Last July I spent a few days hanging out in downtown Toronto, and went into HMV. Now I usually never buy music from HMV because of their relatively high prices, but I was sure there must have been some local music that I wouldn’t have been able to find elsewhere. I asked a [...]]]>

Last July I spent a few days hanging out in downtown Toronto, and went into HMV. Now I usually never buy music from HMV because of their relatively high prices, but I was sure there must have been some local music that I wouldn’t have been able to find elsewhere. I asked a salesperson and he referred me to an artist that I’m writing this blog about.

Corneille is a very interesting artist with an even more interesting bio. He first started picking up recognition in France, Canada, and Japan, and now just recently signed with Motown, it’s dreams come true for this Canadian artist.

If you get a chance to pick up his latest album, Birth of Cornelius, it’s definitely got that old school funk/r&b that really makes you want to shake your hips. On the first song on the album, Back to Life, the drums come out nice and warm, and you’ll probably notice in his album insert that much of it was recorded on tape. With just a touch of reverb, makes you feel like you’re lying back on one of those velvet lounges.

A pleasant surprise is that the variety of songs on this album, with a bit of old school, to productions of today’s typical R&B/funk music. Love it. Harmonies aren’t only tight, but thick and warm on tracks such as “Heaven”, and grooves ride on far past the track length on “Man of this World” and “Back to Life”.

If you didn’t “know”-tice from the bio or my blog title, Corneille’s native language is French, the language of his previous albums. And boy….he makes me want to dig up my old French textbooks and learn again. Then again, it doesn’t hurt that he’s got a voice smoother than a glass of Ballantine’s on the rocks. His recording and production team did a great job of capturing his voice.

Today I had a chance to find some of his videos online, for your viewing. The first one is of him on French Idol (or something similar), singing his best selling song to date with a pretty contestant named Lucie. He also plays with James Blunt on another, and I’m sure you’ll be hearing more from him soon…

Review: 4/5 – great English language coming-out album that brings a little more sophistication and class into the R&B and funk arena.

This review is a long time coming for a band that I grew up with and changed my whole outlook on what worship music could be, and should be like. When Delirious? first came out with their Cutting Edge albums it was like an epiphany to what worship music should be like: wholesome, and [...]]]>

This review is a long time coming for a band that I grew up with and changed my whole outlook on what worship music could be, and should be like. When Delirious? first came out with their Cutting Edge albums it was like an epiphany to what worship music should be like: wholesome, and cutting edge, innovative, and lyrically dynamite.

Over the last ten years they’ve put out quite a few albums and Mission Bell stands out, well, like a city on a hill. Retaining its raw power from the albums such as GLO, and Mezzamorphis, this album lays its claim and probably the most diverse and cohesive album yet. Stylistically, they’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings. They’ve gone through what I call a “Miles Davis-like experimental period” and though many listeners were left stranded, they’ve been able to incorporate that into something their core fanbase can enjoy.

Since the stories behind these songs are posted here, I won’t elaborate on the content but go over stylistically why I think this is their best album to date.

Solid Rock – This song is quite a unique departure from the Deliroius of the past, but dang, I love the Dobro intro, which definitely gives this song a “I’m a cowboy ready to kick butt” attitude. And with the crashing of the cymbals at the chorus, it does not disappoint.
All This Time – If you had a chance to view my playlist on iTunes you’d notice that I’ve probably played this song about 50 times already. I know it’s similar to U2’s Numb, but I love the droning! I love the droning!
Here I Am Send Me – Did I say I like droning? This song’s got it too, with the doubling of vocals really adds to that effect. Really its militaristic straight-beat feel helps add the effect that we’re ready to march to the orders of the Host of Hosts.
Fires Burn – This is another great song that opens similar to “Investigate”. And yes, if you haven’t noticed yet, they definitely have a strong Brit-rock influence.
Love is a Miracle – Choirs add a special something to a piece doesn’t it? This tune definitely has a cheeriness and openess that reflects the name of the song.
I’ll See You – A simple tune that carries strong undertones, with a wonderful angelic touch to help set our eyes above.

Rating: [4.75/5] There are only two Delirious? albums that I would award this rating to, and this is one of them. A great mix of style and substance, this album has been able to put together a puzzle that the previous albums were only able to together. So yes, go buy it.

If you’re wondering what the other album I’d give 4.75 stars to, check it out here. THE BEST live worship album I’ve listened to, no, experienced, bar none.

Well, I finally had a chance to swing by Raffle City last Saturday to pick up David’s new album, Too Beautiful, from the stores. I’m proud to be supporting his music, as it’s positive and innovative.

上周末在来福市广场终于买了陶喆的《太美丽》的新专辑。我很乐意支持他的音乐，因特别有创新感。

As people will realize upon listening to this album it’s quite a departure from his previous albums as the majority [...]]]>

Well, I finally had a chance to swing by Raffle City last Saturday to pick up David’s new album, Too Beautiful, from the stores. I’m proud to be supporting his music, as it’s positive and innovative.

上周末在来福市广场终于买了陶喆的《太美丽》的新专辑。我很乐意支持他的音乐，因特别有创新感。

As people will realize upon listening to this album it’s quite a departure from his previous albums as the majority of the songs are love songs. I mean, I’ve never seen an album with so many mentions of the word “beautiful”. In the context of Mando-pop it seems to set another standard for many to work up to. Most pop love songs/albums are usually relatively flaky, and not to mention not stuff you’d let children listen to. There are definitely songs of joy and of pain on this album and again I’m impressed with the overall quality of the album. I’m much more of a production oriented person so I usually don’t have any complaints about David’s work. Lyrics are something that I’m always interested in trying to understand the message in the medium.

Many of them were used for various commercials seen around Asia. I’ll spare you from the discography but will highlight some of the songs on this album.

As how I mentioned in my review of his previous album, a remix of an old song is put on this album. Called 忘不了, this song has totally been remade. Must say that it has a very catchy beat. I probably listened to the audio clip on replay 50 times on his website. My favorite parts in this song is the leadup to the chorus where the bass makes me put on my dancin’ shoes (not a good thing at work) and get kickin’, but even better is how when it goes to the chorus the bass stops and lets the drums take over. Some of you may find it kinda cheezy, but hey, he does say it’s supposed to be “old skool”.

On the other bookend is a song named after a woman’s name. Olia is a classic Tao piece exemplifying his smooth vocals and arranging style. But again, all this is done to get the point of the lyrics across. Stylistically, this song has a slight folksy, sullen feel, perhaps in line with Joni Mitchell?

In between, Too Beautiful, 太美丽, will probably be a classic love anthem, likely sung in future
weddings and perhaps in karaoke bars. Not a knock, just the fact that that’s where I’m sure that’s what people will be doing…

The Chase 追 is a song that reminds me of one of David’s earlier songs, High High High. You might be wondering what album it’s found on as it’s a song that he wrote for another singer.  But it’s got a very funky Latin feel to it.

自导自演的悲剧 is a very nice song with a very catchy chorus, not to mention some very nice harmonies tacked on.

Marry Me Today, is definitely the Pop hit, with additional star power given out by Jolin on this song. It’s not often you’ll hear a song proposing to someone done in this manner. 大多的婚礼音乐都很认真，可这首是比较upbeat而且可以表达一点幽默感。

不爱Forever, is the first time I’ve heard him sing so high for so long in a song! Ouch! How can you NOT feel his pain? If you notice carefully that in this song an organ with some heavy trem is used, and sure sounds like a black gospel song.  我从来没听过那么长一段唱得那么高！佩服佩服。听他这样唱真的能感觉到他的痛，你觉得呢？

As with before, there seems to be one song missing from the China release of his album, probably due to the censorship board here in the country. I don’t know why this seems to happen often with his music, but I mean, just one? What’s so wrong with this missing track that renders it unavailable for release? Not sure why but I’d like to hear anyone else’s take on it.

Rating: [4/5] Definitely one of the most solid collection of love songs put out by a Mandarin artist in a long time. Again it adds substance to love that most pop artists are devoid of. This is one definitely to put in for some romantic evenings with that special someone.

等级： ［4／5］确实个非常棒的国语情歌之收集。 他也补上爱在流行文化的意思其他歌手经常跳过。有一位特别的朋友吗？这个专辑是满浪漫的。。。

For more info on David, check out this link or for my mainland friends, try this.

So I’m going to [...]]]> Perhaps now that I have some time I’ll write a few reviews about some albums I’ve been listening to. Music has been a very important part of my life since I can remember (I began playing piano at 3 but don’t ask me how I did it because I don’t remember!)

So I’m going to start with a review of David Tao’s album 太平盛世 Great Leap 2005. I’ve been hesitant on reviewing it because I’m generally biased toward liking most of his work. However, I hope to point out some intricacies of WHY I like it and why you to go pick up a copy.

To give you some background info, on this album, David’s moved over to a larger recording label (EMI), and mentioned that it’s been a new start for him with songs that may very different from what he’s written in the past. For me, I wouldn’t expect anything less, as each of his albums are quite distinct from one another. He’s decided to simplify things to get the most of the instruments he’s using. Does he succeed? I’m going to highlight a few of my favorite songs on the album so let’s get into it and find out.

鬼 Ghost：
One noticeable difference between the Chinese release of the album is that it’s missing the first song “Ghost” 鬼。 I’m probably guessing this was done specifically for the Chinese market. I was able to get a listen to it and can definitely hear why it may not be receptive the Chinese market. If you look at the music video (WARNING: not for the faint of heart), I can see why it was excluded from distribution here.
I haven’t had a chance to look over the lyrics for this yet so won’t be able to comment on the content at this time.

Catherine:
Mr. Tao seems to have a knack for putting a song titled after a female name on every CD he’s released (look up Katrina, Angeline when you’ve got time). This one is another keeper. I love his knack for really capturing dynamics of the emotion of a song without making it “canned”. I hate canned music (perhaps I’ll write one day about how I abhor most Cantopop and most American pop). My favorite part in this song has got to be the “no no no no no no no” harmony at the end of the song. It’s got such a 1970s Motown-look’en-in-the-eye-and-shake-your-finger harmony that makes this song your typical guitar ballad to something special. One key characteristic of many of his songs is how everything sits very well together and doesn’t sound forced.

孙子兵法 Art of War:
This song takes its title from one of the most popular Chinese books called “Art of War“. Guest performers on this CD are the 12 girl band, which were one of the hottest groups in China in 2004. A hot trend nowadays in Taiwanese pop is to do the whole “get back to your roots” pop music, integrating classical chinese instruments and stylings into the music and this song is a good example of playing to the strengths of both the 12 girls band and to some hard rock.

爱我还是爱他 Who do you love?：
Great lyrics that very well crafted. Check out the music video too when you got time.

Susan 说 Susan Said：
Oh groove me to heaven! Like that last sentence made any sense! Mr. Tao has a magic touch with classic Chinese songs, bringing them back to popularity with a few lyrical additions and groovy beats. You’ll also notice that he’s also included some chinese instruments with the dizi and guzheng to add and extra sparkle. I appreciate hearing these classic songs for the first time.

祷告良辰歌 Sweet Hour of Prayer：
A rendition of a popular hymn, this is a great way of ending the album. Simple and relaxed.

Summary 总结:
I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with buying any of David’s albums and this one is no exception. Consistently solid lyrics and great melodies and arrangements are usually a surefire way of leaving a lasting impression.

Rating: 4/5 – definitely one for your collection

To be honest, the first time I popped it in and started listening to this new album, [...]]]>
So what do you get with a band that’s been apart for over 5 years and put them back together? Well, you get “Castles”, the long-awatied album by the Philosopher Kings following their successful “Famous, Rich, and Beautiful”.

To be honest, the first time I popped it in and started listening to this new album, I was expecting something similar to their last album, an in-your-face funk/soul album that comes out phat and bold. My sister, whom so graciously gave up her copy and passed it onto a friend to bring it over to Shanghai for me, told me that she wasn’t all that impressed by Castles. And upon listening to it I definitely had a similar reaction to it. However, I decided to listen to it over and over a few times just to get the songs into my blood.

Like in all forms of art, often when a piece of art is released, the public isn’t all quite ready to receive it in the glory that it duly deserves (Think how revolutionary and the bewilderment of many fans when first listening to U2’s “Actung Baby” and looking back now, you’ll be wondering where we’d be without such a album). But again, there are times when it never gets accepted by the general public. To my ears, I’m learning towards the former for this album and I’ll tell you why.

The amazing thing about the PKs is that every core member of their band has the gifted ability and creativity to go on their own, but they’ve chosen to get together to pool their thoughts and musical feelings. And this is how it’s out. Instead of the glam and glitter of their last album, they’ve come back to something simpler, ethereal, almost like a “been there, done that” attitude letting this album stand in its own artistic right. Mind you, I can’t imagine the number of bands out there that wish they had the skill and flow that these guys do…

So here are some of my favorites songs so far:
Castles – Released early. It has a very relaxed groove that breathes a lot of confidence in where they are and what they’re doing. I mean, it’s not often you’ll find nowadays people singing “da da”’s in the background.
Somebody to Love Me – Best groove so far. It caught me the fastest. It made me tap, air drum, and want to sing this song. Tight. Love the wah guitar solo.
Beautiful Creature – “James Brown, where are you?” Love the triple kick + piano hits, definitely adds that attitude.
I Want You – Hey, he’s pretty clear with this message. Love the alternative low pitch and falsetto that really matches the straight rhythm that makes you feel like you really better get out of the way of this madman.

On the downside, the album does have a “everything sounds the same” feel to it, but then again, most would compared to their previous album.

But my sister puts it quite succintly when she spoke of her PK live concert experience in Vancouver last week, “They’re just awesome.”
Rating: good pick up