STRONG

I got a package in the mail, the other day, I opened and read it, it said they were Arrested Development..... (OK, that's an awful joke, even by my standards, from one of my favorite Chuck D verses of all time).

So yeah, I got my copy of the US version of Strong in the mail yesterday and I had a chance to listen to it quite a bit. As mentioned before, this version features new "mix-downs" and some tracks that were not on the Japanese version.

I really noticed the new mix downs on the songs "Haters", "We Rad We Doin' It", and "La La La". There are subtle differences throughout, but it really stands out- to me- on those three songs in particular. I really like the new mix of "Haters" compared to the other version, and I think I prefer the mix of "We Rad We Doin' It" on the Japanese version. "La La La" I could go either way on, I like them both about equally. Now I'm not sure how these mixes compare to those available for download- maybe I will download a song to give one a listen and see. As far as this article is concerned, I am comparing the US versions to the Japanese versions in this case.

Speaking of "We Rad We Doin' It," I really thought that was a typo when I ordered my copy of Strong from CD Japan a year or so ago- it seemed like a bad translation to me along the lines of "all your base belong to us". But I love that song! And the title works!

I really like having CD quality versions of "Trends", "Freedom," and "Africa We Thank Ya." "Trends" in particular stands out, such a great song. As far as the packaging goes, they are very similar, but the US version is definitely more user friendly- and actually, more earth friendly as there is no plastic used at all.

No matter how you slice it, you have a great Arrested Development album and that's no small thing. However, it does delete a few tracks from the Japanese version, which is too bad as I really liked a couple of those songs. However, here are some youtube links to a few of those songs, so that you're not missing out if you get the US version.

Here is "So Authentic"

"Granola Girl"

"World is a Friendly Place"