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Vocalo Cho Mix feat. Hatsune Miku
Release Date: 9/26/12
Price: 1714 yen
Hatsune Rock may have been cancelled, but it looks like EMI still have some interest in Vocaloid after all. There aren’t many details about this release, and I’m not even sure it’ll be included as part of the Dancemania series at all, but the title seems to suggest it’ll be non-stop mix. It’s also interesting that it’s a full 500 yen cheaper than Vocalo Dance was.
Pre-order at CDJapan.
Dancemania Party ~ Best of 90s Dance Hits
Release Date: 8/1/12
Price: 2381 yen
Edit (7/10/12): Cover art is out! The new font for Party is much more pleasant to look at and readable. By the way, anyone interested in a contest to celebrate the release? 😉
Final list is out! All 17 tracks from the early list made it. The remaining 10 tracks include 3 Dancemania repeats as well as 7 tracks never before seen on Dancemania. In all, there are 11 tracks out of 27 that are “new” to the series.
In addition to previously announced licenses, there are “new” tracks from N.Y.C.C., Scooter, Matt Bianco, Afrika & The Zulu Kings, Look Twice, and Solid Base. Interestingly, these 6 artists all used to be signed to Victor Japan, though the Solid Base back catalog has been owned by EMI since Dancemania Sparkle. Look Twice were originally signed to EMI in the early 90s, back when Veronica Almqvist (of Smile.dk) was still part of the group, but “Funk You Up” was produced during their Victor Japan days in the late 90s. I wonder if EMI have since picked up the rights to these other former Victor artists…
One of the “new” tracks is the original version of Deja Vu’s “My Heart Will Go On,” which, despite being featured repeatedly on the Speed series, has never appeared on the main series. Great to see Almighty represented once again, but Saifam still get no love. 🙁
Other newly announced tracks include Me & My’s “Baby Boy,” Jennifer’s “If You Were Here,” and 2 Unlimited’s “Twilight Zone.”
Personally, I’m just happy we no longer have to look at that ugly “Sparkle” font. Now bring on Dancemania Party Speed! Please?
Utattemita Anison/J-Pop Speed
Release Date: 7/4/12
Price: 1905 yen
As promised, I cooked up a little spreadsheet comparing BPMs, which you can find after the jump. BPMs were calculated using MixMeister BPM Analyzer, though I had to manually check some. The Anison album ranges from 160-180 BPM, while the J-Pop album starts at 150 and ends at 180 BPM.
DJ Hirocky did a great job mixing both albums, but in terms of energy Anison has a better selection of tracks. After all, half of the tracks on Anison were produced by DJ Command and many of the others were by Rayto/Tks. The J-Pop album suffers from starting off far too slow and, of course, having way too many repeats from the original album. If you’re new to Akiba Koubou, then these are certainly better options than the original Utattemita albums, but for long-time fans it’s yet another slap in the face.
Utattemita Anison/J-Pop Speed
Release Date: 7/4/12
Price: 1905 yen
I knew it! EMI finally came to their senses and retroactively added all of the Utattemita Anison/J-Pop CDs to the Dancemania brand. They’re now part of the “Utattemita” series and are listed just above the Natsu Monogatari/Wa Euro Best releases. The two latest releases are also currently featured on the front page of the Dancemania website.
Dancemania Party ~ Best of 90s Dance Hits
Release Date: 8/1/12
Price: 2381 yen
Early list is out, and thankfully there are no Sparkle repeats! The Aqua, Real McCoy, Robert Miles and Funky Diamonds tracks ended up being as predicted. The Spice Girls and Smile.dk songs were also safe choices, which is a bit disappointing since they’re not particular favorites of mine. Meanwhile, the A*Teens track turned out to be their debut single, “Mamma Mia.”
Vocal Vitality
Release Date: 4/30/12
Price: 1429 yen
NANCY AND THE BOYS! After a 7-year hiatus, Nancy and the Boys return with a brand new, original track titled, “Shine a Light on You”. Special thanks to DJ Hyuji for the shout-out on his twitter! It’s great to see Dancemania Speed live on through its fans. 😀
SuperSonicBeatRush
Release Date: 10/30/11
Price: 1429 yen
Another doujin compilation featuring Chris Bucknall of CJ Crew.
Classical Candy 2
Release Date: 10/30/11
Price: 1429 yen
So, I’m finally going to be posting the interview I conducted with Chris Bucknall (The ‘C’ of CJ Crew) soon, and in the process of writing up an artist spotlight I found that he’s been active in making Speed music again. That’s right, folks, CJ Crew are back!
This doujin compilation was released last October by Japan-based RTTF Records and compiles speed versions of classical tracks (think classical Speed) from a variety of artists. Exit Trance fans may be interested in the Hommarju track, but Dancemania fans will be more interested in the return of Chris Bucknall to the Japanese hardcore scene. The booklet even has a special interview with Chris Bucknall!
Stay tuned for more on CJ Crew!
Dancemania Party ~ Best of 90s Dance Hits
Release Date: 8/1/12
Price: 2381 yen
Dancemania lives!!! I was beginning to think that the Dancemania brand would only be revived for occasional anniversary releases every 5 years, but Dancemania’s sweet 16 will be celebrated with another collection of 90s dance hits. EMI picked up the rights to Solid Base, Mr. President and T-Spoon last year with the release of Dancemania Sparkle. They even regained the AATW rights from Avex, so it would’ve been a waste not to put them to good use.
No track list yet, but I’m hoping it’s not a straight retread of Sparkle. They used most of the best-known songs in Sparkle already, though, so it’ll be interesting to see what else they consider to be 90’s dance hits.
Update! (6/12/12): Some artists have been revealed, and I think it’s safe to say it won’t simply be a copy of Dancemania Sparkle.
01. Spice Girls
02. Smile.dk
03. Aqua
04. The Real McCoy
05. Robert Miles
06. Funky Diamonds
07. A*Teens
As far as I know only the Spice Girls and Smile.dk back catalogs are owned by EMI, so there seems to be a pretty heavy emphasis on non-EMI artists (unless EMI have since bought the rights to them as well). “Another Night,” “Children,” and “Get It On,” will probably be the Real McCoy, Robert Miles, and Funky Diamonds tracks, respectively. “Barbie Girl” was already on Sparkle, so the Aqua track may be “Roses Are Red” or “Cartoon Heroes” instead. A*Teens are an odd choice since they popped up in the late 90s. If they stick strictly to the 90s theme that leaves only ABBA covers. However, if they’re a bit more lenient we may hear “Halfway Around the World” again.
I think the track list is shaping up pretty nicely so far, but for the love of god, please include Bus Stop and Saifam. And ditch the annoying euro-reggae.
Pre-order at CDJapan.
Mega Dance Climax
Release Date: 7/25/12
Price: 1886 yen
Dancemania × Dance Panic!?! Full Moon’s new series will feature dance pop hits of the 80s and 90s including lots of Dancemania and Dance Panic! classics like “Dub-I-Dub,” “Samba de Janeiro,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Call Me Mañana,” and more! Right now I get the feeling that they’ll just be licensing the tracks from EMI and Victor, but I would love AKBK forever if they actually did eurobeat remixes. I guess another possibility is that they’ll be licensing covers from Saifam. In any case, it’ll be interesting to see how the series develops in the future.
Hatsune Rock feat. Hatsune Miku
Release Date: 6/6/12
Price: 2190 yen
EMI’s second venture into the world of Vocaloid compilations. Vocalo Dance didn’t do particularly well, so this time they’re going with a rock theme, similar to FARM’s Vocarock series (the existence of which is probably why EMI avoided naming this Vocalo Rock). I’m not sure if they’ll still market this as part of the Dancemania series, given Vocalo Dance’s performance. A lot of these tracks have appeared on previous compilations, so I hope they’re not making the same mistake of having nothing but repeats again.
All copies will come with a cardboard sleeve and picture-label CD. First-press editions come with a special big coaster and cell phone strap.
Vocalo Dance -Best Age! Tracks-
Release Date: 2/15/12 ? 2/29/12
Price: 2190 yen
The album came out yesterday, and in addition to EMI’s Vocalo Dance Website, Akiba Koubou have also put up a special website of their own, including a page detailing the bonuses.
Again, all editions come with a special cardboard sleeve and picture label CD, while first-press copies will also come with a special calendar and fake credit card. Retailers will also be distributing B2-sized posters on a first-come, first-served basis. If you go to the URL listed on the obi strip and answer a quick survey, you can also download some special wallpapers for your PC or smartphone, though this offer only lasts until August. CD Japan says there’ll be a sticker, but there’s no longer any mention of that on Amazon or EMI’s website.
As for retailer-exclusive bonuses, Animate will be offering a special “can badge,” which is just a fancy Japanese term for a pin. Tora no Ana will also have special can badge with a different design. Tsutaya will give out A4 clear files.
EMI have also uploaded a special digest of songs on YouTube:
Vocalo Dance -Best Age! Tracks-
Release Date: 2/15/12 ? 2/29/12
Price: 2190 yen
Vocalo Dance Mania! It looks like EMI are marketing this as part of the Dancemania series, as they’ve put a special site up for it: Vocalo Dance Official Website.
The first Vocaloid compilation from EMI comes with a bevy of bonuses. In addition to a special cardboard sleeve and picture label CD for all editions, first-press copies will also come with a special calendar and fake credit card. Retailers will also be distributing B2-sized posters on a first-come, first-served basis. If you go to the URL listed on the obi strip and answer a quick survey, you can also download some special wallpapers for your PC or smartphone, though this offer only lasts until August. CD Japan says there’ll be a sticker, but there’s no longer any mention of that on Amazon or EMI’s website.
As for retailer-exclusive bonuses, Animate will be offering a special “can badge,” which is just a fancy Japanese term for a pin. Tora no Ana will also have special can badge with a different design.
I can’t help but be disappointed by the track list, though. I was hoping for new arrangements, but most of these appear to be the original versions.
Dancemania 25 Tracks
Release Date: 2/15/12
Price: 1200 yen
Dancemania’s first exclusive iTunes release! It’s 25 tracks from the history of Dancemania. In other words, it’s full versions from Dancemania Sparkle. A bit late, isn’t it? The digital only release confirms that EMI have picked up the rights to Mr. President and Solid Base songs. The other licensed tracks from Sparkle have been replaced with other tracks from Dancemania, including some that were released well after the 90s.
Jenny Rom Bubble Eurobeat EP selected by Jenny Rom
Release Date: 2/13/12
Price: $2.99
It’s been almost 3 years since the last new Jenny Rom song (not including remixes), but “she” returns in 2012 with a cover of the Dusty Springfield hit, “I Only Want to Be with You.” Technically, this is just a reworking of the A.Kay-BJ version from a few years back. 🙁 I enjoyed the original and like this eurobeat remix too, but can’t help but feel that Saifam attached the Jenny Rom name just to play with our hearts. The song is also available at Juno Downloads.
Anyway, there are 5 other tracks in the EP, including the United Forced remix of “www.Blonde Girl.” Come on Saifam, give us a second Jenny Rom album with new material 🙁
DanceMaster | 
07 14th, 2012| 
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