A Little Game

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 15 friends.
5. Everyone tagged as to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

1, IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?

Smile - Robert Downey Jr.

2, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

The Sounds Of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel

3, WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

醒醒 - 林憶蓮

4, HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

夢遊 - 孫燕姿

5, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Mr. Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan

6, WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO？

Dirty Little Secret - Sarah McLachlan

7, WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Quickly (Feat. Brandy) - John Legend

8, WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Coming Home - k.d. lang

9, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

路口 - 蔡健雅

10, WHAT IS 2 + 2?

The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell

11, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Gone - Daughtry

12, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Past In Present - Feist

13, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

It's Not You It's Me - The Little Willies

14, WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Lost Taipei - Joanna Wang

15, WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Eyes On The Prize - Mavis Staples

16, WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL？

Look No Further - Dido

17, WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

頹 - 容祖兒

18, WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR??

Anyone Can Play Guitar - Radiohead

19, WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Serious - Duffy

20, WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?

旅行的意義 - 陳綺貞

21, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Don't Panic - Coldplay

22, WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

If I Could - Jack Johnson

Coffee Table, Sofa, Fridge, Two Cups Of Black Tea

Very happy to see Kay's success with this song. 囍帖街 (or Kay, Eric Kwok, Wyman) really really really deserves this honor.

The melody is beautiful, catchy, and classy... The lyrics speak of the demolished "wedding invitation street" in Hong Kong, perfectly contrasted with the fading away of love between a couple... Kay's beautiful voice - soft and gentle...

Let's hope this team will create another great song in 2009 and years to come... Kay is here to stay! Rock On!








囍帖街 謝安琪

作曲/編曲: Eric Kwok
作詞: 黃偉文

忘掉種過的花 重新的出發 放棄理想吧
別再看 塵封的喜帖 你正在要搬家
築得起 人應該接受 都有日倒下
其實沒有一種安穩快樂 永遠也不差
就似這一區 曾經稱得上 美滿甲天下
但霎眼 全街的單位 快要住滿烏鴉
好景不會與日常在 天梯不可只往上爬
愛的人 沒有一生一世嗎 大概不需要害怕

忘掉愛過的他 當初的喜帖金箔印著那位他
裱起婚紗照那道牆及一切美麗舊年華 明日同步拆下
忘掉有過的家 小餐枱沙發雪櫃及兩份紅茶
溫馨的光境不過借出到期拿回嗎 等不到下一代 是嗎

忘掉砌過的沙 回憶的堡壘剎那已倒下
面對這 墳起的荒土 你註定學會瀟灑
階磚不會拒絕磨蝕 窗花不可幽禁落霞
有感情 就會一生一世嗎 又再惋惜有用嗎

忘掉愛過的他 當初的喜帖金箔印著那位他
裱起婚紗照那道牆及一切美麗舊年華 明日同步拆下
忘掉有過的家 小餐枱沙發雪櫃及兩份紅茶
溫馨的光境不過借出到期拿回嗎
終須會時辰到 別怕
請放下手裡那鎖匙 好嗎

Just Listen... "聽" 趙學而

聽 - 趙學而

My Rating: 84/100

Track List:

01. 我可以抱你嗎
02. 長夜 My Love Goodnight
03. Be Your Love
04. 情深緣淺
05. 曾在你懷抱
06. 許願樹
07. 對一個人愛錯
08. 某月某夜
09. 如果這是情
10. 吻別
11. 祝君好


I am not too familiar with Bondy Chiu's music. Over the years, I've had a few glimpses of her TV appearances in different sit coms. Heard her nice voice in individual music projects covering well known songs with new jazz arrangements (most notably 偏偏喜歡你 in 一期一會 Soundtrack). I thought her voice is really soothing, but was not about to spend $20 CAD to buy just that one song.

In Dec 2008, she released a long awaited album, covering Chinese pop hits and classics of the 80's and 90's. And she transformed and spiced up all 11 songs with jazz arrangements, giving each track a new look, and a new life. It's a great trend to see many talented singers coming back out asking the audience to "just listen" to our music, and not doing stupid things for making headlines... and getting attention the wrong way.

Amidst the plummeting record industry, Ms. Chiu personally invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in producing this album. What a bold and gutsy move... but I am sure she would be very happy at this moment, as reviews for the album have been very positive... not exactly sure how the sales numbers are, but I read CD stores in HK are jacking up prices for it... so that should be a good sign...

What I like the most about "聽" is the team work and collaboration between Bondy and her musicians. One person's power is very limited. No matter how good Bondy's voice is, without the world class guitarist, bassist, pianist, cellist, drummer, brass players, etc... who participated in this project, it could've turn out to be a lackluster, mediocre work. It was a very nice gesture to have all the musicians and their profiles/resumes displayed in the complimentary booklet...

Is the album entirely perfect? No. Especially in some of the song choices of the album... Despite the new arrangement, some melodies and lyrics are just hopeless and no matter how you try to change its face, the best it can get is a mediocre grade... I'm now gonna talk about some of the outstanding tracks from the album...




我可以抱你嗎

This big band jazz track acted as a cool opening for the album... the song talks about the parting of a pair of lovers, instead of whining though, Bondy puts of a smiling face throughout the song... saying "I miss the good times and I don't think about the bad ones..."

我可以抱你嗎　寶貝　容我最後一次這樣叫你　
你也不得已　我會　笑笑的離去



Be Your Love

What a sweet song... it makes me feel like I'm in love, that's how nicely handled this song is... Kudos to Bondy. It's nice to have the acoustic guitar, flute, and light drum beats supporting her throughout the song... One consistently handled element in Bondy's vocals is the new phrasing she reinvented with the new jazzy arrangements...

逃避你　接近你　惟願挑起一點是跟非
I Wanna Be Your Love　怎麼說起...




情深緣淺

Umm... This is what I was talking about earlier, if a song is hopeless, it's hopeless no matter what you do to it... Bondy's vocals were nice, but the lyrics and the over the board mellowness of the melody just doesn't work for me.... The only part I like is the long saxophone solo session towards the end..




許願樹

Just like Be Your Love, the acoustic arrangement gives this song a fresh and sweet taste. Her musicians steps to the foreground in the sound, providing some vocal harmony in the chorus.

Trees of the Bayou...　我的愛像純真的小孩




對一個人愛錯

This is probably the best example of spicing up a boring song... I love the slight Latin influenced arrangement throughout this piece. I love that her musicians have the freedom to show off their guns in the extended bridges and outros... of this song (and many others, making them at least 5 to 6 minutes long! great stuff!)... The only complaint is that... Bondy could've used a tougher tone... she could've bitch slap the guy instead of just doing a little whine... if you get what I mean.

恨什麼　沒什麼只不過一個人 對一個人愛錯




如果這是情

The new arrangement and phrasing, again, gave this boring song an extreme makeover.... It's now a song that you can play in a lounge while you're savoring a nice glass of wine... Leon Lai's original version? You can probably hear it being slaughtered by some drunk dudes at a karaoke bar...

讓我的美夢　換你一世情始終都等到一串好光景
願你可快樂　像我癡情尋獲最愛不必怕任性





祝君好

Probably the only song of the album from "my times" (I was in grade 8 when it came out, I think). The new arrangement is way simpler than the original, and way better. Just the piano, cello, and Bondy's amazingly calm voice. Not much emotion, it's like reflecting on a long lost love... there's no more pain, just a lot of regrets, and some tears...

只望停在遠處祝君安好... 雖不可親口細訴...






Strongly Recommended Tracks (in order): 祝君好, Be Your Love, 我可以抱你嗎, 如果這是情, 對一個人愛錯, 許願樹

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Chinese (# 1-5)

#1. Over The Rainbow - at17
Genre - Folk Pop
From Over The Rainbow Vol. 1 (Jul 16, 2008)

at17's best song to date. It delivers a strong wave of positive energy on a bad day. There's always a ray of hope at the end of the day, even in the worst possible scenario. Every aspect of the song is perfect. Ellen and Eman's interwining harmonic voices, the lush of string and brass back-up, it just paints a bright picture and brings a warm smile on your face. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.

#2. 少年維特 - 何韻詩
Genre - Alternative
From Ten Days In The Madhouse (Dec 12, 2008)

If at17's Over The Rainbow brings a rush of positive envergy, Hocc's Young Werther will drop your mood to the rock bottom and turn your smile into a frown. They are a pair of polar opposites. From the first deep piano note to the dark percussion and string arrangement, from hocc's dark and deep tone in her voice here, to Wyman's lyrics about our generation's sorrows and troubles, ...everything in the song makes you sad and angry. And when a song is able to make my mood swing one way or another, it's a good song.

#3. 囍帖街 - 謝安琪
Genre - Pop
From Binary (Jul 25, 2008)

Kay Tse has become one of my top favorites this year. Album after album, she has proved that she's the real deal. 囍帖街 in many ways is a perfect pop song. Well handled vocals, meaningful lyrics, memorable melody. My only hope is that her live performances can be more stable.

#4. 然後怎樣 - 陳奕迅
Genre - Pop Rock
From 不想放手 (Jun 30, 2008)

A question that I've asked myself over and over again this year.... What Happens Next? Obstacles are present in every step of my way since my graduation... It looks like I'm now taking a long way to get to my goal... when almost everyone else is already there.

#5. 花不痛 - 古巨基
Genre - Folk Pop
From Guitar Fever (Sep 12, 2008)


Tanya Chua wrote a great song. Leo Ku has finally returned to his most natural vocal performance style. Thank God. The lyrics are worth thinking about, Our hearts ache because we allow it to ache, be glad when it happens.

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Chinese (# 6-10)

#6. 貪生怕死 - 黃耀明
Genre - Folk Rock
From King Of The Road (Oct 3, 2008)



Ming Gor is HK's most innovative and daring musician. He is not afraid to try new images, include sensitive topics in his songs, or make 360 degree changes in music style every now and then. 90% of the songs in his 2008 album does not include electronic arrangements and instrumentation he and his PMPS group are known for. Instead, more real and acoustic are used to back up his voice. 貪生怕死 showcases Ming Gor's beautifully delicate vocals, his masterful control of emotion throughout the entire song... The lyrics of the song are also very meaningful and is worth reflecting upon.



#7. 跑步機上 - 容祖兒
Genre - Dance Pop
From In Motion (Sep 1, 2008)



I've always detested Joey's songs... until now. 跑步機上 and many of her songs in this album finally allows her to step out of her karaoke queen box and just let her explore more possibilities. This song has been frequently played during my workout sessions. I've now come to appreciate the energy that Joey brings into her upbeat tunes... she's one of the few female singers in HK who has that ability... This song and album has changed the way I look at her.


#8. 嬅麗緣 - 楊千嬅
Genre - Pop
From Wonder Miriam (Sep 26, 2008)



Picked this song totally out of personal reasons. I've liked Miriam since I was in grade 6. This is a song filled with lyrics and names of 30 songs throughout her career. It's such a great gift to fans like me... but the timing is a bit awkward... wouldn't it have been better if it were to be released before her All About Love concert last year?



#9. 我係邊個 - 林海峰
Genre - Pop Jazz
From 我哋大家 (Mar 7, 2008)



Jan Lamb's first attempt at jazz. It's surprisingly soothing! Of course I don't expect spectacular vocals from him, but the lyrics and his interpretation really suits the laidback and lassez-faire attitude of this genre of music.



#10. 甜蜜蜜 - 薛凱琪
Genre - Pop
From Smile (Dec 19, 2008)



I actually wanted to pick something from Khalil Fong's album, but since I haven't received it yet, a song written by him would do the job! I've always admired Fiona, she's like Miriam about ten years ago. The cute girl-next-door image, the somewhat uniquely sweet music style... 甜蜜蜜 is really really sweet, I'm sure a lot of guys like me would love to be the "Mr. Wrong" in the song.

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Western (# 1-5)

#1. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Genre - Pop
From We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (May 13, 2008)

It's my favorite Western song of the year because it's so bouncy and happy. I remember spending countless summer days listening to it in the car, on stereo system, on my iPod... and it never gets boring. After the summer, our world took a steep drop into the wrong direction and a song like this, so simple yet uplifting... can be a great cure for all our losses and dissatisfaction.

#2. Festival - Sigur Ros
Genre - New Age
From Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (Jun 24, 2008)



In their latest album, Sigur Ros became a little more acoustic and a little less grand. I personally prefer their spacious and grand soundscape a little more, just like in Festival. The vocalist's dynamic voice... the strings and other sound effects back him up... it's really amazing, and you need a good stereo system to really appreciate the richness of their sounds... it's totally out of this world.



#3. Grafton Street - Dido
Genre - Alternative Rock
From Safe Trip Home (Nov 18, 2008)



An album and song about goodbyes. Like Sigur Ros, Dido became a little more minimalistic in her music in her 2008 album too. Grafton Street, dedicated to her late father, has some haunting flute bridges as a tribute to her Irish heritage, making it much more unique... not to mention Dido's always soothing vocals. My school life ended this year... I am now just thrown into the real world without any directions... And no more saying goodbye for the last time again...



#4. The Story - Norah Jones
Genre - Blues / Pop
From My Blueberry Nights OST (April 1, 2008)




Not a big fan of Wong Kar Wai, but Ms. Jones' music has been part of my life for the past few years. The Story is like an extension of her 2007 album, taking a darking, more bluesy turn in music. Her lower register and the cello in the background makes this song so much more powerful and touching.





#5. Warwick Avenue - Duffy
Genre - Soul
From Rockferry (Mar 3, 2008)



As Amy Winehouse is off this year with zero contribution musically, several blue-eyed soul singers emerged in the UK music scene... and Duffy is my favorite one for sure. She's got that bittersweet raspy voice that adds a lot of flavor to the material she sings. Warwick Avenue is one great masterpiece, it's got that 60s vibe and Duffy's superb vocal performance... and the control of emotions is well handled.

Ten Days In The Madhouse: 好想學你安居這套房...

Rating: 88/100

Tracklist:

01. 青山黛瑪
02. 安妮寶貝
03. 楊子經書
04. 丹賴斯隊
05. 查理淑儀
06. 堂吉訶德
07. 少年維特
08. 愛德蒙多
09. 風見志郎
10. 美空雲雀

Listening to Hocc's latest Album "Ten Days In The Madhouse" is like walking into a big house with ten rooms. You would open each door to visit the occupants of each room (or song).

Madhouse might be Hocc's most daring and far from mainstream album to date. When she announced a project to raise awareness for mental patients, I was excited but also a little worried . Is the HK audience ready to accept an album based solely on this sensitive social issue? Will her music collaboration with Hobing and Hanjin be "big enough" to support this concept?

A main reason why I'm a fan of Hocc is her determination. The determination to focus only on the quality of her work. The determination of going after something she believes in. It's a great feeling to see her succeed time after time, even if obstacles arise one after another. I like people who know exactly what they want and would fight for the causes they believe in.

After listening to Madhouse several times now, my worries are gone. Hocc has once again delivered, and in many ways, evolved again.

青山黛瑪

We open the main door to see a little girl named 黛瑪. And we're joined by her to take a look at around this madhouse and visit her roommates... from the view point of someone with mental health issues. Are we really that different from them? Don't we see "normal people" do crazy things all the time?

In terms of techniques, Hocc's higher register has always been her weakness til now. There's a much smoother transition from chest to head voice. All her high notes seem more natural and less forced.

人類意難平的一切問題你都一笑避開
世間太傻 而你是天才旁人話你悲哀　
不過在你眼中清醒才悲哀　繁忙才悲哀
常人難道比瘋子更可愛


安妮寶貝

Along with 黛瑪, we opened the first door and see another young girl called 安妮. She's from a poor family, but always happy. Money doesn't guarantee happiness. And happiness should never be based on how many LV hand bags, expensive cars, and houses you have.

The song itself is okay, less emotional than the previous track but it's a nice tune before moving into the intense and fast tempo songs coming up...

然而路邊新雜誌多
推介富翁的快樂
有些思緒令我堅壯
然而舊區小朋友多 寶貝有天國
大人即使有未結賬單


楊子經書 / 丹賴斯隊

The 3rd and 4th rooms bring things to a broader perspective. We see mad behaviors of the so called normal people, or even ourselves sometimes. The former speaks of the self-centeredness of mankind. Every man for himself. The latter talks about those who like to rush to and follow crowds. But why?

Hocc adopts Hanjin's freestyle, funky music style in both tracks. I personally like the electronic vibe of 楊子經書 a little more, but they both don't leave a deep impression... it's just not Hocc's style.


查理淑儀

In the fifth room, we meet "Charlie and Cherrie" in the title. They still believe in true love, they are deeply in love, they vowed to protect one another til death do us part.... and people think they're crazy. Is there still true love in this world? I'm personally starting to doubt this notion myself too.

Here comes the first climax of the album for me. It's such a simplistic melody with the most beautiful and touching lyrics. Actually the demo version "Daisies" with just lalala was beautiful enough for me to dub this track a spot in the top 3 of this album.

查理淑儀　歷遍人生風雨
又携手　笑迎　海嘯時
如何維繫　互相保護而已
讓對方相信相依
而你跟他也可以


堂吉訶德

In this room, we meet a young man who lives in the world of online and video games. There are so much possibilities in the internet, we can find all kinds of things to make us happy there. When we make our way back to reality, it often disappoint us with all its cruelty.

Musically, it's another simple tune with pop rock influence, probably the closest thing to Hocc's earlier "rocker chick" style.


少年維特

An angry teenager awaits us in the seventh room. I think we can all see ourselves being this guy at some point around our high school years. He's angry and unhappy about everything... his love life (or lack of), his parents, peer pressure, the uncertainty of his future, and probably most of all, himself. I can certainly see myself in this song...

This is hands down my favorite of the album. The lyrics, arrangement, vocal performance are all in unison. It has the ability to bring your mood down, it's like a a ton of weight being dumbed on your shoulders. It's probably one of my top 3 favorites of the year too. Oh my goodness, I still can't recover from the shock of this song...

你為何話我　常在鏡前投訴
溫室裡長高　從來無能力　殺出新血路
難題是我所製造
你為何話這　純屬少年煩惱
即使你早知　人明天非更好


愛德蒙多

In the eighth room, we meet 愛德蒙多. A smart boy at school, gets good grades, but is being punished by his teachers for asking too many questions. Being someone who just graduated, I feel the education system here and around the world has forgotten to include classes to teach us how to survive in the real world. They just dump us out after they've sucked our tuition fees dry. In this case, 愛德蒙多 wants to find out more about love... as for me... sigh.

Another nice ballad (1 of only 2) in the album. But it's just not as good as track 5 查理淑儀.

沒法躲　知識滲出的恆河
洪流浸死了我　是古書哪本的錯
在試卷　誰剔出我階級前途　剔出怯懦


風見志郎

In the second last room, we find the Japanese Superman wannabe. He lives for one cause, and one cause only... to save the world. Plants, animals, and other natural habitats are being eliminated by humans as our population grows exponentially. It might take more than one man to do this job... but we can all make our own baby steps to try to make this planet a better place to live in.

This acoustic folk-pop track is another watercooler spot of the album. Although it's got great lyrics and it's in one of my favorite musical styles... I think it's lacking in some aspects... or else, it could've easily been in the top 3...

沙粒也顫抖　一粒一粒一粒拯救
伸張非一般的正義得一對手
可能　他的身軀好比妖獸
一天一天稀釋價值得他甘心去守


美空雲雀

At the last stop of the tour of madhouse, we see a little songbird. It is flying freely high in the sky, it brings a glimer of hope to the residents here. To all of us. If we stick together, if we believe that we can change the world together, it can really be done one day.

It's probably my #2 favorite of the album. As the closing track of Madhouse, 美空雲雀 carries an important positive message. The progression in the arrangement and Hocc's vocals is really uplifting and it brings you out of the blackhole we were sucked into at the beginning of this album. Another spectacular vocal delivery by Hocc... again her higher register sounds stronger than ever here.

看著藍天空　穿了一個洞
有誰還可以　信奉
同病抱擁　扶持上進
天下為公　靠携手相信


Strongly Recommended Tracks (in order): 少年維特, 美空雲雀, 查理淑儀, 青山黛瑪, 風見志郎

My 2008 Top 10 Singles - Western (# 6-10)

#6. Sleep Through The Static - Jack Johnson Genre - Folk
From Sleep Through The Static (Feb 5, 2008)

I like Jack Johnson's subtle transformation in this album. It's no longer just the fun and bubbly sing-a-longs that has become his trademark. Deeper lyrics are injected to his always laidback music style, to make it a little more meaningful, a little closer to the real world we all live in.

#7. Viva La Vida - Coldplay
Genre - Rock
From Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (Jun 11, 2008)

This has been one of my favorite workout rock songs in the past 6 mths. I just love everything about it. Chris Martin's always powerful voice, the grand orchestral arrangement. This is what I call a real power booster.

#8. Machine Gun - Portishead
Genre - Techno
From Third (Apr 28, 2008)

From the vocalist's voice to the drum machine loops mimicking sounds of automatic weapons that lasts throughout the entire song, one word comes to mind.... Fear.

#9. Little Bird - Goldfrapp
Genre - Folk
From Seventh Tree (Feb 22, 2008)



I'm enjoying minimalistic music more and more. Goldfrapp's new album just makes you wanna lie down on a field of green grass for the whole afternoon, stare at the blue sky, and do nothing.

#10. New Soul - Yael Naim
Genre - Indie Pop
From Yael Naim (Mar 18, 2008)

The Macbook Air commercial tune, fell in love after listening to it. Bought the album, even more surprised by her Hebrew-Middle Eastern musical influence.

Safe Trip Home - Dido

My Rating: 76/100

Tracklist:

1. Don't Believe In Love

2. Quiet Times

3. Never Want To Say It's Love

4. Grafton Street

5. It Comes And It Goes

6. Look No Further

7. Us 2 Little Gods

8. The Day Before The Day

9. Let's Do The Things We Normally Do

10. Burnin Love

11. Northern Skies

Dido, Feist, Keren Ann, Sarah McLachlan...

These are 4 of my favorite female singer-songwriters. They all share similar vocal qualities, the purity, sweetness, authenticity, and width of soundscape in their materials have gotten me addicted to them. These 4 are always played in my car, on my iPod, my hifi... basically I just pick any one of their albums and I can spend an afternoon with it.

I tend to group Dido and Sarah in the same category. They are a little more mature (both in song contents and vocal delivery) and more mainstream (both have megahits known all around the world). And Feist and Keren tend to be more experimental and more 'out of the box'.

The "Madonna of Britain" Dido released her 3rd full album Safe Trip Home in Nov 2008, five years after her critically and commercially acclaimed sophomore work, Life For Rent, which I loved by the way.

The main theme of this album is about "saying goodbyes". Dido said in an interview that she only wants to put out an album when she has something to say. Affected by her dad's death a couple of years ago, the album is apparently inspired by this life changing event and a tribute to Mr. Armstrong.

The first impression after listening to all the tracks on Safe Trip Home is... it's really SAFE. The melancholy mood is still melancholy, the beautiful voice is still beautiful, the sense of stability in her materials is still very much present... the one difference is that more 'real" and acoustic instruments (guitar, strings, piano) are used instead of electronic ones. However, I have a little bit of trouble telling songs apart from each other. But seriously, I don't really mind at all that she's repeating herself. I love her voice, melodies, lyrics, and the simple arrangements, aka, her 'signature dishes' :)

A few songs do jump out at me, let's look at them more up close...

Northern Skies

A 9 minute long, subtle, minimal electronica track, with a steady drum loop and emphasis on bass line, it reminds me of Sandy Lam's Live 07 version of "Lonely Shooting Stars". The sense of tranquility keeps on looping till the very end, so far I like this track the best.

Grafton Street

Probably a close second to Northern Skies, it also has that similar minimalist vibe to it. This song pays tribute to places that were part of your life which you no longer visit anymore. To Dido, it's Grafton Street, to me, it's probably school... Dido's voice is hauntingly beautiful in this song... The flute and strings heard in the bridges gives it a lively and foriegn touch!

The Day Before The Day

This is another song where Dido's vocal abilities are applied to the max. It's a very simple song with just an acoustic guitar accompanying her. I think "silky" is a good word to describe that beautiful quality of her voice heard here.

Let's Do The Things We Normally Do

A consistent theme of Safe Trip Home is the sense of leaving or parting with someone, something, someplace. The theme is spoken (or sung) out bluntly here in this little mysterious track:

"Don't hold my hand for longer than you need to,

Don't look me in the eye more than you need to,

Don't try to say goodbye if I don't want to."

Don't Believe In Love

This song reminds me of "White Flag", the first single of her previous album. The darkness portrayed in the lyrics is very typical for Dido and other British alt-rock artists. It is definitely something that all pessimistic ppl like me enjoy. This song here starts the album off with a cool bass riff, giving it an edgier quality. Without it, I think this would be just another "pop song".

Pick Yourself Up, Start All Over Again.

Pick Yourself Up - Diana Krall (Live In Paris Version)

Nothings impossible I have found
For when my chin is on the ground
I pick myself up, dust myself off, start all over again

Don't lose your confidence if you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again

Work like a soul inspired till the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired but you'll be a man my son
Don't you remember the famous man who had to fall to rise again?
They picked themselves up, dust themselves off and started all over again

Hardwork brings success. It's a notion I've learned since kindergarten, maybe a little later. It has always worked for me in the past 20 yrs or so - you study your ass off and you get A's; simple as that.

This notion was shattered this morning.

In the real world, where money talks and everything else walks... no matter how hard you try, how dedicated you are, how much potential you have (or they say you have), all they care about is the final result. And if you haven't shown any track record of success, they just don't care.

Another lesson learned.

I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.

Roberto, Sammi, & Dominic Baggio

94世界盃決賽，巴治奧射失一球十二碼，親手將獎盃送俾巴西成為罪人。被遺棄的日子裡面，仍然堅決不低頭，為爭取更多正選上陣機會，毅然自降身價，轉踢中型球會，誓要重奪國家隊席位，捲土重來。

同時，香港亦有一個束起小馬尾的米蘭名牌時裝店香港區最強營業員 ── 羅拔圖。佢一直努力工作，全心進軍米蘭總店，可惜因為一次失誤，白白放過一個黃金機會，加上命運不濟，傷患影響事業跌落谷底，從此被所有人稱呼為「巴治奧」。羅拔圖命運同做人態度與巴治奧不謀而合 ── 再次發奮谷底反彈，重返中環進軍米蘭。

Dominic, a 2008 university graduate in Toronto, with a pretty good resume, earned various school and workplace achievement awards, still cannot find a job after three months of job searching. Faced with the biggest global financial crisis since Great Depression, rising unemployment numbers, mass-layoffs and bankruptcy declared by many reputable organizations, Dom is in the deepest trench of his life.

However, Dom has decided to fight on. He'll find a part-time job now and keep looking for any full-time opportunities. In some ways, he should be glad that he's presented with big challenges at such an early stage of his life and career. This would give him strength and experience to eliminate and deal with other obstacles later on in his life.

以最美的風度　著最閃的戰袍
受過苦的心境更加高
從前輸過都好　在谷底給我漫舞

My Theme Song:

輸得漂亮 鄭秀文

作詞：林夕　
作曲/編曲：金培達　

錯甚麼　舊時做到太好之過
自信可立正去承受賽果
誰都想　趁慘敗去羞辱我
偏偏很高貴地說未跌低　就當做打和

怕甚麼　越贏越怕最終出錯
害怕輸 習慣了贏盡最多
誰都想　以獎座去打敗我
只因不敢失去甚麼
讓我知錯　其實我不需要贏只要做我

難和天去比高　我輸得起都驕傲
以最美的風度　著最閃的戰袍
受過苦的心境更加高
從前輸過都好　在谷底給我漫舞
我要再進一步　看似輕於羽毛
就算這壓力如像天高 誰都想看到

My iPod Top Ten.

Here they are. The top ten most played songs on my iPod... I just noticed when I'm compiling this list that most of my top played songs has some sort of dark or sad mood surrounding it...

1. 達爾文 - 蔡健雅 (Mandarin - Singapore / Taiwan)

From 2007 Album - Goodbye & Hello

A Comparison between Darwin's Evolution Theory and Love, the strong survives, the weak are eliminated.

2. 木紋 - 何韻詩 (Cantonese - HK)

From 2007 Album - What Really Matters

Memories are like wood grain, they cannot be erased and will be a part of us forever.

3. 青春 - at17 (Cantonese - HK)

From 2005 Album - 變變變

Discussion of youth and the fear, joy, excitement, pain of love and sex.

4. Delicate - Damien Rice (English - Ireland)

From 2003 Album - O

A song of ultimate pain and suffering... where I find comfort during dark times.

5. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley (English - U.S.)

From 1994 Album - Grace

A serene and dark version of an all-time Canadian classics.

6. Sit In The Sun - Keren Ann (English - France)

From 2003 Album - Not Going Anywhere

One of the best laidback indie pop songs ever.

7. Life In A Glass House - Radiohead (English - U.K.)

From 2001 Album - Amnesiac

Nice blend of NOLA jazz and U.K. alt-rock... dark and creepy.

8. 紙飛機 - 林憶蓮 (Mandarin - HK / Taiwan)

From 2001 Album - 原來...

Sweet memories of childhood, acoustic guitar, and the most beautiful voice on earth.

9. 散 - 莫文蔚 (Mandarin - HK / Taiwan)

From 2007 Album - L!VE IS... KAREN MOK

This song belongs to a jazz bar at night, when everyone is drunk on red wine, about to exit.

10. Girls - Death In Vegas (Ambiant - U.K / U.S.)

From 2003 Album - Lost In Translation OST

Signature track of my favorite movie, electronic arrangement and warm vocal harmonies portrays the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo.

Standing on the Verge of a Rainbow, Finding at17's 《YELLOW》...

My Rating: 72/100

Track List:

01. 二百歲少女
02. 依然 . 親愛的 (Feat. 林嘉欣)
03. 101727
04. The Moon
05. 流浪到彼岸

Five tracks, but only three new songs. 二百歲少女 and 流浪到彼岸 has the same melody. The Moon is the demo of 101727. Yellow, however, has a more concise theme than Orange, which was released in July. Orange was an introduction to the entire project, the theme song Over The Rainbow will be my favorite song of the year. But the EP itself lacked a focused theme, it seems like the comments were read and considered.

The second volume of the OVER THE RAINBOW project uses the color of yellow as a theme - Yellow is the sharpest, most eye-catching color of the rainbow, but it fades away faster than its comarades... very much like the years of youth. Good concept, thoughtful idea, greater expectation... what's the outcome? Let's discuss it song by song.

依然 . 親愛的 (Feat. 林嘉欣) :

First plug of the EP, very soothing, laid back, folk-jazzy arrangement... tempting! Karena Lam's sweet and gentle voice as voiceover, playing the grown up version of title character, remembering an ex-best friend and all the promises they made together. But as time went by, their friendship ended. Perhaps they drifted away as life took them in different directions, we don't know, the point is, it's over and you can't go back...

你話你鍾意關淑怡 (親愛的), 我話我鍾意林憶蓮 (依然)...
你話 你想一齊開間老人院...
如果係宜家 你仲會唔會... 會唔會咁陪我呀?

Friendships, no matter how close you once were or are right now, will drift apart, fade away eventually. Just like the color of yellow. I guess everyone, myself included, has experienced a similar situation...

101727 / The Moon:

越大越易自由暢泳？或是越大越難輕鬆高興?... That's probably the theme of 101727, the likely 2nd plug of the EP. Haven't heard such a hard rockin' song from at17 in a while, and it's really refreshing! The aforementioned line was replaying in my head on the day of my convocation. 10 + 17 = 27. When I'm 27 yrs old, will I become the person I wanted to be when I was 17? I'm turning 22 in December, half way between the starting point and finish line. On a macro level, I think I'm working my way there. All I need is a kick-start in my career... I guess.

As for The Moon, it's Ellen's solo demo. And is it beautiful or what? When I first heard it on the radio, I thought the mood and the inflictions of her voice was very Feist-esque... It's the tranquility and softness that makes this demo so special... so down-to-earth. Ever since 無家想歸 of the Bian Bian Bian album, I've come to fully appreciate the special voice that Ellen has. No, it's not as beautiful as 二汶's. But it's exactly why there's so much possibility for her to adapt to different genres, and it's the versatility of her voice, guitar playing, and song-writing that makes up a big part of at17's unique style.

二百歲少女 / 流浪到彼岸:

I like the lyrics of Cantonese version 二百歲少女 a lot of more than the original Mandarin version... At least there's the positive and encouraging message about life in it. The Mandarin version lyrics are way too bubbly... it's more for Twins or Cookies or HotCha... not at17. In terms of the melody, it's very fun and upbeat but there isn't much to it, just OK for me.... not as good as the previously discussed tracks!

黃耀明《King of the Road》... Aren't we always on the road?

My Rating: 93/100

Track list:

01. 廣深公路
02. 貪生怕死
03. 平安鐘
04 .同一個世界
05. Teardrop
06. 金粉世家 (國語)
07. Ear Candy (Instrumental)
08. 憶苦思甜 (國語)
09. 20
10. 你頭上的光環
11. 親愛的瑪嘉烈
12. 107國道 (國語)




Just by looking at the track list of Ming Gor's newest album, I knew I need to OWN it. Last night, I listened only to the tracks that I long anticipated 親愛的瑪嘉烈, 貪生怕死, 廣深公路, 同一個世界... very good, I thought.

This morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth, had my muesli, checked my email... and I put on King Of The Road ... hmm... It's just what I needed, a perfect morning.

The entire KOTR album has a folk-ish, country-ish tone (with one exception). It's a perfect match to the "on the road" theme, whether if it's literally pursuing a road trip on the highway, or figuratively, the road of your life. Life and death. Young and old. Strong and weak.....

"We're just another soldier on a road to nowhere" is a line in Damien Rice's Amie. KOTR is an expansion of this line. It tells the story of people at different stages of their life journey.

Some small thoughts on worth noting tracks:


廣深公路: First single of the album, quite understandable. It's a perfect, easy to understand method to introduce the album's concept, musically and lyrically. The story of a border-crossing truck driver, country-music-style arrangement. Ming Gor plays the role of the narrator, of course, he excels in it. The mood/tone of his voice suits perfectly without overdoing or lacking emotions... Loving it.


貪生怕死: Second single of the album. A 180 degree flip in terms of lyrics. It's no longer storytelling. It's a sophisticated discussion in a sensitive topic in our society... Death. Are we afraid of dying? To some degree, everybody is. But no one wants to admit it. Not because we don't wanna look like a coward, I don't think that's the main reason... It's because we're TOO BUSY to think about it. 怕痛 怕苦 怕窮 怕終於輸不起, Right? I love Ming Gor's voice in this song... like an angel whispering in your ear...


同一個世界: Ah... the Internet, Globalization. Necessity and increasing trend of our world today. Very thoughtful idea, and it fits perfectly in the main theme. With all these new gadgets, are we really getting closer? Or are we just putting more obstacles in between one another? I really like the melody (composed by Wong Ka Keung), it's got a "world music (Latin?)" touch to it... HOT!


Teardrop: Cover version of Massive Attack's hit. Not familiar with the original, but I know from Ming Gor's interviews that it's more trip-hop, down-tempo than the version in KOTR. Overall not bad, I like the new arrangements, but one thing that bothers me is when Chinese singers sing in English, they have a slight accent and it can sometimes be disturbing. Ming Gor has a slight bit of problem with that but nothing that I can't overlook (unlike Eason's Aren't You Glad, oh god...).


金粉世家: Hmm... still trying to figure out why this song is in the album... Not a bad song at all (I don't believe Ming Gor can ever produce a bad song). But it just doesn't really fit in to the overall theme. I'd always skip it if I'm listening to the actual cd. It's just not the right mood/tone. I'd be more than happy to include it in my workout songs though :)


親愛的瑪嘉烈: Composed by Ellen (at17)! I can't believe it's the first time Ming Gor sang one of at17's works... but what a blast! It's a folk rock number, of course, Ellen's strongest suit. Ming Gor resumes the role of a storyteller... it's such a nice way to wrap up the album. The middle-aged main character observes young passengers on trains, travelling from town-to-town, province-to-province, wishing them best of luck on the journey... journey on the road, and journey of life. 離家更是遠 竟可以支撐到目前 誠心祝福你 捱得到 新天地....

I learnt the truth... at17.

The less is always more... in terms of my musical preference.

I like songs with simple arrangements, preferably an acoustic guitar. Nothing's better than a beautiful voice accompanied by some plain ol' strumming and plucking of strings.

Their voices intertwine and create a perfect harmony. Their melodies and lyrics are at times uplifting "Over The Rainbow", often heartbreaking "無家想歸", sometimes soothing "良夜", but most importantly, they always connect well with on a personal, intimate level.

Jan 2001. 世界不知不覺無情地轉 勞碌找一個救生圈.

Dec 2002. 你這麼輕鬆似不擔心以後沒法再一起 再過幾分鐘　我即將失去自己.

Dec 2005. 回到每一次陰森記憶 像受傷的狗.

Sep 2007. 刺激嗎 幸福嗎 讓快樂穿透我吧 敏感嗎 害羞嗎 別顧慮相擁抱吧.

There were smiles, pain, sadness, sweetness, bitterness in all these chapters of my past. There were always an at17 song that I find comfort in at each situation. A song that I listen to when I want to recall a certain piece of memory.

Music can help to unlock long forgotten pieces of memories. For me, it's at17's music.

二汶. Ellen. Stories. Memories. Songs..... at17.

Meeting With at17:



The meeting took place in Sep 2005, prior to their concert at Living Arts Center. I nervously waited in line to meet them. I had their newly released book and first two albums for them to sign.


It was finally my turn. I placed the items in front of them. We shook hands and exchanged greetings. 二汶 asked me my name. "Dominic." I replied. Ellen spelled out my name to confirm the spelling, she spelled out my name with a Canadian accent. I told them I liked their recent single on radio... "衝衝衝". Ellen smiled and said "Wow, I didn't even have a chance to listen to the final mix yet". We then took the photo (I asked a very nice young woman behind me in line to hold the camera). 二汶 sincerely said "Thank you for supporting us, hope you'll enjoy the show." I smiled and replied, "No problem, I will enjoy it for sure."


I was so nervous the whole time. I wanted to say a lot more, but decided against it. It's like telling someone you love her on the very first day you meet. It's a bit embarrassing, hehe. All in all, I was so thrilled to get to meet them. I hope they'll come back to perform in Toronto soon. =)

Tanya

思念 - 蔡健雅


Tanya's new song. It has a similar vibe as 達爾文 last year, which happens to be my favorite song of 2007.











菸不離手把自己灌醉醉
醒過後笑自己有多狼狽
泡的咖啡有苦的滋味
我睜開了眼忘記你是誰


Tanya's smooth-silky voice, indie folk-rocker image, and songwriting skills slowly and solidly brought her popularity and recognition throughout the past 11 years. You never hear or see her in tabloid papers. You'll only get to know her through her music and lyrics. Again, it's the authenticity that makes her one of my favorite singer-songwriters.

First heard of Tanya Chua back in 2000 when I first listened to 903, at the time True Love was a big hit at the station. At that time, 903 was still a medium that endorses indie music, unlike today. Then in 2002, Jan Lamb used her song Day & Night as the ending-theme song for the same titled radio drama featuring Jacky Cheung and Sandy Lam.


Looking back, 903 really had a huge influence on my music taste and interest. However, since a while back the station has changed course and indie music is no longer played as often....



My Favorite Tanya Tunes:

01 . 達爾文: 保持單身 忍不住又沉淪 兜著圈子來去又是苦等


02. True Love: 然後安慰自己緣分自有安排　縱然心中充滿了脆弱無奈


03. Day & Night: 明明擁抱過　卻還像夢一樣不實在


04. 夜盲症: 為何一到黃昏　寂寞好深　遮住回你懷裡的路程


05. 二手煙: 愛有時像二手煙　才剛熄滅已蔓延


06. 如果你愛我: 如果說我愛著你 而你卻比較愛自己 我想那就不是我的問題 那不過是現代人的愛情


07. 呼吸: 呼吸 我需要多一點空氣 思念幾乎讓人窒息　沉溺漆黑無聲的海底


08. 陌生人: 當我們擦身而過　那短短一秒鐘　都明白　什麼都變了


09. 記念: 想念變成一條線　在時間裡面漫延　長得可以把世界切成了兩個面


10. 好想放假: 我好想放假　拖了鞋　曬太陽

Miriam

Just listened to 楊千嬅's 撈月亮的人on youtube.

月半彎　淡如逝水一般映照你下落
陝路短　走過璀璨情境漸漸微薄
讓背影　盪游湖水深處擁抱我月光
歲月短　遺下一片弱質纖纖愉快感覺

It's been a while since Miriam released a song that I really like. It has mood of a lonely, dark, late summer night. It also reminds me of a traditional Chinese lullaby 月光光 that my mom used to sing to me....


It's impossible for Miriam to go back to the era of 再見二丁目 in the late 90s. Like everyone else, her song selections changes as she grows. Listening to her early hits on my iPod today still brings back snippets of elementary school memories. Yes, I grew up listening to her. I think I might have had a crush on her too :)


Her "girl next door", sweet, radiant, and youthful image; her early indie Canto-pop songs; her distinctive laughter... will always be ingrained in my mind.

藏在心中已很美.

My favorite Miriam Tunes :

01. 愛人: 明天將會更好的信徒　如害怕煩惱為何期望太高


02. 再見二丁目: 無論於什麼角落 不假設你或會在旁 我也可暢遊異國　放心吃喝


03. 零號: 如福音　不過是沒法感動我的情信 誰願愛愛我 我就誰都信奉


04. 深息: 要愛無謂考慮 刺痛時從不畏懼 每每就算任性揮之不去 任歲月再催


05. 電光幻影: 愛恨無常　雪落無聲　色不過色　卻礙了空性


06. 魂斷威尼斯: 紅和白浮標間　經過一條船一條船　遊人在笑可惜我是個單數　無伴侶可抱


07. 芬梨道上: 這山頂何其矜貴 怎可給停留一世 只得很少數伉儷 在這風景線上建築關係


08. 風采依然: 落地大窗的那面　繁盛也好比往年 約了我的卻未見　有人連手機都　偷看幾遍


09. 出埃及記: 如好景　不會漫長　為何迎面風涼如伸手　不見下場暫時　讓我冥想


10. 直覺: 縱是忙於工作　記著騰空一角 儲備了寂靜蜜意濃情　再細認黃昏一抹夕陽




SIDENOTE: The Live Version of 撈月亮的人 features Ellen (from at17) on electric guitar! Two of my sweethearts performing together! :)

Actually, the two of them kinda look alike... This is my type I guess.

6 Faces of Bob Dylan... I'm Not There

Just finished watching the first of the two DVDs I bought today, in celebration of my streak of A's in all 3 summer courses I took (GPA shoots up now!!).

I'm Not There is the story of the singer-songwriter/protest singer/folk-rocker/modern poet ----- Bob Dylan. However, instead of presenting his legacy chronologically, Bob Dylan is portrayed by 6 different actors and the story happens in parallel to , but separate from, each other. Just like Richard Gere's character said in the ending monologue, "it's like yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all in the same room."

I love Cate Blanchett's portrayal of the substance-abusing, diva-attitude rocker side of Bob Dylan (during the mid-60s). Her imitation of his incoherent answers to dumb questions from the press was truly humorous.

Heath Ledger, who plays the "family-man" side of Dylan who ultimately fails to keep his family together was also satisfying to watch. There's something about Heath Ledger that I feel familiar with personally, don't really know how to put it into words.

I first got to know Bob Dylan's music in an American Pop Music elective course I took earlier this year (which I got an A+ in, haha). I wrote my essay on Folk music of the 60s and how it tied in with Vietnam and Civil Rights movement of the time. Of course, Dylan was a major figure at the time because his lyrics and music very bluntly points out the current situation and people's emotions, which connected with the young generation who overwhelmingly opposed the war and unfair treatment of Black Americans.

My favorite song of Dylan is The Times They Are A-Changin':

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don't criticize what you can't understand

Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command

Your old road is rapidly agin'.

Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand

For the times they are a-changin'.

Basically, it tells the old generation to fuck off and let us take over cuz their ideology is wrong and outdated, causing people to suffer at home and abroad. I think young people of all generations and backgrounds should listen to Bob Dylan's songs. During our rebellious years, these are words of wisdom. Perhaps I'm still a teenager, perhaps I still got that flame of anger in me, perhaps.