I’m sorry for being so absent lately. Work has been.....insane (and will continue to be for...well...until I get fired or something). Anyway, for 2011, I’ll only be posting once a month.

Happy New Year everyone!!


Make It Last Forever - Sowelu feat. Mihiro
English | Pop
I don’t know if this is a cover of another song but the melody sounds really familiar (old Whitney Houston song maybe?)...Regardless, the english - both pronunciation and grammar - is bang on. The song has a slow-ish tempo which makes it sound really sweet and appropriate if you’re trying to hold on to something.

Beyond the Sea - K
Japanese | R&B
This is from his “best” album but I had never actually heard of him before. =P The way this song sounds at the beginning (a cappella), it kind of reminds me of DBSK’s songs and how they used to harmonize. The rest of the song is mellow and nice and has an older R&B feel to it. His voice kind of reminds me of Toshinobu Kubota’s but not as high or nasally (not sure if that’s the right word).

믿어줄래 (Nothin on You) - Jay Park
Korean | Pop
I randomly heard this song while surfing YouTube and it caught my attention. I was going to post the remix but I thought this would be a better transition. Part of me wishes that this was a 2PM song rather than just Jay’s or even having someone else on the song doing the rap/hooks just so that there’s a bit of vocal contrast (somebody with a lower tone).

2 Different Tears (Robotaki Remix) - Wonder Girls
Korean | Pop
I prefer this version than the original (I actually ignored the original until I heard this one) mainly because it has more of a beat to it and the base line is catchy. There are times when the song can sound a bit tinny and over-processed, but it’s still a really good remix / mash-up.

Drama - Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop
I only really started listening to this song when I watched the video (it’s the one where it shows just the choreography). I actually like this song better than “The Answer” and Lullaby (still on the fence for this one) even though I’m not really a fan of Daichi’s more techno-sounding songs.

Bird - Yuya Matsushita
Japanese | Ballad
This is a nice mid-tempo ballad and is probably my favorite out of Yuya’s when I want to listen to a relatively happier ballad (ends happy). It isn’t too sappy either. The violins and other stringed instruments give it a nice orchestral kind of feel, which is perfect for the song’s theme.

I Can Soar - JYJ
English | Ballad
I thought this would be an appropriate way to start bringing this mix to an end. It’s just a reminder that whatever comes your way during the rest of 2011, that you’ll probably make it through since you made it through 2010 okay. The English may get a bit...strange...or garbled, but for the most part, the song is pretty decent.

High High - G-Dragon and T.O.P. (Big Bang)
Korean | Pop/Rap
I thought I’d end this mix on an energetic note. I actually really like this song; although that may be because I like Big Bang in general. The song’s got a great beat and base line. And, the more I listened to it, the more I liked it.

Labels: Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Jay Park, JYJ, K, Miura Daichi, Sowelu, Wonder Girls, Yuya Matsushita

Hi everyone! Sorry I missed the last post. I’ve been helping my brother move out so that he’s closer to his university (yay brother!). Hopefully this post makes up for it!


Fill This Night – Clazziquai
Korean | Electronic Pop / House
I don’t know why I had never thought to pick up any songs by these guys considering that they are/pretty (as far as I can tell anyway) popular. The song starts out with a slow to mid-tempo beat and more of a jazzy sound. As it progresses, however, it definitely picks up and you hear more of the electronic instruments – definitely reminiscent of nineties Jamiroquai. The vocals are mellow and subdued, perfectly suited for the song. The only thing I wish was different was that the slap base was a little more pronounced.

Baby Love – Humming Urban Stereo
Korean | Electronic Pop
This is the first song of theirs that I had actually ever heard. I do like the base in this song and the overall beat (more mid-tempo-ish). I do think that their vocals (especially the girl) could have been just a touch louder but it still has a good balance. It may be a little too sweet for some people but it’s still a good song to listen to.

Starlight Love – HybRefine
Korean | Electronic Pop
I actually “fell in love” with the instrumental version of this song but the vocal version is just as good. It’s a great upbeat song with more of a jazzy house sound but not as much as the first two songs (which are more on the fusion side).

Delete My Memories – 三浦大知 (Miura Daichi)
Japanese| Electronic Pop
I didn’t really like this song when it first came out and I’m still on the fence…I prefer his more pop/r&b sound but at least this song has a good beat. The electronic piano/organ-sounding thing (sorry, not sure what you should actually call it) got to be a bit much for me but that is what gave the song more of a techno sound. I like the quieter parts where it’s really just Daichi singing and the organ thing acts as more of an accent.

I was going to force having a second Japanese song because I think I’ve been a little heavy on the Korean music as of late…but this was a better song.

Stepping Out – Clazziquai
English | Electronic Pop
This sounds like a more traditional pop song, but it still definitely keeps its jazz house sound. The English is a bit off even though she sounds fine (the lyrics don’t make much sense to me even though English is my first language). It’s got a great beat and the girl’s voice is really nice – not too sweet – and really helps to bring balance to the song.

Labels: Clazziquai, Contributor; Carmi, Humming Urban Stereo, HybRefine, Miura Daichi

Number 1 – Big Bang
English| Pop
I really like the beat and the base line in this song. It isn’t overly complex but it’s a good party track. I can see why they use it as one of their intros to their concerts.

Do You Like It? – M-Flo loves Crystal Kay
Japanese | Pop
A nice mid-tempo track with a beat you can bop your head to. Crystal’s got a nice, mellow voice that contrasts nicely with Verbal’s (M-Flo) raps. It kind of has a Latin-ish sound to it (at least that’s what I think) which definitely makes it dance-able.

Bo Peep – T-ara
Korean | Pop
Thus far, this is the only song of T-ara’s that I like (it was the first that I had heard). I seem to be oddly, slightly addicted to it (it got stuck in my head right away). It isn’t overly memorable and at times their high-pitched voices can be a bit much (especially if you compare it to Crystal Kay’s voice) but still a good listen.

Inside Your Head – Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop
This is my favorite Daichi song. It’s got a good beat, a nice base line, and you can definitely dance to it (his PV highlights some nice choreography similar to Justin Timberlake’s – think back to his “Like I Love You” song). Daichi’s voice is mellow and he doesn’t go too much into the higher range (which I think can wreck his voice).

Don’t Talk – Jon B.
English | Pop / R&B
This, I think, is Jon’s only fast track (he’s known more for his ballads). It did come out back in 2000 but it’s a song that’s usually played at the clubs around here. It’s a nice mid-tempo track with good beats, and Jon’s voice suits it really well (I kind of wish he had more of these faster tracks).

Labels: Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Crystal Kay, Jon B, m-flo, Miura Daichi, T-ara

사랑이라는건(Sarangiraneun Geon - Acoustic Version) – Bi/Rain
Korean | Pop
I like both this version and its original but definitely prefer this one. It conjures up a picture of Rain sitting in a small studio setting with a few band mates singing this song. The opening guitar is nice and mellow and the rest of the instruments add to its jazzy-ish sound.


Manic Monday – Bonnie Pink
English | Pop
Yes, it’s a remake of the famous Bangles song. I actually really like this song, so much so that I will listen to this on those horrid Monday mornings where I really don’t want to go to work. It’s a much mellower and slower version of the original, with the first two verses focusing on the acoustic guitar, base, piano, and drums.


Knock Knock Knock (Piano Version) – Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop (R&B)
I prefer this version to the original, more upbeat version. The piano and keyboard (higher-pitched keys) provide a simple accompaniment to Daichi’s voice but bring out the best in the song. It gives the song a moodier and sadder quality, which seems to give it more weight.


Life Goes On (D Side) – Chemistry
Japanese | Pop
A nice, mellow version of the opening theme to “Antique Bakery”. The slower beat and Chemistry’s voices without the electronic overlay found in the “K Side” mix make the song seem more sincere than the upbeat electronic-ish pop version (although I like that version better).


This Song – 2AM
Korean | Pop

I really wanted to finish off with a more upbeat number but I ended up with this song instead. It’s a really heartfelt song and the words could almost make you cry. The boys’ voices mesh really well with the background.

Labels: 2AM, Bonnie Pink, Chemistry, Contributor; Carmi, Miura Daichi, Rain

Hi Everyone! My name's Carmi and I'm another new contributor to the blog. My music tastes really vary - everything from J-Pop to old school rock (blame the show Supernatural) - so hopefully you'll like at least one of the songs in my rotation. It's a "tribute" to the warm months that have already gone by since it's Autumn here.


1. Real Love Story - Se7en feat. Taebin & Wheesung
Korean | Pop
An older pop song with summer vibes. It's a nice, airy pop song and some of the older vibes come through. I really liked how the three were able to blend their voices but still stay distinct during their respective parts.

2. Sugar Shack - DJ Hal featuring Daichi Miura, LL Brothers, HI-D, Full of Harmony & Leo
Japanese | Pop
It's a fairly recent release off of DJ Hal's Sugar Shack album. There are times when the higher vocals (by Full of Harmony - I think - and Daichi) seem to go a little too high for my liking but the lower and mid-range stuff is pretty good and their voices blend well.

3. Fly Away - Asami Izawa
Japanese | Pop
Asami's vocals are nice and mellow and stay in the mid-range tones. The song is upbeat and has a jazzy quality, almost reminiscent of old school (nineties) house music.

4. Matsu Kumo Kusa (Snow Drop) - Ota
Japaese | Pop
The verses at times sound as though they're having a conversation timed to music - but it works! The background is simple which suits the rap and vocals perfectly.

5. Eden's East - Cool
Korean | Pop
It's my favorite song by Cool and definitely makes me think of a nice summer day with a cool breeze. It's upbeat and the chorus is catchy but the base line gives the song a bit more depth. It's simple but still fun to listen to.

Labels: Asami Izawa, Contributor; Carmi, Cool, DJ Hal, Fish Leong, Full of Harmony, Hi-D, LL Brothers, Miura Daichi, Ota, Se7en, Taebin, Wheesung

I’m sorry for being so absent lately. Work has been.....insane (and will continue to be for...well...until I get fired or something). Anyway, for 2011, I’ll only be posting once a month.

Happy New Year everyone!!


Make It Last Forever - Sowelu feat. Mihiro
English | Pop
I don’t know if this is a cover of another song but the melody sounds really familiar (old Whitney Houston song maybe?)...Regardless, the english - both pronunciation and grammar - is bang on. The song has a slow-ish tempo which makes it sound really sweet and appropriate if you’re trying to hold on to something.

Beyond the Sea - K
Japanese | R&B
This is from his “best” album but I had never actually heard of him before. =P The way this song sounds at the beginning (a cappella), it kind of reminds me of DBSK’s songs and how they used to harmonize. The rest of the song is mellow and nice and has an older R&B feel to it. His voice kind of reminds me of Toshinobu Kubota’s but not as high or nasally (not sure if that’s the right word).

믿어줄래 (Nothin on You) - Jay Park
Korean | Pop
I randomly heard this song while surfing YouTube and it caught my attention. I was going to post the remix but I thought this would be a better transition. Part of me wishes that this was a 2PM song rather than just Jay’s or even having someone else on the song doing the rap/hooks just so that there’s a bit of vocal contrast (somebody with a lower tone).

2 Different Tears (Robotaki Remix) - Wonder Girls
Korean | Pop
I prefer this version than the original (I actually ignored the original until I heard this one) mainly because it has more of a beat to it and the base line is catchy. There are times when the song can sound a bit tinny and over-processed, but it’s still a really good remix / mash-up.

Drama - Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop
I only really started listening to this song when I watched the video (it’s the one where it shows just the choreography). I actually like this song better than “The Answer” and Lullaby (still on the fence for this one) even though I’m not really a fan of Daichi’s more techno-sounding songs.

Bird - Yuya Matsushita
Japanese | Ballad
This is a nice mid-tempo ballad and is probably my favorite out of Yuya’s when I want to listen to a relatively happier ballad (ends happy). It isn’t too sappy either. The violins and other stringed instruments give it a nice orchestral kind of feel, which is perfect for the song’s theme.

I Can Soar - JYJ
English | Ballad
I thought this would be an appropriate way to start bringing this mix to an end. It’s just a reminder that whatever comes your way during the rest of 2011, that you’ll probably make it through since you made it through 2010 okay. The English may get a bit...strange...or garbled, but for the most part, the song is pretty decent.

High High - G-Dragon and T.O.P. (Big Bang)
Korean | Pop/Rap
I thought I’d end this mix on an energetic note. I actually really like this song; although that may be because I like Big Bang in general. The song’s got a great beat and base line. And, the more I listened to it, the more I liked it.

Labels: Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Jay Park, JYJ, K, Miura Daichi, Sowelu, Wonder Girls, Yuya Matsushita

Hi everyone! Sorry I missed the last post. I’ve been helping my brother move out so that he’s closer to his university (yay brother!). Hopefully this post makes up for it!


Fill This Night – Clazziquai
Korean | Electronic Pop / House
I don’t know why I had never thought to pick up any songs by these guys considering that they are/pretty (as far as I can tell anyway) popular. The song starts out with a slow to mid-tempo beat and more of a jazzy sound. As it progresses, however, it definitely picks up and you hear more of the electronic instruments – definitely reminiscent of nineties Jamiroquai. The vocals are mellow and subdued, perfectly suited for the song. The only thing I wish was different was that the slap base was a little more pronounced.

Baby Love – Humming Urban Stereo
Korean | Electronic Pop
This is the first song of theirs that I had actually ever heard. I do like the base in this song and the overall beat (more mid-tempo-ish). I do think that their vocals (especially the girl) could have been just a touch louder but it still has a good balance. It may be a little too sweet for some people but it’s still a good song to listen to.

Starlight Love – HybRefine
Korean | Electronic Pop
I actually “fell in love” with the instrumental version of this song but the vocal version is just as good. It’s a great upbeat song with more of a jazzy house sound but not as much as the first two songs (which are more on the fusion side).

Delete My Memories – 三浦大知 (Miura Daichi)
Japanese| Electronic Pop
I didn’t really like this song when it first came out and I’m still on the fence…I prefer his more pop/r&b sound but at least this song has a good beat. The electronic piano/organ-sounding thing (sorry, not sure what you should actually call it) got to be a bit much for me but that is what gave the song more of a techno sound. I like the quieter parts where it’s really just Daichi singing and the organ thing acts as more of an accent.

I was going to force having a second Japanese song because I think I’ve been a little heavy on the Korean music as of late…but this was a better song.

Stepping Out – Clazziquai
English | Electronic Pop
This sounds like a more traditional pop song, but it still definitely keeps its jazz house sound. The English is a bit off even though she sounds fine (the lyrics don’t make much sense to me even though English is my first language). It’s got a great beat and the girl’s voice is really nice – not too sweet – and really helps to bring balance to the song.

Labels: Clazziquai, Contributor; Carmi, Humming Urban Stereo, HybRefine, Miura Daichi

Number 1 – Big Bang
English| Pop
I really like the beat and the base line in this song. It isn’t overly complex but it’s a good party track. I can see why they use it as one of their intros to their concerts.

Do You Like It? – M-Flo loves Crystal Kay
Japanese | Pop
A nice mid-tempo track with a beat you can bop your head to. Crystal’s got a nice, mellow voice that contrasts nicely with Verbal’s (M-Flo) raps. It kind of has a Latin-ish sound to it (at least that’s what I think) which definitely makes it dance-able.

Bo Peep – T-ara
Korean | Pop
Thus far, this is the only song of T-ara’s that I like (it was the first that I had heard). I seem to be oddly, slightly addicted to it (it got stuck in my head right away). It isn’t overly memorable and at times their high-pitched voices can be a bit much (especially if you compare it to Crystal Kay’s voice) but still a good listen.

Inside Your Head – Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop
This is my favorite Daichi song. It’s got a good beat, a nice base line, and you can definitely dance to it (his PV highlights some nice choreography similar to Justin Timberlake’s – think back to his “Like I Love You” song). Daichi’s voice is mellow and he doesn’t go too much into the higher range (which I think can wreck his voice).

Don’t Talk – Jon B.
English | Pop / R&B
This, I think, is Jon’s only fast track (he’s known more for his ballads). It did come out back in 2000 but it’s a song that’s usually played at the clubs around here. It’s a nice mid-tempo track with good beats, and Jon’s voice suits it really well (I kind of wish he had more of these faster tracks).

Labels: Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Crystal Kay, Jon B, m-flo, Miura Daichi, T-ara

사랑이라는건(Sarangiraneun Geon - Acoustic Version) – Bi/Rain
Korean | Pop
I like both this version and its original but definitely prefer this one. It conjures up a picture of Rain sitting in a small studio setting with a few band mates singing this song. The opening guitar is nice and mellow and the rest of the instruments add to its jazzy-ish sound.


Manic Monday – Bonnie Pink
English | Pop
Yes, it’s a remake of the famous Bangles song. I actually really like this song, so much so that I will listen to this on those horrid Monday mornings where I really don’t want to go to work. It’s a much mellower and slower version of the original, with the first two verses focusing on the acoustic guitar, base, piano, and drums.


Knock Knock Knock (Piano Version) – Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop (R&B)
I prefer this version to the original, more upbeat version. The piano and keyboard (higher-pitched keys) provide a simple accompaniment to Daichi’s voice but bring out the best in the song. It gives the song a moodier and sadder quality, which seems to give it more weight.


Life Goes On (D Side) – Chemistry
Japanese | Pop
A nice, mellow version of the opening theme to “Antique Bakery”. The slower beat and Chemistry’s voices without the electronic overlay found in the “K Side” mix make the song seem more sincere than the upbeat electronic-ish pop version (although I like that version better).


This Song – 2AM
Korean | Pop

I really wanted to finish off with a more upbeat number but I ended up with this song instead. It’s a really heartfelt song and the words could almost make you cry. The boys’ voices mesh really well with the background.

Labels: 2AM, Bonnie Pink, Chemistry, Contributor; Carmi, Miura Daichi, Rain

Hi Everyone! My name's Carmi and I'm another new contributor to the blog. My music tastes really vary - everything from J-Pop to old school rock (blame the show Supernatural) - so hopefully you'll like at least one of the songs in my rotation. It's a "tribute" to the warm months that have already gone by since it's Autumn here.


1. Real Love Story - Se7en feat. Taebin & Wheesung
Korean | Pop
An older pop song with summer vibes. It's a nice, airy pop song and some of the older vibes come through. I really liked how the three were able to blend their voices but still stay distinct during their respective parts.

2. Sugar Shack - DJ Hal featuring Daichi Miura, LL Brothers, HI-D, Full of Harmony & Leo
Japanese | Pop
It's a fairly recent release off of DJ Hal's Sugar Shack album. There are times when the higher vocals (by Full of Harmony - I think - and Daichi) seem to go a little too high for my liking but the lower and mid-range stuff is pretty good and their voices blend well.

3. Fly Away - Asami Izawa
Japanese | Pop
Asami's vocals are nice and mellow and stay in the mid-range tones. The song is upbeat and has a jazzy quality, almost reminiscent of old school (nineties) house music.

4. Matsu Kumo Kusa (Snow Drop) - Ota
Japaese | Pop
The verses at times sound as though they're having a conversation timed to music - but it works! The background is simple which suits the rap and vocals perfectly.

5. Eden's East - Cool
Korean | Pop
It's my favorite song by Cool and definitely makes me think of a nice summer day with a cool breeze. It's upbeat and the chorus is catchy but the base line gives the song a bit more depth. It's simple but still fun to listen to.

Labels: Asami Izawa, Contributor; Carmi, Cool, DJ Hal, Fish Leong, Full of Harmony, Hi-D, LL Brothers, Miura Daichi, Ota, Se7en, Taebin, Wheesung

Welcome to Fashion Scans, an mp3 rotation that features Korean, Japanese, and Chinese music as well as the occasional English song. Fashion Scans was created in October 2007 and is run by Haruhi with contributions from Carmi.

Please send all affiliate requests to Haruhi. Carmi is currently open to requests.

Files are for sampling purposes only, I am not responsible if you keep them for longer than the 24-48 hours permitted. Please support the artists by purchasing their CDs.

phase down | aqueous transmission | quietus | SnakeRoot | Dong Bang World | you start it | Ongoing Melody


If you would like to be affiliates, send me an e-mail at ungathering@hotmail.com.

link in: