Welcome back to another edition of Best of Weekly Music shows! Though miss A put up a good fight, Exo dominated the music shows for yet another week and took home their first triple crown for “Call Me Baby.” While Exo may have racked up the trophies, this week was also littered with fresh and promising performances. EXID, M&D, Niel, Jinusean and Dal Shabet all returned to the music show circuit while Block B sub-unit Bastarz, The Ark and Shin Ji-soo officially debuted. In case you missed it, here are some of my picks for the highlights of this week!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO974AsC-38]EXID, “Ah Yeah,” MBC Show! Music Core, April 18, 2015
EXID is back with another super catchy track and equally memorable dance. Though the comeback is arguably reminiscent of “Up & Down,” the ladies definitely had a new aura surrounding them as they took to the stage this week. Solji, though limited in line distribution, impresses me every performance with her steady live vocals.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQjMANKrGBI]Exo, “Call Me Baby.” Mnet M! Countdown, April 17, 2015
Yes, after three weeks of promotions, Exo has finally made our list! While the elaborate sets and multiple cut stages were certainly impressive, I’m appreciating the gradual toning down of Exo’s “Call Me Baby” performances — though the random fruit props last week were enjoyable. This performance stood out for me because it gave us more of an opportunity to focus on the almost-live vocals and choreography as opposed to outfit and set changes. I’m also really appreciating SM‘s effort to bring mesh shirts back in style.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfVARxs9r4s]M&D, “I Wish,” SBS Inkigayo, April 19, 2015
On the other end of the SM spectrum, M&D returned this week from their four year hiatus with the sweet song, “I Wish.” I’m loving this comeback because it’s a great change of pace for both Heechul and Jungmo, and they appear to be enjoying themselves. The full band performances also make the song itself even more endearing. When you add a Candy Land set and subtle hair-twirling, could it be more charming?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpWZgpInjU]Bastarz, “Zero for Conduct,” MBC Show! Music Core, April 18, 2015
After some MV trailer controversy and minor lyric changes, the Block B sub-unit Bastarz debuted with a bang. In true Block B style, B-Bomb, U-kwon, and P.O. delivered some of the highest energy performances of the week, their Music Core performance being especially memorable. I’m still questioning the excessive number of background dancers and U-kwon’s hair, but this track and P.O.’s hat are two of my favorite things to happen this week.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZLFaL0aQ0Q]Son Ho-Young, “Even if the Wind Blows and the Rain Soaks Me,” (Choi Jin-hee), KBS Immortal Song 2, April 18, 2015
Son Ho-Young of g.o.d. took home his first — and much deserved — Immortal Song 2 win this Saturday. In a surprising move, Son Ho-young made very few alterations to Choi Jin-hee’s original song “Even if the Wind Blows and the Rain Soaks Me.” His decision certainly paid off! The emotional performance is the kind of impressive that gives you chills whether you understand the language or not. It’s no wonder some members of the audience were in tears by the final notes.
Readers, what performances stood out for you this week?
