Tuesday, May 15, 2007

[preview] Kiss & Cry - 宇多田ヒカル

Kiss & Cry-Utada Hikaru

LISTEN: Windows Media Player / REAL Player

"Kiss & Cry" is Utada Hikaru's brand new song. However, it is not the leading A-side song for the single as stated by Hikki herself. Thus, Hikki's 19th single will most likely be a Double A-side release.

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[news] Wedding Bells Ring for Angie

Angela Aki has announced on her blog that she is getting married! She also mentioned it would be her second marriage.

おめでとうアンジェラさん!

Ding dong ding dong!

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Monday, May 14, 2007

[single] Never Again - Kelly Clarkson

Never Again-Kelly Clarkson

Can someone give Kelly a happy pill? She seems to be very bitter about her ex-es as shown in this song, "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because Of You". Come on, you are now a platinum artiste now, sing us some happy songs.

The lyrics to "Never Again" feels like a continuation of "Since U Been Gone" and the sounds like something off her last record "Breakaway". The song is entertaining but it is nothing refreshing. Well, at least she knows not to fix something that ain't broken by following the style of the past album.

Good song but no wow factor.

Rating: 3.5/5

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[single] Earth Intruders - Björk

Earth Intruders-Björk

It seems like whatever Timbaland touches, it turns into gold. Take Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, their singles went straight to #1 with the help of Timbaland. And now he is producing some songs on Björk's latest album "Volta".

I am, however, not expecting this single to top the charts, although it is a great song. Björk is not to everyone's taste just yet, but she is as close to a musical genius on this planet. Yelping, screaming and whispering are some of the techniques Björk uses in her songs.

"Earth Intruders" feels almost "Maneater"-ish. It has a very catchy, dark pop sound, which is unlike Björk has ever done before and that is the beauty of her music, she constantly changes her style to keep us interested.

For people who want something VERY different, try this one.

Rating: 4.5/5

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[single] What I've Done - Linkin Park

What I've Done-Linkin Park

One of the world's biggest band dropped their latest album "Minutes To Midnight" today and this is the first single off that album, "What I've Done".

Personally, this is a great comeback song. But somehow, this song does not feel like a Linkin Park song, this sounds like a mash between Maroon 5 and Good Charlotte. Sure, there are some good ol' rock in it but this is way lighter then their darker and heavier past songs like "Crawling" or "In The End".

In any case, watch this single and the album top the charts everywhere.

Rating: 3.5/5

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[news] NEW 倖田來未 MAXI-SINGLE 『FREAKY』


NEW Koda Kumi MAXI-SINGLE 『FREAKY』

NEW MAXI-SINGLE
『FREAKY』
倖田來未
Release Date: 27 June 2007

Formats: CD+DVD and CD only version

Tracklist (First Pressing Only):
1. FREAKY
2. 空
3. Run For Your Life
4. girls
5. FREAKY -remix-
6. 空 -福富幸宏remix (TBD)
7. Run For Your Life -remix-
8. girls-Cubismo Graphico remix- (TBD)

Tracklist (Regular Version):
1. FREAKY
2. 空
3. Run For Your Life
4. girls
5. FREAKY -Instrumental-
6. 空 -Instrumental-
7. Run For Your Life -Instrumental-
8. girls -Instrumental-

DVD Tracklist:
1. FREAKY MUSIC VIDEO
2. Run For Your Life MUSIC VIDEO
3. FREAKY Making
4. Run For Your Life Making

Koda Kumi's brand new single after the simultaneous release of her last single "BUT/愛証" and her third album, "BEST ~Bounce & Lovers~". 4 Hot Wave anyone?
*updated with official covers

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Wednesday, May 09, 2007

[news] Mizael contributes!

Yes, surprise! Mizael’s on the contributing list for the Reviewer’s Blog. This is going to be my maiden review but I thought I’d start with an introduction first.

I’ve recently ventured deeper into the world of J-Pop and I’m constantly amazed at the diversity and the quality of music of this industry. It’s not just a world of music; it’s more like an UCHUU. Looking back the years where I’ve spent doing other things and having occasional listens to anime themes, I’ve missed out so much!

Alright, I’m going to be 20 and I’m from the same polytechnic as Kenneth (for total strangers who are wondering who I am). I thought that my first review would be something Kenneth hasn’t reviewed before (because I’d be outdated) and then keep myself abreast to current music releases and reviews by Kenneth and other critics to give another POV to the same thing. The first thing I’m going to talk about is actually a single, and it’s by Hirai Ken (since Kenneth hasn’t done one before =P) It’s his birthday released 哀歌(エレジー) single. [Read below]

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[single] 哀歌(エレジー) - 平井堅

Aika (ELERGY)-Ken Hirai

There are four tracks on his birthday release with 哀歌(エレジー) as the A side song, and Kiss as the B side single. The other two is the POP STAR winter lover edition and 哀歌(エレジー) less vocal version.

I really think the A side song is great; I guess one of his better songs he has produced. It is sung in the lower tone of his voice (of which his higher tone voice I don’t dig), great piano and strings arrangement, beautiful piano opening... Listening to his other songs, I agree with others who say that he is a great singer vocally. This song is no different.

Same with the B side single, Kiss. Vocally it’s great. It’s a jazz song with guitars as the main music accompaniment. These two songs are a total non-disappointment.

The last song (with lyrics) is POP STAR but this time it’s more of an R&B styled arrangement (and of course without the hip shaking). I prefer the pop version, actually. The slower and soulful version is kind of boring because it’s less upbeat.

Rating: 3.5/5

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[news] BoA ain't that nice after all

Like BoA? Think she is a real sweetie-pie? Think again.

Here is a true-life account of a Singaporean (used to be) BoA fan and his encounters with the resident bitch.

Quoted from Surreal of JpopMusic:

"Here's my 3 encounters with BoA, and I'll try not to be overly-sarcastic since I was an ex-mega-BoA-fan. I met BoA twice in Japan (twice in 2005), and once in Singapore (2004). Well, she came to Singapore in 2004 for the MTV Asia Awards and she performed.

After the event, I waited for her at the performance stadium with a few friends. We made sure that BoA was done talking to her managers/staff before approaching her. I had a Korean friend with me. I approached her with a poster and a gold pen and said 'Hi BoA, I've been your fan since your debut! Do you mind signing the poster for me? Thanks!!!'

She looked at me (without any expression) and turned back to her staff, said something, and laughed. I was because they were speaking in Korean. BoA started laughing and walked straight past me, without even acknowleding my request!

When my Korean friend and I chased after her, she said in her 'fluent' English : 'I'm busy. Stop coming!' Okay.....so we obeyed and stayed on the spot. My Korean friend later told me that BoA said to her staff in Korean 'I don't even think these fans know what I'm singing. Haha!' I didn't know what was so funny about that? And I got majorly pissed off. Lots of her fans don't understand what she sings but still support her. Well, I thought she was tired, so I ignored it..though I was quite hurt.

Later in 2005, I got to go to Japan twice. I met BoA twice..maybe 6 months apart.

First time, she was promoting Do The Motion. My Japanese friend managed to get two places at the live filming of Utaban, so we were in the audience. She seemed to be in a pretty good mood and we approached her after the filming and asked for a autograph. I was not gonna give up!

I was thinking, maybe a year later..she'll mature and treat her fans better . Since it's Japan, I figured I should let my Japanese friend do the talking. She asked BoA: 'Genki desu ka?' BoA looked at her, and gave a 'who-are-you' look.

She twitched her mouth in a very irritated manner. My friend explained that we are fans of her, would be extremely happy if she can give us an autograph or something. And oh my god, guess what happened. She said something to her security guard and walked off, and the security guard pushed my friend back so hard he nearly fell down! I was silent through out the whole encounter, so I just sorta stayed dumbstruck at what was unfolding before my eyes.

My friend then shouted 'BUSU!!!!!!!!!' (ugly bitch) and I burst out laughing because BoA was no way a 'busu' in her physical appearance, but man, did her behaviour piss me off, yet again! BoA turned back, glared very fiercely at us, and got into a black van which drove off immediately. ~

By now, I wasn't even a fan anymore, but my silly friend who got pushed was still fangirling for her, so we waited around the TV-Asahi area in Roppongi. We couldn't get in since the security was very tight, so we loitered around the area. My friend then saw a black van drive out slowly of the building, and he recognised it as the one we've seen earlier (I don't know how he did..maybe it's the fanboy in him).

And miraclously, he was right, as we saw BoA in the van! She was wearing a white shirt with a black vest, so I guess she was promoting make a secret. My friend took out his BoA uchiwa and kept waving it at the window, and he managed to get BoA's attention.

Here's the good part. BoA actually told the van to stop and the van's window came down. What was even funnier was that BoA REMEMBERED my friend!!! I'm guessing he shouted 'BUSU' too impressively the previous time.

As usual, I did not understand what was going on, so my friend explained later to me, nearly in tears, what happened:

BoA: 'Oh I remember you. I saw you at Utaban filming.'

Friend: 'Yess!!! *in utter joy that BoA remembers him* I tried asking you for an autograph that time'

BoA: 'You called me BUSU.'

Friend: 'Sorry. I'm really sorry! I just want an autograph or a photo with you.'

BoA: 'Huh?? Are you joking?? I don't want a fan like you!/Please stop being a fan (I don't know what she actually meant, my friend's english isn't spectacular)'

And with that she drove off before my friend even had a chance to respond. Seriously, I don't know what he could've responded to such a reply. ~~~ So yeah...that's it.

I still listen to her music now and then..but I just can't stand watching at her performances or TV appearances because it baffles me how she can allow herself to be so FAKE in front of the media, but gah, I guess that's part of a celebrity's job. I think SM spoilt her too much.

It disgusts me to see so many people supporting such an artiste, but well, I hope they like her as an entertainer and not be blinded by their love until they think that BoA is totally perfect as a person."

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

[news] New member!

I am proud to announce that we have a new member on our music reviewer team and his name is Mizael.

Be nice.

To our dear Kelvin, please review something, or rather, anything.

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