Music and Japan...

It's been a while since I've posted something here, because your brain would just want to relax and rest in the shade drinking a martini. I admire the people who are able to post on their blog on a daily basis. It's either they are born writers or they are able to multi-task, playing DOTA ( is that still relevant? ) and checking the trending stories on Facebook while downloading new ( read: illegal ) movies on torrent.

I've decided to rant less in this post ( but rant nonetheless. ) and share with you some of the best stories I've seen on the net. So videos are aplenty ( because showing it with just picture are so 2010... ) 

I've been a huge fan of Jewish-Reggae singer Matisyahu ever since I've heard his song "King Without A Crown" : 

While his brand of sound can be alienating to some, his is so uplifting and unique from the run-of-the-mill music of today. So it is with great joy that he is releasing his 5th studio album titled AKEDA, the proper word being AKEDAH, which is the binding of Isaac, son of Abraham, a symbol of an ultimate sacrifice and fear of God. He has released some of the tracks from the said album online, the best that I've heard is this one called "Reservoir" 

And by a sheer stroke of coincidence, my other favorite band, nu-metal Linkin Park will also be releasing their 6th studio album, The Hunting Party. They've also released some of the tracks as well, my favorite being " Until It's Gone ": 

And while we are in the subject of music, I feel like there is no song for a male who is in a relationship and chose instead the "other woman" and hoping that his previous flame is doing alright despite his actions. Most of the music that is offered are about still in the "decision" stage. The closest that I stumbled upon is this: 

It's something that I've been going through. I mean, music is therapy, y'know? 

Will Ferrell is a very versatile comedian, and I was entertained by his recent stint on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: 

Man, they DO look alike... 

And thanks to this, I've taken a liking to the song that they've played. It's "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult. Take a listen. 

And because of this, I've stumbled into this infamous Saturday Night Live skit: 

Speaking of Late Night shows, Conan O' Brien is my favorite host, he is really in his element when he does remote sketches like these: 

                                  

As well when he plays videogames and makes some very witty remarks: 

                                    

                                    

Lately I've really taken an interest on Japan culture, most notably their interpretations on sex. I mean, they have this: 

I've dream of making a documentary on Japanese pornography, like going to Japan and interviewing porn stars, directors, producers and such. I mean, we only know so much, especially with the language barrier. Documentaries can take years to finish, but it's something I can sink my nose in. But it appears that there are already a couple of documentaries already being made about it, such as these: 

But of course, it's always good to give your point-of-view of the porn industry, and I already have a title for my documentary as well, I call it KIMOCHI: A DOCUMENTARY ON JAPANESE PORN. Kimochi is japanese slang meaning " it's good" or "it feels good". So, get me a producer. And a Japanese work visa. And restraint from hooking up with a Japanese porn star when I'm filming a documentary. 

So that's it, do watch these videos, and be patient when they are buffering. 

- "the king" 

Covering A LoveSong Right

from deviantart user jsladephotographs

 Music is a universal language. It can set your mood for any upcoming activity that you might be doing and even your current state of mind. And to think all it takes is a melody, rhythm, some fiddling of musical instruments and a meaningful lyric / message. They even say that making music is a lot like making love. Both satisfy your dominant needs, and that is of expression. Even in troubling and trying times women have it easy because they were given words as a way of expressing themselves. And what did God give men to
compensate? Music. And no other music category is on a playlist of an average male when in a mixed bag of emotions than a love song.

Now, one of the greatest modern love songs made by a musician/ band is The Cure's Lovesong. The Cure is an English alternative goth rock band in the 80's. Their presence and popularity helped people be aware of the gothic scene in the 80's. Besides "Lovesong", their other famous hits are "Let's Go to Bed", "Boys Don't Cry, "Friday I'm In Love" and "Killing An Arab". The Cure released several albums and is still active in the music scene, with band members changing but the vocalist still present  in the form of Robert Smith.

by deviantart user Stephane Burlot

Lovesong was released in their eighth studio album Disintegration in 1989. Robert Smith wrote the song as a wedding present for his long-time girlfriend and then fiancee Mary. It peaked at # 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the band's best-selling single to date. A music video was made where the band played in a cave and Robert Smith was shown looking at what looks like a wedding ring in reference to the origin of the song during the start of the music video.

Check out the video below:

So famous was the song that it had several covers from different artists. Covers were usually done to give something new to an old song or to make the musician/band famous quickly. Whatever the case may be, here are some famous covers from the timeless song.

This is perhaps the most famous cover of Lovesong. Alternative rock band 311 gave a reggae mix to the song and was even featured on the romantic-comedy 50 First Dates starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

                                 

Alternative rock band Death Cab for Cutie did a sad take to the song. Nothing really new, but listening to their take does make you feel a little bit sad. 

                                 

American Idol Season 12 winner Candice Glover performed the song during the Top 6 stint. She was applauded for her take on the song. 

Season 6 finalist Blake Lewis also did his take on the song, using the 311's version. 

                                           

Despite British singer Adele's credibility as a singer, her version of Lovesong, going the Bossa Nova route, was a poor attempt at the song. What's worse, a lot of people associate the song more with her version than The Cure's.

                                       

Dark Cabaret musician Voltaire gave a very memorable cover of the song, adding haunting piano and violin pieces, making it his own. 

                                     

There are also social-network-user-submitted covers as well. Youtube user Ein Astronaut gave his own take on the song as well, making a videosong on the famous video-sharing site. 

                                         

Famous alternative rock pianist Tori Amos did a cover as well. It was kind of noisy and a far departure from The Cure's vision of the song. 

                                        

American rock band Good Charlotte also did a memorable cover of the song. They mostly played it on a live audience. 

                                       

Another great cover was done by Japanese Electro-Pop Immi. It was difficult searching for it using Blogger's "Insert Video" option, so it is best finding it Youtube.

So there you have it. You can never keep a good song down, as they say. Check them all out, and hoping that you'll get a massive dose of LSS ( Last Song Syndrome ). Robert Smith sez thanks.

from deviantart user cherille

- "the king"

Lame TV Shows, Music Faves and Milking Eraserheads...

It is raining as I type this, and I would've preferred if there some blues music playing in the background, but I think better if there are no music playing...sometimes. It would set my mood for some bittersweet atmosphere. You could say the cold nights are almost here...

Ever since the historical Eraserheads reunion concert back in August, there have been many attempts to capitalize on the phenomenon that happened (*cough MYX cough*). There are feature articles, interviews from the people who mentored the band, documentaries on their rise and fall and their albums displayed prominently at record bars. While I do love their songs (my favorites are the unreleased track "Sa Tollgate", "Julie Tearjerky", "Ligaya" and "Minsan") and paved the way for other "garage" bands, this is a perfect example of "capitalizing" the craze. (just like P.Diddy did to the late Notorious B.I.G.) . But hey, if people wanted more of 'Heads factoids, fine by me... just don't overdo it.

There is a tv show I've watched a few years back on MTV. It's about a group of 5 people trying to break some world records travelling around the U.S.A. on their customized RV. It's called "Call to Greatness". I say it's more like "Call to LAMEness". I man, I don't know about you, but these records they're trying to break just border on the stupid and uselessness. Farthest throw using a Tuba player? Most number of Juggles using a Silicon? Farthest travel on a bed mounted with wheels for 20 minutes? Oh, C'mon!!! What happened to those simple records, like most number of burgers in one sitting? Well, at least they have a cool logo.

My current music faves playing at MTV or myx are the Various female artists "Just Stand Up" (Miley Cyrus' contribution there is really, really out of place.) The TingTing's "Shut Up and Let me Go" (nice video, too.) "If I were A Boy" by Beyonce (is it me, or do most of my faves are from divas? Gak!!!)

-"the king"