Wooo Hooo~~

Finally it has arrived! The long waited latest release album of Metallica!!! I just got my copy last night ;p This is the first time I ever purchased a CD that comes along with a free T-shirt...

Will post the picture of the T-shirt up later. Mean time, I've uploaded 3 of their songs into my music box. Do check it out if you're interested. But so far as I can say about this album, it's pretty good on some songs, very garage feel but not as 'garagie' as st. anger's album.

I kinda like only a few songs from there so I'm posting up the 2 of my likings from the album. Go ahead....knock yourselves out.

If loading is too slow for you, come to Imeem.com to listen to the songs I uploaded to share. I has all the other albums from different artists as well :)

Oh on the side note... I'm going on a personal strike. I'm never going to patronize Malay food anymore. I hope all of you who are in Malaysia would join in for this strike to show these people we do make a difference in the country's economy system.

HIDUP CINA!!
Long live Chinese...

hahahaha.....

Album Review for the Weekend

DJ Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise Asia

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. Feel the Sun Rise - Banyan Tree
2. Wasted - Andy Duguid
3. Yohkoh (King Unique Original Mix) - King Unique
4. Space Katzle (Jerome Sydenham Remix) - Motorcitysoul
5. Feel the Rhythm (Ton Tb Dub Mix) - Three Drives
6. To Forever (Moonbeam Remix) - Rachael Starr
7. The Storm (Inpetto Remix) - Jerry Ropero
8. Get Lifted - Kamui
9. Ride (Tiesto Remix) - Cary Brothers
10. Denial - Airbase

Disc: 2

1. Blossom(Lounge Mix) - Steve Forte Rio
2. Crossroads - Zoo Brazil
3. Kenta - Beltek
4. Rush - Sied Van Riel
5. Driving To Heaven (Mat Zo Remix) - Tiesto
6. Just a Thought - Carl B
7. Melkwig - Kimito Lopez
8. Whenever I May Find Her (Joni Remix) - JPL
9. Casa Grande - Estiva / Marnix
10. Wounded Soul - Existone

I am a huge fan of Tiesto's ISOS series, but was not so thrilled by the last release. With ISOS 7, I am glad to hear Tiesto back on track. ISOS 7 offers the same two-disk format as ISOS 4, 5, and 6.

CD1 features the usual melodic vocals, with perhaps a bit more power behind them--check out for example "Feel the Rhythm".

CD2 is pure instrumental trance, one of the best ISOS mixes yet. Beyond "Get Lifted", I don't think ISOS 7 has too much of an Asian flair, but Tiesto was obviously inspired by the locale. Get your hands on this one. You won't be disappointed.


Cafe Del Mar Vol. 15

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. Sun is Shining - Reunited
2. Wake Up - Melibea
3. Relax - Ludvig & Stelar
4. Avantguard - Jazzy Pecada
5. Life is a Wonder - Nera
6. Night Wave In Ibiza - Soula & Angela
7. World - Eleni
8. Smiling Faces - Clelia Felix
9. One Step Away - Villablue
10. Tren Lento a Juliaca - Orgatronics
11. Stop - Lento
12. Alright - Soulchillaz
13. What Are We Living - Paco Fernandez
14. I Will Be Waiting - Gary B

Disc: 2

1. Summer Memories - Dab
2. Breakaway - Alexander Vogele
3. Eternally Yours - Gary B
4. Under My Star - Gelka
5. Tarifa: Colores En El Viento - Alexander Boschi
6. Closer - Koru
7. Perfect Days - Ensoul
8. Mi Keny - Aitor Escobar
9. On the Shore - Santa Cruz
10. Charade - Duo Mecanico
11. Strangers No More - Soul Electrico
12. Jesus In the Sun - Yuliez Topaz
13. Indian Moon - La Caina

Disc: 3

1. Sunset People - Steen Thottrup
2. Eternity - Stigma
3. Sandbank - Tape Five
4. Higher - Rue Du Soleil
5. Gale In the Waterglass (My Love) - Kosta Rodriguez
6. Sax 4 Sex - Alejandro De Pinedo
7. I See - Kotik
8. Junto Al Mar - Schwartz & Funk
9. Fly Away - Almadrava
10. Aire - Zahara Music
11. Closer - The Birdstones
12. Sueno De Una Gaviota - J.R. Haim
13. Trocadero - Fernando Lozano
14. Interface - Ataln Chill
15. Skyline - Elmara

Well, Cafe del Mar Vol. 15 has finally arrived, and boy, I'm still breathless. Vol. Quince is becoming or showing a trend in CDM, as which its heritage is now smothered in a cinch of flamenco. The trendy Collection this time features a gigantic volume of exclusives that perhaps other compilations can only dream of. It compiles 3 CD's, for a total of 43 tracks of exclusive content, new, and inspirational.

First, lets delve into what this compilation offers into this new age of chilled music. Like Vol. 13th, it begins its journey into the world of guitar strings and a melancholy rhythm called "Sun is Shinning", by Reunited. When the track finally ends, you'll be transported into a world of sunshine, bliss, and dreams. I closed my eyes, and that one track alone rescued me from my own darkness. The track alone made me a believer of what was to come, and lo and behold, I was already in heaven. Beautiful rhythms are to followed throughout, all in English this time on all three disks, and although I wished there was a couple of tracks in Spanish, I think CDM finally has nailed what I think is their best work to date. They have compiled a history and a long series into a classic work of perfection. If you think you heard a better compilation in the past, guess again, because CDM, Vol. 15 has just raised the bar. The closest compilation that I think can at least compete is Hed Kandi, with their Serve Chilled series, but their last effort, "Kandi Lounge" just doesn't hold a candle mainly 'cause it was a more of a throwback to chill, with many tracks offering a current but retro feel to soulful and orchestral sounds. It's something different, but lacks that worldly feel CDM is normally known for.

Hence, CDM, VOl. 15 succeeds with a shuffle of exclusive electronic grooves that are easy listening and go beyond the stripped down acoustic bliss. To appreciate their beauty, these tracks really need to be listened on a high end sound system. Here, every nuance will be captured, every note, every breath of the artists perception. The world of CDM is filled from elements of lounge, soulful jazz, Balearic electronica, and chilled Latin to form a cohesive production of smooth, trendy tracks. These tracks are of the highest quality, and when you reached track 6th, of CD 1, CDM will make a believer out of you once again in case you lost faith in the series. Soula & Angela, 'Night Wave in Ibiza" features sweeps and angelic voices sprinkled throughout to sweep you off your feet, and port you to a place strong with catchy synth lines and vocal hooks to last a life time. Its percussive elements are well contrived for a visit to a music that is forgiving at its most seductive. Vol. 15th in my most humble opinion has no competition. Its strength and beauty lies in the fact that it combines the best of its own series, including a touch of Cafe del Mar, Classics. On par, it's a touch of of Hed Kandy, Cafe del Mar, and at times, it feels like Hotel Costes from its early days.

It must be mentioned, however, VOl. 15th also fixes the monotony that plagued Vol. 14th which had a few too many instrumentals that sounded alike, and was too heavy-handed in its latin flavor, under-sizing what could have been an excellent compilation. Vol. 14th was strong, but was a step down from the stellar Vol. 13th, which was highly refined, and for its time, offered a compilation that was hard to beat when it debuted. Again, Vol. 15th follows its tradition, and returns making a big impact on the world of Ibiza. Bar none, Vol. Quince surpasses Vol. 13th, by its sheer weight, originality, its warmth and quality of sound, and consistency. It is the best compilation of the year, featuring sophisticated vocals, strong lyrics, and well-produced electronica for the children of the ages. Worth every penny, and one of the few compilations that demands your listening. And like the last track on CD1, by Gary B, 'I will be waiting' for its next installment. Cheers!!! Vol. Quince is here to stay. Just awesome!!!

Music Review For The Weekend

Sorry for the late entry. I have been rather busy today as it is my last day in work hence I did not have much time on my PC to write about today's review... So let's proceed, Today would be just 1 review as I did not have much time to review other albums. hehehe Sorry yea?


Michael Bublé - Call Me Irresponsible

Track Listing:

1. The Best Is Yet To Come
2. It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera)
3. Me And Mrs. Jones
4. I'm Your Man
5. Comin' Home Baby (duet with Boyz II Men)
6. Lost
7. Call Me Irresponsible
8. Wonderful Tonight (duet with Ivan Lins)
9. Everything
10. I've Got The World On A String
11. Always On My Mind
12. That's Life
13. Dream

Though the ghosts of Frank Sinatra and Peter Allen still battle for his soul, in his new CD "Call Me Irresponsible" Michael Buble has finally found his own voice and personality. For those who doubt that his channeling Harry Connick Jr. channeling Frank Sinatra schtick is done, jump to his rendition of the Sinatra signature song "That's Life" and listen to his unaffected vocal amid the combination of both gospel choir and big band.

Looking for other sources of inspiration has led Buble to Billy Paul for "Me And Mrs. Jones" which is done in a more matter-of-fact manner than the hand-wringing original; to Jack Jones for the title cut "Call Me Irresponsible" which is more laid back than the original despite the big band arrangement; to Eric Clapton whose "Wonderful Tonight" becomes a lovely Latin love song with assistance from the great Ivan Lins; and to Willie Nelson whose "Always On My Mind" is a beautiful song which gets the beautiful voice it deserves. A wide variety of sources and styles that Michael masters and makes his own.

Two polished diamonds that cement the new identity are "Everything" in which all previous influences are absent and it is Michael Buble emerging as his own man and the tender and laid back "I'm Your Man."

Special mention must go to the arrangements which swing when they need to and modulate for the tender moments such as "Lost." The upbeat arrangements of "It Had Better Be Tonight" (which can only be described as big band Italian salsa) and "Comin' Home Baby" (with it's backing vocals from Boyz II Men) are just brilliant.

A must for fans and a step towards world dominance by this Canadian superhero, this is a wonderful leap forward for an artist who in the past has been weighed down by his influences. But as he warns us all with the CD opener, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

Bonus:

Some people use to ask me what do I do in work? Wanna know the answer? Here goes...


Sleep on my desk whenever I have the chance


Act like a ghost all day

What a great life huh? No wonder this guy leaves his work... Anyways yea it's just random pictures A friend shot me while I was getting ready to leave office for the day.


This is my workstation that I work on. Cool wallpaper huh? And yes, my desk is kinda messy so pardon me... :P


There you go. The phone is important to me for work coz I get loads of calls to work on this work on that bla bla bla all day long. And there goes my name above to prove that this desk is mine. hehe

So That's it for today. Enjoy yourselves for a good weekend and yea yea! Merry Christmas Everyone....

Music Review For The Weekend

Note: HEAVY MUSIC LOADING. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR SPEAKER IF YOU CAN'T TAKE MARILYN MANSON ELSE HIS MUSIC WILL DEVOUR YOUR SOUL.... :P


Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me

Track Listing:

1) If I Was Your Vampire
2) Putting Holes in Happiness
3) The Red Carpet Grave
4) They Said That Hell's Not Hot
5) Just a Car Crash Away
6) Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)
7) Evidence
8) Are You the Rabbit?
9) Mutilation Is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery
10) You and Me and the Devil Makes 3
11) Eat Me, Drink Me

This is the latest album of Manson's work thus far and the 2nd album released after he has parted ways with Jeordie White a.k.a Twiggy Ramirez. At this album, John 5 is no longer in the band as well. Honesly, this album in a way was out of my expectations. I have this view that Manson's music has a heavy touch of industrial genre but this album has kind of gotten mellow.

There are some good songs like Putting Holes in Happiness, Evidence and Heart-Shaped Glasses but in a way, It doesnt seem much like Manson's best work. Songs in there are mostly pretty low on drums and clashes. Manson is known for heavy style of music but in this album, I don't really see it that way. But of course, It's Manson, So for those fans out there, You can go ahead and grab this album


Marilyn Manson - The Golden Age of Grotesque (Japan Edition)

Track Listing:

1) Thaeter (Manson, Gacy, Skold)
2) This Is the New Shit (Manson, Skold)
3) mOBSCENE (Manson, 5)
4) Doll-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag (Manson, Skold)
5) Use Your Fist and Not Your Mouth (Manson, 5)
6) The Golden Age of Grotesque (Manson, 5)
7) (s)AINT (Manson, 5, Skold)
8) Ka-boom Ka-boom (Manson, 5, Skold)
9) Slutgarden (Manson, 5)
10) ♠ (often called "Spade") (Manson, 5)
11) Para-noir (Manson, 5, Skold, Gacy, )
12) The Bright Young Things (Manson, 5)
13) Better of Two Evils (Manson, 5, Skold, Gacy)
14) Vodevil (Manson, 5, Skold)
15) Obsequey (The Death of Art) (Manson, Skold)

Bonus Tracks:

16) Tainted Love
17) Baboon Rape Party
18) Paranoiac

This album I got it off eBay and all I can say about this album is AWESOME! In a way, I'm addicted to this album. This album unlike the above one has more similarity to Manson's work. This is WAY heavier than the above album.

It's pretty similar to Mechanical Animal. Both heavy with industrial genre. The AntiChrist Superstar is Manson's Album but heck, to me, This is good. But yes, I still like AntiChrist Superstar. (note that I am not an antichrist)

Great songs to look forward to in this album is basically This is the new Sh*t, mOBSCENE, (s)AINT and Slutgarden. These songs are great to hear. Heavy though but well, What is Manson if it ain't heavy right?

Manson works together with John 5 and Tim Skold. Hence, that explains why this album has a different touch. Skold makes the editting or the music much at a very different pace. In a way, he's like Twiggy, these guys are the main foundation in Manson's music. Kudos to MANSON!!!

Stomp It Out!

Stomp (dance troupe)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stomp is a renowned non-traditional dance troupe (originating in Brighton, UK) that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a percussive physical theatre performance. Their musical origins owe heavily to the work of Einstürzende Neubauten and Savage Aural Hotbed.

They developed from the London Records band The Yes/No People, who were known for Mr. Johnson and Some Things Are True on the Giant compilation. Since becoming Stomp, they have released music and starred in television commercials. HBO also produced the DVD Stomp Out Loud, which features the group members producing percussion out of normal household items, even in a junk yard.

The term may also refer to a distinct sub-genre of physical theatre where the body is incorporated with other objects as a means of producing percussion and movement that has echoes of tribal dance.

They appeared on Space Ghost Coast to Coast, where Space Ghost thought the name to be "Artsy Fartsy". The New York cast of Stomp was also featured in the pilot episode of Cyberchase (The Poddleville Case), in show's Cyberchase: For Real live-action epilogue segment hosted by Kareem Blackwell. Early in their career, they performed the theme tune for Blue Peter.

Stomp was parodied on an episode of Saturday Night Live through the false name of "Clappin'".




All I can say are 2 things....

1) I really have no idea what to blog mainly coz I've been looking up this group and watching them.
2) They are really GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!

Music Review For The Weekend

John Mayer - Room for Squares

Track Listing:

1. No Such Thing
2. Why Georgia
3. My Stupid Mouth
4. Your Body Is A Wonderland
5. Neon
6. City Love Mayer
7. 83
8. 3x5
9. Love Song For No One
10. Back To You
11. Great Indoors
12. Not Myself
13. St. Patrick's Day

John Mayer has a voice that captures the sultry sound of Seal and recalls the crisp rhythyms of Dave Matthews. Take a listen to this CD and you will notice the influence of many genres and musicians: jazz, blues, R&B as well as rock. Mayers muisc is mellow enough to listen to when you are working and up enough that you will find yourself dancing in your chair without realizing it.

He is a classic songwriter... in what is a nice contrast to much of the mainstream music, his lyrics are not a streaming jumble of verbiage leaving you nothing but a vague sense of frustration, but words to relate to. His songs are truly artistic and expressive, showcasing the sometimes meloncholic beauty of life. His subject matter is of a wandering soul, for whom every experience is a new one. I could have skipped "No Such Thing" because I twitch whenever I hear the words "high school" but his point is a good one- draw your own lines, there is no real world. Likewise, all his songs are effective at delivering a message. In the catchy "Why Georgia" the message is a question we all ask, Where am I going? Life, "am I living it right"? Ever say something you wish you could take back? Johns answer is "My Stupid Mouth". If you are a woman, you wish you were facing Johns singing, "Your Body Is A Wonderland" (me, personally, I'm jealous of whoever that might be). You'd swear you've had "Neon" in your collection forever, with a natural melody and an R&B/jazz feel that will have you singing along. If you can't relate to these songs, you just aren't human... "City Love" conveys the excitement of a new relationship, "83"- stolen innocence, "3x5"- a long distance relationship, "St. Patricks Day"- overrated singlehood and the dating scene. "Great Indoors" is Mayers version of yelling, 'Carpe Diem!' as well as suggesting we look inside ourselves. I did. Hearing one song, "Love Song For No One", made me buy this album... I recommend you do the same.

If you like Train, Dave Matthews, Peter Gabriel, Sister Hazel or Seal, there is very good chance you will like this CD. And it will definitely leave you with a smile.




Safri Duo - 3.5

Track Listing:

CD one
1. Rise (Leave Me Alone)
2. Ritmo De La Noche
3. All The People In The World
4. Amazonas
5. Fallin' High
6. Moonwalker
7. Marimba Dreams
8. Agogo Mosse
9. Laarbasses
10. Bombay Vice
11. Prelude
12. Knock On Wood

CD two
1. Visit From The Zoo (Safri Duo Medley)
2. Ritmo De La Noche (Extended Version)
3. Rise (Leave Me Alone) (Extended Version)
4. Rise (Leave Me Alone) (Atn Remix)
5. Rise (Leave Me Alone) (Airbase Damage Remake)
6. All The People In The World (Copenhagen Clubbers Remix)
7. All The People In The World (F & W Remix)
8. Fallin' High (Artificial Funk Remix)
9. Fallin' High (Steve Murano Remix)
10. Fallin' High (Groove Electronic Remix)

The album is a good album, but it seems like it branches into too many genres of electronica that Safri Duo have previously not dablled in AT ALL. This is in my opinion to the detriment of the album. I come from a breaks/trance/techno perspective, so the forrays into pop on this album greatly annoy me.
Here are the songs each with some thoughts:

Fallin High: Good song. Not bad.... but, it seems like it could be more. Starts out with a little vocal drum loop to start things off with, but too quickly it falls into a daft punk/fatboy slim type of loop for the melody. I find it a little bit boring for the rapid and exciting drum track that goes along with the song. 4 of 5

Moon Walker: Eh. Takes too long to get into the song. Distorted voice saying "Moon, Moon walker" covering up a lot of the interesting parts of the song. Repetitive bassish line. Kind of a laid back funk song. 2 of 5

Rise: Best song on the album from my limited experience. Starts out with a hook that screams progressive. Progressive beat with various percussion instruments hitting all over the place. Leads into a nifty strings melody line. Good stuff. Nothing that detracts from this song. Has much better flow than the other songs on the album. Starts with drums, breaks to the strings with just the kick, then adds in various bongos and bells and whistles with each journey through the string refrain. Good flow. Did I already say that? 5 of 5

All the people in the world: This would be a great song except for the lyrics. Has a breaks feel to the song. Hit on the one and then congas hitting all over the place. Really neat third beat riff feel to it. Does the two thirds beats and then flys on beat three. Really cool feel to the song. Unfortunately the vocals are a bit "peace on earth/save the world" styled. Also, the 'Safri Duo' hardly speak english so you know any overly vocal song isn't really completely their brainchild. Still the variety and style of the breaks save this song. 4 of 5

Marimba Dreams: Does what it does well. Flowing marimbas with a minimal worldish background. Doesn't really display their incredible talent on percussion instruments, but it sounds nice. 3 of 5

Amazonas: Good song. Kinda confused as to where it is headed. Starts building up some saw synths only to drop them out midway through the song to be replaced with a purely jungle beat mix. Brings them back into the song to break it down, but still a little melodically unfulfilled in the end. 4 of 5

Agogo Mosse: Starts out sooo well, but not my thing anymore. Just a cool jungle arrangement that falls back into the laid back Daft Punkish vocals. Not a bad song, I just wish I was hearing more Safri Duo, and less of this odd medly of pop electronica. 3 of 5

Laarbasses: Again. Fun instrumentation, but this time they are trying to do an RnB song. Male refrain, female verses. Hip hop, not my thing when I want to hear some awesome percussion instrumentation. Not bad, but again not what I expected. 3 of 5

Bombay Vice: This is a bit more of what you got on Safri Duo's last album with 'Snakefood'. Kind of a middle east sound that never rises much above the soundtrack for some guy charming a snake. At least, that is my opinion... A little experimentation, but nothing that stands out too much. 3 of 5

Prelude: Starts out with them hammering out some tunes alone. Falls into an industrial sound, and then goes back to the hammer keyboards and then goes into a progressive sounding bit and then leads out with just the mallet instruments again. 4 of 5

I give the album a 3 of 5. Not really impressed. I did get a lot of what I wanted in this album, but if there was more two guys from Holland on some drums, and less random electronica in the mix I would have been very pleased. As it is, it is a somewhat oddly rounded album with some value.

Music Review For The Weekend

Sorry it's been like 3 weeks I think I did not review on any albums. I do have a couple of reasons for that absence though.

1) I was waiting for Static-X Cannibal to release in Malaysia so I can buy it and get some reviews for it.
2) I didn't visit much on music stores to look for new CDs to purchase.
3) I was too busy with events and going outs till I really have no time to sit and evaluate songs.

I have to be honest, Every CD I listen to for review, I make sure I would give in all my concentration to evaluate the songs, 1 by 1. So by doing so, you would be able to really "Feel" the music and the song flows. It's a great experience. Some might know what I'm talking about while listening to a song, but unfortunately, some tone deaf people do have difficulty experiencing that.

So here goes....


Alter Bridge - BlackBird

Tracks list:

1. Ties That Bind
2. Come To Life
3. Brand New Start
4. Buried Alive
5. Coming Home
6. Before Tomorrow Comes
7. Rise Today
8. Blackbird
9. One By One
10. Watch Over You
11. Break Me Down
12. White Knuckles
13. Wayward One

First, there was Creed then Scott Stapp and the other 3 members went on to form Alter Bridge. Alter Bridge's debut album "One Day Remains" was a very solid album, even better than Scott Stapp's solo album. Mark Tremonti had definitely made better use of his amazing guitar skills, and Myles Kennedy had a vocal range I haven't heard in years. Still, the album basically sounded like Creed with a new singer. 3 years later, the band has found themselves a new record label and new management, and have made the album they wanted to make.

"Blackbird" features 13 songs (15 if you get it at Best Buy). The band has made an album that truly brings back the spirit of rock n' roll, instead of adding to the pool of mainstream rock bands who make radio anthems. The first track "Ties That Bind" kicks things into gear with a fast and heavy verse and an epic chorus. "Come To Life" features a Korn-like guitar sound, which is certainly a new sound from these guys. This is definitely a darker, heavier band than we've seen before. Although it does feature a few radio-friendly tunes like the first single "Rise Today", overall this is more of a hard rock or metal album as opposed to a mainstream rock album. Mark Tremonti is the best guitarist to emerge in the last 10 years, and on this album he makes it obvious. Rather than playing the very polished, melodic and epic sounding riffs, his style is much grittier on this album, very Zakk Wylde esque. Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums) keep it interesting as well, but obviously it's Mark's guitar work and Myles' singing that will leave you stunned.

I admit that Alter Bridge's first album sounded extremely like Creed, but they've completely dropped any similarities this time around. Rock & Roll is back, even if mainstream music doesn't give these guys the attention they deserve.


HIM - Venus Doom

Tracks List:

1. Venus Doom
2. Love In Cold Blood
3. Passion's Killing Floor
4. The Kiss Of Dawn
5. Sleepwalking Past Hope
6. Dead Lover's Lane
7. Song Or Suicide
8. Bleed Well
9. Cyanide Sun

Ok, so let me get this straight(after reading reviews on this and previous HIM CDs): This band has 'sold out' because:

1)they are signed to an American label after 8 years as a band(with the 2005 'Dark Light' album) and you no longer have to pay 4x the price for one of their CDs as an import.
2)they are getting played on American radio.
3)they are the first band from Finland to go Gold in America or
4)all of the above?

I honestly don't understand the sell out remarks. All I know is that this band makes good interesting emotional music. So what's the problem? None, in my opinion. Well, just one: their CD booklets aren't that interesting. ha

I think the new CD is great. The biggest difference that I noticed compared to their previous 'sell out'(yes, sarcasm) Dark Light is that there are less keyboards on this new CD and -brace yourself- guitar solos! The riffs are memorable and Ville Valo sings in all the styles you would expect him to. None of the songs remind you of anything off of Dark Light. There's no real toe tappers on here like 'Rip Out The Wings of a Butterfly" and you really need to listen more intently with the new CD. I only wish there were more than 9 songs on it. Oddly, the 10-minute "Sleepwalking Past Hope" is the least interesting song on the CD to me.

I think anyone reviewing this CD needs to listen to it at least half a dozen times before any attempt at a review is made. Each HIM CD I buy I usually have to listen to over and over to really get into because this band sounds like no other band that I listen to and that makes for a truly unique band. You know instantly who it is even if you've never heard the song before. I like bands like that. If you like their other stuff, then this one will be no different in my opinion. If you like the single 'Kiss of Dawn' then that's all you really need to know in deciding to buy this CD. I was hoping for more keyboards after listening to it, because they have a really weird keyboard sound on all of their CDs, but it's still great. They toned down the haunted house/phantom of the opera type keyboards(as I call it) this time around. Maybe that's why everyone is saying 'sell out' cos they sound closer to a more traditional rock band. Nevertheless... great CD.

Wo Men Zhe Li Hai You Yu

Can someone explain the meaning of the lyrics of this song? It's the first song in my playlist. Somehow I like this song very much due to the melody. Unfortunately as a Banana myself, I can't read chinese characters and let alone understand them =.=

I think I have figured out the chords for the guitar to play this song but unfortunately I don't know the meaning of it. It's not good to learn how to sing for people when you don't know the meaning right?

Imagine, you, singing a sad song for someone at their wedding =.=" You'd probably get kicked out of the ceremony...

Note: Banana in the term of chinese means a chinese who can't read chinese charaters, yellow in the outside, white inside.

我們這裡還有魚 - 黃大煒／謝霆鋒／游鴻明／黃中原

原︰我以為冬天是最美麗的季節
wo yi wei dong tian shi zui mei li de ji jie

冷冷的溪邊還有你還有魚在水裡
leng leng di xi bian hai you ni hai you yu zai shui li

鋒︰一堆堆很自在　一對對很相愛 讓人想到未來
yi dui dui hen zi zai yi dui dui hen xiang ai rang ren xiang dao wei lai

明／原︰是不是你也和我一起在尋找 那種魚只有幸福的人看得到
shi bu shi ni ye he wo yi qi zai xun zhao na zhong yu zhi you xing fu di ren kan de dao

明／鋒︰誰用愛去擁抱　它就在周圍繞 陪你一直到老
shei yong ai qu yong bao ta jiu zai zhou wei rao pei ni yi zhi dao lao

＊原／明︰我知道這些日子你要承擔多少哀傷
wo zhi dao zhe xie ri zi ni yao cheng dan duo shao ai shang

明／原︰才可以面對破碎的夢想
cai ke yi mian dui po sui di meng xiang

鋒／煒︰我相信那麼多的關心總會帶來希望
wo xiang xin na me duo di guan xin zong hui dai lai xi wang

明／原︰別忘了我們這裡還有魚
bie wang le wo men zhe li hai you yu

明／原︰是不是你也和我一起在尋找 那種魚只有幸福的人看得到
shi bu shi ni ye he wo yiqi zai xun zhao na zhong yu zhi you xing fu di ren kan de dao

鋒︰誰用愛去擁抱　它就在周圍繞
shei yong ai qu yong bao ta jiu zai zhou wei rao

明／原︰陪你一直到老
pei ni yi zhi dao lao

重唱　＊

＃合︰在這裡沒有風浪不會搖晃　不再心慌 當黑夜過去總會有陽光
zai zhe li mei you feng lang bu hui yao huang bu zai xin huang dang hei ye guo qu zong hui you yang guang

我陪你找個池塘蓋間平房忘掉哀傷 給自己一個有魚的地方
wo pei ni zhao ge chi tang gai jian ping fang wang diao ai shang gei zi ji yi ge you yu di dei fang

重唱　＃,＃,＃

Music Review For The Weekend

Damien Rice - 9

Tracks Listing:-

1. 9 Crimes
2. The Animals Were Gone
3. Elephant
4. Rootless Tree
5. Dogs
6. Coconut Skins
7. Me, My Yoke, and I
8. Grey Room
9. Accidental Babies
10. Sleep Don't Weep

I was captured by Rice's voice on his first album O. Especially the song "The Blower's Daughter" Indeed he does produce a sooth unique melody where I believe people of all age, would know how to appreciate.

Navigating through "9," his second solo collection of singer/songwriter musings, Damien Rice is evocative and self-assured. The follow up to his 2003 album "O," which garnered both critical and commercial success, "9" is a sparsely-produced, relaxing listen ideal for many a college dorm and hospital waiting room.

With a throaty vocal delivery uncannily reminiscent of alt-country rocker Ryan Adams, Rice sifts subject matter than runs the gamut. "Dogs," for instance, is sure to be played by many guys in the hoping of getting themselves out of the, um, doghouse with their girlfriends, while the latent anger of "Elephant" finds Rice making a strong appeal to a woman manipulating his sex drive.

Elsewhere, the 20+ minute opus "Sleep Don't Weep" at once sounds like a Moby-esque experiment, but is lyrically poignant and devoid of pretense, while "The Animals Were Gone" and "Coconut Skins" articulate feelings men can relate to through colorful melodies, passionate performances and, most importantly, lyrics that get sensitive without all the sap.

Indeed, "9" is a winner. Rice has a lot to say, particularly to men, and his candid, stream of conscious approach to song craft is most endearing.




Green Day - American Idiot

Tracks Listing:-

1. American Idiot
2. Jesus of Suburbia
3. City Of The Damned
4. I Don't Care
5. Dearly Beloved
6. Tales Of Another Broken Home
7. Holiday
8. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
9. Are We The Waiting
10. St. Jimmy
11. Give Me Novacaine
12. She's a Rebel
13. Extraordinary Girl
14. Letterbomb
15. Wake Me Up When September Ends
16. The Death Of St. Jimmy
17. East 12th St.
18. Nobody Likes You
19. Rock and Roll Girlfriend
20. We're Coming Home Again

With American Idiot the band Green Day has really produced something incredibly special: a punk rock opera using rapid and unexpected changes in beat and melodies to make great music! It's about one young man's experiences in today's America. (I won't spoil the plot for you.) The lyrics don't mention current president Bush; but the CD is also a way Green Day protests the Bush administration. (If you're a major fan of George Bush, you might want to skip this CD unless you don't mind their lyrics with the obvious political references. You'll need to decide for yourself.)

The set of songs is strong and really ROCKS! all the way through. The rock opera is embellished by the mini-operas of "Jesus of Suburbia" and "Homecoming." The lyrics are provided complete which is a plus even though they sing so damn well you won't need written lyrics to figure out what they're singing! It's tough for me to say if I have any favorite songs on this CD--they're all so damn good--but "American Idiot" and "Holiday" are especially solid pieces.

I recommend this album for GD fans as well as fans of rock opera. It's also great to see an album that fits together well instead of being the type of album that has only one or two songs that people like. BUY IT AND ENJOY! THESE GUYS NEED TO ROCK ON!!!

2 More Reviews on the Road

Jack Johnson - On and On

Track Listing:

1. Times Like These
2. The Horizon Has Been Defeated
3. Traffic In The Sky
4. Taylor
5. Gone
6. Cupid
7. Wasting Time
8. Holes To Heaven
9. Dreams Be Dreams
10. Tomorrow Morning
11. Fall Line
12. Cookie Jar
13. Rodeo Clowns
14. Cocoon
15. Mediocre Bad Guys
16. Symbol In My Driveway

Jack Johnson has a very mellow tone that is very enjoyable to listen to. I was actually kind of surprised by how calming and relaxing this music is. This music is really hard to categorise, because it touches of many different genres. It's all blended together, and I can't really fit it into a category and blatantly label it "rock" or whatever. Sometimes there's even a Hawaiin vibe to some of the songs (which is probably because Johnson is from Hawai'i). I think that's part of the charm of Jack Johnson.

The whole CD is almost completely played on acoustic guitars (so if you don't like acoustic stuff, I would not suggest this!). Jack Johnson is great at writing riffs for guitars, and he has some mad guitar skills!

The highlights of the CD included "The Horizon Has Been Defeated", "Taylor", "Gone", "Cupid", "Dreams Be Dreams", "Holes to Heaven", and "Cookie Jar". Some of the songs are shorter than the average 3 to 4 minute song, but hey, they still sound good, so it doesn't matter.

For me personally, this is a lot different from other things I listen to. (Toad the Wet Sprocket, matchbox twenty, Better Than Erza, Chevelle, etc. has a much different vibe than Jack Johnson!) I think that even if you are used to listening to a "louder" kind of rock, you would still like this album. It's just plain good, so go out and get it! Everytime I listen to this CD, I find another reason to like it. I can't describe how great it feels to listen to "On and On", so you'll just have to buy it for yourself and find out.


DJ Tiesto - Just Be

Track Listing:

1. Forever Today
2. Love Comes Again (feat. BT)
3. Traffic
4. Sweet Misery
5. Nyana
6. UR (feat. Aqualung)
7. Walking On Clouds (feat. Kirsty Hawkshaw)
8. A Tear In The Open
9. Just Be (feat. Kirsty Hawkshaw)
10. Adagio For Strings

I got this CD at tower records the other day. It's a special 2 Disc CD and was imported from Taiwan. Apparently he did a Taiwan version and published this album worldwide.

Tiesto, one of the world's most popular DJs, tries to broaden the playing field with his second artist record Just Be. Mostly self-written (except for the BT collaboration "Love Comes Again" and a remix of Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings"), his disc goes for transcendence right from the start with an earnest, uplifting string arrangement on "Forever Today." He keeps reaching, alternating dense-but-danceable new material with a few recent remixes ("Nyana" and "Traffic"), and vocalist Kirsty Hawkshaw provides a blissful vocal on the soaring "Walking On Clouds." Yet dance floor Nirvana stays well out of range. By focusing so heavily on trying to evolve, Tiesto neglects his bread and butter: the build. Live, crowds froth at the mouth for his next beat to drop, and while that hot energy is not necessarily the goal here (check 2003's mix record Nyana for that), a better flow would help this record considerably. Though offering ready-to-remix parts, the whole of Just Be is too impatient to sound deep and forgets to let the peaks come naturally.

But overall the whole album isn't that bad after all. It has its hiccups yes but well if you're a die hard fan for Tiesto, I suppose it's going to work for you as well.

*Note: Some people had complained to me that my reviews are slightly too long therefore it made it hard for people to go through. So this time around, I'll make it just as short as it can be. :)

Another Week, Another Review

Well, I'm back again with 2 more new albums to review. Unfortunately past few posts have been kinda trivial and yea well do let me know if there's anything I could do better. :)


KoRn

I have been listening to KoRn from way back since their first album. Their music has definitely changed since the album Issues. And yea a lot of people had sort of stop listening to them due to the music changed. I on the other hand stood on, download bought their albums and yea finally they came out with an album that made me feel, HEY KoRn's BACK!

First let me comment on my feelings on previous KoRn Albums. The first KoRn Album brilliant, Life Is Peachy almost as brilliant, Follow The Leader? Back to being as Brilliant as their first album. Then came Issues...While a few songs I did like on that album. I must say that album was absolute crap. At that point I had gotten tired of Johnathan Davis's familiar voice and trite lyrics. A 3rd grade could have wrote that crap. Then came Untouchables...While yes this was better than Issues, it was no masterpiece. It had good songs, but again it fell short of spectacular. But It made me regain some faith in the band. Then came Take A Look In The Mirror. This album was harder than the past few previous albums, and I considered this one of the better recent efforts. Then came See You On The Other Side. This album had a different flow about it, some industrial sounds were mixed in and overall a pretty good effort. Now onto this record. I consider this record a fresh glass of Ice Water, and a breath of fresh air.

KoRn seems to have come to something of a crossroads––move forward with its tried and true sound or evolve into something that may only vaguely resemble the hype and heft behind Follow the Leader. 2007's somewhat unexpected Unplugged disc proved an interesting but flawed step in a different direction but this self-titled/untitled offering clumsily fumbles when it should grab the ball and run for a season-defining touchdown. "Hold On" and "Do What They Say" come off as soggy sonic oatmeal; "Kiss" channels a very dark Smashing Pumpkins to mixed results; "Bitch We Got a Problem" gives away its best stuff in the title; "Innocent Bystander" and "Starting Over" have three or four great ideas that never reach fruition and the rest of the album ("Killing," "Hushabye") proves fairly forgettable, a sign that KoRn may be closer to crumbling than anyone could have imagined. That's too bad 'cause time was it had the makings of a pretty good American band.


Resident Evil: Extinction Soundtrack

First let me talk about the composer of this soundtrack. Charles Alexander Clouser is a musician whose activities include playing keyboard and drums, music programming, engineering, and mixing. He was a member of the band Nine Inch Nails from 1994-2000, and has done remixes for bands such as White Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein, Prong, Killing Joke, and Type O Negative.

Track list in the album:

1. Main Title - Charlie Clouser
2. Stupid Crazy - Shadows Fall
3. I'm So Sick (T-Virus Remix) - Flyleaf vs. The Legion of Doom
4. My World - Emigrate
5. Duality (Project Alice String Remix) - Bayside
6. Losing - Charlie Clouser
7. One Love (Extinction Remix) - Aiden vs. The Legion of Doom
8. Deathcar - Fightstar
9. I, Suicide - Throwdown
10. White Rabbit (SPC ECO Mix) - Collide
11. Paralyzed - Chimaira
12. Laser Tunnel - Charlie Clouser
13. Asleep On The Frontlines (Appliantz Remix) - The Bled
14. Catch Me - City Sleeps
15. Contagious - Searchlight
16. Scenotaph (DJA Infected Remix) - Emanuel
17. Sixth Of June - It Dies Today
18. Wrecking Itself Taking You With Me - Poison The Well
19. Convoy - Charlie Clouser

Overall the choice of music is all fine, heavy I would say. Totally gives in the boost of music outburst in the album. Problem is I think they could do better if they get Marilyn Manson to work on some songs in the album. I don't know but somehow I feel Manson's music and the whole Resident Evil trilogy just fits. The sound of eerie industrial rock just blends well with the movie.

Normally when you get a soundtrack, when you listen to the music, it will automatically remind you of the sequels in the movie; but unfortunately somehow for this album however, when you listen to the music, you can vaguely place the scene with the song that you are listening to.

Don't get me wrong Charles Clouser has a great score in set for the OST but somehow the choice of songs...They could do better. :)

Have a great weekend everyone. Later...

Music Review For The Weekend

Hey, first of all let me wish all the Malay peeps out there Selamat Hari Raya! Do have a great festive celebration and of course when you balik kampung, do drive safe. Stop being a Rush Bug and speed your ass home. Just drive moderately and considerately k?

I'm trying to change the trend of this blog for a bit. During the comings of weekends, I'm going to post up some reviews of some albums I'm listening to and of course with some critics. In case some of you don't know, Music is more like a passion to me than just hobby. I can't live without em and of course I could never imagine how life would be like without music. So here goes...


Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise 6

For all you trancic fans out there, Here's a new gig you could get your hands to. The new series from Tiesto is finally out.

I got em 2 days ago in Mid Valley. I was kinda surprised it came out so soon. But anyways, Since I have collected every series, there's no reason I don't grab this right?

Beginning with cascading ocean waves, the placidity of Tiesto's sixth In Search of Sunrise installment - this time, centering on Ibiza - establishes its calm with neither hesitation nor much effort. Ibiza, the `White Isle' of trance music, is the most idyllic locale for Tiesto and his fans to seek the sunrise after a beautiful night of music and dance. By the album's location alone, I was confident from the onset that this mix would be something that would at the very least rival the best of his previous ISoS efforts; I don't think my assumption was wrong, though it was made in haste. Disc one begins with paced, melodic and beautiful trance - ideal for watching the dark night sky begin to fluoresce at 5 A.M. as the sun prepares its rise to the heavens. The types of tracks Tiesto chose to compile for the first disc all encompass a singular, `creamy' quality; truly, the music itself evokes images of white sand and sapphire waters calmly lapping at one's feet.

Disc two was less of a surprise to me, coming from Tiesto, but it begins and ends better than the chunk in the middle which, to me, sounds like it could have been pulled from any recent Tiesto album and inserted in place of ISoS 6's contents and no one would be the wiser. Opening with "A New Dawn" > "What You Need" > "Trozitos de Navidad" evokes images of ska-dancing on beaches and arms waving in the air; typical clubby atmosphere, until I realized that it all seemed subdued in a really nice way, as if someone had pressed the slow motion button and the track layering and sequence had forever captured me in that enraptured moment, arms high, feet suspended above soft white sand in ecstatic mid-leap.

Yet another masterpiece by DJ Tiesto.


Matchbox twenty - Exile on Mainstream

I got this CD was coz it has both new and old songs contained inside. Well another reason is I like listening to Rob Thomas' voice. He has in a way very unique voice. But of course there's a whole lot of musicians out there who has great voices, but just for now, I'd prefer some softer music. :)

Problem with them is that ever since their first 3 albums, they took a 5 years holiday from the industry. Kinda thought they have left the industry but when they return, it's merely a "best of" album with only 6 new songs inside. I'm not saying their songs are bad in this album but it's just average.

The whole reason I got this album was because of the older songs. I could get the first 3 albums but I'm not a hardcore fan and I only like selections of their music.