Sean Han of Blip Blip Bleep is a multi-talented fellow.  In addition to fronting and songwriting for BBB, he’s also lending his producing talents out to other musicians.  His latest project is a collaboration with Miles Fisher, a talented singer, songwriter, and actor.  His new Sean Han-produced EP can be downloaded for FREE here!

The first track, “Don’t Let Go” is my favorite… The super hook-y chorus will have you singing along, no doubt.

-e

9 / 10 | iTunes (coming soon) | Buy CD

It’s not often that I get emotional during morning rush hour.  Normally, I’m too sleepy/tired to even think straight, let alone notice things like, say, words or feelings.  However, the final track on Alfa’s first full length album, Second Skin, not only made me stop playing solitaire, but had me completely absorbed in the song’s message of familial love and growth.

Mind you, the rest of the album is just as good.

As I noted in my preview of Alfa’s newest material, we find the songtress in top form for her new album.  The continued progress of her career and skills is fitting, given the title of her previous release, Growth.  It seems that Alfa has indeed been growing.

The late, great comedian Mitch Hedberg once said, “People ask me what words mean… Some people would say, ‘put it in a sentence.’ But I need a little more. ‘Put it in a play.’” Well, Alfa does exactly that (“Love As Tragedy: A Play In Three Acts”) and a whole lot more.  She explores familiar themes of love found and lost from different perspectives, a variety of settings (France, anyone?) and pleasantly varied musical styles.

The album starts off with a jaunty girl-power theme song called “Supergirl,” continues with the aforementioned three-act “play,” and flows right into “Second Skin,” an achingly intimate love song.  The songs that follow range from the wistful (“Isabelle”) to the pessimistic (“Nothing Ever Lasts”).  Alfa beginning to explore her range as a songwriter and singer a bit more.  She still has a knack for super catchy hooks and melodies, though this reviewer would love to hear Alfa tackle even more themes outside of love and relationships.

CAPA Heritage Festival - 2009

Also important to note: the album just sounds great.  Not only does Alfa incorporate strings, horns, and other ancillary instrumentation into her arrangements, but it’s clear that all the sounds have been lovingly and carefully crafted into tight, well-rounded mixes.  It certainly doesn’t hurt that Alfa, a multi-instrumentalist, works with a very talented band, which include drummer Dave Dodds and bassist Jon McElroy.

Verdict: Second Skin is a big step forward for singer-songwriter Alfa.  Vocally, compositionally, and performance wise, she is definitely hitting her stride.  I highly recommend picking up a copy of her latest album and trying to keep pace.

- Reviewed by Eugene

]]> http://borninchinese.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/alfa-second-skin/feed/ 0 borninchinese CD1 2 alfa1 alfa2 http://borninchinese.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/olivia-thai-covers-apologize-by-onerepublic/ http://borninchinese.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/olivia-thai-covers-apologize-by-onerepublic/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:12:58 +0000 borninchinese http://borninchinese.wordpress.com/?p=246 ]]>

Hey folks,

Check out Olivia Thai’s cover of “Apologize”, the hit single by OneRepublic:

I know it’s the style these days, but her vocals tend to be a little heavy on the autotune at times.  But all in all, she does a great job.  Check out her website here and her myspace here.  You can also download her cover on iTunes!

-Eugene

I think it would be difficult to find a musician, Asian American or not, who hasn’t been influenced by his music.  We’ve lost a legend.

R.I.P., Michael Jackson.

8.0 out of 10 | iTunes | Buy CD

With their first album release only a few years ago, The Happy Analogues have done it again, taking fans back to school with their follow up double album, “School Tales” which as the band describes is “a collection of songs celebrating school life in the Philippines.”  Even though I’ve never been to school in the Philippines, there are still similar themes we can all relate to – puppy love, youthful shenanigans, homework and the sadness that comes when it’s all over.  If one were to compare THA to the Beatles, one of their stated influences, then certainly the first album is like the mop top band of the early 60s and the second album is like their sound later in the same decade, demonstrating a definite progression with expansion and experimentation of different musical styles.

The two-disc album starts off with “Homeroom” which brings us back to the first day of school with its vibrant, energetic and hard-driving beats.  Ted Reyes exhibits his storytelling/song-writing abilities once again with such songs as “School is Cool” which starts out with slow, melodic verses that are then contrasted by the quick, catchy refrain, “now school is cool.”  It’s surprising and completely takes you off guard, much like the feeling you get when riding a roller coaster as it ascends up the first hill, reaches the peak then plunges down at accelerating speeds – it leaves you breathless and screaming for more.  We also get a humorous view of the guys in THA, their friends and what they did to get “Suspended,” which is currently stuck in my head at the moment.  “Just Always Keep on Loving” is a happy, tender song characteristic of Paul’s song-writing style that we’ve come to grow and love.  The album ends appropriately with the bittersweet “Graduation Day” sung by Ronnie Lao.

“School Tales” is packed with goodies – and I’m not just talking about the “Wonder Nutribun” (a wheat bun distributed to public elementary schools in the Philippines as part of a government malnutrition prevention program in the early 80s).  For one, several songs on the album feature The Kuwagos front man, Gatchie Ignacio and his harmonica.  In addition, THA fans will appreciate “End Notes” from the first album which in itself is a great song but it doesn’t hurt that it’s familiar and we already know all the words.

What makes THA stand out is their attention to detail – from the album jacket, to the collection of very different but similarly themed songs compiled on this album.  Unlike “Lilacs and Politics,” their sophomore album has a majority of songs in Tagalog or Taglish which might deter a few listeners but there are still a handful of songs completely in English.  Regardless of whether you’re a native Filipino or not, you can appreciate the album for what it is – good music with clever lyrics and catchy tunes.

Verdict: From the comedic to the romantic to the more melodramatic; listeners are given a good mix so there’s a little something here for everyone.

- Reviewed by Monica

That’s right folks… Kollaboration NY is almost here!

Kollaboration is an annual event and movement created by a small group of professional young Asian Pacific Islander Americans/Canadians, volunteering their time and skills to celebrate the vast talents of their community and hopefully bring them into the mainstream.

There will be a ton of great performances!  For more information and tickets, go to kollaborationnewyork.org.

In the meantime, check out this great promotional video.  It’s a remix of Ne-Yo’s “Closer”, put together by and starring Alfa, Vudoo Soul, G*LEE, the filmmaker David Shaw and the co-producers of Kollaboration Kym Pham and Jinny Jung:

If you had the opportunity to do something good for someone else AND could have an awesome time, you’d take it, right?  That’s exactly why I couldn’t pass up the “Fil-Am Bands Join Hands for Franz – A fundraising concert for Franz Pantaleon,” at Fontana’s, NYC on Eldridge Street.  The event was hosted by Poptimes Magazine and his family here in the United States.  Franz is an 18-year old Filipino teen diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Extraskeletal Ewing’s Sarcoma.  The $10 donation served as the cost of admission, 1-hour open bar and an evening’s worth of entertainment.  Talk about great, I seriously don’t remember the last time I’ve been to a gig with such a power-packed line up: Gates of Era, Wallows, Sodapop Suicide, P.I., Run Robot, The Happy Analogues, The Kuwagos, Qwadra, Apriori and Blue Mellon Pop.  It was literally a feast for the mind, body and soul.

Photo by Feliza Mirasol

This was also a big night for Run Robot, the band formerly known as Then Again, as they made their debut with a new drummer and a new sound.  While I do miss such power pop classics like “Grammar School Blues”, “Density” and “Little Star”, it’s good to see that the band is still about fun songs and addictive melodies.  Word is they’ve been practicing very hard…and it shows.  Even though this was their debut, I was already asking the guys of Run Robot when fans could expect another performance and better yet, an album!  Will they be spotlight performers at Five Points, NYC any time soon?  Only time will tell but you know I’m totally there…and who knows, theirs may be one of the albums I get to review in the near future!

Photo by Feliza Mirasol

The Happy Analogues (THA) went on immediately following Run Robot and opened with a classic from their first album, “Jellybeans” which definitely got the crowd going.  Their set felt like a mini-concert as the band showcased songs off of their latest album, “School Tales” which was just released earlier this year.  The guys even came out donned in outfits reminiscent of school uniforms complete with white-collared shirts and ties!  As an audience member, you got the sense that each song was selected and played for a particular reason – and their planning paid off because it seemed as though they were able to perform more songs than any other band that night.  The highlight of the evening, for me by far, was not only hearing them perform some of the songs from the new album live but also scoring a copy autographed by band members Ted Reyes and Ronnie Lao (proceeds from THA album sales also went to benefit Franz).  My review of “School Tales” will be coming soon to Born In Chinese!

- Monica

8.0 out of 10 | iTunes | Buy CD

When I finally sat down to listen to Inland Territory, Vienna Teng’s fourth album, it had already gone through the digitalization process, been purchased online and transferred to my iPod. It was, therefore, ironic to me that the first thing to be heard on the album is the sound of crackling vinyl. But this sound is somehow comforting and is no doubt a reference to several of her influences. Just like the heroes of the 60’s folk movement, Vienna Teng has written lyrics that are poetic and intelligent. And her classical training has heightened her song-writing abilities, which together form a style that is more complex than much of what is written today.

The songstress calls it a “mixed tape album as opposed to a mood album” and in that way, Inland Territory is ambitious. Sure, it still features the same piano player/singer of the last albums but its 12 tracks (a bonus track comes with the iTunes version) span from pop to folk to “chamber pop.” Though there is sometimes the feeling that the album lacks cohesion, there are several standouts, they are all different and maybe it’s a good thing.

The album-opener, “The Last Snowfall” is a five-voiced, church-recorded musing. If that doesn’t make sense, you need to hear it for yourself. After hearing this song, I was convinced that the voices in Vienna Teng’s head (because everybody has them), are singing their thoughts in harmony. “Antebellum” is another beautiful song, rich in orchestration, growing with every verse to a polyphonic ending with the addition of the subtle vocals of Alex Wong, who also co-produced the album. “Grandmother Song” is just downright fun. A modern spin on a traditionally southern style, it is the imagining of her grandma sitting down on the porch swing and telling us how it is (while clapping her hands and stomping her feet in a rhythmic fashion).

Photo by Eric Cheng (echeng.com)

Since moving to New York City from her native San Francisco, she has clearly been on a journey, both musical and personal; and Inland Territory is the culmination of those explorations.

Verdict: Ok, it might not be her easiest album to listen to but it might just be the best. And now that we know that Lilith Fair is returning in 2010, you would be a fool to show up armed without having heard this one.

- Reviewed (with love) by Cat

You can catch Vienna this Friday (June 19th) at Housing Works Bookstore Café before she heads west for the rest of her tour.

8.0 out of 10 | iTunes | Buy CD

Kevin So has been in the game for a little over a decade now.  Constantly on the road or recording, he’s toured all over the country, the world, and has 8 albums under his belt.  Another contemporary of his, Annie Lin, one told me that she was in a remote, isolated town in the Southwest US when she stopped for gas.  While browsing the random pamphlets at the rest stop, she came across a flyer for none other than Mr. So, advertising his local show.

So’s experience and skillful songwriting shines through on his latest release, Best Foot Forward. The production is a sharp contrast to his two most previous albums, which feature full arrangements of his compositions (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns, backing vocals, etc).  For most of the album, So spins musical tales in the format that made him a staple in the songwriter community: No frills, no filler, stripped down instrumentation, often relying solely on his raspy tenor voice and acoustic guitar, with occasional help from piano or harmonica.

The lyrical subject matter runs the gamut from classic storytelling fodder (”Gulliver’s Tavern,”), to political issues (“Letter from Guantanamo”), love lost (“Forever Friend”), to a call for and unity (“Stronger Side By Side”).  We even hear So channeling his inner Bruce Springsteen on a few tracks (“Tonight,” “Johnny”, “Best Foot Forward”) – he does a bang up job of that too, by the way.  Don’t get me wrong, So isn’t all furrowed brows and closed-eyed sentimentality.  He still retains a jovial, good-natured sense about him on songs like “Come On Over,” (which is highly reminiscent of his live crowd pleaser, “Hot Tub”) and “Talkin’ Top 40 Blues.”

Verdict: Anyone who has seen this man in concert, on stage with nothing but his well-worn Gibson, a thumb pick, and a microphone, knows the kind of power Kevin So has with just his voice, lyrics, and guitar.  Just go pick up a copy of Best Foot Forward and give it a listen.  You’ll understand.

-Review by Eugene

Kevin So is on tour, here, there and everywhere.  Check him out.

8.5 out of 10 | iTunes | Buy CD

I’ve been a fan of Blip Blip Bleep ever since their debut EP, Wireless, came out back in late 2006.  The main architect of this 3-piece synth-dance-rock outfit is Sean Han, whose laid back persona belies the stomping, dancing, singer who steps out on stage to front this band at various clubs around Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Photo by Tim Devine (TimothyDevine.com)

BBB’s sophomore release, Alarm Clock Snooze Bar Get Up is a 6-song concept EP.  The album gives us a Han’s eye view of a day in the life of a New York City 20-something (or perhaps a 30-something… Because, after all, 40 is the new 30, which makes 30 the new 20, I suppose).

The production is very similar to that of their last EP, which makes sense since the band reunited with Nic Hard, who mixed Wireless.  Mr. Hard gets a big thumbs up for managing to successfully fold all the various elements of BBB’s songs (vocals x 4, drums + programmed percussion, guitars x 3, bass, synths^4)  together into solid, cohesive tracks.  But despite the clean, compressed feel of the album, there are still lots of little sonic treats, revealed only upon listening through a good pair of earphones or speakers in a quiet room.

BBB @ Le Royale, 10/08

The pounding beat behind BBB’s sound is driven by Brett Thompson on drums.  This guy is no joke.  Not only does he keep perfect time with Han’s synth programing, but weaves in enough variation and ornaments to signal to the listener that, yes, despite the danceability, there is a human back there playing drums.  Completing the trio, Sarah Lee lends her coy, capable vocals to the album, giving it an extra bit of depth that was missing on Wireless.  Her voice blends well with Han’s and serves well to thicken the vocal textures in sections such as the anthemic bridge of “Okay Lover.”  (I will readily admit, though, that I’m a sucker for repeated Heys and Ohs).  As a side note, Lee left BBB in mid 2008 and was replaced by Alexa Danner, vocalist, synth-ist, and former bandmate of Brett.

Musically, we hear much of the same thing we heard on the first EP– Not that this is bad thing, mind you.  BBB is very good at what they do, and we like it.  The songwriting is definitely more developed than it was on Wireless.  ”Da Me Cinco” shows his propensity for subtle humor while songs like “Okay Lover” maintain an irresistible sing-a-long sensibility.  However, the relentless, poppy, hoppy nature of the music leaves this reviewer wondering if he’d be able to handle more than 6 songs in one go.  By the end of the 5th track, I find myself hoping for something a little more down tempo or perhaps a stripped down/acoustic tune.  Perhaps BBB will start pushing more boundaries with their first full-length release…?  Regardless, there is much to be enjoyed here.

Highlights:

“Alarm Clock Snooze Bar Get Up” - BBB’s version of “Working For The Weekend.” And who doesn’t like Loverboy?

“Da Me Cinco” - ”So da me cinco, you crazy kid… and I’ll da YOU cinco, right back again…”

“Okay Lover” – The synths reach a frenzied climax in the bridge as Sean croons: “Tomorrow we’ll take back the hearts that we stole…”  Just awesome.

“Ctrl-Alt-Del” – Realistic (”The subway smells like piss”) and optimistic (”This year let’s believe in luck”) at the same time.

Verdict:  Definitely worth a purchase and several (hundred?) listens.

– Review by Eugene

Blip Blip Bleep will play at Bowery Ballroom on June 5th.  Buy tickets here.