How Can I Get Your Love

Natatawa ako kay Anne Curtis. Recently she's been expressing her fondness for Korean dramas. She's one of the neophytes in the growing community of mga nilamon ng K-drama. At first I thought she only liked Gong Yoo (which of course, I didn't take lightly as she posed a threat to his and my potential marriage. LOL!) But then last night I saw these screenshots from Twitter of Anne liking and commenting on Lee Sung Kyung's Instagram posts:

 

 

May pa-"yeppeuda" na si ateng! Stage 4 na ang k-drama virus. Hahaha! Anyway, I can't blame her. Lee Sung Kyung is very girl-crush material. She embodies all my frustrations.  She started as a model so she has long legs than can bridge South Korea and Japan (ito pa lang, pack-up na). Apart from acting, she can also sing, dance, and play the piano--and I don't just mean playing para masabi lang na marunong, unlike someone I know (me. Lels). This girl's got "SUHWEEGGG!" 

Like everyone else, I learned about LSK's existence through her most recent drama, Weightlifting Fairy. I am CRRRAZYYY about this drama I can't even express how much. I watched it just this month because may paandar ako na I don't like watching popular dramas while they're airing (except Goblin, because Gong Yoo) kasi nga I'm unconventional kuno, only to give in months later and be addicted to them just like the rest. Late bloomer ako, sorry.

Anyway, even though I'm more inclined to fangirl over female celebrities, in the "Weightlifting" drama I found myself more hooked on Jeong Joon Hyung (male lead played by Nam Joo Hyuk). HE IS THE SWEETEST GUY IN THE WHOLE, WIDE, K-DRAMA WORLD. Forget Kim Shin (Goblin), Joon Hyung is every bit the boyfriend every girl could hope for. He's sensitive, caring, sweet, very expressive of his affection for Bok Joo (LSK), loyal, supportive, loves his family, and has just the right amount of playfulness in him. He's dependable and Bok Joo can be herself around him without apprehensions, and they encourage each other to be better, too. Bok Joo, how to be you po?

YES, JOON HYUNG, I CAN SEE! 

SIGH. This is one of the drawbacks of watching too many k-dramas. It gets you frustrated when you're done watching because a character like Joon Hyung is a unicorn. Fictional. Unreal. Mythical. Nonexistent. A fantasy. Or is he? May katulad ba talaga niya, Lord? Pwede pong magpa-reserve? LOL.

Even though I'm done watching the drama I'm still repeating some of the episodes, and even still search for clips on Instagram. I really love Joon Hyung, he makes my heart flutter. CHAROT! Tume-twenties? Hahaha! The drama has some great songs on its soundtrack, too! Kim Jong Wan, the lead singer of my favorite Korean-indie band Nell, has a track in the album and it was Bok Joo and Joon Hyung's theme in the drama. Naturally, it's been on loop in my Spotify for the past few days. KJW's voice really has that calming effect and his songs are very coffee shop playlist-worthy. Another one of my favorites is "I'll Pick You Up" by Standing Egg, a k-indie band that I also follow. Check them out below:

WEIGHTLIFTING FAIRY KIM BOK JOO
OST PICKS

YOU and I - Kim Jong Wan (Nell)

How can I get your love
How can I make you smile
This heart-pounding fluttering feeling
Is coloring my heart

What can I do but dream
Living in a dream all day
I wanna have courage and invite you
Will you come to me? In my dream?

I don’t know where this feeling came from
Only I know about this small trembling
I’m trapped in a sandcastle that I made myself, like a little boy
I’m still lost, looking for that dream
Shall we dream together now
You and I

How can I win your heart
How can I make You mine
Very slowly, I will tell you
Will you come to me? To a dream we can share

I don’t know where this feeling came from
Only I know about this small trembling
I’m trapped in a sandcastle that I made myself, like a little boy
I’m still lost, looking for that dream
Shall we dream together now
You and I

I'LL PICK YOU UP - Standing Egg

The love that withered inside of me

Has it come back to life

In my calm heart

You brought butterflies

Today more than yesterday

Tomorrow more than today

If I only have you, I think I’ll be happy

I’ll pick you up, wherever you are

Is it too late? I’ll run to you

I’ll pick you up, so you won’t regret

I’ll wait for you

I’ll pick you up right now

Your normally bright face

Why is it so dark today?

You are the sweet rain

That fell in my dry heart

Today more than yesterday

Tomorrow more than today

If I only have you, I will brightly smile

I’ll pick you up, wherever you are

Is it too late? I’ll run to you

I’ll pick you up, so you won’t regret

I’ll wait for you

I’ll pick you up right now

Because you colored a pretty rainbow inside of me

There is a bright smile on my face

The only one person, I’ll pick you up

Just one time, a little more

Will you place me inside of you?

Today more than yesterday

Tomorrow more than today

If I only have you, I think I’ll be happy

I’ll pick you up, wherever you are

Is it too late? I’ll run to you

I’ll pick you up, so you won’t regret

I’ll wait for you

I’ll pick you up right now

DREAM - Han Hee Jung

I’ve been hesitating for a while
In front of the time that is to come
I go back and forth from excitement and worry
Over and over again
Time keeps rushing me
We’re suddenly at the end of the road
I’m dreaming, I hope it will be eternal happiness
I’m dreaming, I hope there will be green days ahead
Even if cold wind blows over to us
I’m dreaming, I hope there will be more smiling days
Than days wet with tears
Although the seasons change
Can’t we just stay as we are?
I’m dreaming, I hope it will be eternal happiness
I’m dreaming, I hope there will be green days ahead
Even if cold wind blows over to us
I’m dreaming, I hope there will be more smiling days
Than days wet with tears


*end*

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30-Day Song Challenge (Days 7-12)

Aaaand I'm back with another set of songs for the 30-Day Song Challenge which I will compress into approximately 5 days because I don't have enough patience to do the whole 1 month stretch. LOL. Let's move right on to days 7-12:

DAY 7: A Song To Drive To

I have a variety of songs that I like to listen to while driving, but below are the regulars.

** NOBODY'S FAULT BUT MINE by Led Zeppelin - nothing like a a good rock song to keep you pumped up behind the wheel. Recommended when the road is wide and uncrowded.

** HOWLIN' FOR YOU / YOUR TOUCH by The Black Keys - I love this duo. You can bob your head and rock out when there's too much traffic during rush hours. Who cares if the people in the jeepney in front are watching you? :))

** HALLUCINATE by Oliver Riot

** ONLY FOR YOU by Heartless Bastards

** ULAY OH by How I Became The Bomb

** I'M HERE NOW / WAIT FOR ME by Motopony

I listen to these four and other similar songs during easy driving...like when I'm not in a hurry to get somewhere, or when I'm on my way home at night where everything is in slow motion and your mind has the liberty to wander (though make sure you don't wander too far from the road ahead of you. lol).

DAY 8: A Song About Drugs Or Alcohol

** ALAPAAP by Eraserheads - I loved this song when I was younger because the lyrics sounded so free(?). When I got older I realized what the song was referring to but just the same, I still like it because it gives a feeling liberation.

DAY 9: A Song That Makes You Happy

** CAN'T STOP THE FEELING by Justin Timberlake - my ultimate mood booster. When having a ho-hum day, I can trust JT to make me get up and dance and move my a$$.

** YOU AND I by Ingrid Michaelson - I don't know why but this song just puts me in a good mood. It's cute and relaxed and somewhat dreamy.

** SHAKE IT OFF by Taylor Swift - Yes, I do listen to the occasional Tay-tay. This song's lyrics is straightforward and not the slightest attempt at being poetic but in moments when life throws all the crap at you, you just need to shake it off! LOL

DAY 10: A Song That Makes You Sad

** CHANGE OF TIME by Josh Ritter - this song has the saddest melody in the world. Listen to it once and you'll agree. Though I still have this in my playlist for times when I need to enhance the emo mood. :D

** SLEEP ALL DAY by Jason Mraz - Like I've said in the previous post, Jason Mraz brings back specific memories from college which generally have no relation to the message of his songs. This particular song reminds me of a very stressful hell week of exams and papers when I was still taking up an engineering course. This song was on when I was cramming for exams while deciding whether to shift to another course or not. So whenever I hear it, the anxiety and nervousness are brought back so that I'd suddenly feel heavy. Yeah, I'm just weird like this. Lol.

DAY 11: A Song You Never Get Tired Of

** BACK TO YOU by John Mayer  - the first John Mayer song I've ever loved and will continue to love until I die. When I play my songs at random and this comes on, I never, ever skip it. That's true love. :))

DAY 12: A Song From Your Pre-teen Years

** REMEMBER ME THIS WAY by Jordan Hill - Two words: Devon Sawa. Oh man, he was all the rage to us girls who barely hit puberty in the 90s. He opened the gates to celebrity crushes for me. LOL. His short appearance in Casper was more than enough to have us all singing this song anywhere in school. And then he appeared in Now and Then, which was my all-time favorite movie. I tell people I loved the movie because of the friendship of the 4 girls, but I think subconsciously, the real reason is because he's in it.

** LOVEFOOL by The Cardigans - Another movie soundtrack, this time from the DiCaprio film version of Romeo and Juliet. I was so in with the star-crossed lovers shizz. I remember waiting on MTV just to see the music video. I mean, just look at cute fetus Leo.

** END **

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30-Day Song Challenge (Days 1-6)

So I got this off Twitter and thought it would be interesting to do this challenge. However, being the low-EQ individual that I am, I decided to give answers for Days 1-6 all at once in this blog entry. I can't stand to wait for a few days to share the songs I like. I get allergies from waiting...I'm not really very persevering. LOL. Moreover, I might have several answers for one category because I'm indecisive like that. I can never pick a favorite to save my life. Like I said, I have very low EQ. I will fail a marshmallow test before it even starts. :D

Anyway, I try to share songs that I like whenever I can and thought this challenge was an interesting way to do it. So here goes...

DAY 1: A Song You Like With A Color In The Title

** RED ORANGE GREEN by Emma Pollock - I have a weird fondness for songs with creepy, haunting melodies. I don't know why. I even made this my ringtone for a time. The MV is very Tim Burton (who's also amazing, by the way).



** YELLOW by Coldplay - Of course. When you talk color-titled songs, you can never not include Yellow. This song actually has a nostalgic effect on me. I used to listen to this all the time in my dorm during my 1st year in college and daydream about my dorm crush. Hmm...I wonder where he is now.



** NEW BLACK CAR by July For Kings - I've always listened to this when driving because...well, I drive a black car. LOL. Shallowness aside, this was about lovers who are wondering how the other is doing as the girl went off to college and the guy had his own thing going on, too.

DAY 2: A Song You Like With A Number In The Title

** 1000 THINGS by Jason Mraz - There's a strong association between Jason Mraz and the latter part of my college years. Some of his songs bring back very specific memories from that part of my life--even if the memories don't really have any relation to the message of the song. This one was a staple in my playlist. It sucks that he didn't release a studio version of this.

** 9 CRIMES by Damien Rice - This is song is melancholic AF. And this guy is a modern poet to me. His has created that unique Damien Rice sound and a number of his songs are very poetic in my opinion. I loved this song so much that I tried to play it on piano (thank you, Damien for making it easy to play). By the way there's a floating head in the MV. You've been warned.



** 4 AND 20 by Joss Stone - I do have my own list of sultry songs. This was from the soundtrack of Valentine's Day. It's about a woman getting frustrated from waiting for a guy to make his move. So she gave him a 24-hour ultimatum. Yeah, you go girl! Show these men who's boss. LOL

DAY 3: A Song That Remind You Of Summertime

** SAY HEY (I LOVE YOU) by Michael Franti & Spearhead - sometimes even I am surprised by how dynamic my playlist is. I don't know what made me download this song, but I have it in my folder and never deleted it. It has that summer vibe and I even used it as bgm for our Bohol trip one summer. :)



** NINE IN THE AFTERNOON by Panic! At The Disco - This song reminds me of hot, humid afternoons meant for siestas. :)

DAY 4: A Song That Reminds You Of Someone You'd Rather Forget

** COME OUT OF THE SHADE by The Perishers - You know what's even more frustrating than not getting the person? Not knowing the reason you wanted them in the first place. There's a thin line between loving the person and just loving the feeling of being special to someone. So would you risk what the 2 of you have for something you're not even sure you want? So yeah. Ayon na nga. ANYWAY, moving on...



** STUPID CUPID by Aubrey Bouskill - Ah, this song will always be about that person.

DAY 5: A Song That Needs To Be Played Loud 

Honestly I think any song I'm in the mood to listen to is worth turning up the volume for, but I'm picking out a few which recently literally get me reaching for the volume knob when I hear them.

** MOVING ON AND GETTING OVER / STILL FEEL LIKE YOUR MAN by John Mayer - You just know his name's going to pop out one way or the other. Needless to say, I'd turn the volume up on any John Mayer song but these 2 are currently my favorites out of his new album so...

** ILYSB by LANY - this song is so simple but there's something about the falsetto that just makes you want to sing along in full volume.

** CLOSE by Nick Jonas ft. Tove Lo - maybe for the same reason as ILYSB...the falsetto. :)

DAY 6: A Song That Makes You Want To Dance

Okay you have to brace yourself for this one. I'm a frustrated Jabbawockeez member (lol) so I got a lot of songs in this category. You'd notice it's a mix of oldies and newbies plus I threw in some K-pop in there (and by some, I mean a lot) and of course, Queen Britney. This playlist is an honest to goodness list of songs that make me pull an impromptu dance break like a legitimate Step Up sequel. LOL! I don't care if I'm in the bathroom, or in my car, or lining up at McDonald's...I will dance if I hear any of these songs. 

***

Aaand that's it for Days 1-6! :)

read more "30-Day Song Challenge (Days 1-6)"

Playing It Safe

"Hello my old heart, are you still there inside my chest?
...Everyday I add another stone to the walls I built around you, to keep you safe....It's true, you'll never beat, but you'll never break."

- Hello My Old Heart by The Oh Hellos

Ah. Hello. Remember my blog entry about why I'm single?

No?

Let me remind you. Read it here: The One. Lol

So I'm back to sound-tripping on Spotify and I heard this song by The Oh Hellos. And it's so on point with how I justify my choices related to matters of the heart. To have seen and felt pain, you of course decide to avoid it at all costs...even if it means you'll never love again. Because you'd rather not know love than suffer the pain that comes with it. Like how some people (me included) haven't really tried caviar, even though many say it tastes really good. But we're still okay with our lives sans caviar. We're happy eating other food. It doesn't really matter and our days go about fine. For all we know, we wouldn't like caviar if we've tasted it ourselves. ;)

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This Year's Love

"If you love me, got to know for sure. 'Cause it takes something more this time than sweet lies, before I open up my arms and fall."

- This Year's Love by David Gray 

Not even 24 hours later and I already have another entry about a song. WHAT, is there a problem?

No? Okay, good.

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Before Someone Gets Hurt

WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

It's been a while since I've listened to A Fine Frenzy. I think the last ones on my playlist were You Picked Me and Borrowed Time. It's nice to hear her again. This one's lyrics are very simple, but I loved the twist at the end.

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It Didn't Happen To Me

"Oh, how you laughed at my complete lack of grace. But I could not recall a more perfect fall, 'cause when I looked up into your eyes, it didn't hurt at all."

- Be Still My Heart by The Postal Service

Aaaand I'm back with another love song.

This time from The Postal Service. This song is 10 years old, and the band has already released its last and final album 2 years ago. But it's my first time hearing it after listening to this playlist on Spotify.

I have missed this kind of sound since Owl City. A former colleague did mention before that she thinks "Owl City is a Postal Service rip-off" (verbatim), but I still didn't bother listening to them (even though a few of their other songs are somehow on my iPod). But maybe if she shoved this song in my ears I would have changed my mind and agreed.

I loved the song's ironic story. That beautiful moment when you think someone's just going to pass by you again, but s/he chose to stay and actually enjoys being there with you...unbelievably so. And you say to yourself, "I could have sworn it was all a dream, and it didn't happen to me." But it did. :)

read more "It Didn't Happen To Me"

I've Made Up My Mind

"Keep pressing rewind but I'm getting older. Tried every door, don't know who I'm looking for. I've made up my mind over and over."

- Gone by JR JR

I have a new theme song in life. LOL. Just read the above lines again. How apt are they?????

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Wala Ka Na Pala

"Di na ba dapat pang maghintay? Ako lang ba ang nagkasala? Kumakapit sa natitirang sana."

-Sana by Up Dharma Down

Don't you just love Up Dharma Down? I do. I love the way they write the lyrics. As if Armi is really just speaking out her feelings in an edgy, straightforward kind of way, but then still manages to make it poetic somehow. And the musical arrangement is very uniquely UDD. Just listen to the intros of Indak, Luna, and Tadhana and you'll notice how they have a different impact compared to other songs by other artists. If I ever form a band (yes, it's one of my frustrations in life), I would probably try to copy Up Dharma Down. Hahaha. I guess we know why this dream was never actualized. #copycat

Anyway, I'm obviously a fan. And I've been keeping this song on loop for the past week though I have no idea why. I just like how the lyrics grip on the emotions one feels when trying to forget someone who has clearly moved on. As they say, the real challenge of a break up is making sure you'll move on before the other does. If you fail, well, this UDD song has got your long, emo nights covered. LOL.

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T-ARA (티아라) for BNT International (Video Compilation)

As I've mentioned in my other T-ARA entries, this group is basically being snubbed by any media body lately -- music shows, variety shows, magazines, radio programs -- because majority of their audience choose to cling to an age-old issue (that has been disproved over and over again, by the way). 

That's why the few publications who [still] pay attention to T-ARA win for themselves a nice, cozy place in my heart. 

Take BNT International, for example. I love this magazine so much I might kiss it on the lips.

When they first did a photoshoot for Jiyeon I understood they were riding on the hype of her promotion at that time for her solo album (Never Ever). They did the same for Hyomin when it was her turn to debut as a solo artist (Nice Body). But then they continued on to 2 separate photoshoots for Eunjung (a year before she would have her own solo stint), and then Boram, Qri, another one for Hyomin (because her fashion sense and flat abs deserve a second shoot) and just recently, Soyeon. Now all 6 members have modeled for BNT. And I find it worth commending because BNT takes really good photos (okay, maybe they went crazy with Eunjung's eyebrows and blush-on in her first shoot, but that's the only exception. The make-up on the succeeding shoots were not as taunting). 

Maybe it's the dominance of  dark tones on their photos, or just the fact that T-ARA members are the subjects (lol) that makes BNT's projects appealing to me. But anyway, for your own appreciation, below are the behind-the-scene videos of their individual photoshoots:

JIYEON:

HYOMIN:

QRI:



SOYEON:



BORAM:



EUNJUNG:

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Cupid, Look What You Did

"Cupid, why'd you do it? Gave me a love that's not my own. When his eyes glow and his heart beats, I won't be the one, I won't be the one..."

-Stupid Cupid by Aubrey Bouskill 

I'm so loving 8tracks right now. I'm very sorry for judging this website prematurely. I realized it's actually a treasure chest of great songs.

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Here, I His Woman

"Know that it's you and I 'til the end. And all I want from life is to hold your hand."

- Rest In The Bed by Laura Marling

Found another candidate for my wedding song. I should really get a man soon or else I could create an entire album out of my wedding song "options."

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How Can I Give Love

"How can I give love when I don't know know what it is I'm giving? How can I give love when I just don't know how to give? How can I give love when love is something I ain't ever had?" 

- How by John Lennon

So I randomly heard this song while on a taxi going to the Cebu Airport to catch our flight back to Davao. I never save old radio stations on my car stereo (or any radio for that matter) because, while I do like a number of old songs, some of the tracks being played on these stations give me the creeps. You know how tragic movies always have haunting music backgrounds whenever someone dies/gets killed/decides to commit suicide? Or the songs that the serial killers play while planning their attack. Yeah. So naturally when I hear those types of songs it sparks a feeling of...I don't know...fear? Lol. So, no-no. Especially when I'm driving alone. BIG NO-NO.

Anyway, that said, I like this song. Hahaha. I admit it still sounds like something Leatherface would hum while skinning his victim, but the lyrics kind of offsets that. John Lennon is a legend, after all. So anything he writes is practically a jewel. 

I'm glad I heard this song. It conveys everything I need to say to the world. I rest my case. 

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I Want You

I'm always drawn to love songs with kind of weird melodies... something that's abundant in the indie folk genre. I have this song on my playlist ever since I heard it. The lyrics are simple and actually just looks like the person is just talking about random stuff with a girl he likes. But you feel his frustration at how the girl is oblivious to his feelings for her, and how she is trying to push him to someone else (her sister) while she also waits for another guy to come. The way the lyrics play out I'm guessing they're best buds -- my favorite type of plot in romantic stories (think Love, Rosie) -- and the guy is having a hard time getting the girl to see him as he sees her. AWW.

Anyway, the frustration can't be any clearer with this line,

"Oh my god, is it that hard for you to see that I want you!" - I Want You by Peter Bjorn and John

read more "I Want You"

Love, Rosie: Dancing-on-air Happy

I watched Love, Rosie last night. I didn't realize it was based on Cecelia Ahern's book of the same title until an ex-colleague told me on Facebook. Anyway, so very few worthy chick flicks these days ever since Meg Ryan got too old to make one. Glad some producers are now cutting costs on writers and are making movies out of paperbacks instead. I need to read the actual book, but the movie wasn't bad. It tickled every little hopeless romantic bone in my body and added enough drama to make the ending [SPOILER...kind of] more satisfying.

Bottomline: A man and a woman can never be just friends. Unless, of course, there are like, 5 of you in a group or something. But just you and him...and just bestfriends? Not buying it.

That said, where do these women get these kinds of guy friends? I strongly think there's a shortage here so if anyone can please alert the society about this so we can address this issue. I mean, what guy says these kinds of things:

“You deserve someone who loves you with every single beat of his heart, someone who thinks about you constantly, someone who spends every minute of every day just wondering what you’re doing, where you are, who you’re with, and if you’re OK. You need someone who can help you reach your dreams and protect you from your fears. You need someone who will treat you with respect, love every part of you, especially your flaws. You should be with someone who could make you happy, really happy, dancing on air happy.” 

WHERE is the guy who will write me this letter? I mean, hello, don't I deserve to be happy, too? Did he send it to the wrong address? Lol.

Anyway, while we wait for the universe to catch up on women's needs, the movie got some good songs on its soundtrack... some were not on the official one, but thankfully some people were able to list them down (like, what song played on which scene. How awesome is that). Not everything's on Youtube and I ended up opening unknown streaming sites just to listen to some of the tracks. But I'll make life easier for you guys and post the links below.

By the way, I know Lily Allen's popular but I never really had the chance to listen to her songs until last night. I love her now.

1. Youtube playlist

2. Alive by Zach Ziskin (not sure if this is the right one because isn't Zach supposed to be guy....): http://www.speew.com/audio/alive-full-mix-1160276

3. Prove Them Wrong by Mike Pelanconi & Winston Francis: http://m.killertracks.com/en/Browse/Labels/CD%20Listing/CD%20Details/Track%20Details.aspx?cdId=7248&wId=463668

4. Playlist with instrumental tracks by Ralf Wengenmayr: http://player.qobuz.com/#!/album/0884463669901

read more "Love, Rosie: Dancing-on-air Happy"

I Adore You

Ever since Miley went to the dark side, I stopped paying attention. I'm not a self-righteous prude but there's a line between sexy and tra-- ...well, over the top. I tried, but it's really hard seeing Hannah Montana licking a sledge hammer and resting her bare butt on a huge metal ball.

Although I will admit Miley's songs are very meaningful. That is, if you manage to get past her suggestive music videos and focus on the lyrics instead. However, despite the success of Wrecking Ball, I never really liked it as much as others did. Or maybe it's because too many people liked it, and I heard it everywhere...with everyone sacrificing their lungs to sing shout the chorus loud enough to wreck my balls...if I had a pair.

But earlier this evening as I was driving home, I heard Miley's voice on the radio, singing very calmly about how she loves her man more than he loves her. The song was very mellow and supposedly sweet, but it also showed a passion so overwhelming, it even had Miley thanking God for giving him to her. Amazeballs.

I have to mention that I favor love songs from male artists because somehow they convey the feeling more...truthfully (not that I know a lot about it). The plea, the hope to be allowed to love and be loved, the adoration.  As opposed to female artists who are usually just about feeling giddy, or about her own view of things. In other words, most male songs go, "You are special. Let me love you," while most female songs are "Look at me. Why don't you love me?"

Or maybe I've been listening to the wrong playlists?

Anyhoo. This one from Miley is probably the first song that hit the mark when it comes to a woman's surrender. I've heard other songs with the same message, but they felt hesitant. The willingness to submit was weak. But Miley just laid everything out on the floor with "Adore You." Baring everything, without holding back. I don't know why it hit me, the lyrics are actually just simple, but I've decided that this will be my wedding song. IF, I ever get there. Damn, my future husband is so lucky. Lol

Anyway, great job, Miley.

read more "I Adore You"

How Do I Tell You About My Heart? by Mongu [몬구]

Let's take a break from K-Pop for a while and go back to Korean indie.

It has been 2 years since I've been addicted to the Triple Soundtrack and the songs are still on my iPod until now. This song by Mongu is my favorite out of all the tracks and you have no idea how hard I have searched for the chords or lyrics of this song 2 years ago. Sweat and blood, I tell you.

But now that I'm actually trying to learn Hangul and have taken my relationship with Google Translate to the next level, I am more equipped to resume my search. Still no chords, but at last I have found the lyrics from this site: http://starmoa.co.kr/?SONGID=S251255#none

Like, FINALLY. The Korean and romanized lyrics are posted below. I have also (kind of) sorted the chords. Just by ear so it's not 100% accurate, but it can at least follow the melody decently. The song is really meaningful so I took the liberty of writing an English adaptation of it (also posted below). It's NOT the English translation, though it takes the idea and feel of the song.

Hangul:

어떡해야 내 마음을 알까

두근대는 내 마음도 몰라

마주치는 그 순간은 마치

먹구름 사이로 스치는 햇살같아

나를 보는 너의 눈을 보면

밤새도록 너와 있고 싶어

마주치는 그 순간은 마치

먹구름 사이로 스치는 달빛같아

Romanized:

eotteoghaeya nae ma-eum-eul alkka

dugeundaeneun nae ma-eumdo molla

majuchineun geu sungan-eun machi

meogguleum sailo seuchineun haes-salgat-a

naleul boneun neoui nun-eul bomyeon

bamsaedolog neowa issgo sip-eo

majuchineun geu sungan-eun machi

meogguleum sailo seuchineun dalbichgat-a

English adaptation:

(Capo on 2nd)

GM7                                DM7

How do I let you know of my heart?

GM7                                                        DM7

Reason clouded my mind from seeing what you are

GM7                                                   DM7

You walk towards me, suddenly the skies clear

Em7           G                           D

A light that shines through my fears

                            GM7

And taught me to feel

(same chords as 1st stanza)

All it took was just your gaze and I knew

Every song I sing will be about you

All my life I thought I'd only need me

Now when I close my eyes, you'll be

All I see....

read more "How Do I Tell You About My Heart? by Mongu [몬구] "

It Kind of Hurt

Yeah, it stung...a little bit.

I didn't expect to feel something, what with my constant claim that I was not romantically inclined to you. I wasn't in denial. I just wasn't sure. And then I said I would stop it from becoming whatever it is becoming.

But now, knowing that you are truly, genuinely content with another, it felt like you were slowly adding bricks to the wall between us. And despite my claims, it kind of hurt. Kind of. I know it shouldn't have. There's no reason to. But there are moments I find myself shaking my head as if to throw you off my mind. It's probably just my ego. Knowing there's something--someone--I can't get. What else could it be, right?

Maybe you're doing it right. Maybe that's good for me. Keep it up while I find a distraction.

"I can see it in your eyes, why you're with [her]." - Be Alright by Vienne
"You are a shooting star to me." - Satellites by We Know, Plato!

read more "It Kind of Hurt"

T-ARA's PARK JIYEON: NEVER EVER Underestimate A Girl In Black

There you have it.

The best thing that happened in my pop life since Britney Spears. Lol

I think I have put enough emphasis on my current obsession for the K-pop group, T-ARA.

Now their youngest, Jiyeon--and my "bias," as the k-pop community calls it--has released her solo album, and just published the music video of her 1st single, Never Ever [1min.1 sec.] today.

She really reminds me of my Britney Spears days in high school (I'm sorry but you can't argue...Brit Brit really was sensational at that time) and I just love artists who can work the dance floor, thanks to my frustrations. Ergo, Britney, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah (r.i.p.)...and now, Jiyeon.

Her voice is the husky type which I also love (never really was a fan of high-pitched tones. Sorry, Mariah), and this set just the right sexy mood for the song.

Watch the MV for appreciation. The dance version is also posted below. You just know I'm gonna learn the steps for this and dance in my concert hall a.k.a. room.






I figured that what draws me to this group is the drama. I'm always drawn to underdogs and T-ARA's current situation in the world of K-pop isn't really as favorable. Two years ago, they were involved in a tweet-banter blown so out of proportion that it almost cost them their career. They were one of the best girl groups and then just like that, they became outcasts. And don't I just love the feeling of supporting the team that needs to prove everyone wrong.

T-ARA has taken the 1st step to world RE-domination when they made their comeback last October with Number 9 (one of my favorites, by the way. Awesome, awesome song and dance. Watch it here). Like they say, the bright side when you're at your lowest is there's nowhere else to go but up. And climb back up, they did. Three more songs followed Number 9, and they also maintained their presence in Japan with their new Japanese album, Gossip Girls (great album if you like upbeat songs).

Now they're taking another big leap with Jiyeon's solo act, which is to be followed by another solo from their 2nd youngest member, Hyomin. There's a risk here, given they are still re-establishing their place in the industry and the acceptance level is still somewhat unstable. But this is exactly the thrill I'm looking for. Lol.

I am so rooting for Jiyeon with this solo stint. Look, I'm even blogging about it. Like how the Mighty Ducks won that trophy at the end of the movie, I want Jiyeon and Hyomin's songs to place #1 in every chart and poll there is. And then all other succeeding T-ara songs. If that happens, then my mission here is done. *walks away ala coach Bombay*

EDIT: They had another comeback last October 2014 that put all other comebacks to shame with Sugar Free (슈가프리). Watch the MV below and prepare to be blown away with Korea's EDM
pioneers.

 

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read more "T-ARA's PARK JIYEON: NEVER EVER Underestimate A Girl In Black"

You'll Love Who You Love

Un-freaking-believable.

I saw teasers on John Mayer's FB page about him and Katy Perry's collaboration but I always thought they just got together for the song. Like, you know, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown. I never really paid any attention to the write ups linked to the photos because I wanted to just listen to it when it's out and not be influenced by whatever pre-release synopsis they gave out.

I should have known better. It's just like how Taylor Swift never wrote one song that wasn't from experience...JM never collaborated with a female singer without a hidden agenda.

So. They're together. I like Katy Perry, I really do. But it breaks my heart to think John Mayer could start writing happy love songs because of her. Not that I think he deserves someone like me instead. No, I never thought that at all. Although, if you consider the odds... No.

Okay so I might cry. I'm not digging it. Or maybe I'm bitter. Lol. Overacting aside, I do love the song. It says it simply: you don't really choose whom you'll love...your heart does. And there's no joystick. You won't ever be able to control the feeling when it comes. Neither can you avoid it. So just love who you love. Embrace it. Whether or not they love you back. Because either way, you can't change it... you'll love who you love.

DRRRRAAMAAAAAAA.

read more "You'll Love Who You Love"