If you have already jumped on the wagon, in following the new Japanese Drama "Innocent Love", then you would recognise this theme song : Eternally-Drama Mix.
As suggested by the title is not a brand new song, but rather a remix of Hikaru older song from her 2001 album "Distance". Some find it blah, but I thought its ok. Anycase, here it is, the digital release for Hikku's fan and followers... Download
Went to HMV tonight and saw the latest release 魔杰座 by Jay Chou. I think its a pretty mediocre album though I do like the fancy theme cover shot. Some tracks are alright and some are just there for me to hit the skip button. As far this is one of the 3 favs songs I prefer from the album. I'm not sure if its really worth buying the whole album vs per song purchase... u head out to CD store and decide for yourself. I will only share one track here. 說好的幸福呢 dwnload
Was walking around causeway bay for lunch and I chanced upon this store on the 2nd level opposite Lee Garden. It's called "Homeless" and its one of those speciality stores that sells uncommon or uniquely designed homeware like clocks, lamps, home accessories etc.
The store isnt big but they carried quite a few interesting pieces. Its funny how it takes me 3 rounds walking in the store to cover every piece they have. A medium size table clock caught my eye and so I bought it for HK$298 for the master room. I know I shouldnt splurge but I like those old bell ringing clock. Its a reminder of good old days.
As I was poking around the store, I kinda drifted into a dreamy state by the song they were playing. I have this habit of buying music cds not in a cd store, but rather when I am strolling and music. So some tune catches my ear, I would step into the store to ask for the cd, or look at the cover if i couldnt lay my hands on it there and then. It's more fun buying music cd this way, because there is an attached memory to it, plus it provides a wider exposure to songs u may never pick out as they are sandwiched and stacked in rows in a store.
So today, I chanced by this group "Club 8" with their album "The boy who couldnt stop dreaming" (2007). Club 8 was formed in 1995 by Karolina Komstedt (from the band Poprace) and Johan Angergård (Acid House Kings, Poprace). »The boy who couldn’t stop dreaming« released in 2007 is Club 8s most profound to date, twelve songs balancing perfectly between sunshine and melancholia..
In general, the tracks put u in a pretty relaxed dreamy state. I couldnt place a finger if its kinda bossa nova or indie or loungy...I just like the vibes and good feelings welling in me with some of the tracks and so i got it. The female lead singer kinda reminds of the singer from "Late night Alumni" but in a different style.
So if you are in a mood of relaxing ambience, you should most certaintly check this album out.Here's a sample of my favs.
For some reason, this particular track "That's Not my Name" grabs me by the neck when I first saw it on Cable TV. It's the 2nd single by the UK duo Ting Tings.
The catchy tune kept playing itself in my head. And everytime I asked my husband to do something, he would cheekily grin and belt out the "That's not my name" chorus just to bait me....
While I was in Sydney, I came across some of my old times favourites when I was in high school. Every song has an attached memory, a lingering scent. Things was almost as clear as it was back then...
those soothing melodies brought on a sense of longing. A wish to return to those simple good times. Music has a way of touching people, transporting one back through the passage of time, bringing to mind people that have faded away. I dun know how many people rem them, but if you do, i hope they brought back good memories for u as well.
Song 1: Hands to heaven (dwnload) Back in convent where each class take turns to prepare our morning mass session, if it wasnt the fav tune from chicago or songs from david foster, the next hottest pick has got to be hands to heaven. All the girls in our blue pinafold huddled together, arms across the shoulders, and singing away without a care.
Song 2: And when she danced (dwnload) This song brought on memories of my college best friend. We used to take those long bus rides, sharing a ear plug and softly singing to the song. Our laughters, our fights, our secrets, our giggles, our heartaches. Friendship was such a simple affair back then. Love was such a simple uncomplicated uncynical emotion back then.
song 3: Ocean Deep (dwnload) This is one of the earliest song that was introduced by my aunt from states at the age of 11 when she was staying at our place. I dun think i truly understood the full meaning of the song back then, till I was much older. She told me it was one of the best love song in the world. While the song remains deep in my head, I will never have a chance to get to sit back and relax with my aunt reminiscing about this song again.
After their great hit (Apologise) featured prominently by Timbaland's release in 2007 (note: Timbaland didnt write the song), they caught my attention.
I liked this new 2008 release from "One Republic" band - "Say (All I need)" (dwnld). Some say it was officially released in Australia in March but I didnt hear it till recently. Eitherway, it is still relatively new. It's a typical rock band essence, infused with a little dreaminess...
Check this great track out for yourself. This is their official MTV release. Now quick, go buy their latest debut album! The next song which is really nice is "Stop and Stare". Another great track!
Lyrics
Do you know where your heart is? Do you think you can find it? Or did you trade it for something, somewhere, better just to have it? Do you know where your love is? Do you think that you lost it? You felt it so strong but nothing's, turned out how you want it
Well bless my soul You're a lonely soul 'Course you won't let go, of anything you hold Well, all I need is the air I breathe and a place to rest my head
Do you know what your fate is? And now you're trying to shake it? You're doing your best dance,your best look You're praying that you'll make it
Well bless my soul You're a lonely soul 'Course you won't let go, of anything you hold Well, all I need is the air I breathe and a place to rest my head Say all i'll need is the air I breathe and a place to rest my head
Do you think I can find it? Do you think you can find it? Do you think you can find it, better than you had it?
Do you think I can find it? Do you think you can find it? Do you think you can find it (yeah), better than you had it? (better than you had it?)
Say all I need, is the air I breathe,and a place,to rest my head Say all I need, is the air I breathe,and a place,to rest my head
Do you know where the end is? Do you think you can see it? Well, until you get there, go on, go ahead and scream it Just say...
I like Rihanna's "Don't stop the music" (dwnld) after watch the Australian TV series "Think you can dance". It has a great dance beat, catchy and fantastic to bob your head to, not to mention great staying power after months. However, I cannot say I like her new single release "Disturbia" (dwnld) as much. It just doesnt have same staying power as her previous release. Need to do better Rihanna. Selling a sexy image alone isnt enough. "Whip" your music creators harder to do your work for you.
On the other hand, we have Estelle with the American Boy (remix version) (dwnld). I like it much better! Incidentally Nova has a spoof of "Australian Boy". Trust them to be funny.
Anycase, here's a music video clip of the original version featruing Kanye West. (I prefer my remix version infinitely much better without Kanye West's ramblings. I thought he rather ruin the song than enhancing it.)
Went through UK singer Leona Lewis's album and while she truly is blessed with a great voice and much hype about her new album, I cannot say I am overly impressed with the songs itself. They are nice, but somehow still has a strong ring of commercialism to it. With Simon Cowell dabbling his hands in matters, I am NOT surprised. However, credit to her, she CAN sing.
Perhaps I am partial, I prefer new artists not to do covers. Songs that were sung so well previously in the past by the originals (eg" The last time i ever saw your face"), really shouldnt be attempted by a new vocalist. She did it well enough, but I still like the classics. Then again, it's a personal view and one should buy the album to judge for themselves. Leona is hailed as similar but a more updated voice version of Mariah Carey. I disagree. I think she is MUCH better than Mariah and definitely doesnt attempt the "act cute sexy" trashy image. At least not yet....(and hopefully never)
I played the album while driving and honestly, I didnt have the patience to sit through them all. They are all songs of the same "formula" and without personality. The first few tracks were good, such as "Bleeding Love", "Whatever it Takes" and my favourite "Better in Time" (dwnld). Perhaps piano starting always has the ability to hold my attention better.
"Homeless" track was a total put off for myself and the rest was a complete blur as I skipped past after the first few minutes.
The new version of "The last time I ever saw your face" was barely bearable but I know I will have people objecting with me. Somehow I just didnt like her belt out dragginess and it absolutely "killed" me in the car and I had to switch. I still prefer the Roberta Flack version done in the late 60s/early 70s.
Perhaps in time, the album "Spirit" will grow on me better (not on a car trip for sure). Time will tell.
Better in Time Lyrics
It's been the longest winter without you I didn't know where to turn to See somehow I can't forget you After all that we've been through
Going Coming Thought I heard a knock(Whose there, Noone?) Thinking that (I deserve it) Now I have realised That I really didn't know
If you didn't notice You mean everything (quickly I'm learning) To love again (all I know is) I'm be oooOook
(Chorus)
Thought I couldn't live without you It's going to hurt when it heals too Oh yeaah (It'll All get better in time) Even though I really love you I'm gonna smile because I deserve too Oooh(It'll all get better in time)
(Verse)
I could of turned on the TV Without something that would remind me Was it all that easy? To just put us out your feeling
If i'm dreaming Don't want to let it (hurt my feelings) But that's the past (i believe it) And I know that, time will heal it
If you didn't notice Well you mean everything (quickly i'm learning) Oooh turn up again (All I know is) I'm be ok
(Chorus)
Thought I couldn't live without you It's gonna hurt when it heals too Oooh yeah(It'll all get better in time) Even though I really love you I'm gonna smile because I deserve too oooooh(It'll all get better in time)
(Bridge)
Since there's no more you and me (No more you and me) This time I let you go so I can be free And Live my life how it should be(No No No No No No) No matter how hard it is I will be fine without you Yes I Will
(Chorus)
Thought I couldn't live without you It's gonna hurt when it heals too Oooh(It'll all get better in time) Even though I really loved you I'm gonna smile cos I deserve too yes I do(It'll all get better in time)
Thought I couldn't live without you It's gonna hurt when it heals too yeaaaah Ooooh oooooh (It'll all get better in time) Even though I really loved you Going to smile cos I deserve too Ooooooh (It'll all get better....)
This beautiful song "Bubbly" (Dwnld)by Colbie Caillat, an American Writer-Singer has been gaining alot of airtime in Australia ever since it was being used for their soap drama Home and Away.
It's always a delight when you find a beautiful warm voice to match a dreamy soothing tune.
Not sure how many non Australian actually know of this pair of talented brother and sister "Angus and Julia Stone".
I first fell in love with their music early this year after I heard "Paper Aeroplane" (dwnld), and now I love their newer tracks "Just a boy" (dwnld) and "The Beast".
Their songs isnt exactly "main stream" but they often come with an edge, character,soul and most of all, a nice tune which many modern american mass produced songs (by popular singers) seemed to lack or have lost nowadays with their current stupid craze of hip hop tunes. When I heard Madonna's new album Hard Candy, first instinct was "bloody hip hop trash". I admit I am being biased, hip hop genre to me is not proper music and never will. It lacked class. If its not about sex or degrading of women in music video, then its violence, otherwise its about drugs. Just so tired of this stagnancy in the music industry in states. They need better song writers who will stop conforming to the pressure of being "slick" and "trendy".
"About a Boy" Lyrics I bit my tongue in the awkward conversation. I don't know why. I don't know why. I met you once and I'd fallen for your notions. I don't know why. I don't know why. Do you believe that there's treasures in the ocean Did I say I'm just a boy?
One kiss from you and I'm drunk up on your potion. That big old smile is all you wore. Girl you make me want to feel, Things I've never felt before. Girl you make me want to feel, Did I say I'm just a boy, Did I say I'm just a boy, You can hold me to that.
No lonely hands grab my suitcase full of nothing I don't know why I don't know why You took me in gave me something to believe in That big old smile is all you wore Girl you make me want to feel Things I never felt before Girl you make me want to feel Did I say I'm just a boy Did I say I'm just a boy You can hold me to that
Yeah! Utada Hikaru has released a new song "Prisoner of Love" few days ago (May 20) ! Yep, it has already secured the #1 spot under iTune Japan Top Song.
The track has a few versions, and this original will serve as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama "Last Friends" with (official website).
Came across her song while watching Hana Yori Dango 2 (F4 series). It was the insert track "Flavour of Life" (dwnld) that caught my attention to this singer even though by then, the song was already her 18th single releases.
Thought about it and decided that I would only share the "Prisoner of Love" original version (dwnld) here and not the whole album because the idea is for people to like songs heard and START buying artists ORIGINAL albums like I did.
Honestly I would never have bought all the manga figurines (bleach bleach bleach and all the way from Japan Tokyo, not some cheap Taiwanese ripoff!!!), original DVDs and CDs (subsequent) if I had not first stumbled into them free on the internet and fall in love with them. I too have suffered the extreme frustration of loving a song/movie/drama but only having them being not released out of the originating country at all, or until much later...you just wished desperately someone would fulfil your fervent search...
However, I think if the artists/ dramas have proven themselve to be of sustainable interest and not a one song/ep wonder rip off, it is only fair that we should really not quibble over $20 or $1/per track on iTune and just buy them isnt it?
After several days of listening to Fujiki Kazue's cd album, the 2nd track "灯火" (とうか/ Touka) (dwnload) is growing on me more than "Sunny Day", the Accuracy of Death (Sweet Rain 死神の精度) theme song.
I think the biggest flaw in "Sunny day", is that I could almost hear her trembling voice as she struggles to go up the vocal range. In the 2nd track, her flaw is seemingly less obvious and hence doesnt grate my listening pleasure I suppose... Oh well, its all but a personal preference...
The theme song for the "Rebuild of Evangelion 1.0 " movie is (by Utada Hikaru) "Beautiful World (dwnld)" and of course, we wont be doing without the unforgettable anime signature track of "Fly me to the moon" (dwnld).
My initial impression of the newly "revised" Fly me to the moon" was quite undecided. It is completely different from the first animation sound track release. I couldnt tell if I love the way the change the starting or hate it. Eventually, I guess it grows on you because it isnt sickly draggy, plus the fact Utada has a powerful vocal which helps prevent you being drowned in this track.
Beautiful world track is exactly the way I would expect it to be for an Evangelion movie. Quick tempo, upbeat and slightly haunting (not the best word but that's what popped into my mind))
Dreaming... I didnt even realise that they had recently released the 4 parts movie for Rebuild of Evangelion 1.0! ((ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版, Evangerion Shin Gekijōban).
This was my first animation which I had fallen in love with (not to mention Rei remains the coolest chick in town..)and got me addicted. Despite the crappy half arse ending, it's still one of my precious animation VCD collection.
Quoted from Wikipedia, the first three movies will be an alternate retelling of the TV series, featuring new scenes, settings, backgrounds, characters, and newly available 3D Cg tech, and the fourth film will present a completely new conclusion to the story. (Yeah they should! The box set version is disappointing!) I so want Shinji to find his happiness and Rei to be humanised if that is ever possible. Most of all, I look forward to all the updated fighting scenes. The movie has already screened in Japan in 2007 and Singapore earlier this year. Accordingly, they are only thinking of bringing it to Australia later this year (always months and years behind....).
I had completely forgotten about this "Private Beach Club" compilation which I bought eons back. I had been so absorbed with my Hotel Costes X album that this was neglected.
Ok, truth is, I didnt even know why I shelf out $60 at that time for this. Most of the songs didnt impressed me much especially those on Disc 1. It's too Bossa Nova for my liking. The only song that I thought was relatively cool and decent was Track "Ces Jeux Legers" (Dwnload). It's the soothing slower electronic tune. Think floaty dresses.
Disc 2 was slightly better with a catchier dance tempo.
My fav DJ Miguel Mig once again does not disappoint. The first time I came across his tracks was couple of years ago when I got the "Le Meridien Cyberport Compilation"- Brand New Day.
When his tracks come on, Think of Wine Bar. Think Chill club. Think urban bar. Yep you get the picture. So this time round, absolutely love his track (Track 02)- Mesmerised (dwnload) and is an instant hit with my dance cells and its the uber cool lounge hit.
The only other track worth mentioning is "Boogie Ooogie Ooogie" by Big Milk (dwnload). It has staying power - meaning its the sort of music that grows on you as you repeat its plays. Its hard to describe but again the sort of chill lounge music which you wont mind having it on while entertaining guests at home, or while you are soaking in a hot tub in a cold winter night. It's hip, modern and gives you lightness in your steps. Think Candle light. Think Seduction.
I googled the song (link above) and realised belatedly that Boogie Oogie x2 is actually a 1978 dance hit performed by "A Taste of Honey! "Boogie Oogie Oogie" became a number one across-the-board hit and the first platinum single in Capitol Records' history! Thanks to a bunch of Air force club people who held contempt for the group, this song is born!
Who would have thought, 30 years down the road and its still a great dance tune after remixed to blend into modern times. I definitely appreciate this track much more than before!
Zettai Kareshi is up to episode 5 (review) now but I still have not fallen in love with the drama series. Reason being is that I still cannot reconcile it being different from the manga series in terms of some character development.
For one, I didnt like that Tenjo Night looks/acted so robotic in this series. He looks too fake and it hinder my viewing pleasure. I know the idea is that the audience should know he is a robot. However in the manga series, that is NOT how it should be. In the manga, Night looked and appeared so humanised that no one can tell he is robot and I thought it would have been better if the TV series had portrayed him to be so.
Mikka is suppose to be an utter bitch but the TV series again gave her the chance to be "oh I am falling in love." I wish they stuck to the fact that Mikka is just pure jealous and hated Rikko and will do anything to sabotage her "love life" at any price. In the manga, Night never wavered from Rikko no matter how much Mikka tried to steal him. In fact when Night was accidentally rebooted, what made him special was that he still remembered Rikko as his exgirlfriend which made him unique as his memory of Rikko wasnt erased.
In the TV Episode 4, it wasnt clearly specified as Night had asked Rikko who she was after Mikka's kiss, meaning he didnt rem her, but yet the programmed hobbies (what rikko likes) was retained. Duh? The impact was lost even though the Tv series tried to reinstate the fact that "memory of rikko wasnt erased" after the fire incident but I think it would have been better if Night had remembered Rikko as his ex-gf when he was first rebooted. That would have made the impact that Night was "Humanised" by Rikko and his love for her is so strong that a prgram couldnt delete his memories of her.
The only thing that kept me watching is the development between Rikko and Soshi, the chief. That is something different and non existent in the manga so it's worth watching. Plus I like the actor Hiro who plays Asamoto Soshi, if only they will do something about that awlful poodle perm hair. That hair is in a mess even for a stylish Jap guy!!
As for the theme song "Okaeri" おかえり (dwnload) , it is definitely more impactful than the one I had mentioned earlier for Accuracy of Death movie. For one, the singer's voice is more powerful and wider range. According yo Wikipedia, the singer Ayaka was approached by the manga artist of Zettai Kareshi to create a theme song. So she read the whole series, then wrote the song with her music producer.
Recently discovered this Korean singing group "Clazziquai" and I found some of their songs really good. Most of the tunes I liked are kinda like Jazz lounge sort. Especially like these 2 tracks, but Dance is my fav!
Don’t wipe your tears, let them fall as rain on your path Show your bright smile, let it be the light on your path
When the darkness fades and clouds pass Hold your tears and show your lovely face Can you ever understand ? And you're always on my heart Put your arms around my soul till I get to you
Dance now (hold your breath) don't you cry take my hand, hold your breath, the night is young dance now (hold your breath) show your smile take my hand, hold your tears, the love is young
When sadness tries to take over, take my hand, and dance with me, so you can see To keep separation from being our destiny, set you free, to be with me, so you can see
Doodoo Dooroodoo…
Dance now (hold your breath) don't you cry take my hand, hold your breath, the night is young dance now (hold your breath) show your smile take my hand, hold your tears, the love is young
Let’s not regret, even though we won’t be able to meet again Now it’s time for me to go, to be with me, so you can finally see
Dance now don't you cry take my hand, hold your breath, the night is young dance now show your smile take my hand, hold your tears, the love is young
The theme song of the "Accuracy of Death Movie" is not bad. The singer is Kazue Fujiki, who also acts in the movie and the theme song is "Sunny Day".
Expect it to be better for the main song but I guess it is ok. (Ps: I personally prefer track 2 of the album)
Sunny Day (Fujiki Kazue): (Courtesy of animepress.wordpress.com)
What spilled out Wasn’t a tear but a praying voice What I looked up at Was the sun above the clouds
I was living like I was asleep I was always alone Until the day I met you I was always, always here
Even if there’s a love song I could sing by myself This warmth from the touch of your arms Can’t be found alone
If I had put on a mask Then I felt I might have forgotten I shut away my memories And locked them in a box
Even in that dark place I was able to find you Even if I can’t return I’ll keep going farther, farther
Even if there’s a love song That recalls loneliness I can’t reach it alone So I’ll walk out once more Toward the door to tomorrow With you…
I’ll transform sadness Into kindness And someday Once I’ve set my true self free The pain will disappear I know it
I don’t need a love song I can sing by myself anymore I can’t find it alone But with you I know We can find a place where the sun shines A tomorrow I’ve never seen
