Taking a break from blogging this week, cuz its my exam week and I gotta Study~~~ =/
Fear not, for I shall return next week!!!
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Review: U Kiss - Standing Still
U Kiss is back with their third full length album Collage (Album cover rocks by the way). Guys, seriously though. Take a break already.
Music Video
Okay, so I promised I would be a lot nicer in this review. The reason I could be so sure is because I watched the music video before posting my last review and it blew me away. Like, there are no buts about it at all. I honestly, totally, freaking loved it. Yes, yes, U Kiss is back, baby!!!
Fine, their video concept is basically the same. You know, just a bunch of guys dancing in an abandoned building. Just FYI, the music video was shot in an actual abandoned warehouse, so I'm totally not making fun of them.
Still, I thought the music video fit the melancholy feel of the song, especially with the individual shots. The video began with a different soundtrack just as the members were walking towards the screen before the actual song started playing, which I thought was awesome. U Kiss video editors, please always include a shot of U Kiss walking towards the camera from now on.
The video editing this time was actually really well done. The video quality was way better than Alone was. Also, the melting rose bursting into flames at the 2.30 mark symbolizing their dying love was really well-placed, especially considering the song was about the guy burning down.
I was a little disappointed that U Kiss didn't get to interact with the female extra though. As far as idols go, they are one of the groups with fewer reservations about getting up close and personal with the opposite gender, so there could have been some good chemistry. Still, the song was about the girl standing still, so I suppose it is relevant in a way to have her standing in the water, staring at the camera with her creepily unnatural green eyes. Hmmm, maybe she has mixed heritage.
As to why they were in a warehouse in the first place, I assume U Kiss were house-hunting again since they blew up their house in their last music video. And judging by the fact that their first choice was a dingy warehouse, I think its safe to assume that U Kiss has some pretty weird taste in houses. Look on the bright side, at least they got rid of the zombies! Or did they?? You know, I did think Ms Green-Eyes looked kind of suspicious.......
Song and Lyrics
The lyrics to Standing Still were really simple. It was basically about how even though the girl's presence was enough to set their hearts on fire, she still remains aloof and totally unresponsive to their feelings. U Kiss, you say that now, but I'm pretty sure you'd never find any Kiss Mes who would act like that.
My all-time favorite song from U Kiss was 0330. It was a game-changer for me right there because it was so different than all of U Kiss's previous songs. And even though I did love U Kiss's other songs, I despaired of ever finding one that could compete with the shining star that was 0330. And I think I found it. Without a shred of doubt, Standing Still is the best song U Kiss has come up with to date.
It isn't really considered a ballad, because it has a little R&B mixed in it as well, and the beat is similar to a fast song. It's kind of like Stop Girl, but more melancholy. And the instrumental was absolutely beautiful. It had that kind of dreamy quality that would fit perfectly with the setting of an Italian romance movie. Seriously U Kiss, this music video should totally have been shot in Europe.
Yay, Aj's back! I know I ragged on the rapping last time, but this time I have no complaints. It was both powerful and emotional, it fit with the song and the whole "Frostbite, but karma's going to bite back" line gave me chills. Its a shame that Aj didn't write the rap this time though, I would have loved to see him try to put a mathematical twist in the lyrics. Or maybe he would use theories of physics instead.
And holy crap, the adlibs were bloody perfect. I think this is the first song where U Kiss's entire vocal line joined forces to create this harmonious blend of vocal perfection. It was so incredible. That was hands down my favorite part of the entire song.
If there was something I had to say about the song, and this is a really small complaint, it would be the sound effects. I don't know what was with that whooping sound in the chorus. It sounded like the sound you would hear in a comedy baseball game, just as the batter swings the bat.
It was really weird and hilariously, the members actually danced in time to the whoop. Dancing to a whoop? You guys take things way too seriously.
Dance
I don't think I have ever given a really bad review for any dance at all. I just raved about how awesome Shinee's mike stand dance and BAP's push up dance was, and now I'm about to do the same for U Kiss. Hmm, am I too easily impressed?
Seriously though, I love this dance. It seems that U Kiss has taken a liking to doing two distinct dance moves at the same time, because they've done it for almost all of their Japanese songs and now they're incorporating that into their Korean songs as well. Also, I noticed this the first time in Tick Tack, but U Kiss has really graceful hand movement. It's almost beautiful to watch, the way they moved their hands and fingers in cohesion with the rest of their body. U Kiss really pays attention to details. I mean, who would notice their fingers? Except me of course.
I've been reading quite a lot of comments online from fans about how the best part of the whole dance is the part where the members pat their bodies all the way down to......well, all the way down.
Anyway, I respectfully disagree. Firstly, because I feel like a pervert for thinking that. Secondly, come on, it is pretty obvious that the most awesome part was the shoulder-shrugging part, especially when they did it in total synchronization with that fancy footwork, and the beat, and with each other. It was so friggin' cool, definitely the hottest part of the dance in a non-perverted fashion.
Fashion
I cannot even begin to say how relieved I am to see U Kiss back to wearing normal outfits for this music video. Their punk outfits were totally badass and awesome. And the black outfits give a really cool contrast of sophisticated chic vs punk hip-hop. Congratz U Kiss designers, for not jumping off that cliff.
What I do want to talk about though is their hair, and what I'm going to say is basically what a lot of fans have already commented about. First of all, Hoon, you look sexy with that blond hair. Please stay blonde, like forever. Secondly, Eli, I'm not a huge fan of piercings anywhere besides ears, so your brow stud bugs me. Still it's a personal preference, so I will not comment on it. I will however, comment on your hair though. Pink is SO not your color. Like, no way, not ever. So once this is over, let's just get your hair back to a more natural shade, 'kay?
Initially I prepared an onslaught of ranting when I saw the two curtains of seaweed growing at the sides of Dongho's face. But when he ties his hair back, it actually looks pretty good. He kind of looks like Chansung of 2PM back when they made their debut and everyone called him Bun-Boy. Dongho looks so mature in the video, its kind of sad in a way. I mean, I still remember their Shut Up days, where Dongho still looked like a little boy no matter how hard he tried to look badass.
Now look at him, all grown up (Sniff~). And I sound creepy again.
And last but not least, AJ! AJ, welcome back, you've been missed. I have always been surprisingly okay with your extensive range of hairstyles, from the neon striped do in Doradora, to the bald head you sported when you went to study. This hairstyle however, takes the term geek to an entirely different level. You kind of remind me of that anime character, I don't even remember his name anymore, but here's a picture:
AJ, I know you agree with me. I saw your tweet.
Music Video
Okay, so I promised I would be a lot nicer in this review. The reason I could be so sure is because I watched the music video before posting my last review and it blew me away. Like, there are no buts about it at all. I honestly, totally, freaking loved it. Yes, yes, U Kiss is back, baby!!!
Fine, their video concept is basically the same. You know, just a bunch of guys dancing in an abandoned building. Just FYI, the music video was shot in an actual abandoned warehouse, so I'm totally not making fun of them.
Still, I thought the music video fit the melancholy feel of the song, especially with the individual shots. The video began with a different soundtrack just as the members were walking towards the screen before the actual song started playing, which I thought was awesome. U Kiss video editors, please always include a shot of U Kiss walking towards the camera from now on.
The video editing this time was actually really well done. The video quality was way better than Alone was. Also, the melting rose bursting into flames at the 2.30 mark symbolizing their dying love was really well-placed, especially considering the song was about the guy burning down.
I was a little disappointed that U Kiss didn't get to interact with the female extra though. As far as idols go, they are one of the groups with fewer reservations about getting up close and personal with the opposite gender, so there could have been some good chemistry. Still, the song was about the girl standing still, so I suppose it is relevant in a way to have her standing in the water, staring at the camera with her creepily unnatural green eyes. Hmmm, maybe she has mixed heritage.
*Nerd Alert* But since dark eyes are the dominant genes, either way it doesn't make sense.
As to why they were in a warehouse in the first place, I assume U Kiss were house-hunting again since they blew up their house in their last music video. And judging by the fact that their first choice was a dingy warehouse, I think its safe to assume that U Kiss has some pretty weird taste in houses. Look on the bright side, at least they got rid of the zombies! Or did they?? You know, I did think Ms Green-Eyes looked kind of suspicious.......
Braaaiiinns!!!
Song and Lyrics
The lyrics to Standing Still were really simple. It was basically about how even though the girl's presence was enough to set their hearts on fire, she still remains aloof and totally unresponsive to their feelings. U Kiss, you say that now, but I'm pretty sure you'd never find any Kiss Mes who would act like that.
My all-time favorite song from U Kiss was 0330. It was a game-changer for me right there because it was so different than all of U Kiss's previous songs. And even though I did love U Kiss's other songs, I despaired of ever finding one that could compete with the shining star that was 0330. And I think I found it. Without a shred of doubt, Standing Still is the best song U Kiss has come up with to date.
It isn't really considered a ballad, because it has a little R&B mixed in it as well, and the beat is similar to a fast song. It's kind of like Stop Girl, but more melancholy. And the instrumental was absolutely beautiful. It had that kind of dreamy quality that would fit perfectly with the setting of an Italian romance movie. Seriously U Kiss, this music video should totally have been shot in Europe.
What could have been.
Yay, Aj's back! I know I ragged on the rapping last time, but this time I have no complaints. It was both powerful and emotional, it fit with the song and the whole "Frostbite, but karma's going to bite back" line gave me chills. Its a shame that Aj didn't write the rap this time though, I would have loved to see him try to put a mathematical twist in the lyrics. Or maybe he would use theories of physics instead.
You're not the only one who can do it, Simon.
If there was something I had to say about the song, and this is a really small complaint, it would be the sound effects. I don't know what was with that whooping sound in the chorus. It sounded like the sound you would hear in a comedy baseball game, just as the batter swings the bat.
 |
| freepik.com |
Pictured: The editors during the MV shoot.
It was really weird and hilariously, the members actually danced in time to the whoop. Dancing to a whoop? You guys take things way too seriously.
Dance
I don't think I have ever given a really bad review for any dance at all. I just raved about how awesome Shinee's mike stand dance and BAP's push up dance was, and now I'm about to do the same for U Kiss. Hmm, am I too easily impressed?
 |
| Robotboot/photobucket.com |
Omg, I'm moved to tears.
Seriously though, I love this dance. It seems that U Kiss has taken a liking to doing two distinct dance moves at the same time, because they've done it for almost all of their Japanese songs and now they're incorporating that into their Korean songs as well. Also, I noticed this the first time in Tick Tack, but U Kiss has really graceful hand movement. It's almost beautiful to watch, the way they moved their hands and fingers in cohesion with the rest of their body. U Kiss really pays attention to details. I mean, who would notice their fingers? Except me of course.
I see everything.
ALL the way down.
Anyway, I respectfully disagree. Firstly, because I feel like a pervert for thinking that. Secondly, come on, it is pretty obvious that the most awesome part was the shoulder-shrugging part, especially when they did it in total synchronization with that fancy footwork, and the beat, and with each other. It was so friggin' cool, definitely the hottest part of the dance in a non-perverted fashion.
Fashion
I cannot even begin to say how relieved I am to see U Kiss back to wearing normal outfits for this music video. Their punk outfits were totally badass and awesome. And the black outfits give a really cool contrast of sophisticated chic vs punk hip-hop. Congratz U Kiss designers, for not jumping off that cliff.
What I do want to talk about though is their hair, and what I'm going to say is basically what a lot of fans have already commented about. First of all, Hoon, you look sexy with that blond hair. Please stay blonde, like forever. Secondly, Eli, I'm not a huge fan of piercings anywhere besides ears, so your brow stud bugs me. Still it's a personal preference, so I will not comment on it. I will however, comment on your hair though. Pink is SO not your color. Like, no way, not ever. So once this is over, let's just get your hair back to a more natural shade, 'kay?
Initially I prepared an onslaught of ranting when I saw the two curtains of seaweed growing at the sides of Dongho's face. But when he ties his hair back, it actually looks pretty good. He kind of looks like Chansung of 2PM back when they made their debut and everyone called him Bun-Boy. Dongho looks so mature in the video, its kind of sad in a way. I mean, I still remember their Shut Up days, where Dongho still looked like a little boy no matter how hard he tried to look badass.
Pictured: Adorable.
Now look at him, all grown up (Sniff~). And I sound creepy again.
And last but not least, AJ! AJ, welcome back, you've been missed. I have always been surprisingly okay with your extensive range of hairstyles, from the neon striped do in Doradora, to the bald head you sported when you went to study. This hairstyle however, takes the term geek to an entirely different level. You kind of remind me of that anime character, I don't even remember his name anymore, but here's a picture:
Awful. I'm just awful.
AJ, I know you agree with me. I saw your tweet.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Review: U Kiss - Alone
So...
I meant to get this out a whole lot sooner, before U Kiss's comeback as a matter of fact. But the review for One Shot took way longer than I anticipated and I can't even blame it on my no-longer-faulty laptop. Therefore I can only sincerely apologize.
I see my prediction for U Kiss has come true. U Kiss are officially on the run from zombies again. This time though, it looks like they tried going on the offensive by blowing the hell out of the place. You can see the members decked out in military wear and standing in front of walls ridden with bullet-holes, or dancing in what's left of their fancy house after they blew it up. I'm not sure how the whole battle went down, although I hope they got rid of the zombies. I mean, they did just blow up their house, so it would be a bummer if those pesky zombies were still hanging around them.
Okay, there were some parts of the video that I liked and some parts that I didn't really like. Allow me to tell you which parts I did like, so you can decide whether or not you want to kill me later on. I really liked the alleyway scene where U Kiss walked in all badass, looking like they were on their way to beat someone up. I don't think I've seen U Kiss look this gangsta since Shut Up.
My second favorite part was Soohyun's shot where he clung to that metal fence with that really fierce expression (Yeah, I don't know. It's my thing I guess). I thought that of all the members, he expressed best the emotions required for the song and video. And while I do kind of like the setting with the back alley plastered with U Kiss's name and the abandoned classroom they danced in, I have to say that the video directors totally missed a golden opportunity to feature a sweaty, shirtless Eli punching away at that sandbag.
The issues I had with the video was mainly the video editing. Video editors, you seriously need to stop creating those unfocused, blurry shots in U Kiss's videos. Normally I would have no problem with it, but it is starting to make my head spin. Also that parts where the video jerked around really really fast? I know that it kind of fits in with the beat of the song, but it was totally unnecessary.
You know, I am starting to get a little concerned about the whole direction U Kiss is going with their music videos. I mean, this is the goodness-knows-how-many video I've seen where U Kiss does nothing but dance in old, abandoned places. I mean, I know about their zombie problem and all but still, this is SM's formula, and I don't want to see U Kiss go down that road. Even SM is switching it up with videos like I Got A Boy and Dream Girl. 0330 was the last video they shot which had an actual plot and it was amazing. So I really want to see U Kiss produce something great like that again.
Song and Lyrics
I don't know if this is my problem or if U Kiss songs are too deep to grasp sometimes, but I very rarely get what exactly they're trying to convey in their Japanese songs. In the beginning, Eli says "Does it get to see the shape of your fortune right?". Even though it's grammatically correct (I think), I have no idea what "It" is, neither do I know why I would want it reading my fortune. As for the rest of the song, in the beginning I thought the lyrics were about how we should seize our destiny or something, even if it means we'll be alone. Now it sounds to me like U Kiss are singing about a girl who left them and how she should just accept her destiny and stop running. Otherwise she'll always be alone. I don't know which is it, I'm really confused.
Okay, now I have to be honest. This is probably my least favorite Japanese song by U Kiss.
Don't get me wrong. The chorus is great and I loved it. Eli's rap in the very beginning, despite him going on and on about the mysterious It, was also pretty good and I also liked it. But the other parts......weren't that great. The rapping in the middle was really awkward for me. Eli, Dongho, I'm sorry but it didn't really fit in with the rest of the song. Maybe I'm just too used to U Kiss's super fast rapping to fully appreciate it at a slower pace.
I also really disliked the instrumental. It sounded like some badly behaved loud speaker which I might have blasted at full volume if I ever wanted my eardrums to explode. Lastly, the auto-tuned, metallic quality in Soohyun's voice right at the end was awful. Seriously, it was so bad. Soohyun is a great singer, he doesn't need auto-tune. Why would you do it??
U Kiss have produced great songs in the past. Forbidden Love was my all-time favorite Jpop song from U Kiss, Tick Tack being a close second. Those are tough songs to compete with and much as it pains me to say this: This time, Alone fell short.
Dance
The dance was awesome as usual. I mean, this is U Kiss. They take their choreography very seriously. The dance break was totally cool. Usually Kiseop does a solo for that part, but this time all the members paired up to do a kind of slow-motion-robotic-octopus dance......thing. I'm so sorry, I'm not well-versed in dance speak. T^T
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Anyway, it was perfectly synchronized, which is really difficult especially when you're dancing in slow motion. Even the part where they break into two groups and cut in between members as they switch positions was totally in sync. I am super impressed. I have complained before about groups who tries doing different dance moves at the same time but ends up creating this out-of sync, jumbled-up mess. U Kiss however, have done this for almost all their Japanese songs and they are still pulling it off. I cannot even begin to imagine the time and dedication it takes to learn and practice those steps. U Kiss, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Fashion
I usually have no problem with U Kiss's fashion. They still remain one of the few Kpop idol groups who wears perfectly normal clothes in their music videos. I STILL have no problem with their clothes for this music video, in fact I think their gangster clothes and military jackets are awesome. However, I sense that U Kiss are creeping closer and closer to the edge of the cliff, almost ready to plunge into the dark hole of fashion catastrophe. So U Kiss designers, please reel yourselves in. Don't jump off that cliff.
Let me start with Kiseop. I'll be frank, I am not a fan of animal print. They just don't look good on anyone. Secondly, I've said it before and I will say it again. What is up with Kpop and feathers? Why do designers insist on gluing a bunch of feathers on otherwise totally normal and acceptable clothes? More importantly, why do only male idols get feather-bombed? I'm pretty sure I've never seen female idols looking like they just punched a crow and got it stuck on their dress.
If there is something Kpop designers love more than feathers, its hats. Really odd-looking, totally random hats. Actually, I kind of like Kevin's hat right at the beginning when they stood in the alleyway. But the furry Eskimo hat and Hoon's chain link military hat is just a little too random for me.
Anyway, I feel really bad for this review. I really am a fan of U Kiss, so it's hard for me to be impartial towards them. Maybe I was too harsh, I don't know. I'm still quite new in this whole blogging business. My next review will also be on U Kiss, and I promise to be nicer. And U Kiss, I still love you guys! Group hug!!
I meant to get this out a whole lot sooner, before U Kiss's comeback as a matter of fact. But the review for One Shot took way longer than I anticipated and I can't even blame it on my no-longer-faulty laptop. Therefore I can only sincerely apologize.
Music Video
You have no idea how long it took for me to find this video. I don't what it is about U Kiss's Japanese PVs, but they are like the Holy Grail of Youtube. High definition versions are practically non-existent, which is why I apologize again for the crappy quality of the video link.I see my prediction for U Kiss has come true. U Kiss are officially on the run from zombies again. This time though, it looks like they tried going on the offensive by blowing the hell out of the place. You can see the members decked out in military wear and standing in front of walls ridden with bullet-holes, or dancing in what's left of their fancy house after they blew it up. I'm not sure how the whole battle went down, although I hope they got rid of the zombies. I mean, they did just blow up their house, so it would be a bummer if those pesky zombies were still hanging around them.
Damn zombies don't know when to quit.
Okay, there were some parts of the video that I liked and some parts that I didn't really like. Allow me to tell you which parts I did like, so you can decide whether or not you want to kill me later on. I really liked the alleyway scene where U Kiss walked in all badass, looking like they were on their way to beat someone up. I don't think I've seen U Kiss look this gangsta since Shut Up.
My second favorite part was Soohyun's shot where he clung to that metal fence with that really fierce expression (Yeah, I don't know. It's my thing I guess). I thought that of all the members, he expressed best the emotions required for the song and video. And while I do kind of like the setting with the back alley plastered with U Kiss's name and the abandoned classroom they danced in, I have to say that the video directors totally missed a golden opportunity to feature a sweaty, shirtless Eli punching away at that sandbag.
Representing an editor's mistake and crushed fans who can't get the image of sexy boxer Eli out of their heads.
The issues I had with the video was mainly the video editing. Video editors, you seriously need to stop creating those unfocused, blurry shots in U Kiss's videos. Normally I would have no problem with it, but it is starting to make my head spin. Also that parts where the video jerked around really really fast? I know that it kind of fits in with the beat of the song, but it was totally unnecessary.
Look me in the eye and tell me this doesn't give you a headache.
You know, I am starting to get a little concerned about the whole direction U Kiss is going with their music videos. I mean, this is the goodness-knows-how-many video I've seen where U Kiss does nothing but dance in old, abandoned places. I mean, I know about their zombie problem and all but still, this is SM's formula, and I don't want to see U Kiss go down that road. Even SM is switching it up with videos like I Got A Boy and Dream Girl. 0330 was the last video they shot which had an actual plot and it was amazing. So I really want to see U Kiss produce something great like that again.
Song and Lyrics
I don't know if this is my problem or if U Kiss songs are too deep to grasp sometimes, but I very rarely get what exactly they're trying to convey in their Japanese songs. In the beginning, Eli says "Does it get to see the shape of your fortune right?". Even though it's grammatically correct (I think), I have no idea what "It" is, neither do I know why I would want it reading my fortune. As for the rest of the song, in the beginning I thought the lyrics were about how we should seize our destiny or something, even if it means we'll be alone. Now it sounds to me like U Kiss are singing about a girl who left them and how she should just accept her destiny and stop running. Otherwise she'll always be alone. I don't know which is it, I'm really confused.
Okay, now I have to be honest. This is probably my least favorite Japanese song by U Kiss.
 |
| jokawasaki.com |
EJ's body was found three days later.
Don't get me wrong. The chorus is great and I loved it. Eli's rap in the very beginning, despite him going on and on about the mysterious It, was also pretty good and I also liked it. But the other parts......weren't that great. The rapping in the middle was really awkward for me. Eli, Dongho, I'm sorry but it didn't really fit in with the rest of the song. Maybe I'm just too used to U Kiss's super fast rapping to fully appreciate it at a slower pace.
I also really disliked the instrumental. It sounded like some badly behaved loud speaker which I might have blasted at full volume if I ever wanted my eardrums to explode. Lastly, the auto-tuned, metallic quality in Soohyun's voice right at the end was awful. Seriously, it was so bad. Soohyun is a great singer, he doesn't need auto-tune. Why would you do it??
U Kiss have produced great songs in the past. Forbidden Love was my all-time favorite Jpop song from U Kiss, Tick Tack being a close second. Those are tough songs to compete with and much as it pains me to say this: This time, Alone fell short.
Dance
The dance was awesome as usual. I mean, this is U Kiss. They take their choreography very seriously. The dance break was totally cool. Usually Kiseop does a solo for that part, but this time all the members paired up to do a kind of slow-motion-robotic-octopus dance......thing. I'm so sorry, I'm not well-versed in dance speak. T^T
.gif)
It's this one by the way.
Anyway, it was perfectly synchronized, which is really difficult especially when you're dancing in slow motion. Even the part where they break into two groups and cut in between members as they switch positions was totally in sync. I am super impressed. I have complained before about groups who tries doing different dance moves at the same time but ends up creating this out-of sync, jumbled-up mess. U Kiss however, have done this for almost all their Japanese songs and they are still pulling it off. I cannot even begin to imagine the time and dedication it takes to learn and practice those steps. U Kiss, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Fashion
I usually have no problem with U Kiss's fashion. They still remain one of the few Kpop idol groups who wears perfectly normal clothes in their music videos. I STILL have no problem with their clothes for this music video, in fact I think their gangster clothes and military jackets are awesome. However, I sense that U Kiss are creeping closer and closer to the edge of the cliff, almost ready to plunge into the dark hole of fashion catastrophe. So U Kiss designers, please reel yourselves in. Don't jump off that cliff.
Don't do this.
Let me start with Kiseop. I'll be frank, I am not a fan of animal print. They just don't look good on anyone. Secondly, I've said it before and I will say it again. What is up with Kpop and feathers? Why do designers insist on gluing a bunch of feathers on otherwise totally normal and acceptable clothes? More importantly, why do only male idols get feather-bombed? I'm pretty sure I've never seen female idols looking like they just punched a crow and got it stuck on their dress.
Happy birthday Eli!! Also, someone glued a feather duster to your sleeve.
If there is something Kpop designers love more than feathers, its hats. Really odd-looking, totally random hats. Actually, I kind of like Kevin's hat right at the beginning when they stood in the alleyway. But the furry Eskimo hat and Hoon's chain link military hat is just a little too random for me.
I swear I'm not picking on him on purpose.
Anyway, I feel really bad for this review. I really am a fan of U Kiss, so it's hard for me to be impartial towards them. Maybe I was too harsh, I don't know. I'm still quite new in this whole blogging business. My next review will also be on U Kiss, and I promise to be nicer. And U Kiss, I still love you guys! Group hug!!
*U Kiss didn't want to hug her.*
Friday, 8 March 2013
Review: BAP - One Shot
BAP is back (actually for some time now) with a new album One Shot. Further good news is that I finally took my laptop to the repair shop and it is once again alive and kicking. Huzzah!!!
Music Video
Man, BAP is taking quite a depressing turn in their music videos lately. After I reviewed the very emo video of Rain Sound, the next video that they released is just as gloomy. Let's see, Warrior and Power were totally badass music videos. Crash and Stop It were toe-curlingly cute and aegyo. Now Rain Sound and One Shot are depressing videos which features the members getting shot at. Hmmm, I'm sensing a pattern here. My guess is, when they release their next music video, they will go full on beast idol and start ripping their shirts off.
This video was really long, almost seven minutes. It starts off with all the members on a fancy boat surrounded by foreign bikini women, having the time of their lives. But then it cuts forward to Jongup getting beat up by some thugs in front of Yongguk who is given a pendrive revealing that those thugs kidnapped Yongjae and wants a ransom of 10 million won. Gasp, the scumbags!! Anyway, Yongguk's gang manage to scrounge up the money by robbing an armed security truck and head off to save Youngjae. This is when the music video is split into two alternate endings. The first is where all of them are killed in a shootout which started after the bad guys killed Youngjae. In the other ending, Youngjae is the bad guy when he reveals that he is an undercover police officer. Both gangs get arrested and Youngjae heads off to live happily ever after.
This video had a lot of potential. It had a great storyline, and all the members of BAP acted really well, probably because they were totally in their element with this plot. And they dance in front of a gigantic, robot version of BAP's mascot which was also surrounded by castle ruins and tanks. Tanks and robots, how cool is that?? So I do like the video. I probably would have liked it a lot more though, if it didn't confuse me so much.
I feel like I'm missing some sort of back story here, because there are huge, mind-boggling questions about this video, starting with how much money they actually have. If they were penniless street thugs who lived in a garage and had to steal money just to rescue their friend, how exactly did they afford the boat? Did they steal it? If they did, what about those hot foreign women? Did they steal them too?
Regardless of how they got it, why couldn't they just sell the boat to get the money? I'm pretty sure it would have been a lot easier than robbing someone in a back alley. But then again, considering how easily those two security guards got jumped and knocked out by four unarmed kids - Zelo wasn't even covering his face in the beginning, they could have done it just for the kicks and still have gotten away with it.
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So the video has two alternate endings. I'm not sure why, but it could be to placate the fangirls who were sobbing in despair at seeing their biases getting shot and killed. Although if you ask me, the first ending, while being a lot more depressing, actually wraps up the video really well. While the second ending only creates even more confusion for me.
In the second ending Youngjae reveals himself to be a police officer who went undercover to arrest both gangs. But wait, judging by how worried Yongguk was about Youngjae being kidnapped and his utter relief when they rescued him, I would assume that they had known each other for a really long time. Just how undercover did Youngjae have to go to trap a bunch of street thugs? And how could the others not have found out? In fact, when Youngjae was caught trying to slip a pill-shaped camera into Yongguk's jacket, Yongguk just brushed it off like it was nothing. So either Youngjae is the smoothest talker in the world, or Yongguk is the most trusting gang leader ever.
Song and Lyrics
Anyone who has been following my reviews so far (No one, sobz!!) knows that I never comment on the English in the song. Being Koreans, Kpop idols are naturally given the freedom of having oddly pronounced and oddly placed English lines. However, the English here was so bad that it ruined an otherwise amazing song, and I will hold my silence no longer.
So Yongguk says things like "You only get last chance, you know?" No Yongguk, I don't know, because sentences like "You only get last chance" and "Get your mind out for the gutter" makes no sense to me whatsoever. I don't know if it was Yongguk who was just bad in English, or if the song writer had a personal vendetta and was getting back at him by giving him bad lines, but the other members also have a few English lines and those are perfectly fine. I really like BAP, and Yongguk is probably my favorite after Daehyun. But seriously dude, your English needs work.
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Okay, besides the atrocious English, this is a great song. BAP is one of the few groups I know who constantly produce songs about breaking free from society's restraints, or standing strong through challenges, and that makes them stand out from the sea of Kpop idols who always sing about seducing girls/boys. This song basically tells people not to the let fear or unwillingness to act keep them from achieving their dreams. Because they only have one shot in life, so they have to reach out and grab it with both hands.
They once produced a similar song called Unbreakable in their Warrior album, which talked about the hardships they faced as trainees and how they managed to overcome them in the end. Although it didn't have a music video, the lyrics were in the same genre as One Shot. Songs like these are what I listen to during bad times, so I am always thankful to any artist who produce those songs.
Dance
After the last review where Shinee's mike stand dance blew my mind with its awesomeness, I was convinced that it would be a long time before another group came up with an equally mind-blowing choreography. But then BAP came along. Well, technically they came along sooner, but...You know, anyway.
Okay, the dance for Warrior and Power was great, but this dance, with it's foot stomping and wild arm movements and floor action, was incredible. Seriously though, I think half of the time the members were either on their backs or doing aggressive push ups on the floor.
On a side note: Those push ups they were doing are called the scorpian, and it is really difficult to execute, as you can see by how the members' muscles are straining while they were doing it. Usually a Kpop group would leave the more strenuous dance moves to the best dancer of the group. However in BAP's case, pretty much their whole choreography was difficult and all of the members had to deal with that. But they pulled it off and in their live performances, they even managed it while singing and they didn't even sound out of breath. You seriously need to tell me how you're doing it, BAP.
Jongup's leap-frog over Himchan was awesome, but Zelo was the true star in the dance. I have no idea what it was called, but his solo was so awesome I found myself replaying it over and over again.
It was so badass and he does it so effortlessly you would never guess that he's actually still just a kid. I have not seen break dancing moves in Kpop since 2PM and I've missed that so much. So BAP, you did a great job. Start to finish, the dance was solid, I have no complaints whatsoever.
Fashion
Since their fashion disaster in Stop It, it seems that BAP are playing it safe by sticking to black leather and badass accessories. Seriously, BAP has the most awesome collection of accessories ever. Still, eyeliner, guys. Tone it down.
While I really like their outfits, I can't help but worry about the amount of leather they're wearing. I mean, aren't they hot? Hot, as in the temperature, not hot as in how they look (Although they are also hot). I once watched a 2PM concert (Always with the 2PM references, what's wrong with me?) where they wore leather, and I spent the entire time worrying about them getting heatstroke. Maybe Korea is cold enough that they don't even feel the heat. But BAP, if you ever come to my country for a concert, please don't wear leather. You will die. Seriously, don't.
Music Video
Man, BAP is taking quite a depressing turn in their music videos lately. After I reviewed the very emo video of Rain Sound, the next video that they released is just as gloomy. Let's see, Warrior and Power were totally badass music videos. Crash and Stop It were toe-curlingly cute and aegyo. Now Rain Sound and One Shot are depressing videos which features the members getting shot at. Hmmm, I'm sensing a pattern here. My guess is, when they release their next music video, they will go full on beast idol and start ripping their shirts off.
 |
| killerfilm.com |
Like this, but less green and with mikes in their hands.
This video was really long, almost seven minutes. It starts off with all the members on a fancy boat surrounded by foreign bikini women, having the time of their lives. But then it cuts forward to Jongup getting beat up by some thugs in front of Yongguk who is given a pendrive revealing that those thugs kidnapped Yongjae and wants a ransom of 10 million won. Gasp, the scumbags!! Anyway, Yongguk's gang manage to scrounge up the money by robbing an armed security truck and head off to save Youngjae. This is when the music video is split into two alternate endings. The first is where all of them are killed in a shootout which started after the bad guys killed Youngjae. In the other ending, Youngjae is the bad guy when he reveals that he is an undercover police officer. Both gangs get arrested and Youngjae heads off to live happily ever after.
This video had a lot of potential. It had a great storyline, and all the members of BAP acted really well, probably because they were totally in their element with this plot. And they dance in front of a gigantic, robot version of BAP's mascot which was also surrounded by castle ruins and tanks. Tanks and robots, how cool is that?? So I do like the video. I probably would have liked it a lot more though, if it didn't confuse me so much.
I feel like I'm missing some sort of back story here, because there are huge, mind-boggling questions about this video, starting with how much money they actually have. If they were penniless street thugs who lived in a garage and had to steal money just to rescue their friend, how exactly did they afford the boat? Did they steal it? If they did, what about those hot foreign women? Did they steal them too?
"Of course not. We stole the boat and they just happened to be on it."
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"Let's do that again!"
So the video has two alternate endings. I'm not sure why, but it could be to placate the fangirls who were sobbing in despair at seeing their biases getting shot and killed. Although if you ask me, the first ending, while being a lot more depressing, actually wraps up the video really well. While the second ending only creates even more confusion for me.
In the second ending Youngjae reveals himself to be a police officer who went undercover to arrest both gangs. But wait, judging by how worried Yongguk was about Youngjae being kidnapped and his utter relief when they rescued him, I would assume that they had known each other for a really long time. Just how undercover did Youngjae have to go to trap a bunch of street thugs? And how could the others not have found out? In fact, when Youngjae was caught trying to slip a pill-shaped camera into Yongguk's jacket, Yongguk just brushed it off like it was nothing. So either Youngjae is the smoothest talker in the world, or Yongguk is the most trusting gang leader ever.
Song and Lyrics
Anyone who has been following my reviews so far (No one, sobz!!) knows that I never comment on the English in the song. Being Koreans, Kpop idols are naturally given the freedom of having oddly pronounced and oddly placed English lines. However, the English here was so bad that it ruined an otherwise amazing song, and I will hold my silence no longer.
So Yongguk says things like "You only get last chance, you know?" No Yongguk, I don't know, because sentences like "You only get last chance" and "Get your mind out for the gutter" makes no sense to me whatsoever. I don't know if it was Yongguk who was just bad in English, or if the song writer had a personal vendetta and was getting back at him by giving him bad lines, but the other members also have a few English lines and those are perfectly fine. I really like BAP, and Yongguk is probably my favorite after Daehyun. But seriously dude, your English needs work.
.gif)
Shooting me doesn't help.
Okay, besides the atrocious English, this is a great song. BAP is one of the few groups I know who constantly produce songs about breaking free from society's restraints, or standing strong through challenges, and that makes them stand out from the sea of Kpop idols who always sing about seducing girls/boys. This song basically tells people not to the let fear or unwillingness to act keep them from achieving their dreams. Because they only have one shot in life, so they have to reach out and grab it with both hands.
They once produced a similar song called Unbreakable in their Warrior album, which talked about the hardships they faced as trainees and how they managed to overcome them in the end. Although it didn't have a music video, the lyrics were in the same genre as One Shot. Songs like these are what I listen to during bad times, so I am always thankful to any artist who produce those songs.
Dance
After the last review where Shinee's mike stand dance blew my mind with its awesomeness, I was convinced that it would be a long time before another group came up with an equally mind-blowing choreography. But then BAP came along. Well, technically they came along sooner, but...You know, anyway.
Okay, the dance for Warrior and Power was great, but this dance, with it's foot stomping and wild arm movements and floor action, was incredible. Seriously though, I think half of the time the members were either on their backs or doing aggressive push ups on the floor.
Cuz dancing upright is for wimps.
On a side note: Those push ups they were doing are called the scorpian, and it is really difficult to execute, as you can see by how the members' muscles are straining while they were doing it. Usually a Kpop group would leave the more strenuous dance moves to the best dancer of the group. However in BAP's case, pretty much their whole choreography was difficult and all of the members had to deal with that. But they pulled it off and in their live performances, they even managed it while singing and they didn't even sound out of breath. You seriously need to tell me how you're doing it, BAP.
Jongup's leap-frog over Himchan was awesome, but Zelo was the true star in the dance. I have no idea what it was called, but his solo was so awesome I found myself replaying it over and over again.
This awesome solo.
It was so badass and he does it so effortlessly you would never guess that he's actually still just a kid. I have not seen break dancing moves in Kpop since 2PM and I've missed that so much. So BAP, you did a great job. Start to finish, the dance was solid, I have no complaints whatsoever.
Fashion
Since their fashion disaster in Stop It, it seems that BAP are playing it safe by sticking to black leather and badass accessories. Seriously, BAP has the most awesome collection of accessories ever. Still, eyeliner, guys. Tone it down.
While I really like their outfits, I can't help but worry about the amount of leather they're wearing. I mean, aren't they hot? Hot, as in the temperature, not hot as in how they look (Although they are also hot). I once watched a 2PM concert (Always with the 2PM references, what's wrong with me?) where they wore leather, and I spent the entire time worrying about them getting heatstroke. Maybe Korea is cold enough that they don't even feel the heat. But BAP, if you ever come to my country for a concert, please don't wear leather. You will die. Seriously, don't.
Pictured: Not kidding.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Review: Shinee - Dream Girl
Big hype around this song, so I am under pressure to do a good job with this.
Music Video
The music video has a sort of YG-esque approach to it in which it is so weird that it works. You see, Shinee falls into a category of idols whom I like to call the Idol-idols. The category in which the idols are so heart-breakingly perfect, whether in their music or videos, that you wonder if they are even human sometimes. And while that is all good and well, they get trapped in this box shaped by the expectations of Kpop fans on how they should behave or promote their image and music, etc etc.
I want to see them throw away their idol image and look ridiculous and let that become the whole point of the video. And while I could still see some reservations about making them look too insane, I'm really glad to see a non-traditional-SM approach made for this video.
I love the whole dream concept for the video. Since they are supposed to be in a dream, anything goes so long as they follow the rule of not making any sense whatsoever. In fact, you do see actual elements of a dream, for instance when the members fall down in a dream, they wake up in their bed. Or when someone yells at them through a bullhorn in their dream, they wake up to their alarm clock ringing. These things really do happen when you're dreaming, it isn't just random weirdness. So two thumbs up, they nailed it.
Now the issues I had with the video. First, I didn't like the weird techno-static effect when Shinee were bouncing between the dream world and reality. I felt like I was watching TV with really bad reception. They even added the static sound effect to go with it which totally ruined the song for me. Also, what with my laptop and its ongoing tantrums, I found myself constantly rewinding parts of the video to make sure it was actually the video, and not my laptop that was acting up.
Secondly, guys, your dream girl is about the creepiest person I've ever seen in a music video. She has no face!!! And no, the flowers don't help at all.
You see, growing up, the ghosts that freaked me out most were the types where you couldn't see their faces properly. Whether it was long black hair covering their faces, or if they had no face to speak of, that was the kind of creepy ghost flicks that made me sleep with the lights on for weeks. This girl has a friggin' square hole where her face should be and I can assure you, stuffing a bunch of flowers in there does not ease the pants-wetting horror I feel every time I see that image. So thanks Shinee, for ruining my sleep for the next couple of weeks.
Song and Lyrics
Talking about this segment is always really difficult for me. I could begin by not liking a song the first time I hear it, but after listening to it the next hundred times which I always have to do for my reviews, I might start thinking "Oh yeah, actually this is okay." It works in reverse too. I might think a song is totally amazing the first time I hear it, but by the time I finish reviewing, I get so sick of it that I never want to hear it ever again.
Honestly, first time I heard this song, I didn't like it very much. It reminded me too much of Sherlock, which has always rubbed off me the wrong way because of the "Oh I'm curious yeah!!!" part. But after watching their live performances, now I really like the song. One thing I will say about Shinee, they have incredible stage presence. They rocked the song so hard, they literally slammed it in my face until I couldn't help but like it. It was powerful, it had style and Jonghyun's high notes were incredible.
In the beginning, I was wondering what on earth did a song about their dream girl have to do with the members bouncing around a trampoline, then waking up in bed looking as dazed and confused as I felt. But then looking at the lyrics, I realized that Shinee were singing about an actual girl from their dreams. If you pay attention to the lyrics, there is some emotion mixed into the powerful beat. Like when they sing about how much they want to hold on to their dream girl even though they'll forget her in the morning. So they wait for the time when they see her again in their dreams. So it's a little sad, but at the same time it's okay. I have never reviewed a Shinee song before, so I'm not sure if their previous songs were like this, but it's a little different compared to the lyrics of a standard pop song and I like it.
Dance
I know it, and you know it. That mike stand dance is one of the most rockingly awesome dances we've seen in a long time. It's better than the Sherlock dance (Which being honest, I didn't like that much), better than SNSD's Bollywood dance, better than TVXQ's dragon dance. It is, hands down, one of the best routines SM has come up with yet. It is so incredible that I can only describe it with grossly exaggerated negative terms.
There is only one way to describe someone who knows how to move with a mike stand, and that is suave. I have always loved any music video that incorporates the mike stand because it fits the idols' roles as singers and performers. And even though Taemin is the best dancer in the group, he wasn't the only one who did all the tricky moves. You also see the other members doing cool flips with the stand, or sliding it along the floor in unison but at different angles. It was awesome, I just can't rave about it enough.
Music Video
The music video has a sort of YG-esque approach to it in which it is so weird that it works. You see, Shinee falls into a category of idols whom I like to call the Idol-idols. The category in which the idols are so heart-breakingly perfect, whether in their music or videos, that you wonder if they are even human sometimes. And while that is all good and well, they get trapped in this box shaped by the expectations of Kpop fans on how they should behave or promote their image and music, etc etc.
Thus the literal boxes they dance in.
I want to see them throw away their idol image and look ridiculous and let that become the whole point of the video. And while I could still see some reservations about making them look too insane, I'm really glad to see a non-traditional-SM approach made for this video.
I love the whole dream concept for the video. Since they are supposed to be in a dream, anything goes so long as they follow the rule of not making any sense whatsoever. In fact, you do see actual elements of a dream, for instance when the members fall down in a dream, they wake up in their bed. Or when someone yells at them through a bullhorn in their dream, they wake up to their alarm clock ringing. These things really do happen when you're dreaming, it isn't just random weirdness. So two thumbs up, they nailed it.
Now the issues I had with the video. First, I didn't like the weird techno-static effect when Shinee were bouncing between the dream world and reality. I felt like I was watching TV with really bad reception. They even added the static sound effect to go with it which totally ruined the song for me. Also, what with my laptop and its ongoing tantrums, I found myself constantly rewinding parts of the video to make sure it was actually the video, and not my laptop that was acting up.
Secondly, guys, your dream girl is about the creepiest person I've ever seen in a music video. She has no face!!! And no, the flowers don't help at all.
"Don't you think I'm pretty?"
You see, growing up, the ghosts that freaked me out most were the types where you couldn't see their faces properly. Whether it was long black hair covering their faces, or if they had no face to speak of, that was the kind of creepy ghost flicks that made me sleep with the lights on for weeks. This girl has a friggin' square hole where her face should be and I can assure you, stuffing a bunch of flowers in there does not ease the pants-wetting horror I feel every time I see that image. So thanks Shinee, for ruining my sleep for the next couple of weeks.
 |
| kpopstarz.com |
"You're welcome."
Song and Lyrics
Talking about this segment is always really difficult for me. I could begin by not liking a song the first time I hear it, but after listening to it the next hundred times which I always have to do for my reviews, I might start thinking "Oh yeah, actually this is okay." It works in reverse too. I might think a song is totally amazing the first time I hear it, but by the time I finish reviewing, I get so sick of it that I never want to hear it ever again.
Honestly, first time I heard this song, I didn't like it very much. It reminded me too much of Sherlock, which has always rubbed off me the wrong way because of the "Oh I'm curious yeah!!!" part. But after watching their live performances, now I really like the song. One thing I will say about Shinee, they have incredible stage presence. They rocked the song so hard, they literally slammed it in my face until I couldn't help but like it. It was powerful, it had style and Jonghyun's high notes were incredible.
In the beginning, I was wondering what on earth did a song about their dream girl have to do with the members bouncing around a trampoline, then waking up in bed looking as dazed and confused as I felt. But then looking at the lyrics, I realized that Shinee were singing about an actual girl from their dreams. If you pay attention to the lyrics, there is some emotion mixed into the powerful beat. Like when they sing about how much they want to hold on to their dream girl even though they'll forget her in the morning. So they wait for the time when they see her again in their dreams. So it's a little sad, but at the same time it's okay. I have never reviewed a Shinee song before, so I'm not sure if their previous songs were like this, but it's a little different compared to the lyrics of a standard pop song and I like it.
Dance
I know it, and you know it. That mike stand dance is one of the most rockingly awesome dances we've seen in a long time. It's better than the Sherlock dance (Which being honest, I didn't like that much), better than SNSD's Bollywood dance, better than TVXQ's dragon dance. It is, hands down, one of the best routines SM has come up with yet. It is so incredible that I can only describe it with grossly exaggerated negative terms.
It's just so freakishly, disgustingly, gut-wrenchingly awesome!!!
There is only one way to describe someone who knows how to move with a mike stand, and that is suave. I have always loved any music video that incorporates the mike stand because it fits the idols' roles as singers and performers. And even though Taemin is the best dancer in the group, he wasn't the only one who did all the tricky moves. You also see the other members doing cool flips with the stand, or sliding it along the floor in unison but at different angles. It was awesome, I just can't rave about it enough.
 |
| wordpress.com |
Seriously, I can't shut up.
Fashion
Shinee has always, always wore really bright-colored, mismatched clothes in their videos. This is their style, so I have no problem with that. I even like their dark-colored suits because it suits the oddly-lit room they were dancing in. At least what they wear actually resembles clothes unlike some SM artists I can name...But then there is Taemin.
Sigh, Taemin, Taemin, Taemin, what am I going to do about you? I know I was kind of harsh last time about your old man's clothes in Disturbance, so rest assured I'm going to be just as horrible for this review. Because it looks to me that whoever designed your pants was also the one who did Siwon's concept for Mr Simple. You know, the one with the boxers.
Those awful, awful boxers.
Even though he wasn't wearing actual boxers, he might as well have been with those pants. Not only does it look like a pair of tights, but both the design and color are so unfortunate that I am at a total loss for words. Like Siwon, it kind of leans towards a Superman concept if you squint, and like Siwon, I felt like washing my eyes out after seeing him.
I feel bad for picking on Taemin all the time, but really, he was asking for it.
The wide stance does not help.
I feel bad for picking on Taemin all the time, but really, he was asking for it.
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