E=MC2: A Review of Some Sort

Some might say the last person on earth should ever review any Mariah Carey’s work is…err.. me. OK. I get it, I might not be the most qualified, bias-free, most objective reviewer around and the fact that I had been harassing our local music stores for her new CD for the past couple of months does not help either.

But oh well….here it goes anyway.

After the success of 2005’s “The Emancipation of Mimi”and a monster weepy hit comeback single “We Belong Together”, Mariah seems to have even more to mope about on this follow up with tracks like 'I Stay in Love', 'Last Kiss' and 'Bye Bye' but at the same time she didn't disappoint at all in a crazy beat department – ‘Migrate’, ‘I’m That Chick’, ‘Cruise Control’, ‘O.O.C’. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-producer comes off either like a chameleon (with a toned body) or a magician (in a better outfit) throughout this ‘secret rendezvous’. There's always ‘surprises’ for everyone.

So how does each track fair on it own?

1. Migrate
In this opener Mariah decided to cut loose – a beat-crazy track that turns up the fun and the funk. I guess it was an OK track but it’s no way as classic as her previous club thumper i.e Fantasy, Dreamlover, Honey.

2. Touch My Body
On the contagious first single, “Touch My Body”, Mariah engages in a sexy, near-offensive tease that easily will make anyone forget she used to sing ‘I’ll be there’ with her leather jacket on. Truth, I didn’t jump out of my chair the first time I listen to it. It so un-Mariah, it’s so out of character for her but it started to grow on me.

3. Cruise Control
Mariah and Damian are taking turns on the mike as the music shifts from raggae tinged hip hop to 80s inspired R&B pop. Definitely one of my favourite.

4. I Stay in Love
One of my MOST favorite tracks in the album. Simply smashing. I cried the first time I hear it, (and few other times after that). This is classic Mariah and if this is not out as a single soon, the world will be deprived - badly.

5. Side Effects
This one supposed to be Mariah’s most personal tune, but I don’t get it. Wait…na’ah…still don’t.

6. I’m That Chick
Other disco tracks don’t do much for me (hello, Kylie) but this one suprisingly rocks!. I suspect it would be one of many singles churn out off this album.

7. Love Story
Don’t care about it. Too generic. Skippable

8. I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time
Definitely not one of the worst tracks in this album and I like it because it has some 80’s R&B vibe about it. It reminds me of one of Whitney’s earlier hits. Kinda like it really.

9. Last Kiss
My advice: Listening to this gem is better for anyone going through a break up than a pint of Haagen-Dazs. Sound even better when you’re majorly bummed out. Since that smashing something single ‘We Belong Together’, the magic of Mariah and JD continues here and the two prove unlikely kindred spirits. With his assorted bag of tricks – the trippy rhythms, the spacey beat and her silky stuttery vocal technique, they feed off each other brilliantly. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

10. Thanx 4 Nothin’
This is nice but otherwise bland track. Maybe I’ll get back to this one later.

11. O.O.C
Another fast, cheeky track off E=MC2. Manage to accomplish what it was set out to be to. Loove it.

12. For The Record
Doesn't do anything much for me. Just a filler. Something I can do without.

13. Bye Bye
This second destined-to-be smashing second single has all the makings of a career- defining track for Mariah. It has universal appeal, great hook and anthem-like message. Not a second I have doubt that this one is gonna be huge. Bet on it.

14. I Wish You Well
The disc comes to a meditative,melancholy , gospel tinged, piano driven end which is tailor made for chilling out after all the clubbing is done. Those people who can’t seem to move on and still love ‘the old Mariah’, sweat no more, this will definitely make you happy. Cheer on, the ‘voice’ is back.

Rest assured, E=Mc2 has enough hit singles to last till next two years. Mariah will be around a loong time just as much the equation goes.

I don't do stars, but this one deserves a constellation of that shiny ones.

Tennessee

If I ever come across as a sad little piece of Mariah’s stalker to you, you are not really that far from truth as I have been holding my breath for this definitive, life-changing, must-see movie of the century.

Well, don’t feel guilty. You have every reason to feel sorry for me.

But help is on the way for me and my oxygen-deprived brain. So just hold on and be still heart - that is until April 12.

I just knew this movie would collect a dozen of Oscars next year (shoo-in for best actress, of course) like some people collect stamps.

You’ll see.

Thank You To Someone

I know this is an old story but it has to be told. Two weeks ago, my friend, Hasmiron took a break from his studies in UK and so he was here in KL with us. (I think it would only fair if you guys read all about that on his blog cause, you know, due to its 'so-yesterday-news' tag, I don't want to sound lazy)

But that's not even half of the interesting story - he brought me (gasp!) Ally McBeal's DVD set of Season 1 for me. I was totally thrilled. Estatic even.

You see, Ally McBeal always have and still is one of my most - if not the most - favourite TV show, like EVER! So I spent a total 7 days to finish all of the episodes back to back - sorta Ally McBeal Marathon week. I simply couldn't put it down. It was like a mad rush but it didn't feel force at all. Maybe it's because I was too familiar with the jokes and one-liners and watching the DVD was like strolling down the memory lane for me. Yet here I was, still chuckled at the very same jokes I heard a thousand times before and got choked up everytime Richard spews his 'Fishism' at every opportunities! Priceless.

This is joy. This is like one of those pleasure in life or a little happiness I am glad to know about and I only have one person to thank for.

Thank you Hasmiron for this bit of a nice gesture. You bring tears to my eyes....of joy and gladness. The one I came to know probably a good 10 years ago.

Must..get..it..NOW!

Today is a very special day for me. Mariah Carey earned her 18th No.1 Hit on Billboard 100 and destroyed Elvis "The King" Presley's 50 years old record in the process. (Yes, with her first single 'Touch my body", you, boulder dweller!). So I was estatic. Still is. How could I not, hey! it's Mariah!

Usually I hate blogging about my idols - Mariah, Whitney or Taylor. It's tacky for heaven's sake, but this, this I can't possibly keep it to myself. So at the risk of sounding tired, I must tell you - I have spent hours and hours (and a lot of money) lately at the cyber cafe listening to Mariah new singles - over and over again on the Youtube. They have hits written all over them. Simply sizzling hot, sure-fire hits.

My favourite? Gotta be "Bye Bye". A monster, career-defining ballad a la "We Belong together" that really tugs in the heartstring . I am super crazy about this one. A masterpiece of it own class, probably since "Vision of Love" and I can't wait till it is out as an official second single. It's gonna be huge. Mark my words for it.

And so you also probably already knew Mariah will be a mentor and a guest judge on AI on 16th April and she probably will sing "Bye Bye" for the first time live and you can bet I'll be drooling all over the place for that debut performance. That's two weeks away.

Arghhh...this postponing, delaying and waiting business is killing me. Mariah, pleaseeee, out with the album already!! I don't care if your boobs are not fluffy or your hair isn't twirl the way it should be, just get that damn album out! Can you see how ugly it turned out for me now?

Must...get...E=MC2...NOW!

Adulation of Nation

Season 7 of American Idol is currently underway, and I bet we are all over the place on who we think will win the crown this year.

Many of our older friends are drooling over Michael Johns, while most of our teen girl friends are going Ga-Ga over David Archuleta. Other friends are rocking over David Cook, swooning over Jason Castro, and giving luck-of-the-Irish toasts to Carly Smithson. And then there are those of us who want Amanda Overmyer gone. Immediately. Like right this very instant.

As for me, this year's crop of talent probably the best since the introduction of this much-hyped reality program cum talent searching cum nationwide singing competition 6 years ago. No doubt about it. (Some of them are pretty good!)

But (O here we go again!) truth to be told, unfortunately none of them catches my fancy (not that it really matters). They lack, to my humble opinion, an aura or a quality of an overall great entertainer. So what really is an Idol?

Here's my take on ,I think, what really separates a true blue Idol from a bunch of mere wannabes.

1. Good look - What more can I say, good look sells. People don't spend thousand of ringgit to hear them singing 'in tune' only. I don't say it's necessary fair, but do you really think somewhere, someone will offer Melinda Dolittle a much revered Sport Illlustrated cover? Not in my time, dude. Well, maybe Sanjaya.

2. Awesome moves - For a good sizeable tv appeal, you must be able to grab the audience by the balls, do everything within reasons to sell the song. Jumping around like drunken men included - if you must. No dancing lesson required. People just want to be entertained. Well, at least it worked with 'Raja Lawak', don't you think?

3. Great set of pipes - Ain't this supposed to be singing competition, first and foremost? So what am I missing here?

4. X factor/Uniqueness/Likeability - Salt and pepper hair, Mohawk hairdo, singing while lying down. You take a pick. Standing out in the crown is not an option here and humility is the way to go.

And who do I think really fits the bill? (Some of them are pretty obvious, *wink wink*). So Here's my top 5 most favorite, best Idol..ever! (David A, take cue!)

1. Taylor Hicks from AI Season 5

2. Fantasia Barrino from AI Season 3

3. Jasmine Trias from AI Season 3

4. Matt Roger from AI Season3

5. Jaclyn Victor from MI Season 1

When the chips are down, my best bet for this year's winner is David Archuleta or maybe even David Cook. I think. I don't know.

Anyway, I wish them all the best. Aren't they all living up my dream. Now that's really depressing. Aaahhh..

WARNING: Viewing pictures of Taylor Hicks performing on stage has been known to cause otherwise sane women/and some men to go completely bonkers and *thud* where they sit or stand. Please view these pictures responsibly by making sure there are no sharp objects within fainting range and that the floor around you has been sufficiently padded.

Energy Equals Mass Times The Velocity Of Light Squared

I am a man with many wishes. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are...umm...really really bad. But my conscience is always clear – In life, when something is so deliciously good, so delectably wicked, I gotta have it...all!

In exactly 56 days, my car stereo will know the true meaning of ‘played to death’, my housemate will beg for my mercy and our local radio stations will have to issue restraining order for me.

Until that 'sweet day' comes, I am gonna be in 'the cloud of reverie'. O yes, you, my 'sweet sweet fantasy'.

Reasons To Be Merry/The Lovely Bones

I have reasons to be excited today. Yes, yes, of course it's Hari Raya Aidiladha and I am blissfully on my 5 days leave.

So what would I do with all those free times? Surfing the net of course, and what did I find on the O-so great fountain of know-what?

Well if you must know, I googled the most anticipating movie of all times (At least in 'my times!') is well underway. The movie expected to premier on 13th March 2009, so mark your calendar, guys!

Now, I shall embark on book-reading mission, which I rarely do. I am soo gonna get the book soon and get it finished before the premier. Looks like at least I have another year to accomplish that.

I know I can just link this to my link box but it doesn't feel right. My gut says you won't probably read it. You see, it's important for you guys to see why I lost my mind and go completely ga - ga over this. So here it is.. (Don't cheat!)




When we first meet Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. As she looks down from this strange new place, she tells us, in the fresh and spirited voice of a fourteen-year-old girl, a tale that is both haunting and full of hope.

In the weeks following her death, Susie watches life on Earth continuing without her-her school friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her family holding out hope that she'll be found, her killer trying to cover his tracks. As months pass without leads, Susie sees her parents' marriage being contorted by loss, her sister hardening herself in an effort to stay strong, and her little brother trying to grasp the meaning of the word gone.

And she explores the place called heaven. It looks a lot like her school playground, with the good kind of swing sets. There are counselors to help newcomers adjust and friends to room with. Everything she ever wanted appears as soon as she thinks of it-except the thing she most wants: to be back with the people she loved on Earth.

With compassion, longing, and a growing understanding, Susie sees her loved ones pass through grief and begin to mend. Her father embarks on a risky quest to ensnare her killer. Her sister undertakes a feat of remarkable daring. And the boy Susie cared for moves on, only to find himself at the center of a miraculous event.

The Lovely Bones is luminous and astonishing, a novel that builds out of grief the most hopeful of stories. In the hands of a brilliant new writer, this story of the worst thing a family can face is transformed into a suspenseful and even funny novel about love, memory, joy, heaven, and healing.

-Taken from Amazon's book summary of "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

..and if you don't get teary eyes and get as exited as I do, I don't know what will. You are probably damned heartless Robot who feeds on other people sufferings!

And just in case you wonder what's with all the hoopla....yes, PETER JACKSON on the helm.

The Other Woman

Soul And Snow

‘I just love Snow Patrol’ she said while the music purportedly from the band blasted from her PC speakers gotten louder and louder.

‘They are great, don’t you think?’

‘Me? No. I mean they are fine and all but I am more of a Soul Patrol guy”. I said with a little stress on SOUL. She sort of expected my response and decided not to let me go just yet.

‘O yeah you told me already. I can see from your PC wallpaper now’. I cringed. I felt like I was under her microscope. I felt tiny.

Luckily my wits swung by and rescued me. ‘Don’t get me wrong. I am sure they are a bunch of talented guys. Just that - me and rock music don’t gel well. But I enjoy other type of music too. I do listen to Mariah, you know’. Pause. (an image of me putting my right foot inside my mouth suddenly became apparent)

‘Er… I mean I like the old Mariah better. The new one is too slutty for my liking’. Dead silent.I cringed even more. I gave up.

Truth, new music just doesn’t excite me anymore. Sometime when I listen to the top 40 hits on the radio, I hear nothing but noise. Songs nowadays tend to be overproduced and fluffy like hell. I prefer old songs better cause the melodies are stronger and the lyrics are real. Like they say – it ain’t groovy if it ain’t got the soul. (There is no better way to say it!)

That is why a true musician like Taylor Hicks can hardly pass the top 40 hits but for me he’s a breath of fresh air, like a swimming pool on an August day. OK stop.

‘I kinda agree with you, that’s why sometime I do listen to oldies too. Just not that too old’ She said.

Phew. That was awkward. I mean it’s not like I have anything to hide, just that I don’t feel comfortable when people judge me simply by what types of music I listen. Music is universal. It’s supposed to celebrate our differences not to divide us further. For whatever reasons I like a certain kind music is entirely my prerogative and I should not be ashamed about it.

‘Besides Taylor and Mariah, I also enjoy Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston and even Michael Buble. But give me Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Barry White any day, and these granddaddies of soul will meet their match'.

‘You are such an old soul Mus. I guess there is nothing wrong liking Taylor Hicks then. I totally understand now. Old school songs are great - as long as they are not from ’Dreamgirls’ or ‘Grease’'. She laughed hard. Heartily.

I didn’t tend to probe further. I figured it wasn’t wise.

M!

Mariah Carey is the number one selling female recording artist of all time as far as musical hits are concerned, and it looks like she carrying the same success over to her perfume line.

Following in the foot steps of other musicians turned fragrance designers such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce Knowles, Mariah introduces M by Mariah.

Mariah launched the new line on Monday. She didn't do this one on her own. She recurited the help of Carlos Benaim and Loc Dong from the International Flavors and Fragrances.

- Mariah Archives

Hairspray

Congratulations!

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Desperate Housewives • ABC • ABC Studios
Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
America Ferrera as Betty Suarez

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater

Outstanding Guess Actress In A Comedy Series

Desperate Housewives • ABC • ABC Studios
Dixie Carter as Gloria Hodge

Desperate Housewives • ABC • ABC Studios
Laurie Metcalf as Carolyn Bigsby

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Judith Light as Claire Meade

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Salma Hayek as Sofia Reyes

Outstanding Comedy Series

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Producers TBD

Idiot Box

I was madly in love with Susan the same time I found myself attracted to Lynette. Still, I tangled with Edie, Bree and Gabrielle. And then came along Betty. And so how it ended? Lived happily ever after? Not.

Sounds like I have taken a cue from a bad episode of Venezuelan soap opera or that I am suffering from acute case of schizophrenia.

Or am I in deep denial of self-acceptance?

For those of you who’ve been living under a giant boulder or who just migrated from a far far away planet from outer stars, those are the names of main characters from the two of my most favorite dramedy ever shown on TV. And if you are still inside the dark hole of total ignorance, I was referring to TV series, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, you tuna head.

For the benefits of boulder dwellers, space aliens and tuna heads I mentioned above, I was kind enough to link the main website of the series with this page. So kindly click on the links below, under the head ‘the obsessions’ to know more about the series and see why I put them under my ‘obsessions’ list.

Anyway, last night I watched the two series back to back as they ended their seasons in a bittersweet-yet-outrageously-scandalous fashion (as they always did). I slumped on my bed afterward thinking how the hell am I going fill up the void after this. After 23 weeks and 46 hours of pure joy and blissful make-believe, it just dawned to me my only laugh on weekdays nights has been robbed unceremoniously.

‘Betty’ and ‘Wives’ are like, the closest thing for me to the world of escapism. The series make me feel OK to dream sometime without stepping away too far from reality like Hindi movies tend to cross. They provide antidote of the disappointments I faced every week.

Also, I think I was kinda drawn to the characters because I could easily draw the similarities with mine: kind hearted but flaws, clumsy but lovable and naïve yet capable of surprises. Though, someone told me they tend to be over the top, but that’s just good TV and how you can blame that. In fact I found it profoundly enlighten sometime I see them as my own little window of happiness.

Another thing I learned, the word ‘dramedy’ itself was coined from two words - drama and comedy – literally means drama in comedy or comedy in drama (depends on how you see it). I personally subscribe it. I love to believe that in life, if you look hard enough, you can find comedy in dramas. And that’s kind of life I want.

Till I’d be able to see that, I am gonna miss my ladies.

The World's Most Pampared Pop Star

You can imagine when a celebrity might need a man with an umbrella while posing for a photos. Like, for instance, if it was raining. Which it wasn't in Paris when Mariah Carey came to visit. But maybe she fears the premature ageing effects of the sun, you say? Nope, not a single ray to be seen. Mariah has a reputation for being the biggest diva in history, ever - and we can see why. Get over yourself, lady.

(Heat Magazine - Mariah Connection)

......And there is me.

Illusions: The Butterfly Within

October 11, 2007.

Resistence is futile.

Midnight Train to Georgia

I had a quiet weekend. Very quiet. My friends abandoned me. Luckily I have my housemate to depend on to. But then, he also had to work.

I was all alone again.

In an act of desperation, few ‘bore busters’ circled around my head, is it going to be swimming? Or jogging would do the trick, how about ironing? washing? cleaning? chatting?….nah!..

Instead, I grabbed my keys and headed to the office to clear up some works.

In my car, while driving, over the radio, I heard ‘Midnight train to Georgia’ by Gladys Knight & the Pips. I was super exited. You see, I just looove the song. I mean I am so in love with the song that I once attempted (read: struggled) over one karaoke session with friends. (Go tell them Bad!)

Anyway as I hummed along the tune carelessly (I was told my singing posed danger to Malaysian traffic), I gradually realized ‘this is such a sad song’. It’s about broken dreams, picking up pieces and going back to the arms that love who loves you.

L .A. proved too much for the man
So he's leavin' the life he's come to know
He said he's goin' back to find what's left of his world
The world he left behind not so long ago

He's leavin' on that midnight train to Georgia
Said he's goin' back to find the simpler place and time
I'll be with him on that midnight train to Georgia
I'd rather live in his world than live without him in mine (very the DJ kan!)

The song really set me back to my own frail existence and how suddenly I felt so affected by it. My dreams were shaken and the reality crept in.

He kept dreamin' that someday he'd be a star
But he sho' found out the hard way that dreams don't always come true
So he's pawned all his hopes and he even sold his own car
Bought a one-way ticket back to the life he once knew

Questions pounded my head.

“Will I be ended up like this poor guy?”
“If dreams don’t always come true, what should I believe in then?”
“When should I know it’s time to stop trying?”
“How do I know if I am in the right path?”

As I was driving lazily in a rainy Sunday afternoon, suddenly I became wary of where I was heading.

It's Out!

This is the true meaning of "happiness" I was talking about....

Calvin & Hobbes

Not sure how many of you have been a follower of any comic strip. I have been a fan of 'Calvin and Hobbes' since forever!(now that exaggeration). It's a smart if not intelligent piece of bone tickler!..

Kevin is a everyday 8 years old kid with this imaginary friends Hobbes, a stuffed tiger. Kevin leads a perfectly normal life, but things around him challenges him everyday to make something out of anything so that they are making sense.

It's funny cause we, an adult, always fail to appreciate a little humour in our everyday lives while kid always find every little thing that ever crosses their eyes amusing. I suspect their un-tainted soul able to see things as they are cause they never complicated things like adult love to do.

They see, they touch, they know and learn things with unsuspecting heart and pure thought. I guess the thing I like about Kevin is that is a spoof our adult life. While on the surface it's just a joke about silly and bratty kid, it dares to explore questions that adult even failed to answer. It deals with adult issue sometimes without we ever realising it (it's done with total subtlety).

Kevin reminds me of what I was and what I've become. I learn more now to appreciate a few laugh in between dramas, never stress out over trivial issues and never complicated things than they already are.

Sometimes simplicity is the way go. Life shouldn't be that complicated right?. Maybe a 'simple' life is what I need now.

I've subscribed the daily issue via email, just so u know!...heheh

Heart Full of Soul

Something worth checking out guys!!....I, for one, am sure be on the first line.

Taylor Hicks, the winner of American Idol's fifth season, has found a release date for his upcoming memoir. The book is entitled “Heart Full of Soul” and will be released to the public on Tuesday, July 10. The book will be released by Rand House Publishing.

My everything

I have a new favourite song and it gives me sense of hope and joy every time I hear it over the radio. I think I am gonna get the CD from the store soon. It's called 'My Everything' by one of my most favourite male singer of all time, Michael Buble. It goes something like this;

You're a falling star, You're the get away car.
You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.
And you play you're coy, but it's kinda cute.
Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.
Cause you can see it when I look at you.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.
You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,You're every minute of my everyday.
And I can't believe, that I'm your man,And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,And you know that's what our love can do.