Best of Weekly Music Shows: 9/15 - 9/21

Welcome to the latest edition of Best of Weekly Music Shows! With comeback stages from groups like TaeTiSeo and Teen Top, and debut stages from MINX and new unit group SPICA.S, it’s been a busy week. Super Junior continued their winning streak on MBC Music Core, MBC Show Champion, and SBS Inkigayo, while WINNER took first prize on Mnet M!Countdown. Due to the broadcast of the opening ceremonies for the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, KBS Music Bank did not air this week. Nonetheless, here are my top picks for the week. Include yours in the comments below!

MINX, “Why Did You Come to My Home?”, Mnet M!Countdown, September 18, 2014

I was very impressed by MINX’s debut. “Why Did You Come to My Home?” sounds like it could have been the next chapter in 4minute‘s series of interrogative songs, but the girls have great stage presence for rookies and some standout vocals. I especially love how the song builds up tension with the “I need you, I want you” segments before it leads into the chorus. I’ll be on the lookout for other performances from them in the coming weeks, but they’re off to a very good start.

TaeTiSeo, “Adrenaline,” Mnet M!Countdown, September 18, 2014

Although I did enjoy watching TTS serve up some serious flashbacks to Destiny’s Child when they performed “Whisper” on Music Core, I have to give M!Countdown‘s stage the higher mark. “Adrenaline” was the better intro visually and vocally, with cute choreography. Honestly I’m still not sold on “Holler” (or those black and yellow outfits from this broadcast, ugh), but the vocal performance was strong, and Seohyun continues to grab all of my attention onstage this comeback season.

TaeTiSeo, “Holler,” SBS Inkigayo, September 21, 2014

I’m doing a little bit of mixing and matching here. Inkigayo without a doubt had the best “Holler” performance this week, and the camerawork played a huge part in this. SBS made this song really feel glamorous; Taeyeon, Seohyun, and Tiffany, of course, helped with their dazzling outfits and their stage presence. They really do work together onstage, which makes this unit worth watching, even if you’re ambivalent about the songs.

2PM, “I’m Your Man” and “Go Crazy,” SBS Inkigayo, September 21, 2014

I’m putting 2PM’s Inkigayo performances on here for the sheer juxtaposition of the two songs. It was honestly weird to see them perform “I’m Your Man,” which is a quintessential “2PM title song,” and then go into the very chaotic and wild “Go Crazy.” I have to give it to them: everyone seems really into this comeback (especially Wooyoung). As wacky as this comeback is, you can’t say it isn’t entertaining. I should note that SBS could have calmed down on the background stage for 2PM – that light show in the back is due for an epilepsy warning.

Bestie, “I Need You,” SBS MTV The Show, September 16, 2014

I’ll always advocate for more Bestie love. This quartet pulls out some impressive live performances that really show off their talented vocalists. “I Need You” is fun and full of high-energy when the chorus kicks in. Bestie could use more interesting choreography, but with good songs and vocals, they’re an easy group to like, especially for the very passionate male fans audible in this video.

Winner, “Missing You,” KBS Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook, September 19, 2014

Winner brought a really fresh spin to 2NE1‘s “Missing You.” Seungyoon and Taehyun obviously shine in this cover, but Jinwoo’s voice stands out since it’s so light and sweet sounding, perfectly appropriate for a song like “Missing You.” The vocal layering at the bridge was lovely as well. Winner continues to show their incredible abilities on acoustic songs, and this performance was definitely a highlight for the week.

(KBS, MBC, Mnet, SBS, YouTube [1][2][3[4][5][6][7])