We've Migrated...

Over to Feed Limmy [www.feedlimmy.wordpress.com]...

Thank you to all my friends and readers who have perused Show & Tell at some point in the last two-and-a-half years.

Join me at my new blogging home at Wordpress - it's 2010... and it's only fitting that I take my blogging to a new level.

Subscribe, browse, gawk and comment away there.

With love,
davidlim

Albums of The Decade

Some jaws will drop and heads will roll when people see this list...

Or so I expect anyway. My penchant for pop music tends to skew towards the underrated and at times, the slightly obscure material. Some of the records that made my Albums of The Decade list may not have been commercial successes or even critically acclaimed materials - but they've all been significant and special to me. It has been a pleasure to have heard and bonded with these albums - and love live the memories that have been encoded in these songs. Vive la musique!

0304 by Jewel

Trip The Light Fantastic by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

B'Day by Beyonce

The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey

The Fame by Lady Gaga

Presents His X-Factor: Vol. 1 by Richard X

American Life by Madonna

Full Moon by Brandy

This Is The One by Utada

Love Angel Music Baby by Gwen Stefani

Luminescence by Anggun

Survivor by Destiny's Child

Counting Down The Days by Natalie Imbruglia

Mr A-Z by Jason Mraz

The Tension & The Spark by Darren Hayes

Free Me by Emma Bunton

Liberation by Mya

Taller In More Ways by Sugababes

Beautiful Collision by Bic Runga

Growing Pains by Mary J. Blige

Tangled Up by Girls Aloud

The Stoop by Little Jackie

Fever by Kylie Minogue

More by Vitamin C

Music Videos of The Year 2009

Did someone say, "Britney used to live here"?

Yep. She no longer makes the list because frankly, she's gotten sloppy. Sorry Britney, maybe next year if you can be bothered. No rush, though. I'm trying to be impartial with this prestigious award and not just offer it up to any Sony BMG artist with a generous video budget. Because let's face it, money can't buy creativity. But do you know what helps creativity flourish? Ironically, a big budget (see in case of 'Bad Romance'). Here are the videos that had me on YouTube all year round...



'Bad Romance'
Lady Gaga

Couture fashion's collision with pop music performances. There's only three leading ladies that comes to mind this year: Rihanna, Beyonce and well ahead of the pack, Lady Gaga. There's something so grotesquely arty about 'Bad Romance' that any carnal pleasure of seeing a naked body is instantly shot down by the sex trafficking theme behind the video.

Highlight: When Gaga comes out looking like a diamond-encrusted alien cat. Completely unrelated to the video narrative but you probably didn't notice.

'Fuck You'

Lily Allen

Just proves that pop videos can be brilliant without the expensive clothes, choreography or the singer making an appearance. See what a little imagination and couple of hours with Adobe After Effects can do?

Highlights: 0:45 - Lily stretching that lass's bony ass.

'She Wolf'

Shakira

Regardless of your inclinations, it's hard not to be turned on when Shakira is contorting and wiggling around in a tiny leotard. If for whatever reason this isn't doing it for you, I'm prescribing a bit of He Wolf.

Highlights: Goes without saying, that glittery vagina cave.

'Rain'

Mika

You have to give kudos for avoiding the literal use of rain in this video. Besides, it's more fun to communicate the song in metaphors, with displays of pyrotechnics and such. And what's not to love about interpretative dance in a dark forest with odd creatures? Cue smoke machine...

Highlights: 1:45 - when the critters come out to play.

'Happy'

Leona Lewis

Where other pop music videos in this category shines with impressive choreography and "edgy" fashion, 'Happy' feels more like a Hollywood movie. You know, the kind with Salma Hayek or Penelope Cruz. What I found refreshing, and somewhat nostalgic, about this video is that it harks back to the traditional conventions of story telling in music videos. Remember the narratives, the Hallmark (TM) sentiments and the thrill of an unexpected twist at the end? This one's got it all.

Highlights: The lovely Cuban streets and rustic sets.



 '3 Words'
Cheryl Cole

The hypnotic camera sequence kept me glued to the screen for the duration of the entire song. And at the end, you come off it feeling dirty and guilty (much like the aftermath of your first wank) thinking, "fuck me! I just sat through 4:38 of that tedious excuse for a pop song." Having said that, I did hit replay but this time under the guise of "let's unmask this film editing trickery".

Highlights: 0:45 - When the screens meet at Will.i.am before splitting again to scan the room.

Honourable mentions:
'Many Moons' by Janelle Monae (2008)
'Soon We'll Be Found' by Sia (2008)
'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' by Beyonce (2008)
'Did It Again' by Shakira
'Russian Roulette' by Rihanna
'Love Sex Magic' by Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake
'Work' by Ciara feat. Missy Elliott

Songs of The Year 2009

I've learned something about my taste in music this year...

And in fact, it's not just a passing trend. I'm almost certain now when I say I prefer ballads to up-tempo dance numbers. I know it's a little hard to believe when you hear me spinning predominantly upbeat songs on Diff'rent Strokes every week... but it's true. I love big 'survivor' or heartbreak ballads - and preferably ones backed up with a pulsating beat. I'll explain below...

'Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer)'
Freemasons feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor

I've become a massive SEB fan since Trip The Light Fantastic, and it's safe to say that she can do no wrong in my eyes and ears. Now 'Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer)' is a winning example of what I'd call a 'survivor' dance ballad. Emotive lyrics about dancing the tears away + an absolutely eargasmic stomping beat = instant dance floor filler. I was rather glad that the Freemasons plucked this tune out of the hard drive and released it. God knows how long Sophie would've been sitting on this one.

Magic moment: Around the 2:40 mark - the orchestral breakdown followed by that tsunami of a final chorus. Breath-taking.

'Come Back To Me'
Utada

We can attribute my newfound Utada fandom to this song. 'Come Back To Me' recalls the morose sincerity of Mariah's 'We Belong Together' - and I honestly don't believe America didn't catch on to this track. There was nothing sloppy about the execution of this ballad - or in fact, the album. Utada's lush harmonies blossoms, and the lyrics endear, with every listen.

Magic moment: 0:12 - after the piano scales, the second that beat drops in the first verse.

'Get Sexy'
Sugababes

This was the moment I realised the Sugababes no longer sounded like the SUGABABES (think the 1998 prototype). While I'm well aware that their sound has been morphing with every album and line up change, this was the moment I realised we're so far from page one now, it's a whole different book altogether. 'Get Sexy' was obviously produced for the American urban pop market - and to be honest, I resented that at first. But then the strut-worthy synths and shamelessly ostentatious lyrics got to me. Oh well. Fact is, despite the drama and line up changes this girl band has consistently delivered killer pop tunes executed with amazing harmonies. So haters aside...

Magic moment: 2:21 - "If I had a dime for every single time, these boys stop and stare. I'd be a billionaire!"

'Love Letter To Japan'

The Bird & The Bee

Unlike the other tracks in this category, 'Love Letter To Japan' was by no means in the realm of 'most played new song of 2009'. But there's something so charming and effective about this pop tune. So insanely catchy to the point where I had a stranger ask me on the tram one day what the name of this song was - mind you, I wasn't one of those freaks with their headphones blasting music so loud everyone could hear it. I merely had the chorus as my ringtone.

Magic moment: 3:04 - the echoey crowd chants and wilting synths.

'Energetic (Radio Edit)'

BoA

Thought this song was utter garbage when I first heard it. The last thing I needed was more Autotune crunk'n'b. "Fuck off!" - was my initial eye-ball rolling reaction. Then the radio edit came out and suddenly 'Energetic' didn't seem so tedious anymore. Next thing you know, the synthy riffs and bass were moving me off my feet, and I've been dancing in my living room ever since.

Magic moment: 0:09 - "Report to the dance... dance... dance... dance... dance floor!"

'Yesterday'
Toni Braxton

This is the song to write Toni Braxton back into relevance. Where Beyonce's 'Halo' is probably making most people's songs of 2009 list, I'm nominating Toni's lesser known but similarly stunning ballad. Shame it took newcomers like Leona Lewis (and the Ryan Tedder formula) surpassing Toni to make her realise she could've been making this kind of R&B balladry all the long.

Magic moment: 2:54 - The "I don't love you. Don't need you. Can't stand you. No more..." bit before the epic chorus comes crashing back in.

'Parachute'
Cheryl Cole

I've had this song for a little over two months and it's already been played 63 times (if my Last.fm scrobbles are to be believed). My expectations were low for Cheryl Cole's solo album but 'Parachute' and 'Fight For This Love' turned it around for me. No, it's not the next 'Umbrella' and Cheryl is not a vocal powerhouse by any means. But has she found a decent song that suits her range and style? Yes. I eagerly anticipate the 2010 single release - the world needs to hear what I'm talking about.

Magic moment: 1:10 - "Don't believe the things you tell yourself so late at night. You are your own worst enemy, you'll never win the fight"

Honourable mentions:
'My Bloody Valentine' by Tata Young
'She Ain't Got...' by LeToya Luckett
'Jealous of My Boogie (RuRu & Rozy Disco Mix)' by RuPaul
'Songs Remind Me of You' by Annie

Albums of The Year 2009

Here's something you don't see very much any more. A cassette!

Distraction over. Back to this...
Despite the under-representation on my overall 'Albums of The Year' list, I think 2009 music for me has been about connecting with Asian pop. It started with a couple of English albums by Utada, BoA and Tata Young. Then next thing you know, it blew up into a mini-mania over Asian pop videos and fashion. I was finally getting into K-pop and J-pop after years of fighting off fob-ish tendencies. Names like Big Bang, G-Dragon and Ayumi Hamasaki started showing up on my iTunes library. Bottom line is, great pop melodies and productions knows no language and cultural barrier - and that's what I've learned to accept this year.

This Is The One
Utada

There's a pressing sense of certainty that this is the record to break Utada in English speaking territories. She has sold over 52 million records worldwide and is considered J-pop royalty but Utada has yet to conquer the almighty American market. She's teamed up with Stargate (hit makers for Ne-Yo) to produce a slick pop/R&B record - and you know what, fuck it if America's not listening. This is the one they regrettably let slip away.

I'm a sucker for big, heartbreaking ballads so it's no surprise that 'Come Back To Me' and 'This One (Crying Like A Child)' are the two most played new songs of 2009 (at least 104 and 79 plays times so far, if Last.fm scrobbles are to be believed). Having said that, the bulk of This Is The One is actually perkier than the lead single suggests - highlights include the frenetic 'Dirty Desire', the Janet Jackson-esque party starter 'On and On', and the playful jazz swagger of 'Poppin'.

Hit this: 'Come Back To Me', 'This One (Crying Like A Child)' and 'Apple & Cinnamon'.

She Wolf
Shakira

There's still every chance in hell this record could be huge in 2010. But I'm probably being overly optimistic. She Wolf is to Shakira what Loose was to Nelly Furtado. Call it sell-out pop if you will, all me and my hips can hear is a brilliant rhythmic dance record. You know, I never had a problem with Oral Fixation Vol. 2 and Shakira ballads but if the world is looking for more 'Hips Don't Lie's then technically this is the record for them.

Sonically, Shakira takes you from robo-disco romps ('She Wolf') to hypnotic Middle Eastern dance ('Why Wait') and even spunky electro-rock ('Men In This Town'). Throw in her signature bonkers lyrics and you're in for a poetic and kinetic treat.

Hit this: 'She Wolf', 'Men In This Town' and 'Why Wait'

Don't Stop
Annie

Can't even tell you how long I've waited for this album to come out. The Don't Stop we'll come to know now is the LP that leaked last year - plus several amazing new tracks. I jumped on board the Annie express at 'Chewing Gum' stop and have been on the ride ever since.

The best part about his record is hearing Annie develop her electro-pop stylings and experiment with a spunkier indie/rock sound. Xenomania (hit makers for Girls Aloud) offers the punchier tracks, most of them would sound at home at your local General Pants store, but the real highlights are in the Paul Epworth and Richard X productions. 'Songs Remind Me of You' is a cyber-cool ballad that is both futuristic yet oh-so-80s, 'Anthonio' recalls chic Italo disco, and 'Don't Stop' boasts a clean, pop melody ready for kids TV.

Hit this: 'Songs Remind Me of You', 'My Love Is Better' and 'All Night'.

Travelling Like The Light
VV Brown

This record just sounds like summer compressed in mp3 (or CD audio) format. Travelling Like The Light is a sonic candy shop of musical influences with VV Brown melting down elements of doo-wop, pop and even punk. There are fierce, red-blooded moments on file - see the riotous 'Game Over' and 'Crying Blood' with its unbridled 60s rock 'n' roll revived from American diners. And then there are sweet euphoric tracks like 'Crazy Amazing' and 'L.O.V.E.'. VV Brown has been a real revelation: witty lyricism, lush harmonies and full of character.

Hit this: 'Crying Blood', 'Crazy Amazing' and 'Game Over'.

Hassle
Erik Hassle

I'm in love with the lyrics and sweeping choruses on Hassle. This Swedish pop newcomer takes us from romantic throes of passion ('Isn't It Obvious') to overreactions of break ups ('Don't Bring Flowers After I'm Dead') in one soulful debut album. There's plenty of quotable lines here and I think the poetic charm probably comes from Erik's unconventional grasp of English, his second language.

Hit this: 'Isn't It Obvious', 'Feels Like The First Time' and 'Wanna Be Loved'

Asleep In The Bread Aisle
Asher Roth

I don't normally listen to rap music but Asher Roth caught my attention with this G Shock ad. What can I say, he looked cute in a suburban white boy kinda way... but he also had some choice rhymes to back up the rapper cred.

Asleep In The Bread Aisle invited me into a strangely hetero, American college kid headspace. Like, it got me thinking about beer, chicks and football - even though I'm not that way inclined. I think this record opened hip hop music to me in ways that other blinged up rappers like Nelly or Chingy couldn't. Lyrics about college and house parties are simply more relatable than rhymes about Cristyle and diamond grills.

Hit this: 'I Love College', 'Be By Myself' and 'As I Em'.

Honourable mentions:
I Look To You by Whitney Houston
Hazardous by Vanessa Amorosi
It's Not Me, It's You by Lily Allen

Anjulie by Anjulie

Chart Watch - 28 December 2009

CHART HIGHLIGHTS:
The last chart watch for 2009. Oh gee, that was quick! I've really enjoyed doing these weekly posts. And while it's such a cliche, given that most pop music bloggers do one of these, the regularity of a Chart Watch post really taught me to stick to a routine. And frankly, that's why I got back into this whole blogging business - to encourage me to keep writing and remind myself to stick to deadlines.

I shed queeny tears of joy for Joe McElderry when I heard 'The Climb' reached #1 on the UK singles chart this week. Poor lad, let's just put the whole Rage Against The Machine rubbish behind us and concentrate on your blossoming career. Joe might've been the first X Factor winner to miss a #1 debut but at the end of the day, all is not lost. It took over 196,000 purchases to secure him the New Year #1 spot.

Last minute Christmas shoppers must've been out of their mind. Maybe it's all the snow, discounts and commotion that got to them because there's no way in hell I'm having Michael Buble dethrone SuBo from the #1 album position. Elsewhere in the UK, Will Young's The Hits and Cheryl Cole's 3 Words creep in at #9 and #10 respectively. Ah, the gays have done it again!

The new Black Eyed Peas single 'Rock That Body' debuted at #31 on our ARIA charts. I frankly can't even tell you how this song goes. Is it one of the chipmunk-vocaled fodders I skip on the album? The answer is invariably, yes. This will be the fourth (fifth for the American market, after 'Imma Be') single off The E.N.D. with no relief in sight. Time to retire this record, people.

Over in the States, party animal Ke$ha's 'TiK ToK' dethrones Jay-Z and Alicia Keys from the #1 spot. There's already whispers that she could be as big as Gaga or let's play it safe, Miley, in 2010. Her album Animal drops next week - and I won't be surprised if Australia's the first to lap it up. We've kept 'TiK ToK' at the #1 spot for seven weeks now (and still counting).

Elsewhere on the US charts, Alicia Keys' The Element of Freedom debuts at #2 (behind SuBo - sigh! She's only human). The album sold in excess of 417,000 copies while over on the Hot 100, Alicia's new single 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart' had a surge in sales, rocketing from #56 to #27.

SHOW & TELL MOST PLAYED TOP 20:

#1 Sugababes - Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (Radio 1 Live Lounge Cover)
#2 Alicia Keys - Put It In A Love Song (feat. Beyonce)
#3 Sugababes - Wear My Kiss (Original Version)
#4 Cheryl Cole - Parachute
#5 Klaxons - Golden Skans
#6 Mary J. Blige - Each Tear*
#7 Mary J. Blige - Colour*
#8 Beyonce - Video Phone (Extended Mix feat. Lady Gaga)
#9 Kim Zolciak - Tardy For The Party*
#10 Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyonce) (Kaskade Edit)
#11 Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyonce)
#12 Natalie Imbruglia - Lukas
#13 Mariah Carey - I Want To Know What Love Is*
#14 Emma Bunton - So Nice (Summer Samba)*
#15 Vanessa Amorosi - Holiday
#16 Mariah Carey - H.A.T.E.U.
#17 Vanessa Amorosi - This Is Who I Am
#18 Jade Ewen - My Man
#19 Pixie Lott - When Love Takes Over (Acoustic Cover)*
#20 The Saturdays - Ego
* = Added to playlist this week

Hot Mess.

My friend Andrew and I workin' an "Afghan Barbie" poncho. What a hot mess!

Ah, the best memories of being a call centre bitch.
Poncho courtesy of Erin.

When Did The Magic End?

It's Christmas day and I just spent my afternoon reliving a little Disney musical magic.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, starring Brandy and Whitney Houston was a favourite when I was growing up. But 12 years on, I feel like the magic has somewhat worn off. Have we become too cynical to believe in miracles and achieving the impossible?

Has the world become a little too real for us? I found myself asking during the saccharine love ballads, "do we need fairy tales anymore?" I think it's absolutely valuable to still teach our children to dream. But I think the best way to do it is to inject a little reality check in there somewhere. Like, "Yes! Go reach for the stars" should come with a sobering disclaimer about the amount of hard work (and stroke of luck) it often takes to "make your dreams come true"...

2010, it's time to stop dreaming and start working to make it happen...
Talk is over.

Merry Christmas! With Love, Elfin

And the Lim family...

PS - I'm becoming a little obsessed with these Club Penguin plush toys. Couldn't help myself when I saw it reduced to $12 at KMart yesterday. Talk about Christmas present for myself! Nobody has to know I wasn't buying for my 11-year old brother...

From My Little News Stand...

Going back to uni to study magazine editing this year really pushed me to buy more magazines... all in the name of research, of course. Bitch can claim this back on tax anyway, right?

Here are a couple of titles that have amazed me this year (from left to right):
V
Pulp
GQ
Music Network
Cream
Dumbo Feather
Frankie
Winq
Peppermint
A Cloth Covered Button
Yen
Men's Health
Notebook:
Details
Harper's Bazaar

Oh and not forgetting these two... my pride and JOY!

It's been a wonderful year being editor of Hear Here and working with Dan Vo and designer, Dan Baird (Moonshine Creative). Thank you and well done to you both. And thank you to all JOY volunteers and presenters for your contribution. I look forward to taking it up a notch in 2010...

Single-handedly Boosting CD Sales

Well, I do what I can. Here's the handful of CDs I've purchased this year...

It's not really that much, is it? You know, it seemed like such an abundance when they're stacked up like this on my desk...

Bargain bin purchases galore! I can't say 'no' to a "3 albums for $20" sale...

I remember going to this basement discount store with Petro from Sound Museum - and we just went nuts! This was where all the unloved copies of Melanie B, Holly Valance and Sophie Monk albums went to die. One man's trash is another pop music junkie's treasure!

Chart Watch - 21 December 2009

CHART HIGHLIGHTS

The public has spoken. Rage Against The Machine has beaten X Factor winner Joe McElderry to the #1 spot. The grassroots campaign launched on Facebook over a month ago was designed to challenge the talent show's four year hold on the Christmas #1 spot. 'Killing In The Name' pulled in 502, 672 downloads last week while Joe's single managed 450,838 to debut at #2. Nothing personal against the Geordie twink, of course. The real winner at the end of the day is recording conglomerate Sony Music - who released 'Killing In The Name' and has Simon Cowell's Syco Records as a subsidiary label. Having said that, Rage Against The Machine has pledged all profits of the single to the homelessness charity Shelter, and will celebrate by throwing a free gig in the UK. Great big pat on the back for all behind the RATM campaign, be proud of your clever and subversive movement.

Alexandra Burke's beast of a single 'Broken Heels' soars to #36 in the UK this week. This has been a bit of a summer anthem for me - if you ever see me slamming my palms on the steering wheel, it's probably to the rhythm of this song. Meanwhile, Cheryl Cole's next single Parachute debuts at #65 this week. No doubt sales went up after her stunning performance on ITV's Cheryl Cole's Night In. Expect a release in early 2010. Mini Viva's new single 'I Wish' debuts at #73 in the UK this week. Should be a quality British pop record with Xenomania (hit makers to Girls Aloud and Gabriella Cilmi) behind the panel.

Alicia Keys didn't chart as low as I expected. Not being pessimistic or anything but the singles, 'Doesn't Mean Anything' and 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart' haven't really caught on. So you know, I was expecting something in the bowels of the Top 30 but The Element of Freedom ended up debuting at #17 in the UK and #21 in Australia this week. The duet with Beyonce 'Put It In A Love Song' should be sent to radio pronto to boost sales. My shoulders start bopping every time I hear that beat! And Lord knows my shoulders don't lie...

A hasty release from this year's Idol runner-up Hayley Warner. Her new single 'Good Day', which was always the winning single for me, entered our charts at #11 this week. Meanwhile, Stan Walker's Idol compilation album, Introducing... debuts at #3 this week selling a meagre 20,952 copies (for a little perspective, check out SuBo's #1 sales figures below)

Susan Boyle's I Dreamed A Dream is still #1 by a mile in Australia. She turned over 125, 565 album sales in the last week - a phenomenal figure unseen here in years. SuBo has now sold over 275,000 albums in Australia, certifying I Dreamed A Dream four times platinum. Blimey! She's still reigning on the top of the US and UK album charts too. Nothing can touch her - not Bocelli, not Buble and certainly not Kate Ceberano's Christmas album. Just to celebrate, I reckon she should record a Motown cover of 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now'. Anything to bring back the (in)famous hip swishing she did at her Britain's Got Talent audition.

SHOW & TELL MOST PLAYED TOP 20:

#1 Cheryl Cole - Parachute
#2 Beyonce - Video Phone (Extended Mix feat. Lady Gaga)
#3 Boyz II Men - Back For Good*
#4 Girls Aloud - Girl Overboard
#5 Sugababes - Thank You For The Heartbreak (Original Version)
#6 Ciara - Work (feat. Missy Elliott)
#7 Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
#8 Cheryl Cole - Stand Up
#9 Boa - Energetic (Radio Edit)
#10 Kylie Minogue - Burning Up/Vogue (Live In New York)*
#11 Kylie Minogue - Confide In Me (Live In New York)*
#12 Kylie Minogue - In My Arms (Live In New York)*
#13 Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyonce)
#14 Kylie Minogue - Red Blooded Woman/Where The Wild Roses Grow (Live In New York)*
#15 Toni Braxton - Yesterday
#16 Jewel - Fragile Heart
#17 Shaznay Lewis - You
#18 Jamelia - Something About You
#19 Sugababes - Wear My Kiss (Original Version)
#20 Brandy - Afrodisiac
* = Added to playlist this week

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence

I can't stand another pop star butchering Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence'. I'm sorry but while I'm all for sampling and creating your take on a well-known song... the following two results are just poorly executed and in violation of good taste.

Just a moment ago, I came across a newly recorded Alexandra Burke song called 'Fear of Flying' which samples the classic Sakamoto theme 'Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence'... and that brings the tally up to three pop songs in recent history that has sampled the tune. 'Fear of Flying', produced by Stargate (the hit makers behind Ne-Yo), is said to be recorded for the US edition of Burke's debut album Overcome. A superfluous addition, if you ask me. There was nothing wrong with the existing UK tracklisting anyway, love.


Indonesian pop diva Anggun also sampled the merry tune for Seize the Moment,  a track on her 2008 English studio album, Elevation. It was sped up ever so slightly with a couple of synth riffs and handclaps thrown in for good measure. Umm... no, thanks.


Utada's 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (FYI)' is arguably the best homage to the enchanting Sakamoto song (I might be a little biased given that this track was what drew me to the original composition). The reason why I think this version worked was because Utada recognised that the original melody was strong enough to carry the entire song. She didn't fight the original melody or try to upstage it, instead she respectfully crafted a fitting pop song around it - something the above two songs can't claim to have done.

If you can find the original Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence soundtrack by Sakamoto - yes, it was a 1983 movie starring Davie Bowie - it's certainly worth listening to the experimental and ethereal compositions.

Scentology: Story of My Life

Today I decided to put on an old perfume that I haven't worn in a long time, and as soon as I caught a whiff of that scent... all the memories suddenly came flooding back to me Celine Dion style. Research shows that the human brain makes very vivid connections between smells and memories. So before leaving for work today, I got out my collection of old perfumes and took a deep breath to reminisce...

Lynx Gravity (2002 - 2004)
Reminds me of high school. It was a very popular anti-perspirant with high school boys at the time (and presumably so, still is). I still remember the locker bays smelling of a mix of Lynx and Impulse after every lunch time bell.
Fragrance note: Smells citrusy with hints of vanilla but in an acceptably masculine blend. Deodorants aren't as high brow as say, an eau de parfum, so there's no fragrance notes per se.

Ralph by Ralph Lauren (2005)
Reminds me of working at Maccas. That was such a very camp and very flamboyant stage of my life. Really takes me back to the days of wearing coloured contacts, and starting out on radio (SYN) doing lip radio and The Taste Test.
Fragrance note: an intoxicating fruity and floral combination of apple tree leaves, mandarin, Japanese loquat, magnolia, musk, white orris, yellow and purple freesias (there's a difference in scent, apparently).

Funny by Moschino (2007)

Reminds me of summer nights out clubbing. Ah! Memories of wearing tank tops and dirty dancing to sexy R&B. Such a fun and flirty scent... I used to dabble this around my neck before heading out to the clubs.
Fragrance note: Seville orange, pink pepper, red currant, jasmine, peony, violet, green tea, amber, cedar and musk.

Cordovan by Banana Republic (2008)
Reminds me of Singapore. It also reminds me of the horrible year I worked full time at a shitty call centre saving up for my overseas trips. It was also a turning point in my taste in fragrance - I was finally ready to embrace woodier scents. Best perfumery purchase ever - Cordovan will probably go down as one of my favourite perfumes of all time.
Fragrance note: a subtle masculine blend of ebony spices and vintage leather, with bergamot, leafy green fig, white juniper berries, vetiver root, iced lavender, woody orris and raw nutmeg.

Arber by Body Shop (2008)
Reminds me of last summer. Possibly the woodiest and earthiest scent I've worn to date. It's like Outdoors Dave or Jungle Dave, as opposed to floral-scented Booty Bouncin' Dave.
Fragrance note: a rugged woody scent with top notes of lime, orange and geranium; middle notes of coriander, mint and watermelon; and base notes of sandalwood, vetiver and Tonka bean.

He Wood by D Squared2 (2009)
Reminds me of dinner dates on Chapel Street. Just like Cordovan, this is arguably the best men's fragrance I've come across. I'm more inclined to wear the obscure fragrances, not because I'm a perfume snob but I mean, really... who wants to smell like everybody else? I sniffed around for two hours at Perfume Connection looking for the perfect follow up to Cordovan, and finally discovered He Wood. So you know, I am particularly picky when it comes to fragrances.
Fragrance note: a refreshingly woody scent with notes of white spruce, violet leaves, cedar and amber.

Music by Harajuku Lovers (2009)
Reminds me of spring time and afternoon walks along St Kilda Road. Rarely do I come across a celebrity fragrance range that consistently appeals to me in the way that Gwen Stefani's perfumes do. Admittedly a major rip off paying $60 for a 30mL bottle but then again, the seasonal validity of perfumes for me means I don't need a lifetime supply.
Fragrance note: top notes of clementine and sparkling pear; a heart of jasmine sambac, sweet pea and honeysuckle; and a drydown of vanilla, skin musk and sleek woods.

Chart Watch - 14 December 2009

CHART HIGHLIGHTS

There's been question as to whether Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster should be charting on its own right, or whether sales should just be counted as part of her debut LP: The Fame. After three weeks on our shelves, the ARIA now officially charts The Fame Monster as its own entry at #6. Over in America, 'Bad Romance' may be the most downloaded song this week but stands no chance fighting Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind' off the #1 spot on the Top 100. Across the Atlantic, 'Bad Romance' edged to the #1 position in the UK this week, making it Gaga's third #1 there.

It has become apparent that Timbaland is missing a hit equivalent of 'The Way I Are' for his Shock Value II album. The album debuts here at #45 this week, barely bolstered by the catchy but albeit not sensational new single 'Morning After Dark'. The single itself re-entered our Top 50 this week at #38 but I'm struggling to pick a decent follow up from the record. Timbaland has apparently serviced 'Say Something' (feat. Drake) and 'Carry Out' (featuring Justin Timberlake) as subsequent singles in the US - but it's the track with Katy Perry ('If We Ever Meet Again') that has made a surprise debut at #98 this week. Over in the States, Shock Value II is spending its second week in the Top 100, rising to a new peak of #61. The roll call of guests on Timbaland's records are always impressive (name drops: Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Daughtry and One Republic) but the most surprising 'new act' goes to: Bran' Nu (R&B goddess Brandy's rap alter-ego). Beware, bitch has got swagga...

Adam Lambert and Shakira's new albums have dropped out of the US Top 20 after just one week in. This isn't looking good. Lambert's For Your Entertainment plummeted from a #3 debut to #22 this week while Shakira's She Wolf fell from #15 to #31. Speaking of albums heading south of the charts - Leona Lewis' Echo is now completely out of the US Top 50. The album slid to #75 after just three weeks - not that Simon Cowell has noticed. He's probably too busy counting the millions he has made with his new cash cow SuBo! The unstoppable Susan Boyle continues to hold on to #1 place in the US, UK and Australia for the second week. She has sold in excess of 280,000 copies in just three weeks here in our fair country. Good grief!

While you're filling your nan's Christmas stocking with SuBo's record, spare a thought for Boyz II Men. Did anyone know they reformed and put out a new record last month? Alarm bells went off a couple of months ago when I heard that not only have Boyz II Men reformed - but they've also recorded a duet with Girl Aloud's Nadine Coyle, covering Take That's classic 'Back For Good'. It didn't sound right on paper and it certainly didn't sound right on mp3 either. Album producer Randy Jackson must've done a mercy cull in the studio because Nadine's vocals were no where to be heard on the final cut. The trio's album of covers Love also features some well loved classics like Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' and Bonnie Raitt's 'I Can't Make You Love Me'. It is languishing in the US at #184 this week. Help a brotha out and go buy the album for an aunt or distant cousin that you've left off the Christmas shopping list.

It has been a massive year for our girl, Jessica Mauboy. Her Been Waiting album has gone platinum in Australia, selling over 385,000 copies to date and spawning six singles. The latest and final release 'Let Me Be Me' rose to #26 here this week. I'm certainly looking forward to hearing what she comes up with for her second album - I know Rob and I have written and composed several songs that sound right up her alley. Here's to hoping that she'll record '#1'.

SHOW & TELL MOST PLAYED TOP 20:

#1 Vanessa Amorosi - Holiday*
#2 Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Today The Sun's On Us
#3 Whitney Houston - Worth It
#4 Shakira - The One
#5 Vanessa Amorosi - This Is Who I Am
#6 Roisin Murphy - Dear Miami
#7 Vanessa Amorosi - Sleep With That*
#8 Beyonce - I Wanna Be Where You Are (I Am... Yours Live)
#9 Vanessa Amorosi - Touch Me*
#10 Vanessa Amorosi - Off On My Kiss*
#11 Sugababes - Thank You For The Heartbreak (Original Version)
#12 Kristinia DeBarge - Powerless
#13 Utada - Come Back To Me
#14 davidlim - We'll See The Sun Again
#15 Pussycat Dolls - Magic
#16 BoA - Energetic (Radio Edit)
#17 Tata Young - Mission Is You
#18 Spice Girls - Holler
#19 Maximo Park - Just Dance (Radio 1 Live Lounge Cover)
#20 Tata Young - My Bloody Valentine
* = Added to playlist this week

TV Was My Babysitter

I am a typical Gen Y child raised on TV. And while I don't have the time (or the interest) to watch television anymore these days, I do look back fondly on my childhood and the memorable cartoons that animated my younger years. There were always Saturday morning cartoons and of course, the after-school time slot on free-to-air TV... and I'll never forget the year our family got Astro (a Malaysian satellite TV provider). Cartoon Network, where have you been all my life?

Here are some of my favourite TV shows when I was growing up...

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Not to be confused with any other series in the Power Rangers franchise. Somehow in retrospect, I feel that they should've included an apostrophe after "Morphin" - you know, just to distance itself from the knockout drug. In any case, this original Power Rangers series ran from 1993 to 1995 - and I can't even begin to tell you how obsessed I was with the show. I was always either the blue or yellow Ranger depending on the kids I was playing with. Yellow usually means, "well you look Chinese and there isn't a girl in the group to play the role, so Dave you'll do". But otherwise, I'm usually cast as the geeky blue Ranger. I had the action figures, I had the movie on VHS and even had the pajamas... good times!

Watch The Might Morphin Power Rangers - Episode 1
Oh wow, the first ever episode. Rita Repulsa rising from a giant space dumpster and 90s fashion at its best. This is gold.

Batman: The Animated Series

I really wish I kept my action figurines now. This post is taking me deeper and deeper into the corners of my memory banks! Just like I was with Power Rangers, I am fiercely loyal to the Batman series I grew up watching. I have long lost interest in the new, and particularly the nouveau retro, animations of the Batman series - simply because I am quite set in my ways, and Batman: The Animated Series was the one I used to watch on Saturday morning cartoons. I was always more drawn to the villains than the super hero - in fact, I'm pretty sure the first two Batman action figures I asked for were villains (Scarecrow and Clayface - if my memory serves me right). But my favourite villain hands down is Poison Ivy - I had a thing for flowers when I was a kid, and I guess I loved the emphasised femininity in her character.

Watch Batman: The Animated Series - "Pretty Poison" promo
Haha! I remember Dad taping this episode for me...

Quack Pack

This was in the satellite TV years - so probably circa 1996 or 1997. You'd think that a kid who has been watching action heroes for the last two years would be over Donald Duck... but no. What was exciting for me was watching a modernised version of Donald Duck with all his cranky hilarity still intact. The original Disney characters are the rare few that I can still readily consume in both vintage and modern forms (see: Mickey's House of Mouse series where he swaps the classic red shorts for a contemporary Rove-esque top and blazer look). I'm shocked to learn that Quack Pack was axed after a few months. I must've been living on years of re-runs...

Watch Quack Pack - Ducky Dearest episode
Gotta love Donald in a wack Hawaiian shirt. And Daisy, the ditsy gossip of ye olde years is now an empowered working journalist. How very 90s...

The best thing about reminiscing on these TV shows today is knowing that somewhere out on the interweb, there's some crazed fan who has uploaded episodes and series for our re-consumption - and if you're anything like me, you'd be spending your Friday nights in on YouTube watching entire chunks of the Quack Pack and Aladdin series with a packet of corn chips!

Crush Playlist

I find it really difficult to write love songs. I have to put myself in somebody else's headspace to do it. And just for the record, I'm not one to usually listen to love ballads either. I prefer the melancholy heartbreak and 'survivor' tunes.

But there are moments, like say a romantic drive down the Eastlink, that would call for a 'crush' playlist. This playlist is where I group all my love ballads. The lyrical content is quite specific - we're not singing about a casual little fling (no, that's what the 'Flirt' playlist is for). We're looking for lyrics about finding love, appreciating the one you have and staying in love. There are 140 songs on the 'Crush' playlist and here are some of my favourites. "This is for the lovers holding hands in the car. This is for the lovers, no matter where you are..."

SHOW & TELL TOP CRUSH SONGS:

'Us Against The World'

Christina Milian

"And if it all ends, everybody in the world is gone. I'll be standing with you..."

*Very special memories for me and my boyfriend. I'll always remember our trip to India last year, that night in McLeod Ganj ordering a chilli and cheese pizza and watching 30 Rock in our hotel room.

'The One (Version 2)'

Jennifer Lopez

"The one who listens when you need it. When no else sees, I can see it... The one who all your family loves, the one you place no one above."

'I Only Want To Be With You'

Tina Arena

"It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, I want to spend each moment of the day with you..."

'The Greatest'

Michelle Williams

"Searched high and low for love, just to find out that it was here all along..."

'Mended By You'

Sugababes

"You came up I swear that it was just like something from a movie scene. When we met, we connected. I never expected, you'd be everything to me..."

'Isn't It Obvious'

Erik Hassle

"If holding hands is too discreet. Let's make out in the middle of the street..."

'Nothing Fails'

Madonna

"When I get lost in space, I can return to this place cause you're the one..."

Also on the 'Crush' playlist...
'The One' by Shakira
'Love Is Here' by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
'Ave Maria' by Beyonce
'Thank You Baby (For Making Some Day Come So Soon)' by Shania Twain
'You're The Only One' by Maria Mena
'(They Long To Be) Close To You' by The Carpenters
'Apartment' by Kate Miller-Heidke
'If I Ain't Got You' by Alicia Keys
'Never Felt Like This Before' by Shaznay Lewis
'The Real Thing' by Gwen Stefani
'Your Song' - Elton John
'Until You' by Shayne Ward
'This Is Love' by Kelly Rowland
'Until The End of Time' by Justin Timberlake
'I.O.U.' by Victoria Beckham
'Worth It' by Whitney Houston

"Cause in your arms I feel safe from harm, 
The world could shake me yet I'll never face the ground. 
And through the storms I still believe, 
You'll hold my hand and trust we'll see the sun again"
- davidlim 'We'll See The Sun Again'.

Ha! There you go. I found love and I ended up writing one anyway.

Single Artwork Anthologies

At the height of the CD singles and albums movement in the 90s, the CD cover artwork was everything. We've grown up in a generation that saw the aesthetic and branding value in a well-designed cover art but with music consumption becoming predominantly digital - does the cover artwork matter as much anymore?

We've seen some brilliantly designed and themed singles anthologies, if you will, come out in the last few years. But on the whole, what I've noticed is the lack of 'continuity' in the design of singles, EPs and albums. There are some artists that like to switch it up and drastically change their logo, font or artwork theme in between singles from that same album - and that to me, visually destroys the experience of consuming their songs as a package.

I think that while the concept of an LP is becoming somewhat redundant - given that people are simply downloading individual tracks these days - I'd still cherish a visual element connecting all these tracks to one body of work. Perhaps, even do exclusive artworks for each track like Kate Miller-Heidke had done for her Curiouser album?

If I'm lucky enough to be putting out music one day, I'd like to produce a beautifully designed collection of records. Not just a lovely album cover, but I'm talking about a theme or continuity in the design of the singles. A visual treat for dorky fans like myself who like to study and wax lyrical about cover artworks...

Here's a handful of my favourite singles anthology designs:

Sugababes
Three Anthology
Art direction + design by Mat Maitlan and Gerard Saint at Big Active

- I have yet to see a better collage-styled design in a pop record. Certainly gives the Babes and the record a very zesty and spunky feel.
- It's edgy, cool rebellion but the vibrant colours keep it fun and lighthearted.
- Similar work see: Jamelia's Thank You anthology and the designer's use of layers and spray can effects.

Melanie C

Reason Anthology

Art direction + design by Matt Roach

- Simple, clean and effective. I love the bright bulky capitalised type against the black and white photos.

- It's even better seeing them all side by side. Would make for an incredible display.

Kate Miller-Heidke

Curiouser Anthology

Art Direction + design by Jaxzyn

- KMH did a brilliant and elaborate photo shoot for all twelve tracks of the album and packaged it together in a nifty calendar. Oh yes, I've been staring at these snaps all year long at work.

- The best part is knowing the artwork and photo shoot was done specifically with the songs in mind, instead of the usual process of picking photos from an inventory.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Trip The Light Fantastic Anthology
Art direction + design by Michael Nash Associates

- I love how horizontal, perfectly squared and spaced this anthology is. Big fan of the white frames and the generous kerning of the san-serif fonts.
- Note the sparkle theme in this series. The glittered face on 'Catch You', the gold stars on 'Me & My Imagination', the glittered tear on 'Today The Sun's On Us' and sparkly nails and face art on 'If I Can't Dance'.
- Fact: all SEB records and singles have consistent and elegantly themed cover artwork.

Robyn
Robyn Anthology
US/Worldwide version art direction + design by Mary Fagot for Outfit and Blake E. Marquis.

- The original 2005 Swedish anthology was alright in itself. I'm a fan of the handwritten name sticker on the bottom right side and the black frames.
- The design of the worldwide/US version of Robyn plays with tilted angles and converging lines. Structured with a little Russian influence, perhaps? Love the black and white photos with injections of colour, and the bulky vintage type they used in "Robyn".

Chart Watch - 7 December 2009

CHART HIGHLIGHTS

Alicia Keys' 'Doesn't Mean Anything' enters the UK charts at #8 this week - and of course, the X Factor performance had nothing to do with it. I don't mind the song but I just don't think I have connected with it on the same level as I did with 'No One' or her Diary of Alicia Keys album. Safe to say that after hearing 'Doesn't Mean Anything' and the new single, 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart' - we can probably expect more or less the same kind of mature, piano-based soul music she offered on her last album. The new studio album, The Element of Freedom hits stores next week - featuring a last minute inclusion: her duet with Beyonce, 'Put It In A Love Song'.

It's a guaranteed Christmas cash cow for Mariah Carey every year - and this year is no different. Her festive 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' is probably playing in a department store somewhere in the world right now. You can't avoid it. I was out gay clubbing on Saturday, and let's just say I wasn't ready for a dance floor full of queens bouncing to this tune. 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' leapt from #51 to #29 this week in the UK.

It's looking like a very SuBo Christmas this year. Her album, I Dreamed A Dream has sold a record breaking 701,000 first week copies in the US - making it the highest debut sales ever by a solo female artist. This mama out sold Andrea Bocelli and Adam Lambert to claim the #1 position in the States, and she is still on top of the UK and Australian charts. Meanwhile, spare a thought for Leona Lewis. Her new album was no match for the titanic force of SuBo - Echo has taken a tumble to #49, after a tepid #13 debut in the US last week. The single, 'Happy' also dropped from a peak of #31 last week to #70.

Shakira's She Wolf album debuts at #15 in the US this week. After reading her recent interview with The Rolling Stone magazine, you get the feeling that this is the make or break record for her in America. God love her, Shakira is doing everything she can to follow up the success of 'Hips Don't Lie' - her biggest selling record to date. There's barely been a push for She Wolf here in Australia and the album has yet to even chart in our Top 50 - but I doubt that's a concern to Team Shakira at the moment. Her US single 'Give It Up To Me' rose to #29 this week, ahead of Lady Gaga and Beyonce's 'Telephone' - which debuted at #30. Elsewhere, Beyonce's 'Video Phone' debuts at #65 in the US.

Are British girl bands just not the flavour of the moment right now? The Saturdays' new album, Wordshaker tumbled out of the UK Top 30 in two weeks, Dolly Rockers have been dropped and/or reportedly disbanded, and Sugababes' new single 'About A Girl' is languishing. It has just become apparent that Girls Aloud couldn't have picked a better time to take a break. Meanwhile, their Fascination label mates suffer at the wrong end of the Top 50. Still a glimmer of hope perhaps for The Saturdays, their new single 'Ego' rose from #96 to #52 in the UK this week. Fingers crossed for other new British girl band, Girls Can't Catch. Things could get ugly. Fascination Records is preparing to launch their bland new single 'Echo' next month. It'll be a bold take two, given that their stomping first single 'Keep Your Head Up' flopped at #26 four months ago.

SHOW & TELL MOST PLAYED TOP 20:

#1 Annie - All Night
#2 Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyonce)
#3 Lady Gaga - Dance In The Dark
#4 Cheryl Cole - Parachute
#5 Shakira - Men In This Town
#6 Sugababes - Thank You For The Heartbreak (Original Version)
#7 Lady Gaga - Boys Boys Boys (Manhattan Clique Edit)*
#8 Sugababes - Get Sexy
#9 Jay Sean - Far Away (feat. Keisha Buchanan)*
#10 Brandy - Right Here (Departed)
#11 Kate Miller-Heidke - Toxic (Live at The Playroom)
#12 Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
#13 Cheryl Cole - Stand Up
#14 Whitney Houston - Call You Tonight
#15 G-Dragon - Heartbreaker
#16 Alexandra Burke - Broken Heels
#17 Junior Caldera - Just Can't Fight This Feeling (feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor)
#18 Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man*
#19 Janet Jackson - Make Me
#20 Shayne Ward - Until You
* = Added to playlist this week

Sunshine Playlist

There's nothing like summer and the tunes to complement the sunshine and impending tan. The 'Sunshine' playlist is a selection of 'summery tunes' meant for the car and barbeque. We're talking feel-good lyrics, light pop compositions - with a personal preference for reggae, motown, funk or strummy la la pop sounds.

It's time to get out the short shorts and shades! Cue up the playlist and go for a drive to the beach or Chadstone with the windows down pumping these tunes...

SHOW & TELL TOP SUNSHINE SONGS:

'Pocketful of Sunshine'

Natasha Bedingfield

The perfect summer escape soundtrack...

'Not Easy'

All Saints

It's All Saints making Nandos music...

'Sunny Disposition'

Tobias Cummings & The Long Way Home

Strummy la la for the lazy Sunday arvos...

'Crayons (feat. Ziggy Marley)'

Donna Summer

The Queen of Disco's own 'Pon Da Replay'...

'Picture of You'

Boyzone

Is anyone else getting flashbacks to Mr Bean?

'Pick Up The Phone'

Dragonette

For the 80s party happening in your backyard...

'Won't Go Away'

The Feeling

It's all about the mad saxophone breakdown...

'So Simple'

Stacie Orrico

For the family get-togethers over the holidays...

Also on the 'Sunshine' playlist...
'Girls' by Sugababes
'Sandcastle Disco' by Solange
'Knock Down' by Alesha Dixon
'Blonde on Blonde' by Nada Surf
'Dandelion' by Nicole Ricci
'Have A Nice Day' by Kelis
'Reminiscing' by Madison Avenue
'Dream The Day Away' by Candice Alley
'Leavin' by Jesse McCartney
'Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)' by Lady Gaga
'Soak Up The Sun' by Sheryl Crow
'Happy Face' by Destiny's Child
'Together Again' by Janet Jackson
'Smile' by Vitamin C
'Proud Mary' by Tina Turner
'Broken Heels' by Alexandra Burke
'Mister Blue Sky' by Lily Allen