I honestly never thought I’d ever do a rotation like this, but some of these were pretty decent so I thought I’d share them with you.

I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Yuna Ito
English | Pop
If you’re looking for or used to the original Aerosmith version, well…I don’t know how to put this other than this is more of a pop / orchestral version. The guitar edge in the original is…well, gone. The overall sound of the song is more sweet, something I’d picture being included as part of an RPG’s soundtrack (think Final Fantasy). It’s an interesting twist on the original though.

This Love – G-Dragon (Big Bang)
Korean | Pop
I didn’t even know that G-Dragon even did a remake/cover of this song. And…I really like this version much better than the Maroon 5 version. It’s catchier and it definitely plays up to G-Dragon’s strengths. The only thing I don’t like about this song is that I wish they had turned up the base a bit more. Other than that, a solid remake.

In the Still of the Night – DBSK/TVXQ
English | A cappella
One of their best and later (before they “disbanded”) a cappella songs. It’s short and sweet but definitely shows off their singing abilities.

Because of You – 2pm
English| R&B
A cover of Ne-Yo’s song and I believe this was around the time when 2pm had just debuted so their singing isn’t as good as it is now. I wish they had harmonized more and had changed the song up a bit just so it wasn’t a straight cover but it’s alright the way it is.

New York State of Mind – Ken Hirai
English | Jazz
The song’s got a really simple accompaniment (I believe it’s just the piano) but it really lets Ken’s voice shine through. It’s a nice, slow song that almost gives the song a nostalgic and kind of sad feeling. It’s something that I’d picture a sad, struggling artist singing in one of those bars/lounges you see in the movies.

On a side note, any particular songs or themes you'd like me to do for my next rotation? I was kind of thinking of doing a non-stop mix (which may take me longer to put together) but I wanted to get your opinion prior to going ahead with that. Thoughts?

Labels: 2PM, Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Ken Hirai, Tohoshinki, Yuna Ito

Again, my apologies on being MIA! As an aside, if you have any requests, please either leave a comment or email me at carhithiel@gmail.com


Maybe in Love – Super Junior (Kyuhyun, Yesung & Ryeowook) feat. Park Sae Byul
Korean | Pop
I absolutely love this remake. Their melodies are great and the girl’s voice is nice and sweet. It’s a nice song with the instruments really complimenting the vocals.

We Belong Together – Big Bang feat. Park Bom
Korean | Pop
I always kind of liked this song but kind of also ignored it (don’t know why). I do like the energy they project in the song and the remix overall. The techno beats really do give the song extra punch but do emphasize the parts that they didn’t really sing/rap. Still a fun song though.

Abracadabra (Live Fractal Remix) – Brown Eyed Girls
Korean | Pop
It’s a really good remix…but I do wish their vocals were more complete and consistent. I think the remix is comparable to the original and catchy in its own way. I do like the way that they had decided to remix the song – still keeping it upbeat and not overplaying the techno aspect.

Universe – BoA feat. Verbal & Crystal Kay
Japanese| Pop
Normally I’m a fan of all three (although BoA less than the other two) so I was expecting more from this collaboration. Their vocals are okay and the balance with the background is okay but I was kind of hoping they would mix more of the crowd’s interactions in. As an aside, if you don’t want to hear their talking, just stop the song after the 4:20 mark.

Purple Line – DBSK
Japanese | Pop
I like the rock kind of feel it has with the guitars playing riffs all throughout the song. The deeper and louder drums also add to that kind of feel. I also like the break/interlude in the middle of the song (better if you watch the concert vid though). Overall, a nice song from the boys.

Labels: Big Bang, BoA, Brown Eyed Girls, Contributor; Carmi, Crystal Kay, m-flo, Super Junior, Tohoshinki

Change My World (Steven Chen Drum Cover) – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
Oddly enough, I didn’t even know this song existed (okay, I ignored it when it first came out for some strange reason) until I heard this drum cover and I was doing “research” for this post. Steven’s rendition is quite close to the original but I do like the extra punch he gives to the song.

Balloons (Live Percussion Version) – Tohoshinki
Korean| Pop/Rock
This is actually the only version of this song that I listen to: it’s mellow and I really like the “lack” of instruments (focuses mostly on percussion and keys). It reminds me of kids selling lemonade during summer and wandering around a fair or a park on a nice afternoon.

Go! Go! Maniac (Drum Cover) – K-On! (Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Yoko, Sato Satomi, Kotobuki Minako, Taketatsu Ayana)
Japanese | Pop
Oddly enough, I only started listening to this song after I saw a Japanese girl (she was only 13) doing a drum cover. From that point, I got hooked. Normally I’m not into the super high-pitched singers but I paid more attention to the drums than anything else.

One Day (Drum Cover) – Miliyah Kato feat. M-Flo
Japanese | Pop
I kind of wish the drums were recorded with better quality (probably because he used electronic drums rather than actual ones) but still a good song to listen to. The cover really incorporates well with the original song.

Run Devil Run (Moonie Drum Cover) – SNSD
Korean | Pop
Oddly enough, I kind of wish the kick drum was a little more prominent in this version. Otherwise, it’s still a good cover of the original. It almost makes me want to listen more to the original (never really got back into listening to SNSD after Genie).

Funny Bonus: Sexy Back – Leeteuk and Eunhyuk
English-ish | Pop
Warning: this isn’t the best quality. Okay. This just makes me laugh every time I hear it – and it isn’t because they don’t really speak English. It’s because they can’t remember the words. Haha. Just a quick little bonus for everyone that needs a laugh (the video’s funnier because you can actually see Leeteuk start to laugh).

Labels: Contributor; Carmi, K-On, Kato Miliyah, m-flo, Monkey Majik, So Nyeo Shi Dae, Super Junior, Tohoshinki

Sorry for being MIA in the last while. I had to study for finals and that took up a lot of my time. Like my last post, the theme of this post is as though I were in charge of the score for an anime focusing on a magic journey (think older-audience Card Captor Sakura).

Magic – Secret (시크릿)
Korean| Pop
This was actually the song that inspired me to have this theme. Yes, I realize that they’re talking about music but it’s the idea behind music that’s important. It’s catchy but not overly memorable.

Genie (Tell Me Your Wish – Robotaki Mashup) – SNSD
Korean | Pop
I apparently have a thing for remixes/mash ups. It’s one of the more upbeat (can it actually get more upbeat?) versions of the song that ties in more of a techno feel. It almost makes you think of a crazy bunch of SNSD robots…maybe…probably not. Still a good song.

Journey – Satomi
Japanese | Pop
I was actually surprised by her vocals as I hadn’t listened to any of her music previously. It’s surprisingly deep if you compare it to the typical, run-of-the-mill Japanese and Korean singers. I like the jazzy guitar (may be slap base though) that kind of reminds me of a Japanese pop version of George Benson. Nice mellow song.

Break Out – Tohoshinki
Japanese | Pop
And here’s my obligatory DBSK entry. The journey part seems to go along and the whole idea of keeping going even if things get in your way seems appropriate for a rotation about a magical journey. This isn’t one of my favorite songs by them (Doushite and Mirotic take top spots) though (sad considering this is one of the last releases they’ve had).

Super Girl – Super Junior
Korean | Pop
It’s weird…I’ve been on a Super Junior kick lately and this song is no exception. It’s catchy (although not as catchy as “Sorry Sorry”) and I do like the kind of techno feel of the song. I opted to share this version rather than the Chinese one because I liked the flow and the words better. I thought I’d end the rotation with it only because it’s talking about a “Super Girl”.

Labels: Contributor; Carmi, Satomi, Secret, So Nyeo Shi Dae, Super Junior, Tohoshinki

Again, just a reminder, if you have a song you’d like to request, please leave a comment. Alternatively, you can send me an email at carhithiel@gmail.com.

Stand By U – Tohoshinki
Japanese| Ballad-ish
I think the first couple of lines in the first verse (something along the lines of the scenery changing) definitely sets the mood for the rest of the song. It’s a great, sad song, the kind you’d listen to when you’re stuck inside and feeling nostalgic about past loves. It’s not slow enough to be a true ballad in my mind which doesn’t make it as sappy as something you’d listen to while drowning yourself in a tub of chocolate ice cream.

Aoi Kofuko – Noboku
Japanese | Pop
This doesn’t really make me think so much of the rain as it does of what happens after the rain’s done and you’re left with the clouds, the smell of rain, and everything looks grey. Just when the song picks up, it makes me think of what it looks like when the clouds break and the sun starts to come out. Overall, it’s not that memorable; nothing stands out that much, but it’s still a decent song.

Don't Wanna Try (Live Piano Version) – Tae Yang
English | Ballad
It was actually this version of the song that got me to find out about the original version by Frankie J. Tae Yang’s version is heartfelt, sad, and his voice suits the song so well. There’s something about the piano that makes me think of sad things and I can picture him singing this by a window as it’s raining outside (minus the cheering in the background).

Endless Love – Shinhwa
Korean | Pop
This song makes me think more of what a thunder storm would be like, if it were made by a Korean band. It’s edgy and the lyrics, if I remember the translation correctly, are pretty raw and well, kind of almost obsessively vengeful. It’s angry, angsty, and powerful.

Stay – Chris Cayzer
English | Pop
This is a remake of an old Lisa Loeb song that was released as part of his first album a few years ago in the Philippines. He’s kind of re-surfacing now, especially since he’s released his second album. It’s a nice, acoustic version and I love his voice. The song slows down for the verses but picks up every once in a while at key points. It makes me think of what happens in one of those movies where the couple breaks up and right at the end the person shows up at the door, soaking wet from the rain (apparently I’m very much into the visuals right now).

Labels: Chris Cayzer, Contributor; Carmi, Noboku, Shinhwa, Tae Yang, Tohoshinki

Doushite (Royal Mirrorball Remix) – Tohoshinki
Japanese| Pop
My favorite techno remix thus far, although the change from a heartfelt slow song to a techno-pop sound kills any emotions you might feel from listening to the original. The song is so upbeat and perky that if you don’t know the meaning behind the words, you’d just think it was a nice, cheery song. Still my favorite remix though.

Wild and Violet Sauce vs. Apologize – Namie Amuro & One Republic / Timbaland
Japanese | Pop
This is an interesting twist to the usual remixes out there – meaning the penchant is to speed songs up rather than slow them down – so this is a nice change of pace. It isn’t one of the best mash ups out there as sometimes the overlaying of both of Namie’s songs can sound a bit off but otherwise pretty decent.

Deal With Juliette – SHINee vs. Corbin Bleu
Korean/English | Pop
Technically this is a mash up instead of a true remix but I still like it. I didn’t really listen to the full SHINee version but the mash up is seamless. The beat stays in tact and it’s a good a pop song overall.

Around the World (DJ Mitsu Mix) – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
This remix has more of a jazz/house-ish sound to it. More of the emphasis is on the synths, base and drums than the original, that and this one is the full-out English one rather than the Japanese/English version. A decent mix but nothing overly special.

Hikari (PlanitB Remix) – Hikaru Utada
Japanese | Pop
I thought I’d end of this mix with more of a techno-ish sound. I actually like this version better than the slower, original one. The drums and faster tempo seem to give the song more life.

Labels: Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Monkey Majik, Shinee, Tohoshinki, Utada Hikaru

Finally, a full rotation! =) I was planning on doing a different theme but decided to save it for later, so these are just some recent releases that I wanted to share.

Everytime (ft Baby G) - Dream Girls
Korean | Pop
After being quite impressed by their song Hey, Mr., I was looking forward to hearing this song. I'm still undecided about it. It's a simple, sweet pop tune. However, I felt that the thing I liked most about them - their strong, clear vocals - was lacking in this song. Instead, their voices come across as very light and wavering, making Everytime sound watered-down - especially in the chorus, which should really be the strongest section. It's a cute song, but not nearly as solid as their debut.

Heartbeat - 2PM
Korean | Pop/Dance
I know everyone probably already has this song or has at least heard it, but since I'm not a big 2PM fan I thought I'd share one song that I do like from them. What really appealed to me about this song was the staggered feel and how each word or phrase seems to be coming from a different place or level, especially in the chorus. It's got a good beat and I really like the accompaniment - the synths and strings blur together at times, and are distinct at others.

너에게 약속하는 7가지 - Tei & Kan Mi Yeon
Korean | Pop/Ballad
I love Tei, although this song is a bit different - rather than a very classic, dramatic ballad like most of his songs, it's sweet and pop-influenced, opening with bright upbeat piano and synths. While the sugary intro didn't really appeal to me, it quickly tones down to a tolerable level - Tei's rich, powerful voice suits the lighter atmosphere of this song surprisingly well. I've never heard any of Kan Mi Yeon's songs, but her light, clear vocals are a nice contribution, although I would have liked to see more of a connection between the two singers. A warm, lovely midtempo ballad.

時を止めて (Toki wo Tomote) - Tohoshinki
Japanese | Ballad
I love this song. From the a-capella style first lines, I was hooked. It's incredibly heartfelt and genuine. This isn't a very good quality rip, I'll try and post up a better one if I find one, but even from this rip I can tell this is going to be a gorgeous song. It's a midtempo pop ballad with splashes of R&B and a warm, rich atmosphere.

My Style - Mao Denda
Japanese | Pop/R&B
I've uploaded some of her songs in the past, this is her latest single. Mao Denda is really growing on me, her latest singles have all been pretty strong and My Style is no exception. Her strong, smooth voice is the highlight as usual, against a dense instrumentation of synths and occasionally strings, rooted by a rounded bass and light percussion. The melody is fluid and sweet.

하얀겨울 (With 비즈니즈, 애즈원) (Narr. 이준 Of 솔리드) - Alex of Clazziquai Project
Korean | Pop
A light, sweet winter song. At first I had mixed feelings about this song - I found it a little too cute and poppy. But it's definitely grown on me, I really love its warmth. The delicate synths add a bubbly touch to the song, and the overall buoyancy and youthful exuberance make for a great pre-Christmas song.

가슴이 사랑하는 법 - DNT
Korean | Ballad
Most of the songs I've heard from these guys are upbeat and dance-influenced, so this was an interesting change. I found their vocals in the beginning a bit too soft and the accompaniment to be a bit overwhelming, but it backs off after a bit and their voices really shine out - rich, warm, and decadent. Overall this song has a very rounded, polished feel - while still retaining a lot of emotion. Definitely shows their vocal potential, an interesting change of style.

내가 죽어도 - DNT
Korean | Ballad
DNT stays on the ballad route. A very classic Korean ballad that is reminiscent of SG Wannabe. Again, vocally it's quite excellent, a lot more than I expected from them. More dramatic than the previous song - compositionally it's a bit boring, but again, certainly shows their potential. One thing I do really like is their harmonies.

서랍을 비우다 - Vodka Rain
Korean | Soft Rock
I love these guys, and was delighted to see they'd released a new mini-album. 서랍을 비우다 is a calm song with gorgeous instrumentation, filled with isolated strings and warm piano. Laid-back and soothing, but definitely not boring. A perfect song to just relax to after a long day.

甘く果てしなく (Amaku Hateshinaku; Endlessly Sweet) - Tohoshinki
Japanese | Pop
So this isn't as "recent" of a release, but I had it uploaded and thought I'd share. It's an energetic, bubbly song by Tohoshinki, with lots of rich brass and warm harmonies. Like its title suggests, it's sugary sweet - but, a rare occurrence, without being overbearingly so. It's well-balanced and shows their maturity and youthful energy at the same time.

말하고 싶어요 - Rescue Jane
Korean | Rock/Ballad
I don't know anything about this guy, although apparently he's had some success as an underground artist and this song is from his first mainstream release, Opus 1. Either way, I love his warm, husky voice and the rich piano and string base of this song. Although it seems to be a fairly standard ballad, something about how his vocals come through and how powerful and expressive they are just makes this song so exceptionally good. Recommended!

Labels: 2PM, Alex, DNT, Dream Girls, Kan Mi Yeon, Mao Denda, Rescue Jane, Tei, Tohoshinki

Queen of Hip-Pop – Namie Amuro
Japanese| Pop
I feel like the live version does this song more justice than the album ever did – and that’s mainly because the base line is amped up a lot more in this one. Plus, the applause at the beginning really helps set the tone for the song. Although, aside from those two things, it isn’t really that different from the original.

Love in the Ice (Korean Version) – DBSK / TVXQ
Korean | Ballad
Jaejoong is a little quiet at the onset, but the vocals quickly pick up after that. This is probably my favorite ballad right now and it was actually the live version that made me take a second listen to this song (totally skipped it when I first heard the album version). At times I think the background kind of overpowers them but their vocals later on make up for it.

Mirotic (Japanese Version) – DBSK / TVXQ
Japanese | Pop
This is a much more orchestral version and it has a long-ish interlude in the middle where normally the rap picks up right after the second chorus (done as a dance interlude if you watch the concert). Still a fun version to listen to. By the way, this isn’t the “under my sky” version.

Nan - Rain
Korean | Pop
I was going for a slower song but I’m partial to Rain so I picked this instead. The accompaniment and backup singers support him so well. I really liked the base in this one.

Do What You Gotta Do – Zeebra feat. Mummy D, AI & Namie Amuro
Japanese | Hip Hop
A fun and energetic song to end this rotation. I think it’s my favorite Suite Chic / Zeebra song (I actually like this version better than the album version). The audience gets really amped up at the end – but watch out for the high-pitched mic squeal at the end.

Labels: Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Rain, Tohoshinki, Zeebra

You may have noticed we have a new contributer, Lena! =) I am hoping to have the rest of the number lottery up this weekend, I'm working on uploading right now. In the meantime, I have the solo single of Battle's lead singerJin Tae Hwa/Zin Tae Hwa, as well as DBSK duo JaeJoong & Yoochun's Shelter and popular YouTube artist Gabe Bondoc's Gentlemen Don't.



Jin Tae Hwa (진태화) - Fallen Angel (디지털싱)

Release Date: Oct. 6, 2009
Language: Korean
Genre: Pop
Bitrate: 320kbps

01. With U...
02. 타락천사 (feat. Jed)

I love Battle, and TaeHwa has always been my favourite member, so I was thrilled to hear that he was releasing a solo single (but just to clarify, he is not leaving the group). With U... is a smooth, warm R&B-influenced song. TaeHwa's creamy voice sounds fantastic against the soft piano-sprinkled backdrop. I love the delicate harmonies (especially from 2:03 - 2:06). Recommended! 타락천사 is slightly faster paced, with synths & dance influences. Although I'm quite sick of the whole electronica trend - and 타락천사 embodies it quite closely - it's a well-executed song, catchy and danceable.



02. Shelter - JaeJoong & YooChun (from 東方神起)
Japanese | Pop

The b-side to COLORS ～Melody and Harmony～, Shelter begins with an isolated piano, leading into a midtempo R&B ballad. It's warm and light, and I love YooChun's slightly deeper voice in combination with JaeJoong's sweeter, lighter tone. The chorus is backed by light synths and harmonies, which create an airy but rich atmosphere. A mature, carefully presented song.



Gentlemen Don't - Gabe Bondoc
English | Acoustic

I've heard lots of good things about Gabe Bondoc, who is based in California although he is of Filipino descent. This was the first song I heard from him, and I was simply blown away. It's one of his original songs, not a cover, and it's incredibly genuine and heartfelt. Gabe Bondoc's full-bodied voice is paired with a soft acoustic guitar, and the whole song has a very delicate, raw feel. I love the chorus and the lyrics throughout the song.

Labels: Battle, gabe bondoc, jin tae hwa, Tohoshinki

This week’s rotation has no real theme, it’s just random songs that came up when I put my iTunes on shuffle. Sorry, I promise the next rotation will be better - I’m thinking of either an artist feature, since I haven’t done one in a while, or a summer theme. Please remember to comment or leave a rating. =)

1. Monochrome - kannivalism
Japanese | Rock
I love this band, and I’m really sad that they seem to have disbanded. Monochrome is a mid-tempo track with clear, refreshing vocals and a great guitar accompaniment. I wouldn’t say it’s one of my favourites by them, but a pleasing listen none-the-less.

2. Free Music - PDIS ft. Brown Eyed Girls
Korean | Hip-Pop
PDIS is a collaboration between Cho PD and Yoon Il Sang. They released a album a while back that I just recently discovered on my computer. Most of the songs are energetic and upbeat, so it’s perfect for the summer. I hesitate to call them pure hip-hop since most of their songs have at least one other genre incorporated. Free Music, for example, alternates between hopeful, gospel-style verses with rich harmonies and poppy rap verses sprinkled with melodic lines from the Brown Eyed Girls. Personally, I think the hook (“It’s free, free music”) could have been incorporated more - there’s a rather long portion where it’s just rapping that gets quite tedious, especially with the repetitive backdrop.

3. Pride - PDIS ft. Tiger JK and May Doni
Korean | Hip-Pop
Pride is a rock-influenced number, aggressive and gritty. It definitely fits its title. May Doni’s powerful, slightly rough voice suits the song perfectly.

4. Hanttae (Acoustic version) - Ye In ft. Noblesse
Korean | Acoustic Pop
A lovely acoustic guitar song, laid-back and breezy. It’s a relaxing but heartfelt track. Ye In’s airy, feminine voice compliments Noblesse’s rapping well.

5. Flea - Clazziquai Project
Korean/English | Electronica
I love this song. It’s a bit strange, what with all the synths and soft, minimal vocals, but overall it’s an extremely atmospheric and unique song. I love the bass and rhythm. I love the hook - “This flea is you and I, it’s a bad thing, but a little thing, but a little thing. A parasite that coexist, it’s a bad thing, but a little thing, but a little thing.” It’s extremely catchy.

6. 내 여자친구에게 (To my Girlfriend) - I the Tri top’s
Korean | Pop Ballad
This song samples Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”, which is a gorgeous song but so overplayed and overused, especially in K-pop. This sampling turned me off at first, but then I realized it’s only used sparsely - in the intro, in a short instrumental bridge, and in the background of just one of other verses near the end of the song leading into the outro. “To my Girlfriend” is a poppy, mid-tempo ballad with warm, sweet vocals and a general feel-good atmosphere. It’s not particularly unique, but it’s worth a listen.

7. Good Times - Crystal Kay
Japanese | Pop
I quite like Crystal Kay, especially her upbeat songs. An energetic track with a great beat that Crystal Kay’s pure, strong voice playfully leads. It’s a fun, poppy, light-hearted, summery song.

8. Rain Song - Furukawa Miki
Japanese | Ballad
I’m always for supporting indie artists, but I have to say I’m not a huge fan of Furukawa Miki. Rain Song is a slightly strange guitar and string-based ballad that definitely has a unique flavour. Miki’s voice sounds slightly muffled and at times faraway. But a lot of people really like her, so I guess it’s a personal opinion.

9. Marry Me Today - Jolin Tsai & David Tao
Mandarin | Pop
This song is hugely popular, but I’ve never liked it. The intro sounds outdated and the strings a little too screechy. The opening verses are all right- sweet and poppy, although I don’t really feel any connection between the two singers. The “rap” verse is also kind of ridiculous. They just go back and forth saying “D.T. in the house/Jo-lin in the house”, finishing with “Our love in the house”. It’s also quite repetitive.

10.말을 못하죠 - Rick
Korean | R&B
A smooth, poppy R&B track. It’s relaxing, down tempo and fairly generic - a pleasant listen, but nothing special.

11. Brokenhearted -Yi
Mandarin | Electronica/Pop
A synthy dark pop song. I absolutely love the bass, and the soft, delicate vocals suit the atmosphere of the song perfectly.

12. Insomnia - Wheesung
Korean | R&B
This is a cover of a Craig David song by the same name. I love it - slick, addictive melodies, meltingly smooth vocals. It stays quite close to the original, so I can’t decide which version I like more.

13. Shine - TVXQ
Japanese | Pop
I’m pretty sure everyone already has it (and the quality isn’t too great either, I think this was a rip from when the single just came out), but anyways - a cute, poppy song from Tohoshinki. It’s just pure, sugary boyband pop, but of course, extremely well-executed, with lovely harmonies and a great accompaniment that’s consistent without being repetitive.

14. Hot Ddeu Guh - 1TYM
Korean | Hip Hop
An aggressive, American-influenced song from 1TYM. I’m not much for the rapped verses, but the hook is addictive. Its repetitiveness is really what works for it.

Labels: 1TYM, Clazziquai, Crystal Kay, David Tao, Furukawa Miki, I the Tri top's, Jolin Tsai, kannivalism, Noblesse, PDIS, Rick, Tohoshinki, Wheesung, Ye In, Yi

The Secret Code is Tohoshinki’s newest Japanese album. Although I still think they’re kind of overrated, I have to agree that they are very respectable musicians and they’ve come a long way. As usual, I have uploaded a few samples tracks, but not the whole album.



Tohoshinki - The Secret Code

Tracklist:

Disc 1:
01. Secret Game
02. FORCE
03. どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？ (Doushite.../Why have I fall in love with you?)
04. Nobody Knows [download]
05. Beautiful you
06. 忘れないで (Wasurenaide/Don't Forget)
07. 9095
08. 呪文 －MIROTIC－ (Jumon -MIROTIC-/Magic Spell -MIROTIC-)
09. TAXI
10. Stand Up! [download]
11. Survivor
12. Kiss The Baby Sky
13. Bolero
14. 9096 (Hidden Track) [download]

Disc 2:
01. ウィーアー！ (We are!)
02. Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-
03. Box in the ship
04. 千年恋歌 (Sennen Koi Uta/1000 Year Love Song)
05. Purple Line

Review:

“Secret Game” kicks off the album. High-energy, fast-paced - unfortunately, I found it a bit overwhelming and messy. The piano, synthy brass, vocals, bass, and drums are all fighting for attention, coming together in a jarring array of sound. A jazzy opener that, unfortunately, was not very cleanly executed. It’s starting to grow on me a little, but I have to say it’s still not one of my favourites.

“FORCE” is aggressive. Pushy synths, lots of bass and lower-range sound, coupled with Tohoshinki’s smooth, fluid vocals. Personally, I found the song a bit repetitive, especially the percussion/strings. It sounds quite American, and just isn’t that catchy or memorable.

“Doushite ...”, in stark contrast, is an absolutely gorgeous mid-tempo ballad. I’m sure you’re all familiar with it by now - it is probably one of my favourite songs by them. Their warm, expressive voices really shine against the electronic harp countermelody and R&B-infused beat.

“Nobody Knows” also has traces of jazz in it, especially evident in the swung rhythm and opening. The beat itself has more of an R&B influence. It seems quite different from anything they’ve attempted before. More sophisticated, a little darker - actually, I’m noticing this in all their new songs on this album so far. I love the arrangement and theme.

“Beautiful you” was previously released as a single. A mid-tempo track driven by guitars, I really like the chorus, but found the rest of the song average.

“Wasurenaide” was a b-side to the “Bolero” single, a heartfelt ballad. Soft but filled with emotion, the amount of expression they put into this song as well as their always-lovely layered harmonies really brought this otherwise fairly standard ballad to another level. Unfortunately, the song sounded a little too processed and polished. Personally I really love the raw feel of their a capellas, and would love to see them encorporate that into the regular versions of their songs.

“9095” has a lounge-y, ambient feel to it. It’s a new sound - again, more mature. Personally, I felt that their vocals were not adapted well enough to the style. It’s an interesting venture, and I quite like the chorus, but overall the song is an odd cross between minimalistic lounge and R&B/poppy drums and vocals. It lacks direction and never really goes anywhere, which is a shame.

The next track is the Japanese version of “Mirotic”. I only listened to the Korean version of this, so this was slightly new to me. It sounds a little awkward. Where the Korean version made slight choppiness and swung rhythms sound fresh and daring, whereas it translates as jerky and slightly out of time. Yunho and Micky’s rap thing halfway through is just ... weird. Especially Yunho’s part. Of course, it’s to be expected that the original would be better. Overall, a good effort. The general theme of the song is not lost, although much of the detailing is.

I was expecting an upbeat track looking at “TAXI”, but instead was faced with a ballad. Tohoshinki’s ballads, IMO, have improved the most. “TAXI” is not their best - it cannot match up to the likes of “Forever Love”, “Love in the ice”, “Doushite ...”, etc. but it is good. Despite all the experimentation in their other songs on this album, TAXI is surprisingly generic. Vocals are fairly good, but not exceptional. Having seen just what they’re capable of in ballads, “TAXI” was a bit of a disappointment.

“Stand Up!” is the first new song on this album that I really liked, other than maybe “Nobody Knows”. A mid-tempo rock-influenced track with a bit of a dark twist. Rumbly, thick bass coupled with smooth, smug guitars. Their vocals are smooth and have a certain laid-back confidence.

“Survivor” was their last single before the release of this album. While it’s not my favourite single, it was solid and consistent with their other material. While it lacks the immediate impact of “Doushite ...” and some of their other songs, it’s catchy, poppy, and fun - something that cannot be said for very many of the other songs of this album, which seemed to have matured a little.

Now, I really love “Kiss the Baby Sky”. I’ve heard some negative opinions of this track, especially the fairly high range that it’s sung in, but I think Tohoshinki pulls it off well. Very few of the high notes sound forced or strained at all, maybe just one or two. Familiar beat, smooth, warm melodies, a wonderfully detailed arrangement. Although I wouldn’t call this a favourite song overall, I really enjoyed it.

“Bolero” is a dramatic ballad, at times uplifting and at others bittersweet. The prominent use of strings and overall theme give it a bit of a classical feel, yet certain elements (eg. drums) are still very modern. A unique and well-executed track.

“9096”, a hidden track is mysterious and minimalistic. It’s a reworked version of 9095, but I actually liked this version better. At first there are very few sung parts, just a couple quiet lines here and there. I have to say the beat that shows up about halfway through the song is really good. It then leads into a couple of sung verses that are well worth the wait. Overall, I really liked the feel of the track. It’s fairly short, but quite interesting.

Moving to the shorter second disc, “We are!” is the remake of the opening theme for the anime “ONE PIECE”, I believe. It’s a fairly standard anime opening with a THSK twist - upbeat, hopeful, rock-influenced, and overall a decent song that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-” wasn’t really a track I was particularly looking forward to listening to, generally not being a big fan of remixes - especially electronica remixes. Surprisingly, I thought this remix was pretty good. It keeps enough of the original elements of the song, thankfully not distorting the vocals much or anything like that - most of the changes have been limited to the accompaniment, namely the addition of synths and a few kicks to the beat.

“Box in the ship” should be familiar - a light-hearted song reminiscent of a vacation on a hot, sunny beach somewhere. It’s cute and fairly unique track that made a wonderful b-side to the more serious “Doushite...”.

“Sennen Koi Uta” is a lovely ballad vocal-wise - the harmonies are stunning, their voices complimenting each other perfectly. Other than that, I found it to be fairly bland composition-wise.

“Purple Line” is another familiar track. Energetic, confident, and strong. I dislike how nasal ChangMin’s voice sounds (at least, I think it’s him), but other than that it’s an infectious, addictive song with a great beat.

There is a good deal experimentation with style, as evident with virtually all of the new songs other than TAXI. They have definitely matured into a more sophisticated sound, but still have work to do in order to really pull off that feel. There was no real transition between their fairly consistent singles and previous releases and the new, more experimental tracks on this album, which, I think, is why it has garnered some negative reviews. I’m glad to see them taking a few risks, and I think with some more polishing they can really dispel their boyband image for something a little more sophisticated, but I’m still not completely convinced.

Recommended tracks: Nobody Knows, Stand Up!, Doushite ..., Wasurenaide

Labels: album review, Tohoshinki

Okay so the order for this rotation changed soooo much. I’m mostly satisfied with the final product. Tanaka Roma’s “Namida” originally ranked at #8, but then I was listening to it and was thinking, “Why the heck is this so far down?” And bumped it up to #5, which in turn moved Tohoshinki down to #6. Evan’s song originally ranked at #6, was bumped to #7 after moving “Namida”, then bumped down another spot to make room for JJ Lin. Point being: there’s just too many good ballads - don’t judge too much on the numbered spots, like I said they moved around a lot. Also, this is only based on my personal opinion, not statistics or anything. =)

Top Ten Ballads:

#10. 클래식 (Classic) - KCM
What a beautiful voice - high, clear, crisp, rich yet pure at the same time. The predictable string & piano arrangement doesn’t really do anything for me, I’d probably forget the melody if it wasn’t KCM singing it, but just listen to that voice.

#9. 슬픈 인연 (Sad Fate) - Monday Kiz
Monday Kiz had to be on this list somewhere. I have also uploaded this song before (and no I am not trying to be lazy by reusing old songs, haha). Kim Min Soo’s death really just shocked me. I loved this duo’s music already, but his death really drew me into their songs even more. This was their last release - it actually came out a couple months after Min Soo’s death. Their voices are ... just amazing. They compliment each other perfectly. The harmonizing is beautiful. Both singers are at the top of their form. The song sounds a bit unpolished, but this only adds to its raw, intimate emotion. I don’t listen to this song as often & it released fairly recently compared to the other songs, which is why it didn’t rank as high, but every time I listen to it I’m just completely taken away.

#8. 남자도… 어쩔 수 없다 (Namjado... Eojjeol Su Eopda/Men ... are unavoidable) - Evan
This is a song that I first listened to when it released, around 2007, IIRC. It really just doesn’t get old, no matter how many times I revisit it. Evan’s voice, although not the most powerful, is a pleasure to listen to. The melody will linger in your head.

#7. 大男人 小女孩 - JJ Lin
It’s always the first line of the song that gets me. JJ Lin’s voice rises over the accompaniment, filled with emotion. It is really the little nuances in his voice that make this song so perfect, the way he seems to be almost struggling with himself sometimes to express a phrase and finish the verse. His voice evens out more and more towards the end of the song, gaining confidence and power.

#6. Love in the Ice - Tohoshinki
It was a close call between Love in the Ice and Forever Love as to which song would make the list, but in the end, Love in the Ice won. A chillingly emotional song that starts out softly and just keeps building, getting stronger and stronger. Each member’s vocals are spot-on, the verses seamlessly joined and the harmonizing perfect.

#5. Namida (Sleepless Night MANABOON MIX) - Tanaka Roma
I’ve also shared this song before, I’m not sure if you would even call it a ballad, which is why it didn’t rank as high as it might have. Tanaka’s genuine, pure voice simply soars. It is a “remix”, but the original simply cannot match up to this. The piano that forms the base of the accompaniment is beautiful, supporting without overpowering. Such raw emotion in a song is so rare. Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m wondering why I didn’t rank this higher.

#4. 童話 (Tong Hua/Fairytale) - 光良 (Guang Liang/Michael Wong)
Another song I've previously uploaded - one of my favourite Chinese songs. Guang Liang’s voice is smooth and precise, but heartfelt. The chorus is where the song really soars. Maybe it’s partially the lyrics of this song that I like, but nonetheless a wonderful ballad. To be honest, I was debating whether this song should be so highly ranked. Much of the reason I’m attached to it is personal value, as it’s a song my family often listens to and that my friends and I used to sing all the time at karaoke. Either way, it’s a great song that was very popular in Taiwan when it released, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. =)

#3. Only Human - K
The a cappella opening of this song is just amazing. K’s voice is a flawless blend of strength and a soft, melodic vulernability. The accompaniment is sparse, putting the focus just where it should be: K’s amazing vocal performance. I don’t know what else to say about this song, just listen to it.

#2. 같은 베개 (Same Pillow) - Tei
This is one of the most highly played songs in my iTunes. Although it’s more of an old favourite that I often return to than a song on constant repeat, it’s a great song. Tei’s deep, full voice is perfect for ballads. Certain notes have an almost rough edge, others polished smooth. The melody and arrangement is memorable, hopeful but with a hint of sadness.

#1. 한 남자 (Han Nam Ja/One Man) - Kim Jong Kook
And that brings us to my favourite ballad ever, Han Nam Ja. I uploaded this song a long time ago, waaay back in my fourth rotation. I usually get bored of songs, especially pop songs/ballads, but I’ve listened to this song countless times, and I just never tire of it. I honestly don’t know why - it’s just a classic ballad with light percussion, typical string & piano accompaniment. But Kim Jong Kook’s high, clear voice is absolutely full of emotion, bringing this song to a whole other level: tender, vulnerable, yearning, and, overall, stunning. The lyrics fit the song perfectly. You can read the translated lyrics here (scroll down, it's the last song on the page).

Runners-up:

Forever Love - Tohoshinki
Forever Love (a capella version) - Tohoshinki
Uploaded this song before way back in my 5th rotation, which was when Tohoshinki's "T" album released. I really love the a cappella version of this song too. More hopeful than "Love in the Ice", which found its way onto the countdown. Whereas Love in the Ice had more intensity, Forever Love is almost comforting, with a warmer, richer tone. Vocally, I think this is really one of Tohoshinki's best songs.

그립고... 그리운 (Yearning ... Yearn) - Park Hyo Shin
I would’ve thought Park Hyo Shin would make the list, but although he has a lot of great ballads, there isn’t really one in particular that really stands out to me. But if there was, Yearning ... Yearn would probably be it. Park Hyo Shin’s voice balances strength and vulernability, at times full and rich and others lightly soaring through the melodies. A very sad and emotional track.

Even Though My Heart Breaks - Fly to the Sky
I’m hesitant to say FTTS is at their best here, but they’re definitely close. Hwanhee’s voice is rich and deep, Brian’s lighter and cleaner but still as emotional. As much as I love their solo songs, these guys still sound way better together. Hwanhee’s voice can be almost a little too overpowering in solo works; Brian’s too plain - together, they just balance each other out. Anyways, Brian’s voice sounded oddly close to Hwanhee’s in certain verses - deeper in range, with that husky note to it. They still sound great, but the contrast wasn’t as clear. The arrangement is also quite plain.

환상 (Illusion) - Fly to the Sky
I was surprised to find that FTTS did not mark its spot on the list. They originally held a spot, but as I found more and more songs that I wanted to include, they kept getting moved down until they were completely off the list. Illusion is more of a slow-tempo pop/R&B song than a real ballad.

Only Wind, Only Wind - SG Wannabe & Kim Jong Kook
This song was definitely a contender. I mean, come on, just look at the artists. Kim Jong Kook’s soaring, clean voice creates a well-cut contrast with SG Wannabe’s deeper, huskier vocalists - but they come together perfectly. Style-wise, it leans towards SG Wannabe, but both artists are definitely giving their best.

Love? - Evan Yo
I don’t know anything about this singer. Love? starts out soft and accompanied only by a piano. Evan Yo’s lyrical voice brings the simple, unadorned melodies to their fullest. Then, all of a sudden, the song bursts into a full-fledged rock verse. The transitions between the two moods, repeated throughout the song, are well-executed. I’m not sure if it would even really be considered a ballad, but a good song nonetheless.

Labels: Evan, Evan Yo, Fly to the Sky, Guang Liang, JJ Lin, K, KCM, Kim Jong Kook, Monday Kiz, Park Hyo Shin, SG Wannabe, Tanaka Roma, Tei, Tohoshinki

Rotation 15 is jazz & electronica themed & features 17 songs. Sorry, no cover images this time ... I couldn't find the majority of them anyways. By the way, the number of comments is starting to go down again. Please remember to comment or updates will decrease. I'm tired of spending time uploading for people who can't take the time to comment. Again, thanks to those who have commented.

PART ONE * ELECTRONICA
Tenjou wo Kakeru Mono Tachi
Love Planet Five
Japanese
Great song, though a bit long at six and a half minutes. The mixing is extremely well done, especially in the first minute. Catchy beats & synths. Recommended.


희망이라는 이름의 별
House Rulez & Rabbit Punch
Korean
Opens up with some bright piano chords that lend a nice dimension throughout the whole song. I thought it was pretty good.


스웨터 (Sweet)
Humming Urban Stereo ft. Taru
Korean
Humming Urban Stereo is great. Sweet offers an uplifting if slightly repetitive bass beat and fast-paced melodies.


Love Me
capsule
Japanese
Typical capsule. For the most part without vocals, only a few spoken verses. Not one of my favourites, it's pretty repetitive.


Twenties=Love
Hourmelts
Korean
Starts out with a wonderful piano introduction that blends perfectly with the bass line. Features impressive changes in tempo and very smooth transitions, as well as interesting if somewhat strange vocal work.


Bittersweet Heart
Apls
Korean
Although it opens up with a rap verse, don't be fooled. It gradually leads into an upbeat, bright song that offers a sweet contrast between female and male vocalists as well as the occasional rap verse. While Apls is a dance/electronica group, this song isn't too overfilled with synths.


PART 2 * JAZZ

stem
Shiina Ringo
Japanese
Very theatrical, with a bit of a waltz feel to it. Fairly slow tempo. Vocals get a bit annoying, though.


STORM
SOIL&"PIMP" SESSIONS
Japanese
Upbeat jazz at its best. One of my favourite jazz groups, this band can definitely compete with its American counterparts. Energetic trumpet solos and a beautiful rhythm section defined by smashing cymbals, fast-paced blues-scale bass lines, and a prominent piano accompaniment. Might be a bit too busy for some people, but I liked it.


Mocha
Casker
Korean
From the Coffee Prince soundtrack, a low-key bossa nova track on the laid-back end of jazz.


Ticket to London
Loptomist
Korean
Okay so this song's actually by a hip-hop artist, but it's a very nice instrumental mix that mixes heavy beats with fleeting melodies. I would say it's jazz-influenced, so I chose to include it in this rotation.


Kiss
Elevenses
Korean
Laid-back jazz with soothing female vocals and a nice guitar solo about halfway through.


맑은 날 버스를 타고
Elevenses
Korean
Another Elevenses song, again on the laid-back side though slightly more upbeat than Kiss.


因為你愛我 (Because You Love Me)
Joanna Wang
Mandarin
I uploaded the English disc of Joanna Wang's album, this is one of the Mandarin songs. When I went to Taiwan this song & the Chinese version of Lost in Paradise were playing everywhere. It's one of her slower songs. While it doesn't really seem like a typical jazz track, the chorus shows jazz influences and she is a jazz vocalist, although this particular song is more of a ballad. There's also a nice trumpet solo and a trumpet accompaniment is prominent through the rest of the song after it.


PART 3 * MY PICKS

Box in the ship [preview]
Tohoshinki
Japanese
Pop
Upbeat and with a tropical feel, a 2:30 low-quality preview of the b-side to "Why Have I Fallen In Love With You".


Loveholic
Loveholic
Korean
Soft Rock
Not their best, but it's worth a listen.


Paradise
The Melody
Korean
Soft Rock
Very mellow & relaxing.


Explore "M"
Lee Min Woo
Korean
Hip-Pop
I love the beats in this song. Typical of Min Woo's solo work which leans more towards hip-hop without really being too heavy.

Labels: Apls, capsule, Casker, Elevenses, Hourmelts, House Rulez, Humming Urban Stereo, Joanna Wang, Lee Min Woo, Loptomist, Love Planet Five, Loveholic, Rabbit Punch, Shiina Ringo, SOIL+"PIMP" SESSIONS, Tohoshinki

I honestly never thought I’d ever do a rotation like this, but some of these were pretty decent so I thought I’d share them with you.

I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Yuna Ito
English | Pop
If you’re looking for or used to the original Aerosmith version, well…I don’t know how to put this other than this is more of a pop / orchestral version. The guitar edge in the original is…well, gone. The overall sound of the song is more sweet, something I’d picture being included as part of an RPG’s soundtrack (think Final Fantasy). It’s an interesting twist on the original though.

This Love – G-Dragon (Big Bang)
Korean | Pop
I didn’t even know that G-Dragon even did a remake/cover of this song. And…I really like this version much better than the Maroon 5 version. It’s catchier and it definitely plays up to G-Dragon’s strengths. The only thing I don’t like about this song is that I wish they had turned up the base a bit more. Other than that, a solid remake.

In the Still of the Night – DBSK/TVXQ
English | A cappella
One of their best and later (before they “disbanded”) a cappella songs. It’s short and sweet but definitely shows off their singing abilities.

Because of You – 2pm
English| R&B
A cover of Ne-Yo’s song and I believe this was around the time when 2pm had just debuted so their singing isn’t as good as it is now. I wish they had harmonized more and had changed the song up a bit just so it wasn’t a straight cover but it’s alright the way it is.

New York State of Mind – Ken Hirai
English | Jazz
The song’s got a really simple accompaniment (I believe it’s just the piano) but it really lets Ken’s voice shine through. It’s a nice, slow song that almost gives the song a nostalgic and kind of sad feeling. It’s something that I’d picture a sad, struggling artist singing in one of those bars/lounges you see in the movies.

On a side note, any particular songs or themes you'd like me to do for my next rotation? I was kind of thinking of doing a non-stop mix (which may take me longer to put together) but I wanted to get your opinion prior to going ahead with that. Thoughts?

Labels: 2PM, Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Ken Hirai, Tohoshinki, Yuna Ito

Again, my apologies on being MIA! As an aside, if you have any requests, please either leave a comment or email me at carhithiel@gmail.com


Maybe in Love – Super Junior (Kyuhyun, Yesung & Ryeowook) feat. Park Sae Byul
Korean | Pop
I absolutely love this remake. Their melodies are great and the girl’s voice is nice and sweet. It’s a nice song with the instruments really complimenting the vocals.

We Belong Together – Big Bang feat. Park Bom
Korean | Pop
I always kind of liked this song but kind of also ignored it (don’t know why). I do like the energy they project in the song and the remix overall. The techno beats really do give the song extra punch but do emphasize the parts that they didn’t really sing/rap. Still a fun song though.

Abracadabra (Live Fractal Remix) – Brown Eyed Girls
Korean | Pop
It’s a really good remix…but I do wish their vocals were more complete and consistent. I think the remix is comparable to the original and catchy in its own way. I do like the way that they had decided to remix the song – still keeping it upbeat and not overplaying the techno aspect.

Universe – BoA feat. Verbal & Crystal Kay
Japanese| Pop
Normally I’m a fan of all three (although BoA less than the other two) so I was expecting more from this collaboration. Their vocals are okay and the balance with the background is okay but I was kind of hoping they would mix more of the crowd’s interactions in. As an aside, if you don’t want to hear their talking, just stop the song after the 4:20 mark.

Purple Line – DBSK
Japanese | Pop
I like the rock kind of feel it has with the guitars playing riffs all throughout the song. The deeper and louder drums also add to that kind of feel. I also like the break/interlude in the middle of the song (better if you watch the concert vid though). Overall, a nice song from the boys.

Labels: Big Bang, BoA, Brown Eyed Girls, Contributor; Carmi, Crystal Kay, m-flo, Super Junior, Tohoshinki

Change My World (Steven Chen Drum Cover) – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
Oddly enough, I didn’t even know this song existed (okay, I ignored it when it first came out for some strange reason) until I heard this drum cover and I was doing “research” for this post. Steven’s rendition is quite close to the original but I do like the extra punch he gives to the song.

Balloons (Live Percussion Version) – Tohoshinki
Korean| Pop/Rock
This is actually the only version of this song that I listen to: it’s mellow and I really like the “lack” of instruments (focuses mostly on percussion and keys). It reminds me of kids selling lemonade during summer and wandering around a fair or a park on a nice afternoon.

Go! Go! Maniac (Drum Cover) – K-On! (Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Yoko, Sato Satomi, Kotobuki Minako, Taketatsu Ayana)
Japanese | Pop
Oddly enough, I only started listening to this song after I saw a Japanese girl (she was only 13) doing a drum cover. From that point, I got hooked. Normally I’m not into the super high-pitched singers but I paid more attention to the drums than anything else.

One Day (Drum Cover) – Miliyah Kato feat. M-Flo
Japanese | Pop
I kind of wish the drums were recorded with better quality (probably because he used electronic drums rather than actual ones) but still a good song to listen to. The cover really incorporates well with the original song.

Run Devil Run (Moonie Drum Cover) – SNSD
Korean | Pop
Oddly enough, I kind of wish the kick drum was a little more prominent in this version. Otherwise, it’s still a good cover of the original. It almost makes me want to listen more to the original (never really got back into listening to SNSD after Genie).

Funny Bonus: Sexy Back – Leeteuk and Eunhyuk
English-ish | Pop
Warning: this isn’t the best quality. Okay. This just makes me laugh every time I hear it – and it isn’t because they don’t really speak English. It’s because they can’t remember the words. Haha. Just a quick little bonus for everyone that needs a laugh (the video’s funnier because you can actually see Leeteuk start to laugh).

Labels: Contributor; Carmi, K-On, Kato Miliyah, m-flo, Monkey Majik, So Nyeo Shi Dae, Super Junior, Tohoshinki

Sorry for being MIA in the last while. I had to study for finals and that took up a lot of my time. Like my last post, the theme of this post is as though I were in charge of the score for an anime focusing on a magic journey (think older-audience Card Captor Sakura).

Magic – Secret (시크릿)
Korean| Pop
This was actually the song that inspired me to have this theme. Yes, I realize that they’re talking about music but it’s the idea behind music that’s important. It’s catchy but not overly memorable.

Genie (Tell Me Your Wish – Robotaki Mashup) – SNSD
Korean | Pop
I apparently have a thing for remixes/mash ups. It’s one of the more upbeat (can it actually get more upbeat?) versions of the song that ties in more of a techno feel. It almost makes you think of a crazy bunch of SNSD robots…maybe…probably not. Still a good song.

Journey – Satomi
Japanese | Pop
I was actually surprised by her vocals as I hadn’t listened to any of her music previously. It’s surprisingly deep if you compare it to the typical, run-of-the-mill Japanese and Korean singers. I like the jazzy guitar (may be slap base though) that kind of reminds me of a Japanese pop version of George Benson. Nice mellow song.

Break Out – Tohoshinki
Japanese | Pop
And here’s my obligatory DBSK entry. The journey part seems to go along and the whole idea of keeping going even if things get in your way seems appropriate for a rotation about a magical journey. This isn’t one of my favorite songs by them (Doushite and Mirotic take top spots) though (sad considering this is one of the last releases they’ve had).

Super Girl – Super Junior
Korean | Pop
It’s weird…I’ve been on a Super Junior kick lately and this song is no exception. It’s catchy (although not as catchy as “Sorry Sorry”) and I do like the kind of techno feel of the song. I opted to share this version rather than the Chinese one because I liked the flow and the words better. I thought I’d end the rotation with it only because it’s talking about a “Super Girl”.

Labels: Contributor; Carmi, Satomi, Secret, So Nyeo Shi Dae, Super Junior, Tohoshinki

Again, just a reminder, if you have a song you’d like to request, please leave a comment. Alternatively, you can send me an email at carhithiel@gmail.com.

Stand By U – Tohoshinki
Japanese| Ballad-ish
I think the first couple of lines in the first verse (something along the lines of the scenery changing) definitely sets the mood for the rest of the song. It’s a great, sad song, the kind you’d listen to when you’re stuck inside and feeling nostalgic about past loves. It’s not slow enough to be a true ballad in my mind which doesn’t make it as sappy as something you’d listen to while drowning yourself in a tub of chocolate ice cream.

Aoi Kofuko – Noboku
Japanese | Pop
This doesn’t really make me think so much of the rain as it does of what happens after the rain’s done and you’re left with the clouds, the smell of rain, and everything looks grey. Just when the song picks up, it makes me think of what it looks like when the clouds break and the sun starts to come out. Overall, it’s not that memorable; nothing stands out that much, but it’s still a decent song.

Don't Wanna Try (Live Piano Version) – Tae Yang
English | Ballad
It was actually this version of the song that got me to find out about the original version by Frankie J. Tae Yang’s version is heartfelt, sad, and his voice suits the song so well. There’s something about the piano that makes me think of sad things and I can picture him singing this by a window as it’s raining outside (minus the cheering in the background).

Endless Love – Shinhwa
Korean | Pop
This song makes me think more of what a thunder storm would be like, if it were made by a Korean band. It’s edgy and the lyrics, if I remember the translation correctly, are pretty raw and well, kind of almost obsessively vengeful. It’s angry, angsty, and powerful.

Stay – Chris Cayzer
English | Pop
This is a remake of an old Lisa Loeb song that was released as part of his first album a few years ago in the Philippines. He’s kind of re-surfacing now, especially since he’s released his second album. It’s a nice, acoustic version and I love his voice. The song slows down for the verses but picks up every once in a while at key points. It makes me think of what happens in one of those movies where the couple breaks up and right at the end the person shows up at the door, soaking wet from the rain (apparently I’m very much into the visuals right now).

Labels: Chris Cayzer, Contributor; Carmi, Noboku, Shinhwa, Tae Yang, Tohoshinki

Doushite (Royal Mirrorball Remix) – Tohoshinki
Japanese| Pop
My favorite techno remix thus far, although the change from a heartfelt slow song to a techno-pop sound kills any emotions you might feel from listening to the original. The song is so upbeat and perky that if you don’t know the meaning behind the words, you’d just think it was a nice, cheery song. Still my favorite remix though.

Wild and Violet Sauce vs. Apologize – Namie Amuro & One Republic / Timbaland
Japanese | Pop
This is an interesting twist to the usual remixes out there – meaning the penchant is to speed songs up rather than slow them down – so this is a nice change of pace. It isn’t one of the best mash ups out there as sometimes the overlaying of both of Namie’s songs can sound a bit off but otherwise pretty decent.

Deal With Juliette – SHINee vs. Corbin Bleu
Korean/English | Pop
Technically this is a mash up instead of a true remix but I still like it. I didn’t really listen to the full SHINee version but the mash up is seamless. The beat stays in tact and it’s a good a pop song overall.

Around the World (DJ Mitsu Mix) – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
This remix has more of a jazz/house-ish sound to it. More of the emphasis is on the synths, base and drums than the original, that and this one is the full-out English one rather than the Japanese/English version. A decent mix but nothing overly special.

Hikari (PlanitB Remix) – Hikaru Utada
Japanese | Pop
I thought I’d end of this mix with more of a techno-ish sound. I actually like this version better than the slower, original one. The drums and faster tempo seem to give the song more life.

Labels: Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Monkey Majik, Shinee, Tohoshinki, Utada Hikaru

Finally, a full rotation! =) I was planning on doing a different theme but decided to save it for later, so these are just some recent releases that I wanted to share.

Everytime (ft Baby G) - Dream Girls
Korean | Pop
After being quite impressed by their song Hey, Mr., I was looking forward to hearing this song. I'm still undecided about it. It's a simple, sweet pop tune. However, I felt that the thing I liked most about them - their strong, clear vocals - was lacking in this song. Instead, their voices come across as very light and wavering, making Everytime sound watered-down - especially in the chorus, which should really be the strongest section. It's a cute song, but not nearly as solid as their debut.

Heartbeat - 2PM
Korean | Pop/Dance
I know everyone probably already has this song or has at least heard it, but since I'm not a big 2PM fan I thought I'd share one song that I do like from them. What really appealed to me about this song was the staggered feel and how each word or phrase seems to be coming from a different place or level, especially in the chorus. It's got a good beat and I really like the accompaniment - the synths and strings blur together at times, and are distinct at others.

너에게 약속하는 7가지 - Tei & Kan Mi Yeon
Korean | Pop/Ballad
I love Tei, although this song is a bit different - rather than a very classic, dramatic ballad like most of his songs, it's sweet and pop-influenced, opening with bright upbeat piano and synths. While the sugary intro didn't really appeal to me, it quickly tones down to a tolerable level - Tei's rich, powerful voice suits the lighter atmosphere of this song surprisingly well. I've never heard any of Kan Mi Yeon's songs, but her light, clear vocals are a nice contribution, although I would have liked to see more of a connection between the two singers. A warm, lovely midtempo ballad.

時を止めて (Toki wo Tomote) - Tohoshinki
Japanese | Ballad
I love this song. From the a-capella style first lines, I was hooked. It's incredibly heartfelt and genuine. This isn't a very good quality rip, I'll try and post up a better one if I find one, but even from this rip I can tell this is going to be a gorgeous song. It's a midtempo pop ballad with splashes of R&B and a warm, rich atmosphere.

My Style - Mao Denda
Japanese | Pop/R&B
I've uploaded some of her songs in the past, this is her latest single. Mao Denda is really growing on me, her latest singles have all been pretty strong and My Style is no exception. Her strong, smooth voice is the highlight as usual, against a dense instrumentation of synths and occasionally strings, rooted by a rounded bass and light percussion. The melody is fluid and sweet.

하얀겨울 (With 비즈니즈, 애즈원) (Narr. 이준 Of 솔리드) - Alex of Clazziquai Project
Korean | Pop
A light, sweet winter song. At first I had mixed feelings about this song - I found it a little too cute and poppy. But it's definitely grown on me, I really love its warmth. The delicate synths add a bubbly touch to the song, and the overall buoyancy and youthful exuberance make for a great pre-Christmas song.

가슴이 사랑하는 법 - DNT
Korean | Ballad
Most of the songs I've heard from these guys are upbeat and dance-influenced, so this was an interesting change. I found their vocals in the beginning a bit too soft and the accompaniment to be a bit overwhelming, but it backs off after a bit and their voices really shine out - rich, warm, and decadent. Overall this song has a very rounded, polished feel - while still retaining a lot of emotion. Definitely shows their vocal potential, an interesting change of style.

내가 죽어도 - DNT
Korean | Ballad
DNT stays on the ballad route. A very classic Korean ballad that is reminiscent of SG Wannabe. Again, vocally it's quite excellent, a lot more than I expected from them. More dramatic than the previous song - compositionally it's a bit boring, but again, certainly shows their potential. One thing I do really like is their harmonies.

서랍을 비우다 - Vodka Rain
Korean | Soft Rock
I love these guys, and was delighted to see they'd released a new mini-album. 서랍을 비우다 is a calm song with gorgeous instrumentation, filled with isolated strings and warm piano. Laid-back and soothing, but definitely not boring. A perfect song to just relax to after a long day.

甘く果てしなく (Amaku Hateshinaku; Endlessly Sweet) - Tohoshinki
Japanese | Pop
So this isn't as "recent" of a release, but I had it uploaded and thought I'd share. It's an energetic, bubbly song by Tohoshinki, with lots of rich brass and warm harmonies. Like its title suggests, it's sugary sweet - but, a rare occurrence, without being overbearingly so. It's well-balanced and shows their maturity and youthful energy at the same time.

말하고 싶어요 - Rescue Jane
Korean | Rock/Ballad
I don't know anything about this guy, although apparently he's had some success as an underground artist and this song is from his first mainstream release, Opus 1. Either way, I love his warm, husky voice and the rich piano and string base of this song. Although it seems to be a fairly standard ballad, something about how his vocals come through and how powerful and expressive they are just makes this song so exceptionally good. Recommended!

Labels: 2PM, Alex, DNT, Dream Girls, Kan Mi Yeon, Mao Denda, Rescue Jane, Tei, Tohoshinki

Queen of Hip-Pop – Namie Amuro
Japanese| Pop
I feel like the live version does this song more justice than the album ever did – and that’s mainly because the base line is amped up a lot more in this one. Plus, the applause at the beginning really helps set the tone for the song. Although, aside from those two things, it isn’t really that different from the original.

Love in the Ice (Korean Version) – DBSK / TVXQ
Korean | Ballad
Jaejoong is a little quiet at the onset, but the vocals quickly pick up after that. This is probably my favorite ballad right now and it was actually the live version that made me take a second listen to this song (totally skipped it when I first heard the album version). At times I think the background kind of overpowers them but their vocals later on make up for it.

Mirotic (Japanese Version) – DBSK / TVXQ
Japanese | Pop
This is a much more orchestral version and it has a long-ish interlude in the middle where normally the rap picks up right after the second chorus (done as a dance interlude if you watch the concert). Still a fun version to listen to. By the way, this isn’t the “under my sky” version.

Nan - Rain
Korean | Pop
I was going for a slower song but I’m partial to Rain so I picked this instead. The accompaniment and backup singers support him so well. I really liked the base in this one.

Do What You Gotta Do – Zeebra feat. Mummy D, AI & Namie Amuro
Japanese | Hip Hop
A fun and energetic song to end this rotation. I think it’s my favorite Suite Chic / Zeebra song (I actually like this version better than the album version). The audience gets really amped up at the end – but watch out for the high-pitched mic squeal at the end.

Labels: Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Rain, Tohoshinki, Zeebra

You may have noticed we have a new contributer, Lena! =) I am hoping to have the rest of the number lottery up this weekend, I'm working on uploading right now. In the meantime, I have the solo single of Battle's lead singerJin Tae Hwa/Zin Tae Hwa, as well as DBSK duo JaeJoong & Yoochun's Shelter and popular YouTube artist Gabe Bondoc's Gentlemen Don't.



Jin Tae Hwa (진태화) - Fallen Angel (디지털싱)

Release Date: Oct. 6, 2009
Language: Korean
Genre: Pop
Bitrate: 320kbps

01. With U...
02. 타락천사 (feat. Jed)

I love Battle, and TaeHwa has always been my favourite member, so I was thrilled to hear that he was releasing a solo single (but just to clarify, he is not leaving the group). With U... is a smooth, warm R&B-influenced song. TaeHwa's creamy voice sounds fantastic against the soft piano-sprinkled backdrop. I love the delicate harmonies (especially from 2:03 - 2:06). Recommended! 타락천사 is slightly faster paced, with synths & dance influences. Although I'm quite sick of the whole electronica trend - and 타락천사 embodies it quite closely - it's a well-executed song, catchy and danceable.



02. Shelter - JaeJoong & YooChun (from 東方神起)
Japanese | Pop

The b-side to COLORS ～Melody and Harmony～, Shelter begins with an isolated piano, leading into a midtempo R&B ballad. It's warm and light, and I love YooChun's slightly deeper voice in combination with JaeJoong's sweeter, lighter tone. The chorus is backed by light synths and harmonies, which create an airy but rich atmosphere. A mature, carefully presented song.



Gentlemen Don't - Gabe Bondoc
English | Acoustic

I've heard lots of good things about Gabe Bondoc, who is based in California although he is of Filipino descent. This was the first song I heard from him, and I was simply blown away. It's one of his original songs, not a cover, and it's incredibly genuine and heartfelt. Gabe Bondoc's full-bodied voice is paired with a soft acoustic guitar, and the whole song has a very delicate, raw feel. I love the chorus and the lyrics throughout the song.

Labels: Battle, gabe bondoc, jin tae hwa, Tohoshinki

This week’s rotation has no real theme, it’s just random songs that came up when I put my iTunes on shuffle. Sorry, I promise the next rotation will be better - I’m thinking of either an artist feature, since I haven’t done one in a while, or a summer theme. Please remember to comment or leave a rating. =)

1. Monochrome - kannivalism
Japanese | Rock
I love this band, and I’m really sad that they seem to have disbanded. Monochrome is a mid-tempo track with clear, refreshing vocals and a great guitar accompaniment. I wouldn’t say it’s one of my favourites by them, but a pleasing listen none-the-less.

2. Free Music - PDIS ft. Brown Eyed Girls
Korean | Hip-Pop
PDIS is a collaboration between Cho PD and Yoon Il Sang. They released a album a while back that I just recently discovered on my computer. Most of the songs are energetic and upbeat, so it’s perfect for the summer. I hesitate to call them pure hip-hop since most of their songs have at least one other genre incorporated. Free Music, for example, alternates between hopeful, gospel-style verses with rich harmonies and poppy rap verses sprinkled with melodic lines from the Brown Eyed Girls. Personally, I think the hook (“It’s free, free music”) could have been incorporated more - there’s a rather long portion where it’s just rapping that gets quite tedious, especially with the repetitive backdrop.

3. Pride - PDIS ft. Tiger JK and May Doni
Korean | Hip-Pop
Pride is a rock-influenced number, aggressive and gritty. It definitely fits its title. May Doni’s powerful, slightly rough voice suits the song perfectly.

4. Hanttae (Acoustic version) - Ye In ft. Noblesse
Korean | Acoustic Pop
A lovely acoustic guitar song, laid-back and breezy. It’s a relaxing but heartfelt track. Ye In’s airy, feminine voice compliments Noblesse’s rapping well.

5. Flea - Clazziquai Project
Korean/English | Electronica
I love this song. It’s a bit strange, what with all the synths and soft, minimal vocals, but overall it’s an extremely atmospheric and unique song. I love the bass and rhythm. I love the hook - “This flea is you and I, it’s a bad thing, but a little thing, but a little thing. A parasite that coexist, it’s a bad thing, but a little thing, but a little thing.” It’s extremely catchy.

6. 내 여자친구에게 (To my Girlfriend) - I the Tri top’s
Korean | Pop Ballad
This song samples Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”, which is a gorgeous song but so overplayed and overused, especially in K-pop. This sampling turned me off at first, but then I realized it’s only used sparsely - in the intro, in a short instrumental bridge, and in the background of just one of other verses near the end of the song leading into the outro. “To my Girlfriend” is a poppy, mid-tempo ballad with warm, sweet vocals and a general feel-good atmosphere. It’s not particularly unique, but it’s worth a listen.

7. Good Times - Crystal Kay
Japanese | Pop
I quite like Crystal Kay, especially her upbeat songs. An energetic track with a great beat that Crystal Kay’s pure, strong voice playfully leads. It’s a fun, poppy, light-hearted, summery song.

8. Rain Song - Furukawa Miki
Japanese | Ballad
I’m always for supporting indie artists, but I have to say I’m not a huge fan of Furukawa Miki. Rain Song is a slightly strange guitar and string-based ballad that definitely has a unique flavour. Miki’s voice sounds slightly muffled and at times faraway. But a lot of people really like her, so I guess it’s a personal opinion.

9. Marry Me Today - Jolin Tsai & David Tao
Mandarin | Pop
This song is hugely popular, but I’ve never liked it. The intro sounds outdated and the strings a little too screechy. The opening verses are all right- sweet and poppy, although I don’t really feel any connection between the two singers. The “rap” verse is also kind of ridiculous. They just go back and forth saying “D.T. in the house/Jo-lin in the house”, finishing with “Our love in the house”. It’s also quite repetitive.

10.말을 못하죠 - Rick
Korean | R&B
A smooth, poppy R&B track. It’s relaxing, down tempo and fairly generic - a pleasant listen, but nothing special.

11. Brokenhearted -Yi
Mandarin | Electronica/Pop
A synthy dark pop song. I absolutely love the bass, and the soft, delicate vocals suit the atmosphere of the song perfectly.

12. Insomnia - Wheesung
Korean | R&B
This is a cover of a Craig David song by the same name. I love it - slick, addictive melodies, meltingly smooth vocals. It stays quite close to the original, so I can’t decide which version I like more.

13. Shine - TVXQ
Japanese | Pop
I’m pretty sure everyone already has it (and the quality isn’t too great either, I think this was a rip from when the single just came out), but anyways - a cute, poppy song from Tohoshinki. It’s just pure, sugary boyband pop, but of course, extremely well-executed, with lovely harmonies and a great accompaniment that’s consistent without being repetitive.

14. Hot Ddeu Guh - 1TYM
Korean | Hip Hop
An aggressive, American-influenced song from 1TYM. I’m not much for the rapped verses, but the hook is addictive. Its repetitiveness is really what works for it.

Labels: 1TYM, Clazziquai, Crystal Kay, David Tao, Furukawa Miki, I the Tri top's, Jolin Tsai, kannivalism, Noblesse, PDIS, Rick, Tohoshinki, Wheesung, Ye In, Yi

The Secret Code is Tohoshinki’s newest Japanese album. Although I still think they’re kind of overrated, I have to agree that they are very respectable musicians and they’ve come a long way. As usual, I have uploaded a few samples tracks, but not the whole album.



Tohoshinki - The Secret Code

Tracklist:

Disc 1:
01. Secret Game
02. FORCE
03. どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？ (Doushite.../Why have I fall in love with you?)
04. Nobody Knows [download]
05. Beautiful you
06. 忘れないで (Wasurenaide/Don't Forget)
07. 9095
08. 呪文 －MIROTIC－ (Jumon -MIROTIC-/Magic Spell -MIROTIC-)
09. TAXI
10. Stand Up! [download]
11. Survivor
12. Kiss The Baby Sky
13. Bolero
14. 9096 (Hidden Track) [download]

Disc 2:
01. ウィーアー！ (We are!)
02. Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-
03. Box in the ship
04. 千年恋歌 (Sennen Koi Uta/1000 Year Love Song)
05. Purple Line

Review:

“Secret Game” kicks off the album. High-energy, fast-paced - unfortunately, I found it a bit overwhelming and messy. The piano, synthy brass, vocals, bass, and drums are all fighting for attention, coming together in a jarring array of sound. A jazzy opener that, unfortunately, was not very cleanly executed. It’s starting to grow on me a little, but I have to say it’s still not one of my favourites.

“FORCE” is aggressive. Pushy synths, lots of bass and lower-range sound, coupled with Tohoshinki’s smooth, fluid vocals. Personally, I found the song a bit repetitive, especially the percussion/strings. It sounds quite American, and just isn’t that catchy or memorable.

“Doushite ...”, in stark contrast, is an absolutely gorgeous mid-tempo ballad. I’m sure you’re all familiar with it by now - it is probably one of my favourite songs by them. Their warm, expressive voices really shine against the electronic harp countermelody and R&B-infused beat.

“Nobody Knows” also has traces of jazz in it, especially evident in the swung rhythm and opening. The beat itself has more of an R&B influence. It seems quite different from anything they’ve attempted before. More sophisticated, a little darker - actually, I’m noticing this in all their new songs on this album so far. I love the arrangement and theme.

“Beautiful you” was previously released as a single. A mid-tempo track driven by guitars, I really like the chorus, but found the rest of the song average.

“Wasurenaide” was a b-side to the “Bolero” single, a heartfelt ballad. Soft but filled with emotion, the amount of expression they put into this song as well as their always-lovely layered harmonies really brought this otherwise fairly standard ballad to another level. Unfortunately, the song sounded a little too processed and polished. Personally I really love the raw feel of their a capellas, and would love to see them encorporate that into the regular versions of their songs.

“9095” has a lounge-y, ambient feel to it. It’s a new sound - again, more mature. Personally, I felt that their vocals were not adapted well enough to the style. It’s an interesting venture, and I quite like the chorus, but overall the song is an odd cross between minimalistic lounge and R&B/poppy drums and vocals. It lacks direction and never really goes anywhere, which is a shame.

The next track is the Japanese version of “Mirotic”. I only listened to the Korean version of this, so this was slightly new to me. It sounds a little awkward. Where the Korean version made slight choppiness and swung rhythms sound fresh and daring, whereas it translates as jerky and slightly out of time. Yunho and Micky’s rap thing halfway through is just ... weird. Especially Yunho’s part. Of course, it’s to be expected that the original would be better. Overall, a good effort. The general theme of the song is not lost, although much of the detailing is.

I was expecting an upbeat track looking at “TAXI”, but instead was faced with a ballad. Tohoshinki’s ballads, IMO, have improved the most. “TAXI” is not their best - it cannot match up to the likes of “Forever Love”, “Love in the ice”, “Doushite ...”, etc. but it is good. Despite all the experimentation in their other songs on this album, TAXI is surprisingly generic. Vocals are fairly good, but not exceptional. Having seen just what they’re capable of in ballads, “TAXI” was a bit of a disappointment.

“Stand Up!” is the first new song on this album that I really liked, other than maybe “Nobody Knows”. A mid-tempo rock-influenced track with a bit of a dark twist. Rumbly, thick bass coupled with smooth, smug guitars. Their vocals are smooth and have a certain laid-back confidence.

“Survivor” was their last single before the release of this album. While it’s not my favourite single, it was solid and consistent with their other material. While it lacks the immediate impact of “Doushite ...” and some of their other songs, it’s catchy, poppy, and fun - something that cannot be said for very many of the other songs of this album, which seemed to have matured a little.

Now, I really love “Kiss the Baby Sky”. I’ve heard some negative opinions of this track, especially the fairly high range that it’s sung in, but I think Tohoshinki pulls it off well. Very few of the high notes sound forced or strained at all, maybe just one or two. Familiar beat, smooth, warm melodies, a wonderfully detailed arrangement. Although I wouldn’t call this a favourite song overall, I really enjoyed it.

“Bolero” is a dramatic ballad, at times uplifting and at others bittersweet. The prominent use of strings and overall theme give it a bit of a classical feel, yet certain elements (eg. drums) are still very modern. A unique and well-executed track.

“9096”, a hidden track is mysterious and minimalistic. It’s a reworked version of 9095, but I actually liked this version better. At first there are very few sung parts, just a couple quiet lines here and there. I have to say the beat that shows up about halfway through the song is really good. It then leads into a couple of sung verses that are well worth the wait. Overall, I really liked the feel of the track. It’s fairly short, but quite interesting.

Moving to the shorter second disc, “We are!” is the remake of the opening theme for the anime “ONE PIECE”, I believe. It’s a fairly standard anime opening with a THSK twist - upbeat, hopeful, rock-influenced, and overall a decent song that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-” wasn’t really a track I was particularly looking forward to listening to, generally not being a big fan of remixes - especially electronica remixes. Surprisingly, I thought this remix was pretty good. It keeps enough of the original elements of the song, thankfully not distorting the vocals much or anything like that - most of the changes have been limited to the accompaniment, namely the addition of synths and a few kicks to the beat.

“Box in the ship” should be familiar - a light-hearted song reminiscent of a vacation on a hot, sunny beach somewhere. It’s cute and fairly unique track that made a wonderful b-side to the more serious “Doushite...”.

“Sennen Koi Uta” is a lovely ballad vocal-wise - the harmonies are stunning, their voices complimenting each other perfectly. Other than that, I found it to be fairly bland composition-wise.

“Purple Line” is another familiar track. Energetic, confident, and strong. I dislike how nasal ChangMin’s voice sounds (at least, I think it’s him), but other than that it’s an infectious, addictive song with a great beat.

There is a good deal experimentation with style, as evident with virtually all of the new songs other than TAXI. They have definitely matured into a more sophisticated sound, but still have work to do in order to really pull off that feel. There was no real transition between their fairly consistent singles and previous releases and the new, more experimental tracks on this album, which, I think, is why it has garnered some negative reviews. I’m glad to see them taking a few risks, and I think with some more polishing they can really dispel their boyband image for something a little more sophisticated, but I’m still not completely convinced.

Recommended tracks: Nobody Knows, Stand Up!, Doushite ..., Wasurenaide

Labels: album review, Tohoshinki

Okay so the order for this rotation changed soooo much. I’m mostly satisfied with the final product. Tanaka Roma’s “Namida” originally ranked at #8, but then I was listening to it and was thinking, “Why the heck is this so far down?” And bumped it up to #5, which in turn moved Tohoshinki down to #6. Evan’s song originally ranked at #6, was bumped to #7 after moving “Namida”, then bumped down another spot to make room for JJ Lin. Point being: there’s just too many good ballads - don’t judge too much on the numbered spots, like I said they moved around a lot. Also, this is only based on my personal opinion, not statistics or anything. =)

Top Ten Ballads:

#10. 클래식 (Classic) - KCM
What a beautiful voice - high, clear, crisp, rich yet pure at the same time. The predictable string & piano arrangement doesn’t really do anything for me, I’d probably forget the melody if it wasn’t KCM singing it, but just listen to that voice.

#9. 슬픈 인연 (Sad Fate) - Monday Kiz
Monday Kiz had to be on this list somewhere. I have also uploaded this song before (and no I am not trying to be lazy by reusing old songs, haha). Kim Min Soo’s death really just shocked me. I loved this duo’s music already, but his death really drew me into their songs even more. This was their last release - it actually came out a couple months after Min Soo’s death. Their voices are ... just amazing. They compliment each other perfectly. The harmonizing is beautiful. Both singers are at the top of their form. The song sounds a bit unpolished, but this only adds to its raw, intimate emotion. I don’t listen to this song as often & it released fairly recently compared to the other songs, which is why it didn’t rank as high, but every time I listen to it I’m just completely taken away.

#8. 남자도… 어쩔 수 없다 (Namjado... Eojjeol Su Eopda/Men ... are unavoidable) - Evan
This is a song that I first listened to when it released, around 2007, IIRC. It really just doesn’t get old, no matter how many times I revisit it. Evan’s voice, although not the most powerful, is a pleasure to listen to. The melody will linger in your head.

#7. 大男人 小女孩 - JJ Lin
It’s always the first line of the song that gets me. JJ Lin’s voice rises over the accompaniment, filled with emotion. It is really the little nuances in his voice that make this song so perfect, the way he seems to be almost struggling with himself sometimes to express a phrase and finish the verse. His voice evens out more and more towards the end of the song, gaining confidence and power.

#6. Love in the Ice - Tohoshinki
It was a close call between Love in the Ice and Forever Love as to which song would make the list, but in the end, Love in the Ice won. A chillingly emotional song that starts out softly and just keeps building, getting stronger and stronger. Each member’s vocals are spot-on, the verses seamlessly joined and the harmonizing perfect.

#5. Namida (Sleepless Night MANABOON MIX) - Tanaka Roma
I’ve also shared this song before, I’m not sure if you would even call it a ballad, which is why it didn’t rank as high as it might have. Tanaka’s genuine, pure voice simply soars. It is a “remix”, but the original simply cannot match up to this. The piano that forms the base of the accompaniment is beautiful, supporting without overpowering. Such raw emotion in a song is so rare. Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m wondering why I didn’t rank this higher.

#4. 童話 (Tong Hua/Fairytale) - 光良 (Guang Liang/Michael Wong)
Another song I've previously uploaded - one of my favourite Chinese songs. Guang Liang’s voice is smooth and precise, but heartfelt. The chorus is where the song really soars. Maybe it’s partially the lyrics of this song that I like, but nonetheless a wonderful ballad. To be honest, I was debating whether this song should be so highly ranked. Much of the reason I’m attached to it is personal value, as it’s a song my family often listens to and that my friends and I used to sing all the time at karaoke. Either way, it’s a great song that was very popular in Taiwan when it released, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. =)

#3. Only Human - K
The a cappella opening of this song is just amazing. K’s voice is a flawless blend of strength and a soft, melodic vulernability. The accompaniment is sparse, putting the focus just where it should be: K’s amazing vocal performance. I don’t know what else to say about this song, just listen to it.

#2. 같은 베개 (Same Pillow) - Tei
This is one of the most highly played songs in my iTunes. Although it’s more of an old favourite that I often return to than a song on constant repeat, it’s a great song. Tei’s deep, full voice is perfect for ballads. Certain notes have an almost rough edge, others polished smooth. The melody and arrangement is memorable, hopeful but with a hint of sadness.

#1. 한 남자 (Han Nam Ja/One Man) - Kim Jong Kook
And that brings us to my favourite ballad ever, Han Nam Ja. I uploaded this song a long time ago, waaay back in my fourth rotation. I usually get bored of songs, especially pop songs/ballads, but I’ve listened to this song countless times, and I just never tire of it. I honestly don’t know why - it’s just a classic ballad with light percussion, typical string & piano accompaniment. But Kim Jong Kook’s high, clear voice is absolutely full of emotion, bringing this song to a whole other level: tender, vulnerable, yearning, and, overall, stunning. The lyrics fit the song perfectly. You can read the translated lyrics here (scroll down, it's the last song on the page).

Runners-up:

Forever Love - Tohoshinki
Forever Love (a capella version) - Tohoshinki
Uploaded this song before way back in my 5th rotation, which was when Tohoshinki's "T" album released. I really love the a cappella version of this song too. More hopeful than "Love in the Ice", which found its way onto the countdown. Whereas Love in the Ice had more intensity, Forever Love is almost comforting, with a warmer, richer tone. Vocally, I think this is really one of Tohoshinki's best songs.

그립고... 그리운 (Yearning ... Yearn) - Park Hyo Shin
I would’ve thought Park Hyo Shin would make the list, but although he has a lot of great ballads, there isn’t really one in particular that really stands out to me. But if there was, Yearning ... Yearn would probably be it. Park Hyo Shin’s voice balances strength and vulernability, at times full and rich and others lightly soaring through the melodies. A very sad and emotional track.

Even Though My Heart Breaks - Fly to the Sky
I’m hesitant to say FTTS is at their best here, but they’re definitely close. Hwanhee’s voice is rich and deep, Brian’s lighter and cleaner but still as emotional. As much as I love their solo songs, these guys still sound way better together. Hwanhee’s voice can be almost a little too overpowering in solo works; Brian’s too plain - together, they just balance each other out. Anyways, Brian’s voice sounded oddly close to Hwanhee’s in certain verses - deeper in range, with that husky note to it. They still sound great, but the contrast wasn’t as clear. The arrangement is also quite plain.

환상 (Illusion) - Fly to the Sky
I was surprised to find that FTTS did not mark its spot on the list. They originally held a spot, but as I found more and more songs that I wanted to include, they kept getting moved down until they were completely off the list. Illusion is more of a slow-tempo pop/R&B song than a real ballad.

Only Wind, Only Wind - SG Wannabe & Kim Jong Kook
This song was definitely a contender. I mean, come on, just look at the artists. Kim Jong Kook’s soaring, clean voice creates a well-cut contrast with SG Wannabe’s deeper, huskier vocalists - but they come together perfectly. Style-wise, it leans towards SG Wannabe, but both artists are definitely giving their best.

Love? - Evan Yo
I don’t know anything about this singer. Love? starts out soft and accompanied only by a piano. Evan Yo’s lyrical voice brings the simple, unadorned melodies to their fullest. Then, all of a sudden, the song bursts into a full-fledged rock verse. The transitions between the two moods, repeated throughout the song, are well-executed. I’m not sure if it would even really be considered a ballad, but a good song nonetheless.

Labels: Evan, Evan Yo, Fly to the Sky, Guang Liang, JJ Lin, K, KCM, Kim Jong Kook, Monday Kiz, Park Hyo Shin, SG Wannabe, Tanaka Roma, Tei, Tohoshinki

Rotation 15 is jazz & electronica themed & features 17 songs. Sorry, no cover images this time ... I couldn't find the majority of them anyways. By the way, the number of comments is starting to go down again. Please remember to comment or updates will decrease. I'm tired of spending time uploading for people who can't take the time to comment. Again, thanks to those who have commented.

PART ONE * ELECTRONICA
Tenjou wo Kakeru Mono Tachi
Love Planet Five
Japanese
Great song, though a bit long at six and a half minutes. The mixing is extremely well done, especially in the first minute. Catchy beats & synths. Recommended.


희망이라는 이름의 별
House Rulez & Rabbit Punch
Korean
Opens up with some bright piano chords that lend a nice dimension throughout the whole song. I thought it was pretty good.


스웨터 (Sweet)
Humming Urban Stereo ft. Taru
Korean
Humming Urban Stereo is great. Sweet offers an uplifting if slightly repetitive bass beat and fast-paced melodies.


Love Me
capsule
Japanese
Typical capsule. For the most part without vocals, only a few spoken verses. Not one of my favourites, it's pretty repetitive.


Twenties=Love
Hourmelts
Korean
Starts out with a wonderful piano introduction that blends perfectly with the bass line. Features impressive changes in tempo and very smooth transitions, as well as interesting if somewhat strange vocal work.


Bittersweet Heart
Apls
Korean
Although it opens up with a rap verse, don't be fooled. It gradually leads into an upbeat, bright song that offers a sweet contrast between female and male vocalists as well as the occasional rap verse. While Apls is a dance/electronica group, this song isn't too overfilled with synths.


PART 2 * JAZZ

stem
Shiina Ringo
Japanese
Very theatrical, with a bit of a waltz feel to it. Fairly slow tempo. Vocals get a bit annoying, though.


STORM
SOIL&"PIMP" SESSIONS
Japanese
Upbeat jazz at its best. One of my favourite jazz groups, this band can definitely compete with its American counterparts. Energetic trumpet solos and a beautiful rhythm section defined by smashing cymbals, fast-paced blues-scale bass lines, and a prominent piano accompaniment. Might be a bit too busy for some people, but I liked it.


Mocha
Casker
Korean
From the Coffee Prince soundtrack, a low-key bossa nova track on the laid-back end of jazz.


Ticket to London
Loptomist
Korean
Okay so this song's actually by a hip-hop artist, but it's a very nice instrumental mix that mixes heavy beats with fleeting melodies. I would say it's jazz-influenced, so I chose to include it in this rotation.


Kiss
Elevenses
Korean
Laid-back jazz with soothing female vocals and a nice guitar solo about halfway through.


맑은 날 버스를 타고
Elevenses
Korean
Another Elevenses song, again on the laid-back side though slightly more upbeat than Kiss.


因為你愛我 (Because You Love Me)
Joanna Wang
Mandarin
I uploaded the English disc of Joanna Wang's album, this is one of the Mandarin songs. When I went to Taiwan this song & the Chinese version of Lost in Paradise were playing everywhere. It's one of her slower songs. While it doesn't really seem like a typical jazz track, the chorus shows jazz influences and she is a jazz vocalist, although this particular song is more of a ballad. There's also a nice trumpet solo and a trumpet accompaniment is prominent through the rest of the song after it.


PART 3 * MY PICKS

Box in the ship [preview]
Tohoshinki
Japanese
Pop
Upbeat and with a tropical feel, a 2:30 low-quality preview of the b-side to "Why Have I Fallen In Love With You".


Loveholic
Loveholic
Korean
Soft Rock
Not their best, but it's worth a listen.


Paradise
The Melody
Korean
Soft Rock
Very mellow & relaxing.


Explore "M"
Lee Min Woo
Korean
Hip-Pop
I love the beats in this song. Typical of Min Woo's solo work which leans more towards hip-hop without really being too heavy.

Labels: Apls, capsule, Casker, Elevenses, Hourmelts, House Rulez, Humming Urban Stereo, Joanna Wang, Lee Min Woo, Loptomist, Love Planet Five, Loveholic, Rabbit Punch, Shiina Ringo, SOIL+"PIMP" SESSIONS, Tohoshinki

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.

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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.

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