Fangirltainment

Top 20 Kpop songs of 2010, part 1

zerohundred — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 06:39:21 +0000

This year was rather disappointing for K-pop, but I didn’t even realize it how bad it was until I started putting this 2010 list together. I usually have a difficult time deciding which songs to kick from the line-up, but this time I struggled to find “worthy” tracks. There were a lot of likable, fun songs that were released this year (for instance, I enjoyed SHINee’s “Lucifer,” but I don’t like it enough to consider it a favorite), but few of them clicked with me.

However, I did what I could and got together of my favorite K-pop songs of 2010. This list has tracks I more liked than loved, starting with 20 and counting down to 11. I’ll post 10 to 1 tomorrow or the next day. Please remember that this is my opinion! I’d love to hear what your personal favorites of the year were.

20. After School – Bang!
This is just a fun song. It’s pretty cheesy, but I just end up liking it for that. After School really knows how to make songs that have that effect. I don’t have much more to say about this track other than that. It’s one of those songs I don’t mind listening to even after (almost) a year because it’s so entertaining.
19. BoA – Hurricane Venus
When this song was first released, I was positively obsessed with it. I listened to it so much that now I hesitate to call it a favorite… I think I got tired of it! It’s a really good song though, and I can still listen to it and realize that. It’s BoA perfection. It’s extremely catchy and I think it’s one of those songs that will stand out as one of the good ones of 2010 for more than just me.
18. One Way – Magic
This is another song I played into oblivion; I originally envisioned it much higher on the list. I know it’s a fantastic song though. One Way is in interesting group to me because they have genuine talent and they’re very into connecting with their fans (and definitely reach out to their international audience. It just makes me like them more. I think even aside from that, this song just shows off their versatility. It’s a catchy song, but it also sounds good through-and-through. I am a sucker for falsetto.
17. miss A – Bad Girl Good Girl
I know a lot of people disliked this song, but I found it to be pretty catchy and enjoyable. It’s a great song to debut with, and the dance was so hilariously fun and memorable. I wish miss A had stayed with this kind of thing instead of “Breathe,” which I actually thought was one of the WORST K-pop songs of the year. What I like about “Bad Girl Good Girl” is the run-together kind of verses. It just gets in my head and I think that’s how I ended up listening to it so much (and subsequently liking it quite a bit). I actually watched almost every single live performance of this song, and that is a VERY rare occurrence (typically reserved for Big Bang only, but another group caught my attention as well–you’ll find out who tomorrow). The miss A girls are just so FIERCE.
16. IU & Seulong – 잔소리 [Nagging]
I hesitated to put this song on the list because it’s one of those VERY cutesy tracks, but then I remembered that I don’t care about that. I love IU (although I didn’t listen to her newest song enough to evaluate it for 2010), and Seulong is my favorite 2AM member. This song is just utter adorableness and UGH. I liked it so much that I made a video with it for the drama Prosecutor Princess. It’s not deep or anything, but sometimes fluffy, sappy goodness is in order. This song fits the bill for that.
15. Co-Ed School – Too Late
One thing I like about Co-Ed is that it’s a chance for guy and girl vocals to mix. This song is fun and addictive and the video is enjoyable to watch. I think the dance is awful and amazing all at once. THE BUTT SHAKING. It’s so memorable! It’s so embarrassing! But hey, it worked for Kara, right? Anyway, I think “Too Late” (part 1 mostly) is a good 2010 song. It’s not perfect, but I would definitely call it a fantastic debut track.
14. C.N.Blue – 외톨이야 [I’m a Loner]
I LOVE THIS SONG! It’s fantastic. I just want to sing along dramatically every time it plays. Even my non-Kpop-loving sister said she likes it. It’s just that kind of song. It screams happiness even if the lyrics are kind of depressing. I don’t know why? I think it’s that odd juxtaposition that makes me like it all the more. I liked C.N.Blue’s “LOVE” too, but this one just seems a bit better to me.
13. Hyuna – Change (feat. 용준형 from BEAST)
This is probably one of the songs I’ve had the longest (for 2010) and I still love listening to it. It’s completely and utterly K-pop to the core. It’s shameless. Hyuna might not be the most talented in the vocal department, but she knows how to work what she’s got. She has incredible charisma and this song is completely enjoyable because of it. She brings it every time, and this song… it’s just amusing and catchy and HYUNA all the way. Also, mixing 4minute and Beast always makes amazing good times (THE ENGRISH. FAVORITED.) Y-Y-Y-OU LEDDY? I made a “Change” background last January if you’re interested.
12. GD & TOP – Oh Yeah feat. Park Bom
It was difficult to pick one GD & TOP song for the year (I had to limit myself), but for me the best had to be “Oh Yeah.” Well, it was at first. After listening to the album more, I changed my mind, but I still adore this song and had to include it (so don’t get mad that I had a GTOP repeat on the list; it just had to happen). I love “High High” (among so many others, including “집에 가지마/Don’t Go Home,” which is lovely) but “Oh Yeah” just has a more interesting color to it. Is it because of Bom? Perhaps. I think the atmosphere of this song is fantastic. It’s fun and flirty and I adore it. Seeing the live performances of this track absolutely cinched it for me. My, my, my. One of favorite things about this song is actually TOP’s singing. It’s sort of rap-singing? When he comes on after the first chorus I positively DIE. Overall, it’s just an enjoyable song that makes me smile. I-I-I like it, baby. I know some people have had the COMPLETE opposite reaction about “Oh Yeah,” but I’m not one of them.
11. Outsider – 주변인 [Acquaintance]
I think this song is so freaking gorgeous. Outsider has a knack for rapping in a very powerful and emotion-evoking way. At first I wondered if his rapid-fire rapping was a gimmick, and maybe it kind of is? But this is my second year listing an Outsider song as a favorite, and I still believe he just owns his music. The fast rapping adds an urgency, almost a panicked kind of aspect to the music. The background music is so lovely and haunting, so the two mixed creates an interesting song. LOVE IT.

GD and TOP’s ‘뻑이가요/Knock Out’ is outtasight

zerohundred — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:53:29 +0000

I was so excited when I found out they were making a video for GD and TOP’s “뻑이가요/Knock Out” song. When evaluating my interesting in their album, I initially thought “Oh Yeah” was my favorite track. However, it hit me later that “뻑이가요” is actually the song that’s the most dynamic and interesting, and I am basically in love with it (it’s funny how revelations like this come suddenly). It’s the kind of song that continuously grows on a person until it’s undoubtedly in the lead.

The video is absolutely perfection. It’s eccentric, gratuitous, and over-the-top. This song demands that kind of imagery, so I’m glad they went that route. It’s simple, but effective.

I was not into the smokey-dreamy effect that seemed to dominate the video. I WANT CLARITY. I NEED TO SEE GTOP IN CRISP LINES. Other that that, there is just too much to even comment on (in a good way).

I’m still not a fan of the dance (it’s so ugly), but whatevs. FAVORITE PART? Definitely when TOP and GD are popping bubble-wrap like it’s their job. LOVE. I really liked the crazy styling, especially GD’s. I remember back when people gave him so much grief for his clothing choices, but nowadays it’s expected. Haters gonna (still) hate, but I’m not one of them. A fashion revolution won’t start with conformists, so let GD ring. (TOP in various suits deserves an A+, just in case you didn’t know this already.)

The young girls featured in the video… future group in the making? I want to know who they are.

Of course, the most “wtf” moment of the video (if only one can be chosen) is the Segway part. LMAO. Dying forever at the randomness of that.

AND I LOVE HOW IT ENDS.

What did you think? Am I only seeing through the eyes of an obsessed fan (well, let’s just forget that this is always how I see), or is this actually pretty decent?

MBLAQ’s ‘Cry’ review

zerohundred — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:17:35 +0000

I thought I’d whip up a quick review of MBLAQ’s “Cry” song and MV. I generally like MBLAQ and I’m glad that they’ve finally released something new.

The beginning of the MV just made me laugh. SRY. I think English intros are so overdone and when they sound like THAT, of course I’m going to snicker. It’s just a law of nature. Also, please don’t let Thunder veer from dark hair. IT MAKES ME INCREDIBLY SAD. So few K-pop stars can do hair that light, and I don’t think he’s among the handful that can.

Really not into the man-eyeshadow craze that’s sweeping Korea. Guy-liner, yes. I can handle that if it’s done correctly. Blue sparkles? NO. IT’S DISTRACTING AS HECK, EVEN ON GIRLS. OKAY? Please listen D:

Other than these things, the styling is tolerable and the video quality is good. I’m terribly reminded of “Y” in so many aspects, but I’ll just put that thought away as it probably just means that they’re trying to cultivate some kind of reoccurring concept for the group. OR NOT. I liked the water element though. It was both pretty and interesting.

The song is nice, I suppose. It’s ~passionate~ and ~emotional~, which is definitely one route a group can take with their music. I definitely see some kind of relationship with MBLAQ and Rain through music and concept choices alone. There is an undeniable similarity/link. I’m into the song enough that I consider it refreshing and worth listening to. Lately everything is so-so for me, so I think that “Cry” is just a step above that. Maybe it will grow on me further at some point.

Girl Story is a WTF story

zerohundred — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:17:11 +0000

A new group called “Girl Story” recently debuted with the song “Pinky Pinky.” All newbies have some kind of special thing that sets them apart, and Girl Story is no different. What’s their “thing”? THEIR AGE. They have an average age of 9. Your computer screen isn’t short-circuiting; that’s really the truth.

JUST.

WHAT?

I can’t fault the girls or their parents for wanting a fun hobby; I mean, didn’t we all do extra-curricular activities when we were their ages? The part that makes me crazy is that this is just another money-making scheme. Sure, we could even begin comparing this kind of thing to an American equivalent, such as Willow Smith. I have to say it’s easy to make excuses for her because she has undeniable talent. HOWEVER, the difference here is that the US has clear child labor laws and it seems like SK is still working on theirs. And even with proper labor laws, it’s always a question of whether it’s healthy for someone that young to be in the limelight. Will there ever be a child star that survives without a mountain-high load of baggage?

There are so many questions when it comes to this, but when it comes to Girl Story, I just feel sad. These girls don’t even have solid talent to back them up in their venture into the entertainment world. Supposedly, some of these girls are known for acting, but it’s clear that singing is not their forte (especially if they have to be auto-tuned into oblivion). Why can’t kids just be kids? Why can’t this just be some recital, where all the parents will gush with pleasure at the adorable imperfection that children and pre-teens are so good at embracing (when we adults try to hide it all the time). It’s just too hard to see these girls dressed as mini-grownups with fake voices and fake dances and…

WHAT?

GD and TOP’s album blows my mind (review)

zerohundred — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:30:07 +0000

Were you waiting for my review, bb? Here it is, in it’s full, fangirly glory. Everyone should know by now that I’m a huge Big Bang fan. I’ve been really excited about TOP and G-Dragon’s album. Doesn’t that go without saying? I’m very grateful that they’ve been throwing us a few bones (like giving us various previews, singles, videos, and so on) prior to the actual release of the album because it’s tided me over. Barely, but I’ve made it. YAY! Can you already tell my brain is in a disorganized state of EUPHORIA? Let’s just skip all of the attempts at proper chat and I’ll give you my review of the album!

Intro: If you’ve been keeping up with GD and TOP’s activities as I have, you’ll know this is getting to be a familiar track. I like it! It’s not the best track ever or anything, but it’s a good intro in that it gets you kind of hyped for what’s in store. It’s pretty basic hip-hop and I think it’s an appropriate way to start their album. I like the singing at the end, haha. It’s cool how GD mentions all their songs.
High High: Okay, so we’ve now had this song for ten days. COMPLETELY OBSESSED with various aspects of it. I know a lot of fans are pretty complainy over this being one of their main promoted tracks, but really… is it that bad? Have you SEEN their live performance? That is entertainment like no other. Seeing GD and TOP perform “High High” has me loving the song more than ever. It’s not perfect by any means and OF COURSE there are more quality tracks on the album, but this is the kind of thing you need to keep interest going for 3+ minutes on stage. I love me some “Knocking Out,” but I actually zone out partway through them performing it. Just saying. It’s a great song to blast in the car, just in case you haven’t tried that yet (what a travesty if you haven’t!).
Oh Yeah (feat. Park Bom): OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG I’m so into this song. The live performances have increased my love for it exponentially, and I really didn’t believe that was possible. I have to say my favorite parts are TOP’s; he just blows this track up in so many ways. Bom is beyond flawless; I adore her on stage, and her interactions with the boys = priceless. I’m addicted to GD’s “kitchen” line LMAO and dslfsdjl. I just. THIS. SONG. It’s just a reallyreallyreally good track and I know not everyone is on the same page about it, but I’m loving it completely.
집에 가지마 [Don’t Go Home]: Fun begging! And finally, this song. I remember hearing this song on YG Live. I’m guessing they didn’t end up including Bom because she wasn’t messing with the song (and that’s probably why she’s on “Oh Yeah” instead, because it works better for her voice). ANYWAY, this song is faaaaaaabulous. I love it so far. It has a really smooth sound and I’m totally into the mix of singing and rapping. It’s interesting to hear GD’s falsetto make a comeback, along with lots of other singing that sounds better than his normal voice (don’t get me wrong; he can sing, but I don’t think it’s as strong as his rapping). I really enjoy (and this is one of the best things about GTOP so far) how easily TOP and GD work together. Their interactions are practically seamless; it’s like they’ve always been a duo. I think this song will end up being one of my favorites from the album.
Baby Good Night: The title: is it a flawed use of English, a double entendre, or does it just mean “good night” rather than “goodnight”? LMAO, specifics. This song is a nice transition from the last song. It has a similar feel, but it’s slower and… I don’t know. I just know that everything so far screams quality. Is it safe to say this is one of YG Entertainment’s best albums in a while? I mean, I liked/loved a lot of YG Family stuff that’s come out this year, but they’ve all left me wanting. I somehow get the impression with this album that it’s completely full and amazing and doesn’t need more to complete it. Also, is this is random CL feature? I didn’t think it sounded like her until the random French was thrown in.
뻑이가요 [Knocking Out]: OMG, I’m so happy to finally have this song on my computer. I have been liking it more and more since first hearing it. It reminds me a bit of “The Leaders” on G-Dragon’s “Heartbreaker” album. It has a fantabulous beat that gets put on repeat in your brain and you’re left thinking about it constantly. It’s also similar in the way that it doesn’t need a huge pop influence to be completely addicting. THIS AIN’T BUBBLE-BUBBLE, BUBBLE GUM! I suppose there is even an element of dissonance with the “뻑이가요” chorus (as sung by GD), but it works so well.
Oh Mom (TOP): I have to say this song started out rather questionably, but give me singing by TOP and I’m jello. When I heard the preview for this song I was squeeing so bad. I’m not into the genre/style of this song, but I’ll take it for what it is and like it. It’s kind of interesting to hear TOP and G-Dragon trying new styles of music. And GUH, I know TOP is being auto-tuned to some effect, but if you just listen to his voice… I’m seriously butter; do you need any more metaphors for how much I’m loving this? I have giant puppy eyes right now. He has a great rap voice/tone that he uses all the time, but hearing him sing straight out is like nothing else. We’ve needed more of this. A two second clip in “She Can’t Get Enough” is definitely NOT enough. I am super curious about the lyrics for this song. I can imagine this being a song playing at the end credits for some movie (or even a drama) about a guy who rides a motorcycle and feels alone in the world LOL.
악몽 [Obsession] (GD): OKSDJFLDKJ, for some reason I’m so frickin’ excited by the intro music for this song. It reminds me of video game. HERE IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! This album honestly feels like it can’t be any better than what we’re getting so far. I’m absolutely in love with everything about this song. UGH, stop being so frickin’ talented, GD! KIDDING! Never change. Of course, there are about ten thousand fans who are whining about the auto-tune right now, but I could care less. I honestly think G-Dragon’s singing has improved a LOT, and I can’t even figure out why I would think this. His voice sounds so clear and unforced. Sometimes when he’s sung in the past, I end up feeling like he’s ALMOST there but not quite. Now I can listen to this song and have no complaints. I spy another album favorite. AND HE’S INSERTING RANDOM SPANISH. Oh, you international boys, you. French and Spanish, not to mention mostly-correct English? MUAH.
오늘따라 (TOP): I love how this begins! It just promises goodness. It flows into a really good track. This is the perfect follow-up for “Obsession” because it’s of the same caliber, only it’s TOP-style! It’s also a bit more hopeful? Maybe not; I should wait for the lyrics before making such a comment. The piano seems to say that though. And yesss, the piano. I’m in love. FOR WHY SO PERFECT??? The chorus is incredible.
어쩌란 말이냐? (GD) [What Do You Want?]: This is probably the only song on the album that’s going to have me cracking up forever. Apparently this is GD’s venture into the “Rock ‘n Roll” genre. It’s not a bad song, and I don’t think it’s completely lost in this album. However, it’s just… I don’t know. Surprising! I think it’s fun and it’s crazy to see how far GD is willing to go with his musical experimentation. He did a great job with this, although I recommend he not return often LOL. I love the energy of this track.
Turn It Up (TOP): I’ve already reviewed this song to an extent, but I can still happily listen to it after all these months. I love that it’s so very TOP. It’s hard to get a fresh perspective on “Turn It Up” after practically a year of listening to it, but I can easily say it’s a fun song.

It’s been a long time since I’ve so easily fallen for an album. Even trying to be positively objective and pretending I don’t have a huge Big Bang (and even bigger GTOP) bias, this album is incredibly full. It has a great range of styles that flow together well. I feel like every song has been well thought-out and it doesn’t seem like there are any filler tracks; most K-pop albums (if not all) usually do have tracks like that, and I am so shocked to experience a lack of such! My brain is so spazzy right now I’m having trouble articulating. I think the only song that’s a bit off for me is GD’s “What Do You Want?”. It just doesn’t quite FIT like I think it should, but then again, it’s not like it sticks out like store thumb. The album kind of allows for huge genre mixing.

We are getting to hear so many different sides of GD and TOP right now and I’m DYING as a long-time fan. I’ve missed them and now they are reminding us of why we love them. G-Dragon and TOP have so much talent, and I’m so excited and proud of them them. They are growing and changing and improving. I recently watched some of my favorite Big Bang performances and thought, “Why do I feel so different about these than I used to?” and now I’m wondering if it’s because they’ve already grown so much.

One of the first comments I made about Big Bang (although I quickly revised this thought as soon as I became infatuated; flaws always drop away when you are looking through giant heart-shaped eyes) was that I really like them, but I feel like they have room for improvement. GUH, and this is what I was looking to! A point in time that I can proudly sit back and say, “BOYS, why are you so flawless?” LOL. Because I honestly will support them no matter what, even if it means making “Sunset Glow” their title song, but really. I’m so thrilled that they’ve made it to this point.

Sure, we haven’t seen all of Big Bang yet, but it makes me very excited to see what the whole group has in store. I suppose I shouldn’t get my hopes up TOO high, but… they’re already high high, they’re so high (couldn’t help it… LOL).

SO! What do you think? LOVVVE it like me or do you have some gripes? SHARE!

Fangirl dreamworld

zerohundred — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:14:34 +0000

I was just browsing my iPhone’s note section and I came across a time when I tried to compile the important details of a fandom-inspired dream shortly after waking. I remember knowing what the obscure things referenced for up to a week after I had the dream, but I think (in my fully awake state) I realized it would be silly/difficult to document it in full. Anyway, enjoy trying to decode this hilarious mess of dream notes:

Minzy sprinkler
Taec smart scientist
Dara dog
Jingo face paint???
Liam and Heeim
Africa
Hut
Variety show
T-ara
GD sat back
T-ara MV for WC
Area where you could get tossed thru space and time
Island

It oddly reads like a very strange poem. my favorite line is “Taec smart scientist. ”

This post is courtesy of my phone, so I apologize if the formatting is off. I had this dream back in June, by the way.

GD and TOP’s Inkigayo comeback (debut?) 101219

zerohundred — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 07:40:06 +0000

I saw G-Dragon and TOP performing on Inkigayo a few hours after it was aired (really early my time on the 19th), and OH man. LOVED IT. Here are some of the notes I took while watching it. I would have posted them sooner, but I went straight to bed after viewing the performance:

Kinda just realized that this is Big Bang. Performing. On stage. Albeit, it’s not ALL of Big Bang, but this is just LOVELY and I will appreciate it. I mean, they have a special kind of charisma no one can duplicate.

The energy on stage for “High High” is crazy good. They look like bobble-heads when they first appear! I love how TOP and GD interact on stage… guh, it’s so fun to watch. They really make their lack of choreography work like heck. Instead of a straight-up dance, they have stuff that’s more akin to skits.

I think I died from laughing when TOP winks at the beginning of “Oh Yeah.” ALSO, LOVE LOVE LOVE Bom as soon as she appears. GD and Bom dancing together is OMG, favorited (lol). ANDDDDDDD her interacting with TOP? Can there be more things to love about this?

Both of these performances are fantastic because it seems like they’re having a great time on stage. That always shows through and infects the audience with a lot of happiness! I can feel it.

Perfection.

G-Dragon is clearly a liar when it comes to his love life

zerohundred — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:00:36 +0000

There really is not much more to be said except what the title has already pointed out: G-Dragon lies through his teeth about having a girlfriend during a recent interview. Sure it’s just speculation, but it’s also fact. KIDDING, but I know you all like to TRY to figure things out as much as I do. Even if we’re being uber fangirls (or boys) and picking this apart to the point of ridiculousness, who cares? This is the life of a rabid fan.

Here’s the scoop. On KBS 2TV’s “Entertainment Relay”, G-Dragon and TOP were interviewed about a variety of things. One of the questions was this:

[GD and TOP] affirmatively said “No” when the reporter asked if they had any girlfriends. Slyly, the reported persisted, “Are you sure that’s not an answer with your boss in mind?”. Yet both T.O.P and G-Dragon answered, “Our boss would actually rather see us living a stable life with a stable girlfriend.”

If you watch the interview clip (at about 2:20), the interviewer ask them something along the lines of wouldn’t it be nice to have a girlfriend for Christmas, and then on to ask if they have girlfriends and then she asks the same question to GD directy. To clarify, she actually singles GD out to ask about his relationship status. TOP makes some kind of general comment and she asks, “Do you have (a girlfriend)?” and TOP pauses before saying, “I don’t.” He is under suspicion as well, but we’ll pass on him because he’s more ambiguous. She turns to GD and he quickly answers, “No.”

It’s hilarious because he just sits with a funny kind of smile on his face. You have to check it out!

Of course, this isn’t the first time GD has acted like this over the dreaded “girlfriend” question. More and more Big Bang fans are believing that GD is in a relationship, so it’s easy to find confirmation when you’re looking specifically for it. Does this clip mean anything much? Not exactly, but I think it’s cute to wonder if he’s joining the ranks of the YG Family members who like to keep their relationships quiet until forever or everyone finds out/someone gets pregnant (this may or may not be in reference to Se7en and YHS). Even if they were going to reveal if they have girlfriends, I very much DOUBT they’d do so on such a small, promotional appearance.

Let’s keep it fun and mysterious. Until the next time G-Dragon acts suspiciously during an interview, let’s leave it to rest… except let’s first discuss it at length in the comments. I’M GAME!

Sources: AKP & Nate via Omona.

G-Dragon and TOP’s ‘High High’ MV is high energy

zerohundred — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 07:03:01 +0000

After watching a choppy, fuzzy, streaming preview of the “High High” MV at TOP and G-Dragon’s world premiere on the 14th, I’ve been excited to see “High High” in full (without buffering and with a clear screen). “High High” seems like the kind of track you put on when you want to celebrate good times and enjoy living in the moment. The video is fun and they keep things pretty classy for a club scene, I must say. I’m glad that it’s finally here in high quality.

“High High” is a fun dance-y track, and it’s cool that so many YG Family members make appearances in the video: I spot Teddy, Kush/E.Knock, Taeyang and Seungri. Did I miss anyone? I have a feeling this isn’t going to be my favorite from the album. It’s fun, but definitely not as good as some of the others that were previewed from their album yesterday. It has great energy though, and I appreciate it for what it is.

I like that it’s GD and TOP together this time. They’re just good together. Even though TOP is pretty shy, he totally works the stage. GD is like that all the time, able to get everyone’s attention when he’s in front of an audience. They both do the same thing on stage in that sense, so it really works to have them as a duo.

I’ve seen mixed comments on their use of Caucasians in the video. One comment on YouTube says, “Not to be racisttttt or anything but seriously, Asian music videos shall have Asian people no offense!” What do you think? Personally, I don’t see it as a huge issue… but I’m not Asian. It’s obvious that they have a mix of people, and they’re trying to give a more international vibe. I kind of think that comment IS racist because it’s saying, “Let’s be exclusive because it’s worked for us up until now.” I think it’s great to celebrate your culture and to not choose other races for their accessory-like quality (as if they give some kind of image of class or Western style or something), but there is nothing wrong with being more broad-minded and trying to show that music is a universal thing. In this video, it seems that they are trying to give a club vibe that has a mix of races. I only wish they would have expanded their scope to include more than just whites (as far as the women they had dancing around them).

I was pleased to see that they kept things pretty classy with the video. It could have easily been a lot trashier, but I think they kept unnecessary things at a minimum. There were rumors about risque bunny suits, but it seems those weren’t included. By keeping things “clean,” they put more focus on their style an music, rather than half-naked girls etc.

As far as “Oh Yeah” goes, it sounds really good. It’s pretty chill and it has a smooth vibe. Bom COMPLETES the song; she’s absolutely perfect. I just want to listen to this song forever and ever! It’s very upbeat and it rather compliments “High High” in that it’s on the same energy level… but different. I don’t know though! “High High” is a great track, but somehow this song has me wanting to ~groove~ along.

All in all, the stuff that’s been released up until now has me SUPER excited about their full album release. It actually feels too far away! I’m glad that my time zone allows me to get the album on the 23rd, rather than the 24th. I’d probably get lost in the music too much for Christmas! Even still, who cares about holiday music? I’ll be jamming to this all that way to the new year and beyond.

TOP and G-Dragon world premiere recap

zerohundred — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:28:41 +0000

Last night (well, at 3 am) I watched TOP and G-Dragon’s world premiere for their album on YouTube. Or, rather, I tried. Here is my recap/comments/reactions to the night. If you want to watch this event for yourself, WTFpopK has a recorded version on USTREAM. I’m very appreciative for them restreaming the event because it made it possible for people like me to see; the one on YouTube buffered so much that it was impossible to see anything.

Okay, I’ve started at 2:58 am EST (4:58 KST).

All I see is massive buffering! ANNOYING! It’s really next to impossible to understand anything that’s going on because every half second it pauses, loads, and then comes back. I wish there was something I could do to fix it!

When I first tuned in there was a recorded performance of GD performing (“Breathe”?) and now TOP’s “Turn It Up” is stuttering along on my screen. I’m contemplating restarting my computer in hopes that some kind of miracle occurs. UGH, WHY DIDN’T I DO THAT WHILE “TURN IT UP” WAS PLAYING??!

In a desperate attempt to fix things I decided to go for the restart and it took over five minutes… I hope that I didn’t miss everything. The first frame I saw was something showing the credits for “Oh Yeah.” Did I miss “High High”? Well, turns out I missed NOTHING because it’s still buffering to death. Maybe I should go to sleep?

I HEAR MUSIC. SORT OF. BARELY. THIS IS ALL MAKING ME SO FRUSTRATED. Oh, it’s a clip of “Baby Good Night.” I THINK IT SOUNDS GOOD BUT I CAN’T TELL.

SOOOOOOO grateful to Kokokoreano (and Seoulbeats) for pointing me to USTREAM (where instead of YouTube. PERFECTION! Worth staying up for this.

Don’t Leave: Sounds SO good! I’m still getting some buffering (via the restream) but what I can hear has me happy. I’m surprised by the upbeat quality of things. I kind of thought everything would be along the lines of “Knocking Out” and “Turn It Up.”

TOP’s hair looks so cute down. It’s almost like a little boy’s? It’s so carefree. BUT BETTER. He looks so fierce on stage but put him in front of an audience he has to TALK to and he changes entirely.

GD’s hair is funky but I think it looks good on him.

Oh Mom: LMFAO IS THIS REALLY WHAT THE SONG IS CALLED? Omg though, it sounds pretty awesome… HE’S SINGING. TOP IS SINGING. CRYING I’M SO HAPPYYYYYYY.

“An unusual rock track for TOP the rapper. Based on a true story about a friend of his, the song tells the inside troubles of a person with heavy rock sounds. TOP, as a vocalist, sings with the mind of… a lonesome and restless boy?” I lost the last part. I just realized I want to write what they’re putting on screen for each track! They have it in English but briefly.

I wonder how long this is going to go on. It’s almost 4 am by now.

Obsession: GD track! It kind of sounds like a video game in the beginning. Btw, I will be re-reviewing these later. These aren’t even good initial reactions because I can’t hear them well enough. But I’m getting a really good impression of the album. I can’t wait for Christmas Eve! I can’t wait to hear this track in full because it sounds phenomenal.

“GD’s unique writing method is the highlight of the song. The music begins calmly, and then becomes intense in an instant. It creates the atmosphere of having a nightmare and running in the empty sky. (OMG it’s so hard to transcribe because the buffering will rush it off the screen).

I just realized I actually have $$$ for this (FOR ONCE). I sold a bunch of clothes today LOL. I’m spending half on another project though…

Of All Days: So much autotune. BUT LIKING IT. I like how the songs are starting out slow but then they get a kick of energy. Loveee TOP’s solo tracks so far.

“A BIGBANG-styled piece with the piano performance, the mix of Electronica based in House and Hiphop, and the intense refrain. The song presents the joy and freedom of longing of a person who wants to be free.”

They keep showing YG on the side, looking like a proud papa.

Now GD’s is talking about how they have every genre ever on their album. JK, but he’s listing like every genre ever, so…

What Do You Want: LOL the dialogue for this song. Oh man, he wasn’t kidding when he was talking about genres. What is this? WTF? Very different, but I’m open to the concept.

“GD knows no limit when it comes to making different genres of music! GD describes the circumstance in which nothing works in his way like a drunkard to the rhythm of Rock ‘n Roll.”

HIGH HIGH MUSIC VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SLFJADSLJFDS;FJDS;LAFJASLKFJSDLKFJSLDFJSD

EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS! LOL GD looks like he’s dressed the same (even though I know he’s not). I can’t get a good impression of the song but whateverrr. I THINK IT’S GOOD. I THINK. I see lotsa Caucasians LMAO. LMFAO at the girl hugging TOP. We all want that, oh yeah. I can’t wait to hear/see it in full. It looks like it’s so full of cuteness and charm~

Confused about why the video is coming on again? Is it a remix? Who even knows? Who cares! Again, yes! Oh, are they doing autographs now? YAY, it’s coming through clearer this time.

Someone on USTREAM (baddestxfemale) roughly translated how they explain their logo: “their playboy bunny logo represents peace and the fact it’s only TWO members. plus Bom features in it and she is always compared to a bunny.”

Is it over? They’re leaving.

LOL behind the scenes? Awesome. Laughing so hard at one of the lyrics of “High High” being “I’m so high.”

It’s over! Yay. Well, at least I attempted to watch the whole thing.

I think they’re replaying things now… it seems like they’re showing Big Bang’s MBC debut?! Interesting choice. LOL “LaLaLa.” OH, this is what the person who’s restreaming chose, haha.