Reviews written by quadshock
-
Happy Girl (CD+DVD)
Happy Girl (CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(29)Our Price: US$18.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:5 people found the following helpful
August 23, 2006 this is for track 1I have heard track 1 as well... and while those people who love listening to Americanised Chinese music (who oddly don't like American music?) may like it due to trendiness, the song itself is just sloppily done. Having that said, it is also less sloppy than a lot of HK semi-upbeat songs, hence the satisfactory score. I really wish they'd do something new rather than be completely influenced by other cultures... but for now it's a good break from ballads Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Election (2-Disc Deluxe Edition) (Hong Kong Version)
Election (2-Disc Deluxe Edition) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(4)Our Price: US$20.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 2, 2006 Not overrated.If anything, underrated. Underrated because not enough people know about this film, yet. I know it's not right, but I want to compare this to the last successful triad film from Hong Kong, Infernal Affairs, to give people a better idea of what this is. Johnnie To saw that violence like this was necessary in order to portray this type of gang life accurately, and did not sacrifice anything just so more people can see it. Whereas IA consisted more of twists and turns that caused the audience to think "wow whoever wrote the storyline is clever", this movie is much more believable and, to me, alive. Simply put, IA is a complex machine while Election has flesh and bones. It made me use my head, not the way one solves math problems, but the way one wants to see things from multiple perspectives. I respect both films equally (I respect To more than the other two directors though), but this movie is denser and takes more to really grasp. I'm on the eve of watching it again, then selling it so I can get the special edition shown here, because it's that good. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Band Sound (3CD)
July 26, 2006 mmI do not know if this is the best selection of songs from each band; I am not the age where my word on that is credible. Not that kids have worse taste in music, we simply do not enjoy the same access to these bands' music as older people might have. Having that said, I heard parts of each CD and omitting word on Beyond (they're my heroes), I think everyone else held up just as well. If these are not the bands' masterpieces then I am excited to know what really ARE those works of genius, because these CDs are enough to make me smile inside whenever I hear them. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
4 people found the following helpful
December 30, 2005 actuallythere is only one song they "ripped off" of korean musicians. In return a korean boyband "ripped off" a song from this album. Their vocal abilities, especially in the acapella songs, are among the best in Asia. Highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found the following helpful
December 22, 2005 if it were good...if this were a good album, it would have impressive vocals, high production quality, and excellent music. Not to mention REAL lyrics, not just 3rd grader words thrown into a song. This album has none of the above, and yet people can still give it five stars. This pretty much shows the standards the youth of HK has today... anyone that has an album is a "singer". Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
December 18, 2005 ridiculous
I will admit, I'm constantly on the lookout for mainstream hip hop and rock releases in the Chinese market because it may be a sign of an "opening up" of the culture... and possibly the companies are finally willing to take more chances with their artists. Therefore, when I saw the cover to this album, my first thought was, "hip hop?" Then I wondered if it was worth checking out, since this guy looked so lame on the cover. Of course, the whole judging a book by its cover thing comes up, and I gave it a listen. Soon it was apparent that this is not a hip hop album; it's a pop album with some hip hop gimmicks. One of the first tracks that I found memorable, but not in the positive sense, was "VIP". I was asking myself how stupid lyrics could get... but it did not really hit me until I reached the last track how ridiculous the album was. I can forgive the artist and company for average music because their goal is to make money, and the audience loves shallow music. However, trying so hard to imitate the stupid side of American hip hop as a GIMMICK is unforgivable. Average techno songs, weak slow songs, stupid hip hop attempts, and terrible lyrics deserve no stars from me. Don't even touch this album with a stick from a distance. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
2 people found the following helpful
December 1, 2005 okThis is not a must-buy... the production of the album, I admit, is above average for a HK production. Her singing is definitely not bad. The songs themselves are not bad either. However, altogether they simply do not stand out. Han Jin pretty much ruined the song he was featured in too. I do not think this is such a rare talent... but definitely check it out for yourself; you're the best judge. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
7 people found the following helpful
November 26, 2005 A Great Surprise
As soon as Eason Chan's contract with EEG expired (EEG is largely responsible for driving Hong Kong's music quality to the ground), his music changed drastically. One may ask why Eason would not stick with the ballads and pop songs that made him rich and famous. The answer is simple: he's free. During his time in EEG he had nearly no say in what songs to sing for his next album; they simply fed him songs. In the first major release since his departure, U-87, we hear a drastic change in sound because, according to him, he only chose songs that he had feelings for this time around. This marked the time when Eason could finally use his musical talent for the right cause: to express himself. Many veteran singers express their yearning for this type of expression, and it looks like Eason has taken his first two steps in that direction.
Having that said, Eason's new album is very different from U-87 as well. This is primarily a Mandarin album with two Cantonese tracks. I'll just review each track as I go through listening again. I'll translate the titles that I can, but my Chinese really is not that good, so I'll put the pinyin for the others
1) I Cannot Wait Any Longer - This is a slow song, but it is obviously a departure from the EEG ones he is known for. It's not completely mellow, but the pace is fairly slow. His singing is good as usual, but I can imagine this song may sound better if, say, Guang Liang sings it. Eason's voice gives it more of a rock feel even without rock elements. Yes, an odd way to say it, but that's the only way I can describe it.
2) Sorry, Thank You - Track 2 is still a slow song. This one is a little more refreshing than the first due to the music in the background. I don't know if this can be considered a power ballad, but it definitely suits him more than the plainer Chinese slow songs like "Next Year, Today".
3) Hippie - This song reminds me slightly of 90s grunge music, with a mainland touch that I can't really put in words. It's not "hip" so the teenyboppers would probably find it boring. The others may find that the arrangements are varied and detailed. Eason's voice is [b]perfect[/b] for this type of song.
4) Then What Do You Want Me to Do (terrible translation) - The least "rock" song on this album, I started out thinking this track was going to be a hip hop song of some type. I can definitely imagine a hip hop song with this melody, but in the end it's more like an upbeat, but more mature type of song. The beat can get someone dancing, I imagine.
5) Not Sleeping - Even from the intro you can tell this song is going for a more relaxing feeling. It's light rock, and a high quality one at that. Once again, I can imagine a high-profile 90's US band singing this song in English. Once again, I don't know exactly why I can imagine that.
6) Yi Ye Xiao Hun - This introduction kind of brings back memories of Disney soundtracks when they were good. The song itself is quite different. He sings in a very different tone from the other songs. You can say the melody of this song is more of a "typical Hong Kong ballad", except with more depth and feeling.
7) Fu Cheng - If anyone knows the "indie" genre (not the technical term used to describe production), then they may agree that this song carries some of that flavor. The tone is very mellow and mysterious, as though he is telling a story through the song. I do not know the lyrics so I cannot confirm if this is true. In my head, just from listening, I can imagine a person in street night life at a bar something. Maybe it's just me.
8) Zao Kai De Chang Tu Ban - An abrupt intro shows that this is a heavier song than most others on the album. It is more upbeat but it definitely is not as heavy after the short introduction. The melody actually reminds me of oldies Mandarin music, like the type they play at supermarkets. Of course, the rock feel brings it a modern feel as well as a Chinese one. How ironic it would be if it turns out ot be a cover of a song from another country. Haha...
9) Listen (Cantonese) - I believe this track is in advertisements for Mcdonalds. I mean, I KNOW it from the bababababa. This is another not-so-rock song, but it does not feel much out of place with the Mandarin songs either. It's more of a dance song, yet it does not sound like a typical pop song. It's also not the type of song you'd just want to hear when you go to Mcdonalds; it's a good song on its own.
10) Ren Shen Dou (Cantonese) - One fast and one slow song on the album is probably enough to satisfy the Hong Kong fans for now. The melody of this song is refreshing, and soon jumps into a more upbeat feel halfway through the first minute of the song. The violin and guitar combination works quite well. I actually wouldn't mind if they took out the slight echo effect they added to the chorus, but it's all good.
Overall, I cannot say any of these are bad songs, even if I try. I suppose it must be great that, once you don't have to worry about your singing (after it has reached that standard) you can really focus on other parts of music. Now that Eason has reached this stage I can finally say I respect him. I suggest those looking for a mature Chinese pop/rock album to buy it... I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. Unless, of course, you're looking for r/b and hip hop. hah.
9.75/10: 0.25 off because the first two tracks are an odd intro to the album and give the audience the wrong impression.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
November 9, 2005 Simply
Let me make a very straightforward comment: This album is not for the teenyboppers. For the fans maybe, but who can disagree that, comapred to his other albums, this appeals to the older crowd more? Of course people used to listening to K-song melodies (which Leon did for the past year) will find this boring. What they miss is what the adults will be more likely to notice: tight compositions with detailed, careful arrangements. The lyrics are steps above whatever Hacken's doing, so there's no need to argue that. I gave this album a 9 because the "Love YOu Crazily" song annoys me and definitely does not fit in with the other songs. In conclusion, keep in mind that this album is for those with longer attention spans and a greater knowledge for music, not 15 year olds looking for songs that are catchy on first listen, or fast songs that have *ooooo* sound effects that amuse them. Thank you for your time. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1TYM Vol. 5 - One Way
1TYM Vol. 5 - One Way
(29)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:5 people found the following helpful
November 8, 2005 extremely, extremely poppyThe reason why people got into the whole "Korean wave" thing was because, compared to, say, Chinese pop, Korean pop albums generally had a much darker, more mature sound. Now everyone's moving away from that direction, and it's a stupid move. This does not sound even distinguishably korean anymore; experimentation is only good if you can still be yourself. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Starlight Boulevard
2 people found the following helpful
September 7, 2005 pretty goodI always had slight prejudice against Alan because he seems to always act so arrogant on stage... but when his album came out, I thought, there must be a reason he was a hit in my parent's generation so I'll try it out.
Well, I can see why he's respected now. He seems to be paired with Hacken more often than not now days, but when it comes to album quality, this album crushes any Hacken album that came out after 2000. The songs do not sound cheap and rushed, as do most HKpop albums today. Instead, I think it may be the best pop Cantonese album this year in terms of sound and production quality, arrangements, and perhaps lyrics (i have a very limited Chinese vocabulary, but I can usually tell whether a song is deep or shallow from the bits and pieces I pick up).
The album may bore those who are used to pop songs that are supposed to stay in your head the first time you listen to it (aka catchy in a poppy sense). Now days, I tend to prefer the albums that take longer to absorb though, and this album really satisfies my hunger. I guess you can call it an "adult" album more than it is a CD aimed toward the younger ones.
You pretty much could not survive in the 80's if you can't sing, so obviously Alan did a wonderful job in his songs; he does all the songs justice, and perhaps even brings them to another level. The album even does a satisfactory job that most Asian albums seem to struggle with... creativity. It's nowhere near the level that, say, Tat Ming reached with their latest work, but it is miles ahead of another example, Joey Yung's Bi-heart.
Perhaps I remembered wrong, but I think Alan originated in a rock band. In this album, he goes back to his roots if I'm correctly, and since this is only the second time I've heard his voice coupled with rock music, I'd say that rock suits him as much, if not more than, the slow songs he's famous for.
I must admit, however, that this review was completed after only about three times through the album. I tend to pay close attention to everything besides lyrics the first few times through though, so I doubt my opinion would drastically change over the next week or so. That's why I didn't say anything about the longetivity about the album.
PS: Maybe the album would be even better if he left out the short English phrases...Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
1 people found the following helpful
September 1, 2005 goodThis is not a pop album. It's heavier, more political (from what i interpreted), and... just more mature. The three tracks on the EP blend to form one enormous song, each with a different feel. It's rock, but not the type with incredible solos. I get the feeling that the guitar is used more as a supplement to the drums than anything; the notes provide a type of rhythm. an orchestra in the background provides the melodic part of it. I enjoy the album, but perhaps the 12 year old who listens to Twins and such will despise it. Everything depends on your taste. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
January 16, 2004 FINALLY SOMETHING WORTH LISTENING TO
with twins, boy'z, 2r, shine, and all those crap cantonese wannabe-bands that have been coming out lately, i am surprised to find a pop album from a duo worth listening to. Of course, the underground and indie cantonese music is even better, but besides for single singers, this has been the best cantonese group i've heard for the past few years. No one can top them in talent and variety in songs. their style is much more mature, professional, and overall more "complete" than the other ones i listed at the beginning. You can DEFINITELY tell they spent lots of time on these songs. They're trying types of music others don't dare to try, which is another reason why they're so great. While everyone's following trends and releasing, in my opinion, boring albums, At17 is pushing the industry forward. Now, all that's needed is for them to be a huge hit and hk pop music will go uphill once again. I personally think this cd is of international quality. In other words, if it was released in other countries such as the US, they would be high-quality enough to compete with others in the industry. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
3 people found the following helpful
March 10, 2003 ~sigh~i love this album, but i have one thing to say to people who say "leon is polluting the music industry." are you trying to tell us that polluting is a good thing? That's the only logical way of thinking about it. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
3 people found the following helpful
March 10, 2003 very nicethis is truly one of his best cd's...but his two recent cd's have matched this quality also. I guess that's why i'm a leon fan Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
Showing: 1-15 of 15 items
Page:
1
Bookmark & Share