One Republic is officially one of my fav bands, and to lookout for. Ryan Tedder, the lead singer is definitely one of the people to watch out for 2008. He has already written some of the biggest hits we have seen the last few months (Apologize, Bleeding Love). And it seems now he is working on Kelly Clarkson's fourth album (after the flop, My December...she definitely needs his 'Midas' touch). Checkout his band's awesome rendition of 'Mercy', originally by Duffy.




Lately, there's alot of old-school, 50's throwback of soul and R&B sound going on thanks to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Duffy and now Estelle. And surprisingly, all hail from the Brit. Even with the emergence of more indie, non-R&B stuff from Sara Bareilles, Yael Naim & Colbie Calliat. Must say, it is a breath of fresh air among the pools of Disney Stars, Hannah Montana's/Miley Cyrus & R&B/Hip-hop/Rap stuff playin on the radio.

Heart of the Matter

India.Arie
The Heart of the Matter
Testimony: Vol 1, Life & Relationship

I got the call today, I didn't wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old true friend of ours was talkin' on the phone
She said you found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And all the struggles we went through
How I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside love's open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?

I've been learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I'm learning them again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

These times are so uncertain
There's a yearning undefined
And people filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age
And the trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They're the very things we kill, I guess
Pride and competition cannot fill these empty arms
And the work they put between us,
You know it doesn't keep us warm

I've been trying to live without you now
But I miss you, baby
The more I know, the less I understand
And all the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my heart is so shattered
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

All the people in your life who've come and gone
They let you down, you know they hurt your pride
Better put it all behind you; cause life goes on
You keep carryin' that anger, it'll eat you up inside

I wanna be happily ever after
And my heart is so shattered
But I know it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I'm thinkin' about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if you don't love me anymore
Even if you don't love me anymore

Been listening to India.Arie's exquisite rendition of an old Don Henley song. First heard the song in the SATC: The Movie trailer, and immediately got hooked onto it. Such a poignant song with heartfelt lyrics that talks about a relationship gone wrong, and one of the them moving on and the time for healing and forgiveness has to happened. It is an absolutely beautiful and moving song.

Came into my thoughts the other day, one of the jobs I would really like to have is a record company executive or perhaps being able to start up my own record label. I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of MK Records....? Music is definitely one of my passions in life and listening to up and coming artists is something that excites me. I would really like to discover the next Alicia Keys, John Mayer or even Britney Spears (well, just to make some $$$$ first). Would definitely be something cool as well as giving some non-mainstream artist a musical platform.

On a separate note, 3 of my friends announced their engagement yesterday. So, that officially brings my wedding invitation tally to 11 (I think?). Is there something in the year 2008 or am I missing out the sudden surge in marital bliss? Anyways, really excited and happy for all my friends who are heading down this big step. You could probably give me some wise words of wisdom after a year.

Stepping back

On the recent American Idol episode, Jason Castro performed 'Hallelujah', a song by Leonard Cohen but made popular by Jeff Buckley. No doubt, it can't be compared to the Buckley version, but he did a commendable job and actually revive major interest in the song. The reigning power of American Idol (and some said that it was slowing down). As I write this, the song is no.1 on the US iTunes Store. Not bad for a 13-year old non-mainstream song, beating the likes of Usher, Jordin Sparks and the current hot songs. The video below is Jason Castro's take on 'Hallelujah'.

It has begun

The Wedding Season has officially begun this week....think it's the 'Wedding Year'. Got almost close to 10 invitations already. On the other hand, this past 2 weeks has been extremely hectic, and it looks like it's not gonna stop. Lots to look forward too I guess...

American Idol Season 7 has started already...this season I gotta agree is much better than last season although it still can't compete with my favourite season, season 4 (whereby Carrie Underwood was crowned and still the reigning American Idol, in my opinion). No more potential SANJAYA's, except maybe Danny Noriega...hopefully he doesn't make the top 12. Some of my favourites include David Archuleta, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson & Brooke White. The males seem stronger this season in my opinion, somehow I'm sensing a 2 male showdown with David Archuleta vs Another male contestant. That kid is one heck of a singer and got great appeal for the 'tween' market. All that and he's only 17 years old!

Malaysia's Election is this coming Sat! Gonna be an interesting one...although the American presidential race seems more exciting. Echoing Barack Obama's famous line "It's time for a CHANGE!!!".

Hollywood's Not America

Came across this new talent, Ferras - an up and coming new singer whose song "Hollywood's Not America" is rumoured to be the exit song this year for American Idol. Fantastic singer, fantastic song that pretty much captures the state of Hollywood and the American fascination with it.



Born Helena Jane
With a restless soul
She moved west to California
Became a centerfold

But once you change your name
Well the pieces fall
Now she hardly recognizes herself at all

And there’s never any rain, when you want it
A hollow little game, and you’ve won it
Looking for a thrill but you’ve done it all

So long, put your blue jeans back on girl
Go home
Remember Hollywood’s not America
So long put your blue jeans back on girl
Go home
Remember Hollywood’s not America
Oh yeah

And everybody heres, from somewhere else
You could make a million dollars, but you might lose yourself
And you can take the heat will your heart go cold
They say acting’s just pretending, but even that gets old

And there’s never any rain, when you want it
A hollow little game, and you’ve won it
Looking for a thrill but you’ve done it all

So long, put your blue jeans back on girl
Go home
Remember Hollywood’s not America
So long put your blue jeans back on girl
Go home
Remember Hollywood’s not America

And I know what to do when
I know that you
You can't be anything you want to be

So long, put your blue jeans back on girl
Go home
Remember Hollywood’s not America
So long put your blue jeans back on girl
Go home
Remember Hollywood’s not America
Hollywood’s not America
It’s not America

Over...about time!

The Writers Strike is officially over!!!! Woo-hoooooo!!! Now I can start enjoying the fictional lives of DH, GA, UB, Heroes and the Walker clan!!!!

Man, i'm such a TV Junkie.

Unrequited love

Beautifully painful, heartbreak put into elegant words, voice aching of unrequited love.



Turn down the lights;
Turn down the bed.
Turn down these voices
Inside my head.

Lay down with me;
Tell me no lies.
Just hold me close;
Don't patronize.

Don't patronize me.

Chorus:
'Cuz I can't make you love me
If you don't.
You can't make your heart feel
Something it won't.
Here in the dark
In these final hours,
I will lay down my heart
And I'll feel the power;
But you won't.
No, you won't.
'Cuz I can't make you love me
If you don't.

I'll close my eyes,
Then I won't see
The love you don't feel
When you're holding me.

Morning will come,
And I'll do what's right;
Just give me till then
To give up this fight.

And I will give up this fight.

A Mighty Heart Pt 2

I did it...I manage to finish the book and movie last week. Overall, I felt that the book was much better. Of course it's difficult to fit in condense all the book details into a 2-hour movie. The movie was more of a look at Marianne Pearl, her struggles and the investigation process. I believe it was a vehicle for Angelina Jolie to grab another Oscar nomination (which unfortunately, she didn't) and to show people that besides being a supermom, she can actually act.

I was really inspired by the book, mainly the lives of Daniel & Marianne Pearl. How two people from very different backgrounds, came together in a union and vow to be the voices for those who couldn't speak. They were the voices for the oppressed, the injustice, and the misunderstood. They were journalists who were so dedicated to their craft, to reporting the truth and not withhold anything. Willing to give up their comfort zone in order to understand the lives of what they were writing on.

The book begins from their journey in Karachi, when Marianne was three months (?) pregnant, the events of Sept 11th were not too long ago and tensions were building up between nations. I won't revel more details as the book is one that you can't put down once you begin. Compared to the movie, the book gives a more vivid look on Daniel Pearl. Who this person is, what his beliefs are, what this man encompassed. The movie seriously lacked that. It's quite an emotionally draining book cause for me, I knew what happened to him already. The book can get at times confusing with all the names of suspects being thrown back and forth, the details of the investigation process.

It also shows how people from different nationalities, backgrounds, cultures, and religions came together to find one man. Both the book and the movie really did captured that. I dedicate this post to Daniel Pearl, may your legacy live on through the writings of Marianne Pearl and the life of your son, Adam.

A mighty heart

Usually, when I read a book, it takes me rather long to finish it (as many of my friends can attest to that). However, I decided to checkout this book called A Mighty Heart. It was written by Marianne Pearl and details the ordeal she went through in Karachi after finding out her husband, Daniel Pearl was kidnapped by terrorists. The book has also been made into a movie starring Angelina Jolie as Marianne Pearl. Eventhough I'm not a big fan of Angelina's screen credits, I heard she pulls an Oscar-worthy performance.

Eventhough I only touched the first 15 pages of the book, I am hooked, sucked in. It's one of those books that...once you start, you must finish it. I was so tempted to finish the book but the weekend gatherings took precedence. So, I have promised myself to finish reading this book by the end of this week. and give it a short review. Oh, that also includes watching the movie.

Recently, been listening to the country stylings of Taylor Swift. For a 17-year old, she is one heck of a talent. Checkout her sad, soppy tale of "Teardrops on my Guitar".

Acoustic, Live and Stripped

Now that Hollywood TV and Awards Season is practically shutdown thanks to the ongoing writer's strike! (Cmon, you know that you need them writers), I'm missing out on the fictional lives of the Wisteria Lane folks, Seattle Grace doctors, the Heroesssss and MODE employees! Hurry up and settle the issue...feeling the withdrawal symptoms already. Hahahaha....

On another note, I love it when artists take one of their tracks and give it a stripped down performance. Makes it intimate, personal, emotional and really brings out the vocal strength of an artist. I've always been a big fan of my favorite songs given the acoustic treatment and you have only two instruments most of the time; voice and a supporting instrument. The track literally comes alive with the atmosphere setting in. My first experience of an acoustic performance was Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow, during one of the MTV Unplugged sessions. It was the first time I saw her playing the accordion in that performance. Unfortunately, can't find a clear version of the video on Youtube. So, here is another performance of Strong Enough, given the stripped and acoustic treatment.



Sessions@AOL is a special musical avenue for artists to usually perform in a more intimate and exclusive format. The tracks are usually sung acoustically or stripped down. Many artists have appeared on Sessions@AOL including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, KT Tunstall, Maroon 5 and lots more. Plenty of the sessions are available at YouTube. I'll just give a preview of two songs which I feel was sung amazingly at the sessions. Enjoy!!!

Music of 2007

2007 has been an interesting year for music. We had our reunions (Spice Girls, BSB), the band members turn solo acts (Fergie, will.i.am.), the idols (Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Jordin Sparks,) breakouts (Amy Winehouse, Rihanna), the R&B princes (Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake), girl power (Nelly Furtado, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce), comebacks? (Britney Spears) and of course, the rap heavyweights (Kanye West, 50 Cent). As 2007 comes to a close, here are some of my fav songs of 2007. These songs are probably on my top-25 most played list for 2007 and definitely on repeat mode on my iPod.

So Close

You’re in my arms

And all the world is calm

The music playing on for only two

So close together

And when I’m with you

So close to feeling alive

A life goes by

Romantic dreams will stop

So I bid mine goodbye and never knew

So close was waiting, waiting here with you

And now forever I know

All that I wanted to hold you

So close

So close to reaching that famous happy end

Almost believing this was not pretend

And now you’re beside me and look how far we’ve come

So far we are so close

How could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now?

We’re so close

To reaching that famous happy end

And almost believing this was not pretend

Let’s go on dreaming for we know we are

So close

So close

And still so far

Enchanted

Finally watch Enchanted during the weekend after watching the first trailer and hearing reviews from friends who say they don't mind watching it a second time. The first time I saw the trailer, it really reminded me of good ol' Disney cartoons that I grew up watching (with the songs, the magic...etc). It started off the typical Disney fashion way, narration (voiced by Julie Andrews) followed by pop-ups of the book. And then, you see the Disney "princess" in her cottage, singing her heart out, looking for true love. Of course, the scene won't be complete with her furry forest friends. Really nostalgic moment (reminded me of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella).

Amy Adams really comes alive as the doe-eyed, optimistically in-love Giselle. She truly inhabits the role that continues to captivate you even after the credit ends. Enchanted won't be as enchanting if not for her brilliant acting. James Marsden did a commendable job as the vain, self-absorbed Prince Edward whereas Patrick Demspey does what he does best every Thursday Night; McDreamy.

One of the better movies I've seen this year. A feel good family movie that leaves you in a happy, singing mood once you leave the theatre. Great movie, great soundtrack, suited for everyone to watch. Yup, it is the good ol' Disney Movie. One that I won't mind watching again.

No One

I know some people search the world
To find something like what we have
I know people will try try to divide something so real
So til the end of time I'm telling you there ain't no one

Music Quickie

If you're a boyband that earns millions of buckaroos, why do you see the need to keep doing cover versions? Cmon!!! Get some original writings and stop being LAZY! Even Britney, the mess that she is...manage to record original material. You are always going to be known as the COVER-BAND! Plus, you don't even do justice to the covers you're doin. So, please stop recording covers and get some new writers and producers!

Heroes Season 2

Heroes Season 2

One of my three new fav shows from last season (after Brothers & Sisters and Ugly Betty) had me amiss after my finale. Too much buildup led to much letdown. The whole Sylar vs Peter showdown ended faster than a Yaataaa shoutout. I keep telling people who have watched Heroes that maybe they didn't have enough budget to keep that going. But cmon, producers (if you are hearing), don't create a HUGGGEEE buzz over a finale and give us, the viewers nothing to talk about (not even a watercooler moment). So, my hopes for the new season were slightly down and lower expectations.

After watching the first four episodes, has Heroes fallen under the typical Hollywood Sophomore slump? Well, I would say yes and no. The thing I'm really looking forward to in the new season is the introduction of new characters and their powers. Plus, there's a new bigger, badder and more powerful villian than Sylar. I do hope also that they tie up some of the loose ends from last season which wasn't explained. Now, the stuff that might make Heroes lose their steam is the how unbelievably all of them are connected. Cmon, I know the world is small but not that small. Some of the connections are seriously ridiculous. And, they need to give new storylines to certain characters like Hiro, Niki/Jessica and Nathan. Can we get more scenes whereby the Heroes actually learn more about their powers. If I had some of their powers, I would like to test things further. The only Hero that have tried to test the limits of their power this season is Claire.

Overall, still gonna be sticking to see what Season 2 has to offer. I just hope there's not another "Save the cheerleader, Save the world" buildup and later on, a snoozefest letdown. Let's hope the producers don't map out their season route like Prison Break (which I grew tired during the second half of Season 2). Cause I believe Heroes has great potential.

Grey's Anatomy Season 4

Well, it's been almost a month since my four current fav series aired. Here's my take on how the new seasons are faring so far...

1. Grey's Anatomy Season 4

So far, the new season looks promising. In my opinion, season 3 was all over the place and lost much of what made me watch Grey's Anatomy in the first place. The only episode I truly enjoyed last season was the finale which tied up alot of loose ends (I still believe Sandra Oh was SERIOUSLY robbed of her Emmy - just look at the her "breakdown" scene). Moving onto the new season, pretty much looks like Grey's is back on track, reminds me alot of the old Grey's before the drama and soap opera storylines took place. Bailey "Nazi" is BACK!!! after her character really mellowed last season. Christina "Tough Cookie" is also back to her old ways of climbing the surgery ladder. However, the storyline that irks me is George & Izzie...cmon, have you seen a tv couple with less chemistry. Get rid of their storyline! Plus, Callie is getting more screen time instead of hovering around as George's wife and the doctor they call to fix bones.

Things to change: The love triangle of George, Izzie & Callie. Give Alex Karev a STORY!. Meredith and Derek's constant on-off relationship. More scenes for Callie.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Thanks to Grey's Anatomy, the music of Mat Kearney pretty much reaches the ears of those who watches the series. I'm a big fan of mainstream and popular music but sometimes, indie and lesser-known music just does it for me. Series like Grey's Anatomy really helps give exposure to incredible artists who don't have big record labels marketing them.

Anyways, back to Mat Kearney...this guy is just hugely talented and produces fantastic music. His album, Nothing Left to Lose is one of my fav albums of 2006 (and perhaps, listed as one of my all-time). To top it all of, this guy is a Christian. So, if you guys ever need something fresh, not-played on radio, non R&B, and basically, not mainstream, please checkout the music of Mat Kearney.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/matkearney.html

Love is a losing game

Away on Friday onwards for an event in Johor...looking forward to the event, not looking forward to driving down there.

In the midst of enjoying Amy Winehouse's album Back to Black. That woman can really sing. Such an exquisite and rare voice in today's oversaturated mainstream music. Checkout this video of a beautiful acoustic rendition of one of my fav songs off the album, 'Love is a Losing Game'.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=g5LsdEqSQO4

Fav's of 2006

Since the curtains of 2006 are drawing to an end, I've decided to name some of my favourite stuff from 2006 in terms of entertainment. The list goes something like this....

Fav Songs of 2006 (in no particular order and stuff which was on my repeat mode!!!)

1. Madonna - Jump
2. Shakira & Wyclef Jean - Hips Don't Lie
3. Nelly Furtado & Timbaland - Promiscuous
4. Mat Kearney - All I Need
5. Damien Leith - Night of My Life
6. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland - Sexyback
7. Justin Timberlake & T.I. - My Love
8. Beyonce - Irreplaceable
9. Take That - Patience
10. Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
11. Damien Rice - 9 Crimes
12. Christina Aguilera - Hurt
13. Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats
14. Pussycat Dolls & Snoop Dogg - Buttons
15. Avril Lavigne - Keep Holding On
16. KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
17. Hinder - Lips of an Angel
18. Cassie - Me & U
19. Beyonce - Check on It
20. Daniel Powter - Bad Day
21. James Blunt - You're Beautiful
22. Rihanna - SOS
23. The Fray - How to Save a Life
24. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
25. Kelly Clarkson - Walk Away
26. Lily Allen - Smile

Fav Albums of 2006

1. Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds
2. Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics
3. Mat Kearney - Nothing to Lose
4. James Blunt - Back to Bedlam
5. Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts
6. The Fray - How to Save a Life
7. Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor
8. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope

Fav Movies of 2006 (alot more I still haven't watch yet, but this are the ones I really did enjoy)

1. Pirates of the Carribean 2
2. Cars
3. The Devil Wears Prada
4. Casino Royale
5. Superman Returns
6. Click
7. The Prestige
8. Happy Feet

Fav Series of 2006

1. Grey's Anatomy Season 3
2. Heroes Season 1
3. Brothers & Sisters Season 1
4. Prison Break Season 2