Pimping some classic J-Pop to get my mind off the DBSK fiasco. Chances are you might have heard these before, back when you were a kid. At least I did. At least one has been re-sung in chinese too. =) Very very good songs, so please do give them a listen. Finally able to give names to them after DBSK did some covers. LOL


Sakura by Moriyama Naotarou. Love the voice, and the chorus especially is familiar. You'd know once you listen to it. Very soulful, very simple.


Rainy Blue by Hideaki Tokunaga. If you've been listening to chinese/canto pop when you were young, you will know this song. I believe Jacky Cheung did a cover. The original, though, with that wistful voice, is still my favourite. For eng subs, you have to watch the dbsk jaechun version here which is another type of beautiful.


True Love by Fumiya Fujii. Yet another classic. LOOOVE this song.

Comment if you'd like the mp3s. Or if you like the songs etc. =)

stuck @ houston airport. Flight was delayed for 4 hours. Bummer. Sleepy. Nonetheless, excited. Japan!!!!!! :) more to come as and when i get internet access. It was announced that google will be giving out free wifi @ this airport... But i can't find it on my phone...

On other things, looks like oprah has finally decided to retire. this is possibly the biggest news on american tv this morning lol. I only remember her as the one who gave us all free bokks at our graduation, and gave a cool speech... Lol

Sigh bored. 2 more hours...

Post from mobile portal m.livejournal.com

This is beyond hilarious. Seriously. I come back for 2 short weeks to attend two weddings. With lots of crazy back-to-back meetups with dear friends in between. The day I and PL finally met, just had to be the day I meet Gackt. Of all people *headdesks* Resulting from a series of random uneventful decisions we made, no less. *facepalms*

PL's much funnier and detailed account can be found here.

So it all started 4 mths back with pl and I finally fixing a date to meetup when i get back. This was supposed to be a huuuuuge karaoke session combined with much DBSK fangirling. And general catching up, as all good friends do.

The kbox session had to be vetoed as dear me had this horrid sore throat. so PL suggests we go to town for Curry Omu Rice @ Mr. Curry, which was AWESOME. Then I suggested we go to Far East because I wanted to browse the korean clothes shops over there. PL agrees, and we drop by isetan to look for Alanna and pass her stuff. ON the way we stop by the okinawan drum performance (which apparently gackt was watching but we didn't see him). Then we wandered off to find Alanna and pass her stuff. Up to this point, your nice, mundane girls' day out. Normal, boring, singaporean.

Alanna just had to be not-around at that point, so we kinda loitered around the jewellery section (as yours truly is a sucker for earrings). Finally we got bored enough we decided to head off towards far east. So we were walking past the escalator, and pl was in front. I think (and my memory at this point is hazy) that pl muttered to me something about bunch of guys on left that were japanese and kinda hot. So i kinda just glanced and was about to walk off. Then somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind something about that hot guy with the sunglases and bleached hair clicked. And i quickly turned around to double check. At that point I was like, *OMG is that gackt or am i dreaming* and quickly elbowed PL hard and hissed "PL, behind me. Is it gackt. I'm serious!!!! (because this is singapore and Gackts dont' just pop out of thin air)". PL glanced back and stared at me. "Omg. Eh. Really. It is him". And at this point we were in a bit of a detached shock. Behind us Gackt and his minders had kinda stopped behind us. I think Gackt noticed we recognized him. LOL So they were kinda standing there and figuring out where to go next.

I pretty much at that point dragged pl to a corner and we both frantically started digging in our bags to look for paper for autographs. We had pens. We had everything else in our bags. BUT NO PAPER. And, this is the sad part:- I had a brand new DBSK Prague photobook and a very precious Yunho postcard in my bag. BUT NO PAPER. *facepalms* Utter phail. We meet gackt and I'm holding precious DBSK merchandise. =_= Three years back it would've been a high chance that if I meet PL, i would be carrying a jrock magazine. But now. Nooooo. DBSK merchandise. *head-desks* And obviously I'm not going to ask him sign those, cos 1) paiseh 2) er, I want DBSK to sign that!!!! LOL

At this point, we stared at each other in despair. Then I suggested we ask gackt for a photo. So we run after the group who were leaving. I think i managed a strangled 'Sumimasen' to his back, and then I had to count on PL to soldier on cos my mind was goo. The conversation was really pretty funny:

PL: Sumimasen, Gackt-san desu ka? 
Me: *manages to not say Gackt-sama and totally embarrass myself, and just smiles*
PL: *manages some broken japanese to ask for a photo, and kinda tapers off when she forgets the words - because a full on gackt stare is kinda like mind-killer*

At this point his manager kinda starts waving her hands and saying no. So we were kinda disappointed, and tryjng to figure out what next to say. I was trying to frantically remember a gackt song, which obviously can't happen because my mind was full of dbsk. *facepalms* PL was silent and uhmming because, well, she was never a fan, and what do you say to someone you never really like anyway? Then i think Gackt took pity on us, and this was when it got really funny:

Gackt: 你们是新加坡人吗？
Us: *blinks. uh, did he just speak chinese to us?!!!!!!*
PL: *recovers quickly* Uh....对对！我们是新加坡人！
Me: *manages to parrot PL, but brain is still kinda processing* Hai.... (obviously i'm confused cos he's japanese and i'm in japanese mode but i'm hearing chinese!!!!)

*awkward silence* (thinking back I think Gackt might be desperately trying to remember his chinese XD)

Gackt: *gesticulates and points at the floor* 你们住在这里吗？
PL: *blinks* uh....是！是！我们住在这里！
Me: *blinks* ?!!!??????!  (omg his voice is like silk., *dies*)

*classic awkward Gackt silence*

PL: 欢迎你来到新加坡！ (when in doubt, do the classic singapore tourist spiel)

Gackt then did this really hot (OMG) smile and stretched out a hand to shake ours. I was just like. Staring at the hand. And then I shook it. First thing i thought was 'OMG his skin damn nice.'. Second thought was 'OMG HE JUST SHOOK MY HAND!!!'

Then he said something in....er...some language and waved and then we bowed alot and left. Then we went to a corner to squee. We were rather...unstable. I was screaming in the phone at my friend, as was PL. LOL Both of us were just in shock. Because random HUGE jrock stars don' t just drop from the sky right in front of you, and speak mandarin, and then shake your hands. O.M.G.

The sad part is we weren't even true fans. PL never liked him after Malice Mizer. And I was a fan up until he started writing songs that had super weird tunes. Super sad part is we had DBSK merchandise. Super super super sad part is, well... it wasn't DBSK. *facepalms* LOL Then again if dbsk materialized in front of me... if I was already this phail in front of gackt, I think with dbsk in front, and no coherent pl to save me (i'm assuming she'd be goo just seeing jae), it'd be rather hopeless. 

I'm still in awe at how calm PL was. LOLOLOL I think i pretty much did what one is NOT supposed to do when you meet someone you like or used to like. LOLOL Omg. Gackt. OMG.

My luck. Is like, so weird. O_O Now all this weird luck needs to be channeled to me meeting changmin/yunho in the face. Then i can die happy *_*

Post up youtube vids of five songs in your music collection which have the same title but are sung by different artists. (i so totally made this up XD)


Title: Shine

1. The campy ghei that is Luna Sea. Sugizo's rather...divaesque performance is pretty memorable.



2. Take That's version. Embedding disabled, so please click here. Love the MV =)

3. Mr Big. Also the soundtrack for...i think it was Helsing. There was vampires or something. 
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4. L'arc En Ciel. I'm starting to hear some similarities between the songs... (Also, really love this PV and song)


5. Last but not least, the DBSK version. XDXDXDXDXD SOOOO CUTE! <3

Its really rather interesting how they all have the same general key tones even they're all wholly different styles. =) INteresting meme XDXD. Tagging PL, the only person that still reads this blog... XD And anyone else who might wanna do this XD

9 - Directed by Shane Acker, produced by Tim Burton and Tim Bekmambetov (Wanted)

Is awesome. Seriously awesome. 1hr 19 min of wonderfully cheoreographed action scenes (nothing less from Bekmambetov), and quirky yet beautiful imagery. Plot started out strong, though I was a little dubious about the mildly spiritual ending, and the slightly dodgy scientific theory. Otherwise, i really enjoyed it. And yes I cried. And I almost want to watch it again.

The animation was very well crafted - each character has small mannerisms and quirks that conveyed their personalities so well. I particularly liked the twins. So CUTE. You'll see when you watch the movie. And 1's eyes. I LOVE how they did the eyes with the sliding metal. So much emotion with just moving metal sheets.

Soundtrack by Danny Elfman was, as usual, beyond reproach. Brought along the movie very very well. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoJecu9e7c
Love that heavy rock soundtrack playing in the background. And i promise the show is much more than just good action.

And i really want a keychain of 9 or 7 or the twins. Full sack-person keychain. Will be soo cute. <3

--
after that we tried watching All About Steve, starring Sandra Bullock. Do not watch. I repeat. Do Not Watch. Was a stupid movie. It started out as a romantic comedy - smart, yet annoying girl falls in love with guy at first sight, and jumps him. Guy freaks out cos he thinks she's a psycho and runs away. Girl follows him EVERY WHERE and bugs the hell out of him. Guy kinda changes his mind about her being a psycho. Guy + Girl decide this isn't working and say byebye. Movie ends. 
Me: WTF. I feel cheated.

And yes if you were wondering how the movie got from one point to another, I have no idea either. I actually thought, in the end, it would've been better if they decided on the romantic comedy route. Predictable but at least, hey, it didn't make you feel annoyed. This was someone trying to be smart and going, let's make a romantic comedy with a non-ending. O_o Complete waste of time.

( Spoilers under cut )

Everyone has bad days, right? Days where nothing goes right? Well i think i just had a bad day that tops every other bad Monday in my life. Worst Monday Ever. And yes this is a carthartic rant. Because the whole day i've been -thisclose- to tears and stressed out, and making a gazillion phone calls over break.

( serious rant warning. )

1. As a child, what music did you always hear playing in the background?
Hm. Beatles. Anything beatles. In particular, Hey Jude, Yesterday, and When I'm 64.

2. What was the first cassette you ever bought?
First CD i assume LOLOL. *thinks* I think it was this tacky Now4 english pop compilation. Either that or Backstreet boys' 2nd album *LOLOL*

3. What was the first song you memorised all the lyrics to; and quick, tell me the words of the first verse.
the first song i memorized will obviously be the first song i forget too O_o But uh. I'll try. Right. *thinks* Hey Jude - beatles =) "Hey jude, don't make it bad, take a sad song, and make it better..."

4. The soundtrack of a) your first crush; b) your first big heartbreak
a) Haha. Er. Backstreet boys' 2nd album. Throw in Glay... and oh oh, the Slamdunk OST (don't ask, long story). And the first crush i'm talking about uh, wasn't exactly real. LOL
b) ooh heartbreak. So many songs from so many different people! off the top of my head, X Japan, Glay, Mayday, some Dir En Grey for the pissed-off moments, James Blunt, and Mika's Any Other World and Happy Ending.

5. The song that makes you a) want to fall in love; b) rage against the machine
a) tough one. too many. Jason Mraz' I'm Yours i guess. At the moment. Ther'es alot more scattered around =)
b) DEG's Berry. with lyrics like 'i want to take your brain and make raspberry jam' LOLOL Well that was when i was a teen. Nowadays....maybe somethign from MUSE.

6. Which song can you listen to on repeat forever and never get tired of?
Hahahahaha. Er. Everything in my favourites list? =) I always get tired of things eventually. LIke after 1 week of repeated playing of one song. The last one i did that on was DBSK's stand by u.

7. ‘Fess up, which is the most embarassing album you own?
SPEED's debut album (japanese girly girl band). If it helps after i bought that. 2 weeks later i bought larc en ciel, glay, and luna sea albums, and kinda trashed this one to the deepest depths of my cupboards =)

8. Which singers/musicians will you insist on introducing to your kids, at the risk of being called fuddy-duddy?
Glay, Beatles, Elton John, Jacky Cheung.

9. The song that defines ’sexy’ for you
Actually it's not Checkmate. It's Mirotic. XD
Watch this vid for the english translation and the video that defines it for me. Hot. Oh and Wrong Number. I like it when guys are a little bad... =)

10. Which singers/musicians would you most want to have over to dinner, and why?
Ashin from Mayday. I'd like to ask him about his artistic vision.  And yes, the bimbotic answer would be DBSK. Cos it will be beyond awesome. XD

11. What song never fails to get you on the dance floor, even if you have two left feet?
Hm. Okay i surrender. DBSK's purple line XD

12. Favourite music video
OOOOH. Er. HARD QUESTION. Okay. Glay's Soul Love. Watch here.

13. Favourite song in a language you don’t speak
Hm. Since i'm learning japanese right now...so it'd have to be something else...so cruel to make me choose one T_T Uh. DBSK's You're My Miracle... for now. =) I keep changing my mind!

14. What song is currently in your head? Like, right now.
No song. Random speech nuggets from Anthony Bourdain, interlaced with some thai background music. Because that's what showing on TV now. =) anthony bourdain = <3

15. The song you want to hear played/sung at your funeral (not that you would be around to hear it, but still…)
Leaving On A Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk

hard meme, but interesting =) i tag en to do this LOL =)

One word: WOW.


Don't pretend to understand the historical context behind this, but from a pure artistic standpoint, that was beautiful art.

behold my current source of serious blood loss *_*



just watch the first minute or so. The rest of it you can watch if you end up falling head over heels for the guy XD

and the pictures that come with it...

 

 

OMG the cheekbones. The eyes. That body. The legs. *dies*

and another video for hotness:

finally got internet on my phone. Tada!!! Right now lying on my bed as i post this heh. Expect more rubbish to come' now that i'm fully connected yay!

This is the post-that-started-as-a-meme which ended up becoming a post-to-pimp-comforting-music. Was in a funk the past few days because of too much work, too tight deadlines, and, to top it off, -that- time of the month. *sighs* Which resulted in me listening to said playlist on loop. And then PL suggested I pimp it so here you go. Alot of these songs are old. Some have memories, while others just somehow paint pretty pictures in my head. I've tried to describe it, but for some reason it ended up like some weird songfic with no characters. Lyrics aren't the main point here. The main point is the tune and emotion. And the fact that it calms and encourages me at the same time.

Twenty-three songs. I hope you like it. Comments on the music will be very very very very nice, since this blog is really quiet... will be nice to know that the audience is more than just three people. =)

The zip with all the music is here: Part 1 + Part 2.

( And on to the recs... )

Back from Tokyo. Immensely happy. Also immensely broke. But well, you only live once... =)

It all started with this band...and this beautiful song...



( Click for the trip journal.. )

Okay, here's the concert report proper, since it promises to be LONG.:

( Clicky for the <3 )

Currently playing this song to death, and the best part is it's not even released yet *sheepish grin*

but before you guys start complaining about my single-minded obsession, i have to point out jsut how BEAUTIFUL this song is. Firstly, the lyrics. The way it's written, and how close to heart it is, makes me feel very...understood. Then the harmony - very lush, kinda goes into your brain and gives you this comfortable rush. The tune, especially is -exquisite-. And of course the guys are really cute here *heh*



The piano transcription by keudae is also very beautiful:

Gacked from PL, here's what I got =)

http://www.paulsadowski.com/Numbers.asp

Your number is: 4

The characteristics of #4 are: A foundation, order, service, struggle against limits, steady growth.

The expression or destiny for #4:
Order, service, and management are the cornerstones of the number 4 Expression. Your destiny is to express wonderful organization skills with your ever practical, down-to-earth approach. You are the kind of person who is always willing to work those long, hard hours to push a project through to completion. A patience with detail allows you to become expert in fields such as building, engineering, and all forms of craftsmanship. Your abilities to write and teach may lean toward the more technical and detailed. In the arts, music will likely be your choice. Artistic talents may also appear in such fields as horiculture and floral arrangement, as well. Many skilled physicians and especially surgeons have the 4 Expression.

The engineering mention comforts me. A little. Music, yes, like. The order bit...maybe not so much. LOL

The positive attitudes of the 4 Expression yield responsibility; you are one who no doubt, fulfills obligations, and is highly systematic and orderly. You are serious and sincere, honest and faithful. It is your role to help and you are required to do a good job at everything you undertake.

If there is too much 4 energies present in your makeup, you may express some of the negative attitudes of the number 4. The obligations that you face may tend to create frustration and feelings of limitation or restriction. You may sometimes find yourself nursing negative attitudes in this regard and these can keep you in a rather low mood. Avoid becoming too rigid, stubborn, dogmatic, and fixed in your opinions. You may have a tendency to develop and hold very strong likes and dislikes, and some of these may border on the classification of prejudice. The negative side of 4 often produces dominant and bossy individuals who use disciplinarian to an excess. These tendencies must be avoided. Finally, like nearly all with 4 Expression, you must keep your eye on the big picture and not get overly wrapped up in detail and routine.

the prejudice bit is kinda true...

Your Soul Urge number is: 3

A Soul Urge number of 3 means:
With the Soul Urge number 3 your desire in life is personal expression, and generally enjoying life to its fullest. You want to participate in an active social life and enjoy a large circle of friends. You want to be in the limelight, expressing your artistic or intellectual talents. Word skills may be your thing; speaking, writing, acting, singing. In a positive sense, the 3 energy is friendly, outgoing and always very social.

You have a decidedly upbeat attitude that is rarely discouraged; a good mental and emotional balance.

The 3 Soul Urge gives intuitive insight, thus, very high creative and inspirational tendencies. The truly outstanding trait shown by the 3 Soul Urge is that of self-expression, regardless of the field of endeavor.

On the negative side, you may at times become too easygoing and too optimistic, tending to scatter forces and accomplish very little. Often, the excessive 3 energy produces non-stop talkers. Everyone has faults, but the 3 soul urge doesn't appreciate having these pointed out.

hahaha. "scatter forces and accomplish very little" is very true. *sheepish grin* Not appreciating having faults pointed out is, unfortunately, also true. ^^;

Your Inner Dream number is: 1

An Inner Dream number of 1 means:
You dream of being a leader and one who is in charge. You want to be known for your courage, daring, and original ideas. You seek unconquered heights. People may get a first impression that you are very aggressive and sure of yourself.

All true. Wow. Maybe minus the aggressive and sure of self bit.

Yet another DBSK post - mainly because i just saw TBS' Mirotic concert preview. And it's amazing. The music is good, the dances are OMG SO HOT, and they were pitch perfect in the slow songs O_O I just kept moving closer and closer to the screen... LOL I can't wait for the actual dvd to be out T_T

Also because i just revamped all my icons, so I wanted to show a new one. *points to icon* *dies laughing* Check out my icon set here. I put up some really funny stuff *dies* I love the dbsk boys to BITS *squee*

Posting up this vid out of cut because the singing is AMAZING. Must watch!

Love In The Ice + Don't Say Goodbye - watch this if you skip everything else. BEAUTIFUL pitch-perfect, live performance. And such beautiful songs. Don't say goodbye, especially. Beautiful.


Here's some of my other faves in the concert:

( Clicky for more vids.. )

Ah...backdating this post since I was a little lax in actually writing stuff that night I came back (midnight! tired!) =)

Uploaded pictures for the older posts too, so do go back and see the other days =)

( Click for more piccies =) )

No pictures today, because today we slacked off.... too tired. LOL My feet currently hurt like crazy, and my stomach is so stuffed i cannot breathe. LOL

Have gotten off my ass and put up pictures... 

( Click cut for piccies! =) )

My first full day in NYC! Currently super tired because we seriousl spent 12 hours doing a whirlwind shopping + eating deal. Nonstop. i kid you not. I even have pictures to prove it! Am blogging this in Sue's pretty room, nursing very painful feet...

( Clicky for the real deal =) )