originally Posted by SummonerXI

Wow, dude, chill the hell out. Are you the opinion police? Can't they state their opinion without you flipping out? Get off your condescending high horse. I ALSO think Boys & Girls is overused too and shouldn't be released on another Best so soon. It's just on there to milk more money because it was one of her more successful singles to date. Even though it's been on 2 out of 3 of the previous best albums. And she sings it on almost ever tour, although I don't mind that because it's a good song to get the audience to sing along with since it's so popular. The fact of the matter is it's overplayed, so no need to be mean to them because they realize it too. They honestly do not need this song released on yet another album.

I'm pretty disappointed by this. I really hope some of the older, over-used songs are re-arranged or at least re-recorded (Such as evolution, Boys & Girls, UNITE, . I'm hoping for a re-arrangement similar to how they're played live these days. Why is Sunrise/Sunset even on there? And ANother Song was JUST on last year's mini album. WTF, Ayu, what what WHAT are you doing.



If NONE of these songs are re-recorded, I am just going to buy You & Me off iTunes as other suggested. The only songs I really like on this album were all re-mastered for A Complete. F this album. She should have done this similar to A Ballads with the rearrangements and the two new songs, etc. I've never felt this disgusted over an Ayu release before, but the way things are looking, this album is going to be crap.

This compilation is not aimed to you guys, not even to me as I'm not ever thinking about buying it, but why calling it crap? Why being so overdramatic and even a little rude to people because of it? It's just a damn pop music release, it isn't meant to cure cancer or something.

The reason why there are so many overused songs on this compilation is because her summer songs are among her biggest hits... The tracklist was voted, remember? And just in case you don't remember, not your personal opinion, nor AHS overall opinion reflects the japanese public towards her discography, what means loads of "crap" songs a lot of people are alouded to like as much u r alouded not liking them...

This release is aimed to collectors (as everything is) and casual listeners who like her big hits but don't bother buying her studio albums (one more reason for having "overused old songs")... Also, her last compilation was released 4 years ago, what is an eternity on jpop years

[*Petit*]

I find this release pointless (except as quick cash in) for many reasons. Most of them have already ben mentioned ( harldy any new material, not even new versions), but also from a a marketing point of vue.

I don't think You & me will appear on the next album, losing out an opportunity to build some buzz for the next studio album that will probably be released sometime next winter. Releasing an album right off the bat doesn't work, PQ's performance has been poor across any media (downloads, physical sales) even taking into account that she's on adeclining trend.

I suppose she's going to use the upcoming xilia song to promote the entire upcoming album with no other tracks seeing the light of day outside of concerts. I'm not even sure how that'll turn out as it'll have less of a buzz than five, which at least had the colabs to (and more tie ins than PQ if I'm not mistaken).

It seems like there's no long term or even short term perspective in terms of marketing for her career right now, just one release after another. As much as it's music that matters, it's like she' missing out for no other reason than messy releases and lack of coherence.

I also think releasing a more a sides will probably do more good for the music as well than bad (IMO) as the sigles are usually more elaborate than the album tracks.

Personally I wont buy this release simply because I already have most everything on it. I love all the songs on it though. ^_^

[Andrenekoi]

^Her compilation original songs tend to not be released on an album after it:
Rainbow, Part of Me, Mirrocle World...

[tokyoxjapanxfan]

I suppose there's something to say with her straying from normal release patterns. It used to be exactly the same for many years. At least 3 singles, album, remix album. Repeat. (Not saying this is bad or good, just saying that this is how it went down haha)

Personally, I'd rather her release this now than release a best album for her 15th anniversary. While this is still possible, I'm holding onto the idea that she won't.

And hey, if you don't want to buy it, then don't buy it. That goes for every release. This could have been just 1 new song plus all music videos for included songs, so at least they're making it more interesting than it could have possibly been.

Would I rather a 3A side single, of course. But, we win some we lose some.
Maybe by getting a best album out of her system she'll create some interesting music. :p