Song: That XX by G-Dragon

Song: That XX

Language: Korean

About: G-Dragon is finally back with a solo mini album. The songs range in style and meaning, showing off many of G-Dragon's vocal abilities with high and low notes. His talent as a lyricist is apparent and hopefully it can still be enjoyed by those who won't understand a word of Korean. The few English lines that are in That XX are perfectly placed to enhance meaning.

His voice is beautifully controlled to fit a conflicted, but resigned mood. The entire song isn't sung the same way, but does stick to a certain emotion. The soft music with the clear guitar is a wonderful accompaniment in order to not clog up G-Dragon's voice. I don't think I could count the number of times I have listened to this song.

The music video is also one of my favorites because it intends to follow the song meaning. K-pop videos usually consist of colorful lights and the artist dancing like their life depends on it. But usually the music videos don't seem to have much to do with the actual song. This one though uses camera angles to create tension within G-Dragon himself for wanting to treat his girl better, but continuing to hurt her. It goes from sharp to soft shots that relay a certain atmosphere and feel.

Oh! The beep is for "sekki", which apparently translates to "bastard".

Official MV:



With Romanization and English:

Song: Ain't No Fun

Artist: BigBang

Song Title: Ain't No Fun

Language: Korean

About: You may know how big of a K-pop fan I am and if you didn't before, you do now! BIGBANG is absolutely my favorite South Korean boy band ever in all the world. Alive is the name of their newest album and I love all the songs. This one especially has been on replay in my head.

BIGBANG has 5 members which are (left to right in the picture above) Taeyang, Daesung, G-Dragon, Top, and Seungri. My personal favorite is Top. The rapper! Enjoy a listen.

Video: It is a lyric video with English subtitles

Song: Blue

Artist: Big Bang

Language: Korean

Genre: Kpop...but BigBang is special!

About: Officially fan-girling right now. I absolutely love Big Bang and they have finally returned as a group to the music scene. Today they released the first song of their upcoming album "Alive". And "Blue" is a fabulously done song.

Their individual voices complement each other so well while creating an airy, heavenly effect with the chorus. Even TOP's normally deep and raspy voice is toned down a to better fit the feel of song. I had very high expectations for their comeback and with this first track, Big Bang has not disappointed me. Love!!!

MV:



Did you like it? Did you? Tell me you did! :D My day has been made.

Re-Read: Shadow Hills

Hey y'all! Lately I've been in nostalgic moods while dusting off my shelves and re-arranging my books. I admire their pretty covers and sigh in contentment about having had the opportunity to review and share them with you.

Most, if not all, the books displayed,I have liked. But then I go back and re-read the summary. Umm...wait what? I don't remember this character. Actually, I don't think I even really liked this book looking back on it now. What was this one even about? And why would I read a book with such a boring synopsis?

This amnesiac feeling makes me sad! Books are my essence! So I've decided to re-read a few of them. Make mini-reviews comparing them to my initial review and see whether maybe my tastes have changed or if I am just in love with those books now as I remember being then. This is a big step since I used to never re-read books. I hope it gives me a new perspective, and even if it doesn't, my books will feel loved :)

Re-Read No 1

Title: Shadow Hills

Author: Anastasia Hopcus

GoodReads Summary: After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make sense of her sister's sudden demise and the cryptic dreams following it, Phe abandons her bubbly LA life to attend an uptight East Coast preparatory school in Shadow Hills, MA — a school which her sister mysteriously mentioned in her last diary entry before she died.

Once there, Phe quickly realizes that something is deeply amiss in her new town. Not only does Shadow Hills' history boast an unexplained epidemic that decimated hundreds of its citizens in the 1700s, but its modern townies also seem eerily psychic, with the bizarre ability to bend metal. Even Zach — the gorgeous stranger Phe meets and immediately begins to lust after — seems as if he is hiding something serious. Phe is determined to get to the bottom of it. The longer she stays there, the more she suspects that her sister's untimely death and her own destiny are intricately linked to those who reside in Shadow Hills

Mini-Review: (before reading my original review) Shadow Hills is one of the books that I remember loving crazily. Apart from that, the story was kind of a blur, but now that I've read it again, my memory has been triggered.

I like Zach. He sounds sweet. I don't like Trent. What a slimy jerk! Um Phe is okay. Her character is kind of broken at times. In the sense that there are some inconsistencies. Overall, Zach+Phe are pretty cool.

The fights, and descriptions of the powers are awesome and very vivid. Easy to imagine.

The actual story line seems a little weak and predictable, but the vividness of the action really makes this book worth it.

Original Review: http://mixturesbooks.blogspot.com/2010/06/shadow-hills.html

Re-reading my review, I feel the same pretty much about everything. The only thing is what ever happened to Adriana and Brody? Or Graham and Toy? I was really interested in Graham+Toy this time around.

And I still feel bad for the villain and the family.

Do I agree with my first rating of 4? Yep. It isn't mind-blowing, but the scientific mutation versus mythology angle gives it high points for uniqueness. :)

Song It Kinda Sorta Reminds Me Of:

Artist: Blood Red Shoes

Title: Its Getting Boring by the Sea

Language: English

Song: Bilder Mit Katze

Artist: Frittenbude

Language: German

About: Uh...I don't know anything about them, but paraphrasing Wikipedia. They are electro-punk created in 2006. Frittenbude apparently translates to Chip-Shop also. They are known mostly for remixing other songs while adding a slightly humorous and political slant to the lyrics.

I found this song when I looked up 25 Random Songs on emotionalbagcheck.com which I was on through an I Heart Daily e-letter I suscribe to. And must admit I am addicted to the beat! It is just so chill, laid back and mindless. Can't say I know what the song is really about since I don't speak German, but I think I am going to be checking out more material by Frittenbude.

MV:

Song: Supa Luv

This valentine day's I'm obsessed with Teen Top's Supa Luv song. Hope you enjoy!

Artist: Teen Top

Language: Korean

About: This group recently debuted with six members. This is their second MV out and very catchy.

Here is the MV:

Song: Bbiribbom Bberobbom

Artist: Co-Ed

About: This is a new group consisting of four female members and six males. I absolutely LOVE this song. The song is super catchy, the video is very colorful and a couple of the dance moves are addicting. Its super happy-making and while the winter gray is bringing me down, I know that this song will pick me back up! I know, I'm gushing, lol :)

MV: Credits go to ywertsdfgh for subbing the music video.

Song: Man Man Ha Ni

Before we get to the song, I want to remind you that I have two giveaways up so join, join, join! Thanks :)

Artist: U-Kiss

Language: Korean

About: This is one of U-Kiss's more recent songs and another one which I've fallen in love with. The beat is addicting and all that Pop just keeps getting better and better. I do wish that their dance was a bit more complicated, but their synchronization isn't too bad. Hope you guys enjoy this one too!

MV:

Song: Beautiful Hangover

Artist: Big Bang sings this catchy tune mixing the Japanese language with English. The best part of the song, in my opinion, is when T.O.P begins rapping. He has a truly amazing voice! :) Did I mention that all five members are Korean, but they are talented enough to sing in Japanese and English! This is absolutely my favorite band of all time, even though I'm not even Asian.

Language: Japanese/English





MV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMNblKdYUZg

I really like this song and its to get me, and you, in the giving mood for an upcoming contest. Heeheehee. :)

Song: Hallelujah

Artist: Big Bang

About: This song is the OST for the Korean spy drama "IRIS". I watched the first three episodes, but it was a bit too serious for me. T.O.P from Big Bang plays the role of an asassin which he looks awesome as! (That's kind of the reason why I tried to watch IRIS). T.O.P is the rapper of the group and also my favorite member. The leader is G-Dragon and the other three members are Taeyang, Seungri, and Daesung. I like practically all of their songs and can truly say that they are my favorite band.

MV: *I don't own anything in it*

It has to be Big Bang. :)

Just Please

Artist: C.N Blue

Language: ENGLISH

About: C.N Blue is actually a Korean Indie group which I love. Other songs by them include "I'm A Loner" and "Love Revolution" both of which I love. They are awesome and one of the vocalists was actually in the drama "You're Beautiful" which was epic! I've posted a review on it here, somewhere. Anyways, give them the support they deserve. The English is a tadbit hard to understand in parts, but it gives the song an edge.

SONG:

Jiggy

Artist: F.Cuz (pronounced "Focus")

Language: Korean/English

About: F.Cuz has four members. Jin On is the leader. The others are Kan, LeeU and Ye Jun. They debuted in South Korean on the 8th of January of this year with the song "Jiggy" which is a wonderfully catchy song. F.Cuz has already started to branch out into international music scenes. They signed a contract with the label Taiwan Seed and made a Chinese version of "Jiggy" which is just as good as the original. Hopefully, F.Cuz can manage to come out with more great songs and keep their fans eyes' on them.

MV: (This is the first version)

MV: (Dance Version and more mature)

MV: (Chinese Version featuring Yao Yao)

My favorite is the first version, but they look better in the Dance and Chinese ones. Yao Yao is pretty cute in it but I don't like her voice because she isn't even singing but still a good MV. Her dancing would be greatly improved if she wasn't wearing heels and a dress. What the heck. By the way, I don't own anything and the subs belong to the videos respective owners.

Dui Bu Qi

Artist: Wang Zi

Language: Mandarin

About: Wang Zi's name in English means Prince. He is about 25 or 26 I think and a very good artist for the most part. This song is really sweet and cute and althought a bit slow, I love it. Even though it doesn't really stand out I think the lyrics make up for the iffy singing. Awesomeness! :) Wang Zi is so cool! He is part of the band Bang Bang Tang and acted as himself in Brown Sugar Machiatto.

The rabbit toy in the music video it is adorable.

My favorite song as of right now...

Language: Mandarin

Artist: Da Mouth

Song: Tongue

About: Da Mouth is a really interesting band that I really like. This song is weird as is it's title, but it is so catchy! Haha, I can't get enough of it. And don't you think the guy in the blue is just so cute!? ^^

MV: (Isn't it colorful? I'm not sure I like their outfits...)

Brand New Key

Artist: SUPERCUTE!

About: I suscribe to the iheartdaily newsletter and they sent a post about this band. I must say that I was dubious about how good two 13 year olds and a 15 year old could be, but I'm addicted. I cannot lie. They are a mix of bubblegum pop and indie rock music with all sorts of instruments and of course hula-hoops. This song is my favorite so far and the style is so interesting and cute! Haha. Hope you guys agree with me. :)

Vid:



Here is the link to the iheartdaily post for more information!

My favorite songs as of right now (2)

Artist: Big Bang
English (remarkable english for korean band)
Title: Number 1



Artist: SHINee
Korean
Title: Replay



Artist: U-Kiss
Korean
Title: Round and Round

Stay

Artist: Big Bang

Language: Japanese

About: This is one of the songs from their Japanese Album. "Stay" showcases all of the members' voices perfectly. None are thrown out of the mix and it has a wonderful melody. It is slower than some of their other songs and I'm pretty anti-slow songs, but I love this one! :) Comment if you liked it too! You know that I'm mostly a "favorite songs" person. I'm not really into "favorite artists", but so far, I've liked every song by Big Bang that I've listened to. ^.^

Vid w/ Eng Subs: by "kikiVIPBigBang"

Awesomeness.... ^.^

Beast/B2st

Artist: Beast aka B2st

Language: Mostly Korean

Songs Featured: Bad Girl and Mystery

About: This is a new Korean boy band that just debuted with this song "Bad Gilr" I think. I don't really like their style in it, though. I'm really into the slightly technoish sound right now. :D They kind of look like girls in the mv. They should get a different wardrobe person. :) The next song is Mystery and that has been on the Kpop singles chart for a while now in the top twenty. Love this song. Very awesome and catchy!

Bad Girl MV:




Mystery. (no mv yet?) They look slightly better in live version. This vid also has the English translation and the romanized lyrics! :)

:) I had to resize the vids so if it looks a bit off then you know why. (:

A.Mi.Go

Artist: ShinEE

About: Korean 5-member group that debuted in 2008. The title of the song is an acronymn for something like "the heart hurts when you fall in love a beauty" (wiki). I love its addictiveness and shinEE is really growing on me. I listened to their first song "Replay" and there started my obsession with the group! Hope that you guys like them as much as I did because I think they've got great sound. :) There MV is not one of my favorites. It was very ehh. They don't look too good in it.

Eat You Up

Artist: BoA Kwon (beat of angel)

Language: English

About: She released a cd here in the United States which contained this song. She is an amazing dance and I wish I could dance like that, but I'm no dancer. I love dancing though. A lot. Everyday I dance in my room for about 20 minutes because it is super fun. Lately I've been really into Korean Pop. :) Okay....back to BoA. BoA speaks Japanese, Korean, and some English and has also recorded some songs in Mandarin Chinese. She is originally from Korea and I believe she released her first album when she was 13. I think that's right. This song is very up beat and kind of reminds me of DBSK's Mirotic. It is urban hip hop and although I don't particulary like the lyrics, I can't help but be swept up by the beat. Mainstreamish pop is popular for a reason, I guess. :) Doesn't she remind you a little of Avril Lavigne here? Or is it just me?

MV: