tisdag 31 maj 2016

Jpop: Frederic - The Invisible Man & Only Wonder

I have really liked Frederic's song so far, with the first two videos being my favorites, but both "The Invisible Man" last autumn and this months "Only Wonder" has the same basic qualities and melodies that made me like the group from the start.


Kpop: Girl's Day - Hello Bubble (헬로버블)




Ok, let's do this! I love most of what Girl's Day do, and even though I found "Bubble" flimsy at the time of its release one year ago, it grew on me and so, summer having arrived, I feel it should get its own blog post. The video is basically payed for by a hair product company, something not that unusual at all in kpop.







Jpop: Oyasumi Hologram (おやすみホログラム)



The odd duo Hachigatsu-chan ("Miss Hachigatsu") and Kanami Mochizuki make up the duo Oyasumi Hologram, an indie band that with their second album "2" this spring has some interesting songs on it, especially the song "Neuromancer". I really liked their cooperation with Have a Nice Day!, especially "Emerald". Neuromancer continues on that sound that they do well, their typical disharmonic tension, but at the same time it is more stable and focused than most they've have done, making it more likeable in my ears.
  • Oyasumi Hologram - Neuromancer (ニューロマンサー)
  • Oyasumi Hologram & Have a Nice Day! - Emerald (エメラルド)
  • Oyasumi Hologram - 11
  • Oyasumi Hologram - Someone's garden (誰かの庭)
  • Oyasumi Hologram - Way home
  • Oyasumi Hologram - Note 


Kpop: Fiestar - Apple Pie (애플파이)







Fiestar's return with "Apple Pie" is actually a bit messy with the first moments especially not making me feel anything until the refrain, but then it takes off in a nice way. While not being a solid hit, if I look beyond the (even for kpop) cheesy dresses, the video bears watching a couple of times.















Kpop: Luna (루나)




SM Town is really giving Luna from f(x) a real boost for her solo career, first with her participation in the polished EDM co-op track "Wave", and now with her first real solo "Free Somebody" that feels like a dance hit, just perfect as it works both perfectly for the dance floor as a dreamy disco at home, if I didn't hear the korean singing I would place it on some british dance floor. Maybe the best kpop song these last few months.





söndag 29 maj 2016

Mandopop: Li Yuchun - Sense of Presence (存在感)




Cool Chris Lee, or Li Yuchun as is her real name, released some really nice songs last december, with the production being really top notch, and "Sense of Presence" continues this, with a fleshy sound and fashionista - ish video.