cat·a·chre·sis n. the misapplication of a word or phrase [right here's the spot]

Miss A...So Addictive - Amy Winehouse

2007-06-30T10:52:00.000+08:00

Amy Winehouse

Back to Black

When I first saw the image of a big-hair woman (think Marge Simpson) with thick lashes, I laughed. This woman looks like a total wreck and joke. What I didn't know was that I would eventually be addicted to Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. Like the last song on the album, she's like a drug herself.

Unabashedly loud and trendy, Amy Winehouse has the sort of smothering voice that absolutely belittles her 23 years of age. Back to Black has the voice and soul sensibilities of a mature veteran. But here, we have a young woman bucking all the current trends in R&B without the need for senseless featued rap guest star and dishing out all the unsavoury aspects of her misaligned life thus far. And that's the richness and diversity of the album.

Amy rocks and she knows it. She sings of love and pain from personal experience, all nothing we have not heard of but she does it so well in that old swinging 60's Motown style that every beat and note eventually gets stuck in that head of yours. Think of Rehab, you can't help but dance to that addictive beat. Think of You Know I'm Not Good and you might also feel that her unfaithfulness is justified. He Can Only Hold Her, Back to Black and the bonus Addictive further consolidates her position as the new star! (A)

Quirky Webby

2007-06-18T20:25:00.000+08:00

We have seen websites that you can send greetings to others.Now, there's even one that sends greetings to yourself...

Yes, to yourself indeed... For $0.99, it seems that the website will send you a customized message to brighten your day. Sounds quirky!

Anyone willing to give it a shot?

Patrick Wolf: Magic Magic!

2007-06-02T17:52:00.000+08:00

Patrick Wolf

The Magic Position

Along with Feist's The Reminder and Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion, Patrick Wolf's 3rd outing The Magic Position is nothing short of being charismatic. The album is a whimsical mix of electro-pop, dance, rock and classical music. As an young artiste who single-handedly plays over 40 instruments, his music is immediately varied and arresting.

The opener Overture begins with some serious deep beats before breaking into a rock song. The title track is a boisterous child-like track that brings with it a cheerful disposition. Accidents and Emergency contains an irresistible hook consisting of horns and sirens. Magpie perfectly demonstrates his classical leanings. His deep baritone voice is a stark contrast to his flamboyantly loud image on the album art.

With The Magic Position, Wolf shakes off the dark imagery of his previous releases and emerges with greater faith and conviction. One of the year's best! (A+)

The Timely Reminder

2007-05-16T20:58:00.000+08:00

Feist

The Reminder

With The Reminder, Feist wants us to remember her, for good that is. And what a timely reminder and follow-up to 2004's splendid Let It Die. The Canadian chanteuse produces yet another solid masterpiece that's both delightful and melancholic.

The uniqueness of her deep sensual voice works well for the tracks. Several of the tracks have a jazzy feel to them such as the breezy So Sorry which finds Feist in an apologetic mood after the departure of a lover. Soon, the mood is lifted with the upbeat I Feel It All. Then there's the ode to her man My Moon My Man and the slightly achy-break The Limit To Your Love.

At the end of the record, it feels like a feast on the ears. The Reminder further cements Feist's position as a talented solid-songwriter of the 2000's. (A+)

Charged Björtage

2007-05-16T20:33:00.000+08:00

Björk

Volta

Seeing the cover of Volta where Björk is clad in a bird-like suit, one can't help but think of the weird outing she made in the form of Drawing Restraint. In 2007, Björk has decided to re-embrace the earthly land by presenting Volta. While Volta is not groundbreaking, it returns Björk to more familiar ground with tracks that borrow from each of her albums from the past.

First single Earth Intruders, a song that seemingly talks about aliens but is really about humankind, is the result of an unlikely collaboration with Timbaland. Vaguely resembling the hot beats that Timbaland so often churns out for popular artists like Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, Intruders is a quick and urgent track that gets one trampling along to its infectious beat. Second single Innocence should please a few more fans for its Homogenic and Post infusion. Similarly, it boasts of a thumping bassline that is strangely irresistible. I See Who You Are with the traditional Chinese instrument, Gu-zhen, could be what an extension of Vespertine might sound like. Dull Flame of Desire and My Juvenile, featuring guest vocalist Antony Hegarty from Antony and the Johnsons, are mesmerizing for Björk's quirky vocal and Antony's Thom-Yorke like sound complements each other. Vetabrae by Vetabrae represents an outtake of Restraint.

Volta, in short, is highly charged and intriguing. It's Björk's most accessible album since Homogenic and truly a welcome addition to her vast and competent catalog. (A)

The American Schizo

2007-05-16T20:11:00.000+08:00

Tori Amos
American Doll Posse

Like the cover of the album and its concept, American Doll Posse renders Tori Amos a schizophrenic of sorts. Most tracks sound brimming with energy and life but find Tori divided in direction, singing from the persepectives of 5 different women (Santa, Pip, Isabel, Clyde and Tori) . Splendid tracks include the country-sounding Big Wheel, the upbeat Bouncing Off Clouds, the melancholic Dragon, Dark Side of the Sun and an extremely solid bonus track Miracle that should have been on the album.

Interspersed along the way are short interludes of which several like Programmable Soda and Fat Slut resonates brilliantly. Elsewhere on the album, the tracks feel indistinguishable after several listens, relegating them to an almost-elevator music-like status. This is somewhat unfortunate since these tracks may stand well on their own but on an ambitious concept album like Posse, the results are often mixed.

The problem with Tori Amos these days is a lack of a distinct direction. Her last two efforts Scarlet's Walk and The Beekeeper already suffered from thin and repetitive melodies. It's disappointing that Tori has not been able to return to form with an album that measures up to her 90's body of work.

Children of Hope

2007-03-01T19:27:00.000+08:00

Children of Men
Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Claire-Hope Ashitey
Adapted and Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

Children of Men has a lot going on in it - political insurgence, mistrust, racism and the end of humankind. Set in a surreal futuristic world, jaded bureaucrat Theo played by Clive Owen becomes an initially reluctant activist when his ex-wife played by Julianne Moore ropes him in to escort a black woman who is pregnant with the first child in 18 years to safety.

The journey is fraught with danger and violence as a political uprising is taking place and various factions are vying for the unborn child. Julianne Moore's role is short lived (as she dies in a gunshot battle) but pivotal in the film's development. Clive Owen, as usual, displays his flair for brooding characters as the righteous protector of humankind. Michale Caine who plays the scientist that Theo can turn to is surprisingly witty. Still, I think the protagonist of the film, Kee played by the fresh-faced Claire-Hope Ashitey deserves more praise than is given. Her sublime performance as the mysteriously pregnant girl is both strong and hopeful.

The film may be about the end of the world but the birth of the first child in 18 years is akin to the rebirth of Christ and the start of a new world. Alfonso Cuarón's Children of Men is ultimately engaging and also thought-provoking. (A+)

Noteworthy Scandal

2007-02-19T19:22:00.000+08:00

Notes On A Scandal
Judi Dench, Cate Blancett
Directed by Richard Erye

One of the best films 0f 2006 mostly fueled by searing performances from its two leads Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, Notes on A Scandal is a top-notch dramatic tale of obsession and desire.

Dame Judi Dench gives an exquisite performance as an overbearing and scheming elderly lesbian, Barbra Covett, whose love for her objects of desire very often borders on the side of maddening fixation. And it's no different with new teacher colleague, Sheba Hart, played by Blancett. There begins Barbra's intense feelings toward Sheba until she discovers Sheba's infidelity towards her husband by having an affair with a 15-year-old teenage student. Dench's character then works to keep the friendship with Sheba by emotionally blackmailing her. Dench's performance is every bit riveting and powerful as her expressions fully convey her strong will to make Sheba hers by going all the way out. Barbra must be the one of the most repulsive lesbian stalker on screen.

Cate Blancett is very competent as the weak-willed Sheba who gets herself into a dilemma that threatens to destroy both her career and family. While she juggles to keep her secret, prevent her family from falling apart and placating the elderly Barbra, her character seemingly has to either relent to Barbra's demands or head straight into her arms.

While the film contains not even an onscreen kiss between the both, the scene where Barbra tries to seduce the helpless Sheba by feeling down her hands is enough to invoke lust and sensuality.

This is truly a masterful film with solid acting performances. (A)

My Year's Best Films

2006-12-24T10:43:00.000+08:00

Babel
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu
Starring Brad Pitt, Kate Blanchett, Rinko Kikuchi, Adriana Barraza, Guillermo Arriaga

One of the two subtle yet powerful films (the other being Little Children) of 2006, Babel is a cleverly scripted, beautifully acted tale of communication (more the lack of it) across different cultures. Along the lines of Crash and Little Children where the story is interlocked by characters who are related to one another in one way or the other. Where the actors all have limited screen time alloted to them, each gave solid performances especially Rinko Kikuchi whose vulnerability leads to vicarious sexual abandonment.

Little Children
Directed by Todd Field
Starring Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, Jennifer Connelly

Todd Field succeeds once again with his delicate treatment of the original book. Despite all the pain, loss and heartbreak, the film leaves a feeling of hope as it ends with the trusty advice, "You can't change history, but the future is a different story. You have to start somewhere." Starring the impossibly impeccable Kate Winslet (Golden Globe Best Actress nominee).

V For Vendetta
Directed by James McTeigue
Starring Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving

V (Hugo Weaving) fights oppression in a futuristic totalitarian society using terrorist antics while enlisting the help of a young lady (Natalie Portman) from the secret police. Powerful performances and stellar screenplay courtesy of the Wachowski Brothers bring the Alan Moore novel to life.

The Devil Wears Prada
Directed by David Frankel
Starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt
The otherwislight and frivolous novel by Lauren Weisberger is transformed into an entertaining film about the seemingly shallow world of fashion and personal beliefs. All made possible by a stellar performance from the incredibly believable and utterly cold Meryl Streep as Runway magazine editor Miranda Priestley as well as a strong supporting cast of Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci.

Little Miss Sunshine
Directed by Jonathan Dayotn & Valerie Feris
Starring Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Lighthearted, quirky and ultimately heartwarming film about an ultra dysfunctional family beating all odds on a road trip to enter their youngest daughter in a beauty pageant. Great performances and a wacky finale from the vivacious Aibigail Breslin make this the indie comedy-drama of the year!

Blood Diamond
Directed by Edward Zwick
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, Djimon Hounsou
Well-crafted storyline about the politics of illegal diamond trade with loads of tough action and sobbing melodrama makes Blood Diamond an absolutely absorbing watch. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but you may have second thoughts about buying the next one if you care about what happens in reality in order for many of those diamonds to surface.

My Year's Best Music

2006-12-24T10:42:00.000+08:00

ALBUMS

Thom Yorke, The Eraser

The year saw Radiohead end their contractual obligation with their record company. While the group's future took a backseat, Thom Yorke gallantly released a solo album which made everyone wonder what took him so long. The Mercury Prize-nominated album consists of electronic beats and dark melodies that underline Yorke's enormous talent.

Damien Rice, 9
Coming three years after O, 9 may seem questionable to some as a worthy follow-up. Well, the truth is and many don't know, it is every bit the undisputable successor to O. Dark, brooding and lyrically emotive, Rice has expanded his sound to reveal slight rock leanings though the evocative and heartwarming ballads still resound long after they are played.

Snow Patrol, Eyes Open
It took these guys 3 albums and some song licensing to hit series Grey's Anatomy to score gold both in their homeland and the US. Their 4th album Eyes Open comes across as the most polished of the lot and lead man Gary Lightbody sings of the confusion in relationships like you would feel it. Great hooks and poignant lyrics make this one of the best breakout records of the year.

Muse, Black Holes and Revelations
Epic-sounding Muse returns with Black Holes and Revelations like seasoned rock stars. There's just about everything they have tried. That includes the minimalist angst of opener Take A Bow, the heady space-disco of Supermassive Black Hole, the grandness of Invincible and the New Wave synth of Map of The Problematique. With so much that Freddie Mercury and his band would have approved of, Muse prove their case as to why they are big back in the UK.

Justin Timberlake, FutureSex/LoveSounds
Mouseketeer-turned-respectable musician Justin Timberlake spares no effort on making his sophomore album a grand affair. Working with the everywhere Timbaland, the line between funk and sensuality is blurred and the resulting concoction is fatal (is like what you get when Michael Jackson meets Prince). Makes you wanna groove, jive and gyrate to every single beat.

Fiest, Open Season: The multi-faceted Fiest has her original Let It Die album remixed with great splendor. Featuring remixes from K-OS and The Postal Service. Postal Services' remix of Mushaboom is the best hybrid to have spawned in this collaboration.

Basement Jaxx, Crazy Itch Radio
Just when everyone thought the duo had floundered a little with Kish Kash, they prove us wrong by kicking a big ruckus with their 4th effort Crazy Itch Radio. Ranging from diva-like OTT tunes to hip-hoppy dance and straight- out electronic, Basement Jaxx invites us on the dancefloor with flair and little effort. A classic return to glory which was criminally ignored.

KT Turnstall, Eye To The Telescope: Better late then never. KT finally lands herself in the limelight by rocking like a true folk rock chick. Suddenly I See and Black Horse and the Cherry Tree are two of the mesmerizing tunes off her debut. A resplendent live rendition of Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On on BBC Radio 1 can be found on one of the Suddenly I See singles.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, 5:55: French-actress and occasional singer sings to the sounds of Air and Jarvis Cocker though the record might be mistaken as an Air album. Still, the touch is unmistakable.

>>>

SONGS

Thom Yorke, Harrowdown Hill
A song on Dr. David Kelly who apparently committed suicide after being identified as the source of a controversial BBC story about a British dossier on whether Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Spellbinding electronics and haunting lyrics make this a highlight of The Eraser. The accompanying video is visually provoking as well.
Recommended too: Cymbal Rush

Gnarls Barkley, Crazy
A collaboration between Danger Mouse (producer for Gorillaz) and Cee-Lo (Goobie Mob and co-writer of Don't Cha) yields one of the best singles and albums of the year. Crazy is a heady mix of funk and soul. Terribly catchy and grand, the song caused mass hysteria in the UK (#1 for 9 weeks) way when it was leaked online.

Snow Patrol, Chasing Cars
Chasing Cars could have been just another alt-rock song that played on Modern Rock radio but thankfully Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol delivers the tuneful song with his heart along with the group's aptitude for soulful lyrics.
Recommended too: Open Your Eyes, Finishing Line

Justin Timberlake, My Love

From frivolity to master of pop supremacy, Timberlake has moved on with much ease. Second single after the absolutely sexed up Sexyback is smooth and funky with its futuristic hip hop beat. Lending a hand is T.I. which provides the almost obligatory rap that actually works rather well with Timberlake's Prince-like falsetto. While Sexyback may be hogging all the limelight, My Love is unmistakably the song that keeps you gyrating through the night.
Recommended too: FutureSex/LoveSound, Sexyback, Lovestoned/I Think She Knows

Scissor Sisters, I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
Who would have thought that this would come after the quirky self-titled debut from the Scissor Sisters. Teaming with Elton John, the band re-creates a piece of the late 70's musical pie with much camp and energy. Despite the title, you can't help but want to dance.

Scarlett Johansson, Summertime
Hailing from an album Unexpected Dreams where actors who don't normally sing perform covers, it's certainly a pleasant surprise that the beautiful Scarlett Johansson has not only the voice but the penchant for performing jazz. The way she does it fits the mood of the George Gershwin composed song. Now, the final verdict till we hear Johansson record an album of Tom Wait covers.

Sarah McLachlan, Wintersong
Those at risk of depression over this X'mas season, stay away from Wintersong (or the album of the same title). Indeed, Wintersong is probably one of the saddest X'mas tune you'd ever hear - an ode to loneliness and yearning, reminding you of that lost loved one you've been sorely missing. Tearjerker.
Recommended too: River

Moby featuring Debbie Harry, New York New York
Moby's best single in years to come, the collaboration with Debbie Harry of Blondie is a welcome return to the neon lights of the dance floor and more importantly an ode to New York. Stylish and hypnotic, the soaring vocals of his special guest complement the killer hook. Watch out for that uninhibited video featuring a bunch of ne'er-do-well making it big in where else but New York.

Madonna, Sorry + Jump
KT Turnstall, Suddenly I See
Josh Groban, Now or Never
Imogen Heap, Hide and Seek + Glittering Cloud
India.Arie, The Heart of The Matter
Damien Rice, The Animals Were Gone
Muse, Take A Bow
Gwen Stefani, Wind It Up

Visual: The Confused Noises - Babel

2006-12-24T10:41:00.000+08:00

Babel

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu
Starring Brad Pitt, Kate Blanchett, Rinko Kikuchi, Adriana Barraza, Guillermo Arriaga
One of the two subtle yet powerful films (the other being Little Children) of 2006, Babel is a cleverly scripted, wonderfully directed and beautifully acted tale of communication (more the lack of it) across different cultures. Along the lines of Crash and Little Children, the story is interlocked by characters who are related to one another in one way or the other.

There's the American couple (Pitt and Blanchett) who meets with an unfortunate shooting incident vacationing in Morroco due to two boys' mischief with a rifle that's from a Japanese hunter. At the same time, their nanny brings their children out of the American border to Mexico without permission and meets with trouble at the customs. Meanwhile the ex-Japanese hunter has a broken relationship with his deaf daughter whose emotional turmoils are upended by her mum's suicide.

Where the actors all have limited screen time alloted to them, each gave solid performances especially Rinko Kikuchi whose vulnerability leads to her vicarious sexual abandonment. Brad Pitt reaches a level of sensitivity previously unseen of while Adriana Barraza plays the delirious nanny whose one moment of folly throws her life out of order.

Through all these little stories lie the message of the power of communication - the lack of it in all the situations, creating misunderstandings and culminating in unnecessary tragedies. (A+)

[7x Golden Globe nominee, Oscar hopeful.]

Visual: Little Children

2006-12-24T10:40:00.000+08:00

Little Children
Directed by Todd Field
Starring Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, Jennifer Connelly

After an excellent debut directorial effort with In The Bedroom (based on Andre Dubus' short story), Todd Field puts his hands on bringing Tom Perotta's Little Children to the big screen. Little Children is the kind of film that deals with very the simplistic and even banal issues in life yet still succeeds at revealing the plethora of emotions within. Such is the challenge for both the director and the cast. In Little Children, no one fails.

Central to the film are two characters, Sarah Pierce and Brad Adamson. Sarah is a suburban housewife who gave up her job to bring up her little girl. Married to a frequently absent and porn-obsessed husband, Sarah thirsts for her long-lost freedom. Brad is a third-time bar exam bound househusband who has put his younger days of glory behind while his beautiful wife (Jennifer Connelly) makes documentaries for a living (Watch Connelly in the scene where her suspicion of an ongoing affair between the two leads her to crawl under the dining table to check if Sarah and Brad were playing footsie with each other; it's kind of bittersweet yet funny). When both Sarah and Brad meet one day at the playground in the park with their children in tow and later begin their ritualistic visits to the town pool, both fall in illicit love like never before to regain the lost days of adolescence. Interspersed throughout the film are smaller but cogent stories of related characters such as a psycho child pervert with a doting mother and a once-errant policeman full of rage.

The delightful Kate Winslet plays Sarah Pierce with gusto. Immersed in the role, she shows a gradual keenness to break out of her long-suffering marriage to a loveless man by guiltlessly engaging in secret trysts with the very attractive but somewhat deadpan Brad played by Patrick Wilson. Though both are hardly each other's type, they fell madly into the kind of love that sought to liberate them from all burdens. The love scenes between both could be best described as raw fiery passion. Everything ends with the realization that this love wasn't headed for anywhere more than their hearts desire. Equally mesmerising are the subplots of a doting mother (Phyllis Sommerville) trying to fix her just-released pervert son (Jackie Earle Haley) who eventually lost his only lifeline to the raging cop who's out to humiliate him. The commentary-style of the film also works well to explain some of the hidden thoughts of the characters.

Todd Field succeeds once again with his delicate treatment of the original book. Despite all the pain, loss and heartbreak, the film leaves a feeling of hope as it ends with the trusty advice, "You can't change history, but the future is a different story. You have to start somewhere." (A+)

Aural: The Sweeter Escape

2006-12-10T14:40:00.000+08:00

Gwen Stefani
The Sweet Escape

While L.A.M.B suffered from massive disarray in terms of musical direction, The Sweet Escape finds Gwen Stefani more focused, the disc is split between the more hip-hop urban stuff and the more No Doubt-ish rock-pop tunes.

First single Wind It Up which samples Rodgers' and Hammerstein's Overture And Preludium from The Sound of Music finds her and Pharrell Williams at work again. More along the lines of Hollaback Girl, it might have sounded like a mish mash of one too many samples but a few listens later, you'll find yourself humming along. The rest of the more upbeat urban tracks find Stefani working with Akon on the title track (which is really a funky song where Akon actually doesn't rap but sings) and Pharrell guesting on Yummy.

The best tracks here are the ones that you might probably find on a No Doubt album. The fabulous yet heartaching Early Winter has Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane co-writing. Stefani oozes sensuality on 4 In The Morning co-written with Tony Kanal, again talking about the lonesome wait for a strayed lover. The new wave synth track, Wonderful Life (co-penned with Linda Perry) about an ex-high school boyfriend who recently passed away closes the album perfectly with Martin Gore of Depeche Mode on guitars.

Any way she works it, Stefani is sure to find an audience. (B+)

Aural: Dressed to the 9....

2006-11-16T22:25:00.000+08:00

Damien Rice
9

9 is every bit the worthy successor to O. In fact, I feel Rice has expanded his sound a little including a few more upbeat tracks. His lyrics remain at his best, poignantly dark and still emotionally stirring.

The opener 9 Crimes is a chill-inducing ballad with Lisa Hannigan, just like a terribly frank exchange of words between a desolate couple. Then there is the movingly lovelorn The Animals Were Gone its lush violin climax and the evocative Elephant where Rice rises from a mere whisper to eventual heart-tearing scream towards the end. Things go on a lighter note on the seemingly lyrically-inane Dogs and Coconut Skins and this is where the causal listeners need to read further.

Grey Room comes closest to being an O alumni, much along the lines of the splendid Delicate. The closer Sleep, Don't Weep ends the album on a tender note, almost like Rice having reached a resolution of sorts, then quite not yet there.

9 is definitely the answer to a long 4-year wait after O. Savour the greatness, it just might be another 4 years before good music like this is bestowed upon us again. Together with Thom Yorke's Eraser, this ranks as one of the year's best! (A)

Winter Chill: Songs for the Yuletide Season

2006-10-21T14:05:00.000+08:00

Sarah McLachlan
Wintersong

Nevermind this is an X'mas album of mostly oldies and we've been waiting for 3 years to hear Sarah's new album. Nevermind the silly critiques.

If anything's worth buying the album for, it would be the original title track, Wintersong. You'd probably not ever hear a Xmas song so heart-wrenching that it makes you pine for the person you've loved the most and then lost. It made me cry.

Then there's the beautiful rendition of the Joni-Mitchell favorite River. It's beautifully touching and melancholy. Sarah made it hers.

As for the rest of the album, they are covers of standard Xmas fare with an added McLachlan touch including the euphoric John Lennon anthem Happy Christmas (War Is Over).

This album will tide fans over until when Sarah decides to charm us with another album of all-new stuff. (B)

Aural: Crazy Itch Radio - The Jaxxed-Up Carnival

2006-10-10T21:33:00.000+08:00

Basement Jaxx
Crazy Itch Radio

By Crazy Itch Radio, Basement Jaxx has perfected their craft of mixing loud pompous and danceable music with diva-like or soulful female vocals. While the formula hasn't differed much since the splendid Rooty and the slightly uneven Kish Kash, the music here still seeks to thrill.

Sounding more carnival than ever, each track has a happy and melodic vibe. The disc begins with a grand and over-the-top dramatic intro. First single Hush Boy is all diva and too much of a chip of the block from Kish Kash. You'd be happier with the Les Visiteurs Remix. Better tracks are elsewhere including the fun second single Take Me Back To Your House, the quasi-trippy Smoke Bubbles, the soulful electro track Lights Go Down, the reggae-influenced Keep Keep On and the riotous Everybody which contains a delightful Bollywood bridge. (B+)

Jump Japan....Madonna's new video

2006-10-06T22:32:00.000+08:00

Madonna
Jump
Directed by Jonas Akerlund

A little amatuerish by Jonas' stnadard. While I don't totally loathe it, I like Madonna's look but that's about it for a pointless video to a meaningful song. Putting scenes of The Devil Wears Prada where the song was featured would have made a better video. Lazy half-assed work. (B-)

Aural: For The Floor, you Sexyback!

2006-09-10T13:47:00.000+08:00

Justin Timerlake
Sexyback

The alumnus of the previously-manufactured and now-defunct N'Sync has returned with a follow-up to his hugely successful debut of 2003, Justified. While that effort shows promise, its slight disarray is sometimes jarring.

Now forward to 2006, the golden boy of music returns with first single Sexyback off FutureSex/LoveSounds. The single is an incredible piece of sweet funk, combining the sensuality of yesteryear's Prince and the deft execution of pre-scandal Michael Jackson though the parental-guidance lyrics are somewhat ludicrous at times. With a hot salacious video to boot, the song is sure pop ecstasy.

At the helm of things is once again hip master Timbaland whose collaborations always bear sumptuously edible fruits. Remixes of the song range from mediocre to superb, beginning with the lackadaisical Pokerface Club Mix which sounds like a piece of early 90's recycled house mix. The slightly more varied Linus Loves Remix ups the ante with a more danceable electro beat. The best mix has to be the cool Tom Novy Ibiza Dub that cleverly uses a verse of Timberlake's sung vocals wrapped around some hypnotic and lackbaid grooves, bringing the song to a completely unrivalled level.

If Sexyback is anything to go by, FutureSex/LoveSounds would be the definition of the hot new love machine of our time. (A)

Aural: Don't Look Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkley

2006-09-04T18:44:00.000+08:00

Gnarls Barkley
St. Elsewhere

Every once in a while, a surprise and unexpected collaboration yields stunning results. Under the coruscating lights of the music world where increasingly any nobody can be a star, Gnarls Barkley is a breath of fresh air, bringing together established hip-hopper Cee-Lo (one part of Goobie Mob) and ace producer Danger Mouse (Gorillaz' Demon Days).

Reminiscent of Outkast's polished and neurotic sound, Gnarls Barkley has the additional edge of a modern hip-hop sound mashed with refined electro-beats. Whether it's soulful singing on the wonderful first single Crazy or funky rap-song on Transformer, Cee-Lo demonstrates impeccable sensibilities like hip hop is running through his veins. Danger Mouse complements all these with equally perfect arrangement and production of cool electronic beats and stutter.

The album has quirky lyrics, is sometimes funny, sometimes serious but quite unquestionably a dull moment never exist. Some might find such neurotism to be an inconsistency but when you put on the record, you'll be drawn in by the pomposity. (A)

Visual: Project Runway - The Devil Wears Prada

2006-09-03T00:36:00.000+08:00

The Devil Wears Prada
Directed by David Frankel
Adapted from the novel by Lauren Weisberger
Starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt

Whoever's idea to buy the rights to Lauren Weisberger's novel is a genius. Despite a rather abysmal novel, The Devil Wears Prada shines on screen. Indeed, The Devil Wears Prada is an example of how some storylines work much better on the big screen than in print.

The film's stylish success is due largely to the over-the-top character Miranda Priestly played by Meryl Streep, the incredible actress who has wowed us with many impeccable performances. Streep revealed a well-kept secret - her gene for comedy which has so far been demonstrated in 1992's Death Becomes Her and last year's Prime. Anyone else might have turned Miranda into a noisy empty vessel but Streep gives Miranda life and great stature.

Miranda is the go-getting and ridiculously demanding-cum-bitchy editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. And incidentally, the matron of this acclaimed magazine house is the head of many like-minded employees including an overzealous first assistant (Emily Hunt) and second-in-command (Stancy Tucci). So when the just graduated wide-eyed Andy Sachs played by Anne Hathaway assumes her position as the second assistant to Miranda, Streep's deadpan no-nonsense stance combined with her ultra-acerbic tongue make Andy's life indeterminately difficult. Not willing to give up, the young lass transforms herself from a dowdy girl to a glamorpuss who satisfies every of Miranda's whim and fancies. Intertwined with all these tow sub-stories of love and of finding who you really are and want to be.

Streep's comic brilliance makes the character of Miranda Priestly so illuminating and unpologetic while complementing the innoncence of Hathaway's Andy Sachs whose only aspiration is to be a proper journalist rather than a fashion junkie. Stanley Tucci's performance serves to add more zest to the already fetching film. Last of all, the dazzling couture pieces that appear so frequently is bound to make Devil the ultimate fashion accesory of 06.

The Devil Wears Prada could be seen as life's superificality but Miranda is true on one thing: everyone wants to be like them in the movie. Seriously, who doesn't? In the end, The Devil Wears Prada is highly entertaining with an Oscar-worthy performance from Streep whose artistry is in turn undeniably and undisputedly ace. (A)

Aural: Crazy Gnarls

2006-08-26T14:27:00.000+08:00

Gnarls Barkley
Crazy

So much has been said of the collaboration between Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo and the resultant product from Gnarls Barkley.

First single, Crazy, was leaked a whole 6 months before the album was released. The result is an instant internet frenzy over the song. Infectiously catchy and unquestionably soulful, Crazy is undoubtedly one of the year's best singles alongside Thom Yorke's Harrowdown Hill. Right from the moment Cee-Lo sings "I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind," Cee-Lo's pristine vocals fired the song to great heights.

It's one of the times when a collaboraton between two different artites that bears fruit this good. (A)

Aural/Mental: Album of the Year - The Eraser

2006-07-21T10:14:00.000+08:00

Thom Yorke
Eraser

It's been a long time coming. More than 13 years after Radiohead's debut album comes Thom Yorker's solo outing, Eraser. Some say it's Amnesiac Part 2. You decide for yourself but with a palatable mix of chilly electronic and emo music, the Mercury-Prize nominated Eraser is as weird as it is ecletic. Once you revel in the music, pay attention to the lyrics and the record starts making more sense than before. The electronic stutters toward the end of the title track bring to mind Bjork. The trio of songs that closes the album makes for an extremely satisfying trip into a dark realm that Yorke has slowly drawn us in through the 9-course feast. Throughout the record, his distinctive vocals adds finesse to the entire project.

Recommended tracks: Black Swan, Harrowdown Hill, And It Rained All Night, The Eraser, Cymbal Rush (A)

There's No Secret

2006-07-01T09:16:00.000+08:00

I'm Going To Tell You A Secret (Documentary + Soundtrack)
Starring Madonna and crew
Directed by Jonas Akerlund

The title of Madonna's latest offering is ironic. There's neither secret of Madonna's stupendous showmanship at her million-grossing live shows nor much of her current life. So what's this release for especially when it's about a tour that happened 2 years ago?

Whereas most of her previous tours are well-documented on DVD (sans The Blonde Amibiton Tour and The Virgin Tour), the record-breaking Re-invention Tour which forms the basis of the documentary here, is presented as only a soundtrack to the documentary.

What fans get will be 14 live tracks, 5 of which are from the American Life era, in their severely edited form. Some of the tracks sound almost indistinguisable from the original studio recordings (Vogue, Die Another Day). Madonna's voice is unquestionably strong on the tour and where she shines on the emotional John Lennon cover Imagine, she is brilliant and earnestly moving. Other noteworthy performance trackes include the much revered Music and the perenial classic Holiday. Into The Groove was good for the large part, but it would do a lot better without the pseudo-hipness of Missy Elliott's rap. I finally have a new found appreciation for the forgotten Nobody Knows Me, which is without a doubt, a roaring highlight of the disc. Finally, the rock version of I Love New York is a nice alternate treat to the one we hear on Confessions.

As for the documentary, it is certainly well-shot and segmented by Jonas Akerlund. In it, you'll see that Madonna's reached a new maturity that has become the foundation of her life, though many of the revelations aren't necessarily secrets, if you are looking for any. Interspersed between chapters are interviews, behind the scene footages, rehearsals and concert snipplets, but no concert in full. And the promised Director's Cut of the American Life video is nowhere in sight (you are better here with YouTube). It all adds up to the disappointment considering that the Warner Bros. press release had that on it.

As it is with the string of uneventful releases by Warner Bros. and Madonna, Secret might be little too late but still, the documentary succeeds in humanising Madonna, making her less distant to us us folks who love hearing her doing her sing and dance. (B)

Let's Get Together (I really want better remixes!)

2006-06-15T09:12:00.000+08:00

Madonna
Get Together

Madonna's 3rd single off Confessions, Get Togther is an apt follow-up to Sorry. Reminiscent of Stardust's Music Sounds Better With You in production, the track is progressive electronic with a pumping bassline.

However, as with the recent Madonna remixes, the maxi-single is severely dismal. Stuart Price's production may be commanding on Confessions but his remixes of the three Madonna singles have been lacklustre so far compared to his stellar work for Goldfrapp, The Killers, Depeche Mode and Coldplay. The Danny Howells and Dick Trevor Kinky Fun Mix is really neither kinky nor orgamsic at all, relying on repetitive beats to produce a generic dancefloor snooze fest. Skip and then come the slightly more interesting mixes from revered remixers Tiefschwarz and James Holden. However, the two remixes are a complete departure from the original tune. Tiefschwarz manages to infuse more futurism into the song, giving it a slight Kraftwerk edge. James Holden's remix held great promise at the beginning but gets tiresome after a whole 8 minutes of repeated electronic blooping (read: irritating).The I Love New York remix by Stuart Price finally recovers some lost ground with a rather rocked-up version of the original.

And the original cover of the maxi-single is hideous if you do come to see it. I rather like the fake one shown here done by a fan. The Get Together video just premiered but it's just Madonna performing the song live superimposed against a futuristic animated background. It really isn't too bad considering the zero expectations I had.

If Warner Brothers (and Madonna) know what they are doing to the recent Madonna releases and promotional blitz, they'd have some inkling that they are doing everything wrong or not doing anything well at all. Such a wasted opprotunity for an excellent track. Lazy ass! (B-)

Aural/Visual: Nelly Furtado's Promiscuous + Maneater

2006-06-11T16:57:00.000+08:00

Nelly Furtado
Promiscuous
Maneater

Following Nelly Furtado's dead-on-arrival sophomore album, Folklore, the once-acclaimed artist is ready to recover some lost ground. Enlisting the help of star-producer Timbaland as well as people ranging from Nellee Hooper to Rick Nowels and Chris Martin of Coldplay, Loose is about to unleash itself onto the charts.

If the first two singles are anything to go by, Furtado's foray into the rather pedestrian and crowded hip-hop scene is anything but brilliant. At the hands of Timbaland, first single Promiscuous is highly addictive and danceable with an unforgettable bassline. Furtado's transformation into a full-fledged hip-hop star is evident and convincing on video as well. Rather than appear as some scantily-clad bimbo in distress, Furtado shows Beyonce, Jennifer and Shakira that she too can shake that ass well. Lyrically, the song may be as simple as talking about a pair of salacious couple looking to bed each other, but the song will definitely be a dancefloor anthem of 2006 (much like Timbaland-helmed Missy Elliott tracks).

And to cash in on the success, her record company, Geffen, rush-releases Maneater to radio and retail. Lending his magic again, Timbaland and Furtado creates a track that brings 80's Prince to mind. Funky and equally catchy as Promiscuous, the singer sings of a scary woman who destroys men within sight.

There's nothing preachy or serious here, just a whole lotta fun. The impending album release on June 20 also features a Chris Martin track, All Good Things Come To An End, something worth watching for. (A+ for Promiscuous, A for Maneater)

Cross and Crossed

2006-05-23T22:58:00.000+08:00

After seeing red over the so-called blasphemy in the Dan Brown thriller, The Da Vinci Code, the Catholic Church (English Church as well) are angered over Madonna's use of the cross in her opening concert in Los Angeles.

With due respect, they should perhaps relax a bit. The use of the cross in Madonna's concert may not have intended to contain any religious symbolism. Besides, she wasn't rude or anything. And when put in context, the images that ran behind her on the screen, together with the song she sang, Live To Tell, depicted scenes of HIV/Aids-stricken African children in poverty and facts about their suffering. It's all for a good cause really.

The churches should speak, but only after seeing everything. For the well-informed, you make you own mind about this unnecessary 'fiasco.'

I am just going to enjoy the concert footages while in total envy of the numerous Japanese fans who would get to see her again.

Mental: Anagrams+Symbols

2006-05-22T18:56:00.000+08:00

The Da Vinci Code
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellan, Paul Bettany, Jean Reno
Screenplay adapted from the book by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code when viewed strictly on its own merit worked flawlessly as a well-executed mystery thriller. There's mind-boggling suspense, unexplained theories and unresolved mysteries within the span of the film's 150 minutes.

However, when it comes to the subject material, staunch Christians were riled no end by Dan Brown's fiction, calling them blasphemous lies. The published book certainly didn't quite create such a stir back in 2003. Yes, the thing is, in a bid to confine the movie to a reasonable length on screen, part of the intriguing plot in print was left out, making viewers who haven't read the book beforehand guess more than they should.

Dan Brown's postulations were taken too seriously by some quarters. He never really claimed that they were true but merely conjectures based on his research or understanding of the faith.

Now, the acting. I am generally pleased with the performances by the cast despite criticisms that Tom Hanks didn't look the part of the character David Langdon in the book. Well, I thought he did well. Hanks does give the character of the symbologist his own flavor; his constant frown conveyed a sense of urgency in solving the mystery and clearing his name.

The always beautiful Audrey Tautou who plays professional cryptographer Sophie Neveu is perhaps the only likable character throughout the show. The role might not be demanding of her as the sidekick of Hanks' Langdon but Tautou gives a serious performance coming to terms with her grandfather's death and discovering her true identity. It's a welcome departure from the usually impish and wide-eyed roles that Tautou plays.

Ian McKellen's over-zealous historian, Sir Leigh Teabing adds to the mystery when Langdon and Neveu shows up at his door seeking for help to unravel the hidden truth. McKellen's acting prowress is undoubtedly splendid.

Paul Bettany's in his role as the obsessed and self-mutilating-in-the-name-of-god monk, Silas was scene-stealing (he was almost unrecognizable). The conviction in his eyes and behaviour would be one of the pinnacles of the movie as he seeks to further the cause of the religion.

My only disappointment was with Jean Reno. But again, his role was severely limited so we could only see his Opus Dei character Captain Fache pull a long face and all the stops at trying to foil Langdon's and Neveu's plans at every juncture.

No one should really complain at the adequacy of The Da Vinci Code as a functioning thriller despite some of Dan Brown's more ludicrous assertions [In fact, this might spur people, Christians or otherwise, to want to read for themselves the origins of Brown's assertions]. After all, we must remember this is fiction not theology. The way to enjoy the Da Vinci Code on screen is to watch it with a free and unprejudiced mind. (B-)

Aural: Indie Folker Mending Souls

2006-05-21T13:26:00.000+08:00

Joanna Newsom
The Milk-Eyed Mender

When a friend passed me the single Sprout and The Bean, I didn't immediately listen to it, thinking that it was some fairy tale song that would be almost too impish for me. I finally played it and loved it instantly. The song is entirely magical with a child-like quality enhanced by the beautiful harp played by the classically-trained Newsom (think of Bjork on Vespertine and Drawing Restraint). A masterpiece I would say. I saw the video and was further entranced by the disarmingly charming visuals that ran across the chalkboard behind her.

I got The Milk-Eyed Mender and I found a gem. Newsom's clever use of the harp gave many of the tracks a surreal and peaceful feeling which tranlsates to a very pleasant experience for the listener. Her voice, reminiscent of Bjork, Emiliana Torrini, Stina Nordenstam and occasionally Kate Bush sometimes bring a slightly heartaching yearning on tracks like En Gallop and The Other Side of Blue.

Recommended tracks include Bridges and Baloons, Spout and the Bean, En Gallop and the absolute mood lifters Inflmmatory Writ, and Peach, Plum and Pear.

Newsom's lyrics may seemingly be irrelevant and somewhat obscure but such is the beauty in its simplicity. Everything of Johanna Newsrom (pint-sized voice, big-sized harp) put together makes The Milk-Eyed Mender a gem worthy keeping and leaves the listener intoxicated... Joanna may never find fame from The Milk-eyed Mender but she's definitely a salvation of today's music. (A+)

Marble smile

2006-05-13T02:04:00.000+08:00

Marble smile
Originally uploaded by soul constructor.

Hmmm, haven't gotten ble to stick his tongue out in front of the lens...

Very happy!

Marble sleepy

2006-05-13T02:03:00.000+08:00

Marble sleepy
Originally uploaded by soul constructor.

Priceless...got this shot while marble was yawning big!

Marble chill

2006-05-13T02:00:00.000+08:00

Marble Chill
Originally uploaded by mfibian.

Taken this morning immediately after I woke up to find marble chilling by my orange dustbin.

Haven't seen him doin' this in ages :)

Lovely!

Inexplicableness

2006-05-03T20:39:00.000+08:00

Soul Constructor woke up that day to an inexplicable sense of loneliness that was unsettling. Even though he knows he has the love of a caring family and close-knitted confidants. Still, that feeling overwhelms him, likened to a person stands in solitude on a deserted isle.

An emptiness to hard to mention...

Aural/Visual: Dance! Dance! Daft Punked...

2006-05-01T10:30:00.000+08:00

Daft Punk
Musique: Vol. 1 1993-2005 (Special Edition)

To the uninitaited, Daft Punk's around for more than a decade or so though it's really in 1997 when they exploded with Homework that the dance/electronic world sat up and took notice. With their unique brand of French electronic flavor, the duo were able to dazzle their audience.

Mixing hard rock beats with pulsating electronic basslines and vocordered/robotic vocals, Daft Punk brings to us a whole new experience on the dancefloor which includes Alive, Da Funk, All Around The World and Musique. In 2001, following the success of Homework, the duo finetuned their sound and brought some retro-funk on Discovery to their electronic stable. First single, One More Time, with its catchy chorus and retro-disco sounds immediately caught attention and sold wonderfully. Tying up with Japanese anime Interstellar 5555, singles such as Digital Love and Aerodynamic benefitted with stunning visuals accompanied, further consolidating their position in the dance/electronic arean.

Last year's Human After All was much of a disappointment, having being completed in 6 weeks and sounding a lot like a miscast record of leftovers except that Make Love and Emotion still remain two of the best songs they have written which are seriously overlooked.

Musique Vol. 1 serves as a pitstop of Daft Punk's repertoire of music, giving casual fans an opportunity to try the band out. However, as essential with any money-making scheme, Virgin opted to leave the excellent Digital Love and Aerodynamic from Discovery off this collection.

Then what's left for hardcore fans on this special limited edition are the videos. The 12-video collection of which one is a remix also leaves out the above said two singles. Still, it's a visual treat and collection to hold, especially the manga videos from Discovery. Of course, a disc of remixes wouldn't hurt too. Oh, that's been done before too... Damn! (B+)

Visual: The Perfect Insight

2006-04-07T20:35:00.000+08:00

The Inside Man
Directed by Spike Lee
Starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster

Spike Lee's Inside Man may seem like just another cop and robber story until you see the story unravel on screen. Robber Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) has planned a perfect heist that has put career cop Keith Frazier in a fix. Amidst intense negotiation between thw two, power broker Madeline White (Jodie Foster) enters the picture proving herself to be a better negotiator than Fraizer. But everyone has their motives and the interlocking puzzle gets more complex. As the story unfolds, each turn becomes
more unpredictable.

Clive Owen is excellent witty robber who's outpacing everyone at every opportunity. Displaying a level of cool collectedness, Owen was convincing as the potentially violent criminal with a broader agenda in mind.

Denzel Washington turns in an equally sublime performance playing the detective who's trying to serve justice while battling investigation for corruption. Detecive Fraizer's urgency in taking Russell to task is well portrayed by Washington.

Jodie Foster's Medeline White may just play a supporting role but it's no doubt that the actress can handle any role with aplomb. Her character's brimming with calm confidence trying to secure a deal with the robber while enriching her own pockets.

Spike Lee's Inside Man is an exciting thriller with non-stop action and suspense. It cleverly plays out and eventually leaves the audience dazzled and in awe. (A)

Aural: Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

2006-03-19T11:15:00.000+08:00

Extraordinary Machine

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple's much-delayed, much-hyped and much-rallied for third album, Extraordinary Machine was many mouthfuls less than her last effort. True to form, the incomplete internet-leaked album now sounds more polished than its original form though purists have begged to differ.

The Jon Brion-produced title track is an exquisite and delighful song that almost brings back the glamorous 60's broadway feel with its clever lyrics. O' Sailor is an Apple piano standard which sounds like a deadringer for Shadowboxer with her smoky yet yearning vocals. The new version has a choral ending absent in the earlier version, resulting in a division of opinions among diehard fans as to which is better. Tymphs re-produced by Mike Elizondo has successfully married Apple's shrewd pop with the ever popular hip hop sound to create the best cartoon tune that Disney never came around to produce. Then there's the sorrowful and dramatic Oh Well where Apple sings with so much unspoken angst.

Sony might find Extraordinary Machine uncommercial enough (Sophie B. Hawkins was an earlier victim, George Michael too) but in this internet age, the fans' ability to rally behind a forgotten artist has demonstrated their collaborative might to the record companies. After all the dust is settled, Extraordinary Machine is best left for fine savouring. (A)

Aural: No need for sorry

2006-03-07T21:10:00.002+08:00

Madonna
Sorry

Sorry is the #1 UK followup to the worldwide smash Hung Up. Beginning with Madonna saying Sorry in many different languages, the song then breaks into a rapturous electronic-disco track that also features an irresistably addictive beat throughout.

Included here on this maxi are some of the best remixes of a Madonna song in recent years. In the absence of Rahoufer and Calderone, we see a surpise here being 80's pop icon Pet Shop Boys doing a brilliant mix of Sorry. With Neil Tennant's added vocals and trademark PSB production, it's hard to think that the boys have never worked with Madonna until now (given that they had written Heart in 88 with Madonna in mind but didn't dare risk disappointment so it was never handed to her). The Oakenfold remix of Sorry has to be his best for Madonna yet. Edgy and anthemic, it brings new energy to the song to create a stomper. Green Velvet's remix is set to a fast-tempo electronic beat with enough beeps and blips to keep you dancing. The only bland mix would be Stuart Price's (co-writer of Sorry) Man with Guitar Mix.

The other surprise would be the excellent Paper Faces Mix of Let It Will Be which was heard at one of Madonna's live performance. With added beats and a stylish makeover, the song screams for a release of its own. (A)

The Little Golden Man called Oscar

2006-03-07T19:01:00.000+08:00

The 78th Academy Awards felt like it was a crowd pleaser. That was no clear runaway winner but almost every film that had won accolades in the recent months were dutifully rewarded with something. The bone of contention for me was probably the Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role awards.

While I thoroughly enjoyed Crash, which was one of my favorite films for 2005, it certainly should not be the best picture. The film far lacked the emotional depth which Brokeback Mountain carried but I could totally see why. The Academy voters probably thought it was safer to have a best picture which dealt with racism and discrimination, way less controversial than a gay cowboy romance. Such is the stigmatism associated with a film of such a genre. The Academy wants to look credible amid its conservative shell. It hopes by doing so, it is sending out the message that a gay-themed movie, no matter how good, would never be able to ascend the throne of the highest honor in cinematic history, just not yet. This is tragic to note as the Academy is supposed to value and reward film achievements not political correctness.

Resse Whiterspoon as best actress? Hers was a passable performance, more of a fluke than talent. Perhaps it's the only one time the acting bug was biting at her but I will always remember her as the Legally Blonde and ditzy Resse Whiterspoon. Tough luck, Felicity! The Academy favors the American Sweetheart that is June Carter Cash over the transgender Bree (You smell the political-correctness again?). But for me, you are the Best Actress.

And to Health, Jake and Michelle, you are the lights that make Brokeback shine the way Lee Ang intended it to be. You people are winners already. Lee Ang, your impassioned acceptance speech is definitely an inspiration to all Asian directors and film makers.

The Resurrected Pink!

2006-02-19T11:08:00.000+08:00

Stupid Girls
Pink

With the title of I'm Not Dead for her impending album, Pink really wants us to forget the embarassment that was Try This in 2003. After a string of two successful albums including braving the much dreaded sophomore jinx with the splendid Mizunderstood, Pink hit a slump with Try This.

Now, forward to 2006 and the gal rolls out her new single Stupid Girls. Pink's always been a mixed bag, deliberately carving herself out as a hip-hop chick with a punk-rock veneer. On Stupid Girls, she tackles the issues of being a perfect girl with the brains and beauty but the song makes for a jarring listen as it tries to marry the ever popular hip hop beat (with a lyrical mention of 50 Cent) with angsty rock/pop (what's new?).

The interesting thing is the video,which by now is, Pink's way of masquerading a so-so song with a better than average video. In it, you'll see spoofs of everyone from 50 Cent (rapping with a bling bling girl) to Jessica Simpson (soap-laden by a car) to Britney Spears (in her tracksuit get up) and Nip-Tuck (Pink undergoing breast augmentation).

Now there's something interesting after all though Linda Perry should still be back to orchestrate Miss Pink's precarious career. Watch Stupid Girls on Pink's homepage.

(C+ for the song; B- for the video)

Visual/Mental: The Cold Harsh Mountain

2006-02-18T01:31:00.000+08:00

Brokeback Mountain

Directed by Lee Ang
Screenplay adapted by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana
Based on the short story by Annie Proulx

Starring Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway & Michelle Williams

Having read the original short story by Proulx a few years ago, I was surprised by how well a tale of love between two cowboys set against a panaromic Wyoming backdrop was told. When I learned that the 60-page short story would become a film directed by celebrated director Lee Ang, I hoped it would be made soon.

By now, most people would have associated Brokeback Mountain with gay forbidden love. The truth is, Brokeback Mountain is just a very simple tale of arduous love and anyone with an ounce of emotion should watch.

The union of director Lee Ang, scriptwriters Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, and the cast results in one of the most exquisite and endearing films made in the last few years.

Lee Ang possesses the talent for slow, intricate and subtle film direction. He pays attention to almost every aspect from simple small gestures to complex emotional strifes set against the magnificent mountain view.

McMurtry and Ossana also adapted the story faithfully except for the fact that the two male leads were originally much less desirable than Ledger and Gyllenhaal with bucked-tooth and stocky bodies.

The assembled cast is the third link which leads the film to flight. Heath Ledger, the stoic straight-man type is caught unexpectedly in a tangled web of emotions for a fellow cowboy, something that had never crossed his less-than-queer mind. A man of few words, Ledger plays Ennis to perfection when he displays the inner turmoil that Ennis enountered trying to live his life the way it is and learning to love Jack. Every time Ledger breaks down and cries in the film, it's when you'll feel him.

Jake Gyllenhaal is the hopeful companion who prays for the day that the union could yield the type of permanence he so craved for instead of "a couple of high-altitude f**ks once or twice in a year." And he waited for 20 years until the audience shares his anguish and unfulfilled yearnings by the time he lashed out on what they ever have left is Brokeback Mountain.

Michelle Williams plays the silent, long-suffering wife who witnessed the earth-shattering and ultimately heartbreaking kiss shared between Ennis and Jack after 4 years of separation. Williams is exceptionally sorrowful, swallowing her unspoken hurt until she could hold it no more that she wanted to hear the truth out of Ennis' mouth years after her remarriage. Williams' acting powress is certainly validated by the expression she showed at the instance of that unexpected kiss and the heartwrenching exchange with Ledger.

Anne Hathaway plays a rich girl whose expertise is in making money not relationships. Given her short screentime, her change from a brash rodeo queen to a high-society career woman and finally a emotionless and grieving widow expands her acting abilities beyond her impish Princess Diary-self.

Many unions, liaisions and break-ups later, Brokeback Mountain emerges as a tragic yet bittersweet and endearing tale of love between four suffering people afflicted with varying degrees of attachment but all not willing to let go. To me, this suffices as more than a gay cowboy story. To enjoy Brokeback Mountain, an open mind and eyes are definitely pre-requisites. (A+)

Visual/Mental: Transcendental Transamerica

2006-02-12T20:01:00.000+08:00

Transamerica
Written and Directed by Duncan Tucker
Starring Felicity Huffman

Transamerica follows a rather tried-and-tested road trip of two most unlikely partners, a transgender man and his long-lost separated son. What makes this small indie film shines to the brim is Felicity Huffman who plays the transgender man ready for a sexual reassignment surgery. Or so he thought.

Initially shocked at receiving a call about a long-lost son, Bree soon finds himself having no choice but to bring Toby on his trip to California for his sex change op after he had exercised all options to leave Toby behind failed. What follows is a bittersweet and heartwarming tale of family and love.

Felicity Huffman, in her Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning role as Bree brings to the character much humor, pathos, insecurity and vulnerability. It's definitely a great turn from Lynette in Desperate Housewives.

An outstanding performance that's deserving of the Golden statue! (A)

Visual/Mental: A Constant Craving - The Constant Gardener

2006-02-12T15:32:00.001+08:00

The Constant Garderner
Directed by Fernando Meirelles
Screenplay adapted by Jeffrey Caine based on the novel by John le Carré
Starring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz

A tale of political and corporate intrigue, The Constant Gardener has the elements of drama and suspense built right in its heart. Lead actor Ralph Fiennes plays Justin, a diplomat and loving husband-turned-tormented widow who's determined to find the truth of her dead activist wife's murder.

Uncovering the conspiracy of the big bad pharmaceutical company and the government in using poor and disease-striken African people as human trials, Fiennes character brings danger to himself. Fiennes give no less than an exquisite and refined performance but it's really Rachel Weisz's near-40 minute screentime including ocassional flashbacks as Fiennes' activits wife, Tessa that wins her a coveted spot in the running to be the Best Supporting Actress come Oscar night. Showing off both recticence and vulnerability in her character, Weisz was certainly convincing as Tessa.

The suspense is tight and the cinematography is splendid ranging from scenes of abject poverty and disease in Africa to the private exclusivity of London's high society. (A)

Don't Say Sorry... Watch It!

2006-02-12T15:28:00.000+08:00

The brilliant follow-up to the already excellent Hung Up.

Oscar nods

2006-01-31T22:31:00.000+08:00

The 78th Academy Award nominations are out! Kudos to Crash, Brokeback Mountain, Pride and Prejudice, The Constant Gardener, Transamerica and March of The Penguins for their nominations!

And thank god for Ziyi Zhang being left out in the cold for her frozen acting (no pun intended) and Memoirs of the Geisha deserving of only technical awards. Though Gong Li would have been deserving for a Best Supporting Actress nod...

The results will be out on March 6, Singapore time!

Where's Golden's Geisha?

2006-01-22T12:34:00.000+08:00

Memoirs of A Geisha

Directed by Rob Marshall

Adapted Screenplay by Robin Swicord based on the book by Arthur Golden

The much-anticipated screen version of Arthur Golden's bestselling book opens with much hype. Casting three of Chinese cinema's darlings, the film looks set to be a runaway success.

The film opens with a young Chiyo being sent away to be a geisha. For the next half hour, the girl played by the delightfully wide-eyed 12-year-old Suzuka Ohgo suffers at the hands of big time geisha Hatsumomo played by the lustrous Gong Li. Besides the surreal cinematography, the stars of the film has got to be Suzuka Ohgo and Gong Li. By the time Ohgo's half-hour screentime is up, Gong Li has shown us how she embodies the character of Hatsumomo with aplomb- a woman full of vengeance, contrive and jealousy but with a yearning for love. See her finest at attempting to destroy our poor protaganist.

When Zhang Ziyi's Sayuri appears as a grown woman mentored by Michelle Yeoh's Mameha, you can't help but feel that Zhang's thunder has all already been stolen by Gong Li. Zhang can be seen as struggling with her English while trying to portray the vulnerable Sayuri. While language has proven to be a stumbling block, Zhang's acting feels so distant that it leaves an empty feeling and provides no continuation from the warmth that Ohgo brought to the screen as a young Sayuri. It is a clear signal that in her haste to woo Hollywood's audience (including her attempt at anglicizing her name to Ziyi Zhang), she has sacrificed whatever little acting ability that was more evident in Chinese films like 2046. Yeoh's mentor role is played nicely as it is - a steely woman who's determined to help her protege beat arch rival Hatsumomo.

In adapting the book for the big screen, screenwriter Robin Swicord has left out parts of the book that provides glimpses into the geisha world. Intricate details of how the kimono is worn and traits of a geisha are missing probably to shorten the already lengthy film.

The aim and result is definitely style over substance. If anyone deserves an acting accolade, it should be Gong Li and not the overrated Zhang. (B- because Gong Li was in it, else C)

View from the top

2006-01-22T01:53:00.000+08:00

I had an incredible evening atop Mount Faber at The Altivo Bar. A very enchanting and panaromic night view, the night was cooling and interpersed with a heavy downpour. No one else around us so the cosy drinking hole was ours for the night. Had a Heineken and a long chat.

Well, it's certainly life's small little pleasures.

Favorites 05: Books

2005-12-12T14:33:00.000+08:00

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, The Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life

Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Favorites 05: Albums/Songs

2005-12-12T13:49:00.000+08:00

Albums:

Goldfrapp, Supernature
Choice cuts: Number 1, Ooh La La

Madonna, Confessions On A Dancefloor
Choice cuts: Hung Up, Get Together, Sorry, Forbidden Love, Push, Jump, Fighting Spirit (Special Edition Bonus Track)

Mysterious Skin [Soundtrack]
Choice cuts: Snowfall, Loitering

Brazilian Girls
Choice cuts: Don't Stop, Pussy, Lazy Lover, Sirenes De La Fete

Fischerspooner, "Odyssey"
Choice cuts: Just Let Go, Get Confused, Never Win, Cloud

Röyksopp, The Understanding
Choice cuts: 49 Percent, Only This Moment, Sombre Detune

Imogen Heap, Speak For Yourself
Choice cuts: Goodnight and Go, Hide and Seek, The Walk, Just For Now

Coldplay, X&Y
Choice cuts: Fix You, Talk, Speed Of Sound, Swallowed In The Sea

Sigur Rós, Takk
Choice cuts: Glosoli, Sæglópur, Takk

Emiliana Torrini, Fisherman's Woman
Choice cuts: Heartstopper, Sunny Day, Nothing Brings Me Down

Songs:

Natahsa Bedingfield, These Words (I Love You, I Love You)
Billy Corgan, To Love Somebody
Brazilian Girls, Don't Stop (Album Version, Riton Re-Rub), Lazy Lover (Album Version, Free Mix)
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark
Daft Punk - Emotion, Make Love
Depeche Mode - Precious (Sasha remixes and Calderone & Quayle Damaged Mix), A Pain I Am Used To (Jacques Lu Cont Remix and Goldfrapp Remix)
Fischerspooner - Just Let Go (Joakim Mix), Never Win (Mirwais Alternate Mix), Get Confused, Cloud
Garbage - Run Baby Run, Why Do You Love Me
Goldfrapp - Ooh La La (Tieschwartz Mix), Number 1 (Album Version, Alan Braxe and Fred Falke Club Remix)
Gorillaz, Don't Get Lost In Heaven, Demon Days
David Gray - Life In Slow Motion, Ain't No Love
Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek
Jack Johnson - Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, Breakdown
Madonna - Hung Up (Album Version, Tracy Young Get Up and Dance Groove Mix, Chus and Cellabos Mix)
Damien Rice - Eskimo, Cold Water, Blower's Daughter
Moby - Snowball, Blue Paper, Chord Sounds
New Order - Krafty (Album Version, Phones Reality Mix)
Novuelle Vague - Just Can't Get Enough, Making Plans For Nigel
Röyksopp - 49 Percent (Album Version, Ewan Pearson Glass Half Full Mix, Angello & Ingrosso Mix)
Scissor Sisters - It Don't Come Quickly Enough
Gwen Stefani - Cool (Album Version, Video Version, Richard X Mix)

Videoclips (Director):

Goldfrapp - Number 1 (Phil Heyes)
Madonna - Hung Up (Johan Renck)
Gwen Stefani - Cool (Sophie Muller)
Emiliana Torrini - Heartstopper (David Lea)

Favorites 05: Film

2005-12-12T13:41:00.000+08:00

1. Closer by Mike Nichols

2. Crash by Paul Haggis

3. Mysterious Skin by Gregg Araki

4. Sommersturm (Summer Storm) by Marco Kreuzpaintner

5. La Marche de l'empereur (March of The Penguins) by Luc Jacquet

6. Saving Face by Alice Wu

7. Pride and Prejudice by Joe Wright

AuralAssualt: Goldfrapp's Number 1 EP

2005-12-12T10:53:00.000+08:00

Goldfrapp
Number 1 EP

With the stellar first single Ooh La La from Supernature, Goldfrapp returns with #1 and what a deserving title it is.

#1 is a frisky, 80's inspired track with a digitized soundscape that sparkles in all the right places. Moving on with a semi-pulsating beat , the song is draped in Alison Goldfrapp's incredibly sensual vocal. The Alan Brake remix of the track adds a faster beat and extends the #1 goodness to 7 minutes, looping over Goldfrapp singing You're My #1, certainly something to fulfill your craving after listening to the short album version.

Beautiful, a Japanese-only bonus track, is a synth-pop track like it could have been anything from Black Cherry. All Night Operator, a B-side on Ooh La La, is a slow, trippy track that screams beautiful luscious.

And the last audio track is a dub mix of Ooh La La by Tieschwartz which turns the retro-electro track into a monster club anthem.

Finallym the perfect treat to end it all, the very funky video of Number 1 where Goldfrapp gyrates withher brood of doggie pals in an operation theater with ultimate sass and candour, making her look like an irresistable pussy cat. (A)

AuralAssault: Madonna's Confessions On A Dance Floor

2005-11-17T21:09:00.000+08:00

Madonna
Confessions On A Dance Floor
22 years after she first graced the dance floor, Madonna is sending you an invitation to get into the groove again. And if Confessions is anything to go, she shows the world that she still can dance as well as inspire us to do what she wants us to...

Working with her new partners, most notably the savvy Stuart Price, Confessions is a 12-track segued mix of dance ecstasy. Lead single, Hung Up, amazingly mixes Abba's 1979 hit Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight) with Madonna's and Price's retro-disco fluffiness into a bonafide dance floor anthem. Follow this with the throbs of the electro-futuristic Get Together where Madonna invites you to check it out with her as she really wanna be with you. Then, the song fades cleverly into Madonna saying sorry in a few languages before she indulges you into some more disco with Sorry. On Forbidden Love, Madonna morphs into Giorgio Moroder and creates a superb 80s-sounding yet stylish song of two star-crossed lovers. On the Indian-inspired, beats-driven Push, Madonna pays tribute to the one (presumably Guy Ritchie)
who has constantly pushed her to her best.

On Confessions, Madonna's lyrics are never overly self-indulgent though short of any major revelations that we don't already know. There is self-discovery (How High), enlightenment (Future Lovers), empowerment (Jump), love (Forbidden Love, Push), and lament (How High).

Confessions is a true return to form for the Queen of Pop, something all fans have been eagerly waiting for. (A)

Hung Up Video

2005-10-30T00:55:00.000+08:00

Hung Up Video

Tick Tick Tock...enjoy some 80's fabulos-ity!

Visual&MentalAssault: Alice Wu's Saving Face

2005-10-29T22:15:00.000+08:00

Saving Face
Directed by Alice Wu

Alice Wu has done what Lee Ang has done for Chinese directors and actors. A poignant tale of cultural clashes versus the fulfilment of traditional Chinese expectations, the film talks about a middle age widow who becomes unexpectedly pregnant much to the chagrin of her professor father who worries about losing face. Meanwhile, her grown-up surgeon daughter is battling coming public of her lesbianism as well as mending the broken fence when she admits to her mother of her socially intolerable inclinations.

Interweaved in between are plenty of East-meets-West humour and impeccably fine acting coming from the stellar cast, most notably Joan Chen's role as the widow whose funny and unnerving ways also show a vulnerable and lonesome side when torn between conforming to her authoritarian father's ways once again and finding the freedom that she's in dire need of. Daughter Wil played by Michelle Krusiec and her lesbian lover played by Lynn Chen also lend great support to the film which is ultimately bittersweet. (A)

AuralAssault: Madonna's Hung Up

2005-10-22T10:28:00.000+08:00

Madonna

Hung Up

In the wake of one of the most anticipated album of the year, Confessions On A Dancefloor, Madonna unleashes Hung Up featuring a delectable sample of Abba's Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! on the dancefloor.

Hung Up is like Music, a non-song that stomps with a killer hook, a melodius chorus and the electronic blizz courtesy of Stuart Price. The song ups the camp factor of Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) while Madonna sings and gyrates to a worthy creation of her own.

Now, no more preaching! Just keep on dancing! Everyone loves it when Madonna gives a beat to dance to. (A-)

AuralAssault: David Gray and Sarah McLachlan

2005-10-01T16:11:00.000+08:00

David Gray
Life in Slow Motion

It seems that David Gray's life has changed for the worse. At least that's what it seems from his music. Life In Slow Motion is an utter heartache.

From the forlorn opener Alibi to the current single The One I Love, Gray displays a kind of helplessness that builds around love. The album the culminates to a high in the middle with the title track Slow Motion,From Here You Can Almost See The Sea and Ain't No Love, the trilogy of songs that express the unexpressed of a draggy life, of unrequited love and of being unloved. The songs are often heavy-hearted, interspersed with one or two more uplifting tracks in between before closing with yet another pair of poignant tracks, the beautiful Now and Always and the aching Disappearing World. (B+)

Sarah McLachlan

Bloom [Remix Album]

It's difficult to associate Sarah McLachlan with electronic, club or dance music. After all, she's a singer-songwriter with the knack for deeply evocative pop rock songs. But in the span of four years, her record company has released two remix compilations of her songs.

2001's Remixed featured McLachlan's hits from her past albums remixed into hard, stompy and club-orientated dance tracks, courtesy of such famed producers like BT, Hybrid and Rollo.

On Bloom, the remix is a little more diverse and elcletic - remixes span from ambient (Dirty Little Secret by Thievery Corp, Answer by Talvin Singh) to reggae (Train Wreck by Sly & Robbie) to funk (Just Like Me by will.i.am) and dance (World on Fire by Junkie XL , Stupid by Hyper, Fallen by Gabriel & Dresden).

Standout tracks include Sly and Robbie's funky remake of Train Wreck, Talvin Singh's Indian-inspired Answer, Thievery Corporation's chilling Dirty Little Secret (better than the original), Tom Middleton's stylish redo of the 90's Vox and Junior Boy's Own's electrolysed Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. The only sore thumb - the horrible The Way I Am where Sarah seemed like an odd misfit with DMC's rapping and will.i.an's erratic production.

Overall, this is a special treat for fans though there's so many remixes from theAfterglow project that's simply missing and never will see the light of the day. (B)

Current mood: Empty

Fairy Tale

2005-09-25T23:31:00.000+08:00

Cinderella Man

Directed by Ron Howard

Cinderella Man reunites Ron Howard with longtime collaborator Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger, a star-studded Oscar-winning ensemble that will undoubtedly create a buzz come award time next year. The story of famed 1930's boxer Jim Braddock follows his trials and tribulations from superstar boxer to downtrodden desperado during the Great Depression years. Ousted from boxing prfoessionally and left with a broken hand, Braddock and his family were forced to their unkind fate. The rest of story as you will know is rather predictable.

A fairy tale twist ends their fate. With dexterity and furious drive, Braddock returned to form to beat his deadliest opponent and regained the glory he had lost for so long. Russell Crowe, having put on weight for this role, was characteristically uncompromising and convincing as the boxer, Braadock. However, it's the recently single-again Renee Zellweger who lighted the screen as the unwavering and silent suffering wife who stood by him. Often delicate and conflicted, Zellweger displayed a range of emotions that demonstrated her increasingly skillful versatility.

Ron Howard's direction is starkingly real albeit gory. Boxing scenes are well-crafted and captured on screen to be able to make the audience gasp in aniexty with every blow delivered by Crowe and his opponents.

This is good old Hollywood story retelling. It's the right dose of everything that makes Cinderella Man too much of a winner and a tad bit boring. (B-)

2005-09-04T10:55:00.000+08:00

Abosolutely stunning piece of poetry:

Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, Gladly Beyond
E.E. Cummings

Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond
Any experience, your eyes have their silence:
In your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
Or which I cannot touch because they are too near

Your slightest look will easily unclose me
Though i have closed myself as fingers,
You open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skillfully, mysteriously)her first rose

Or if your wish be to close me, I and
My life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
As when the heart of this flower imagines
The snow carefully everywhere descending;
Nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
The power of your intense fragility: whose texture
Compels me with the color of its countries,
Rendering death and forever with each breathing

(I do not know what it is about you that closes
And opens; only something in me understands
The voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
Nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands

Best-Of: My Favorite Movies of 2005...So Far

2005-08-21T21:35:00.000+08:00

1. Closer by Mike Nichols

2. Crash by Paul Haggis

3. Mysterious Skin by Gregg Araki

4. Sommersturm (Summer Storm) by Marco Kreuzpaintner

Ticket stubs: Yes, I collect them!

Current mood:

AuralAssault: Mysterious Skin - Music From The Film

2005-08-21T20:44:00.000+08:00

Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd
Mysterious Skin - Music From The Film (Soundtrack)

Harold Budd and Robin Guthrie created magic with the score to the film Mysterious Skin. Listened on its own, this soundtrack is the perfect complement to the chilling film. Each track stunning on its own works seamlessly into one another to form a gorgeous collage of emotionally-charged instrumentals that seemingly re-creates every scene of the tragic tale in your mind. At times, the songs leave you feeling chilly and distant like the way it felt in the film.

One of the best scores of the year! (A+)

49 Percent

2005-08-15T18:23:00.000+08:00

Math and imagery
Equates cacophony
Multiplies muteness: a sum better disturbed
For silence subtracts
And shadows divide light
less than half is slight
The heat has simmered for a while

49 Percent, Röyksopp

AuralAssault: Björk's Music From The Drawing Restraint 9

2005-08-13T01:24:00.000+08:00

Björk
Music From The Drawing Restraint 9

This is a soundtrack composed by Björk with minimal vocals for celebrated contemporary visual artist Matthew Barney’s next film Drawing restraint 9, in which she also appears.

The soundtrack music uses a combination of many instruments such as the harp, harpsichord and celeste, trumpet, trombone and oboe, electronic basslines, and children’s choir. The collection of songs also seems to bring the best of both worlds from Vespertine and Medulla in terms of the whimsical beels of the former (Ambergris March and Cetacea) and the human beatbox of the latter (the Japanese-infused Pearl, Shimenawa and the 10-minute Holographic Entrypoint). On the poignant opener Gratitude, Will Oldham sings with much raw emotion that tinkers.

The songs put together do exude a weird quality but is unquestionably a very accomplished masterpiece, though not music to everyone's ears. Those who get it will be greatly rewarded, no less. (A)

Visual&MentalAssault: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

2005-08-13T00:52:00.000+08:00

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton (Based on the book by Roald Dahl)

The much-hyped and well-received Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl comes to live in this 2005 update. Staying mostly true to form, Tim Burton infuses much of his trademark direction with sophisticated robotic machinery and semi-mechanic setting in the chocolate factory which showcased what was portrayed in the book itself.

Much credit should be given to Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore (who incidentally acted with Depp in Finding Neverland) for their roles as the eccentric Willy Wonka and the precarious and wide-eyed Charlie Bucket respectively. Once again, the pair's chemistry was unmistakable. Depp should expect an Oscar nod for his comedic and amusing performance as Willy Wonka (think Edward Scissorhands also helmed by Burton). Also deserving of praise is Deep Roy's potrayal of Oompa Loompa, the quirky little man-like creatures who looked exactly the same.

Perhaps the only flaw in the movie are the awkard song and dance sequence which sometimes fail to be funny. Otherwise, this is a faithful adaptation with a zest of new life. (B+)

Disenchanted Witch

2005-08-13T00:51:00.000+08:00

Bewitched
Nora Ephron

Be warned, this retooled version of the old TV series is directed by Nora Ephron of Sleepless in Seattle fame, so don't expect a whole lot of depth. Anyway, the TV series itself was meant to be lighthearted as well, but it seemed that the movie remake drew muck flak, presumably compared to the TV version.

But this remake is slightly different from the original in that in the movie, they were doing a modern day version of Bewitched and they actually cast a real witch. Well, despite to a fluffy storyline without much thought, there were some funny lines though I do agree that Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell has forced chemistry. However, Kidman is actually quite good in her role as Samatha/Isabel Bigelow, an indication that the actress has reached the stage where she could handle any genre with much ease. Her presence and charisma definitely lights up the screen. The other two actors who seemed to have not received mention at all are Oscar winning screen veterans Shirley Maclaine and Michael Caine as Isabel's co-star mother-cum-witch and father respectively. Both actors showed much poise and charm as they worked their screen magic quietly in the background.

This is something good to laugh out to and if you have ever watched the original, don't be too disappointed. (B-)

Marble's ok

2005-08-13T00:49:00.000+08:00

Hmmm, after a string of unfortunate events, an eye ulceration and tick infestation, my poor dog has recovered much from his ordeals, all thanks to my non-vigilant ways. And in turn, my pocket was burned though it really didn't matter as long as he's ok :)

Visual&MentalAssault: Mysterious Skin

2005-07-29T10:46:00.000+08:00

Mysterious Skin

Screenplay and Direction by Gregg Araki
Book by Scott Heim

Watched Mysterious Skin two days ago. Somehow I didn't have the compulsion to write anything about it, like I usually would when I have watched a (good or bad) film. It was because I was reeling from the disturbing effects the film had on me even after two days.

"The summer I was eight years old, five hours disappeared from my life"? so runs the catchy opening to the adapted film. The boy grows up believeing that he was abducted by strange aliens the five hours he was lost. The other grows up to be a gay hustler until he has a tragic and violent encounter. The material wasn't groundbreaking; it talks about paedophilic gay child abuse and the effects it had on the two boys involved in it long after it was over. However, it was the realism portrayed by the leads Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Third Rock From The Sun) and Brady Corbet that really shook me inside. It also revealed the stereotypical American gay society in the 80's and early 90's. The two little known actors and the supporting cast of Jeff Licon and Michelle Trachtenberg who play Levitt's best friends also lent great depth to the movie.

I really loved the scene where the snow fell and God was heard. Watch it for yourself, but it's not for the faint-hearted. (A)

AuralAssault: Röyksopp and Télépopmusik

2005-07-29T10:35:00.000+08:00

Royksopp
This Understanding (2-CD Limited Edition)

Royksopp returns with their sophormore album The Understanding. If you are looking for the theatrics their debut, look elsewhere.

The group has retained their knack for strong beats and catchy rhythms but have also expanded to included more vocals and greater danceability to their songs. On the opener, Triumphant, the group picks up from where they left off on Melody except with greater gusto and tempo than before. The excellent first single with its fierce electronic beats makes it headed straight for that great dancefloor. 49 Percent revels in great early 90's funk with a slight Prince-soundalike arrangement. Sombre Detune adds a hard bassline to a solid electronic-backed track. Other great tracks like What Else Is There and the emotive closer Dead To The World brings you back to where the guys first came from.

The five bonus tracks on Disc 2 are more like icing on the cake. Not strong enough to appear on the main album but still serves up some great hooks for fans. (A-)

Recommended tracks: Only This Moment, 49 Percent, Sombre Detune, What Else Is There

Telepopmusik
Angel Milk

The group best known for 2001's dreamy hit Breathe returns with a spectacular followup to their debut Genetic World. Angel's Milk is everything Genetic World is and more. Continuing to mesmerize with dreamy melodies and breathy vocals, the group also infuses their songs with string elements and even creates some old world Broadway-like charm on the gorgeous Love's Almighty. Not surprisingly, it's also hemled by vocalist Angela McCluskey who continues to weave magic into Telepop's songs.

The album also sees collaboration with Deborah Anderson and Mau. On the first single, Into Everything, Anderson provides the fluffy dream-like vocals to the Breathe-sequel with aplomb but it's really vocalist Mau who steals the show with a deep lush voice on tracks like Anyway, Last Train To Wherever and Hollywood on My Toothpaste, especially the rap on the latter two tracks are dripping with great sensuousness.

A bonfide sequel worthy of its prdecessor. (B+)

Recommended Tracks: Into Everything, Anything, Last Train To Wherever, Love's Almighty.

Current mood:

Crash, A Beautiful Collision

2005-07-18T17:59:00.000+08:00

Love crashes in like a beautiful collision between two people - the meeting of different minds and senses. I believe that there's something profoundly special which transcends through what can be seen on the surface and the test of time. Ultimately, it's really what you can't see that sees you through the tumultuous journey in life.

Don't look too much too far out at the future. Live now.

Everything looks perfect from far away, come down now.

Music: Heartstopper by Emiliana Torrini

AuralAssault: Heartstopper by Emiliana Torrini

2005-07-17T00:39:00.000+08:00

Like this. The second lady of Iceland (after Bjork and co-writer of Kylie's #1 Slow) takes a deviation from her trip-hoppish debut, Love In The Time Of Science, to return with a delightful and sweet ballad Heartstopper from 2005's Fisherman's Woman. Now she's closer to Stina Nordenstam than Portishead or Goldfrapp and it's a surprising but well-worth turn. (A)

Visual&MentalAssault: Paul Haggis' Crash

2005-07-17T00:06:00.000+08:00

I just had a delectable visual and mental treat from Paul Haggis. Crash, which opened in theaters on Thursday, is a well-crafted film. From the opening scene of a car collision, the film unfolds to weave several stories to form an intricate web of inter-related events involving the beautifully drawn characters. The basis of the story might have been racial discrimination and stereotyping but beneath this surface, it's really an emotionally-charged collision of unearthed feelings, contradictive thoughts and the emotional freedom that people sometimes deny themselves by refusing to confront reality. Several of the heart wrenching scenes are so beautifully shot that the viewer is almost transposed into the movie itself.

Although most of the actors have minimal screen time due to the various stories, the acting is consummate. Don Cheadle is shaping to be a great character actor as his display of emotions is so intense that you feel him. Ludacris, the rapper (whose music I couldn't care less), also shows promise in his big screen debut.

For me, I identify most with Sandra Bullock's character, a heavily repressed and unhappy socialite who was robbed at gunpoint with her husband (Brendan Fraser). When her character said, "I am upset but it's not because of the carjack. I wake up feeling like this every morning. I am angry but I don't know why." And she falls off the stairs shortly after, only to arrive at the realization of the people and things that matter most.

I am deeply surprised by how well the little stories intertwine so flawlessly to present a thought-provoking film. Certainly one of my three favorite movies of 2005 following Closer and Sommersturm (Summer Storm). I urge everyone to see Paul Haggis' Crash and experience 2 hours of feeling again. Oh ya, listen to the mesmerising music score that accompanies the film! (A)

AuralAssault: Gorillaz, Coldplay, Billy Corgan & Imogen Heap

2005-07-09T13:36:00.000+08:00

Gorillaz/Don't Get Lost In Heaven & Demon Days
Demon Days

If you were old enough to have heard Coka Cola's advertisement song I'll Like To Teach The World To Sing in the early 70's and 80's, Gorillaz's Don't Get Lost In Heaven evokes a similar let's-shake-our-head-and-clap-our-hands feel complete with the London Community choir on backup. The song then fades perfectly into the title track Demon Days, creating a very pleasant two-parter on their latest CD. (A)

Colplay/Fix You
X&Y

How do you wrench your guts out to emote. Coldplay shows you how. "When you love someone, but it goes to waste. Could it be worse?" as Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sings with utter disillusionment. Beautiful, poignant song about disappointment and the guiding light. Think of it as The Scientist Part 2. (A+)

Billy Corgan/ToLoveSomebody & Now (& Then)
TheFutureEmbrace

Heartwrenching, future-looking, wrestling fear and everything in between, the lead man from The Smashing Pumpkins return with a tremendous and noble effort. Listen to Billy Corgan and Robert Smith (of The Cures) on the alt-electro remake of Bee Gees' To Love Somebody - gorgeously dark and heartachingly wrenching. Follow this with a dose of Now (& Then), an equally melancholic song that's bound to stir you from within. (A)

Imogen Heap/Goodnight and Go & Hide and Seek
Speak For Yourself

One-half of Frou Frou, Imogen Heap releases her second LP on her personal independent record label. The second song of Imogen Heap to be featured on The OC after Goodbye and Go, Hide and Seek is an electronic acapella complete with Heap's distinctly alluring vocals and vocoder. Intensely emotional. (B+)

Happiness

2005-07-07T16:45:00.000+08:00

Someone gave me this (excerpt):

It takes a complete letting go of past hurts to step inside.

Happiness is a choice.

Happiness is the ultimate realization that everything was, and is, exactly as it should be.

It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.

Thanks dear.

Happy?

2005-07-05T09:34:00.000+08:00

What does it take to feel happy again? Think I might have lost it...
I need to know.

AuralAssault: Brazilian Girls

2005-06-30T14:43:00.000+08:00

Brazilian Girls

Whatever your mood may be at any moment, put this CD on and you'll find yourself that much happier than before. Brazilian Girls, a tongue in cheek name for a band, revels in funk, dance, electronic and lounge music, gliding through from one genre to another effortlessly. If you have heard Don't Stop, you are only at the beginning. The first single from them is anything but funky and a little cheeky. Mixing a little of dance, electronic and laid-back lounge, the first single is a sweet fusion. In fact, Don't Stop with its funky electronic beats and naughty lyrics is almost as uncharacteristic of this self-titled debut as it can be. You will be bowled over by the breezy lounge of All We Have, Ships In The Night and Me Gustas Cuando Callas or the incessant funk of Pussy and Die Gedanken Sind Frei (Thoughts Are Free). And all thanks to former jazz singer, the Italian-born Sabina Sciubba, who belts out sensuality in a smoky voice. This is one CD that I will be playing from start to end like a daily ritual. Best of 2005, definitely. T It doesn't hurt that the lyrics go: "Don't stop, don't stop...just keep on going until I come" :) (A)

Goin' Solo

2005-06-17T04:48:00.000+08:00

My solo drive to town turned out pretty fine until I missed the carpark entrance to Suntec. In the end, I circled around the area for more than half an hour, failing to cut lanes when I need to. That's not all. I had an adventure after sending Ms. Wee (ex-colleague-now-friend) home. She led me through a shortcut in Seletar Camp and on my way back, I was lost in the dark roads a few times, coming to dead ends and dark empty streets. Finally, she was nice enough to drive out with her hubby to 'save' me though I was already on the right way out. To be frank, I did enjoy it, for it gave me plenty of private time with myself in my car. And I came by this place before the bridge across Seletar Reservoir, a perfectly serene and godforsaken road that's dark enough for lovely star gazing. I stopped for a while to enjoy the view before calling for help. Yes, if you are lost, be lost in style. Hah.

My First Car

2005-06-15T23:40:00.000+08:00

Hah I am not on-the-road yet after five and a half years of hibernation. Should be ready pretty soon.

Turning 27...and Giving Thanks

2005-06-15T09:15:00.000+08:00

I turned 27. Not exactly frightful of the increasing numbers but more amazed at how time catches up then surpasses you without any indication or warning.

As I grow older, birthdays seem less important, but this year is quite a surprise. There were many people with me, my close friends from college, new friends from school and ABS. I am appreciative of the efforts put in by the Singatouchers who tried to 'surprise' me.

I am also very overwhelmed and touched to receive 27 precious gifts from Irene/Zhong Jin and later, the (not-so-)surprise birthday celebration at the airport (though Miss Moi's acting wasn't convincing enough). So there, you guys have made my day... a very special one indeed. Thank you.

On a separate note, I'd like to say thanks to this friend who has always remembered my birthday every year since knowing her a good 20 years ago in 1985. Gosh! I am older (but wiser)! Thks, Juan.

AuralAssualt: World Music? Bossa Nova? It's Bebel's music!

2005-06-14T12:42:00.000+08:00

First of all, thanks to this wonderful person who introduced me to the world of world/bossa nova music (or whatever other genres people call it). A case of you never try, you never know. I've never imagined myself appreciating such music. So it was songs by this lady called Bebel Gilberto (right) which serenaded me and unknowingly, she had already been introduced to me in the movie Closer (which I absolutely love in 2005) where her song Samba de Becao was played in one of the scenes at the art gallery. I love her songs - laidback, warm and summer-ish. Try her 2000 album Tanto Tempo (one of the songs So Nice is a staple advert song for one of the condos) (A+).

Once again, I must thank this person for this. Cheer up, don't be so sad... :)

Dylan

2005-06-13T04:14:00.000+08:00

Dylan's my barely one and a half-year old nephew. He just learned to walk and it's really amazing how each day makes a great difference to his and our lives. He knows three words, "mump mump" and "bear." He says "mump mump" when there's any food within sight and for anything else that requires him to emote, "bear" is what comes out of his mouth. And it is also such simplicity that's perfectly understandable by everyone. I am happy to witness his formative years.

Stars

2005-06-13T04:12:00.000+08:00

I just remembered the beautiful stars I saw at SparkC that night. I love star gazing, and opportunities like that are rare to come by. I relished that night. It was the perfect setting for a night under the stars, with the person you love where no words are needed. If I have the opportunity again, I would just sit back and enjoy the moment with my loved one, uninterrupted...

Walk of Life (Inspired by Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist')

2005-06-06T07:20:00.000+08:00

I have just completed a mentally and physically challenging course! Really? Well, in a way. The last five days in the Artward/Outward Bound course was unexpectedly enjoyable. More importantly, it provided for many opportunities for self-reflection and expression, something I do well in private but less often in front of others. There were several instances when my senses were heightened and mind awakened. When we were trekking through the forest in the dark, lots of mixed feelings and emotions overwhelmed me and more importantly, helped me reach some important decisions about my own life. That was truly therapeautic! Of course, there were many fun moments, most unforgettably our little skit where I got to play a 40 year-old ma-jie with a long-lost twin sister called RuRu and the late night game of captain ball in the pool with a 'shark.' I really thank my four friends from LPS and those people whom I shared the dark roads with. I met and made some incredible friends (see how My Friends have ballooned from 8 to 24 now, hehe!), especially my two godmothers whom I will fondly remember as 'Da-ma' and 'Er-ma.'

Visual&MentalAssault: Film by idiots, about idiots, for idiots

2005-05-28T20:55:00.000+08:00

I finally got 'Idioterne (The Idiots)' by Lars Von Trier on DVD after having my last purchase from Amazon UK banned by MDA. This completes my collection of The Golden Heart Trilogy films including Breaking The Waves and Dancing In The Dark. It's a shocking and unconventional take on challenging social norms and self-expression. Completely weird and irrelevant on the surface but absolutely stunning and moemorable beneath. I am waiting eagerly for the second of the America - Land of Opportunites trilogy film, Manderlay, which is predeced by the excellent Dogville from 03.

Nature?

2005-05-28T20:38:00.000+08:00

Watched Madagascar with a couple of friends yesterday. And of course, it wasn't the wisest thing to do trying to watch an animated feature on the first day of the school vacation. As expected, unthinking parents brought along children who fidgeted and screamed fifteen minutes into the movie till the end, and slapped our heads conscientiously at timed intervals.

Apart from the minor disturbances, let me talk about the movie. Like Shark Tale, the story borders on being a shallow tale. Some of the scenes like the animals taking the city subway and roaming the streets are just simply incredulous. Dialogs are sometimes banal or slapstick, although I must say the star of the voiceovers must be Chris Rock who brings his comedic persona into the character of Marty.

The scene where Marty and Alex meet on the beach after a near-shipwreck set against the Vangeli's Chariots of Fire is simply cheesy while the one with Alex mimicking the famous rose-dropping in American Beauty was top-notch.

In the end, I am not too sure if they are advocating that animals should be kept
in captivity so that they don't have to face the adverse conditions of the wilderness or we should celebrate the camaraderie between different spieces though the thought of a carnivorous animal thinking twice before satisying its ravenous appetite in the wild is rather unthinkable. Perhaps you have todecide for yourself.

Well, there's still good - the music in the feature, especially the Ali G remake of Reel to Real's I Like To Move It, does bring Madagascar out of its doldrums at the right time. (B-)

Visual&MentalAssault: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder

2005-05-24T19:44:00.000+08:00

Never did sit down properly to read this classic, so I am doing a re-read of the book that is a great introduction to contemporary philosophy. Not someone for lengthy books, but this second reading has challenged me more than the first time.

Visual&MentalAssualt: Sommersturm

2005-05-23T00:24:00.000+08:00

I watched this German film on Saturday. It's Marco Kreuzpaintner's Sommersturm (Summer Storm). The bittersweet movie features a stellar performance by its lead Robert Stadlober as Tobi and explores his road to self-discovery and identity through his long-standing secret admiration and love for his best pal, Achim. Very heartachingly poignant. (A+)

Dogs and Dogster

2005-05-23T00:16:00.000+08:00

On the topic of Friendster and blogging, do you know that there's a Friendster of sorts for doggies too? Here it is Dogster. Of course, my dear marble has one too: Ble's Dogster Profile :)

AuralAssault: Anniemal

2005-05-22T21:56:00.000+08:00

I am crazy about this right now. Listen to Annie's "Anniemal." It is a good slice of Scandinavian (specifically Norwegian) electronic pop music. On "No Easy Love," fellow countrymen of Royksopp lends a helping hand, creating a track that could have been one on Melody A.M. On "Greatest Hit" which was first released in 1999, Annie and her late producer-boyfriend sampled Madonna's seminal disco track "Everybody" to great aplomb. It was reportedly said that Annie's album was much delayed 'cos of her late boyfriend's early departure at the age of 23 shortly after "Greatest Hit" was recorded. Nuff said, savour the greatness!