New Music: Khalil Fong (方大同) - 'Lights Up' (2013)

Khalil Fong released a new song today (Nov. 19, 2013) !!! It's really good!!! It has a bit of JT feel to it too.

Track title: Lights Up
Lyrics/Composer: Khalil Fong (方大同), Fergus Chow

Listen below:



Lyrics:
Wutcha be like
It's a good life
In the limelight
With your heart of gold
I could tell you bout it
Make you doubt it or we could try release your mind and your soul

Wutcha feel like
Catchin' spotlights
In the crowd life
Put ya on a show
You be thinking bout it
Cause you can't let it go
Oh baby

If ever you can't fight the feeling
When the music is right you'll always be true
So stay close to me I can show you girl
Bout all of the things we can do

I got what you want
I got what you need
Just come out and see my world

Girl we gotta go
Girl we gotta leave

Turn the lights up
Put your shoes on
Get your groove on
Ain't nobody stopping us now
Before the night's up
Put your suit on
Get your move on
Get on the floor
I said...

Lights up
No other place I'd rather be
Lights up
Get away for a while girl
Lights up
Leave your worries and fly away

I'd be the one who
You could run to
Bout all the things that
Are out of your control
I could tell you bout it
But you already know

If ever you can't fight the feeling
When the music is right you'll always be true
So stay close to me I can show you girl
Bout all of the things we can do

I got what you want
I got what you need
Just come out and see my world

Girl we gotta go
Girl we gotta leave

Turn the lights up
Put your shoes on
Get your groove on
Ain't nobody stopping us now
Before the night's up
Put your suit on
Get your move on
Get on the floor
I said...

Lights up
No other place I'd rather be
Lights up
Get away for a while girl
Lights up
Leave your worries and fly away

Follow your way to the stars
Don't be afraid I'll be right where you are
We can go on like this forever, and though we're far apart
I don't care what the others say
We'll share another day, baby
I'm here to stay
Show me the way to your heart

Show me the way. Show me the way. Show me the way to your heart
Show me the way. Show me the way. Show me the way to your heart

I said...
Lights up
No other place I'd rather be
Lights up
Get away for a while girl
Lights up
Leave your worries and fly away
x2

Lyrics credit: jctmusicnotes

Anime Review: My Little Monster/ Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (2012)

Genre: comedy, romance, slice of life
Release date: 2012
Episodes: 13

Plot
Shizuku Mizutani has learned to deal with life's disappointments by repressing her emotions and trusting no one but herself. She has only one focus and that is academic achievement. Haru Yoshida throws himself at life with every ounce of emotional power he has which would not necessarily be a problem except he deals with deep seated rage issues. He has seriously hurt several students over the years and consequently everyone is afraid of him. Shizuku sees no point in engaging the world around her and Haru doesn't know how to engage the world around him. All that begins to change when the two first meet and find themselves almost immediately attracted to each other. Their unlikely pairing leads both of them to begin to break out of their lonely, little worlds to see what life really has to offer. (excerpt from Anime News Network)

Review 

My Little Monster is a feel-good love story with very little plot. It's mainly about Shizuku falling in and out and back in love with Haru. However, it's interesting to watch because the main characters, Shizuku and Haru, are both socially awkward and both have no idea of how a relationship is supposed to work. In addition, they are both very forward with their emotions and voice them aloud, which is different from many other rom-coms. Thus, it makes the series quite entertaining and hilarious to watch.

Despite only 13 episodes, the characters in this anime are all quite well developed, and each has a unique personality that brings something interesting to the table. I enjoyed all the characters in this anime, main and supportive. The art (character design and scenery) and animation are excellent. The voice actors and theme songs are also well done.

Overall, My Little Monster is an interesting romance/comedy anime that is fun to watch. But the ending left me unsatisfied as it ended too abruptly and simply incomplete. I hope there will be a second season. (8/10)

Album Review: d.ear (디어) - 'Vol. 1 Love Graphy'

Album release date: 2013
Genre: R&B/Soul, Kpop

Rating: 4.5/5
Review by: jct

d.ear (Lee Hyung Seok) debuts this year with a full length album, entitled Vol. 1 - Love Graphy on January 22, 2013. The album intends to provide the different colours of love by exploring the spectrum of feelings of love that one may experience, and d.ear delivered it very well.

Passionate Tunes

This is an album where you can listen from beginning to end without skipping any tracks as there is not one song that is a filler. Most of the songs are very relaxing and they range from slow tempo R&B/Soul ballads to slightly up-tempo tracks. One of the notable tracks is the title track, "시간이 흐른다는 건 (Time Goes By)" which is a slow-tempo R&B track with gentle guitar and piano playing in the background. It is about pondering over a past relationship where he sings, "I'll never forget our promises. But now, it seems that I'm not important to you." There are many noteworthy tracks, but of note is "We Need to Talk" which features labelmate Brother Su, is a nice up-tempo R&B collaboration about trying to resolve a conflict in a relationship, where he sings, "We need to talk, don't try to avoid it. Runnin' won't do you good. It won't change a single thing."

His vocals are consistent throughout the entire album and also very gentle and pleasant to listen. He is able to convey the emotions expressed at different moments in love very well. He also handled the whole album entirely by himself where he wrote, composed, arranged and produced all the songs.

Overall, Love Graphy is strong debut album with strong, passionate tunes about love and life. d.ear certainly proves that he is a well-rounded and talented artist that could become a force within Korean R&B/Soul industry in years to come.


Trackslist
01. Intro
02. Love U
03. 너를 그리다 (Draw you)
04. 그래도 (Though)
05. No Matter What I Do
06. We Need To Talk (Feat. Brother Su)
07. You Make Me Feel Good
08. 시간이 흐른다는 건 (Time Goes By)
09. 12월24일 (December 24)
10. Good Night

Anime Series Reviews

Reviews of past anime series that I've watched.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn

Genre: action, comedy, drama, supernatural, mafia

Release date: 2006-2010
Episodes: 203
Reborn is an interesting and well-written story involving hitman, mafia and supernatural powers.  In the beginning, it was pretty slow as it took 20 episodes to introduce the characters. However, from episode 20 and onwards, it became more serious with captivating story arcs, enjoyable comic relief, and lots of great action scenes!
Rating: 9.5/10


Yamato Takeru

Genre: action, adventure, fantasy, magic, mecha, sci-fi, space
Release date: 1994
Episodes: 37
A well-written story with a good balance of adventure and dark-sci-fi. It explores friendship, trust, maturity, and conflict. The character development is also a key highlight of the show.
Rating: 9.5/10

Cardcaptor Sakura

Genre: adventure, magic, romance
Release date: 1998-2000
Episodes: 70
A lovely story that focuses on friendship, love (crushes vs true love), and relationship between siblings. The characters are all likeable and their interactions are enjoyable.
Rating: 9.5/10


- Bleach

Genre: action, comedy, super power, supernatural
Release date: 2004-2012
Episodes: 366
The main storyline is engaging with lots of great action. There is a lot of characters in this show; some of them are fairly well developed, some not so much. However, they are all interesting with their own unique weapons and abilities that make the fights entertaining. The main drawback is there is a lot of fillers and some are quite random.
Rating: 8.5/10


- Natsume Yuujinchou 

Genre: fantasy, supernatural, slice of life, drama
Release date: 2008-2012
Episodes: 13 episodes/season (4 seasons total)

A beautiful, moving story that involves a boy who releases various yokai from contracts that they had previously made with his grandmother a long time ago. The main character is realistic, sympathetic and very relatable. The story also captures many themes that one can relate to, such as friendship, family, and solitude.
Rating: 9/10

- Death Note

Genre: mystery, supernatural, psychological, thriller
Release date: 2006-2007
Episodes: 37
A gripping story that is very original and suspenseful that raises many interesting questions about morality (what is consider good/evil; humans passing judgement on another's actions). It also has compelling characters that are well developed.

Rating: 9/10

- Ao no Exorcist / Blue Exorcist

Genre: action, fantasy, supernatural, exorcist
Release date: 2011
Episodes: 25
It has an intriguing plot about a boy training to become an exorcist to defeat Satan. There is many great action scenes and interesting characters.
Rating: 8.5/10


- D. Gray-man

Genre: action, adventure, comedy, exorcist
Release date: 2006-2008
Episodes: 103
It is a captivating, dark story about exorcists and demons. The beginning is somewhat slow-paced as it provides us some background information and introduces the characters. The story then moves along nicely with lots of intense action. The characters are also pretty unique.
Rating: 8.5/10


- Avatar: The Last Airbender

Genre: action, adventure, fantasy, comedy, romance
Release date: 2005-2008
Episodes: 61
Avatar is a fantastic series for all ages. It provides the right amount of humour and lightheartedness while it explores darker themes. It also has great action scenes and very likeable characters.
Rating: 9.5/10


-  Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Release date: 2012-2013
Episodes: 25 episodes

A fun and interesting story about magic. It does get darker and more serious as the story progresses. The characters are likeable and well developed. The action scenes are exciting, and the art and animation are excellent. 

Rating: 8.5/10

- Hunter x Hunter OVA series 1 Genei Ryodan

Genre: action, adventure, super power
Release date: 2002
Episodes: 8
I particularly enjoy this OVA as it is a lot darker and more suspenseful than the regular series. The action scenes are perfect with some twisted characters.
Rating: 9/10


- Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle

Genre: adventure, fantasy, magic, romance
Release date: 2005
Episodes: 52
This anime is an excellent portrayal of parallel worlds. The story is about a group of people searching for a girl's memories, which were scattered in various worlds in the form of feathers, to help save her soul. The story gets more complex when clones of the main characters become involved.
Rating: 8.5/10


- Sword Art Online

Genre: action, adventure, fantasy, game, romance

Release date: 2012

Episodes: 25
The key highlight of this anime is the art and animation, which are fantastic. It is a story about a group of people playing an online game and suddenly gets trap in it. The plot is not bad, but I didn't like the second half of the show. They should of spend more time developing the first half and wrap it up right there. There is also some unnecessary and annoying time skips and fillers.
Rating: 7.5/10

Album Review: Brother Su - 'Paper'

Album release date: 2013
Genre: R&B/Soul, Kpop
Rating: 4/5
Review by: jct

Singer-songwriter Brother Su, has finally released his debut album entitled 'Paper' on July 4, 2013. Here, Brother Su continues to show promise and potential as he displays his own musical personality and style.


Promise and Potential

From the beginning, things start off well, with "Why are you being like this feat. Swings", which is a strong, up-tempo tune that's full of bounce and personality. It reminds me of his second single, "You Got Me" released in 2011. And it continues to go well as you move along the tracks.
Of note is "I'm With You feat. Ra.D" which is a very nice collaboration with singer-songwriter Ra.D as they have such great chemistry. The song is about pondering over a past relationship and missing that special person, as he sings, "When I'm with you girl, I want to stop time that's moving so quickly." Ra.D then continues, "Girl, when I'm with you; you, who matched my footsteps. I sometimes forget how precious you are."

Here, I noticed some vocal similarities with the speaking-type of singing. In a way, it is a unique feature of the music under Realcollabo label. The lyrics of his songs are also sweet, kind and honest, such as "Girl Next Door" where he sings, "Let's meet up whenever we have time, I'm very glad to meet a friend my age. Although we met for the first time today, I think we have a lot of things in common. It's making me more curious as to why that is."

Despite his smooth and relaxing vocals, there are some songs that are somewhat bland, and there is a bit too much featuring of other artists in this album (nearly half of the album). However, most of the time, he sounds like he is enjoying himself and singing what's actually in his heart. All the songs, from beginning to the end, are written, composed and produced by himself which deserves applause. Overall, his debut album certainly proves that he is a talented and well-rounded artist.

Tracklist
01. Intro (늦잠)
02. 왜 이러니 (Feat.Swings) (Why are you being like this)
03. 소심해서 그래 (Feat.달총이 of CHEEZE) (Because I'm so Timid feat. Dal Chong of CHEEZE)
04. 윗집 여자 (Girl Next Door)
05. 좋대요 (Like it)
06. I'm With You (Feat.Ra.D)
07. 다른 별 (Feat.Lovey) (Different Stars)
08. 팔베개 (Sleep with your head on my arm)
09. Outro (늦잠)
10. It Was You (CD Only) (Bonus Track)

Perspective...

"For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are."

- from the novel "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis

Album Review: Ra.D - '작은 이야기 (Small Story)' (mini album)

Album release date: 2013
Genre: R&B/Soul, Kpop
Rating: 4/5
Review by: jct


After 4 years since his last album release, Ra.D returns with a mini-album entitled '작은 이야기 (Small Story)'. Even though it's been slightly over a decade since the release of his debut album, Ra.D's formula of passionate vocals and tasteful song production hasn't grown stale. Small Story proves that Ra.D is still a relevant and creative artist.

Tender & Caring

In this album, Ra.D decides to show his tender and caring sides with mainly R&B/ballads throughout the album unlike his previous works where there is also some R&B/hip hop. Most songs in this album are slow to mid-tempo ballads that are quite mellow. There are 3 tracks that are more upbeat and enjoyable, "Thank You Thank You", "To Friends", and "Trip For Me". However, they are all heartfelt songs with a simple message that grabs your attention. It is evident in songs such as "Thank You, Thank You" and especially, "To Friends", which is about someone consulting a friend on how to avoid a break-up due a small misunderstanding. He sings, "Rather than talking about who is right and who is wrong, try to think about what is right and what is wrong. I, too, know it's not easy. Love is not always as we expect it to be." And he continues, "With just one step back, slowly we can go to each other and try to think about it again."

Most of the time, Ra.D composes and produces his own songs. However, in this album, he chose to involve the artists in his management, Realcollabo, to participate including d.ear, Brother Su, and CHEEZE, which is not bad at all.

Overall, this is definitely a solid R&B album.

Track List:
01. 고마워 고마워 (Thank You, Thank You)
02. 오랜만이죠 (feat. 신지수) (It's been a long time feat. Sin Ji Soo)
03. 친구들에게 (To Friends)
04. I Cry When You Cry
05. 가리워진 길 (Ra.D Rmx) (Hidden road)
06. 날 위한 여행 (Trip for me)

CHEEZE - '빠빠빠 (Papapa) feat. Brother Su' (2013)

Track 10 from CHEEZE's first album released in Jan. 2013. It's a very upbeat fun R&B track.

Note: CHEEZE and Brother Su are both under Ra.D's realcollabo management.


Listen below: 



Lyrics: 

무표정한 사람들, 뭐 그리들 바쁜지
할 수 있는 일마저 거짓말처럼 들리지

* I just wanna chill with you
I can't wait to be with you

White T-shirts blue jean, hair waxed and brown kicks,
close the closet
I walk down the aisle, stair and street
I would be delight to hear your 'hello'
I can teach you something new to say, 'I don't mind'
Don't you take the time to get your mind?
Don't be fast about your city's life
겁 먹지마, 나를 따라와
따라닷다 콧노래가 나와
바라만 봐도 죽이네 날씨가
한 발짝 천천히 가도
You don't knocking on the heaven's door

Coming down, 그냥 걸어도 늦진 않잖아
Slowly smile, 같이 걸어도 좋아
*
Could you tell me who you are

Put the earphone in to my white phone and music is
on & on 에 혼자 걷기도
오래간만 인 것 같은데 나를 걱정하게 해
똑같은 매일 또 같은 내일이 다가오는 게 머리 아픈데
이렇게 때론 하루를 버려버린 채 일상에 찌든 때를 빨아내야 해 하얗게
Yeah, I don't care 마지못해 돌아가는 일주일 한달 일년, 다 미뤄둬 지금은,
Like a gangster, 더 현실에 겁주는 목소리로

Everytime you better let it go, then everyday you
wanna say it ho! Your day and night gonna be untie. Yeah Everybody
ready get, set, go!

[BrotherSu]

뒤척거리다 눈떠 그대로 wake up해
gotta move, 눈 부비고 dressed up and
길 나서, 버스 타서
바퀴에 몸무게 얹어놔 또
지나가는 사람들 구경해봐
피곤한가봐 속눈썹에 다
피로가 대롱대롱 매달려 있어
보는 내가다 지쳐. 아이고!
빈틈없이 꽉 막힌 거리같은
노트는 갖다 치우고
지금 아님 다 망칠 거 아니니까
오늘은 싹 잊고
하루쯤은 나랑 놀도록 해
기분에 맞춰다니고 한번쯤 all day
같이 편안하게 좀 chill, ok?
이따가 치킨 어때?

Lyrics credit: mnet

Brother Su (브라더수) - '왜 이러니 (Why Are You Being Like This?) feat. Swings' (2013)

Brother Su is back in 2013! He has been quite busy this year - featuring on several artists' albums and releasing his first full album! Here's a R&B/hip hop track about the daily life of a youth (school, hanging out with friends, drinking, etc.) by Brother Su.

Tracklist
1. 왜 이러니 (Why Are You Being Like This?) feat. Swings

Listen below: 

Any Repair needed? Yoon Jong Shin (윤종신) Monthly Singles - Repair 2013 (Part 1)

This year, Yoon Jong Shin (YJS) is putting out monthly singles with the concept 'Repair' where he takes some of his old songs and adds some new flavour in it. Hmm, like repairing his old songs? hehe! The concept is not bad as it allows the younger audience to become more familiar with his music.  Only YJS can come up with such concept though and it cracks me up.

Do you think the "repairing" is for the better or for the worse? Should he have left the original song as is? 

Here are my thoughts:

Repair 1월호 - '사랑의 역사 (History of Love)'

This is a song that YJS wrote for Jo Sung Mo in 2009. There really isn't any difference between the two songs, other than one is sung by the original singer, and the other by the composer. Both have nice vocals but YJS is much more distinctive.

Verdict: Both are good overall (but I prefer YJS)
____________________

Repair 2월호 -  01 - '내일 할 일 with 성시경 (Doing Tomorrow with Sung Si Kyung)'




Original song can be found in YJS's Vol. 11

This remake is sung completely by Sung Si Kyung and well, it's okay; not bad but not spectacular either. Sung Si Kyung has a nice, gentle voice that is very fitting for ballads such as this song. However, I'm biased because I really enjoyed this song by YJS when I first heard it back when YJS released Vol. 11 in 2008. After listening to both songs, I still enjoy YJS's original one as it is more easy listening and his vocals is strong and distinctive.

Verdict: YJS's original song in Vol. 11
_____________________________

Repair 2월호 -  02 - '거리에서 with 윤종신 (In the Street with Yoon Jong Shin)'




This is a very popular song that YJS wrote for Sung Si Kyung. YJS mentioned in many interviews that his wife was the inspiration for this song. YJS's remake is surprisingly a nice touch to the original one as it has a bit of pop/soul feel to it especially near the end, and his ad-libs are done very well.  The original song by Sung Si Kyung is more gentle and consistent. 

Verdict: Both. Sung Si Kyung's for those who enjoy ballads. YJS's for those who enjoy ballad/soul/pop.
_________________________


Repair 3월호 -  'No Schedule with 김연우 (Kim Yeon Woo)'



Original song can be found in YJS's Vol. 10

What!!! Nooooo! "No schedule" is one of my favourite YJS songs!! No remakes!! The original is pop/R&B and YJS delivers the song perfectly. The remake by Kim Yeon Woo is....okay. Kim Yeon Woo has a very gentle voice which is more fitting for ballad, which this is not.

Verdict: YJS's original in Vol. 10
__________________________

Repair 3월호 - '이별택시 with 윤종신 (Parting Taxi with Yoon Jong Shin)'



Original song by Kim Yeon Woo, composed by YJS. 

The original song is well sung and Kim Yeon Woo hits the high notes very well. YJS's cover is nicely done but it seems that Kim Yeon Woo expressed the song a bit better.

Verdict: Kim Yeon Woo
___________________

Repair 4월호 - '부디 (Please)'




Original song can be found in YJS's Vol 4

Now, why would he even try remake this? This is like one of his classic and it's beautiful as is. I was listening to the original again and it still blew me away. The original song delivers the emotions so well, and YJS truly shine in the 1995 version. This is something I felt the remake lack. Sure, YJS still sang it well, but it seems like he tries to hard to be relevant.

Verdict: YJS s original song in Vol. 4.
_______________________


Repair 5월호 - '너에게 간다 with 김범수 (Going to You with Kim Bum Soo)'



Original song can be found in YJS's Vol. 10

Oh no! Not again! Vol. 10 is honestly his best album, so there is no need for any remakes!!! I can see why he chose Kim Bum Soo to sing this song as the original is a slow R&B/pop track, but the remake is more pop/ballad with hint of R&B near the end. I won't deny that Kim Bum Soo has nice vocals and he can sing but he sounds a bit forced in some parts. Now, the original song is amazing - YJS delivers the song very well with lots of emotions, and you will never get tired of listening to it.

Verdict: YJS's original song in Vol. 10

Anime Review: Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan (2013)

Genre: action, fantasy, horror, dystopia, military, tragedy, post-apocalyptic
Release date: 2013
Episodes: 25

Plot
Several hundred years ago, humans were nearly exterminated by titans. Titans are typically several stories tall, seem to have no intelligence, devour human beings and, worst of all, seem to do it for the pleasure rather than as a food source. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest of titans. Flash forward to the present and the city has not seen a titan in over 100 years. Teenage boy Eren and his foster sister Mikasa witness something horrific as the city walls are destroyed by a colossal titan that appears out of thin air. As the smaller titans flood the city, the two kids watch in horror as their mother is eaten alive. Eren vows that he will murder every single titan and take revenge for all of mankind. (adapted from Anime News Network)

Review
The plot itself is quite simple and can be summed up as: a war for survival. However, the story is interesting and fast paced. It also doesn't shy away from brutal, gory scenes such as crushed limbs, dead bodies decomposing, snapped necks, and lots of blood. Blood everywhere actually! Despite the brutality, this anime does explore important themes such as feelings of weakness, hopelessness, hope, death and destruction, terror and vengeance.

The three main characters (Eren, Mikasa, Armin) are well developed, and their friendship (strong and supportive) is well illustrated and enjoyable to watch. Some of the supporting characters are also focused but minimal. However, most characters are killed by titans as soon as they are being introduced or 1-2 episodes later so it is hard to truly make an impression of them. The art is decent but not spectacular. However, the animation is very well done especially the fighting scenes and the use of the 3D Maneuver gear. In terms of sound, it is good, and the opening theme song is very fitting for this anime.

Overall, it is an intriguing action/ fantasy/ horror anime that is bound to surprise you. (8.5/10)

I am...

Watch the words you say
Cause the angels follow your direction 

                                          - Lyfe Jennings - 'I am' (2013)

Listen below:

Hope you catch my love...

"I'm gonna jump 
With no parachute, will you catch me? 
Cause I'm free fallin, fallin
Don't you drop my heart
I'm free fallin, fallin
Hope you catch my love"

"Does your heartbeat beat, beat with mine?
If not, I'll die
Cause I can't fly"

                                            - Sammie (aka Leigh Bush) - 'Free Falling' (2013)

Listen below:

Favourite Anime couples (Updated 01/2016)

There are many anime couples that I ship for but the following are the ones that I find more memorable.

- Sakura x Syaoran  (Cardcaptor Sakura, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle)

In CCS, their development is perfect. From rivals to dependable friends, to finally becoming a couple. After Sakura was rejected by her crush, Syaoran comforted her. Later on, he still didn't tell her his true feelings as he was worried that his feelings will be a burden to her.  "If I tell her how I feel, she will be troubled because she would think about how I would be saddened. That's why...I won't tell her." 

In the CCS movie, they risked losing their most precious feeling to seal a card, but Syaoran said, "Even if I lose this feeling, I'm sure that I'll just fall in love with you all over again".

In TRC, there is so many Sakuras and Syaorans. It can be pretty confusing with their clone counterparts and cameo from the original ones from CCS. In all, Syaoran is always very protective of Sakura, and she has a strong attachment towards him.

___________________________________________________________________

- Ginko x Tanyu  (Mushishi)

Ginko and Tanyu is not a canon couple (yet), but I really like their subtle romance with a tragic feel to it. Just watch episode 20, A Sea of Writings, and you'll know what I mean. From the small actions to their dialogues, you can tell they have feelings for one another. One of my favourite part is when Tanyu stated that she wanted to travel with him.

Ginko: So what are you going to do when your leg heals?

Tanyu: (ponders the question) I want to travel with you. I want to see the mushi you've been telling me about.  

Tanyu: Just kidding. I'll be an old lady by then

Ginko: (looks at her intently, turn his head and exhales) hmm

Tanyu: I'm kidding

Ginko: Sure. But only if I survive until then. 

Tanyu: (smiles) You better live.

Ginko: Nah, I might get eaten by a Mushi tomorrow even. 

Tanyu: You better live anyway.

Ginko: ...give me a break

Tanyu: (laughs) It'll be fine

Also, I ship them even more after reading an in-depth analysis of this couple on another blog. 

New Music: Young-Jun (영준) (of Brown Eyed Soul) - 'Driving Road feat. 팔로알토' (2013)

A smooth and relaxing R&B track by Young Jun, from his EP - CLEF Project 2/4 which was released on Sept. 30, 2013.

Tracklist
1. Driving Road (Feat. 팔로알토)


Listen below:

Anime Review: Mushishi (2005-2006)

Genre: adventure, drama, mystery, psychological, supernatural
Release date: 2005-2006
Episodes: 26

Plot
They are neither plants nor animals. They differ from other forms of life such as the micro-organisms and the fungi. Instead they resemble the primeval body of life and are generally known as "Mushi". Their existence and appearance are unknown to many and only a limited number of humans are aware of them. Ginko is a "Mushi-shi" who travels around to investigate and find out more about the "Mushi". In the process, he also lends a helping hand to people who face problems with supernatural occurances which may be related to the "Mushi."

Review
Recently finished this anime and I can't believe I missed out all this time!!

Each episode has its own unique story that involves a mushi incident. However, the story isn't simply about Ginko helping the people who are affected by the mushi, but it also explores many philosophical  themes such as dealing with failures, happiness, loss of loved ones, social stigma, selfless support, etc.

Ginko is a very interesting character and well developed. He is intelligent, laidback, has a good sense of humour, always willing to help others and he loves his work. Most of the characters in this anime only appear once, but the depth of their character is captured very well.

The art and scenery are beautiful and highly detailed. In terms of sound, the opening theme song is very fitting and I really like it. The background music and the voices of the characters are also done very well.

Mushishi is a very unique, beautiful and meaningful anime series. I really enjoyed watching the series and I hope there will be a second season. All in all, it is very memorable. (9/10)

who am i

"...Imagine the kind of person you thought of as a hero - and be that person."

from the graphic novel "Amulet book 5" by Kazu Kibuishi

(love the Amulet series, highly recommended)

More than music...

Music taught me how to swim, to the deepest and the darkest places I have been. It pulls me through, even led my heart to you. 

                                                               - Lemar - 'More than Music' (2013)

Anime Review: Psycho Pass (2012-2013)

Genre: science fiction, crime thriller, action, psychological
Release date: 2012-2013
Episodes: 22

Plot
Psycho Pass is set in a future where it is possible to instantaneously measure a person's mental state, personality and the probability that a person will commit crimes, all through a "cymatic scan" of the brain. The resulting assessment is called a Psycho-Pass. When this probability, measured by the "Crime Coefficient" index, is too high in an individual, they are pursued and apprehended - with lethal force, if necessary.

The plot focuses on a young adult named Akane Tsunemori who is a new police officer known as Inspector within Unit 1 of the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division. As an Inspector, she hunts criminal alongside a special team of so called latent criminals (people whose Crime Coefficients are deemed too high and without chance of recovery) called Enforcers. The main Enforcer in the story is Shinya Kogami. Both Enforcers and Inspectors use magnum-esque "Dominators" special weapons designed to fire only on those with a higher-than-acceptable Crime Coefficient. During some of Akane's first investigations, the group learns of a mastermind behind multiple crimes, Shogo Makishima. (excerpt from Wikipedia)

Review
You need to really focus once you start this series as it has a very intense and complicated plot, filled with many twists. It explores many psychological and societal themes such as:
- is being placed and judged by an all-knowing system really the best thing for society?
- can something really measure who does or does not have criminal motives and choose to confine them for life?
- should someone be punished because they have the potential to do something considered wrong by society (eg. thought of hurting someone before acting on it)
- emotional repression: not feeling any emotions that society judges as negative (eg. sadness, anger)

I was first drawn to Psycho Pass because the original character design was done by Akira Amano, who is the mangaka for Katekyo Hitman Reborn (one of my favourite anime). And Amano-sensei did not fail as the character designs were very well done. The characters themselves were also well developed and have depth.

Overall, a great action, sci-fi crime thriller that explores many psychological and societal themes, that keeps you at the edge of your seat. (8/10)

If I lost everything....

...If I lost everything, in my heart it means nothing cause I have you. 

                                                - Jason Derulo - 'Marry Me' (2013)

Listen below: 

Anime Review: Blood Lad (2013)

Genre: supernatural, action comedy
Release date: 2013
Episodes: 10

Plot
Staz, a vampire that is obsessed with the human world, and Fuyumi, a human girl that was killed and turned into a ghost after wandering into the demon world. Staz promises to help Fuyumi regain her humanity by brining her back to life, as it means that he would be able to visit the human world. (excerpt from Anime News Network)

Review
The story is fast-paced and very entertaining with lots of action and humour. The demon world is also quite interesting as there are bosses that control certain territories, hierarchy of demons and the Demon Acropolis (where the top demons reside). I like the 2 main characters (Staz - carefree, lazy yet strong and responsible, Fuyumi -shy, quiet, and trusting) as well as the secondary characters (Liz, Wolf, Braz), which have their fair share of screen time. I really enjoy the action scenes and the demonic powers displayed especially Staz's heart constriction move. The art/animation and voices of characters are also well done.

Overall, it is an intriguing supernatural/action/comedy anime that is very enjoyable to watch, but too short. I hope there's a second season. (8/10)

Anime Review: Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama! (2010)

Genre: romance, comedy
Release date: 2010
Episodes: 26

Plot
Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female student council president at a once all-boys school now co-ed. She rules the school with strict discipline demeanor. But she has a secret - she works at a maid cafe due to her family circumstances. One day, the popular A-student and notorious heart breaker Takumi Usui finds out her secret and makes a deal with her to keep it hush from the school in exchange for spending some time with him. (excerpt from Anime News Network)

Review
Although all the girls has a crush on Usui and wants his attention, he only has eyes for Misaki. From the beginning, Usui has feelings for Misaki and tells her... many times actually. However, it takes Misaki 26 episodes to finally realize her feelings for Usui and confesses. It is very obvious how Usui felt, but she insists that he is just teasing. I can't believe she can be this clueless!! I wish they would be together already and I'm glad they are at the very end (yes, I ship Usui x Misaki). Overall, there is no real plot in this anime - it's mainly about Misaki slowly realizing her feelings for Usui and about her daily life. The ending left me somewhat unsatisfied as I would like to see more of Usui and Misaki now that they are a couple. 

The secondary characters are all enjoyable to watch (Suzuna, Hinata, the staff in the maid cafe, etc). The art and sound are also well done. 

Although the story is slow-paced, it is still an entertaining and light-hearted rom/com anime series. (8/10)

just me and you

...

To lay this book in your lap.

Say you're surprised?

Say you like it? 

Say it's just what you wanted? 

Because it's yours...

Because we love you. 

- from the novel: Winnie the Pooh (80th anniversary edition) by A.A. Milne

About Blog

I post a variety of things on this blog, from music and album reviews, to books and anime. 

Note: All links posted here are for promotional purposes only. If you like the music being posted, you can support the artists by buying their album, etc. If you own the copyrights of some of the things I uploaded and you want it to be deleted, please leave a comment and I'll remove them asap.

Life....the longest ride

"If there is a heaven, we will find each other again, for there is no heaven without you." 

"...
Third grade teacher.
She believes in me and I can be anything I want when I grow up.
I can even change the world." 

- from the novel: The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Kim Jae-Suk (김재석) feat. Brand Newjiq - "Raindrop" (2013)

Oooh a feature with Brand Newjiq!! Kim Jae-Suk (of Wanted) released a single album on June 28, 2013. The title track is a R&B/pop track with great melody.

Tracklist:
1. Raindrop feat Brand Newjiq
2. Raindrop (MR) feat. Brand Newjiq

Listen below: 




Lyrics:
When it rains, just like the day you
gone away baby
Reminds me all these love you
gave me
So I sing this song
So baby just listen

Raindrops fallin’ love

When it rains and becomes dark
The erased you finds me again
Asking me how I’m doing, as if nothing happened
(Raindrops fallin’ you)

If I can stop and turn back time
I would have held onto you so you wouldn’t leave me
On rainy days like this
You call out to me

Raindrops fallin’ you
Raindrops fallin’ love

Even when the rain stops and the day brightens
I feel blank all day like the day
you gone away
Baby I
need you by
oh my side
I don’t wanna be alone here
(I need you)

It follows the rain
(and fades)
It flows down
(our memories)
My heart still looks for you
On rainy days like this
You call out to me

Raindrops fallin’ you
Raindrops fallin’ love

The rain becomes tears and flows down
How much more do I have to cry
(In order to erase you)
When this rain stops, will I forget you baby?

Instead of an umbrella, I write a song
You fall down on me and I raise my head higher
I want to feel you more and hear you
You drench my shoulders when
I’m alone in my empty room
You caress me after going through a long day
With these raindrops fallin’ love from the sky
Help me feel you a bit closer just like before

Wet me all baby only you could come and
let me have a good day to love
You drench everything and make
it flow then dry it up again
You make me cry and you
make me laugh and you push me out

When the raindrops fallin’ your love just like this
You know I can’t go on without you baby

Lyrics translated:  POP!GASA

Compromise...

Compromise...
Let's chop it up and get to a solution
Ain't no need to take it there, let's call that compromise

                                                 - Joe - 'Compromise' (2013)

Listen below: 

New Music: One Way - 'Would You Be' (2013)

One Way is back!! They recently released a single album entitled 'Would You Be' on March 21, 2013. Both tracks are R&B/Soul songs with smooth vocals.

Tracklist
1. Would You Be
2.  모르죠 (She’ll Never Know)

Listen below: 
"Would you be" - 

Ra.D - 'It's Been So Long 오랜만이죠' (2013)

Ra.D released a digital single on Feb. 5th, 2013 entitled, "It's been so long" feat. Sin Ji Soo.

Track List:

1. 오랜만이죠 (Feat. 신지수) [It's been so long feat. Sin Ji Soo]

Listen below: