Despite festivities happening over the weekend in Korea (happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate it), there was still time for Music-related programming, with all the music shows carrying on normally. Here were some of the performances I enjoyed.
Baechigi (ft. Yang Ji-won) “Shower of Tears” , Mnet M! Countdown, February 7th, 2013
It was interesting how they finally got the girl who starred in the MV to perform on this track in place of Ailee, and Ji-won (of ex-T-ara/SPICA fame) did a very decent job with the song. I am also really loving this song, which depicts a break-up over an upbeat guitar tune, and has hints of Leessang to it.
Clazziquai Project, “Love Recipe” , Mnet M! Countdown, February 7th, 2013
Good things come to those who wait. After two years since their last material, and various solo projects, they are finally back as a team. As much as the other tracks of the album reflect the results of their break, they are hard to beat where mid-tempo, downbeat love duets are concerned, and this song is a great example.
Nine Muses, “Dolls”, Mnet M! Countdown, February 7th, 2013
It might be almost two years, but finally the Nine Muses have gotten the formula for success. Well produced tunes, looking good and generally giving the public what they want. Although their vocals still sound thin in some parts of the live performance, I would still give them some credit for all the improvements since the “No Playboy” days.
Speed, “It’s Over”, Mnet M! Countdown, February 7th, 2013
Okay I would admit to choosing this for the Michael Jackson inspired gloves and the dance break at the start (really, a dance break in a non-Gayo performance?), but then again, CCM is really good at those little gimmicks to keep fans watching. It also does not hurt that the song is not too bad, a sign the company still has a ear for what makes good pop.
Hello Venus, “Romantic Love”, MBC Music Show! Champion, February 6, 2013
I know groups these days have really accelerated promotion cycles (didn’t they just release a new song a few weeks ago), but when they seem to push all the right buttons with listeners, I have no qualms with seeing them on TV all the time. This ballad is a nice departure from their previous upbeat releases, and proves that they are rather versatile.
Huh Gak, “Mono Drama + 1440”, Mnet M! Countdown, February 7th, 2013
Rounding out the picks would be A-Cube’s resident balladeer, who in the first week of promotion does two songs. “Monodrama” makes for relaxing listening, and it helped that the song features another performer I like on it (teen guitarist/reality TV star Yoo Seung Woo). On the other hand “1440” is a nice break from his overtly melo-dramatic (or some might say sappy) ballads, though I freaked out a little at the start, when I mistook the back-up dancers for label mates A-Pink (near as the same outfits and height).
(TanVuLiveMnet@YouTube, KMusicLiveMBC@YouTube, kpopstreamonline@YouTube, ariyakung@YouTube, Mnet@YouTube)
