Reviews written by Walking Contradiction
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Shirley's Era (2nd Edition) (CD+DVD)
Shirley's Era (2nd Edition) (CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$18.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:July 7, 2009 Shirley's EraIt took Sandy Lam 10 years to come up with a follow up Cantonese album, with Shirley, it took 14. Originally slated for a 2008 release to coincide with her round of Unexpected concerts last year, the album finally makes it way onto the CD shelves this year.
The album consists of 12 tracks, 9 Cantonese tracks, 2 remixes and 1 Mandarin track “花鳥” which is the Mandarin version of “山水”. Predominantly targeting the Hong Kong market, it sums up most of Shirley’s recent work nicely. “天規” and “山水” were both showcased in her concert last year. Those performances are included in the DVD. “天規” is a commanding fast paced track whilst “山水” is a euro-inspired ballad.
The two TVB themes are also included, “鑽禧” from “The Gem Of Life” and “只得一次” from “Best Selling Secrets”. Both songs display quite a different Shirley. “只得一次” is a more traditional ballad whilst “鑽禧” is classier and more alternative to what’s typically saturating the Cantonese market.
Previous contributions to the 12 Faces of Woman Compilation also make their way onto the album in the forms of “三千年前” and “眾生花”.
The two new plugs, “男左女右” is a duet with Leo Ku, and is a poppy fun track that works surprisingly well and is definitely one of the highlights of the album, and “地盡頭” is a ballad and doesn’t quite match up to “山水”.
On the whole, it’s quite a solid album. Everything thrown into the mix, you have ballads and uptempo tracks, you have TVB themes, you have remixes and even a Mandarin track thrown in for good measure. The remixes are surprisingly pleasant as you can tell that they did try and re-interpret the songs, instead of just slapping on a different beat and hoping that the vocals will mesh. Here’s hoping Shirley’s next release doesn’t take another 14 years!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Faye Wong (3CD+DVD)
Faye Wong (3CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(3)Our Price: US$26.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 7, 2009 情•菲•得意 Vs 阿菲正傳 Part IIThe previous compilation featured “花生騷” and “Eyes On Me” as special non-Faye album inclusions, this album features “我愛雀斑” from the Alan Tam tribute album, “不得了” and “心驚膽戰” both previously only appeared on various Faye Wong greatest hits or best of sets.
There’s always constant talk of Faye Wong making a return from her seemingly indefinitely hiatus, but until I actually physically hold her next studio album in my hands, all reports are just a wishful fantasy. Judging from the early sales of this album, Universal music have succeeded yet again with another Faye Wong compilation.
Here’s hoping the “next” Faye Wong compilation contains 80 tracks spread over 5 discs, encompassing materials that supersede both aforementioned compilations, recognize the fact that “To Love” was a Faye Wong album that exists, and for once and for all, release something that is really worth shelving hard earned money for. Regarding the bonus DVD, what ever thrown in would just be the icing on the cake, be it properly sequenced MVs or live performance footages. With the “newest” piece of music from this compilation being 8 years old, it’s a clear indication that Faye Wong never goes out of style.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Faye Wong (3CD+DVD)
Faye Wong (3CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(3)Our Price: US$26.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 7, 2009 情•菲•得意 Vs 阿菲正傳 Part IExactly 4 years after the previous hugely successful Faye Wong compilation “情•菲•得意”, comes the latest one “阿菲正傳”, with exactly the same format, 3 digitally remastered CDs plus a DVD. How long a compilation remains available is usually a clear indication of how well it performed for the record company, sales wise, particularly if the compilation contained no new material. As most of us are aware, Faye Wong’s been in hiding since her last round of concert finished up and hasn’t issued any new music since 2003. Six years on, the arrival of this latest compilation is a clear indication of her star selling power, and she is still very much a relevant diva in high demand.
Onto this latest compilation, it seems to have picked up where the previous compilation left off and tried to fill in more of the gaps to give you a slightly more complete Faye Wong collection. 7 songs appear in an alternate format, be it remixed or unplugged, 6 of these songs appear in their original version in the previous collection. 4 songs that appear in their Cantonese version, make their appearance in Mandarin form, being “半途而廢”, “愛一次給不完 (張學友合唱)”, “紅豆” and “蝴蝶”. 10 songs are duplicated, all mainly on the first disc. 4 songs appear twice, both in Cantonese and Mandarin, namely “容易受傷的女人”, “執迷不悔”, “百年孤寂 / 守望麥田” and “給自己的情書 / 笑忘書”.
Faye’s releases from the EMI era are more prominently featured here, but still not as comprehensive as the “Most Fayevourite” compilation released by EMI. The inclusion of the 10 track DVD is a real gem, although some of the tracks are heavily edited and features performances from Faye at the peak of her career in Hong Kong.
On the whole, this compilation does contain a wealth of materials. The alternative versions may mean more to hardcore fans than the general music loving public. This compilation is more mandarin heavy and contains less ballads. The inclusions of some songs in both versions may annoy some, but there are some decent inclusions that were surprisingly over looked in the previous compilation namely, “天與地”, “夢遊”, “我也不想這樣”, “開到茶靡”, “流年”, “螢火蟲” and “當時的月亮”.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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April 5, 2008 A Wonderful Surprise
Sandy Lam has been very generous to us eager music fans. Between 2000 and 2007, Sandy has entertained us with 4 sets of concerts. 2002 was a fan favourite with many hit singles performed. 2004 was a collaboration with Anthony Lun and the Hong Kong Orchestra providing a classy affair. 2005 was to coincide the release of her first full length Cantonese album in ten year, Original Colour. With this latest concert, theres no coinciding new album release. Held in mid-November last year, its almost a personal indulgence from Sandy. Comprising of pre-dominantly album cuts, with a few hits thrown in between, its not a mainstream project that Sandy is taking us on and quite a daring move, as well. With such an extensive catalogue, who is to know what is to be expected?
Sandys vocals are top notch in this series of concerts; all 25 tracks are brilliantly performed. The set is ballad heavy, and there is no fast medleys incorporated, unlike her previous three concerts. If anything, she closes the concert with a lyric less track called Incomplete where its just Sandy humming. Despite being ballad heavy, Sandy does offer a lot of variety in terms of content and delivery style. While some songs are performed to perfection that it rivals the studio versions, others are re-arranged to provoke a fresh sense of adaptation.
For those who are after the hits, thrown into the mix is Cry, Chicago Story, Lonely Shooting Stars, Rush, Rush, Feeling Perfect & End. The thing about this live concert is that its almost like listening to a new album, as most of these album cuts, we tend to not pay as much attention to, as the plugged singles.
This concert is really more thought provoking than to get your blood pumping as Sandy takes you on a journey to explore the depths of all your sensory pleasures. With the tag line of come as U are, be who U are, one cant help but feel that with this concert, Sandy really has nothing left to prove, but this collection of songs, is what she enjoys singing most and is the concert where she feels most at home. You'll be guaranteed to be thinking of the performances, long after the concert has finished.
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Being Shirley On Stage Live 2006 Karaoke (3DVD)
Being Shirley On Stage Live 2006 Karaoke (3DVD) DVD Region All
(6)Our Price: US$31.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:January 4, 2007 Absolutely ShirleyAfter being noticeably absent from the stage for a decade, one can't help but be nervous for this quiet achieving diva. When you think of Shirley Kwan, a chain of other high profile female artists comes to mind, Sandy Lam, Faye Wong, Sally Yip and of course, the late, but great Anita Mui.
A dominant force in the early 90's, Shirley had released enough hits in a short 4-5 years to rival an average artists' music career. Appropriately titled "Being Shirley", the concert is precisely that, Shirley being who she is, doing what she does best.
The concert starts with 3 new tracks from her latest EP, but flows nicely through out weaving between stand out ballads such as "一切也願意", "患難建真情", "難得有情人", "繾綣星光下" and "一首獨唱的歌". Then there's Shirley's fast tracks including "Dela", "午夜狂奔", "製造迷夢", "夜迷宮" and "梵音".
Graceful and always a delight to watch, the audience can't help but be won over by her countless gushes of appreciation to her fans for sticking by her and for their patience. Shirley's vocals although a bit shaky to begin with, warms up and radiates perfectly by the time she gets to the 6th track and continues right through the end.
Though in her late 30s and already a single mother, she looks great, moves well and is an alround entertainer. Although you may not recognise the name, you will definitely recognise the songs. Give this one a spin, Shirley, despite a successful set of concerts, still remains to be one of the sweetest and surprising undiscovered hidden treasures.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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August 21, 2006 Originally Sandy
You know you're a diva in high demand if the market is constantly flooded with greatest hits and best of packages every time you release a new album. Such is the case for one of my favourite female artist, Sandy Lam.
After a long 3 year hiatus, she released <本色> late last year, back by a highly popular tour which is still ongoing. When you buy this product, what you’re going to get is … simply beautiful music. No fancy packaging, no bonus DVDs, stickers, note pads or whatever music companies feel like dishing out with CDs these days. The encouraging thought with Sandy releases is that … there’s yet to be seen where a CD has been re-released to try and cash in.
Now, onto the music, 10 brilliantly crafted musical pieces. First single, the album track <本色> is one of the upbeat tracks, being a Korean cover, one can’t help but feel slightly disappointed, thinking, it’s her first Cantonese release in 10 years, and all she could come up with for the leading track is a cover. However, second single <為何他會離開你> is definitely Sandy’s forte. As a mid-tempo ballad, it is heartfelt, simple and elegantly sung. Two other tracks made it onto the radio <不敢奢想改變你> and <再見悲哀>, both being mellow but unforgettable pieces.
It’s a wonderful blessing to be able to hear Sandy sing in Cantonese once again and made me realised how much I’ve missed it over the last ten years. She has teased us with the “Encore” EP and thrown in a Cantonese track here and there for good measure, but nothing quite rewarding as this. Her singing is top notch. The pronunciation is precise, clear and effortlessly pleasant to the ear.
Overall, the album is ballad heavy, with 2 main upbeat tracks. However, it is very cleverly sequenced with a mixture of other musical genres thrown in between. It reminds me of her <2001蓮> in the sense that the album is finished before you realised it. Discounting the silent gap between the last track and the special spoken message explaining why the opening track “Incomplete” has no lyrics, the album just falls short of 40 minutes, but most Chinese albums are short in length, and the quality more than makes up for it. Here’s hoping I don’t have to wait another 10 years for the next full length Cantonese album. Well done Sandy!
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August 19, 2006 Originally Sandy
After a long 3 year hiatus, she released <本色> late last year, back by a highly popular tour which is still ongoing. When you buy this product, what you’re going to get is … simply beautiful music. No fancy packaging, no bonus DVDs, stickers, note pads or whatever music companies feel like dishing out with CDs these days. The encouraging thought with Sandy releases is that … there’s yet to be seen where a CD has been re-released to try and cash in.
Now, onto the music, 10 brilliantly crafted musical pieces. First single, the album track <本色> is one of the upbeat tracks, being a Korean cover, one can’t help but feel slightly disappointed, thinking, it’s her first Cantonese release in 10 years, and all she could come up with for the leading track is a cover. However, second single <為何他會離開你> is definitely Sandy’s forte. As a mid-tempo ballad, it is heartfelt, simple and elegantly sung. Two other tracks made it onto the radio <不敢奢想改變你> and <再見悲哀>, both being mellow but unforgettable pieces.
It’s a wonderful blessing to be able to hear Sandy sing in Cantonese once again and made me realised how much I’ve missed it over the last ten years. She has teased us with the “Encore” EP and thrown in a Cantonese track here and there for good measure, but nothing quite rewarding as this. Her singing is top notch. The pronunciation is precise, clear and effortlessly pleasant to the ear.
Overall, the album is ballad heavy, with 2 main upbeat tracks. However, it is very cleverly sequenced with a mixture of other musical genres thrown in between. It reminds me of her <2001蓮> in the sense that the album is finished before you realised it. Discounting the silent gap between the last track and the special spoken message explaining why the opening track “Incomplete” has no lyrics, the album just falls short of 40 minutes, but most Chinese albums are short in length, and the quality more than makes up for it. Here’s hoping I don’t have to wait another 10 years for the next full length Cantonese album. Well done Sandy!
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