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- The Passionate Music Man
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How do I view music today?
2013-07-10 8:15PM / 標準BLOG
The topic during my lunch with colleagues was naming one hit wonder acts from the past. It started with 80s from Men Without Hats, Trio, Fiction Factory, Baltimora to 90s Chumbawamba, Lou Bega, Charles & Eddie, Beats International to now. It was really fun. With me now stuck in the middle of a Manila traffic (not fun), I was really pondering what % of acts do go on to make the 2nd record / album (regardless of success). If it was small then, it is even smaller now. Recording an album is now a bonus. Most will settle for EPs, mini album or even single. Digital single is now exploding by the millions. What % of artists go on to make a career in music? Probably in single digit or even less. Monetization of music becoming more difficult as most probably heard about the whole overrated 360 deals w labels. Does it work to the benefit of the artist? That is a totally massive debate altogether and should not be for this blog. Is it happening because music is trying to find a way to survive both for the artists and the industry that supports it? There use to be a system where talent were discovered by talent agents (A&R executive to the industry insiders), trained and recorded in a studio, promoted on mass media (radio, radio, TV and print) yes, radio was that important those days that it needed to be mentioned twice. Then they sell lots of physical products and make millions. They make more millions touring and everyone is happy. Now with the Internet and social media and pro tools, all has change. Everyone can be a musician. Music is posted online to be discovered at the most incredible pace that it is almost becoming a background music to the Internet users. The freaky and funny ones get re-posted, the others die a slow or fast death. Is this a better way to enjoy music? Would a properly planned career by experience executive a better option? Another huge discussion... So in the past, radio station program directors decide what we need to listen. Now, watch what you want and listen to what you like at anytime without any commercial breaks. Is that experience better for the consumer? Does anyone even remember the first time they fall in love with an artist? Till today I can remember the first time I heard about a band call Depeche Mode (my all time fave act) was when I was tuning in to BBC World service Top 20 and a DJ call Peter Powell counting down to #12 and played a song called "New Life". It was a magic moment in my life. I have to wait till next week before I heard the song again which I did not and then it prompt me to by a bootleg cassette of them "Speak and Spell". Do we even remember any song we heard yesterday? We don't need to as they are easily available by legal (iTunes, YouTube, Spotify) or illegally (too many to name). Music are not treasured but becoming just a "sound". How does this affect the future of music? How do we consume them? Do they still bring memory, a moment? Will it ever be appreciated for the hardwork put in to make it? Many challenges ahead. Love to hear your views... -
U2 vs. Depeche Mode
2009-02-25 2:25AM / 標準BLOG
Sitting here in the hoptel room in Bangkok bored out of my mind and waiting for my football team to start their game on UCL. My team has been playing so badly this season, I am still contemplating to watch and continue to torture myself. I guess when you support a team, you support them through the good times and bad times!!! Go Gunners.
So, everyone should have heard the new single from U2 "Get on your boots" and Depeche's "Wrong". I don't believe U2 video is done yet but got a glimpse of the new DM video which is dark but so good. Kinda reminds me of a video from Radiohead. Both will have albums out in the next month or so.
So, who is better? U2 and Depeche Mode?
Both been around for more than 20 years and staying true with their musical roots (U2 a few years earlier). Although different in musical genre, both create sounds that is easily distinguished and many try to follow and failed. Both have ups and downs (album wise). Both hit a career milestone when they broke the US of A (Joshua Tree and Violator). Both have rabid fan base. Both sell out tours in minutes. Both have charismatic frontman (Bono vs Dave Gahan) and the sidekick or the co-starring (Edge vs Martin Gore). Each of their older albums are collectors items and will be on the shelves of HMVs and Towers of the world forever as must have catalogue.
So far it's Depeche Mode leading the points based on:
1) "Wrong" is a better first single than "Get on your boots"
2) DM perform the track on Echo awards in Germany while U2 premiered on BRITS (both performance are average to me)
3) Both album covers are average...
4) Video tbc
5) Tour tbc
What's your view?
Good night
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My Top 10 Best Album of 2008!!!
2009-01-02 4:19PM / 標準BLOG
Wow, I did not realise that I have not blog for a few months now. Just could not find the time to do it with year end business targets to meet (yawn, yawn) and other stuff....
I guess what's better to start the new year with a little list of the BEST CD ALBUM of 2008 for me! Yes, I know it's old school but music for me needs to be appreciated like a work of art and although I still fancy tracks but listening to an album is a real experience...
3 main criteria for the list are:
1) The most times I have listened to the FULL album and not just selective tracks or singles
2) I have to like at least 80% of the tracks to qualify (no skipping as much as possible when listening to the CD)
3) The album has to be enjoyable after repeated listening
With that, here is my Top 10
10. Keane - Perfect Symmetry
Always a big fan since their debut "Hopes & Fears". Super melodic and 80's influenced pop. New album continues in the same vein. No breakthrough though. Saw them with guitar for the first time on Jimmy Kimmel Show therefore no longer unique! Still...it's a good album. They still write good melodies.
Favourite track(s) - Spiralling, Black Burning Heart, Better Than This & Perfect Symmetry
9. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
First Kanye album that I like in it's entirety. Hates his ego but this guy is a bloody genius. This album is unlike any HIP HOP album out there as he is dabbling with so much electronics (hence the title) underneath a love theme. Bravo!!! The sampling or cover of Tears for Fears "Memories fade" on "Closest Winter" is superb!!! Not a commercial project like his last 3 albums (no standout HIT singles) but this album will last longer than any hip hop albums out there!!!! I don't understand why he bother adding a bonus `live' track at the end of the album which spoil my experience.
Favourite track(s) - Coldest Winter, Love Lockdown, Robocop & Say You Will
8. The Killers - Day & Age
Another act that is not afraid to try something new. Did not like "Sam's Town" but with Stuart Price as producer, they can't go wrong! Not as immediate as "Hot Fuss" but a definite grower. First single is a killer choice (pun intended) otherwise I may not have got into the CD to make the list for 1008. Again, lots of 80's influence as well.
Favourite track(s) - Human, Spaceman, This is your life (sounds like Talking heads "Road to nowhere") & The World We Live In.
7. The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
Discover the band from a sampler CD (Fruit Machine) and have not stopped loving them since. Label has done a great job in chosing the right singles to release and building the band carefully. The remixes for the singles are outstanding including mixes by Calvin Harris, Kasper Bjorke & Tocadisco. Check them out. I am only disappointed with the last 2 tracks on album which leaves me with a sore ending after a great first 80% or this album will be higher in the ranking.
Favourite track(s) - Great DJ, Be The One, Shut Up and Let Me Go, We Walk & That's Not My Name
6. SebastiAN - A Fine Selection Of Remixes
Another gem from Ed Banger records (Justice, Mr Oizo & Daft Punk). He is definitely the next French export to look out for in 2009! His remixes are so far out that it blows my mind to a whole new stratosphere (...and I don't even do drugs). (The other remixer that does the same is Soulwax). Once he's done remixing the song, you can barely recognize the original!!!!
Favourite track(s) - ALL. The album doesn't go higher on the list because you need to be in a certain mood to enjoy it. You can't just play this CD anytime you want otherwise you'll go barking mad. Also, the tracks are not original (yes, I am a purist). Don't drive and listen to this CD unless you are rushing to your next appointment!!!
5. Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things
A case of an artist that continue to grow in creativity and talent with each album. Glad Atlantic stuck with him. There is so much similarilty with Khalil Fong's career. In fact, we are hoping to find some opportunity for both of them to collaborate. Watch this space...
"I'm yours" really open him to a whole new market but his previous albums are pretty good too. Perfect album to play during the weekend to chill or when driving. It's one of those album that does not have a weak song at all. Also, there are enough variety so it doesn't become boring after a few listens.
Favourite track(s) - I'm Yours, Lucky, Details in the Fabric & A Beautiful Mess
4. T.I. - Paper Trail
Rap artist are always about singles to me and initially T.I. would fall under the same category if his last few albums are concern. But when I listen to this album, I was pleasantly surprise to find out that he really put a lot oif effort into making a good album and a great listening experience. Although there is 16 songs, there are none of the `segue" conversation tracks which always piss me off. He also write intelligent lyrics as well and using guest singers that really makes a difference to the songs and not just who is popular right now to collaborate. Definitely moving commercial hip hop into the right direction and not just taking about bitches and hoes. The only downside is that the album starts slow and only after Track (4), it burst into life and then there is just no letting go till the end of the album!
Favourite track(s) - On Top of the World, Live Your Live, Whatever U Like, No Matter What, Swagga like us (feat. Jay Z, Kanye & Lil Wayne), Slide Show (feat John Legend) & Dead & Gone (feat Justin T)
Bonus - Check out "Collect Call" on the Japanese edition of the album which sampled Keith Sweat "Make it last forever".
3. Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
"Sex on Fire" turn me to this band when it went to #1 on the UK singles chart. I was so surprise when I check the album out. It's so good for a change compared to the emo bands (no offence to them) but to see some nasty guitars and melody really gives me the chills. They reminded me of INXS and other Australian rock bands like Eskimo Joe etc. It's a shame that US radio is ignoring this band. This album will be a classic album.
Favourite track(s) - Sex on Fire, Use Somebody, Crawl, Revelry, Notion, Manhattan & Cold Desert.
2. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (Original package)
If "Life in Technicolor ii" from Prospeckts March EP is added on to the album, it would be close to #1 album for me. Just lacks 1 extra HIT. I really applaud Chris Martin for not wanting to put too many tracks on 1 album and I am then puzzled why he released an EP after that. Yes, they are the BIGGEST ROCK BAND in the WORLD!! (until U2 released their next album). Music wise, they are progressing and the usage of Brian Eno IS a smart move no matter what Q mag says.
Favourite track(s) - From Track (1) to Track (9)!!!!!
1. RADIOHEAD - IN RAINBOWS
They finally released a "sane" album since "OK Computer". Although this album still ranks as the 3rd best Radiohead album for me after "The Bends" and "OK Computer", it could surpass at least OK Computer in a few years time. Why, you ask? Well, these boys are geniuses as you can actually discover little things in the album everytime you play the album. It's freaky but true. Also, the album gets better with time and there are only a few albums that can do that. This album will be a true classic in 10 years time. The album is technically available last December for free downloads but available as a CD in January. Till today, I still enjoy the album like it's new...
I have not seen them live since they play at "Ko Shan Theater" years ago and can't wait to see them again.
Favourite track(s) - Nude, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need, Videotape, Reckoner & House Of Cards. I may not enjoy every track as much as I do on "Viva La Vida" but the favourites are REALLY REALLY good which make "In Rainbows" my CD of the year. The best album experience for 2008!!!!
Other albums bubbling under but did not hit the above criteria or just miss the Top 10:
- Lil Wayne / Tha Carter III
T.I. & Lil Wayne has completely made 50 Cents and Eminem sounds passe. Curious to see both Fiddy & M eir new albums will do well when it comes out soon. This album has some good songs but not a complete album experience. Yes, I skip tracks.
- Ne Yo / Year of the Gentlemen
The new MJ? I always like his singles but he is still not a finished article as far as albums are concerned. "Mad" is my favourite track but album does not have enough variety and second half of album gets a little boring. He will continue to grow with each album and I cannot wait for his next album to make my Top 10 list. `Closer' shows that he is also willing to experiment and pushing the boundary of R&B. Miss out the list by a small margin.
- Chris Brown / Exclusive
Can you imagine that they came up with a bonus edition which features 2 hit singles off it??? (Superhuman & Forever)! Talk about unprepared release. Similar to Ne-Yo, he should plan the album in advance and take our at least 5 songs from the album and make the album a womderful experience from Track (1) onwards. Shame about R&B and Hip Hop albums. Jamming endless bad tracks on albums.
- Usher / Here I Stand
Inconcistent album with flashes of brilliance with "Love in this club", "Trading places" & "Moving Mountains". Again, too many bad tracks in album. Under pressure from Chris Brown and Ne-Yo for the billing for The King of R&B.
- MGMT / Oracular Spectacular
Continue to surprise me with every listen. Fresh sounds but need a breakthrough track and they could achieve MIka type success. If I would start listening to this album earlier, they could have a good chance to make the Top 10.
- Secondhand Serenade / A Twist In My Story
Pleasant surprise. I think he has a bright future and one to watch. Discovered from You Tube and this is his second album. Superb songwriter with a knack for melody. I think this one will continue to develop now that he has some success in US. Reminds me of "Rob Thomas" of Matchbox Twenty. Check out "Stranger", "Fall For You", "Like A Knife" & "Your Call". Just needs a bit more depth in songwriting and he will make it into my Top 5. Each songs does not stray far from one another which means you will stop listening after a short period.
What's yours?
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Live N Loud Concert A great night for Rock Music in HK!!!
2008-08-06 9:58PM / 標準BLOG
I had a great evening watching 5 rock acts on the "Live N Loud" concert. I think it's good that we have a rock festival circuit in Hong Kong. Singapore just had Singfest which I believe 12,000 people attended over 2 days (Sat & Sun). It's a shame we did not have Panic @ the Disco here which they played in Singapore.
Upon arriving, I was shocked to see how little people actually turned up for Jamie Scott (the first act) that I decided from going in and got myself some food. I may have missed after going through the net trying to find out who is this guy. I think he's a mix of James Blunt, Paolo Nutini & James Morrison except that he's not the first. Check his video out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d41TPgRdFPs
New Found Glory was already in their set when we settled down to our seat. They are kinda Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, Blink 182-like. However, their materials are less melodic compared to those other pop punk groups. I also did not like the way the lead vocalist dressed like he just got out of his house for a little walk. One of the guitarist was fat and not wearing clothes. It was not a good sight to look at but he kinda enjoys it. I certainly did not. 2 standout tracks from their set are "My friends over you" and "It's not my fault". Wasn't impressed with their cover version of Sixpence Non The Richer "Kiss me" and Goo Goo Dolls "Iris". It was clear no one really knows their songs in HK which is a shame. Check this video out which I thought was kinda cute. (try ignoring the fat guy)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS0ecdawM4U
After that, I was beginning to warm up and look forward to Lostprophets performing. They actually comes from England and was initially a Linkin Park clone but over the years have change to a more straight ahead pop rock act similar to Breaking Benjamin or Story of the Year. The second lead singer who is also the keyboardist dyed his hair blonde. Lead singer was charismatic but vocals are a little inconsistent. He keeps throwing his mike and catching it back. Guess it is his trademark and now I know why he was not using a wireless mike. 2 songs also stand out from their set which is "Rooftop" and "Last train home". The video attached will give you an idea of the entire performance. Most of the other songs are forgettable. They were not immune to covers as they sang Rihanna's "Umbrella". Why? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ruNG0emUV8
By this time, the mosh pit has began to form and kids (mainly western) were body slamming in a circle and a couple of body surf going on. Kinda weird seeing a few local Chinese boys and girls got into it. Glad there weren't any fights but I bet there will be bruises the following day (Yup, been in one of those and will never do it again, too dangerous)
Up next is One Republic. After Lostprophets, it was a pretty mellow affair. A cellist was a good gimmick although the sound from him never came out sounding different enough. Still, I like it. Teddy is a great songwriter having wrote one of the biggest hit this year for Leona Lewis (Bleeding love). I have got the album "Dreaming out loud" but only manage to give it one spin and then put 2 tracks into my I Tunes library and that's it. I am going to get the CD out and really give it a good listen after the performance. Vocals are better than I expected after seeing him on MAA a week ago on TV. "Stop & stare" got a crowd into them. Again, due to lack of materials he resorted to a cover (The Verve's "BIttersweet symphony") which got me thinking if he wants to copy Chris Martin who covered the song with Richard Ashcroft during Live Aid 2. There are a lot of similarities to Coldplay even in the lesser known tracks. Ah well, all's good I guess. When "Apologies" came on, the crowd was ready for a massive karoke sing a long. It shows how big the song is! (kinda weird not hearing TImbaland ad libbing) I know their version is different but still. When One Republic finished, it was 1130pm and you can see some actually starts to leave the venue. I thought to myself, if these guys are paying 780 dollars just to hear one song???? I have similar experience recently at James Blunt show. Man, this is crazy. Don't they know the headline act is still not on and most people are coming to see Simple Plan. Looking at my watch, I was fearing that the band has to cut short their set due to transportation issues. Last train at 1230pm. (Etchy posted some videos on You Tube. Check it out)
When Simple Plan came on at 1145, the wait was well worth it as the band launch straight to one of my favourite tracks from their third album "Take my hand" which got the fist pumping going on for the entire arena. It was all good. The band then launch single after single and good to see there are quite a few fans of SP in HK. It was a non stop dancing and singing for everyone. Suprised how the band attempt to speak a lot of "Cantonese" words rather than the standard thank yous. Quite funny.
Good to see the security guys handing out water cups to the kids upfront. Alas, Simple Plan also resort to a couple of covers to `warm" the crowd which at that time was already `super hot'. They did a short rock version of Flo Rida's "Low" and Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls"/ Ben E King "Stand by me" medley. The encore almost did not happen as kids were leaving hoping to be able to catch the last train. Thank goodness they came out quick enough. More dancing continued. Ending the night with "Perfect" says it all. Started of acoustically with just Pierre on stage and most part were sung by the crowd. It then launched into a full blown rock ballad finished was a great way to end a long evening. Here's something which I believe is taken from a camera video. A bit bad in quality but thoroughly enjoyable.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4xPqUFbgkI
I enjoyed all the acts reasonably well for me wanting to know more about them but was totally blown away by Simple Plan. Hope the local kids watching (there are many as I think most expats are on summer holidays) can be inspired to come up with a local pop rock band with strong melodies and we can see a new "Beyond"! A great evening nevertheless. Hope the next one will have a full house arena rather than half empty.
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Is R&B Music the new mainstream in Asia?
2008-08-03 2:21PM / 標準BLOG
Apologies for taken so long to come up with another blog. Hectic week at work. Business this month was definitely on the up with a few hit songs and some good selling albums. Yes, despite the gloom and doom, some CDs still sells.
Thanks for all the great feedback on HK music scene blog.
One of the key point that came out from the blog was "what is mainstream music"? Best definition is popular music genre that has been accepted by the general population. Traditionally in Asia, it's all about pop ballad or slow rock etc. However over the last few years, R&B has definitely make a huge inroads into mainstream market. Rather than just vocal technique, it's emphasizes on singing from the heart/soul over a standard R&B arrangement. Melody is still strong like a traditional pop song but the 2 factors create almost a new song experience to what was in the market at the time.
In Japan, Utada change the landscape while in the Chinese market it was Jay Chou. In Korea, Wheesung create the major turning point. Yes, there are R&B artists before them but none of them made it into the mainstream to change consumer taste to this genre. Since, artist like Rain or Se7en, Lee Hom & David Tao, Ken Hirai & Chemistry cement the genre as a format in these markets. I only mention the 3 markets as they influence the rest of the Asian region including Singapore, Thailand, China and Malaysia. In Indonesia and Philippines where R&B has existed far earlier but it was also partly influence as well with acts like Marcell, Glenn Fredly, Nina, Kyla becoming houselhold names in their respective markets.
In the meantime, enjoy what I think is 3 landmark Asian R&B songs.artist that changed mainstream music in Asia.
1) Utada Hikaru - Automatic
The first single from the album that is the BIGGEST selling album of all time in Japan (over 9 million CDs sold!!!). She has then gone on to become the biggest act. She wrote all the songs herself. When it first came out, it was not an obvious hit for even their record company who at that time was run by Masaaki Sato. He was brave enough to take the deal as his background in International music marketing for over 20 years tells him that the song is good enough for the Japanese market. Low expectation, take risk and hey presto..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3Rmbb4SEIM
2) Wheesung - A story I can't tell
Taken from his debut album "Like a movie". Korea at that time was completely swamped by boy band and girl groups such as HOT, Shinhwa, Finkl, SES etc. The album was released by a small production house called M-Boat. Park Kyung Jin was a little concern that he is not good looking enough that consumer will not accept him that he did not even has his face on the cover. The album has subtitles of various movies the songs int he albums are influenced by which I thought was interesting and confusing cuz I can't read Korean. This I believe is the 2nd single but the biggest hit and catapult the album to over 400,000 units in Korea. Some may argue Wheesung is not the first R&B singer and Park Jin Yong (JYP who discovered Rain) has done it far earlier but R&B was not a genre as JYP is still a lone ranger in the market. Glad Kyung Jin decides to put Wheesung face in the video as he went on to become the biggest R&B superstar in Korea. His new album is due this year which I believe would be his 6th album.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8COqqZdQEhI
3) Jay Chou - Valuable woman
When the album first came out, the media was writing stuff like great music but will sell less than 20,000 (which is nothing at that time in Taiwan) Media loved it, music industry people fans loved it but consumer a took a little time to respond to this `new' music genre. JR Yang and Jay stuck by their plan and built him organically and then released this video featuring Vivian Hsu. It worked and the next thing you know the album sold 300,000 units. I think the number is now a lot higher. He then gone on to become the biggest star in Asia. Oh yeah, he writes, sings, plays, produce and even directs all the videos himself which shows how big a talent he is.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvT4KidzLh8
Moral of the story, if the artist is good enough, the music is good enough even though it don't sound like anything else in the market at the time it WILL work and when it does, you create history!!!
What will be the new `mainstream music'? Love to hear your views. Maybe the next Utda, Jay & Wheesung will be discovered here on AnD?
