Review: V-RARE #2 (beatmaniaIIDX 6th style -new songs collection-)

After a seemingly endless amount of time after 5th Style CS, beatmania IIDX 6th Style CS was released. IIDX fans would then know the meaning of seemingly endless amount of time when waiting for 7th Style CS to be released. IIDX 6th Style remains one of my favorite releases because of the great features that were exclusive to it, such as the tatsujin videos and Music Clip mode that allowed you to watch the VJ movies in full screen (I'm sure the introduction of the IIDX Visual Works/Visual Emotion DVDs killed this feature dead). The song list was pretty damn good, with several never before heard songs such as Outer Limits, Jelly Kiss, Stick Around, 合体せよ! ストロングイェーガー!!, and unique Another versions of Something Wonderful and 電人イェーガーのテーマ (Theme of Denjin J).

1. jelly kiss -full size- / Togo Project feat. Sana
This is a true long version (3'46) featuring new verses. Other than that, it's more of the same. If you liked the original, than you'll like this one even more, most likely. I always thought it was an OK song but nothing terribly special. This does little to sway my opinion. **1/2

2. jelly kiss ('Kobo's step style) / Togo Project feat. Sana
It's a bit less two-steppy than the original with some added trance standards. Very slick production on this one. I actually like this version a lot more. ***

3. 合体せよ! ストロングイェーガー!! ~full size~ / L.E.D
L.E.D can do no wrong in my book, and his long versions of the Denjin J series always deliver. Strong Jaegar itself is already an awesome song, and this extended version makes it even more awesome. It's 6'04 of creamy L.E.D goodness. It works for me because it feels like the IIDX version was a shortened version of this, rather than this feeling like an extended IIDX version. Amazing. *****

4. MIX UP '電人イェーガー' / L.E.D
Why not follow a great full size version of Strong Jaegar with this song, which is kind of a mash-up of Denjin J and Strong Jaegar. And, yes, it works great. The switching back and forth between the songs feels natural and is not jarring at all. More greatness. ****1/2

5. Stick Around ~full size~ / Megu feat. Scotty D.
Another true full size song with additional verses. But, like Jelly Kiss, I'm not a huge fan of the original. I mean, there's nothing offensive about it aside from the silly Engrishy vocals. I would have preferred a long version of Outer Limits or something, though. **1/2

6. Stick Around (Twilight Bossa 'Togo' Mix) / Megu feat. Togo
I have to admit, I find this song strangely alluring. From the stark minimalism, to the clarity of Megu's Engrishy vocals behind said minimalism. It's another "Holy Shit" moment courtesy of Konami. As strange as it is to admit this, I quite like this version. Every time I hear it I want to whistle along with it. ****

We end up with another interesting mixed bag here. I am somewhat opposed to how the track placement was (two Jelly Kisses followed by two Denjin J songs followed by two Stick Arounds), but it was only siz songs, so what can you do. This V-RARE has several songs you won't find on any other OSTs, so it's worth checking out -- unless you really hate Jelly Kiss or Stick Around (even though the Twilight Bossa mix saves it).