Long Live The Reckless and The Brave

So last week was a great music week... at least for me!

All Time Low released their newest single which is off their upcoming record, and the best thing? It was up for free download from their official website! Still is, I reckon.

Absolutely loving the song! Definitely different from the songs in their Dirty Work album - one can't help but wonder if it is because they are not under a major label anymore (they recently left Interscope Records which is part of Universal Music and Dirty Work was the only album they released within their two years under the label). Somehow I tend to appreciate songs produced by them when they are under a small or independent label. It feels as if it is music that they REALLY want to make, and that they are not writing songs just so it fits into the 'mainstream' category. The Reckless and The Brave is one such example, where the lyrics are much more mature compared to lines like "Everybody gettin' kinda crunk, I think some dude just grabbed my junk..." Yeah. I can't deny that I love the music video for that song though. Hahaha.

The next awesome song release has gotta be Big Bang's Monster!

Ignore the uber weird concept of their costumes - okay actually just GD and Taeyang's hair (someone just bring back the mohawk, please) - this is a great song and I could remember the hook in the chorus after just one listen! Really loving the piano introduction and riffs as well. I would go on but you know what? I'll just leave you with a review done by eatyourkimchi aka Simon and Martina! If you haven't heard of them, do definitely check them out because their reviews are always so entertaining and, and... argh just watch.

I had a pleasant surprise when I saw new GIFs of the B1A4 boys seemingly from a new music video. So I went to check it out and it turned out to be the music video of the Japanese version of Beautiful Target!

I'm liking the music video more than the Korean version because this one has more of a story line. No fireman Baro, newscaster Gongchan, pilot CNU, judge Sandeul, prisoner Jinyoung or sprout dances in here - just them being adorable and Jinyoung trying all sorts of perfume potions on them in his bid to find the perfect love potion for the girl he has a crush on. Oh, did you see that Chanro (yes that is my pairing name for Baro and Gongchan) interaction at the end of the video?! My passion for them has reignited once again. And I honestly started smiling to myself when I saw Baro wearing the same cap that I bought from Seoul!

Hehehe.

Anyway, the Euro fever is back! Yes I'm talking about football here! As expected, I'm rooting for Spain all the way!

David Villa is not gonna be playing due to an injury unfortunately, but this Euro 2012 team is still a stellar one and I am very happy that Torres scored against South Korea. We need El Niño! And El Niño is back, and he is staying! P.S. Pique needs a shave, badly.

I'm also very happy because I get to see more Sernando (that's Sergio Ramos and Fernando Torres for those of you who don't know - yes there are pairings in football too...)

Sigh. :)

Also, in related news, Ramos recently cut his hair, and he looks amazing! I was surprised though because he said that his hair was his lucky charm so I'm wondering why he cut it right before something as big as the Euros. No matter though, just make sure all of you haters don't blame any Spain match loss on him! /touchwood/

Thank you for cutting off your locks.

Alright enough fangirling. I'm just gonna do some shameless promotion. Below is my cover of Teen Top's newest single, To You! Hope you dig it!

Goodnight! x

This Time is Over

So before my actual graduation on 23rd May, CMM had its own mini graduation ceremony thingum called MediaBiz Awards. I remember I went for the one two years ago where the theme was 'High School' and I dressed up as a band geek. I don't remember a single detail of last year's though. Anyway, this year's theme was 'My Superhero' but I didn't really bother to dress up. Haha. The Year 2s made cupcakes for us and attached pictures of our faces on superhero costumes. Too cute. Wished they hadn't used our admin card photo though (it's my old hair sigh).

After MediaBiz Awards, Jon, Yiyun, Stef and myself headed down to SCAPE's PlayNation for some Guitar Hero and Michael Jackson action! 'The Michael Jackson Experience' must be one of the most enjoyable Kinect games ever!

With CMM's Dynamic Duo! Fred and Bob JJ and Firdaus.

Michy and Mitchy!

Practicing my eye smile. LOL.

And here are pictures from the TP Band Committee gathering last Thursday that I totally forgot to update about. Exercising then getting fat all over again, that's the life.

Thankful for all these outings that keep me sane from my pretty much mandatory life right now. Got a couple of event jobs to work for so I am definitely looking forward to them.

In other news, I am currently addicted to a few songs.

I have been looking forward to Faber Drive's new record for forever! But I guess this first single will have to do enough to satisfy me for now. However I'm still craving for a ballad from them because honestly, that's what they do best.

This new K-Pop boy group, NU'EST (pronounced as new east) really caught my eye with the chair choreography of their debut single, FACE, which is a song about standing up to those who look down and bully you. Meaningful. And it has been ringing in my head ever since I heard it.

Also addicted to B1A4's Ignition album. Particularly This Time is Over, Just Two of Us (Baro's solo) and Wonderful Tonight (Unplugged Ver.) ugh can't wait to get my hands on the album! And I just recorded a cover of their title song, Baby I'm Sorry. Waddya think?

Gonna start attending TP Alumni band practices. Who wants to come support me for the concert? Heh.

My Top 25 Favourite K-Pop Songs 2011

As the title suggests, this post is going to be about my favourite K-Pop songs of 2011! I was going to stop at 10 but I realised I liked too many. Hahaha. So, in no particular order, here it goes...

1. AA - So Crazy

Definitely one of the best debut songs I have heard so far! The piano intro in front really got me and I really like the raps! The members definitely have good vocals as seen from their live performances. The only thing that I don't like about this song is the choreography. The body waves are so weird and this song definitely deserves a better dance. I'm looking forward to their next comeback in February, I hope they don't change their style!

2. MYNAME - Message

I'd be the first to admit that the lyrics and the meaning of the song are kind of noobish and all, but hey, the tune's really catchy. And I really like the b-boy dancing in the music video. It is just a shame that the only b-boying they do in live performances are Seyong's handstand and backflip. My favourite part of the song is the rap haha JunQ's so cute.
P.S. The 'you got a messaji' part is my current message ringtone. Don't judge!

3. Block B - Freeze

Having roots in Hip Hop, Block B is definitely one group to watch out for. I really like the edge to this song and it stands out from the cute and happy songs that most companies choose as the debut single for groups. Love the stage presence, love the attitude, love the song. And I personally Cho PD did a great job in choosing people for the group - the three rappers have such different voices and it is so easy to tell them apart. I really have high expectations of them!

4. B1A4 - Only Learned Bad Things

I have been noticing B1A4 ever since their cartoon teaser pictures were released because it was really...special. Their debut song, O.K. really got me hooked but it was not until I heard this song that I became a BANA(na). I love the meaning of the song, love the beat, and I love it that Baro is the main character in the music video. The members are starting to compose their own songs and it can be seen from their 2nd mini album, it B1A4. I hope their next work will be more like their first mini album though because there are more genres and it also shows their versatility in tackling different genres.

5. MBLAQ - I Don't Know

No music video for this song but it is my favourite track from their Mona Lisa mini album. It has this quirky feel to it and G.O.'s falsettos never fail to get me. The live performances are really enjoyable as well because just look like they are having lots of fun. Oh by the way I love Cheondung in blonde hair *_*

6. X-5 -Don't Put On An Act

Having an average height of 185cm, these boys really stand out (literally) from other rookie groups. This debut song really attracted me and I really liked it from the first time I heard it. And I liked them even more after seeing them perform it live. Their comeback 'Dangerous' really disappointed me though. It sounds quite bleah and their first performance of the song was a big flop for me. But well I do give them credit for being able dance quite nicely considering their height because most tall people tend to look a little awkward while dancing.

7. U-Kiss - Neverland

I only really started taking notice of U-Kiss when 0330 was released because well, it has a nice piano melody and nice orchestration at the back and I thought it was a brilliant song (until I got sick of it because of the constant replaying). Neverland was released after that and I loved it! A really different image from 0330 but honestly guyliner and songs in a minor key really attract me in K-Pop. Haha I don't even know why. The dance is really nice too and it matches the song really well. I still refuse to call myself a Kiss-Me though...what a stupid-sounding fandom name hahaha.

8. DBSK - How Can I

My favourite song from HoMin's Keep Your Head Down album which was released after the whole DBSK and SM fiasco. Changmin's and Yunho's voices blend really well during live performances of this song and hearing it during the fanmeet last year made me fall in love with the song even more.

9. Miss A - Goodbye Baby

Hands down one of the best music videos in 2011. I love how this comeback had a totally different style to past singles like Breathe and Bad Girl Good Girl. It is by far, to me, the best Miss A song that has been produced and performed. Great concept, great choreography, great song, great year for Miss A.
P.S. The fact that JYP has to mention himself in all his productions still annoys me lol.

10. BEAST - Fiction

Yet another breakthrough for another group, Fiction has established itself as one of the most memorable and best songs of 2011 - from the vocals needed to conquer this song, to the really-hard-to-master penguin dance. This album was also the album that we saw really obvious vocal improvement from Dongwoon, and it was also a great album in all. The songs flow very well and it is one of those K-Pop albums which I can listen to over and over again.

11. BEAST - On Rainy Days

Also from the 'Fiction & Fact' album, here's my favourite track of BEAST this year! This is my favourite performance of this song from them, guess why? (here's a hint: skip to 2:30) The things I love most about this song are the tune, meaning of the lyrics, the ad-libs, the cough just before Junhyung's rap, Dongwoon's part..basically everything. Hahaha.

12. Brown Eyed Girls - Sixth Sense

I tend to prefer songs with attitude when it comes to upbeat female songs, and this song - it's just overflowing with that. The music video is full of symbolism - from the art on the walls, Miryo being chained up with mics in front of her (meaning that she is being controlled to say stuff), etc. BEG are portrayed as fierce and confident women here and it is hella sexy, unlike some other artist *cough* who has a solo release with a different kind of 'pop' *cough* if you know what I mean. And of course, when you think of Sixth Sense, you can't forget the three high notes by Jea, Ga-in and Narsha. Crazehhhh!

13. JS & Hyuna - Trouble Maker

One of the most controversial songs and music videos, and also one of the most anticipate comebacks (following the hot kiss during MAMA) of 2011, is this sexy dance number by Hyunseung and Hyuna. I personally like the whole concept of this song - it's different from other K-Pop songs, and it's well, daring. Hyunseung is really suited for concepts like these and he somehow has this groove for songs like this. I still think that Hyuna doesn't have that kind of mature sexiness for this song but it's not her fault since she's so young. But in any case I still love the song and I like the performances a lot.

14. 2NE1 - I Am the Best

When it comes to being badass, not many can hold a candle to 2NE1. I Am The Best is a very empowering song and the music video just shows all sorts of badass from the four girls. Also a song that a DJ should spin during K-Pop clubbing events, this song is excellent at bringing up the atmosphere. I remember screaming my lungs out when they performed this at last year's Korean Music Wave - fanchants, the 'bombaratata's, everything. This is the K-Pop cult's anthem!

15. 2NE1 - Ugly

Also from 2NE1, here's my favourite song from them! The lyrics are full of meaning and I think that it is an excellent song to jam to. The music video doesn't full make sense to me - it's very badass for a song which portrays low self-esteem but I guess that's 2NE1's style. By the way I love all their tops in the music video. And one day I'm going to play with glow-in-the-dark paint too.

16. FT Island - I Confess

My favourite track from their 'Return' mini album. Written by leader Jonghun for Primadonnas, the meaning of the song is so sweet and...it's a perfect confession song. Heh. All the members sing inside as well, which is a bonus. The tune's really sweet too. And the song means a lot to me. So, yeah. I love this song. Gonna hear it live soon and I absolutely can't wait! Hehe.

17. FT Island - Like the Birds

Although this is a remake song, FT Island truly made it their own. Seunghyun and Jaejin are not the best at rapping but their rapping is really adorable hahaha. I love the build-up of this song - how it starts out as a soothing acoustic piece and slowly gets more exciting to something 'jam-worthy'. I can't wait for 15th Jan! And of course their next comeback!

18. Big Bang - Cafe

So when I was listening through all six tracks of their 4th Mini Album for the first time, my chain of thoughts was "mhmm, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, HOLY I LOVE THIS SONG!" Hahaha. It's something you wouldn't really expect to hear from Big Bang but they absolutely nailed it! I especially enjoy their live performances of this song. Just like what the song title says, it sounds really Cafe-ish with all the falsettos in the song. Ah after listening to this song I think I'd like a cup of Cappuccino brb!

19. Big Bang - Stupid Liar

Released in the Special Edition album which I bought because of the cool packaging. At first I felt that it was just an 'okay' song but after a few listens I realised that I really like it! I never liked auto-tuned voices but GD's auto-tuned voice is really nice LOL I don't even know.

20. Big Bang - Love Song

The best songs of 2011 definitely must include Big Bang's Love Song. It also is one of the best music videos - known for its one-take filming. Another thing that makes this music video special is its black and white concept. And the lyrics are so sad! Aiyo 'nuff said, I just absolutely love this song - probably my next favourite Big Bang after Haru Haru.

21. Nam Woohyun - Time

One of my favourite tracks of Infinite's first full length album and this obviously has to go on this list because it's...Woohyun. Lol yeah I'm biased like that. But anyway, I really love Woohyun's voice and he did amazing in this performance. The melody and lyrics of the song match really well and he expresses it perfectly. The song still pulls at my heartstrings even after so long oh Woohyun will you sing this to me? Hahaha!
P.S. The last four are all by Infinite. Haha yes I'm biased like that.

22. Infinite - Can U Smile

Their follow-up song after Nothing's Over. Having a very different feel from all the previous songs they promoted, I really enjoy the laid back feel of the song. I really like how this song showcases all of their vocals even though Sungjong and Sungyeol still have really little lines T_T

23. Infinite - Be Mine

The song which brought Infinite's popularity to an all time high - Be Mine! Still retaining the Infinite edge and essence to this comeback, it is probably one of their most 'pop'-ish songs - and you know lots of people like it when Infinite was able to win #1 on M!Countdown with this song.

24. Infinite - Paradise

Definitely one of my favourites from them, Paradise! When the music video came out, it seemed like a comeback in which they wouldn't be dancing - since the music video doesn't have any dancing, and it is also a relatively slow song. Once again, however, Infinite impressed me with their very first live performance of this song. For some reason I really love the dance (it's not the hip thrusts lol), I don't even know why. Maybe it is just the fluidity and their execution of the dance.

25. Infinite - Voice of My Heart

My favourite song of Infinite and probably one of my top K-Pop favourites ever. What I love most about this song is that every member gets to sing a substantial number of lines and not like just one phrase or something. It has a beautiful melody and beautiful lyrics. And it never fails to touch me. I really do want to hear this song live really badly. Their vocals may not be up-to-par to fully express this song yet, but I'm sure as they spend more time in the industry, as singers, as Infinite, they will surely be able to produce even better and tear-jerking performances.
P.S. Sungjongie-ah, Woohyun-ah! Uljima!

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So, these are my top 25 K-Pop songs which have kept me company for the whole of last year. I am looking forward to more good music this year - SHINee's comeback, Big Bang's comeback, EXO's debut, the new group by YG. It's not only K-Pop though which I am looking forward too though - Boys Like Girls' and Faber Drive's records are coming out soon. This is definitely gonna be a great music year for me, and I hope, for you too :)

Beautiful Target

What wrong can these five boys do?? Even their live performance of this is amazinggggg but I'll never get all the weird Engrish lyrics in K-Pop. 'Oh my beautiful target, you zoom zoom my heart like a rocket' hahaha seriously?
Whatever heh I really like CNU in this comeback! And Baro's rockin' the blonde! Still prefer him with his black hair though.

They don't specialize in a specific field but their I never ever get tired of watching their performances. On their stage they are just having fun and everything just seems so bubbly and happy. Hehehe.

Sighh B1A4 kept me happy the whole day even though I had an awkward encounter. Sigh why of all people?? LOL goodnight! :)

4 More Things

Following my '7 Things' post, Stef has given me 4 more things to write about because I am currently really really bored during work now. And the list goes like this:

1. Amber of f(x)
2. Baro of B1A4
3. Why I Choose Not To Be Feminine
4. Something I Would Want to Venture in Besides Music

1. Amber of f(x)

She is undeniably one of the coolest K-Pop idols I know. I mean, it is really not surprising that she's one of my idols considering that Ella from S.H.E was my first idol, right? These 'tomboy' idols are classic examples of the fact that you do not need to be really girly or sexy blah blah blah to be successful.

In every f(x) performance, the loudest of cheers goes to her. She has so many fangirls who look up to her and yes I am one of them. In any case it's so much better to have female fans looking up to you then have fanboys lusting over you. Eew.

Oh, I totally love her English accent and her swag while she's rapping too! And seeing that she is really close to many idols in the industry, I guess she must be really friendly too! She's really down-to-earth and not arrogant too, which is a commendable trait for people who are famous.

WOAH MAD SWAG.
And here's a random f(x) gif LOL.

2. Baro of B1A4

Cha Sunwoo, rapper and resident squirrel of B1A4. The band caught my attention with their first single 'O.K' and I totally fell in love with Baro when I saw their 21st May Music Core performance.

Everything about this performance is perfection! You can hear their voices clearly, the camera work is great, Baro exceptionally adorable but at the same time he still looks cool, a Baro/Gongchan interaction at the end, and the way Baro grabs his cap whenever they jump (I think it's a bit loose).

HIS AEGYO AND CUTE PERSONALITY.

This has got to be the cutest thing ever! Hehehe.
Personality wise, maybe because B1A4's just a rookie group, they are still really humble and all. When they came to Singapore as I blogged about before, a few of us managed to catch the boys. As I was walking beside Baro, I held out my poster and marker for him to sign and he did stretch out his hands, but the security kinda blocked me and he gave me an apologetic look. I still can remember that look on his face. Yeah that incident firmly rooted him at the top of my B1A4 bias list.
There was apparently an incident that happened in Singapore too where a security guard accidentally (or not) stepped on a fan's note which fell to the ground and Baro became angry. Aww, such a sweet boy, really.

HIS TALENTS.
Well first off, he can rap (duh) and he does it with a lot of...well, swag. Yes I know I have been using this word a lot please pardon me. But he has a really deep voice so when he raps it is really nice. He writes his own raps too - the rap parts in all of the five songs are written solely by him!

But the talent I love most about him is that he can beatbox!
For me, beatboxing is one of the most admirable talents. Contrary to belief, it is not simple at all and it doesn't only require using the mouth. The throat is also required in beatboxing and it is something that I have not been able to do yet.

Absolutely love the beatbox here. Can he be my teacher? Hahahaha.
He is really athletic as well!! I mean, you know you are athletic when you are able to beat Minho in a race. Lol.

There are so many other reasons why I love this boy but I can't really think of any more right now, so I'll just leave this as it is!

3. Why I Choose Not To Be Feminine

Well this is an interesting topic. I have no idea when this whole 'I don't wanna wear skirts/dresses' thing started actually. When I was younger (like in primary school) I was still fine with wearing those and I even liked wearing heels, LOL. But I guess the mindset of 'I had short hair so I should wear more boyish stuff' took over. I guess the mindset has sunk in so deep that I still am unwilling to wear skirts even though i have long hair now. I still think my current style suits me the best. I guess the most important thing is that I must feel comfortable in what I wear, or I'd feel really uncomfortable the whole day.

Actually I think if you mix around with me long enough, you'd be able to see that I'm not all that tomboyish. I do dress like one but my actions are still really...quite girly?? Hahahahahahahaha I'm serious though!

I wish my friends will stop wishing that I'd wear a dress one day though because it gets a little irritating at times, especially if I'm not close to the person damn it go away please go wear a tablecloth or something, don't bother me! Whatever that is going to come will come eventually. I'm not saying that this is going to come though. Hahaha *inserts troll face*

4. Something I Would Want to Venture in Besides Music

Hmm, I honestly don't have something that I really want to do besides music but I would like to try acting one day. Haha yes something to do with entertainment too.

I think my acting's pretty good LOL. Like I can make myself cry at will, and I can hold back laughter fairly well. I think I'd do pretty well at crying and breaking down scenes, or as a person who took a bullet for someone. HAHA my imagination's taking me a bit far but yes, acting is something that I want to try if I ever get the chance.

This may not be realistic and all but heyyy I'm still young I can still dream!! Or would you guys have preferred me to write about how I would love to work in administrative office? Nah I don't think so.

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About half an hour left till the end of work! Gonna meet mum at 313@Somerset later and get my Hebe album! Will come back here soon!

And to anyone who ever visits this space any more, have a happy weekend! x

Only Learned Bad Things

This is a continuation post from one week ago.

More pictures from B1A4 arrival day:

MS B and manager 도신영!

LOL retard.

Sick jumpshot against the city skyline on the Helix Bridge = win!

Didn't go for the Meet and Greet the next day but the rest did. Brenda took a really nice pic of Baro~

On Tuesday Stef and I were trying to find them but no they didn't appear. Bummer. Finally saw them on Wednesday but I didn't manage to pass my gift and fan letter to Baro. Uh well, new cap for me! And we also ate at Sarang at Orchard Central and I really enjoyed the food there! Definitely would like to go there again ^^

11pm+ at the airport.

My idol pose hahaha. The cap here was Baro's gift.

My letter to him! The line in red was written by Stef.

Anyway, when they stopped by at T2 specially to bid their fans goodbye (so sweet) they all looked pretty upset but I guess most of it was caused by fatigue too. Of course the rowdiness of fangirls contributed (a lot of things happened when they were in USS). When will fans ever learn, I wonder.

Just listen to the fangirls bawling their lungs out, omg. It is quite disturbing to be honest.

That aside, I am happy to have been able to interact with two of the members in this rookie group whose members were lovable, sincere and polite. Fan-service kings, they really are. O.K. is totally on replay now and I never seem to get sick of it, and Only Learned Bad Things.

I do hope to see them again! And they are definitely five boys who I will never forget. Thank you B1A4 for everything. I'm glad their popularity is soaring. All the best, boys! :)

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Spent my weekend with my favourite people at KBox on Saturday. Cee Lo Green's F*ck You is really a nice song to end the session with!

We were also on the topic of fanfics and sometimes it does get me wondering how do people actually think of stuff like that and write about their idols and not see them in a different light. I think I'd like to try writing a fanfic one day, but I will refrain from anything NC-17 or above. I reckon it'll turn out to be pretty bad compared to those I have read though.

Sunday was praying day but I got to play with my nieces omg they are so cute! I really love children!!

Argh screwed up hair

That's my favourite cousin from my mum's side :)

Baby niece's sister making a lot of noise on the drum. Potential percussionist!

Alright, about time to crash! Work tomorrow (again). 7 weeks left to the end of internship! Hang in there everyone!

Let's Fly!

Today was probably one of the most exciting Sundays I ever had. So basically the whole day went by with Brenda, Stef and I spazzing about B1A4! Along with Jon, and many many many BANAs (the fanclub name), we welcomed them at the airport. It was kinda chaotic, but we managed to see them! They were just looking at the fans on my side of the barricade so I felt a little sad for the fans on the other side of the barricade :/

So after seeing them we headed to Marina Bay Sands because we got wind that they were gonna be dining at a restaurant called Todai and after surveying the area we found a nice spot to chill at but at the same time easy to catch them. And so when they reached we were just walking beside them (with a couple of security guards in between but no matter). I tried to get Baro to sign my poster but the security blocked me. And he gave me an apologetic look. Haha he is really cute! ♥ And Brenda took a couple of really awesome pictures:

That is Gongchan and Baro looking in my direction btw!

After that when Brenda and Jon left, Stef and I managed to catch them again and this time Gongchan talked to us! He said a simple 'thank you' but when coupled with his eye smile it was $#*@#%!!! He was so nice. But okay it scares me a little to know that he is younger than I am.. :/

This shows that you do not need to book MaxiCabs to see your favourite artistes up close!

Anyway, point is, I had lots of fun, and I have found a new bias in B1A4, and Baro! Thank you so much Jon and Brenda, and most importantly, Stef, for no fangirl experience is complete without you! Hehehe.

Random pics I took:

Goodnight everyone! And to you too, Baro, you cute thing! *squishes*

May everyone have a great week ahead!