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Fanboy:

Currently one of our favorite rookie groups, Infinite recently released their comeback music video for their single album Inspirit.



After watching this video, I have realized that the Infinite boys are no one-trick-pony. I personally think they're some of the best dancers out there right now and without a doubt, one of the best rookies in this competitive K-Pop market.

For this MV, the boys toned down their intricate dance moves to suit a more pleasant song. Kind of like what Super Junior did for "No Other" after their aggressive "Bonamana" choreography. Despite the light dance moves, Infinite still brought it. These boys are almost always in-sync (Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I've seen them not in-sync). The music video did remind me of Super Junior's "It's You" (one of my favorite music videos) and how it was shot in one take. I very much enjoyed the direction of this video. It's unfortunate that they made member Sungyeol pretty much emo here, and giving him no singing parts to add salt to wounds. He got more face-time, I guess.

There was one part that really bothered me though. At 1:30 in the MV, rapper Dongwoo rapped, "I think about you all day long..." as he was looking at and grabbing Sungyeol. Hmm... let's just say that if this MV was released in America, Americans would get the wrong impression of the boys. Since I'm sort of used to seeing these sort of things in K-Pop, I've realized that this is a part of their culture. Sadly, not everyone understands that, so the trolls have expressed their thoughts on the YouTube video's comments. Sigh.

All in all, I enjoyed this MV. I very much respect Infinite and will continue to support them with the hope that they continue to rise in popularity. They deserve more attention than what they're currently getting. This music video is miles better than what else is out there in K-Pop. Easily one of the standouts in 2011. Props to Infinite!


Fangirl:

I really enjoyed this music video. It manages to be adorable but not cloying. The video also has an interesting homemade, artsy style that is almost unheard-of in K-pop. The walls of toilet paper rolls, corridors of white boxes, and the signs of cardboard and tape lend the MV a creative, child-like flair. If you watch closely, you'll see the first half of the video isn't actually one take, and in fact some of the cuts are quite jarring. This bothered me at first, but then I began to appreciate it for the weird, hallucinatory quality it adds to the video.

I have no idea what's going on in that final scene of the five remaining boys in the parking lot, but I love it. I wonder how planned out it was? It feels surprisingly authentic and spontaneous. And adorable.

Infinite is looking more and more like the next big thing to me. With their colorful SHINee pants and their fluffy mops of hair, I can see the noona fans falling for these guys like dominoes (maybe like bed dominoes?). They really are incredibly synchronized dancers - to the point where I wonder if their choreographer gets out a meter stick whenever they have dance practice. ("No Hoya, you have to lift your foot 5 cm higher!")

And speaking of wrong impressions, did anyone notice that tushy grab at 1:47? Yeah, I really don't have anything coherent to say about that, I just wanted to point it out.

Anyway! Yes, it's Infinite "Nothing's Over", nifty music video, watch it and then tell us -

What did you think of the music video?

Fangirl:

When I saw the teaser for "Before U Go", I let loose a fangirl squeal like you would not believe. (I think this tumblr post describes it better than I could express in words here.)

However the music video didn't thrill me as much as I hoped it would. I was hoping for something on the scale of Zhangliyin's "Timeless" or the TRAX's "초우"- music videos so huge and epic, they come in parts. Instead, SM delivered a five minute long (or should I say short?) mini movie. In order to pack it all in, they made the cuts very quick, and a lot of emotional impact is lost. For instance at 2:50, Yunho - hobbled on crutches - realizes that it was his friend Choi Jong Yoon who shot him. Emotional impact? Zip. You hardly have time to even realize what has happened.

SM could have drawn this out, releasing part 1 and driving fans into a frenzy as they anticipated part 2. The question is, why didn't they? They clearly had the footage to pull it off. And what about Go Ara's character? The romance that was hinted at in the teaser (Ara setting a table for two) isn't even touched on in the MV.

On the plus side, Yunho and Changmin look absolutely fantastic. I'm loving the suits and leather jackets. Yunho looks like such a BAMF taking out those evil cronies, it's almost enough to send me into peals of fangirl squeals again. (Did you all catch the flow-mo shot at 4:07?). Here's hoping we get to see more of that when Poseidon finally airs.

I think I ought to mention the cinematography too. How about that gorgeous shot of Jong Yoon in his assassin gear reflected in the urban pane of windows? Or that damp rooftop with a foggy cityscape in the background? Pretty gorgeous stuff.

Alrighty, Fanboy, what was your take on the music video?

Fanboy:

Like Fangirl, I had my own my sort of squeal when I saw the teaser, but for different reasons. I was mainly excited at the fact that SM was going to release a story-based music video. Do you know how rare that is for them?! I was like, "Oh my god, now they're going to start competing with YG on epic story MVs!" Hmm... well... sadly, that wasn't really the case.

For some reason, I feel like this video got a lot cut from it on the editing floor and was rushed to premiere just so Cassies could get their TVXQ fix. Actually, I personally believe that SM will release an extended version of this MV later on so we can get understand the full story. So much seemed to be cut that it was sort of difficult to grasp, and then boom, it was over. They should have had a longer intro to help set the background story, and then have a break in the song to further the story with another cut scene, etc.

Other than that, I did actually like the MV. But for me to love it, I need to also love the song. Unfortunately, the song just does not excite me. Sigh. This was all very "Hot Times" reminiscent, and I didn't like that song either (or the MV). Side note: it seems that Apple is doing product placement in K-Pop now too. Notice the in-your-face promotion of the iPhone? *rolls eyes*

I'm no fashion expert here, but I found Changmin's feather-collared outfit to be so out of place. This MV was all serious and has the boys working in crime. Why on earth would Max be running around in ethereal attire like that?! And, I'm just not feeling Yunho's bowl cut. Spike it or something. He looks so plain. But then again, it is sort of appropriate for the business.

Now on to my favorite parts! Oh man, the action! I about fell out of my chair when I saw HoMin showcase their action star skills. If you guys like to know, there are two things I'm a sucker for: Hardcore action and hardcore dancing. So yeah, this was a total win. In the end, I have decided that Yunho and Changmin need to be cast for Ninja Assassin 2: Rain, U-Know, and Max Kick Ass. I smell a summer blockbuster smash!

What did you think of the music video?

Fanboy:

Well, when it comes to a Big Bang music video, I expect a lot from these guys, because their past work has been quite impressive. "Haru Haru" = Amazing! However, once again, I seem to have gone in with too high of expectations with the quintet for their long-awaited comeback.

The music video honestly didn't blow me away. It was neat to see them in a different light. But, it also seemed sort of lazy. There wasn't a definite story in the first music video release. At parts, I was reminded of an old Backstreet Boys music video where the members stand in one spot and overact their lip-syncing as they stare off in one direction and/or at the camera.

TOP seriously needs to change his hair color for this MV and promotional cycle. He just seemed so out of place. And Taeyang really needs to change his look too. He's had the same image for years now. Dude, aren't you due for a change?

I will say this, the song has now grown on me. What helped give it that boost was their live performance of the song. I was very impressed. Why couldn't they carry that concept into the MV? Where was Seungri's skirt in the MV? No where! (Granted, he would stick out in Vegas if he was sporting something like that...Hmm... come to think of it... maybe not. They would just get a different sort of impression of the Big Bang stud.)

Speaking of studs, Daesung is really stepping out in the original music video release by making out with a chick in a hotel. Getting all hot and sweaty and stuff. As they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." (Side note: It was refreshing to see him get the spotlight this time.) However, it was nowhere near as provocative as Seungri rolling around half-naked in bed with that chick in the "Strong Baby" MV. Honestly though, this is still pretty tame compared to American music videos (Hello, Christina Aguilera!), but I like how YG pushes the boundaries with their MVs. Unlike some other companies... (*cough* SM *cough*)...

The music video for the song was just ok to me. The original MV is an improvement with the new scenes and Daesung's "bed scene". Not a standout MV when I compare it to their past work. I mean, they flew all the way to Vegas to do this? I expected more. But I think this song will continue to grow on me, and who knows, maybe the music video too.


Fangirl:

What a relief to see that the music video broad-casted by SBS two days ago was merely a butchered version of the original music video! My thoughts about the MV had been along the lines of "You went all the way to Vegas for that?!" But thankfully my fears were averted when YG finally posted the original music video this evening.

That's not to say I think we have a masterpiece on our hands. I didn't like the daylight scenes filmed in the empty lot filled with signs. How much better would this MV be if those scenes had been filmed against shining Vegas lights instead? Then when they cut to the desert sunrise around 2:50, it would have had twice the impact. That way for most of music video it would have been nighttime ("Tonight" - ya follow?) until we hit the climax and then boom, it's dawn.

This music video is less story-based (Lies or Haru Haru), and more atmospheric (Don't Tell Me Goodbye). I personally have no problem with that, but I can see how Fanboy would miss the narrative style that has worked so well for Big Bang in the past.

I also wasn't feeling some of the new looks the Big Bang members were sporting. Shoulder pads, GD? Really? And TOP's Spock hairdo has got to go. But Daesung in a simple pair of jeans and a plain white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows looked simply amazing. And those sweaty bangs hanging over his eyes...

*cough* Excuse me, I seemed to have lost my train of thought. Where was I? Oh yes, fashion -

Yeah, Taeyang probably should change his look. The faux hawk does suit him, but he's had that look for two odd years now. It's time to change it up, Youngbae. And personally, I'm glad that Seungri's skirt from the performance of 'Tonight' didn't make it to the MV. That concept simply baffles me.

I would rate this music video above 'okay'. It's not my favorite Big Bang music video ever, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.


What did you think of the music video?

Super Junior M's 2nd Mini Album 'Perfection'
Release Date: 2011.02.25
Itunes - YesAsia


01. 太完美 (Perfection)
02. 命運線 (Destiny)
03. 幸福微甜 (Love is sweet)
04. 表白 (Off my mind)
05. True Love
06. 吹一樣的風 (My all is in you)









Fanboy:

Well, I consider myself a Super Junior fan and when I saw that their new album was titled "Perfection", I was certainly hoping it would live up to its name. Not necessarily, but I still liked it.

Track 1: "Perfection" - It's no wonder why SM chose this as the lead track, because this is my favorite song off the album. Granted, it's not a lot of people's favorite (due to too much auto-tune), but I'm somehow drawn to this song's catchiness (and choreography).

Track 2: "Destiny" - I guess one word to describe this song would be "sweet". It's pleasant to the ears. Not my favorite, but it sounds like one of those songs you'd find in a romantic comedy movie soundtrack. Particularly at a part where the boy runs to find the girl. Discovers her. Confesses his love for her. And then, they kiss. And then, this song plays.

Track 3: "Love is Sweet" - This song reminded of one SHINee's early songs off of their first album ("Four Seasons"? Or even "One" off their "Hello" repackage). Again, it's another "sweet" song (I would hope. Judging by the title here...). Not my favorite. It was just ok to me.

Track 4: "Off My Mind" - It seems to me that Henry is utilized a lot in this song. He's becoming one of my favorites now. (Side note: I'm really disappointed that Henry didn't use his amazing violin skills in this album. That was definitely needed and very much missed.) For some odd reason, I liked this song. It was a catchy up-tempo track and seems like it could have success here in America (thanks to Henry). My favorite song after "Perfection".

Track 5: "True Love" - This track seems like it could have come off a Korean drama soundtrack. I guess you could say it's one of those feel good songs. For some reason, I picture this song being used as opening credits to an 80s sitcom where each cast member turns to the camera and smiles as their name flashes across the screen. However, it's not my taste.

Track 6: "My All is in You" - I think this is one of the best vocally-powered songs on the album. Kyuhyun and Ryeowook really shine on this one. I think this is my 3rd favorite song on the album. Mainly because I appreciate true vocal talent. It was a nice song that seems to have a nice emotion behind it.

I'll be honest, when I first listened to this album, I really liked it. However, as I listened to it two more times, I realized it wasn't as great as I thought it was. I feel like the album doesn't have a long-lasting appeal. I think I'll really be only listening to, at most, 3 songs weeks down the road.

I know you're not really that crazy about Super Junior like I am. What did you think, Fangirl?


Fangirl:

No, I'm not too crazy about Super Junior, but I do really love some of their songs. That stayed pretty consistent after listening to this album. I'm no ELF convert, but there are some songs on the album that I really enjoyed.

I would like to preface this review by saying ballads are mostly not my thing. It often takes whole lot of repetition or back-story for them to grow on me. But on to the album -

"Perfection" isn't my favorite on the album like it is for Fanboy, but I enjoy a power dance track now and then. It's not "perfection" exactly, but it is catchy and dance-able.

"Destiny" is a typical SM ballad that builds to an interesting electric-guitar-fueled bridge. Like I said, I usually don't go for ballads, but I have to admit I was tapping my toe by the end of this song.

"Love Is Sweet" is... another ballad. At least SuJu M has the vocal talent to pull it off.

You're so right, Fanboy - Henry really shines in "Off My Mind". Not only did he sing the song solo, but Henry composed it as well. It seems we had many of the same thoughts about this song. It occured to me that this song would do well in America, too. I hope to see much more from Henry in the future. The boy is talented!

Excuse me while I dig the pixie dust and starshine out of my ears. I'm sorry Zhoumi, I know you worked hard composing this song but "True Love" just isn't my jam. I don't know how much more of those tinkling chimes I can take...

Now "My All Is In You" is the kind of song I can dig. A beat you can snap your fingers to, gorgeous vocal harmonies, a catchy chorus. And we finally get to hear Kyuhyun's soaring voice. I dare say I like it even more than Super Junior's Korean version (사랑이 이렇게).

I like Super Junior M best when they skip the ballads and "cute" songs. Unfortunately, that makes up only half the album. Except for a few select tracks, "Perfection" didn't do it for me.

What did you think of Super Junior-M's mini album?

Big Bang's 4th Mini Album 'Tonight'
Release Date: 2011.02.24
Itunes - YesAsia


Tracklist:
01. Intro (Thank You & You)
02. Hands Up
03. Tonight
04. Somebody to Love
05. What is Right
06. Cafe









Fangirl:

So Big Bang asks, "I'm fine thank you and you?" Well, pretty damn good, thanks Big Bang. Let's start with the lead track, "Tonight" (the MV of which I am eagerly anticipating...).

This is the most coherent response I could muster up: When Big Bang does epic, this is what it sounds like. This song hits the highs, the lows and all the places in between. I cannot wait to see this song topping all of the charts, because I'm loving it.

"Hands Up" and "Somebody To Love" are Korean versions of the B-sides from two of their Japanese singles - Tell Me Goodbye and Beautiful Hangover, respectively. There were no significant changes so I find my reaction the same as when I first heard the Japanese versions. Hands Up is danceable enough, but it feels like a filler track. Somebody To Love remains one of my favorite Big Bang songs. Though I said there were no significant changes in the Korean versions of these songs, I was struck by the difference in TOP's parts. His style is changing, becoming more playful.

I'm just really digging "What Is Right". It's a pop song with some slight rock influence and a hefty dose of Big Bang swagga'. And any more guitar in K-pop in a good thing in my book.

"Thank You & You" is a good opener. I love the slight attitude that is hinted at in the song. Like it could be a polite, "We're fine, thank you. And you?" Or it could be a "Oh, we're fine, and don't you know it."

"Cafe" is a bit of surprise, and perhaps a mistep by Big Bang. With jazzy backing instrumentals, the song reminds me of GD & TOP's fantastic "Baby Goodnight". But unlike "Baby Goodnight", "Cafe" lacks that sexy musical smirk. So perhaps it reminds me more of GD & TOP's "어쩌란 말이냐?", that bizarre "rock" number and the only song on the album that I skip. On the plus side, Daesung sounds absolutely fantastic.

I think the biggest challenge for Big Bang is mixing five distinctly different styles into one co-hesive whole. They succeed beautifully in "Tonight", and maybe not so much in "Cafe".

It's not the earth-shattering epic album I was hoping for, but there's a chance I came into it with my expectations set a bit too high. Ahem.

I know you're not as big a Big Bang fan as I am, Fanboy. What did you think of the album?


Fanboy:

I always seem to go in with too high of expectations, and Big Bang is no different, because this was their triumphant comeback as the quintet. I assumed that they were going to come back with a "bang" (pun may or may not be intended...).

This album is a quick listen. It's not that long and is definitely worth a shot. So, I shall start with the "Intro (Thank You & You)". I personally find intros and preludes to be a total waste of time. It doesn't classify as a song, and there's not a whole lot of substance that makes me go, "Wow!" "Thank You & You" still did not change my opinion about them. Skip.

Track 2: "Hands Up" - I liked it. It is one of those feel-good dance songs. I feel like I hear 2NE1's "Can't Nobody" going on throughout the song, but I like this one more. It's one of my favorite tracks on this album even though I prefer the Japanese version more.

Track 3: "Tonight" - Ok, I didn't think it was as "epic" as Fangirl thought. I actually thought this one of the weaker songs on the album and definitely one of their weakest promotional songs. However, I do feel like it's one of those tracks that will grow on you, and I, too, can't wait for the MV release. I feel like it'll be neat. Las Vegas and Big Bang? Can't go wrong. They always seem to have some of the best MVs.

Track 4: "Somebody to Love" - Again, I prefer the Japanese version more, but I still liked this song. I don't really care for TOP in this song though. His vocals seem a tad deep and stick out like a sore thumb in this song. What I mean, he doesn't seem to mesh as well with the other four's vocals.

Track 5: "What is Right" - For some reason again, I feel a 2NE1-vibe again. I can't quite put my finger on it. Hmm... The song is not bad, and again, it will be one of those songs that will grow on me. Still not my favorite by them, but definitely worth a shot. I'd say it's one of those tier 3 Big Bang songs to me. Like, I'll listen to it every now and then if it shows up on my iTunes shuffle, but it's not something I'll go out of my way to go listen to.

Track 6: "Cafe" - Easily, my least favorite song on this album. I do always appreciate it when artists try out new genres and showcase a new side to their artistry. However, this song just did not work for them, in my opinion. I found the song to be a little strange and definitely not your typical Big Bang song.

Overall, I did actually like the album. I find this to be better as a whole compared to the Seungri and GD&TOP albums. BUT I do find the promotional singles "High High", "VVIP", and "What Can I Do" more appealing as singles. To me, I feel like "Tonight" is slightly lackluster when you compare it to their biggest hits like "Haru Haru" and "Last Farewell". But still check out the album.

Tell us what you thought of it. What's your favorite song?

Fangirl:

So "Prection" was...
Uh, I mean "Perfection". *cough*
"Perfection" (太完美) was just released by Super Junior M and here are my first thoughts on it.



Look at those dynamic shots! The spin they do at 0:58 is really effective and I love the low camera angle at 3:14. And check out the flo-mo at the 2 minute mark! LinzerDinzer must be right - SM must have bought all those cameras needed for flo-mo shots and now they're milking it for all it's worth.

As for the costumes... Get those dead rats away from Zhoumi's face! And I'd like to nix the shrunken nit vest thing they've got on Henry. Other than that, I'm not going to nitpick. I can hardly argue with sexy suits on sexy men. And may I just add that Kyunhyun is looking mighty fine this evening?

It's pretty, but pretty substance-less too. Overall, I like it.

Alright Fanboy, your turn!


Fanboy:

Well, first of all, I was seriously waiting on the edge of my seat for this MV to premiere. Now it has finally been unveiled and my eyes have been titillated by the HD-ness. I can now relax after my excitement has started to settle down.

This is a typical SM video to me. An MV that focuses on striking visuals and memorable choreography with a lack of storyline. Super Junior-M's attire is very odd to me. I can't figure out if they're supposed to be Russian or dudes from the 19th century. Except for Siwon, he totally looked like Austin Powers (minus the glasses). Either way, it's not my favorite costume from Super Junior. There's a whole lot of eye make-up going on this vid. Seems many idols are following the guyliner trend. *points finger at Kyuhyun*

I liked the choreography. Although, I wished Kyuhyun danced along with the 3 lead dancers, Eunhyuk, Henry, and Donghae. Ah well. Henry surprised me. He's stepping up his game this time by having more a role in the dancing and singing. Same goes for Siwon, there was a lot of more of him in the song. It was refreshing to hear a more balanced vocal set.

I was wondering why they had Chinese subtitles going across the MV, but I assume it's because most of the boys' Mandarin is so terrible that the natives need something to go along with the auto-tune.

Overall, I really liked it. I've watched it several times now. However, I really just wish SM would start creating more storyline-based MVs. I like dance videos too, but it would be nice for them to change it up every now and then.


Fangirl:

Imagining Super Junior as 19th century Russians now. HA.

Yeah, there seems to be a whole lot of guyliner overkill in this video. Actually, the one that stands out the most to me is Siwon. He really doesn't need all that gunk on his face.

Chinese subtitles are actually typical in Chinese music videos. It's my understanding is that since Chinese is a tonal language, a lot of meaning gets lost when you sing it. Thus, subtitles.

What did you think of the MV?