An M/V Review: Just Another Girl, by Kim Jae-Joong

Greetings to you.

JYJ is yet another senior group that I need to start listening to.  That is because of Kim Jae-Joong.  I heard the song "Mine" and liked his voice very much.  He is also easy on the eyes *tee hee*.

I am not sure if he as a solo artist is strictly rock so I won't categorize, but his latest song, "Just Another Girl", has that sound.

Let's take a look/listen...

Ok...

I love Rock music...from pretty much any country.  So far Korea has not disappointed me.  I really like this song.  Kim JaeJoong's voice is reminiscent of 80's hard rock vocals and that is refreshing.  This song reminds me of (pick a) song from the Goo Goo Dolls.  "Just Another Girl" is pretty much self explanatory...this song is about him about to end a relationship...and his agony in doing so.  Even though he know he has to do it, he hates doing it.  The video is metaphorically great.  I have one question though...Do Koreans have bad luck in love?  I mean there are so many break up or heartbreak songs in Kpop and K-Rock...What is up with that?

Ok that's 2 questions...

All in all...great song...great video.  I need to download this song and get to know Kim JaeJoong a little better...

In other news:  New Year's is upon us.  Hopefully you will bring it in safely.  I will post my 10 most favorite (and listened to) songs of 2013 before the year ends...which is in 3 days.

So Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...let it!!!

Why Is Crayon Pop Making Me Feel Some Kind Of Way...Why?!?

Greetings to you.

Dear Crayon Pop,

You are killing me with your extreme Aegyo...please stop.

It is infectious.

Your music it just too cute and I can't help but be drawn to it.

The catchy beat, the mousie singing...so bubbly...

I like you gals...

I am becoming a fan...

AAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!

But seriously, stop it...I'm dying here of aegyo overdose.

Just so you readers know...I actually like this girl group.  Which is a great deal.

Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...let it!!!

An M/V Review: Colorful, By Shinee

Greetings to you.

cr:http://fyshineegifs.tumblr.com

I am slowly but surely warming up to Shinee.  They are a senior group so it is going to take me some time to watch their past works and shows/interviews.  I did have the time to look at their latest video, called Colorful.

Let's take a look/listen...

Ok...

At first, I thought this was another Kpop Christmas song and thought, "UUUUUUUUUGH!!!  Not another one"  In case you did not know, I hate Christmas music...not just Kpop, but ALL Christmas songs.  I will be happy in the next 3 day when it all ends...

Anyway...

It turns out to be a be a behind the scenes, Shawol appreciation video.  It reminds me of B.A.P's Crash video.  It showed scenes from photoshoots, the making of the "Everybody" M/V and their Shinee Day concert (I think).  Anyway, it is a cute video...If you are a Shawol you will appreciate it.  I like Shinee, but I am still putting names to faces so bear with me.

In other news...word in the Twitterverse it that B.A.P will be performing with EXO at the SM Week festival...for the encore the 2 groups will be performing Growl.  If this is at all true then this will happen:

Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...let it!!!

An M/V Review: Oh My God, By NC.A

Greetings to you.

For the past 4 months, I have been catching myself up with Kpop's rookie class of 2012 (B.A.P, EXO, VIXX, A-JAX) among other groups that has been out before then.  I haven't really been focusing on the rookie class of 2013 (well, not intentional at least), except for the Bantang Boys (BTS).  So for 2014 I have some double duty-ing to do.  I will look at some of those who debut this year as well as the up and comers of 2014...

Ugh!!! There are so many Idols...so little time...

Anyway...to my review.

Im So-Eun, also known as NC.A (New Creative Artist), looks like she is 12 years old.  She is actually 17 years old.  She debuted back in August with a song called "My Student Teacher" (which I heard but did not pay attention to due to my obsession with the 2012 rookies).  But her latest song, "Oh My God" caught my attention.

Let's take a look/listen...

Ok...

Oh My God...are you sure she is 17?  Naaaaah...she is 11 or 12 for sure.  This is cute and innocent video with cute choreography.  The song itself is about breaking up (man, young Korean kids have it rough in relationships LOL).  Not much to go on in terms of plot or main idea...I guess it is because of the innocence of the video...but it seems that she is trying telling the guy the guy off on how things went down when he broke up with her.  It is as if she is saying "Oh My God how you gon' be like that?"

Anyway...the video is cute...but not my cup of tea...I will keep up with NC.A to see how she develops.

In other news:  I hear Shinee is out with a new MV...be on the lookout for that review.

Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...let it!!!

How Can 6 Young Korean Men Mess With My Heart? My Review On B.A.P's Season's Greetings

Greetings to you.

B.A.P...though they have been on the Kpop scene for almost 2 years, I have only been listening to them for 4 months.  I wish I followed them when they debuted...well no...I think if I did I'd probably be worse off than I am now.  I mean, I haven't been affected by a musical group this bad since Def Leppard during my High School days.  It stands to reason why I am soooooooooo excited when I received their 2014 Seasons' Greetings Calendar/Planner/Poster/Postcard/Sticker set.

I purchased mine on Kpoptown.com.  I could have bought it directly from Koryo Books, located in Koreatown (like Chinatown, but a smaller town and Korean) in Manhattan, but they were charging $70 bucks plus tax.  Online I bought it for $52 (including shipping), so I made out pretty good lol.

Now, as the title of this post states...How?  I cannot explain it...my feels for these guys...man!!!  The pics that are in the pages of both the planner and the desk calendar was enough to make one faint into a coma.  Aside from them being so talented, they are very very sexy.

Let me show you what I am talking about...

I ask you fellow Babyz...which would you rather be doing?...

Watching DaeHyun Shave or...

Waking up next to YoungJae or...

Having Breakfast With HimChan or...

Cruising With HimChan, JongUp and Zelo or...

Hangin' Out With DaeHyun and YoungJae or...

...With HimChan and JongUp...

Or my personal favorite...

Watch Bang YongGuk Do This?

Since Bang YongGuk is my ULTIMATE bias...I choose the last pic *tee hee*...Oh the feels and thoughts...

*Back to reality...*

All in all this was a very impressive calendar set.  I have to once again give it to S. Korea for such eye catching displays.  I will be purchasing this for 2015.

Oh did I mention for pre-ordering I received a free pair of cute B.A.P socks?

DaeHyun socks...cute.  Would prefer YongGuk
but as they say about beggars...

In other news:  B.A.P is going non-stop.  It has only been a week since their final performance of their Japanese tour...and they are already at the half way mark on finishing their comeback Korean album, according to their label, TS Entertainment.  As much as I am anticipating this, I really hope that they get some rest soon.  The comeback date is expected to be in February...

And just when I thought this package was enough...B.A,P is coming out with a 3 DVD set of their Live On Earth tour.  The box set drops on Christmas Day.  Guess who pre-ordered?

Also, I will be doing some MV reviews next week...so look out for that.  I am working on the tough task of picking my top 10 favorite Kpop songs of 2013...

Thank you for reading.  Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...so let it!!!

Why Did I Tell Myself I Was Not Gonna Start Collecting...But Started Anyway? Why?!?

Greetings to you.

I thought I would just be Ok with watching the videos on Youtube...

I thought I would just be Ok with downloading my Kpop Cds from iTunes...

I thought I could just be Ok not having pictures of B.A.P, EXO or VIXX or any other Kpop Idol...

BUT I WAS WRONG!!!

It all started when I bought B.A.P's Japanese version of "One Shot".  I just could not see myself without it.  I know it is considered J-pop...but it's B.A.P.  I'm a baby and that's that.

Then, I pre-ordered B.A.P's Seasons' Greetings Calendar set.  If you check my previous post (Click here), you will see why I have to have it.  Low and behold...It arrived!!!  I am fangirling and haven't even opened the package yet.  More on that later.

Then, I purchased VIXXs' Voodoo Doll Cd from a store in Korea Town in Manhattan.  It pretty much cost as much as it would have if I ordered it so I made it easier on myself...

Now, I have to give it to the Kpop record labels for such an impress Cd cases and liner notes.  They really put the effort of making it appealing to the eye.  Much Better than American Cds.  I've learned that the disc will have a picture of any of the members on it.  The Vixx member that is on my disc is...

Ravi!!!

I like Ravi.  His rap skills are killer.  I am happy for Vixx for their success this year.  They are in the same rookie class as B.A.P and EXO-12.  All three groups bring a special something only they own and you really cannot compare them.

Here is what the liner notes look like (I did the best I could with taking these pictures without bending the spine):

The album itself is great.  I love every song.  My favorite song is Only U.

Now that I have downloaded it onto my iTunes, it will go back into its plastic where it will be safely protected.

Ok...I finally tore open my package...This set is pretty big...

I am rubbing the box with anticipation.  For the sake of not making this post an extremely long one.  I will post my feels for this tomorrow.

Until next time

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...so let it!!

Peace!

An M/V Review: Miracles In December, By EXO-12

Greetings to you.

Ugh!!!  Christmas season.  I am not a fan of it.  New York City is at it's most crowded...and what is worse...CHRISTMAS CAROLS NON-STOP!!!  Sorry for sounding like a Scrooge...but I do not celebrate the holiday (yet I do respect those who do...).  I just can't stand Christmas songs...

EXO...12 very talented and very handsome young men...6 representing Korea...the other 6 represents China...working together to conquer the world through music...

Nice intro, huh?

Anyway, they have come out with a new video...a holiday video.  I decided for the love of Kpop, I would take a look/listen to "Miracles In December...

Why don't you join me...

Korean Version...

Let me start with the Korean Version...

Ok...in the Korean Version the singers wer D.O, Baekhyun and Chen.  I was looking forward to Baekhyun singing...I love his voice.  I expected D.O angelic singing on this.  Now Chen is my EXO-M bias because of his beautiful singing voice.  When he started singing, my eyes started watering up.  I felt the song from that point on...not that I wasn't feeling it before Chen started singing...to me he set the emotion of the song.  Everyone looked as handsome as ever...especially Tao...the hair is working for him.  Kris and Kai goes without saying (I can only recognize a few of the members...I will have to watch it again).  I appreciated that a couple of members used their super powers (Xuimin making it snow and Tao turning back time just a bit).  To me the concept of the song and video is that the guys all had a christmas present and romantic notions for a girl who never showed up to receive it (Kpop boy groups have no such luck in love).  I like the "Fortress of Solitude" backdrop.

Now, let's see the Chinese Version...

Chinese Version

Ok...in the Chinese Version the singers were Baekhyun, Chen and Luhan.  Oh sweet Luhan...I was hoping to hear your voice in this version...I did expect Chen in this version.  I did not, however, expect to see Baekhyun to sing the Chinese version.  That was a nice surprise.  Luhan is my second bias of EXO-M...because of his sweet voice and beautiful eyes.  The only difference in this version is the singing lineup.  The video was the same so there is no need for me to describe it here.

All in all...this was a beautifully emotional song.  A beautifully constructed video which brings out EXO's charm.  I would not expect anything less from these fine young men.  Alway a fan...an EXOtic.

Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...so let it!!!

Why Is Shinee's Symptoms Making Me Feel Some Kind Of Way...WHY?!?

Greetings to you.

Shinee...what are you doing to me with this song?

The vocals are mind blowing...

It is such a lovely song...it gave me symptoms...

I have yet to recover...Thank you.

Until next time...

Why Is There Such A Big Deal About Kpop Fans Who Happen To Be Black?

Greetings to you.

Happy Post Thanksgiving!!!  I hope you all have had a wonderful time being gluttonous with family and friends this weekend. Hope your holiday shopping is a safe and not so stressful time...and you are staying warm.

AND NOW...

As I continue to appreciate Kpop, I noticed something that I thought went away with the dinosaurs...

Judgement among those who are open minded enough to pretty much be a fan of anything.

In this case, it's Kpop...and the target...Black people.

Big surprise (sarcasm).

I thought this kind of judgement went away when Hip Hop started to fuse with Rock Music (as a black teen in the 80's I was highly criticized for listening to White Rock music...not that it stopped me).  It is funny that this exists whenever we appreciate anything non-black...as if when we do this, we lose an ounce of our "blackness"...and this is coming from my own people.  On the other side of this coin, we are being told (by everyone else) that we shouldn't be listening to Kpop for we have our own group of genres and we should stick to listening to our own kind.

This is down right ridiculous.  

MUSIC IS AN UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS.  

If Kpop was supposed to be for Korean (or East Asian) ears only, then they should not be broadcasting it on a worldwide level (Cable TV, Internet, etc).  This statement also applies to Jpop, Cpop, AMpop, Epop, Lpop, Bollywood Hip Hop and all other musical genres.  But Kpop, like all other music, is worldwide...so haters need to stop with...just stop period.

A week or so ago Mr Popo uploaded a rant on his Youtube channel expressing his frustration over people (mainly Black) accusing him of denouncing his race for Kpop...

I completely understand his frustration...for I was in his shoes.

What gets me is that most, if not all Kpop Idol group musical influences are mostly Black Music...so it stands to reason that not only do then listen, but also appreciate that kind of music...so why is it so WRONG for us to appreciate in turn?  

If we continue to allow "haters" to affect us...all is lost in the struggle...so never mind them...DO YOU!!!

HATERS SHOULD NOT MOTIVATE YOU...APPRECIATORS SHOULD!!!

Listen to Digital Underground...#doowutchyalike

Until next time...

Music is supposed to soothe the soul...so let it!

An M/V Review: Missing You, By 2NE1

Greetings to you.

I will be honest with you.  When I started listening to Kpop, I was very biased.  I would only listen to boy groups.  Not only because they are easy on the eyes, but they are easier on the ears.  I've tried to listen to girl groups but always see myself stabbing my eardrums because they all sound the same.  Now I do like a song here and there from certain girl groups due to the catchy beats that tend to match/override their singing, but I have yet to find a girl group with the potential to keep me as a fan...that is until now.

I have read a great share about 2NE1 over a few weeks but I have not heard any of their music.  So when the buzz about their comeback was out, I was excited to hear their sound.

Let's take a look/listen:

I enjoyed the vocals.  I actually preferred ballads over the more upbeat songs by the female singers.  In any event this was a ballad about heartbreak (actually it is the denial that the heart is even broken but in reality it is).  Each woman brought it to the table and dealt it. There was this big thing about the leader, CL, taking one for the team and go sky clad for the video.  Given how this world is nowadays I did not know what to expect.  Well, she was naked, but it was tastefully done (much to the disappointment of many of the men, she hid all of her naughty bits).  Marketing genius...

The fashion in this video was great...not your typical mini-skirt matching girl group.  The display of their individuality was greatly shown through their style.  If I would choose which style closely matches my personal style, it would be both Minzy's and CL's (the bottom pictures).

So...2NE1 did not disappoint me.  I watched the video from start to finish and I will definitely be looking forward to more of 2NE1(and getting to know them better) from now on.  I will also be looking at their past work.   I think I may have a female group bias...we shall see.

In other news, I will be doing some catching up on some Kpop news and give you my take on it.

So what did you think of 2NE1's Missing You video?  Let me know.

Until next time... 

Follow me on Twitter @kpopcougar

  

I am on Twitter...yay!!!

Greetings to you.

I am happy to announce that I am on Twitter.  

You can follow me @kpopcougar.

I am still working on a Facebook, Tumblr and Google+ page.  I will let you know when those are completed.

Trying not to get overwhelmed with all of this social media...so...one at a time.

Thanks for your patience.

Until nextime.

An M/V Review: Voodoo Doll, By VIXX

Greetings to you.

VIXX...man...these guys are continuing to impress me.  I will admit I only know of 2 of their songs (G.R.8.U and Only U).  Yesterday they released their latest video and title track to their 1st Album, Voodoo (well, the title of the song is Voodoo Doll).  I really enjoyed this video.

Let's take a look/listen:

This video started out a bit gory, with one of the members being cut open...then the dance begins.  Without doing a play by play, the video showcases a girl who has the VIXX guys captive and are torturing them and ultimately making them into voodoo dolls.  They have showcased a side of VIXX that is far from the cute and handsome I have seen in the previous 2 videos (they are still cute and handsome, but in a dark and mysterious way...very sexy).  It is pretty refreshing because I like when a group switch it up, making fangirls (and some fanboys) heart faint...thus making them a versatile group.  I have a thing for versatility...

Did I mention their dancing was kick-ass?  No...well it was.

I like the black hair on them...it is a good look that gives them an edge.  The goth outfits looks wonderful on them (I am a fan of Goth fashion), which compliments the hair and brings their handsome faces out .  If they were made up just a bit paler they would have really captured the Goth look (they maybe wasn't going for that...I'm just saying)...

I am still getting acquainted with VIXX, so at this time I do not have a bias.  I can tell you that I am taking a closer look at Leo, Ravi and Ken.

VIXX...I love this video...I was not scared though, but that is okay.  I will continue to take care of you as long as you continue to impress me with your talented voices and cute faces.  I will look at all their videos prior to G.R.8.U.

Now...in other news...

There is a great deal of buzz about 2NE1's comeback.  Now I have never heard their music (don't beat me up...I am a re-newbie)...so this comeback is a great opportunity for me to be introduced.  With that said there will be a review of 2NE1's comeback song, Missing You, tomorrow.

So what do you thing of VIXX's Voodoo Doll?  Let me know.

Until next time. 

An M/V Review: Doom Dada, By T.O.P

Greetings To you.

Courtesy of bigbangupdates.com

"I'm a 21st century, extraordinary Korean."

                                                  ~T.O.P, Doom Dada

T.O.P...is my Big Bang bias.  He is FINE AS HELL.  I was pretty elated to see that he came out with a new single.  I am not sure how long it was since his last one, but it seem to have been a long time.  Anyway, this past Saturday he released the music video for his new single, Doom Dada.

Take a look/listen...

I will not go into too much detail, but if I can describe this video in two words, it will be "Artistically Obscure".  The beginning of the video looked like the opening to just about every Spaghetti Western movie in existence.  Then it got a little strange from there on out....it was brilliant.  I say that because it got the viewer glued to the very end to see what happens next. It had various themes, from the aforementioned Spaghetti Western, to Evolution, to being a vampire...then there is that big-headed baby... Oki doki.  

The song itself is great...he is letting everyone know that he is back on the scene...and I am glad he is back.  Don't sleep on his talent...

...And you can't deny how hot he is...Good Lawd!

Courtesy of ameblo.jp

Courtesy of fan pop.com

In other news, VIXX has released a new single and mini album titled, "Voodoo Doll".  The video is on Youtube now.  I will do a review on it later today.

What do you think of T.O.P's Doom Dada...both the song and video?  Let me know.

Until next time.

My Intro...And Why Is Bang Yong Guk Making Me Feel Some Kind Of Way??? WHY?!?

Greetings to you.

I wish for this blog is to entertain the reader with my thoughts and feels about Kpop.  Though I have only been re-acquainting myself with Kpop for about 4.5 months, a vast love for the music have developed.  I am still lacking somewhat in knowing the ins and outs, the terminologies and slang and who everyone is (though I have a few favorite groups and singers under my belt)...so I am open to learn from my experienced readers.  I welcome all recommendations and positive comments and I will in return answer any questions you may have.

For more about me...just click on the "Who is The Kpop Cougar?" tab above.

Now that the formalities are done...let's get started.

Courtesy of Mnet.com

B.A.P...my bias group...is trying to kill me with their manliness.

They are releasing their 2014 Seasons Greetings Package Friday.  The package include:

• 1. Table Calendar : 313mm *223cm (28 pages)
• 2. Hard Cover Scheduler : 150mm * 115mm (128 pages)
• 3. Postcard - 7 sheets
• 4. Sticker - 1 sheet
• 5. Poster Calendar
• 6. Package Box SIZE : 318mm X 236mm

Last week TS Entertainment, the group's label, released a preview of the package.  According to an article on Mnet.com, The label states the concept of the limited edition package:

“The Season’s Greeting is B.A.P asking the fans to join them as the group awaits everything that will happen in 2014...with the concept of 24 hours, you’ll be able to see different sides to the B.A.P members and get the feeling that the members are always with you."

Courtesy of Mnet.com

Zelo...looking adorable as ever...

Courtesy of Mnet.com

Bang Yong Guk...my B.A.P bias...why are you doing this to me?

Courtesy of Mnet.com...

...And though this is very nice and great on the eyes, I find this pic to be his sexiest pic...

Courtesy of Mnet.com

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME MAAAAAN???  OH THE FEELS...

Needless to say, I have pre-ordered a copy.  I should order another one...I just might.

You can pre-order your copy from the following sites:

• Kpoptown.com
• Yesasia.com
• Kpopmart.com

It should arrive just in time for Christmas (if you live in the U.S.).  That is fine with me for I can wait with baited breath.  I look forward to the other 22 hours the other members have to offer.  

By the way...today B.A.P starts their Japanese Tour, called the Warrior Begins Tour.  Best wishes to them on all of their performances.

It is crazy how much I "admire" this group.  I will be talking about B.A.P a great deal in the future.

Until next time.