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