Amber - Shake That Brass MV Review

Annyeong Happycake here! So it’s about time I’ve made an appearance while BeanSprout goes through a Yong Hwa withdrawal!

OMGOMGOMG OKAY SO OUR VERY OWN LLAMA AMBER HAS FINALLY MADE HER SOLO ALBUM AND I’M SUPER EXCITED BECAUSE HOLY POOP IT’S AMBERRRRRR AND SHE’S SUCH AN AWESOME PERSON LIKE PLEASE BE HAPPYCAKE’S UNNI TT TT

But before I begin, I’d like to express how RIDICULOUS some of the comments are. A lot of crap is being thrown out that Taeyeon was only put into the video to increase the views and popularity of the video and song, but come on. I can’t believe how immature people are being about this. Amber is very talented and let’s not forget, she’s VERY popular amongst KPoppers! And yes, I understand there are a bunch of SNSD fans that will watch it just because Taeyeon’s in it, but okay that’s great if you are one. We could all care less that that’s your reason for watching the video. Just keep it to yourself and let the fans and supporters of Amber and everyone else have their fun and enjoy the video she’s put together for all of us!

(ALL GIFS VIA TUMBLR)

Alright so the video starts of with a band that Amber is  conducting, and as the camera zooms in closer, we see there are a bunch of guest idols including Busker Busker’s Brad, SNSD’s Hyoyeon, GOT7’s Jackson, and NU’EST’s Aron. Those are the only ones I recognize so I apologize for whoever I did not mention! But okay just the sight of that got me even more hyped to watch this video because just from the sight of those people you can tell this is going to be one fun video. Especially with Jackson in it hahaha.

And then the video gets all funky with the bursts of colors and lights that just make you want to jiggy and Boogie On & On. *cough* Beenzino fans *cough*

Then one of my favorite parts of the video, the "Party Glasses." Amber just sits at the laundromat all bored until she discovers a pair of glasses on the chair next to her. When she tries them on, everyone seems to be dancing and partying. She takes it off and puts it back on just to make sure she's not seeing things, then proceeds to dance along, only to see that she's the only one dancing. In other words, me at every single event. 

Uh...what.

These are kind of cool...

Alright let's do this thing.

Aww yeeeeee

*cricket chirps* Dancing anyone? No?

She definitely knows how to rock it out by herself. We should all learn her ways and if any guys/girls try hitting you up at the dances we can be all like, "Aw hell naw! This is mah jam!" And proceed to dance like a llama. You know you want to do it.

Along with everyone just "Shaking That Brass" and having so much fun with this.

Jackson omfg

 annnndddd Amber being more of a derp

 Then of course the lovely appearance of Taeyeon

Now, I'm neither a fan nor someone who dislikes Taeyeon. I have nothing against her whatsoever and  I even think she was absolutely gorgeous and stunning, but it really annoyed me how fans and anti-fans were bashing on her or centralizing comments on only her. It's Amber's video and she's portraying to have a good time and just let everything loose and all these people have to offer is criticism that has nothing to do with it and is just crap. I apologize if this is really offending anyone and please, don't take me as a bad person, I'm just voicing out my opinion on the situation. So please, like it hasn't been portrayed enough, let's all come together and Shake That Brass!

This is one of my all time favorite videos from SM and in Kpop. It just screams fun and is basically a hang out day with friends having a competition on who can look derpier than the other rather than another scheduled music video recording. I have played it on repeat since I first watched the video the other day and I'd like to congratulate her. The video already has over 2 million views and it's only been posted for two days! I'm not being biased here and liking everything about this video just because I'm a fan of Amber's, BUT I LIKED EVERYTHING LOL. I just loved jamming along with the video and seriously did not care about the weird looks I was getting from my family members. It's a really uplifting song and I recommend it to anyone that you listen to this song if something bad happened and your mood decided to plummet a little. It was just so lovely TT TT. Especially the part where she goes up with the basketball to dunk (I couldn't find a gif for that creys) and the impact literally shakes the floor and everyone falls. Like, can I have that power too please? 

So just basically everything about this video is so lively and enjoyable and yeah I can tell, I'm really just repeating myself now. SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, HAPPYCAKE'S FIRST VIDEO REVIEW! I J-Hope you liked it and thought it was somewhat funny! Until next time~

Valentine's Day Playlist #3: "Lonely"

And then sometimes you're on the margins, watching the happy couples around you while still sitting alone and waiting for your prince (or princess) to appear, or while you're still nursing that broken heart. You don't want anyone's pity, but you don't want to be cheered up either - you just want to marinate in loneliness for a while, curled up on the sofa with a good drama. We've got you covered in the KPop area.

Happy listening!

UPDATE: All the vids were slowing the site down, so I made a YouTube playlist! Enjoy! ~Beansprout

"Lonely"

Songs include:

~ "Three Things I Have Left" by Kang Ha Neul (Angel Eyes OST - the attack of the OSTs has commenced!)

~ "Because I Miss You" by Jung Yong Hwa (Heartstrings OST)

 ~ "Rain" by BTS (because there are those days when this song is the color of your soul)

~ "Lalala" by CNBLUE

~"Still You" By Donghae and Eunhyuk

~ "Disturbance" By BoA

~ "I Like It" By BTS

~ "Without You" By Dynamic Duo

~ "Fire" By Mad Clown feat Jinsil (Hehehehe Mad Clown - Happycake)

~ "Two Melodies" by Zion.T (Zion.T makes Happycake cry)

~ "Just" By Zion.T and Crush (Oh look more Zion.T!)

~ "Nagging" By Dynamic Duo feat Simon D (another one of Happycake's many husbands<3 plus I'm not sure where this song really falls into considering I can't find the translations anywhere so if anyone has them that would be great if you could share a link!)

~ "Guilty" by Dynamic Duo (wow so many Dynamic Duo songs)

~ "Eyes, Nose, Lips" Cover By Tablo feat Taeyang

~ "Happen Ending" By Epik High

~ "Spoiler" By Epik High

~ "Crooked" By G-Dragon (darn does he look good in this video)

~ "Rose" By Gaeko

~ "Wash Away" By Geeks feat Ailee (such a creative video)

~ "Please Don't" By K.Will

~ "In Vino Veritas" By Mad Clown feat Celma (MAD CLOWN FOR EVERYONE)

~ "Break Up Dinner" By San E feat Sanchez

~ "Bittersweet" By Super Junior

~ "How Are You" By TVXQ

~ "Only U" By VIXX (for any Starlights out there, Happycake is Ken biased <3)

~ "Empty" By WINNER (Such beautiful voices T____T)

~ "Color Ring" By WINNER

~ "Caffeine" By Yoseob feat Junhyung

~ "Flower" By Junhyung (I know, I know, there's only a head with some flowers.)

 

Valentine's Day Playlist #2: "Newly Single"

Let's be real - Absurd Public Affection Day (also known as Single Awareness Day) isn't for everyone. Maybe you found out that your crush doesn't like you back, or your special someone apparently doesn't think you're worth anything. It's heartbreaking, to be sure - but you're not the type to sit around weeping over something clearly not worth your time. You're in the mood to throw away all the stuff they left at your house and PARTY - so this playlist is just for you!

Happy listening!

UPDATE: All the vids were slowing down the site so I made a YouTube playlist! Enjoy! ~BeanSprout

"Newly Single"

~ "Black Flower" by CNBLUE

~ "Danger" by BTS (this is essentially the ultimate angry song)

~ "Love Dust" by BIGBANG (the most cheerful goodbye you will ever listen to)

 ~ "I'm Different" by Hi Suhyun and Lee Hi feat. Bobby of iKon (the "make your ex sorry" song)

~ "Still Alive" by BIGBANG

~ "I'm a Loner" by CNBLUE

~ "Love Song" by BIGBANG (just the tune is inspiring, the music video...eh.)

~ "I Don't Care" By 2NE1

~ "Feeling" by BIGBANG (just that general party song that makes you feel awesome XD)

~ "I'm Sorry" by CNBLUE (another good angry song)

Valentine's Day Playlist #1: "Head Over Heels"

Looks like it's that time of year again - "Absurd Public Affection Day"! ...What? That's not what it's called?...oh...okay, fine, it's Valentine's Day. And how else should the fandom celebrate than with a list of songs specially compiled by yours truly and her KPop buddy Happycake! Have a good listen while you're texting your other half, and enjoy some good chocolate!

Happy listening!

Update: All the vids were slowing the site down so I've made a YouTube playlist! Enjoy! ~BeanSprout

"Head Over Heels"

Songs include:

~ "For First Time Lovers" by Jung Yong Hwa

~ "Love Revolution" by CNBLUE

~ "Love Light" by CNBLUE

~ "Love Girl" by CNBLUE

~ BTS's cover of "Coffee" (original by Urban Zakapa is also good)

~ "24/7 = Heaven" by BTS

~ "Slow Dance" by Eddy Kim

~ "Come To My Crib" By K.Will feat. Beenzino (One of Happycake's many husbands)

~ "Stay" By GOT7

~ "Special Girl" By Infinite H

~"JOAH" By Jay Park

~ "Girlfriend" By Jay Park

~ "Let's Love" By Jazzyfact (sorry, couldn't find a video!)

~ "Déjà Boo" By Jonghyun feat Zion.T

~ "Love Blossom" By K.Will

~ "Bon Voyage" By K.Will feat Beenzino (Whatttt another Beenzino feat?)

~ "200%" By Akdong Musician

~ "Let's Meet" By Primary feat Zion.T

~ "No Other" By Super Junior

~ "Miss Right" By Teen Top

~ "Miss Right" By BTS

~ "Hello" By Yoo Seung Woo

~ "You and I" by Hong Dae Kwang (Master's Sun OST - totally reviewing that at some point)

~ "So Good" By Jay Park

MV Review: "Checkmate" by Jung Yong Hwa feat. JJ Lin

Once again I am back with more news on my favorite rocker Jung Yong Hwa, who is releasing songs at an astonishing rate (how that guy even sleeps, I will never know). The most recent in his new lineup is a song called "Checkmate", featuring Chinese artist JJ Lin. Check the video out below!

What I loved:

~ The song. 

One of the best partnerships I have ever seen. (Image via Google)

As a good friend mentioned while we were discussing the song and watching the video, it sounded like Jung Yong Hwa has returned to his CNBLUE style, which is GREAT!! I love the rockin' feel of this song and the positive, encouraging message it has of standing together with your friends - so much better than the sleepy, lovelorn tones of the previous song...

~ Three languages.

Oh, did I forget to mention the song is sung in three separate languages at the same time? I cannot express how awesome I find that. Ever since I entered the world of KPop the multilingual facet of it always amazes me. Artist needs to learn Japanese to perform in Japan? Sure! Actor needs to learn Chinese to appear in Chinese drama? Of course! The fact that these artists are not afraid to learn a new language if it means increasing their fanbase and bringing their work to the world clearly demonstrates their care for their audience.


~ The setting.

Yes I know, the office setting seemed kind of weird to some people and may not have entirely made sense. Recently, however, I have been watching Misaeng (An Incomplete Life) which is set in an office and details the struggles in a white-collar job. The message of the song also fit really well with what I have watched in Misaeng so far (sadly the drama is already finished so this song can't be part of the OST T_T). Anyway, it just reminded me of all the feels I have for that drama so far (and there are a lot of them), but I'll save them for the review. ;)

~ This guy.

THIS GUY. (Image via Google Search)

 While describing the video to same good friend mentioned above prior to watching it, I mentioned that it was a collaboration between Jung Yong Hwa and "this guy JJ Lin". "What do you mean, 'this guy'?! JJ Lin is super popular and he has really great songs," remonstrated my friend, and I can see why. His voice perfectly complements Yong Hwa's vocals, and they make a really great team in terms of how the song turned out. Other people can worry all they want about the fate of CNBLUE - this is a partnership of which I wholeheartedly approve.

Meh, could have been better:

For once I am at a loss, so have another picture:

(Image via Google)

Did not like:

Seriously, for me nothing was wrong with this video - it was AWESOME.

These guys are serious about their music. (Image via Google)

I definitely don't think I'll be getting this song out of my head for a while - that is, until Jung Yong Hwa comes out with a new song... ;) Definitely looking forward to more from both of these artists!

Until the next song!

~BeanSprout

MV Review: One Fine Day by Jung Yong Hwa

This guy just gets busier and busier, doesn't he? Recently Jung Yong Hwa released another song titled "One Fine Day", though from the story of the music video that title seems to be entirely misleading. However, I won't say too much before the review, so watch the video below!

 

 What I loved:

~ His voice.

Eep. (Image via Google)

Sometimes I'll get tired of an artist because they always sound the same - still pretty good, but all their songs start running together and there's nothing new about them. Not so with Jung Yong Hwa. His beautiful voice just gets me every time...

~ The story.

From adorkable first love to totally depressed in four-and-a-half minutes. (Images via Google)

Some people are reading this point right now and going "What do you mean?! It was AWFUL!". Well, yes, it was awful - in all the right ways. Honestly, the whole video was a mini melodrama that played out perfectly with the soulful, angsty feel of the song. Note to readers: if you ever need a drama fix and the new episodes for your current dramas aren't out yet, watch this video.

Meh, could have been better:

~ The song.

And now people are double-checking this point with my first point about his voice. "What are you talking about now? I thought you said you liked the song!" Well...not really. My first point was more along the lines of "Jung Yong Hwa could sing my math textbook and it would be an instant hit". Not that this song is as boring as my math textbook, but something about it just didn't click for me. That same melodrama that I mentioned before is a two-way street for me - while I enjoy the emotional tone of the song, it also reminds me of the OSTs for some of the more infuriating dramas I've watched (you know those ones where everything that could possibly go wrong happens, often all at the same time). This is again one of those personal preference things where I don't expect the entire internet to share my opinion, I just wished for something that would bring a smile to my face - preferably without tears rolling down my cheeks at the same time.

Did not like:

Well, this time...nothing.

Other fans: Wait, WHAT?! Are you not going to talk about THIS:

Ah yes, that. (Image via Google)

Now that you mention it...no. While some may be tearing their hair out because of this scene, it's really not that big of a deal. I've seen fans get pretty cruel about these kinds of scenes, and I still am not sure why. Guys, it's a music video. Nobody's announced that they're dating or anything (also not sure why stars dating is a big deal, but whatever). Chill out and enjoy the beautiful music - if the video bothers you, go find an audio version.


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this pulverization of my emotions music video, and I hope you guys did too! Cannot wait to see what Jung Yong Hwa creates for us next.

Until the next song!

~BeanSprout

Some Things I Learned from The Three Musketeers

It's drama review time again! And what better way to really kick off the new year than with The Three Musketeers, which got its start in late summer of last year. Based on a unique blend of the turbulent history of the Joseon dynasty and the classic adventure story by Alexandre Dumas, this drama is packed with sword action and political and personal intrigue. I have to say this was one rollercoaster of a drama, but I enjoyed every downhill plunge and hairpin turn that it had to offer. As usual, spoilers abound in these reviews, so be extra careful!

On to the things I learned!

1) Love grows.

Something drama fans have become accustomed to is the idea of love at first sight. Granted, the guy doesn't show it as much in the beginning, but generally we know he's in love and that eventually it will all work out. That concept is different in Three Musketeers, evidenced by the relationship between the Prince and the Princess. From the start it is clear that while the Prince harbors no ill feelings towards his wife, he simply does not love her - he isn't sure if his heart is still with Mi Ryung. This is extremely unhelpful for the Princess, since she is receiving pressure from the royal family to produce an heir to the throne. But as the Prince begins to trust her after she acts brilliantly during that hairpin snafu, he realizes that maybe he has, indeed, moved on after all.

They were so stiff to each other in the beginning... (Image via Google)

The progression of this relationship was something beautiful to watch, as it not only brought the Prince and Princess closer together but allowed them to develop individually as characters. The Prince became more certain of himself and his feelings (finally realizing that he really does love his wife, which TOOK HIM A WHILE, HONESTLY), and at the same time the Princess grew more confident in herself and purposeful in her actions. I'll admit I was a little annoyed by the Princess' desperation at first, and may or may not have been rooting for her to go back to Dal Hyang (you see how cliché I am already?). But once I saw how she relinquished her past relationship with Dal Hyang and gave herself over to a situation that seemed entirely hopeless, I admired her persistence and genuinely hoped things worked out for her - which, for the moment, it appears that they did.

2) Do not trust happy moments. Ever.

Another occurrence that drama fans have gotten used to is the buildup to heartbreaking moments. Those fiendishly clever beings otherwise known as writers dose their audiences with moments of happiness - the main couple enjoys some downtime together, families reunite, a tough situation works out for the lead character. And then they bring the entire world of the drama crashing down upon the heads of their dedicated fans with devastating twists, leaving the protagonists in an even worse situation than before and leaving the fans yelling at their screens with the urge to break something. Three Musketeers is no stranger to this pattern, evident to me in three bewildering moments - the injury of the Princess, the death of Dal Hyang's father, and the return of Mi Ryung.

I thought everything was butterflies and rainbows when the Princess got that summons to meet outside her mother's house in the middle of the night - never mind that alarm bell about Mi Ryung clanging in the back of my mind. It grows a little louder as the Princess steps outside, and I am suddenly feeling very nervous - and then, he arrives.

He's so happy! X3 (Image via Google)

YES! FINALLY! EXCELLENT! I was so excited when the Prince arrived, because I knew my new OTP was going to get some happy romantic time. And they did, for a little bit (hehe). But when the Prince's hunting gear turned up missing, I just knew something horrible was about to happen (which, in retrospect, is what the writers intended all along - but that's beside the point). And then the sound of the arrow, the whoosh as it flies past the Prince, and the thud as it lands in the Princess.

NOPE. (Image via Google)

Oh, but that's not all! As if dealing with the Princess' injury isn't enough for audiences, the Prince runs out to confront Mi Ryung (we all know she did it by then), and like a fool deliberately gets HIMSELF shot! By that time I was tearing at my hair and muttering more than a few choice curses - all silently of course, since the rest of my family was asleep when I was watching. Why, writers? WHY?!

When Dal Hyang's father came to visit him at the capital, I was surprised but happy for Dal Hyang. I mean, we haven't seen much of his father after the first couple episodes, but his reaction to Dal Hyang's status in the military was priceless.

One of my favorite scenes, haha. (Image via Google)

Everything's happy now, right? And, of course, father and son must celebrate over a meal with all kinds of delicious banchan! As they are talking and eating, Dal Hyang's servant arrives with a bottle of liquor, courtesy of Heo Seung Po. What a good friend! Just then, however, Dal Hyang gets news about the Princess and has to run off and be a hero as usual, leaving his increasingly proud father behind. However, that's the last time Dal Hyang will ever see his father alive.

My heart... (Image via Google)

It turns out the liquor was not, in fact, from Seung Po but that vengeance-crazy Mi Ryung, who had intended it for Dal Hyang's consumption and subsequent demise. Just watching Dal Hyang cry over his father hurt immensely. I'm surprised I didn't immediately rage-quit and fling my phone at the wall. (Well, not that surprised - my phone is precious to me...) I honestly have no other words for this scene, other than it was beautifully acted and it flung my heart out the window and onto a pile of broken glass.

This lady... (Image via Google)

By this time my admiration for Mi Ryung had shriveled. Before, I thought that the backstory of her upbringing and her constant struggle to get where she wanted to be today somewhat justified her character - yeah, she's evil, but does she have a right to be?

And then she went and destroyed my ship and hurt one of my favorite characters.

100% done.

Or, so I thought. When they showed Mi Ryung (FINALLY) getting shot by the guards and falling into the stream, I breathed a sigh of relief much too soon.

AND SHE'S BACK. (Image via Google)

I finished the last episode and decided to watch through the credits, hoping for some behind-the-scenes shots or, if I was lucky, some outtakes. What I got was yet another moment that made me quietly rage and throw my pillow into the wall. Against all odds, Mi Ryung is alive and ready to scheme once more, leaving the audience with suspense until the next season (because there MUST be a next season). To summarize, never trust happy moments - they are only buffers for the terrible events to come.

3) Hats are distracting. REALLY distracting.

I had to get used to the costumes in Three Musketeers since it was my first period drama, but altogether I love the colors and the comfortable-looking hanbok and the cool hats...well, most of the time. An exception to this would be Dal Hyang's military initiation ceremony.

I can't stop looking at the hat. (Image via Google)

This was a very solemn, proud scene. Dal Hyang is finally entering the military, Sohyeon and the guys are (silently) cheering him on, and even the Princess makes an invisible appearance. Lots of good feelings happening. And then...that hat. I cannot give this scene the dignity it so rightfully deserves because of That Hat. While I completely understand that this is traditional and sacred dress for the occasion and I fully respect and admire the costume department's attention to detail, how did anyone not burst into laughter after seeing that hat? I know I did.

4) It might be a drama, but it's also historical.

(Image via Google)

As drama fans, we are often criticized for our infatuations with fictional characters (what do you mean, "Eye Candy isn't a real band"?!). The unique part about dramas derived from history is that often the characters were real people, with their own struggles and successes. Granted, we don't know if this is how they actually behaved, but it makes me feel closer to the events in the drama when it's something that I've learned about beforehand. For this particular drama, I took it one step further and looked up many of the main characters that were based off of real people (such as Prince Sohyeon), and I learned enough to understand and appreciate their characterization. In short, when watching a historical drama, doing a little research doesn't hurt - in fact, it might clear up a few things and enhance your experience.

As usual, these are only a few things one can learn from watching this drama. The best way to learn the rest of them? Watch it yourself. ;)

Until the next drama!

~BeanSprout