SHINee 'Dream Girl' MV

SHINee is back with a new album and video, ‘Dream Girl’.  The song about a dream girl that they see each night but disappears in the morning, starts out with this heavy house beat and then transforms itself with well placed guitar strumming, smooth vocals and deep bass and techno influences. It’s a bit reminiscent of Sherlock since so much is going on in the song, musically, that you never get tired of it. It’s constantly changing, making you wonder what you’re going to hear next.

SM was nice enough to release the MV and Dance version at the same time. The video is bright and fun just like SHINee is. The outfits, oh the outfits in this video. Just as always I both love and hate what they have on. If it was anyone else I would have laughed and stopped watching the video but why does every weird flower pattern look so oddly good on them? With the exception of Key’s shoes here, I enjoyed picking out all the different patterns and colors.

**Note to other bands:  Don’t try this at home kids, these guys are professional color and pattern mixers, any attempt made on your own could severely damage you image.**

I love the choreography it shows them like an old-school vocal quintet with the mike-stands, but then showcases the new aspect with the creative dancing.

Some screenshots:

Overall I like the song and video, I think the song will grow on me the more I listen to it, but right now I’m looking forward to their first on-stage performance. I can hardly wait to see them on Music Core or any of the other music programs, because I think I’ll like it better than the MV.

B.A.P 'One Shot' MV

The boys are back!!!.... oh wait they never went away. I’m starting to think their going to be more like an American band since they don’t do goodbye stages. They just simply come out with a new song and album. Since their debut last year,  they have released 8 songs as a group, all of which, I liked. I love that they try new things, their MVs usually have a story, and that they can be gangsta and cute depending on the song and video.

This video is all about being gangsta, as they play a gang that has one of their friends held for ransom. The story for this one is the best yet with thugs, robbery, yachts and girls, and a shoot out. Even the choreography for this was bad-ass. The floor work was animalistic and hot, and Zelo’s back walk was crazy. The whole MV had my eyes bugged out and glued to the screen.

But behind the great story-line of this MV was a great song. ‘One Shot’ as a song is about taking charge of you life and choosing to live in a good way since we only get to live this life once. Some lines from the song:

“Shout your voice to the world”

“Even if the world abandons you, protect yourself”

“Shake your head and say no to being a slave to laziness…all those who don’t try, wake up right now”

“Like Martin Luther King Jr. shine the light”

They type of song that makes you want to look at yourself and try harder every day to reach your goals.

The combination of ‘One Shot’  and ‘Rain Sound’ has finally pushed me into the official fan category. By that,  I mean that I not only like their songs, but I want to find out more about them, watch them sing and dance as well as other variety shows that they took part in. In short, I’m in love hehe.

Unfortuntely all the stages so far have been one member short. Himchan broke his ring and pinky finger on his right hand, and had to get surgery. I would love too see all six of them together for this song, but more importantly I hope Himchan gets better.

Here are screenshots from the video:

Last thing, seriously. Bang's acting in this MV was pretty damn good. The range of expressions that he went through during the shoot out scene was good, I think I see a few dramas in his future :)

What did you think of the video greatness or just okay? 

'Mine' MV from Kim Jae Joong

Screenshot from Mine MV

This is the very first solo single and mv combo from Kim JaeJoong (the first single was ‘One Kiss’), and as a fan of almost five years, I had high expectations. What genre of music was he going to come out with? What sort of concept? I worried and anticipated. Finally, earlier today, the MV premeired.

At first I was drawn in with the rough, almost desperate sounding vocals, because JJ usually sounds so smooth and romantic. The heavy guitar riffs give the song a gritty feel.

Then the visuals of the video started to make an impact. Lost in a barren forest, and chained up unable to speak because of the muzzle put on him. Then he breaks the chains and casually throws them over his shoulder as if to say ‘What’s next?’. He runs through a flock of Ravens (a bird that feasts on corpses and symbolizes death to some), when he comes out on the other side he’s stronger and a predator (vampire and snake lover) in his own right, with his own space where he sprouts the wings of an owl (a bird of prey which is considered a symbol of wisdom).

Finally, the lyrics. They are filled with pain and again a bit of desperation. With lines like “You’re terrible, it’s like you’re diseased”, “Don’t come here, this is my ocean”, and “Don’t block out the sun that shines on me”. I read that the songs for this album ‘I’ were all written by JJ himself and reflect his inner feelings and thoughts. How much did he go through, to have written these lyrics??

I think everything was done so well for this. The colors were dark and minimal; the concept was consistent and created a contrast between anything I’ve ever seen him in previously, and his beautiful voice giving off emotions that I’ve never heard from him. This is the sort of thing that makes me happy that I’m already a fan. I hate feeling like I’m jumping on a band-wagon, but with no shame and with the knowledge of a long-time fan, I can confidently say that I LOVE this song and video.

If you haven’t watched it so far, please feel free to do so now.

B.A.P 'Rain Sound' MV

2013 is still very new, but the boys of B.A.P are back with a new single. 'Rain Sound is a track from their up-coming mini-album.
The teaser wasn't much, just a small snippet of the song and a metal chain with green rain falling down on it. I had no idea what to expect, only that this might be a slower track than anything they have released previously. My guess was correct, but B.A.P has continually surprised me, and this time in no exception.
Everything from the song and vocals to the video and images. For starters this is the first single that was neither fast nor forceful. This was a smooth, slightly sexy mid-tempo tune. Sweet and clear vocals from Young Jae accompany the sound of rain drops at the beginning of the song, before the bass line and Yong Guk's husky rap starts... So well done. I love that everyone had a decent length part in this song. Himchan was finally singing, not randomly yelling, although he's pretty hot when that happens... but this time we get to really hear how deep his voice is as he subtely says 'I'm drawing you again today, will I be able to erase you?

I loved the rich reds and purples before the black and white at the end. I loved the fact that there was barely any dancing in this video, it makes me look forward to their live stage. Although I'm not sure if or when they'll have one since this was a pre-release not a comeback. Obviously, I want to see a live stage for this one, but right now, I'm so happy with this video, that I'm too busy re-watching it to look for live performances.
There were just some shots in the video that I couldn't resist taking shots of. I even tried my hand at my first ever edit...

Yong Guk

Dae Hyun

Young Jae

Him Chan

Jong Up

Zelo

Baby Zelo Crying

Girl's Generation 'I Got A Boy' MV

Let me start by saying that I don't actually like GG, but every time they come out with a new song, I give the video a try and end up singing the song all day long. Their songs are just sooo super catchy, that I can never escape them. It's not that I hate GG, but besides catchy songs, there isn't much that  I actually LIKE about them. They are all very beautiful and talented, but it never seems to click for me. Call me a hater if you have to, but I'm not doing it on purpose.
Anyway, this year, GG just released their new song and video 'I Got A Boy' and once again, I can't stop thinking about it. The video was bright and fun, and the song itself was actually surprising with all the different sections. My favorite is the slow break down in the middle.

It was surprising for me to see them in sneakers and mid-drifts since they so often come out with leather and/ or high heels. It was a nice change, and I do like the video. I just don't think I can call my self their fan yet. Maybe  it'll just hit me one day like it did with Big Bang. Who knows...

Youngjae and Sunhwa Duet- Everything is Pretty

Youngjae of B.A.P and Sunhwa of Secret come together for a duet. Is this the month of duets?! So many are coming out now. Anyway, this is very similar to the G.NA and Sanchez duet that I had a post on a few days ago. Two people with sweet voices singing together. The only real difference that I can pick up on immediately is that this duet is very cute and light, talking about love and hearts racing. It sounds perfect for a RomCom Drama, I'd be surprised if it never came out in one.

I know that this isn't a real group, that they only came together for this song, but would it kill them to shoot a better video? I think the studio shots and aegyo are nice but overall not that interesting. If my bias was either one of them, this might be more entertaining, but it wasn't really enough to keep my attention.
Very cute, but I'll probably forget that I even watched this video by next month.

C-Clown Far Away/ Young Love MV

This video really surprised me for a few reasons. First, I wasn't taking C-Clown serious (I mean they labelled themselves clowns), I watched their first video SOLO and even though it wasn't bad nothing made me remember it or them. Second, this song and video were really powerful. The storyline of being a third-wheel has been done but with Kang-Jun playing the angst filled left over man and the other members acting as quasi guardians, I did feel the pain and anger he must have felt in that situation. Very well done for C-Clown, their company and the director of the video.

They also made a dance version of the video.

I'm wondering if this was just a fluke or if C-Clown will become a group with the power to make me remember them.

Videos Released by: LOEN

G.NA and Sanchez- Beautiful Day

Looking into my numerous  subscriptions on YT, I found this duet under LOEN Entertainment. As far as I know, duets, especially between artists from different record labels, aren't very common. G.NA is under 'CUBE Entertainment' (with acts like 4 Minute and B2ST) and Sanchez is a member of the group 'Phantom' on the 'Brand New Music' label (with acts like miss S and Verbal Jint). It walks the line between a true ballad and a mid-tempo song. With their pure and sweet voices G.NA and Sanchez sound great together. They look great together as well, to bad their a couple that's broken up in the video.

With shots of the them sitting back to back, staring into the camera and sitting alone in separate rooms looking sad, there isn't much to the video, but I like the song too much to complain. I can't say that I'll like Phantom or G.NA, but I'll probably give them a little more attention now.

Video Released by: LOEN

Hyuna's Ice Cream MV

The last solo video from Hyuna that I watched was Bubble Pop. I thought the video was pretty racy for female Korean artist and thought- 'hey let me go see who this girl really is'. I thought she might be like Koda Kumi, an sexy ADULT woman, who was just a little more sexual than the norm. I was suprised to find that she was only about 19 at the time the video came out, and it kinda put me off.
I know that America is pretty liberal with the music videos, but it really disturbed me to see a teen rolling around and crawling on the floor.When I saw that her new video 'Ice Cream' was even named ice cream, my first thought was to avoid it,but then I decided to give it and her a chance. I video was cute and thankfully she wasn't licking vanilla ice cream lasciviously for the cameras. Don't be mistaken, there was plently slutty sexiness in the video, but it wasn't so upsetting this time around. Maybe I'm just getting used to her.

Nillili Mambo MV

The last time we saw Block B, they were out with the single 'NalinA', now they're back with 'Nillili Mambo'- do  they love the wacky names and hooks or is that just me?
Anyhoo, they're back and this new video was filmed in Vietnam, and what I appreiciate most is that they have an actual video. There were sets, a plot and action, not just the sparkly room and dancing.
It's pretty rare to see in a KPop video, and since I watch so much, it's nice to have a change.

I loved the thievery and piracy they had going on in this MV, it's fun to watch and the boys looked like they had fun filming it. Because of the antics in the video and the crazy addictive hook, it has been added to my 2012 Fall Favorites on YouTube.

MNet Asian Music Awards: My Picks

I was surprised at the selection. I really thought there would be more options in the best song and artist categories, and also in those categories the artists are being nominated by SONG not Album. I tried thinking in terms of what the artists had shown previously and with the new material in order to make a decision. Some of my votes would have been different if there were more options. I chose B.A.P, obviously because I like them, but also because as a whole, the songs they released this year showed a variety of skills and sides to their personalities.

Best New Female Artist- Ailee 

Love her voice. Strong and clear, very nice. I want to see more from her.

Best New Male Artist- B.A.P

I chose B.A.P, obviously because I like them, but also because as a whole, the songs they released this year showed a variety of skills and sides to their personalities.

Best Female Artist- BoA

The Queen of course.

Best Male Artist- PSY

Mainly because he really rocked it with Gangnam Style. Even before Z100 was playing it (60times a day) I really liked this song and video.

Best Female Group- 2NE1

They were nominated with 'I Love You' and this song and video was really great musically but especially visually. Couldn't take my eyes off the screen!

Best Male Group- BEAST

This is one of the categories that I had trouble deciding. TVXQ, Big Bang, Shinhwa and Super Junior were the competitors. I chose Beast because they were nominated for 'Beautiful Night', and I voted purely on how much I liked each song not how much I loved each group.

Best Global Group Female- Wondergirls

Because they have songs in English and I like the songs and their style :)

Best Global Group Male- TVXQ for Catch Me

The do a really great job all over Asia. 

Best Collaboration- Trouble Maker

I honestly still really like this song.

Best OST –Lee JongHyun for A Gentleman’s Dignity OST 'My Love'

Great show, great song, super great vocals.

Best Music Video-GAIN for 'Bloom'

At first, I wasn't sure about the video because it was sexual, but then when I thought about it and watched it agian, it became sensual and sweet. 

Best Rap Performance- Dynamic Duo for 'Without You'

If you haven't heard the song or watched the video, you are missing out.

Best Band Performance CNBLUE for 'Hey You'

Really feel good music to me.

Best Dance Performance Solo- Boa for 'Only One'

Every pperformance I watched, and I watched a good few, was great. She sounded great and was able to keep the steps to the dance fluid and graceful.

Best Dance Performance- Infinite for 'Chaser'

The schronization was pretty good, and the actual steps were complicated and crisp.

Best Dance Performance Female Group- miss A for 'Touch'

I thought the steps were original and cute, I was really nice to see a group of ladies, that don't need to crawl around on the floor in every song.

Best Vocal Performance Solo- K. Will for 'I Need You'

Go listen, you'll see why. But I would have picked Ailee's Hurt if it was an option. 

Best Vocal Performance Group- 4Men for 'That Man, That Woman'

Beautiful. Their voices match so well together.

Song of the Year- MBLAQ for 'This is War'

Picked because even in late October, I still want to listen to this song.

Artist of the Year- G-Dragon for 'Crayon'

There's just something about GD...

The site says that you can vote once everyday, but unless they're going to put up more nominees, I'm not going to vote again.

SHINee 'Dazzling Girl' Thoughts

 

Okay, let me state this for the record: I am a SHINee fan. I like a few groups from Korea and other parts of Asia and of course have favorites in America, but I am not the type of fan to love everything that an artist or group does, simply because that artist or group did it. That being said, please do not hate on ME just because I did not like this ONE song and video from SHINee.

Why didn't I like it? Honestly, there were a few things. 

First of all, the song was cute but the hook 'dazzling girl' just annoys me, I can't put my finger on why. SHINee has always been a Pop act but what made me like them from that first song Noona, was the bits of R&B and heavier beats and bass-lines. If the song wasn't going to wow me musically, I was thinking that their voices would do the job. Once again I was disappointed. If I hadn't watched that video, I'm not sure I would have been able to recognize their voices. They didn't get the chance to show off their beautiful voices either! This song was lacking that in a serious way. I was like a fairytale (all softness and fantasy but no substance to keep you coming back), which they tried to play up in the video, but it's just not to my taste. I'm sure there are millions of people who really liked the song, I just don't happen to be one of them.

Secondly, the lack of rich color in the video. I never thought about it when I was watching other artists, but a lot of Japanese music videos lack rich colors. I guess it really hit home because this is SHINee and they are usually always so colorful. I actually looked forward to it.

Thirdly, EMI Music Japan only released the short version of the video. I don't like when companies do that.

I guess my biggest complaint is simply that this isn't the SHINee that I'm used to. I know that people and artists can't keep doing the same things over and over again, but I still feel at a loss. I didn't get to see a crazy complicated new dance, I didn't see weird-but-it-somehow-works outfits, and I didn't hear great vocals or a cool rap. What did I get? Short hair, plumes of feathers and fur on their collars and bright smiles, which is one thing that didn't change. :)

Unfortunately that isn't enough to make me listen to the song or watch the video for a third time. I'm looking forward to their next release, hopefully they'll get some of their spark back.

TVXQ New Album 'Catch Me'

The first group that caught my attention, and drew me into Asian Pop and K-Pop in particular was DBSK. Now with only Yunho and Changmin left in the group, and switching over the name to the lesser known TVXQ, I've been trying to support them. When I clicked into YouTube the other day I was really happy to see first the teaser and then the full length MV for 'Catch Me', waiting to be watched. 10 minutes later, i wasn't so sure how happy I was anymore.
The guys looked good, nice hair cuts and all but somethings were weird for me.
Please watch before reading on.

During the video you see them dressed identically, like their the same person or a shadow of the other. Unfortunately I don't speak Korean, and I haven't looked up the lyrics yet, but I think that's what is going on in the video. I really like the arm glowing moves, I thought they were really cool, but then I saw a different scene where Yunho and Changmin had on these white sweat suit outfits, all I could think of was 'wow, that looks cheap'.

Normally I watch videos and don't think too much about costumes and sets, at least not until the third or fourth viewing. Then looking at those baggy clothes it made me think of the 'Hug' days (moment of silence for the five power), and I was upset that coordinators had put them in those cheap sweats. Are they trying to say that the arm lights cost so much that they ran out of money for other nice clothes?? I know that they can't possibly be as popular as they were before but even newbies get better clothes than ill-fitting jogging clothes.

Rant Over.
Beyond that the song was like Euro-Dance infused. Not a really fan of Euro, but I think it was well done here. Love the classic Changmin scream that was thrown in just for the fans :) and like previously mentioned the glow arms were pretty freaking cool. I can't say that this will be one of my  favorites, I'm not a fan that believes my favorite celebrites can do no wrong, but I will support them. Glad that they're back and looking really good :D

U-KISS Stop Girl MV

 

I've always been on the fence about U-KISS. I would like one song and then hate another. Plus Alexander was given the boot (I really liked him). Now though, with this new song I think they've convinced me to give them another try.




Everything looks great except that God-awful wig/hat combo that DongHo wears for part of the video.

Jo Kwon's Im Da One

Only Jo Kwon could have done this video. Complete with a fairytale book, a throne, and evil usurper and the his majesty himself dancing to the beat. It was fun to watch and certain parts the cheerful cheesyness made me laugh out loud. I think this video really made the song come to life for me. Without it, this song would have passed by me.

I was hoping for a song that showcased his individual vocals more. I mean, we know how great a singer he is from the songs with 2AM, but I wanted a whole song of solid vocals. I didn't get that with this track, but I will enjoy it for what it is - a happy dance tune. Another fun one for this hot summer :)

INFINITE- The Chaser MV

INFINITE is back with a new video off their new mini-album INFINITIZE.

There seems to be a little bit of a mystery throughout the video. L (that hotty) is in car that is turning over as it skids off the road. There's a key hanging from the mirror in the car, and that key seems to connect all the other segments of the video. What is the key for? There's a box at the end of the video that Sung Jong (the maknae) comes up and stands over with the key, but does not open. I really want to know what is in that box.

Video Source: LOEN ENTERTAINMENT Channel, YouTube

Xia Junsu's Tarantallegra

 OMGeezy, Have you seen this yet?!

5.13.2012 I was really surprised when I watched this video. The cute, adorable and innocent Junsu is gone, and in his place is a man who really knows how to shake his hips!! 

I read some comments about how he looked gay in this video but come on, you have to throw away your American standards of straight alot when it comes to international stars. They wear more makeup and dress in tighter clothes but that does not make them gay. Just like wearing baggy clothes doesn't make you a man or a lesbian. So, sit back and enjoy the hottness that is Junsu!!!

5.15.2012 This video has already reached more than 1 Million views on YouTube!!! Happy for Junsu but also just under the spell of this song and video.... can't seem to get enough

Spica

These days I keep finding out about a new groups that I can see myself following. Two days ago I found out about  Spica, a five member girl group from South Korea. They are on B2M Entertainment. As far as I know, there hasn't been a lot of buzz about these girls, but I think they are buzz worthy.

 

Their second single 'Russian Roulette'

First Songstress: 0:11 Yang Ji Won
Second Songstress: 0:24 Kim Bo A
Third Songstress: 0:35 Park Na Rae
Fourth Songstress: 0:46 Park Ju Hyun
Fifth Songstress: 0:51 Kim Bo Hyung

After watching the 'Russian Roulette' and 'Painkiller' MVs and some live performances, I already have a bias. Kim Bo A. I don't think she's the best dancer but, she just looks like she's up there singing her heart out. Love it. Also loving the fact that they are all 80s babies, since we seem to be a rare breed in  the Kpop nation.

Junsu First Album Teaser

Okay, I'm excited now.

Tritops Found

I was randomly clicking on videos on YouTube when I ran into this one by Tripos called 'I'm a Badboy'. Compared to other groups with a million plus views, this one is pretty low with on 78,000. I was surprised by that number after watching to video. Where did these guys come from? How long have I been in the dark about these sexy singers? I'll be putting them on my 'Need to Know More' list, because this video really sparked my interest.