Cover The Covered

Looking into recent popular albums and songs in Mandapop, it's not difficult to find that the numbers of new songs out nowadays are getting to be a covered songs, by recent popular artists. Mostly its because they are good? Yes or not they are getting good response from the public.

Hey Westlife basically feed on the covers get them on the charts...... So it doesn't seems a bad thing for artist in Mandapop to do a cover albums? Well, it depends a lot of the artist itself. Not everyone can get escape with it. It used to be a backstab a lot. Cause people loves the original piece of art mostly.

Forget bout the past, whats now? Let me bring you along the covers of 2009. First one, A-Bin's Bad Guy's Lovesongs-Regrets. The title track originally sung by Mavis Hsu Mei Jing, a Singaporean diva back in 90s. In fact the whole album is covers songs from the 90s. Carefully selected by the housewives group of the people, they say, a beautiful female ballads is always better when sing by a tender voice of a guy. I get to know girls like to hear guys sing, and vice versa too. Anyhow, those songs (A-Bin's covered)are songs when I used to listen repeatedly again and again during my schooldays. Faye's Chess(Qi Zi), Yanzi's Dark Sky(Tian Hei Hei), Coco's Hints(An Shi), Sandy's Don't Bother Who Am I(Bu Bi Zai Hu Wo Shi Shui) and etc..... all classic hits and super sing-along elements... How's A-Bin doing it? The plus point is that he is not doing it hard, to sing to his own feelings but instead give the songs a gentle touch and sings with the most simple technique as if you are in the live lounge cafe. The memory of the songs makes you exciting about this album.

Talking about classics, Khalid Fong's Timeless Classic resembles Yanzi's cover album which includes songs that influenced them most from young. English songs and mandarin songs and even cantonese. This is the biggest selling point, Cantonese. Khalid Fong's first cantonese song, Kuang Chao. Gaining favourable critics arcoss Asia, and his jazz, basanova-ish arrangements capture the peoples heart when he redo Faye's Red Bean and "Nothing Gonna Change My Love For You". Choice of songs are briliant too, as couples of songs already got forgotten by the younger generations nowadays. Again you sees the most simple arrangements capture more audience. In the olden days, artist tries too hard to makes it sounds differ. Not everyone another Shirley Kwan or Anthony Wong, famous covers icon.

As releasing a whole new cover album could risky the good name of an artist's talent, so Jolin didn't make one. Accidently the record company makes an EP of her live performances as part of her DVD package, when she covers a couples of famous ballads that she loves to sing in the karaoke. One of my favourite too, A-mei's I Hate I Love You. Its mesmerising everytime I listen. The song is too good for me to notice Jolin's singing. Other also Gigi Leong's Bias, Fish Leong's I Like.... light and good choice to covers too. Commercial value are there, while lesser critisation made. (As its live-ed, we forgive you)....

Earlier of the year, there are a not so popular of Fu Qio Yin's Pink Jukebox. She challenged the super classic from Pan Yue Yin and Chan Shu Hua to Celine Dion and Mariah Carey's signature songs. Proves she can sing but lack of the experiences of life which many songs interpreted like a singing machine. I didn't like it at all, maybe waiting for her to come out a new material album would be more a worth of listen.

As introduced in earlier post, Karen Mok's kind of re-doing the classic is getting rare. She totally futurised the oldies. (See the review yourself then) and adding latest additions would be Jam Hsiao's Love Moment. As a promo for his first concert tour, he did all ten classic hits from our generations and these songs are still popular among karaoke goers and singing competitions contestants. As heard before when he was appearing in the SUPERSTAR Talent Show, his way of covering songs are astonishing.. . let not forget thats how he got famous. So back to the roots, he brings us back to the classic songs we love..... oh also another sets of female classics.

Landy Wen温岚, -Dancing Queen

L.A.N.D.Y............. Tell me tell me why.....

A catchy phrase from her breakthrough her signature song, "L.A.N.D.Y." And this is also a conclusion after I listen to the whole album. Too damn much LANDY rapping... almost appear in every uptempo song in this album. Creative? I would say running out of it. Landy Wen is an artist which I always look forward to as she very in trend, but I don't see this one a good match to ELVA Hsiao's. Funny, Taiwan named her their own version of Kylie Minogue. Maybe she indie and hip in the same way, as compare Kylie to Britney, Madonna.

This album is a follow-up from the success of HOTWAVE, release 2 years ago, which I would say duplication? Yeah a bit. Follows the same formula, but lesser of the elements of surprise. Sometimes I feel the element of surprise is more important in an album I listen to.

This new album of Landy sort of ruining my expectations. What are mine? A sets of evergreen ballads...... not sure yet, it takes more repeats of listen only I can rate..... A sets of catchy uptempo tunes.... yes there are in it.... And hoping for more songs.... only a formal of 9 new songs when another one is a mash-up tribute to Anita Mui's Let Go Your Mind.

The warm up single, Let Go Your Mind, a cover/mash-up of Anita Mui's hit back in 1996, is not very pleasing number. I would have to say lack of creativity. Song arrangements are not exciting enough. New rhythm introduced into the classic is not very tempting. Lucky, this all can be turn around with the continue of "Hotwave", "D.I.S.C.O" the lead single is able to carry the album out. No doubt its another hit for her. It cross between of the 80's disco culture and today's autotunes.

From the previous success, she totally dulge into the 80's disco elements. The whole album also sounds a very mashup of the 80's, from tribute to 80's icon, Anita Mui til the disco culture with current futuristically mando-pop sound. It will be well-received by current audiences, specially China Mainland.

Another potential single, a very dance pop track,"Wide Angle Beauty" declares a new standard of beauties among the ladies by not starving too much to be beautiful, and able to do whatever they want without society restricts, etc...

Yes, the 2nd single is the everyone's favourite number.... ballad. "I Believe All Of You", the stupider than a dumb lyric (as also a continuer of her huge hit, "Dumb") which says, believing in all the craps a lover says. It the dumbest you can get. Yeah, love makes people blind. It got worst when you jump right to it and believe it all. However, without another look at the composer's name, you totally can hear his signature right all over the song. As like R. Tedder in Leona Lewis's. This is another works from Kenji Wu, who recently seems disappearing from the spotlight since his concert. Catchy, commercial, beautiful and pitiful.....actually I am looking for wittyful, but there is none. He also had repeating himself too much.

This time all 3 ballads from the album is very good... and all potential hit songs. The other 2, "Porcupine", and "Don't Fall For Me" are very much my cup of tea. I can imagine myself singing along to these songs in the gym in coming months, and too getting good reviews from internet viewers.

Mid-tempo and up-tempo songs had made up the other 60% of the album, and its a good experimentation to continuing her previous musical style. As suggested by the title, Dancing Queen, most songs are danceable to it and heavy disco influenced. A play number with a little of hip-hop and pop, "Don't Be Too Obedient" plays a hints to her previous hits. A reggae number, "Everything Gonna Be All Right" and a mid tempo folkish stuff, "There's No Right Or Wrong In Love" would just leave you shaking your leg all the way.

Tracklist
01. Intro
02. 廣角美女 (Wide Angle Beauty)
03. D.I.S.C.O
04. 愛情沒有對錯 (There's No Right Or Wrong In Love)
05. 我全都相信 (I Believe All Of You)
06. 視而不見 (Pretending Its Invisible)
07. Everything's Gonna Be Alright
08. 放開你的頭腦 (Let Go Your Mind)
09. 不要太乖 (Don't Be Too Obedient)
10. 刺蝟 (Porcupine)
11. 不要愛上我 (Don't Fall For Me)

The Ryan Tedder Effect

Who is he? For those not aware, he is the frontman of One Republic. Still no ideal? They sang the huge hit single "Apologise" with Timberland. Still no idea? The man behind "Bleeding Love". That should ring your bell then. If still not yet, you might like to read on.

Ryan Tedder, a current most sought-after writer around, as hot as Timberland in his Hip-Hop productions field. He broke to fame with collaboration on Apologise as a feature on Timberland's single, it also went on to become the most successful single from the Shock Value album of Timberland and the best one of 2008. It leads him and his band, One Republic, a hit album. Dream Out Loud.

His success continues as a writer, when he co-wrote Bleeding Love with Jesse McCartney(sung by Leona Lewis). All three names becomes a global hit, by sending Leona and Ryan to the superstar status. Ryan continues to writes magic. Almost all his works turn to hits. He brought ballad back to mainstream, and ballad in a way he makes it sounds. A David Foster of today? We just sit back and see. Ryan also had worked with a large group of artists from Whitney Houston to Rihanna. A sure win formula? A R.Tedder ballad.

As in 2008, he writes and produces hit singles from "Apologise", "Love Like This(Natasha Bedingfield)", "Bleeding Love", and since then 2 distinctive scene had arose. One is he wrote all the One Republic singles, and second, he start mimicking the formula of Bleeding Love.

Start of 2009, Beyonce's "HALO" is sent out as single by her management team as soon as possible and it did enjoy success, to avoid clashing with Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone". Its wise for Beyonce, but not for those late comers. All sounded the similar trend, a R.Tedder trademark. As Jordin Spark's "Battlefield" also another hit single global. All sounds terrific but similarities are hard to differentiate if it wasn't sung by differ artist. I don't mind at all as i Love all of it.

Beautiful ballads + powerful diva = hit single

Thats all I love...... and I hope he brings in new changes before it got stale and too repeating. So when before you think its over, now upcoming hit songs from various artist, who caught on the bus of R.Tedder's RnB ballad song, written by different composer and trying to sound.... HIT Single.

First choice, Toni Braxton's long a-waited single, "Yesterday" It's her first solo after 4 years hiatus and it comes with a remix(duet) featuring Trey Songz. It's beautiful and its catchy, witty, heartbreaking, but not a hit single it seems. For those Toni's fans, it is something you been waiting for. Her comeback? I am hoping something better. Don't mistaken it a R.Tedder's works.

Second, R.Tedder's produce and written, "HAPPY". It's from Leona Lewis lead single from her sophomore effort, ECHO. Debuted in UK already in X-Factor, video is out, and it's a hit I can say. It's something I expect from both Leona and Ryan, a next level of BLEEDING LOVE. Ryan also written another "Lost And Found" for her ECHO album. Some tracks he wrote didn't make the cut are like " Perfect Stranger", "Stranger", "Brave" which didn't make it to the album, but indeed sounds similar but nice too.

Third, Jordin Sparks's Battlefield. It's her 5th top 10 single, what would you say it wasn't a hit single?

Non official releases like Michelle Williams' Last Dance. Produce by The Jam, but predicted as a B-sides. It's wittyful playnig the words rythming to achieve the Bleeding Love-ese ballad formula.

Hurray, ballad is back.

Elva 蕭亞軒:Diamond Candy 鑽石糖

(Forgive me for those keep coming back and didn’t see any new posts up lately. For those hoping for some little download, sorry this is not the site. I am posting here purely for my own pleasure.)

Writing a blog needs some efforts. I am a moody person, and finally I settle with this wonderful album review. This year 2009, there are a few albums that satisfied my emptiness for a good album from mando-pop. A few surprise ones too. Let me start with this one.

Diamond Candy is Elva’s 2009 offering and it’s totally spell her out to the world. In Chinese market, trendy albums do not come all the times. Got the rhythms but doesn’t have the budget to match up with the image packaging and or vice-versa. Elva’s DIAMOND CANDY is a revolution of a good music since her comeback 3 years ago with her “1087”. It was a success. Since then, Jolin and Landy are the nearest rivals to top that. Jolin’s full of European taste while Landy can’t shake off her “Tai-Mei” (local strip girl image) style. Elva is a total New York America girlie thingy, since her 5th Avenue album till 1087. She is the most fashionable Chinese artist since Coco Lee.

Back to the album, full of up-tempo tunes and in-cooperate a lot of helps from foreign music no matter its cover versions or getting help from Wayne Hector (Westlife, Britney, Madonna). Title-theme song, “Diamond Candy” and “Bling Bling The Most Favourable” the 2 lead singles off the album is totally hot. The videos are totally hot (BLINGs) and do matched up to the song’s content, from video to cheography. “WORTH IT” a latest trend in nowadays English music, autotune. Heavily infused opening track.

The major drawbacks are too little original elements. Just the 2 lead singles, you can see references to Fergie’s Fergilicious video, Lady Gaga’s earphone and major music influence from those international divas. However, it’s a start of Chinese music to move to a trendy direction. We always need a pioneer and people only can follows, incorporate then innovate. Yay!!! To Elva!!

As to all Chinese albums, a must have are the ballads. With Elva self-penned lyrics “Honesty” bares herself emotional naked. This is a good karaoke number. Same goes to the Korean number, a mid-tempo of COUNTDOWN. She made it beautiful hers, and the video is a very tribute to MJ? I see more of “Rain” there. “Thriller Legend” also lyrics penned by her as a tribute to the late MJ. It is appropriate and trendy thing to include for now. What else could be trendier? (Watch out for Landy, as new album already round the corner)

I mentioned revolution previously above, and this is album is a state of art and a milestone for Elva’s comeback. She was huge during early millennium with her trendy image and songs and wonderful ballads and establish a songstress of low-note voice. These all goes darken when she was away from the spotlights (due to her life dramas) for 1087 days. Her comeback 1087 album is superb and it’s a daring one for not having any of her signature heart-breaking ballads. The follow-up “3-Faced Eva” is a close topic failure, as after the buzz the album is gone forgotten. As to her fans it’s an okay album. I could see a change of her formula in her creative control and now DIAMONG CANDY totally sees the perfect result album with the same concept, up-tempo, ballads, and a prefect-mix of all type of music tempo and lyrically carries the same meaning as the previous album, Brave, Independent, and Beautiful.

Tracklisting

01. 豔遇(Worth It) 02. 閃閃惹人愛 (Bling Bling Most Favour)

03. 倒數 (Countdown) 04. 我陪你哭 (I'll Accompany You Cry) 05. 同步呼吸 (Breath Sythronic) 06. 不愛．請閃開 (Disappear If you Don't Love) 07. 鑽石糖(Diamond Candy)

08. 坦白 (Honesty) 09. 我們多久沒牽手 (How Long We Didn't Hold Hands)

10. 顫慄傳奇(Thriller Legend)

From West To East And Back To Us....CoCo Lee!!!!!!

According to my knowledge, she is one the legends of Chinese-pop world, among the big names of Jay Chow, Lee Hom and David Tao. She also the first to shine in international market with her English-debut. Success? Depends how you view, my opinion is she is a bit old when she step into the US market and the marketing is not good, even she signed to the big labels, SONY.

After her departure from SONY Music to MUSICNATION, I was hoping she can come out an album which goes back to her roots, and carefree album. Her previous albums always give me some tense feeling that she is trying to satisfied everyone and benting herself way too over. Here the new album I am going to introduce is CoCo Lee's lastest release, COCO'S THING;FROM EAST TO WEST.

This album is a production of 2 years time and its a surprise and long a-waited. Most of all it satisfied my expectation what a Coco Lee's music should sound like now. One except new elements, which you rarely found in chinese-pop. Her warm up singles had start promoting since last year's Olmypic Games, I HAD A DREAM. (Oops its not included in this album.) "我愛看電影"(I WANNA SEE MOVIE), a song dedicated to the 100 years of chinese film industry celebration earlier of the year, and BYOB-Bring Your Own Bag, is written for the recycle campaign in Taiwan. Both songs had made the impact on the airwaves, and too it was released as digital single months ago.

In conjunction of the album release, PARTYTIME, an up-tempo pop song which perfectly suited as lead single of the album, beautiful sparks up the Coco's wave. It can stand close to her previous hits like "NO DOUBT". To satisfied a ballad fans like me, she also had "BEAUTIFUL THEME SONG 美麗的主題曲", which undeniable its going to be a single to the airwaves.

To my surprise, she able to pull off any type of music genre freely than she used to be. Maybe its her freedom of creative had took place, without major label's pressure. Special recommendinig "流傳Legends", a beautiful oriental-arranging style which very much feels like another approach to MOONLOVER(月光愛人), with a smash-up with Jay Chou's and her very own modern R&B sound. Brilliant yet.

As her favourite and strength, R&B of couse won't be miss out. Tracks like "LOVE NOW 愛要現在" & "TRIANGLE HEART三角心" shows her performance more carefree and beautifully written and sung. It's a early 90's mid tempo stuffs, which I felt sometime familiar and warm. Wouldn't talk too much, as concluding, I love the whole thing and its commercial-friendly enough for me to digest in just 1st few listen. Go CoCo!!!! With this she still our no 1 Asia Diva.

Celebration Tracklisting

Here's the tracklisting for her upcoming greatest hit Celebration in September, the last one from Warner Music.

CD1
01 - Vogue
02 - Express Yourself
03 - Into the Groove
04 - Papa Don't Preach
05 - La Isla Bonita
06 - Everybody
07 - Lucky Star
08 - Holiday
09 - Like a Virgin
10 - Borderline
11 - Material Girl
12 - Crazy For You
13 - Open Your Heart
14 - Cherish
15 - Like a Prayer
16 - Justify My Love
17 - Deeper and Deeper
18 - Erotica
19 - Rain
CD2
01 - Celebration (new)
02 - Music
03 - Get Together
04 - Frozen
05 - Hung Up
06 - Ray of Light
07 - Beautiful Stranger
08 - Don't Tell Me
09 - Hollywood
10 - Human Nature
11 - Secret
12 - Take a Bow
13 - American Life
14 - Die Another Day
15 - Sorry
16 - 4 Minutes
17 - Give It 2 Me
18 - Revolver(new)

Celebrate Madonna's 30 Anniversary

To get celebrate she gave us this new single out August, "Celebration". It had not grow on me, and yet a very expected something she would do, a continuer of the "Hard Candy" dance/pop type. This single is taken from her coming up greatest hit complilations and its her third official. It makes almost one for every decade of her celebrating music career. No other artist had gone so far with such "celebration" and yet gaining huge commercial success all the time. I am more looking forward to what she would do in the next decade. Least to expect she had signed a 5-album contract with Live-Nation, after her departure from Warner, that's why we will be seeing her in the next 10 years if nothing goes wrong. I had a digital single of my own here.

Celebration (Remix Single)

1. (Low quality)
2. Okenfold 12 Dub mix
3. Benny Benassi Club Mix
4. Benny Benassi Radio mix

Jam Hsiao's Conquering The Charts

Seeing through some news of his new album, QUEEN, it caught my attention to do a post on his album. Conquering the sales chart in Taiwan, from G-Music, 5-music, Jia Jia and even topped the digital sales download of KK Box sites. Released almost a month, but still I am indulged in his lead single, Queen王妃. A damn hard rock song which Jam is doing very well and stretch his vocal to the limits, in a very relaxing manner.

He had turn into a star since his participation in the famous reality-talent show, SUPERSTARS Taiwan(equivalent to American's Idol), and since then he had been invited to duet with AMei in award-winning song "The Moment", released a debut album which gone to gain the top 5 sales of 2009. His gossip column are much more pretty positive, comparing to his "rival" ASKA YANG. After a couple months of professional training, Jam Hsiao are being reborn as an idol this time with a more appealing image.

Early of the year, he released a valentine's day charity single "給愛人" (To Lovers), which already proven Jam is not a one-hit wonder. Listen to this album its not hard to predict that he will be around for many years to come. After the lead single, the 2nd wave and third wave of promotional singles are a gentle rock/pop commercial ballads which shows his gentle side. Penny Dai also directed his 2nd single, 善男信女, which also received well form the fans and critics. It's another witty song about boy-girl relationships. The third single, 我不會愛(I Donno How To Love) a perfect third heartbreaking single for those needed some emotional healing. Yes, its might be another sad love song, but I am sure it will be in the charts for the months to come.

After numbers of listens, I found that this time the album productions are more relaxed than his debut's. Seems that he had not much of means of conquer or pressure from sales. Elements and genre of songs are not made to suits the commercial standard, but to produce a listen pleasure to his fans. Glad that record company understands that. If you are familiar to Jam, sure you will be surprise that he also can carries a very good RnB stuff. "Say A Lil Something" is a light R&B piece which reminds me of Boyz2Men in the 90s. Not as good as them, but a unmissable gem.

Other standout tracks includes 阿飛的小蝴蝶(Peter Pan's Fairy), 小男人 大男孩(Little Men, Big Boy), touches the topic of men's issues other than just love relationships.

Malaysian Artists (Chinese)

It's been sometimes I had not post some chinese music stuffs. This time, I am introducing some local Malaysians artist that gets on my playlist a lot.

Jovi Theng is a famous producer/songwriter who finally waited his time to release his album for 21 years? I guess maybe its a late spring for him. It's a surprise that he can sing very well and rock!!! His lead single "Crazy 疯" from the his debut album "Insane 疯了" is a heart-tearing emotional stretch kinda of song which best describe as from its title itself, "crazy". His album also includes a cover from his famous written "Qing Fei De Yi 情非得已" to the low esteem, light-folk "Clown 小丑" This album had targeted right at the most commercial point of the market. He is a real genius in music business. Sadly til now its still available as digital music in Taiwan market.

Karen Kong is the lastest sensation from our shore to Taiwan's. She was a top 5 finalist from Malaysia Idol and since then released 2 album, a malays and mandarin's. She is the first chinese artist releasing a Malay Language album as a debut act, and her chinese album got from no retailer keeping it to second re-press edition. Now she had successfully taken her mandarin album, repackage again(3rd time) to release at Taiwan. Adding 2 new tracks, a cover of The Tings Tings's signature track into "a-e-i-o-u", a typical taiwanese cute version. This reminds me of YuHeng's earlier Taiwanese release, "Happy Day". Oh and she is Karen Kong,龚柯允.

The slow part of the album are the ballads, from the homesick song "离岛" to regular's heartbreak song "舔伤". All showcase her power vocal in a doll voice. She is a rare beautiful and yet talented, songstress that comes out in recent years from Malaysia. After repackage 2 times, the whole album gets a very balance touch for all type of tempo.

Exporting from Malaysia to Hong Kong this month, I have another local canto hip-hop band, ManHand. Comprise of 4 members with the lady vocalist, much similar to Black Eyed Peas, where they write their own songs but in cantonese language. From their debut album, they had surprise the market with they canto hip-hop songs which can match Hong Kong's LMF, and the second album, ShowHand, which delivers to Hong Kong market, proves that they can last longer than I once think they are.

Here in Malaysia, their singles had been heavy rotation on the radio playlist. "Hey Yo", "Travel The World 慢游世界", "Showhand", and "咩人" gain good reception and its upbeat tempo and witty lyrics are about the society and their exitstance in the entertainment line. The latest single plug, "Latido" is a differ appraoch, a slow hawaii-like swanging track.

The female vocalist sounded very alike HK's Kay Tse, and she is a real asian "Fergie"-like. Album out now in Malaysia for RM29.90.....

British Invasion 09-Pixie Lott

Oh !! Uh Oh, Uh Oh......

That's a sign of a popular pop song. [As like E-La..E-La.. in Rihanna's Umbrella and Jordin Spark's No Air er ..er..er...er] This tune that is hitting me hard recently is another newcomer, Pixie Lott's Mama Do(Uh Oh, Uh Oh). This uh-oh already been no 1 on the UK chart and adding to credit, it still stays there at the top 40. To be hot on heels, 2nd single, "Boys and Girls" and debut album "Turn It Up" is soon to follow-up in August and September 09, respectively.

Seen the video? It's very britney-pop. Go to youtube to check it out or http://www.pixielott.com/ and she is just 18. I have a remix here to share, which its a better listener than the radio edit. MaMa Do(Bimbo Jones Vocal Mix) is one of my favourite dance mixes.

British Invasion 09-Agnes

She is this year's biggest export from Sweden, I guess. I group it under British Invasion of coz its effect it had done on to the UK Charts before hitting the Internet and else where. Agnes Carlsson, aka Agnes alone, (record company hoping another superstar like Mariah, Whitney) had scored Top ten in number of Europeans countries like France, Denmark, Germany and UK with her debut international single "Release Me". She was the Swedish's Idol winner back in 2005. No doubt she can sing very well.

Her first international single release, RELEASE ME, is accompanied by her third solo album, Dance Love Pop, which makes a more dance-orientated approach compare to her previous efforts. This album contains tracks not only hot dancefloor fillers and also included R&B ballads, pop which she used be more R&B/Pop. I feel this album its like something between Madonna's dance track and Whitney R&B ballads.

At her home Sweden, this album already released back at Oct 08, almost a year she manage to cross to find international fame. I hope she can make it big. Listen to the remix of her huge hit, Release Me (DJ Rebel Mix). I think its better than the original album version.

Get the album "Dance Love Pop" at iTunes(UK) sites around the world.

British Invasion 09- La Roux

La Roux( pronounce as le ru) is the lastest dance sensation hitting our shores, noticable pricing at RM29.90 in record stores, for their debut album, La Roux. This is absolutely another hit from the wave of electro-pop, after Lady Gaga had does her part in U.S., La Roux had making it big in UK with their no 1 hit, "Bulletproof" and no 2 "In For The Kill".

Compare to Lady Gaga, La Roux are more Synthpop and less poppy, R&B, hip-hop. Image potrayed more David Bowie influenced, and very retro, as in Bulletproof music video. Hard Recommendations:-
In For The Kill
Bulletproof
Quicksand

British Invasion 09

For me, British pop had been the second stage for world's international music. Last year I wrote a similar blog post introducing Adele, Duffy, Leona Lewis and Sharleen Spiteri. All except one (Sharleen) had made it big as follow up to 2007's Amy Winehouse. This year the trend told me that the blues, soul and Jazzs are taking a break from the mainstream scene. Taking over the chart by storm are the usual genres, pop. Big breaks emerge from dance tracks, electro pops, and so all co-related ones. Here I introducing a few of the interesting British acts/ Euro acts, are come taking the music blogs by storms in the e-world.

The Saturdays -Chasing Lights
A 2008 release, but reached our shores at 2009. They are a 5 sexy pieces of girl group. Scoring 4 top ten hits on UK singles charts with "If This Is Love", "Up", "Issue" & a charity COMIC RELIEF single "Just Can't Get Enough". Final single from Chasing Lights, "Work" might not be a top ten in UK, but already a fans' favourite here and internet.


These girls had been tipped as the next biggest girl group in UK, after Sugababes & Girls Aloud. If you wonder, 2 of them come from the S Club 8, a kids version of S Club 7. Currently working on a new album for the November release this year, sure you can see more of them in time to come.

Click this to listen :-
If This Is Love(Moto Blanco Mix Radio Edit)
Issues(Digital Dog Remix)
Work(Cahill Radio Mix)


Booty Luv-Say It
They are a duo dance group, but a strong R&B vocalist frontline, Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd. Rise to fame at 2006 by covering of Tweet's "Boogie 2Nite" into a club hit. More than 30 remixes are made upon them, and sending them to fame. The follow up hits like "Shine (originated by Luther Vandross)" and "Don't Mess With My Man(originated by Lucy's Pearl)". Their debut album "Boogie 2Nite" released at 2007. All made them a "club"-hold name around the world, throughout 2007 to 2008, adding with their own original release like "Some Kinda Rush" and "Dance Dance"

Upcoming release of their new album, starting out with the lastest single, Say It, which already heating up the club weeks before their official release dates.
Click here to listen Say It(Robot Lover's Mix),
Little Boots-Hands

Very new to me, but guess y'all already get to know her from MTV intros. Already a hot contender as UK's album of the year, she is 2009 stars to look out for. 'Hands' contains the hit single of "New In Town", a top 20 hit and a new single "Remedy". This is an electro-pop album and very much resemble to Goldfrapp meets Blur in a poppier manner.

Not to act professional, I am not very sure she will grow on me, but I am pretty sure upon my first listen, its an album that lasts repeated plays.

Click to listen:-
Meddle
New In Town
Remedy

To be continue....... La Roux, bulleting the music world, Agnes, the lastest Sweden sensation, Cascada, the Germany clubbing diva owns the world......

CASCADA-Evacuate The Dance Floor

Cascada is a german euro-dance group with the frontwomen, Natalie Horler who does mostly the vocal part, and producers DJ Manian and Yanou. They rose to fame from the dance makeover hit, "Sometimes When We Touch", and then No 1 single "What Hurt The Most". Now back with their third album, Evacuate The Dance Floor. With the same title single, they hit another no 1. This lead single had been scoring no 1 in UK last week, and also No 1 on US Billboard's Hot 100 Dance Chart before that.

I totally falls in love witht his track, and its a while I had not embrace euro-dance pop songs. Guess my last count is just Girls Aloud & The Saturdays, which is consider way too pop. This album, Evacuate The Dance Floor, continues their signature dance track and cross over to be a more pop album than their usual efforts. Ballads like "Hold Your Hands Up" might not be a hit single, but a good filler but I like it a lot, I think it's an experimental track to open their doors to the mainstream pop songs.

Don't get me wrong, this is a dance album. Scoring from track 1 (Evacuate The Dance Floor) to track 5 (Fever) is a non-stop disco, euro dance feverish tracks and yet catchy. The second half varies from dance-rock, ballads to up-tempo euro-pop songs also gets you up dancing.

Listening Pleasure;-
Evacuate The Dance Floor(Cahill Remix)
What Hurt The Most (K-Klass Remix)
What Do You Want From Me (Fugitive Freedom Remix)

Artist Of The Month;Leo Ku-Move to EEI era

So sorry I left the Leo Ku's story hanging up, here another part;-

The 1997 success, opens up Leo’s market to worldwide Chinese music market and he continues delivering hit albums like Flying Love and Dreams (愛與夢飛行) , May 1998 and second mandarin album, Stall (路邊攤) September 1998. Both albums does live up to the height of his previous efforts. However, Leo wants to further to strengthen up his status in International Market like Taiwan & China. He signed to a new management & production company, EEI(which that time having very few artists but very good one like Gigi Leong). His decision to move had sent him off to a whole new level, as Hong Kong entertainment line had hits a recessions of bad economy and privacy waves.

Before entering the new millennium, he had released 3 albums, Be My Valentine (cant, Dec 1998), Leo Ku (古巨基) (mand, Mar 1999) and the Weather Changes (天氣會變) (cant, Oct 1999), giving constant hits songs throughout the year. The duet with Gigi Leong’s Wishing(许愿) had also become the year’s most popular duet，at the same time he also achieved success in Taiwan dramas, which spread his popularity towards China mainland and South East Asia.

His portray as a singer had been decreasing as he spend more and more time acting in China than singing. Although, he does releases Treasure Hunting(尋寶) (Jan 2000), New Pattern (Cant Jan 2001), Deeply deeply In Love (戀戀情深) (May 2001), Tiu Fei Gei (跳飛機) (cant EP, July 2002) and lastly A greatest hit, All The Best 1998-2001. The hugely popular mandarin drama, 情深深雨蒙蒙, had made him a huge star in worldwide chinese market. By the year 2001, his contract to EEI had comes to an end. Again his reluctant to continuing with EEI had left him isolated. He is being "boycott" for the moment being. He is left with no support but to continue to acting in Mainland China. This lead to his vanish for about 2 years. I always think he is A-list artist quality, but just lack of good support from his record/management company.

Next to the peak:- Gold Label (HK)

許志安-《歌人》Andy Hui- Vocalist

I could count how long had he not release a whole new mandarin album, if not mistaken, his last Taiwanese release was a greatest hit about 4 to 5 years ago. This time a whole new mandarin album, which brings me back to the days where I listens to his songs almost everyday. I think this album is really good, and it definitely can top his previous releases.

Since he move into East Asia Records, I felt his cantonese songs are getting better a lot. Probably this record company allows him to have time on his own to make quality music. As for VOCALIST, Andy Hui's performance had reminded me how well he can sing and the music trends is still evolves around rock-pop.

The way he carries those rock ballads are wonderous. He makes it sounds so new and out-stand among other artists who sang the similar range. A lot of the newcomers like Jam Hsiao sang more likely towards distortions method, and Andy Hui remains soft and gentle in his. The bright side is also his downside, he stills sounds like his old records just with some surprise twists. Good or bad, depends what you like.

Songs like "Man To Man", "Understanding 體諒", are sang towards to a man's stories, their thoughts, their emotions... Another very sentimental manly stuffs. Its very sad to know that his CD in Malaysia sells at RM99 (import from HK, normal CD price range around RM35 toRM50), and it comes with a 5 music video DVD boxset packing. Looks very tempting but to me very expensive.

Special Recommended;-
If...What If...如果…如果…,
Together We Fly Away比翼雙飛

That Bitch!!!! Livvi Franc

Mind my languages I am using here, its just to introduce a hot new singer, Livvi Franc, who already heating up the clubs and internet with her debut single " Now I'm That Bitch".

She is the third hot thing exporting from Barbados, since Rihanna & Shontelle and JIVE Record's answer too!!!! Livvi is her nickname and a tribute to her most respected grandfather, Frank. There you goes if you found that french, yet witty.

I am totally hook up with the chorus "I am that... bXX.." It's infectous and I would wonder why it still not reach top 10. I did a digital single of my very own of her remixes. Enjoy!!!

Livvi Franc-Now I'm That Bitch (Digital Maxi Single)

1. Jason Nevin Electro Mix

2. Jason Nevin Rhythm Mix

3. Kaskade Mix Extended

4. Serafin Remix

5. Mike Rizzo Funk Mix

6. official remix Feat. Pitbull

Download

(I totally forgot I never heard the original mix before)

Nobody Remixes Single

I am totally fell in love with this song again and again.... and to be reported, The Wonder Girls had been showcasing this song along JONAS Brothers's Live Tour as supporting act. They are given a very good reception form the audience. I made a special digital download of the single with remixes of the original Korean version.

Nobody Digital Single
1. Original Korean Version
2. English Version
3. Aliks Club Remix
4. Rainstone Remix
5. Rainstone Remix(Instrumental)
Click Here For Digital Single

VICTOR WONG品冠 - 一切為了愛 (新歌+精選) ALL FOR LOVE

Last weekend, the radio played an old song of Victor Wong, Things Those Girls Taught Me 那些女孩教我的事, I suddenly felt I do miss this M'sian male artist too. I used to felt his songs are a bit too dull and bore. However, undeniable he is one of those voices that cannot be gone. He is the kind that gentle enough to smooth the usual commercial noisy radio airplay like Valen Hsu's.

This time he is back with his compilations for the past 3 to 4 years. Thats when he left Rock Records (the home for his previous group Micheal & Victor days), til today. A total 14 tracks, with 7 old tracks form his previous 2 albums and additonal another 5 new songs and 2 cantonese covers. I had to say, he is the only male artist currently able to duet with all 3 most famous M'sian divas, Fish Leong, Penny Dai, and now Xin Jie(李心洁) , award winning horror movie actress. Its a long while since her last album.

This compilations not only contains the previous hits ballads like Things Those Girls Taught Me 那些女孩教我的事, Untreatable 無可救藥. New songs like Love You more Than You Can Imagine 比想像更想你, totally can live up the standards. He is craving himself into a total love geek, and you will buy it.

Sample Listening
Love You more Than You Can Imagine 比想像更想你
>When You Think Of Me當你想著我duet with Xin Jie
Things Those Girls Taught Me 那些女孩教我的事
Love Had Transit At Hong Kong愛情在香港轉機 - a contonese version of Love You More Than You Can Imagine, showcased in his HK Live 09 in earlier of the year.

周柏豪-Follow

Yes another exciting new releases. A greatest hit compilation from Pak Hou-Chau,周柏豪, titled as FOLLOW, is a "report card" for his 3 years summary as an entertainer after his cross-over form model. After his self-title debut, (which failed to bring him success) he ventures into acting and more endorsements of adverts achieves reasonably good receptions. Since his success duet with Stephanie Cheng(郑融), 一事无成(Empty Handed Youngsters，his fame finally established. He even being endorse as HK's region's brand ambassodor along with FIONA SIT.

A compilations to remind his new fans that how good is he as a singer, you will be surprises that he do started out to writes his own songs in the first album. Sadly, This compilations is just a sum up of his previous album and EP to made up to 9 old tracks and another 4 new tracks. His old hits includes; SILLY KID(傻小子), THINKS TOO MUCH(想太多) Fortunate for him, the new tracks are slightly better than his old ones. Treat it as a new album, as his old songs doesn't ring a bell, and you will find this guy with good looks can make a good singer too.

He had stick closely to the rock-pop element in his music, and I guess this is what his voice suits for. Give him another couple years, he can be a well-establish artist in his own rights.

My favourites of cause is his new songs.
报告总司令
Lovin' You

许茹芸-爱．旅行．一公里 Valen Hsu-Love Journey 1KM

许茹芸-爱．旅行．一公里
旅行 一公里了， 爱的旅途，看见的可以很多。安静的，平静的， 在许茹芸的歌声里可听见。

That's just a interpretion of my feelings to the her latest album. As mention earlier, she is finally release her new album. It wasn't long after her last album. This album does sounds like a stop to rest after a hard journey, a journey of love. The singles sent off to radio are more quiet and peaceful than her previous works, takes a little more time to heat up the popularity I presumes(I hope). The whole album are relatively light, fresh and yet very "Valen".... minus her previous "drama" and "heartbreaking ballads".

Also includes Kenji Wu contributions, 1km.

Here's the few songs plug up to radio...

Leave When Loved 一有爱就走吧
The Other Half 另一半
1km 一公里

Shirley's Era

Shirley Kwan, 關淑怡, is one of most recognizable voices from Hong Kong, and even her absents of 8 years from the music scene had not ceases the fans passion upon her. She definitely could archieve more than what she had now, but she chosen to put her life & passion in front of her career. Her disappearing from music scene was largely blame to the lack of creative control upon her career as an artist and lack of trustable companies that support her. She is a perfect artist. (I would say.)

Since her comeback in 3 years ago, with an EP "ABOUT ME,关于我" & comeback concert, she had randomly release some singles over the media, from drama's title-theme to radio & contributing her talent to other charity concerts. I presume for artist like her and SAMMI CHENG, they don really need to release a whole new album, but random singles from time to time is enough to keep their fame high enough. This SHIRLEY'S ERA, considerable as complilation of the singles she releases for the past 3 years with 3 new & unrelease tracks. Actually its her first official cantonese album in 14 years. (I am guessing in the 14 years, her last record company had releases more than 14 differ greatest hit complilation, almost more than one each year. .. and til today it still sells!!!! )

Upon first listening, the concept of a whole album got weird, but later on it becomes a good round up for her "musical career". I definitely love it to the max, majorly coz its Shirley, her voice is like a Midas' Touch, every song she sings is beautiful. This album consists of 12 tracks, 9 Cantonese tracks, 2 remixes and 1 Mandarin cover of MOUTNAIN SCENERY.

Track List
01. 天規 HEAVEN'S RULES- showcased at UNEXPECTED LIVE 08
02. 地盡頭 END OF EARTH- new & unreleased
03. 男左女右 GUYS ON THE RIGHT, GIRLS ON THE RIGHT- showcased at LEO KU's String FEVER duet with Leo Ku
04. 山水 MOUTNTAIN SCENERY- showcased at UNEXPECTED LIVE 08
05. 只得一次 ONLY FOR ONCE- TVB drama Best Selling Sercets theme song
06. 28日 28DAYS- new & unreleased
07. 鑽禧 GEM FORTUNE- TVB drama THE GEM OF LIFE theme song
08. 三千年前 3000YRS BEFORE- taken from compilation of 12 Faces of Woman, ft Li Heong Kam(well-know actoress)
09. 眾生花 EVERY WOMEN- taken from compilation of 12 Faces of Woman
10. 山水 (Remix)- showcased at UNEXPECTED LIVE 08
11. 天規 (Remix)Heaven's Rule- showcased at UNEXPECTED LIVE 08
12. 花鳥 (國) FLOWERY BIRD- mandarin version of MOUTNTAIN SCENERY

*for download click on the blue prints. Promotional purpose only, so no full album will be post up.

Both the remixes are done at a very sincere manner, where as both original version & Remixes potray a differ mood and meaning for the song unlike the usual ugly mash up mix. The remix can act as a differ song too. The round up of all songs had made the album sounds complete and shows the edgy side of Canto-pop. It got traditional ballads like ONLY FOR ONCE, euro-infused ballads; MOUNTAIN SCENERY, uptempo like HEAVEN'S RULES, poppy fun song (男左女右 GUYS ON THE RIGHT, GIRLS ON THE RIGHT) and mandarin version as to complete a traditional Cantonese offering. Just got a little weird when it plays through the theme songs form TVB drama series.

It definitely my favourites for years to come.

Newbies

Whitney finally had make a comeback. As everyone wanted, a ballad. Me not so loving it. Whitney Houston- I Didn't Know My Strength

At last I had time to go through Janice new album. Not as experimental as I expected. Still pretty ballad, folk, lighter of the rock side. The song "999" seems the most daring track I presume for Janice Vidal.

Tracks Recommended
Morning
999

Karen Mok; Twisting The Classic

Karen莫文蔚, leaves us with her "L!VE"《拉活》(2007), an experimental between euro-electro-pop and traditional pop crossover. This didn't achieve a big sales, but earn her the biggest honour, a best album award from Golden Melody Award, Taiwan. "L!VE"《拉活》(2007) was her last album with a commercial record company and Karen invested to make this record in order to gain the maximum creativity control. She had successful widen our expectation upon her musically and visually.

Althought she mention she probably won't release another mandarin album, but in fact she is searching and experimenting a better musical sense to satisfeid her desire in music and outdoing her previous works. This is probably same for artists reaching their maturity in the career. Back in 2005, when she was invited to perform in China, and she was ask to sing a folk song which to her surprise it was something new as she wasn't grow up in listening to chinese folk song. She pulls out (as suggested by the hosts) 打起手鼓唱起歌(Claps Your Hands & Sing) and perform beautiful and impressed the audiences. Folk songs caught her attention from that time onwards. Her guest performance in The Golden Melody Award 08 show, had took her a higher level when she cross-over GREEN MOUNTAIN《高山青》、MOUNT A-LI'S GIRLS 《阿里山的姑娘》into her old song, FAN DANCE (扇子舞). The result surprise the audience again and to tribute that event, she recorded it into this track call GREEN MOUNTAIN STILL STANDING TALL, 《青山在》。

In 70s to early 90s, Manda-pop is famously riding by the folk wave which they call Min-Ge民歌，(Folk Songs). The fresh breath of musics can match up to country songs as in the Westerns. Karen took some classic hits form the past century, added a new twists with just not re-arranging the songs, adding new tunes, and fused it up with western basonova, electric-pop and euro latest arrangment elements to give the freshest and latest vision to audience. This digital album BACK TO KAREN《回蔚》means memories revisit, a cover version album. To me its more like a new album with hints of old songs tunes. The songs she cover is very daring, which I think its takes a lot of talent to pull it right. Karen has it all.

The production team of this album can describe as the strongest in chinese music history, after the great response from previous collabrations of TIGHT FLOW 《密流》 with Zhang Ah Dong張亞東, Faye Wong's all time producer, they teamed up again to produce this album, with the help of award-winning and favourtie lyrist, 李焯雄(Lee), they built up new tunes & lyrics into the classic and give it a modern/futuristic twist.

This album is Karen's 1st digital album on China server, www.12530.com. She explained that the physical form of album releases era is over, and now its time to a new level. (I felt sad upon this decision as I prefer holding the CD)

Tracklist【專輯曲目】：
01.打起手鼓唱起歌 Claps Your Hands & Singdownload
02.青山在 Green Mountain Still Standing Talldownload
03.在那遙遠的地方 At Far Away Places
04.外面的世界 World Outside
05.月圓花好 Blossom Full Moon
06.風從那裡來 Where Wind Blows
07.半個月亮爬上來 Cresant Moon Climbs
08.溜溜的情歌 Cheeky Love Songs
09.茉莉花 Jasmine
10.紅 Red
11.密流 Tight Flow
12.密流(Remix) download

Most tracks covered had been a classic since I'm small, now a re-live of the classic had remind me this album can live up to Shirley Kwan's EX Favourites. To me it will be the 3rd best cover album in chinese pop history.

Joey Yung's Upcoming New Mandarin Album

To my observation, I think Joey Yung, had reach a stable status in Canto-pop, and hoping she could reach an Asia diva status. However, she is still holding a moderate fame in the manda-pop. Her past mandarin albums, had not surpassed the achievement she made in Cantaonese albums. I guess she might need some time off to concentrate to find the right style for her in Mandarin albums.

Through the MOOV Live, Joey yung showcases 9 new songs from her upcoming mandarin album. Can be noticed that the musical style continues her previous ballad, light-mellow songs and infused more canto-pop up-tempo songs. As a fans of hers, I probably love it but frankly speaking, on first listening I had not found anything I like from these songs but I am sure these are the type of songs that will grew on me later. Before further introduction, here's a couples of the track samples from the live show.

Tracks Samples
Joey Yung容祖儿-Jet Lag At Rome罗马时差
Joey Yung容祖儿-Extended Race延长赛

More description upon its release.

Wonder Girls Invade US

They had conquer their homeland, Korea, Thailand, and then China & South East Asia with NOBODY their breakthrough single, mainly in dance scene. Now their super-hot single, NOBODY, had comes in English version, and making their debut in USA at iTunes(US) on 28 June 09.

The Wonder Girls (Korean: 원더걸스) are a South Korean girl group with 5 disticntive members of Sunye, Ye-eun, Sunmi, Sohee, and Yubin. Since debuting in early 2007, they became popular with "Tell Me", "So Hot" and lastest "Nobody".

"The US audience got a sneak preview of Wonder Girls in 2008 when the entertainment blogger Perez Hilton featured not one, but two of their hit music videos on his blog site. Since then, Wonder Girls have been named by People Magazine as one of the "leading Asian pop stars to cross over to the states.” They were also featured on Virgin Media as one of the “Top 8 Girls Groups to Watch in the World,” among such groups as Pussycat Dolls,Girls Aloud and Danity Kane." [taken from wondergirlsworld.com]

The K-J-pop invasion had extended from UTADA and BoA at earlier of the year, with now Wonder Girls to follow-up. Forthcoming included RAIN's debut English album, and SE7EN.

Track Download
Wonder Girls - Nobody (English Version)

Artist Of The Month; Leo Ku, 1997's A Turning Point

1997 is a year of big turning point for Leo Ku’s career. Success achieved in 1996, had given much more attention to the EP, WISH (心愿). A 9-track disc is release with a couples songs from the previous greatest hits, are able to spin out hits like I TALK TO KEYS (我对门匙说). Proven that rock-pop is suitable for him and further experimenting with his pitched singing style. He even had support from the HK legend band group, Beyond’s Paul Wong to contribute a song HAVE HEART (有心) too. Other hits includes SANTA CLAUS, PERFECT DAY(完美的一天). This EP prepared a platform for Leo to jump to stardom in the next album, ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT(1997) in June that give him his biggest hit of the year, and probably his biggest in the next 3 years too.


His uniqueness in his singing with a more RnB pitching vocal had brings the first single ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT (歡樂今宵) had made him a strong contender as the fifth heavenly king. Another hit that carries him further is FRIENDSHIP (友共情) which becomes another classic of his. The other songs from the album also achieve moderate success in their own rights.


By the year of the year, with his musical style, he successfully made a crossover to Taiwan’s Manda-pop and released his first mandarin album, The Clock That Forgets Time (忘了時間的鐘). This also made him a household name in Mandarin territory including South East Asia; where previously only to be known in Malaysia. He covers 5 of his biggest Cantonese hits and managed pull off another 3 new material in mandarin that tailor-made for him. The lead same-title single immediately becomes another classic for fans to remember him by. Within a year, the 3 records Leo Ku releases instantly becomes a classic records for his career.

New: Janice- Morning

To be schedule to release next week July, Janice first English Language album [2nd in total]with new materials would be release from A-Music. MORNING is an concept album that Janice wanted to do since she begun her recording career. Much expectations is given upon, as her last English album (debut) put her on the map of the pop scene as a talented newcomer.

With the title meanings the beginnings of a new day[mostly related to her sister's scandals] and it gathers a lot of differ elements which rarely found in Canto-pop scene. From pop-rock to frenchie-folkies/soul, with hugely departed from her ballad soft image she used to have. Had not heard the album yet... tell more when I do.

The first lead single, "999" is a punk-rock-indie fusion of a anti-drug abusal theme song, which raise eyebrows. Next upcoming, RAINBOW already start playing in the airwaves. As usual Mark Lui's had always at her production team all along. I believe he truely release his own colours better in this album.

King of Pop NO MORE!!!!!!

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50. Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Ed Winter, the assistant chief coroner for Los Angeles County, confirmed his office had been notified of the death and would handle the investigation.

The circumstances of Jackson's death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to the hospital, Ruda told the newspaper.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album "Thriller" — which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

The public first knew him in the late 1960s, when as a boy he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the music group he formed with his four older brothers. Among their No. 1 hits were "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched voice punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks second only to his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. He united two of music's biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, and Jackson's death immediately evoked that of Presley himself, who died at age 42 in 1977.

As years went by, Jackson became an increasingly freakish figure — a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice. He surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, often wore a germ mask while traveling and kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions.

"It seemed to me that his internal essence was at war with the norms of the world. It's as if he was trying to defy gravity," said Michael Levine, a Hollywood publicist who represented Jackson in the early 1990s. He called Jackson a "disciple of P.T. Barnum" and said the star appeared fragile at the time but was "much more cunning and shrewd about the industry than anyone knew."

Despite the acquittal, the lurid allegations that came out in court took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. He was in rehearsals in Los Angeles for the concert, an extravaganza that was to capture the classic Jackson magic: showstopping dance moves, elaborate staging and throbbing dance beats.

[taken from LYNN ELBER's, Associated Press Writer of YAHOO]

More New Releases of June09

This is most excited moment, as excited as when I received MC's Obssess's track... (By the way, I hope you guys please support the original after you hear the samples I posted up. ) I finally got hold of A-Mei's new track SPLIT PERSONALITY( 分身) I would have say she had successfully balance up the ideal musical element and commercial element.


Some other notable new & forthcoming releases would be Christine Fan (Fan Fan 范瑋琪)'s first studio album with all new material in two years, F ONE. Getting used of singing ballads and a making a slower numbers of songs in her previous 8 albums, she is determine to turn her musical world around, and have fun in music. The first plug song is a collabrations with DJ MC Dog,


My favourite singbird Valen Hsu(许茹云) is back with a new album, "愛．旅行．一公里Love Journey 1km". Her very own of cloud-style singing is probably the only one in the Mandarin pop world. She always brings a new level of cloudy singing atmostsphere everytime she releases new album. Different from her early days, these year, she had singing it a more child-like tone and happier like Alice-In-Wonderland mystical. Once Loved Then Leave(一有愛就走吧) is a lead single where Valen is more about the sweetness of love rather than the bitter part, as she used to sing a lot. Frankly speaking, sad ballads makes more commercial attentions. Undeniable, her approach to a different direction is gathering favourables critic from publics.


Released earlier of the month, ALISA 高以愛 self titled debut is out. She was a 1st runner-up in numberous singing contest from Canada, US, to Taiwan. What else? She is good-looking and HOT!!! Recents new artist emerge, she had the most international influence, Up-tempo pop, Rnb, Hip-Hop and manage to pull off a clean mando-ballad. Absolutely a Hot Diva image. 如果沒有明天 is a chinese theme song used for a Thai Gay movie, Bangkok Lovestory, consider a favourite track from her.

Continued......

A Little Downloads For You

Here's a few's tracks from albums I recommended in the previous posts. You can leave me a comment for your request any tracks I intro and you want to hear it.

Leo Ku; Masterpiece
from the album STRING FEVER(2009)
古巨基_太师作品

Gary Chao; Plamlines
from the album SUPERMARKET(2009)
曹格_掌紋

Z-Chen; Love's At The right Time
from the album SERCET LOVE (2009)
张智成_爱来的刚好

Z-Chen; Sercet Love
from the album SERCET LOVE (2009)
张智成_暗恋

Nicholas Teo; Low Profile
from the album THE MOMENT OF SILENT(2009)
张栋梁_低調

New Releases of June 09

Why make a fuss out of these month new releases? Well it's summer right, and time again for the big names hitting the airwaves again. It's always happens every year of this time. Seems this year its getting bigger. With the releases from M'sian artists I mention previously, almost every big company in Taiwan is promoting their stars of the season.


Can't wait to introduce you to A-mei's alter ego, AMIT(A-mei Music In Transform) "debut" album. This album comes up upon her desire to experiment her desire music elements. Couple years ago, when she was in her career low point, she release a more divert album MAYBE TOMMORROW(也许明天)(2004), a slightly heavy sound on rock and her tribe music. Still its very pop, but the reception was bad that leads to her career downturn. AMIT is an album with a rockier twist, more in touch her tribal root. These are usually not happen in a conventional A-Mei album. Alter-ego is a good option to promote this album. At very least if it's not successful, it won't hurt her original artist identity. SPLIT PERSONALITY(分身) is her lead single off the album, and riding high on the radio airwaves now. Awaiting her album to release at 26 June 09.


Warner Music Taiwan is releasing a series of hot albums these weeks, and since the success of Nicholas Teo's album early of the month, next comes Jam Hsiao(蕭敬騰). He found fame from the Superstar Talent Show as a guest contender to the show's contestants. His debut comes out with a bang receiving good reception in terms of both sales and critics. This week Golden Melody Award, Taiwan, will be held at Saterday, and Jam Hsiao had tip as the best newcomer, to be biggest honour this year around as the catergory had the strongest contenders. Releasing on July 09, Jam's second album, Princess(王妃), soon will make debut with the first single Princess. Jam Hsiao had put comes back in style with the latest fashion and increasing attractive, with a means of conquering message upon his album concept on the pop-rock elements as his previous album.

Released last week, Gary Chao 曹格's 4th solo effort, in fact fifth, SUPERMARKET-超級4th場, deliver again the similar formula as his previous album (SUPERSUNSHINE) to make up a fourth instalment of his SUPER-series. Already hit up on radio since early of the year, Curry Hotdog(咖哩熱狗) ft MC dog, Mr Lonely(寂寞先生) & lastest Plamlines(掌紋), all already satisfied the ears' of his fans. Gary had made Mr Lonely even more difficult song to perrform. The tune switch between from low note to high pitch note within two bars, absolutely to satisfied his critics. Whole album is running a lot of differenet element varieties like the title, Supermarket. Latest hits, Palmlines掌紋 is a more comforting ballads, and already a favourites among my friends.

Since Avex Taiwan, losing their biggest name like Vivian Hsu, SHOW LO(罗志祥) and Cyndi Wang(王心羚), they sign Ariel Lin林依晨, queen of the Taiwanese dramas who once covers Lonely Hemispheres(孤单北半球) had become a huge hit back in 2003, to release her debut album. Avex had successfully turned Danson Tang(唐禹哲)from idol actor into a series singer, and now to reproduce the miricle on Ariel. Album also out on July 09.


More details for also new releases, Jerry Yen, Fan Fan, Alisa, Shirley Kwan, etc....

Artist Of The Month: Leo Ku's Early Days

Being one of the A-list artist in Hong Kong, had comes a long way for Leo Ku. I remember him from the TVB drama series as a small roles like 笑看风云(1995)。His boyish, bright sunshine image made a good impression as a young artist at that time.

He started out from TVB, Hong Kong's biggest TV station and most influential in music scene, as a host on a kids programme. Within a year, he cross path to actings and guest starred at numberous MV. His singing career started out with a boom, even Alan Tam, a highly reputated artist, named him as a talented young lad that will achieve big success in future. Alan Tam rarely praise other in such a loud manner, and this create a huge attention to this young Leo Ku.

His debut, Explanation Of Love(愛的解釋)(1994), which aimed at the teenage and young kids range, had spurs off a couples hits like Blue Sky & White CLouds(蓝天与白云), an up-tempo pop song. The album also revolves around cheesy pop song and songs from dramas around that time he acted in. In another 6 months, his record company quickly utilised his new found fame by releasing a second album, Smile, Think, Talk(笑說想)(1995). Lead single, Smile, Think, Talk(笑說想) is written by Leo Ku himself, also manage to topped his previous album success. However, none other songs from the album manage to become hits.

In effort to mature into a establish artist, he teams up with a new & upcoming producer, Zhang Kai Tian(张佳添), who later an important music producer for his entire career, to produce his 3rd solo album, Actually I..I..I..(其實我...我...我...)(1995). This album is a total change to his previous chessy pop song, into a more indie, rockier sound. It was a unique for the canto-pop for those days. However, the lack of promotions leads to the album achieve less success, but surprisely the album sales didn't drop that much as expected. The lack of support comes from the fuse being sparks up when Leo refuse to renew his management contract with TVB and in "revenge", Leo Ku was put "frozen" for 6 months until his management contracts ends. "Frozen" is a common punishment for big records or management companies to their un-coperative artists.


By the time his contract to is due, he sign to his record company, Music Impact's management division. A release of a greates hit, Second Most Loved (第二最愛), to remind his fans that he is back, and this complilation becomes his first break-out. The lead single, Second Most Loved (第二最愛), had witten his new musical directions as he becomes the first male artist to experiment with false tone(假音) and creates a signature of his own(R&B twisted fusion with Rock). This complilation bring the awareness back to his songs from his previous album. He is earned numeberous award this year with that song, and writes the path for his next biggest hits......

.....next ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT(歡樂今宵)