First of all, I'm sorry for any incovenience that the epic fail from ImageShack may have caused. I have already changed hosts, so it should be okay from now on! Yay ^^
This week's Teh Newz is full of awesomeness with J-Rock band Versailles' new promotional video for their next single "Philia". Finally, bassist Masashi seems to fit the group's image. He's so awesome in red! Hizaki and Teru continue to blow our minds with the solos and Kamijo's vocal range is getting better and better with each release. Yuki, as usual, makes infinite variations and shows who's the boss when talking about drums.
"Philia"
In the K-Pop side of life, boy group Dalmatian released their first mini-album, featuring two main tracks, "Lover Cop" and "That Man Opposed", plus 4 other new songs. A fine album, indeed. These guys know how to sing. But in my honest opinion, "That Man Opposed" is sooooo much better than "Lover Cop". The latter seems to be lacking something, I just don't know what it is. Anyway, check my favorite promoted track below!
Talk about a difficult post! Despite loving this group so much, their great volume of songs, awards and events made me put off the post until I was ready to prepare it in the best possible way. So here it is: SHINee!
Onew, Taemin, Jonghyun, Minho and Key
Formed by SM Entertainment in 2008, SHINee is a five-member boy group. Also known as "Asia's Dance Group", the group presents extreme yet smooth dance routines with good vocals and a fashion, trending image.
Their debut mini-album, "Replay", was released in May 2008. It was already enough to earn the boys their first award: "Rookie of the Month". The title track, a contemporary R&B song, attracted many fans either for the dance version of the music video or the catchy, amazing song.
"Replay (Noona Is So Pretty)"s Dance version Music Video - my all-time favorite~
In August of that same year, following the steady rise of popularity, SHINee released the first full-length album, "The Shinee World". The chosen track for promotions was "Love Like Oxygen", which ended up successfully winning weekly music shows awards.
SHINee Vol.01 "The Shinee World"'s cover
After multiple awards, including "Best New Artist" and "Best Style Icon", SME announced the repackaged version of the first album with three new songs. The new title-track was "A.Mi.Go", a song with a strong beat and message.
"A.Mi.Go"s Music Video
2009 was definitely SHINee's breakthrough year in my opinion. With the release of the second mini-album "Romeo" in February and the promotion of "Juliette", the boy group established a stable fan base, which would then skyrocket five months later...
"Romeo"s concept - I suggest you check "Juliette"s Dance version MV ^^
With the release of the third mini-album "2009, Year Of Us" in October, their time to shine finally came. The main track for this production was "Ring Ding Dong", a song with expert usage of auto-tune while maintaining distinctive vocals and an awesome, binding beat. It obviously won the "Popularity" award.
"Ring Ding Dong"s Music Video - almost 20 million views on the official YouTube channel!
The third mini-album's biggest importance was, in my view, the exposure that the video had in the Internet, attracting thousands of international fans. After "Ring Ding Dong", SHINee's fame all over the world went to a whole new level. And it was with that in mind that almost a year later, in July 2010, SM Entertainment announced the second full-album, entitled "Lucifer".
"Lucifer"s concept
But there was a reason for the long wait as the boys came back with one of the most impressive choreographies ever presented by the group and a song that would be really loved by the fans. Unfortunately, the harsh preparations for this album ended up with Minho getting an ankle injury, although he didn't give up and still performed the song in music shows, earning the respect from the viewers and other artists. With the usual over-the-top quality, "Lucifer" topped many sales charts.
"Lucifer"s Music Video - *-*
Following the SME tradition, a repackaged second album, now called "Hello", was released just some months after "Lucifer". Featuring three new tracks and a new music video, the repackage showed a totally different, more innocent image. Pleasing innumerous fans, the new song was another success. (I even bought the album :DDD )
"Hello" Music Video - Hello~ Hello~ :)
After such a busy period, SHINee could rest for a short time. Actually, for a really short time, as the group would have their first solo concert in December 2010. It was a total success, with 24,000 fans cheering for them! In the concert, the members announced their plans to enter the Japanese market in 2011. It's expected to happen this March, so look forward to it!
SHINee is a group with unimaginable talent. All members have something special to show and never let you down. I hope they'll continue to rise as brilliant K-Pop artists and that nothing bad like members leaving or lawsuits happens to them. Please support them if you liked it and keep checking their new releases here in my blog~ ^^
I finally got time to post this weekend, yay! I'll post the Korean artist soon too, just wait a little longer. Anyway, this time I chose a lovable Japanese pop duo which just recently achieved great success: moumoon.
moumoon
moumoon is a two-member group formed in 2005 by vocalist Yuka and composer Kousuku Masaki. They first signed with an indie label in 2006, releasing their debut single "Flowers/Pride". Later, the group produced a mini-album, which was released in that same year.
"Flower" mini-album's jacket
In the following year, moumoon got a major contract with Avex Trax. From 2007 until 2009 the duo produced six singles and their first full album entitled "Moumoon". They were a fairly known group, but the breakthrough had yet to come.
With "Sunshine Girl", a single released in May, 2010, moumoon achieved huge success, reaching the top 10 for the first time. It established their music style and put them in the mainstream market.
"Sunshine Girl"s Promotional Video - a bright song!
After ending the single's promotions, the duo produced songs for children, which would then be gathered in the single "Let's Dance in the Moonlight". Finishing the year of 2010, moumoon made a surprising move by announcing a triple side-A single, "Moonlight /Sky High / Yay". Music videos were shot for "Moonlight" and "Yay".
"Moonlight"s Promotional Video - relaxing~
For 2011, moumoon has many plans. They have a new album slated for March 2 called "15 Doors". The video for the title track has already been revealed, although it's been constantly removed from streaming websites.
The soft vocals and calming yet bright music that characterized moumoon is awesome. While it took some time for them to be known, this boost of popularity is well deserved and I hope it still takes a long way to end.
If you thought DBSK was made only of extremely talented singers, this video will be a surprise for you. Ok, you may find this REALLY creepy, but I think it's so funny and amazing! Especially Jaejoong's magical belly LOL
It's really interesting to know about our favorite artists' talents. Kanon Wakeshima, besides being a singer and cellist, also knows how to make beautiful and really artistic gothic drawings, showcasing her knowledge on goth-fashion.
Posting the drawings on her official site's gallery, Kanon always delivers something interesting and incredibly well-designed. I personally love her dreamy scenarios!
Aren't these pictures wonderful? *-----*
Presenting an atmosphere just like the one in her songs, Kanon builds a connection between music and visual art.
There are many drawings already available on her gallery and I hope that many more will come~
When you think about Korean music, you probably remember about idols and electronic sounds. But a deeper look into this awesome culture may give you some surprises. Belle Epoque, an indie dream pop group, is definitely one of my favorite alternative Korean bands.
"일요일들" album's cover
While I was surfing through the internet, I stumbled upon this beautiful cover art you see above. It was their album "일요일들" ("Sundays"). I realized that it was a rare opportunity and got it for myself. After hearing the first songs, which gave me a calm and urban feeling, I fell in love with the group.
"크림샤워" (track 03)
The relaxing mood and whispering vocals mix up greatly, composing an interesting music. This particular album, with a total of 13 tracks, is their first one. Belle Epoque is unique and beautiful, so don't miss the chance to know them!
I don't even care if I had to stop studying to post this. I NEED to update the blog lol. *--*
And what a Monday! SM Entertainment blew up my mind with the new Super Junior M song "Perfection" (or "Too Perfect"...what is the real translation? @-@) and its music video. With furry hats and electronic voices, it's awesome!
From SME's official Youtube channel~
In Japan, invincible boy group Arashi released their new single "Lotus". I'm not even going to try putting the video here because JSTORM NEVER allows their videos on stream websites... :(
Anyway, it's a great song with that particular Arashi feeling, which I don't know exactly what it is, but I can feel it in all their songs.
"Lotus"s cover
Also, it's interesting to take note of some other great releases: IU's repackaged mini-album "Real+", moumoon's "15 Doors" and MBLAQ's repackaged album "BLAQ Style 3D Edition". They're all spectacular!
Hello @-@ Did you miss me this weekend? trolololol
I'm mentally exausted from studying and having classes/tests on Friday AND Saturday, so I ended up not posting new stuff...sorry :(
Tomorrow I'll probably be able to post again, so don't worry (I know how much you love this blog ^-^ LOL). Hopefully my mind will get used to so much studying this year...
To compensate the lack of posting this weekend, here's a cute gif:
AWWWWN <33 randomness
Anyway, thank you for reading my blog and, if you can, help me spread the FANBOYNESS!!!!Asian music~ *-----*
Following up my IU-week, this week's IR shows another side of our lovely artist. Dressed up as a bunny for the "Heroes" variety show, she makes everyone laugh with her cuteness and clumsiness!
So cuuuuuuute~
I lol every time I watch this... lolololol she's extremely adorable, isn't she? *-*
I was just listening to IU's new songs from her mini-album "Real +" and I totally spazzed over them, so I decided to make this post as a tribute for this lovely, young genius singer *-----------------*
Only 17 years old, IU is not only an awesome singer but also a beautiful girl~ ^^
Her new songs are like: "OMG THEY MUST HAVE BEEN COMPOSED IN HEAVEEEEEEN o__o". I love them to death lol
AIGOO, PLEASE MARRY ME LOOOOOOOOOL
I so want to buy the album now ;______; Money pls T^T
Last year, J-Rock band Matenrou Opera announced that they would finally go major. In December, 2010, the group finally released the major debut album "Abyss", greatly showcasing each member's talents.
"Abyss"s cover
While keeping indie Matenrou's style, the band made an spectacular good use of the new major sound quality, composing true epic rock songs. Sono proves to dominate even different genres like what you can hear in "Frill" (track 03) and Anzi is still a beast, soloing in "Finale..." (track 07). In fact, Matenrou Opera got better as a whole.
"Coal tar" (track 04) - melodic perfection
"Abyss" is J-Rock perfection for me. I'm glad that the band kept their identity, since many visual-kei groups tend to be different when going major. Listen to this album if you like the style, you won't regret it!
YEEEEEESSSSSS! It's finally the week of Kalafina's new single "Magia" release, and the promotional video has already leaked with all its awesomeness and epicness. I can't express in words how much I LOVE Kalafina (^ - ^) Masterpiece.
"Magia"s Live version (changed!) - watch it before they take it from YouTube (again lol)!
Also, After School's Kahi solo debut, "Come Back You Bad Person", was revealed last week. Now, the music video is available on Pledis official channel and it's amazing! With a strong beat and great concept, I hope this solo attempt will be successful.
This week I discovered a new Korean group and ended up being totally addicted to it. They are rookies that make me (and probably you) feel completely underachieved, but I still listen to their songs in loop. Say hi to Teen Top!
Teen Top - the "Transform" concept
Formed in 2010, Teen Top consists of six members, ranging from 15 to 18 years old. This young boy group made their debut on July 9 with the release of "Come into the World", the first EP. The title track "Clap" showcased their charisma and powerful dancing skills, impressing many viewers.
"Clap"s Music Video - the awesome dance version
Despite the good start, the group didn't get much attention for being a rookie with extremely young members, which made people think they wouldn't be talented. Still, Teen Top continued to work hard on their promotions and prepare for a future comeback.
The first EP concept
On January 13, 2011, the boys returned to music shows with their second EP, "Transform". With an innovative image, including colorful haircuts and futuristic looks, Teen Top attracted many people to watch the live performances. "Supa luv", the promoted track, addicted new fans with the catchy beat and lyrics while continuing the dancing awesomeness.
"Supa luv"s Music Video (dance version) - I'm unable to stop listening to this @-@
Even with the impressing comeback, the group is still overshadowed by veteran artists. Still, it was a successful release if you think about how many people discovered Teen Top from "Supa luv" when they never heard "Clap" before.
Getting better with each release!
With "Transform" promotions still going on, I hope they still have a chance to win an award. Teen Top is an awesome group with really addicting songs and a cool style. If you like them, please support their career!
This week's J-Artist is full of cuteness and bouncing fluffiness. Directly from Hello! Project, it's S/mileage time!
S/mileage, Hello! Project's most recent group
Consisting of four members, S/mileage started as a group of Eggs (trainees) in 2009. Their first indie single "Amanojaku" was released in June and received good and bad reviews, many of them related to the girls' ages.
Still, this first year of their existence as a group was surprisingly good, with many fans cheering for them from YouTube. The second single "Asu wa Date nano ni, Ima Sugu Koe ga Kikitai" brought attention to the group for their charisma and overloading cuteness.
"Asu wa Date nano ni, Ima Sugu Koe ga Kikitai"s Promotional Video
The next two indies-singles got higher and higher on charts. Seeing the already stable fanbase, Tsunku decided to give the girls their desired major group status. But to be certain of his investment, he created a game: 10,000 photos of fans were required in order to become major. A site was opened so people could send their pictures from anywhere in the world (I sent mine lol *-*).
On April 3, 2010 it was announced that the results had been positive. The S/mileage girls then graduated from Hello! Pro Eggs and entered the mainstream music market. Their major debut single, "Yume Miru Fifteen", reached #5 at sales charts, a very good position for beginners.
"Yume Miru Fifteen"s jacket
The girls then started to regularly produce new singles. "○○Ganbaranakutemo Eenende!!", my favorite song, was released in July, followed by "Onaji Jikyū de Hataraku Tomodachi no Bijin Mama" and the first album, "Warugaki 1".
"○○Ganbaranakutemo Eenende!!" - I LOVE THIS SONG <333
For 2011, S/mileage has already released one single, "Short Cut". The group continues to rise with a promising career, following the steps of mighty Morning Musume. They are so cute and the songs are so happy, it makes me wanna hug them! Keep an eye on this group and help them climb the charts to #1!
One of the most commented and criticized topics of the idol industry is undoubtedly the transformation seen between pre-debut and recent photos of many artists. Today I'll be analysing those extreme image changes and the questions that always divide opinions. But remember, neither I nor anyone else can surely say what is or what's not "plastic". My examples will be based solely on pictures that are available on the Internet and thus can't be proved to be true or false.
The road to "perfect" beauty - Is it a wrong road to follow?
Hit me if you've never read someone judging an idol by the fact that he/she did plastic surgery. It's really common to see this kind of reactions in the K-Pop fandom, even if it hasn't been officially confirmed. And every time I read a comment like that, it comes to my mind one basic question: Why is someone bothered by the fact that other person got prettier?
Well, some surgeries can end up really bad, but let's focus on our object here. Korea has the best professionals in this area. An idol would never be put under the knife if their agency didn't know exactly what would happen. While it might not be enough for some "ungifted" faces, plastic surgery is already a developed science and it can't be compared to what it once was. So, going back to my first question, why the social paranoid with people who got something done in their face?
It's said that DBSK's angel-face Jaejoong went though surgery for his eyes - Look at him now. Got anything to whine about?
With that in mind, some possible answers start popping up. Basically, the beauty process that the idols may go through is expensive. Not only that, but it requires full dedication and couldn't be done under a "normal life" routine. Therefore, as in most K-Pop polemics, we have the jealousy factor. Netizens probably can't afford having their faces fixed, so they decide to attack who can.
This rage leads to the unfortunate events that we see every day, when every single idol that shows up is already accused of being "plastic", childhood bad photos (that kind of photo that everyone has and everyone hates) are searched and even websites are hacked simply to find ANYTHING that could be a reason to destroy the idol's image. And that's the moment when things are wrongly mixed, because a transformation doesn't mean someone went through plastic surgery.
The famous Big Bang's TOP pictures - the exact same face with just a different weight
When entering the entertainment industry, it's obvious that you need to be at your best. Many famous artists just worked really hard to lose weight and gain muscles. Not to mention their new haircuts, carefully chosen to fit their faces by specialist. Those are changes that make HUGE, I said HUUUUUUUUUUGE differences.
Those transformations, along with plastic surgery, also have a great psychological impact over the ones affected by them. It's extremely important that these singers have good self-esteem, and image is the main point in that matter, not only when you are an idol, but when you're a human being in a society that praises beauty over anything else, which is the basic structure of modern mass culture. These people are under an unimaginable pressure, and being pretty is essential to even think about a successful entertainment career.
See that? He would never have a girlfriend before! How can that be more depressing?
(Thanks to whoever made this awesome picture.)
Argue as much as you want, because in the end it comes back to the primary, obvious but mostly ignored question: "SO WHAT?". If someone's face bothers you, don't look at it. Judge it and you're basically saying that you are prettier, which in most cases I doubt it (no offense). Models and Idols, they are supposed to be an example of the "beauty pattern". What's wrong with the ways used to get there?Their personal success depends on it and no one has the right to punish them. But if you insist in criticizing them, here's a suggestion: Get a life, maybe then you can get the money to fix your face too, Mr. Natural Beauty Only.
If there's something that ALWAYS makes me laugh, it's famous singers/idols playing with helium balloons. I chose two of my favorites videos so prepare yourself to laugh a lot xD
Wonder Girls and 2AM having fun with their helium voices
I've always been a HUGE fan of Ali Project. One of the reasons for that is their incredibly unique and gothic costumes, reinventing themselves every single. Arika, the vocalist, is a Japanese symbol of the lolita style and models for many magazines. Therefore, I decided to dedicate this post to some of her most beautiful photos.
Modelling mainly for Gothic & Lolita Bible, the most important magazine of the style, Takarano Arika just knows how to make a perfect atmosphere for the concepts.
She can totally trick you about her age. Wanna guess?
I bet you guessed it wrong! The right answer is..... 47!
Although one post isn't even close to be enough, I hope this gave you an idea of how AWESOME and beautiful she is. And she is also a marvelous singer! Arika-sama I <3333 youuuuuu~~
After waiting for more than a year (Shinshoku Dolce had been released in February 2009), Kanon Wakeshima's fans started to worry about the girl's musical career. Still, with much expectation, her second album, entitled "Shoujo Jikake no Libretto", was finally released in July 2010.
The album's jacket
While keeping her unique goth-loli style, Kanon faced a big challenge with this album since Mana produced just a few tracks and gave the singer freedom to write her own songs. That composition difference ended up being really special for the second album as Kanon put an exotic cutesy in it.
"Princess Charleston" (track 08) - a break from the dark songs, but just for a moment (thanks to the uploader!)
This mix of dark atmosphere with cute kitties simply had to be awesome, and it certainly is. The album is proof of the singer's versatility and it never fails to amuse me.
"celmisia" (track 10) - haunting vocals and a spectacular melody (thanks to the uploader for the lyrics!)
My Favorite Tracks:
Kuroneko to Pianist no Tango
celmisia
Princess Charleston
Shoujo Jikake no Libretto ~storytelling by solita~
To continue my awesome posts (I know you love them lol), the Teh Newz corner of this week brings back DBSK's "Keep Your Head Down" with the release of the Dance ver.B Music Video on SME's official YouTube channel. While they aren't wearing the best clothes created by humanity, it's still visually impressive with such a powerful and synchronized choreography.
"Keep Your Head Down" Dance ver.B MV
In Japan, R&B singer JASMINE released her 6th single "ONE". This interesting track is also packed with an incredible promotional video featuring Japanese street dancers.
"ONE"s promotional video - check it out before they remove it from YT!
That's it for this Teh Newz! Please look forward to the next ones~
