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So I went and got myself the RIDEBACK Single finally (I've been pushing back my monthly Akiba trips as of late).
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the single includes not only the Karaoke version (as is the usual, though I have seen otherwise...), but also a predominantly Japanese version of the song, as well as a remix version.
Track 1: Full Length Original (English) - While i can do without the oh so wonderful Engrish lyrics and singing MELL seems to making a name for herself with, anyone who has watched the RideBack anime thins song hails from should have a good idea how this track sounds. I honesltly like the arrangement and overall feel of this songs. Very much so a riding track (be it Motorcycle, car...or Bicycle ^_^ ). Now, due to her use of English lyrics (which don't make much sense, honestly...) and her apparent non-proficiency in speaking it, the vocal parts will sound a bit off. It doesn't sound all that fuild, though if you ignore it, it'll grow on you, or you'll just get used to blocking it out.
Track 2: Full Length Japanese Version - Just like Track 1, but 90% of the lyrics is in Japanese. As such, MELL perfomance is overall MUCH better. The vocals flow much smoother, with little to no change in the enunciation pattern of the lyrics. There's still a couple points were the Engrish stands out. Since the songs is in much more fluid Japanese suaully, the Engrish odd points may a bit more prominent here. Otherwise, this version knocks an already good song up another notch or two.
Track 3: Remix Version - Take a good song, and add a more techno-ish feel to it. (The bass and drumline get enhance and stand out quite a bit more.) The lyrics used are the English version's. Oddly enough though, despite using said lyrics, the oddities of MELL's vocalisms in English aren't as noticeable in this version. Eitehr she practiced more before recording this version, or the arrangement covers up her voice enough to make her pronounciations less distinctive. I love the arrangement here, as it takes what edginess the song already has an action-y track and enhances it a bit. On par with Track 2...If only there was a Japanese version remix ^_^
Track 4: Karaoke Version (AKA Off-Vocal Version) - Japan, land of Karaoke lovers...Just take this as an instrumental version, but with no main melody to take the place of the vocal part. Actually, the karaoke version stands well on it's own. It's a bit odd initially, but once you're several seconds past the point you expect to be hearing vocals, you get quite used to it. Since I like this song mostly for the instrumentals, this version sits well with me. It actually sounds kinda like BGM instead of a karaoke version of a song.
So...This is one of the better singles I've gotten lately. I didn't get a B-side songs, but considering a got a Japanese version, along with an excellent remix version, I'm quite happy. (Not since finding a hardcopy of the Pure Snow Single by Sasaki Yuuko have I been this glad to have bought a single.)
I should watch the DVD that came with the edition I bought...But considering how Japanese PVs tend to be, I have my reservations (In comparision to US MVs...Japanese live-action anything still leaves thinsg to be wanted at times...) But maybe I'll be surprised with that also.
