Best of Weekly Music Shows: 9/22- 9/28

Thanks for tuning into the latest editon of Best of Weekly Music Shows. Unlike last week’s excitement, this week was fairly slow, though Ailee launched her latest comeback. Teen Top took top honors on Show Champion and Music Bank, While TTS snagged the win on M!Countdown. Show! Music Core and Inkigayo didn’t broadcast due to the Asian Games. There were many good performances throughout the week, but this handful burned just a bit brighter in my eyes. Are there any performances you feel I missed, readers?

Sunny Hill “Monday Blues” Arirang Simply K-pop, September 26, 2014

Sunny Hill has been on my personal radar for a while, but “Monday Blues” really cemented my appreciation of them. A song about not getting worn down by the daily grind is a very needed breath of fresh air.  It’s such a fun, sassy song, too, and the ladies perform it wonderfully. Who knew that dancing snarkily was even possible?

Ailee “Love Sick” and “Don’t Touch Me” Mnet M!Countdown, September 25, 2014

I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Ailee. Love her voice, hate her performances. Her latest comeback might just bring me around, though. Both “Love Sick” and  and “Don’t Touch Me” break from her usual performance style, and that is a very good thing. For the first time, Ailee owns the stage and makes it  undeniably hers.

TTS “Adrenaline” KBS Music Bank, September 26, 2014

When it comes to performances, there are several variables that can take top priority. Mine is enjoyment, and for that reason, TTS’s performance on Music Bank pops more than every other show they were on this week. Here, TTS look like they’re having a blast, enjoying the song and the performance as much as their audience.  The 80’s-chic apparel is just the cherry on top.

BTS “Danger” Mnet M!Countdown, September 25, 2014

It’s often easy to forget that BTS are rookies, and their M!Countdown goodbye stage is exactly why. They have a focus and intensity when performing that puts many more senior groups to shame. Their perfectly synchronized dances are almost hypnotic and certainly magnetic– not watching them in impossible. Their presence will be missed.

Lip Service “Too Fancy” Arirang Simply K-pop, September 26, 2014

Lip Service is another group of rookies that I forget are rookies. Bipa, Cora, and Anna show that they know how to work a stage, and they look like they want to be there. It’s clear they believe in the messages of their songs, and combined with actual rap skills and Anna’s voice, Lip Service are making it clear they’re a group to watch out for.

Gilme “My Turn” KBS Music Bank, September 26, 2014

As impressive as some rookies are, never doubt the power of experience. Gilme’s powerful comeback “My Turn” has been turning a few heads, including mine. “My Turn” flaunts both her rap and vocal skills with neither sounding out of place, but her delivery is what makes these stages. Instead of intensity, Gilme is very comfortable when performing, like the audience is just an afterthought.

(Arirang, KBS, Mnet)