Sunday, May 24, 2009
2 of the best Cantopop songs from 2008-2009
Incidentally, they were both composed by the 2 singer-songwriters whose heyday were back in the 80's. They've got great melodies and feature new artists. Ironically, they are both treated (relatively) coldly by the media.
This shows that the 80's popstars still got it. This also shows the future of HK music industry is....
Relativity - Hins Cheung featuring George Lam
Studio version
TVB live version
2050 Lowell lo featuring FAMA
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This shows that the 80's popstars still got it. This also shows the future of HK music industry is....
Relativity - Hins Cheung featuring George Lam
Studio version
TVB live version
2050 Lowell lo featuring FAMA
Labels: George Lam, Lowell Lo
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A very expressive and thoughtful entry from Muzikland....
Please see original post here.
Normally, Muzikland's blog is often objective or from a distant point of view, especially for movie reviews. This entry is by far the most personal and angry (if you will) I've read from him. It remains my favorite b/c it sums up what I have to say most of the time and it has a lot of fire.
To be honest, the HK music industry needs that kind of fire!
"許多人常說﹐現在的歌曲不好聽﹐或許我們都老了﹐我們的偏好也停留在某個年代吧﹐不過我相信不同的年代樂迷﹐對屬於自己年代的歌曲﹐還是有感動的﹐現今有的偶像派﹐當年我們不一樣也有嗎﹖而且走音的大有人在呢。
然而比較一下﹐當年那些偶像派的唱歌水準﹐也好像比現今的好呢﹐至少他們的嗓子很有個人特色﹐一聽就可以認出他們來了。而且最重要的是﹐當年許多未能一躍成為一線的歌手﹐其實他們不時也有大受歡迎的歌曲面世的﹐而且一些未能大紅的歌曲﹐說實在﹐水準也不差﹐也很好聽﹐加上有實力的創作人及作詞人不少﹐作品風格多元化﹐編曲也好用心﹐實在令人聽得津津有味。就算有些唱得很爛的歌手﹐或自己不喜歡的﹐都會因為他們挑到好些很有水準的歌來唱﹐使到自己猶猶豫豫之下﹐還是會聽他們一兩首的。
現今呢﹖池中無魚蝦也要當為大了﹐許多歌曲沒有旋律﹐單靠一個 Rhythm﹐就算有旋律﹐聽一兩遍就可從音符的順性﹐跟著唱了﹐但是停播歌曲﹐由自己來唱呢﹐想來想去﹐都想不到幾個音符﹐可見旋律如何平凡了。年前一位唱作人久休復出﹐當我聽到他Plug上台那一千零一首新歌的時候﹐我心想﹐真是很久沒聽到旋律那麼好聽的新作品了﹐而且最重要﹐我聽得懂那歌的歌詞。
至於現今的作詞人呢﹖除了來來去去那幾位之外﹐是否還有一大堆名字呢﹖歌詞流行玩同音字﹑玩抄襲﹑玩類同﹐怎麼歌名跟一些舊歌相同的﹐那到底是真的翻唱呢﹐還是騙人以為是一首人家熟識的歌曲呢。本來創作﹐有新意是無可厚非的﹐可是單一的公式﹐玩到就算看著MV﹑看著電視字幕﹐也得花點時間消化歌詞的﹐心裡不禁唸著﹐你到底在講甚麼呢﹖更枉論沒有歌詞在手了。怎麼歌曲不是要傳遞一個令人明白的Message 的嗎﹖若聽了都不明白﹐那還怎能觸動人心呢﹖既沒有感動﹐那歌曲還怎樣流行起來呢﹖最近﹐週遭的朋友﹐常講起某首歌﹐於是在我只風聞過歌曲的名字的情況下﹐在Youtube 搜尋一下﹐聽了一遍﹐再來一遍﹐我其實只能大約意會到歌曲想講些甚麼而已﹐但為何這歌跟街道名會拉上甚麼關係了。友人笑說﹐聽了也不能令人明白﹐可見現今詞作之失敗。不過對不起﹐聽說這是去年Airplay 最高的歌曲啊。
我嘗試找出一些擾亂視聽﹑借人過橋﹑或者都不曉得是甚麼意思的歌名﹐原來在最近出版的CD及過去數月各大流行榜中﹐真有這麼一堆的歌曲啊~
太陽照常升起 (電影名﹖)
跟珍芳達做健身操 (真的跟 Jane Fonda 有關嗎﹖)
快樂很我們 (文法對嗎﹖)
字裡行奸 (字裡行間﹖)
情永落 (甚麼意思﹖)
手望 (守望﹖)
永遠幾遠 (你在說甚麼了﹖)
與蝶同眠 (與敵同眠﹖)
忍君子 (癮君子﹖)
愛人與海 (老人與海﹖)
浮生若水 (浮生若夢﹖)
你知道我在等你們分手嗎? (你知道我在等你嗎﹖)
阿波羅 (是神﹖)
風的季節 (徐小鳳的舊歌﹖)
披星戴月 (陳慧嫻的舊歌﹖)
眾傷 (中傷﹖)
人愛世人 (神愛世人﹖)
愛深過做人 (怎樣做人可以做得深了﹖)
祝英台 (又找古人來玩﹖)
美空雲雀 (日本歌姬都不放過﹖)
憶年 (憶蓮﹖)
萬年孤寂 (百年孤寂還不夠﹖)
查理淑儀 (他們又是誰了﹖)
西太后 (又是講古代的故事嗎﹖)
甜蜜蜜 (鄧麗君歌曲翻唱﹖)
旁觀者傷 (旁觀者清﹖)
至於歌手呢﹖看著那些電視音樂節目﹐他們的衣著真的平凡得很啊﹐就算上完節目﹐不用換衣服﹐到旺角大排檔﹐也不會發現他們是甚麼名歌手吧。舞台上跟現實生活原來竟然那麼接近啊﹖出席這樣的場合﹐其實是否也應該需要尊重大會呢﹖回說歌藝了﹖大部份歌手的聲線都沒甚麼個人特色而言﹐唱歌講深情﹐還不是小小聲﹐多加幾聲呼吸聲碎碎唸而已﹖都不知他們在唸甚麼。唱自己歌﹐沒那幾首唱得街知首聞﹐唱人家的歌﹐不唱還好﹐唱起來其實跟Karaoke鄰房那位沒甚麼分別﹐根本沒有把人家的歌曲轉化為自己的風格﹐若是前輩歌曲﹐更不用貨比貨了﹔發一張精選吧﹐其實歌曲流行程度跟發一張新專輯也沒兩樣﹖那到底有多精﹑多選了﹖就算不論歌藝﹐作為公眾人物﹐私生活也不檢點﹐態度虛浮粗鄙﹐大搞男女關係﹐拍性照﹑偷竊﹑藏毒﹑吸食大麻﹐說真的﹐作為樂迷﹐辛苦賺來的錢﹐我實在不願支持他們的音樂﹐供養這些“所謂”歌手呢。"
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Normally, Muzikland's blog is often objective or from a distant point of view, especially for movie reviews. This entry is by far the most personal and angry (if you will) I've read from him. It remains my favorite b/c it sums up what I have to say most of the time and it has a lot of fire.
To be honest, the HK music industry needs that kind of fire!
"許多人常說﹐現在的歌曲不好聽﹐或許我們都老了﹐我們的偏好也停留在某個年代吧﹐不過我相信不同的年代樂迷﹐對屬於自己年代的歌曲﹐還是有感動的﹐現今有的偶像派﹐當年我們不一樣也有嗎﹖而且走音的大有人在呢。
然而比較一下﹐當年那些偶像派的唱歌水準﹐也好像比現今的好呢﹐至少他們的嗓子很有個人特色﹐一聽就可以認出他們來了。而且最重要的是﹐當年許多未能一躍成為一線的歌手﹐其實他們不時也有大受歡迎的歌曲面世的﹐而且一些未能大紅的歌曲﹐說實在﹐水準也不差﹐也很好聽﹐加上有實力的創作人及作詞人不少﹐作品風格多元化﹐編曲也好用心﹐實在令人聽得津津有味。就算有些唱得很爛的歌手﹐或自己不喜歡的﹐都會因為他們挑到好些很有水準的歌來唱﹐使到自己猶猶豫豫之下﹐還是會聽他們一兩首的。
現今呢﹖池中無魚蝦也要當為大了﹐許多歌曲沒有旋律﹐單靠一個 Rhythm﹐就算有旋律﹐聽一兩遍就可從音符的順性﹐跟著唱了﹐但是停播歌曲﹐由自己來唱呢﹐想來想去﹐都想不到幾個音符﹐可見旋律如何平凡了。年前一位唱作人久休復出﹐當我聽到他Plug上台那一千零一首新歌的時候﹐我心想﹐真是很久沒聽到旋律那麼好聽的新作品了﹐而且最重要﹐我聽得懂那歌的歌詞。
至於現今的作詞人呢﹖除了來來去去那幾位之外﹐是否還有一大堆名字呢﹖歌詞流行玩同音字﹑玩抄襲﹑玩類同﹐怎麼歌名跟一些舊歌相同的﹐那到底是真的翻唱呢﹐還是騙人以為是一首人家熟識的歌曲呢。本來創作﹐有新意是無可厚非的﹐可是單一的公式﹐玩到就算看著MV﹑看著電視字幕﹐也得花點時間消化歌詞的﹐心裡不禁唸著﹐你到底在講甚麼呢﹖更枉論沒有歌詞在手了。怎麼歌曲不是要傳遞一個令人明白的Message 的嗎﹖若聽了都不明白﹐那還怎能觸動人心呢﹖既沒有感動﹐那歌曲還怎樣流行起來呢﹖最近﹐週遭的朋友﹐常講起某首歌﹐於是在我只風聞過歌曲的名字的情況下﹐在Youtube 搜尋一下﹐聽了一遍﹐再來一遍﹐我其實只能大約意會到歌曲想講些甚麼而已﹐但為何這歌跟街道名會拉上甚麼關係了。友人笑說﹐聽了也不能令人明白﹐可見現今詞作之失敗。不過對不起﹐聽說這是去年Airplay 最高的歌曲啊。
我嘗試找出一些擾亂視聽﹑借人過橋﹑或者都不曉得是甚麼意思的歌名﹐原來在最近出版的CD及過去數月各大流行榜中﹐真有這麼一堆的歌曲啊~
太陽照常升起 (電影名﹖)
跟珍芳達做健身操 (真的跟 Jane Fonda 有關嗎﹖)
快樂很我們 (文法對嗎﹖)
字裡行奸 (字裡行間﹖)
情永落 (甚麼意思﹖)
手望 (守望﹖)
永遠幾遠 (你在說甚麼了﹖)
與蝶同眠 (與敵同眠﹖)
忍君子 (癮君子﹖)
愛人與海 (老人與海﹖)
浮生若水 (浮生若夢﹖)
你知道我在等你們分手嗎? (你知道我在等你嗎﹖)
阿波羅 (是神﹖)
風的季節 (徐小鳳的舊歌﹖)
披星戴月 (陳慧嫻的舊歌﹖)
眾傷 (中傷﹖)
人愛世人 (神愛世人﹖)
愛深過做人 (怎樣做人可以做得深了﹖)
祝英台 (又找古人來玩﹖)
美空雲雀 (日本歌姬都不放過﹖)
憶年 (憶蓮﹖)
萬年孤寂 (百年孤寂還不夠﹖)
查理淑儀 (他們又是誰了﹖)
西太后 (又是講古代的故事嗎﹖)
甜蜜蜜 (鄧麗君歌曲翻唱﹖)
旁觀者傷 (旁觀者清﹖)
至於歌手呢﹖看著那些電視音樂節目﹐他們的衣著真的平凡得很啊﹐就算上完節目﹐不用換衣服﹐到旺角大排檔﹐也不會發現他們是甚麼名歌手吧。舞台上跟現實生活原來竟然那麼接近啊﹖出席這樣的場合﹐其實是否也應該需要尊重大會呢﹖回說歌藝了﹖大部份歌手的聲線都沒甚麼個人特色而言﹐唱歌講深情﹐還不是小小聲﹐多加幾聲呼吸聲碎碎唸而已﹖都不知他們在唸甚麼。唱自己歌﹐沒那幾首唱得街知首聞﹐唱人家的歌﹐不唱還好﹐唱起來其實跟Karaoke鄰房那位沒甚麼分別﹐根本沒有把人家的歌曲轉化為自己的風格﹐若是前輩歌曲﹐更不用貨比貨了﹔發一張精選吧﹐其實歌曲流行程度跟發一張新專輯也沒兩樣﹖那到底有多精﹑多選了﹖就算不論歌藝﹐作為公眾人物﹐私生活也不檢點﹐態度虛浮粗鄙﹐大搞男女關係﹐拍性照﹑偷竊﹑藏毒﹑吸食大麻﹐說真的﹐作為樂迷﹐辛苦賺來的錢﹐我實在不願支持他們的音樂﹐供養這些“所謂”歌手呢。"
Labels: Muzikland
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Flamenco Master Raymond Au
We are deeply honoured to share a memorable recording session with the one and only Flamenco guitar master Raymond Au. Raymond was one of the first generation of guitarists who went to Spain to learn the skills of the flamenco guitar under the apprenticeship of Paco Pena in the 70's and 80's. In other words, he's the real deal!
Raymond has recorded all the details on his personal blog.
I like this part very much:
大緻上，我把前奏分成以下三個部份：
(一) 懷緬以往美好的回憶 (以斷續的Tremolo來形容那種曾經擁有的幸福感) ；
(二) 跌落人生的低點及罪咎感煎熬的痛苦中感覺 (一段急速的chromatic音階代表一次人生中的驚變，而Picado的拖拉像表達在為自己的犯錯來道歉)；
(三) 最後一段是透過信仰的力量重獲信心及勇於面對責任 (一段Rolling Rasgueados像徵著一個人內心堅定的力量完全表達出來) 。
Wow!
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Raymond has recorded all the details on his personal blog.
I like this part very much:
大緻上，我把前奏分成以下三個部份：
(一) 懷緬以往美好的回憶 (以斷續的Tremolo來形容那種曾經擁有的幸福感) ；
(二) 跌落人生的低點及罪咎感煎熬的痛苦中感覺 (一段急速的chromatic音階代表一次人生中的驚變，而Picado的拖拉像表達在為自己的犯錯來道歉)；
(三) 最後一段是透過信仰的力量重獲信心及勇於面對責任 (一段Rolling Rasgueados像徵著一個人內心堅定的力量完全表達出來) 。
Wow!
Labels: flamenco guitar, Raymond Au
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Even more comments on harmonica
Re: Anthony Wong:
"是当“广深公路”里的口琴声响起的时候，才发觉“黄耀明”其实不必然等于复杂的编排和大量的电子变声。虽然没有林一峰的清新，但结他+鼓的编排和中间点睛的口琴演奏，却比林一峰的“红河村”有更浓的怀旧感，像是回到了达明的年代，好像旁边那个又弹结他又吹口琴忙得不亦乐乎家伙的就是刘以达一样。"
"打頭陣的＜廣深公路＞大概最能代表全碟的風格，Ellen 的acoustic guitar 伴著基爵的pedal steel guitar 及曼陀林（mandolin），再加上口琴、低音結他和鼓等，編成非常鄉謠的歌曲。"
Re: Lolo:
"盧冠廷花了很多心機去重新編撰演唱會的編曲，有一些則用另一方式演繹，大概想去除一般人心中覺得古怪的感覺，例如加入blues口琴的「天鳥」，節奏和二胡都加重分量的「快樂老實人」。還好，沒有夏韶聲的盲目「諳」化，盧冠廷追求的是實淨的聲音，豁達的表現
"一踏入場入面,見到成場滿晒觀眾,盧先生正係度表演2050前一首歌,每一下鼓聲,歌聲,結他聲,口琴聲,都震撼住我心靈。"
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"是当“广深公路”里的口琴声响起的时候，才发觉“黄耀明”其实不必然等于复杂的编排和大量的电子变声。虽然没有林一峰的清新，但结他+鼓的编排和中间点睛的口琴演奏，却比林一峰的“红河村”有更浓的怀旧感，像是回到了达明的年代，好像旁边那个又弹结他又吹口琴忙得不亦乐乎家伙的就是刘以达一样。"
"打頭陣的＜廣深公路＞大概最能代表全碟的風格，Ellen 的acoustic guitar 伴著基爵的pedal steel guitar 及曼陀林（mandolin），再加上口琴、低音結他和鼓等，編成非常鄉謠的歌曲。"
Re: Lolo:
"盧冠廷花了很多心機去重新編撰演唱會的編曲，有一些則用另一方式演繹，大概想去除一般人心中覺得古怪的感覺，例如加入blues口琴的「天鳥」，節奏和二胡都加重分量的「快樂老實人」。還好，沒有夏韶聲的盲目「諳」化，盧冠廷追求的是實淨的聲音，豁達的表現
"一踏入場入面,見到成場滿晒觀眾,盧先生正係度表演2050前一首歌,每一下鼓聲,歌聲,結他聲,口琴聲,都震撼住我心靈。"
Labels: Anthony Wong, blues harmonica, PMPS
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Blues gig of the year!
Thanks to the geneorsity of HK journalists, I've been warmly received since returning to HK. For instance, check out this snippet from TOHK:-
"Fighting hard - sometimes seemingly alone - at the top of Hong Kong’s boutique blues circle, mouth organist Henry Chung is doing as much as anyone to keep our live music scene alive and diverse. After learning his trade in the US, and sitting in and gigging with the likes of BB King and Grammy-nominee Joe Louis Walker, the mild-mannered lawyer returned to Hong Kong a few years back and quickly set about establishing himself as the most recognisable blues name in town. Proving his diversity, he has gone on to record with jazz artists and pop singers alike, including Anthony Wong, at17, and Lo Lo, with whom he performed at the Coliseum to an audience of thousands.
Heading off in another surprising direction, Chung has just finished work on a gospel album, The Chimes, with his brother and numerous top Hong Kong musicians - one of whom is long-time collaborator Eugene Pao, who has an unshakeable grip on the title of ‘Hong Kong’s best jazz guitarist’. Pao is on stage with Chung for this night of raw and authentic Chicago Blues and 1940s and 50s blues, along with a host of other jazz types, including Canadian vocalist Genevieve Marentette."
And this from BC Magazine:
"Local king of harmonica Henry Chung and jazz/ blues guitar icon Eugene Pao are teaming up for an all-star line-up for the local blues gig of the year – also playing are Vincent Lam (vocals/guitar), Edward Chun (vocals/guitar), Bob Mocarsky (keyboards), Ah Hong (bass) and Anthony Fernandes (drums) with special guest Genevieve Marentette on vocals. The gig will be on May 16 at 9pm at Grappa’s Cellar (2521 2322) and tickets are $188 (includes two drinks)."
It's THIS COMING SATURDAY. The word is that there are a few tickets left. Make your reservations now at 2521 2322!
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"Fighting hard - sometimes seemingly alone - at the top of Hong Kong’s boutique blues circle, mouth organist Henry Chung is doing as much as anyone to keep our live music scene alive and diverse. After learning his trade in the US, and sitting in and gigging with the likes of BB King and Grammy-nominee Joe Louis Walker, the mild-mannered lawyer returned to Hong Kong a few years back and quickly set about establishing himself as the most recognisable blues name in town. Proving his diversity, he has gone on to record with jazz artists and pop singers alike, including Anthony Wong, at17, and Lo Lo, with whom he performed at the Coliseum to an audience of thousands.
Heading off in another surprising direction, Chung has just finished work on a gospel album, The Chimes, with his brother and numerous top Hong Kong musicians - one of whom is long-time collaborator Eugene Pao, who has an unshakeable grip on the title of ‘Hong Kong’s best jazz guitarist’. Pao is on stage with Chung for this night of raw and authentic Chicago Blues and 1940s and 50s blues, along with a host of other jazz types, including Canadian vocalist Genevieve Marentette."
And this from BC Magazine:
"Local king of harmonica Henry Chung and jazz/ blues guitar icon Eugene Pao are teaming up for an all-star line-up for the local blues gig of the year – also playing are Vincent Lam (vocals/guitar), Edward Chun (vocals/guitar), Bob Mocarsky (keyboards), Ah Hong (bass) and Anthony Fernandes (drums) with special guest Genevieve Marentette on vocals. The gig will be on May 16 at 9pm at Grappa’s Cellar (2521 2322) and tickets are $188 (includes two drinks)."
It's THIS COMING SATURDAY. The word is that there are a few tickets left. Make your reservations now at 2521 2322!
Labels: authentic blues, Eugene Pao, Grappa's
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Sunday, May 10, 2009
Revelations
Some new lessons learned from the wise:
"Use your heart to love somebody. If your heart is big enough, use it to love everybody." - Stevie Wonder
"It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be." - Paul Arden
And two amazing clips from two amazing bands:
Moskau - Dschinghis Khan
瓜分林瑞麟三十萬薪金 - My Little Airport
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"Use your heart to love somebody. If your heart is big enough, use it to love everybody." - Stevie Wonder
"It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be." - Paul Arden
And two amazing clips from two amazing bands:
Moskau - Dschinghis Khan
瓜分林瑞麟三十萬薪金 - My Little Airport
Labels: Stevie Wonder
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009
10 CDs I can't tired of recently
I mean, not only is the music itself appealing, but the entire production itself is as serious as it gets. You can make good music with shitty recording, but in this day and age where you can afford to do it at a reasonable cost, then go out there by all means.
1. Stacey Kent - Breakfast on a Morning Tram
2. Khalil Fong - Love, Love, Love
3. Khalil Fong - Wonderland
4. Khalil Fong - Orange Moon
5. Joanna Wang - Start From Here
6. Crowd Lu - 100 Styles of Life
7. Diana Krall - Live in Paris
8. Diana Krall - When I Look Into Your Eyes
9. Lisa Ekdahl - Give Me That Knowing Smile
10. CMCD001
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1. Stacey Kent - Breakfast on a Morning Tram
2. Khalil Fong - Love, Love, Love
3. Khalil Fong - Wonderland
4. Khalil Fong - Orange Moon
5. Joanna Wang - Start From Here
6. Crowd Lu - 100 Styles of Life
7. Diana Krall - Live in Paris
8. Diana Krall - When I Look Into Your Eyes
9. Lisa Ekdahl - Give Me That Knowing Smile
10. CMCD001
Labels: Crowd Lu, Diana Krall, Joanna Wang, Khalil Fong, Lisa Ekdahl, Stacey Kent
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