Welcome to this week’s rendition of Best of Weekly Music Shows! This week, EXID nabbed wins on Show Champion and Inkigayo while Exo continued their winning streak with trophies from M! Countdown, Music Bank and Music Core. Comebacks included the much-awaited Big Bang along with BTS, Lim Kim and more while FNC‘s Jimin N J.Don unit made their debut. I’ve chosen a few of my favorite stages of the week, but please do comment with your own favorites!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDx4MYHp-s0]Xia (Junsu)’s “Flower” and cover of “Uphill” (Yoon Jong-shin and Jung-in), EBS Space Empathy, April 30, 2015
It would have been simply ridiculous to not include Junsu’s first broadcast appearance in so long. There’s no doubt about his talent or live ability, and he really just shines through with this opportunity. In every moment, he’s completely immersed in his singing, which makes for such a touching performance for the viewer as well. EBS also did a pretty great job with the camera work and stage setup. His pause in the second song due to his emotions is just so sorrowful because it shouldn’t have had to take this long for him to perform on television. (To skip to the performances, see 0:43 and 9:24. The YouTube channel also has more videos from his episode!)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_NHgfNijAs]Big Bang’s “Loser,” SBS Inkigayo, May 3, 2015
The group’s stage with all five on at the same time is so simple in concept but so great as a performance. The choice of an intermittently rotating stage with what looks like screens and mirrors adds an extra touch to performance, letting the members play a bit with their entrances and ending pose. It’s all just right.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=312&v=MlZBfSowkNI]BTS’ “Fun Boys” + “I Need U,” KBS Music Bank, May 1, 2015
These two songs are such a good pairing for comeback stages. “Fun Boys” is an easy favorite because of the strong beat, rhythm and just that everyone looks like they’re having a great time. “I Need U” slips into a more serious mode and brings out some of that choreography that the group does so well. But I have to say, I hate their shorts so much. I can’t help but be reminded of little elementary school kids or something, which completely undermines their vibe.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=162&v=SvtdsKfxmSc]Oh My Girl‘s “Cupid,” SBS Inkigayo, May 3, 2015
This girl group seems so earnest that I can’t help but want them to do well. All members seem to be trying so hard, and their song isn’t half bad. I do wish that the drum line fit in with the song better; it seems to only work best during the chants but otherwise comes across as messy.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IaKz6G1DMg]Bastarz‘s “Zero for Conduct,” KBS Music Bank, May 1, 2015
What a jam. This stage really plays up the party fun with the song with all of the lights and vibrant backgrounds. The chorus is delightfully fun to dance along to, and the two vocalists balance out P.O. quite well. Of their performances this week, this one had the best sound for vocals and the better energy overall.
