A Lesson In FanGirling (and Analysis Too, We Suppose) [Full]

( Dong Bang Shin Ki/DBSK/TVXQ from left to right: Junsu, Yoochun, Jaejoong, Changmin and Yunho)

I'm mentioned before my ardent love for the boys in DBSK, mostly thanks Nikki at Pop Reviews Now. Mostly thanks to her influence late last year, I finally gave DBSK a formal chance, and stumbled into a wide world of fangirling and English transcribed music videos. She and I decided come together to give you a taste of what many of our conversations consist of -- a mixture of admiration for the musical talent these five capable boys have, and also ridiculous and funny comments (or at least, we think we're funny). Admittedly, this is more those who are already fans of the boys in DBSK, but would also function as a great crash course for those of you who are not so familiar. Warning: this post is ridiculously long and therefore is set behind the cut below.

For more detailed analysis of each member's voice and vocal capabilities, I suggest you check out Nikki's vocal commentaries on the subject here, here and here.

FanGirl Key:
Yunho - (aka YH, Ho, U-Know) The bass voice and "leader" of DBSK. He's also the main dancer. Fans often joke that he is in a "relationship" with group member Jaejoong (Yunjae)...but that's a long story for another time and place.

Yoochun - (YC, Chun, Chunnie, Micky) Next above Yunho, more of a growly deep voice. He also lived in America for a few years, and is therefore given speaking parts in songs that are in English. However, he's not exactly fluent and often forgets much of the English he learned. We love him all the same.

JaeJoong - (Hero, JJ, J, Joong, Joongie, Nikki's Bias or Favorite) The somewhat obvious heartthrob of the group, who sings melody tenor. He's basically so pretty, the collective women of the world are jealous. Myself included.

Junsu - (JS, Su, Xiah) The requisite "big" voice of the group. He's often pigenholed by the other members for being so cutesy all the time in interviews and fanservice, and is unarguably one of the funniest members of the whole group by how willing he is to sacrifice himself for others laughter. He also just released a solo single called "Intoxication" this past week and it's sex, sex and more sex. Just saying.

Changmin - (CM, Min, Minnie, Changminnie, Minnie Mouse, Max, My Bias) What is there to say? Min sings the highest parts, and often is accounted for his ability to "scream" (see "Rising Sun" and the bridge of "Mirotic"). I quite enjoy him for his long legs, his snarky remarks and his ability to make me stand mesmerized when watching music videos. It's an addiction. It really needs to stop.

SM Entertainment - (SM) DBSK's entertainment company that put them together, that three members are in the midst of sueing. Rumors have run rampant about their scolding and physical abuse against its talent, however its hard to substantiate this.

Mel: This is a rather ragged attempt at an analysis of DBSK's members vocal competency. She said in her big girl voice.
Nikki: WAHAHAHAH It is. V 3.0!
Mel: remixed
Nikki: LOL the other 2 versions are gonna suck now. GREAT
Mel: With NO BIASES
Nikki: YES
Mel: ::cough:: ::cough::
Nikki: NO BIASES. * glares at Mel *
Mel: Hey, I said it first. I shall stick to it.
Nikki: WHO GOT ADDICTED FIRST, HUH?
Mel: You did. Then I was forced to suffer the pain.
Nikki: yayyyyyyyy:)
Mel: For the record though, my bias isn't considered the lead singer. AND I should ask, why does your bias always stand in the middle?
Nikki: well I'm sorry he's my bias 'coz I like his voice!
Mel: I wouldn't say he's the middle voice.
Nikki: he is. well technically
Mel: Doesn't he sing higher than Junsu?
Nikki: No. he does melody.
Mel: Harummmph.
Nikki: Su's between CM and JJ * glares *
Mel: Matter of opinion.
Nikki: mmmhmmm. that's for a capella.
Mel: Does Jaejoong always stand in the middle b/c he knows he's the eyecandy?
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: Or rather SM knows?
Nikki: when they dance he's not in the middle. SM knows. I think?
Mel: They ain't stupid.
Mel: If DBSK was *NSYNC, JJ would be Justin Timberlake. Which
would make Junsu the JC. Exhibit A: his solo single is all about sex and mackin' on the laydeez.
Nikki: mmmkay
Mel: Following this pattern, this would mean that Yoochun will join and almost win a dance show, Yunho will be revealed as gay, and Changmin will fade into obscurity (b/c he will have moved to America to marry me).
Nikki: you're the NSYNC fangirl here LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL BIASED!
Mel: yes but we aren't talking about vocals yet.
Nikki: ugh fine. * sulks * but can YC even dance?
Mel: PPL should probably refer to your previous vocal analysis' for more info regarding each member. There's no point in repeating. YC can dance. Honey, YC can dance.
Nikki: OK. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW!
Mel: OPEN YOUR EYES!
Nikki: UGH. THEN
Mel: Then?
Nikki: after I open my eyes what do I do?
Mel: Stare longingly at the computer screen. NOT at just Jaejoong.
Nikki: but whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy LOL.
Mel: Because believe it or not, there are four other people on that stage that also matter, silly. ;)
Nikki: But you do realize that YC and JS are still fighting over #2 for me. Yes I know that.
Mel: I hear you. I listened to "Intoxication" about six times today.
Nikki: ugh me too.
Mel: Each time I heard a new dirty phrase in English I hadn't heard before.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: often times mispronounced.
Nikki: I wouldn't even dare listening to it without earphones. I might get looks from my parents
Mel: Scandalicious. That can be the name of the male complement of Girlicious. Scandalicious.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: ANYWAY stop getting me distracted
Nikki: I'm not getting you distracted, you're getting yourself distracted!
Mel: I suppose it's my albatross.
Nikki: ugh whatever.
Mel: lol
Nikki: lol
Mel: Where to start?
Nikki: hmmmmmm
Mel: With one member in particular or by song?
Nikki: uhhhhhhhhhh this is "remix like total remix like hell" right? by song.
Mel: o.O huh? Sure, whatever you say.
Nikki: I mean we're not doing this like how I did it before by member.
Mel: OK. Just by song and with commentary. Sounds like a plan.
Nikki: K. let's start with uhhhhhhhhhh you pick. you're gonna kill me if I don't pick 'Mirotic' anyway
Mel: lets leave the best toward the end. leave them wanting.
Nikki: :)
Mel: Although with them, it's kind of difficult.
Nikki: UGH I KNOW
Mel: Let's go with early work.
Nikki: MLP
Mel: So "My Little Princess."
Nikki: yeah. that's what I said.
Mel: You abbreviated and were therefore faster than me. It doesn't count.
Nikki: it does!
Mel: And pressing play...........now.

Nikki: I have the brains to abbreviate!
Mel: Hehehe, not.
Nikki: * glares *
Mel: YC has a nice speaking voice.
Nikki: FAIL ENGLISH YC, FAIL epic faillllll
Mel: He's the random base speaking voice of DBSK like Boyz II Men.
Nikki: HAHAHA JJ! He wasn't that good yet though.
Mel: It sounds like he's singing in an empty room.
Nikki: very plain.
Mel: With all that echo.
Nikki: CM.
Mel: ......<---dead Nikki: Without the screaming.
Mel: Just kidding.
Nikki: I like him this way.
Mel: He has a very pretty voice when he controls it.
Nikki: no screaming. that's what I said.
Mel: And he gets better with his control with age. Like wine. ;)
Nikki: ughhhhhhh
Mel: Or something.
Nikki: you and your bias. I like YC's vocals.
Mel: I'll stop being gushy. Till "Rising Sun."
Nikki: they're different.
Mel: I like YC because he's breathy.
Nikki: they've got dimension. I like dimension
Mel: It makes him stand out.
Nikki: Awwwww young Su
Mel: His growling I could do without. Ahhh.
Nikki: UGH ME TOO. Ho. I was thinking of something new to say about him. later.
Mel: Hehe. Poor Yunho. Just stand and look pretty.
Nikki: he's not pretty
Mel: And dance around a bit. HE IS SO.
Nikki: well not as pretty as JJ
Mel: At least he is now.
Nikki: Yay more YC!
Mel: No one is, sweetheart.
Nikki: even me. * cries *
Mel: Nor me. * cries * I love CM's little bit here.
Nikki: more random YC talking bits. at least they're in Korean now.
Mel: I just imagine cheesy grins and adorable-ness.
Nikki: Ughhhhhh
Mel: Awww, how adorable.
Nikki: harmoniesssssss * dies *
Mel: * claps *
Nikki: * still dead *
Mel: Nikki, wake up.
Nikki: * dead *
Mel: We have more songs to gush...errr...talk about.
Nikki: UGH FINE. next?
Mel: I chose, now you choose. Yoochoose. Hehe.
Nikki: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Mel: That wasn't funny. I apologize.
Nikki: LOL. I just noticed it now.
Mel: Right. Because it wasn't funny.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: It happens sometimes.
Nikki: how are we supposed to leave out the good stuff for later when they're all good?
Mel: Mmm. Well, that was a ballad, so let's go for something more uptempo.
Nikki: 'Hey!'?
Mel: Does that narrow it down? Sure, that works.
Nikki: K.
Mel: And....go.

Nikki: Ugh I wish they did this with a live band.
Mel: Do you think of Queen when you hear the beginning?
Nikki: LOL no. sorry
Mel: I thought it from the first time I heard it. So when I saw them do that in the stage act, I got excited. CUT UP CUT UP
Nikki: weeeeeheee my dad said this was a cover. according to him.
Mel: I told you so.LOL Junsu kind of kills this attitude vocal here.
Nikki: but it was "written" by Yoo Young Jin.
Mel: Who does that OOOH! bit in the chorus?
Nikki: UGH YES. where? when? ughhhh
Mel: At the beginning of the chorus. Go back, go back.
Nikki: I'm back I'm back.
Mel: CUT UP CUT UP
Nikki: Su? The scream?
Mel: It's hard to tell.
Nikki: that's CM.
Mel: IS IT?
Nikki: Yeah.
Mel: Well....
Nikki: duh.
Mel: I didn't even mean to compliment him and yet, it still happens.
Nikki: hahah
Mel: Miracles never cease with that man.
Nikki: I love how YC always gets the fail English lines. what the crap does "give it away" mean?
Mel: "I really wanna touch myself." lmao
Nikki: in reference to the song I mean. LOL YEAH THAT TOO
Mel: I know they pick on Su for being so cutesy, but attitude, he does have. In bucketfuls. When on stage.
Nikki: ugh I know. it's like he steps on that stage and he's like WHOA. I believe JJ does the scream on the second chorus.
Mel: ...
Nikki: WHAT?!
Mel: Not as impressed that time.
Nikki: ugh.
Mel: Justkiddingtotallykidding. Honestly, I didn't even hear it.
Nikki: I did. * loser sign *
Mel: Junsu kills the bridge. KILLS. It's dead.
Nikki: he does. I am too. * dies *
Mel: Then JJ's little riff is the final death blow.
Nikki: I'm already dead and he has to go in and kill me too?
Mel: It's downright MELISMATIC. Sorry.
Nikki: LOL are you advertising your blog?
Mel: No? (Junsu Smile)
Nikki: we should put a link later. LOL. yeah yc "needs a girl". LOL. OK that was funnier in my head.
Mel: He "needs you gurrrrrr." Or rather GRRRRRR
Nikki: can we die now?
Mel: Yes. That really is one of my favorites.
Nikki: OK. * dies *
Mel: The first I heard was that whole album, and Mirotic, Hey!, Good Girl and Love In the Ice were the main standouts. And they continue to be.
Nikki: I didn't like it when I first heard it
Mel: At all?
Nikki: BOO ME
Mel: Yes, boo you. How dare you?
Nikki: 'Mirotic' and 'Flower Lady' were the only songs that stuck, BUT I'M REPENTING NOW!
Mel: Well, we diverge, b/c you like ballads. And swoony things.
Nikki: I like uptempos too! * sulks *
Mel: And I like attitude and dancing and uptempo and sex appeal.
Nikki: LOL you do.
Mel: hahaha What's next?
Nikki: you pick.
Mel: Hmmm. If I pick, I say....Doushite?
Nikki: K.
Mel: And......go.

Nikki: I remember the first time I heard this. It was a Monday
Mel: Awww nostalgia.
Nikki: then I freaked out over it when I saw my bff the next day I was like "OMG JJ'S SO BRILLIANT WAAAAAAAAHHHH"
Mel: I think all five are in top form here. And I like it b/c it breaks the stereotype of boy bands -- all of them sing
Nikki: hell yeah. Ho's pretty OK on this too.
Mel: He is. Give him credit.Junsu has such control. Gorgeous.
Nikki: I mean compared to everyone in the band he's not THAT good, but as an idol he pwns everyone else.
Mel: BUT....Changmin's little grace notes in his solo kill me EVERYTIME.
Nikki: Even CM sounds good.
Mel: That could be part of the bias, though.
Nikki: it is.
Mel: Excuse you -- EVEN CM? Hurumph.
Nikki: ugh.
Mel: I'll try to forgive you for that.
Nikki: fiiiiine. I liked Su on this. and YC A LOT
Mel: I actually really like Ho, even though it's kind of clear he's trying REALLY hard
Nikki: yeah.
Mel: I respect that.
Nikki: but at least he's trying.
Mel: He tries to have the flow the others have and it just doesn't come. But...he still tries.
Nikki: yeah. and then JJ just blows me away
Mel: I shall have to agree on this song.
Nikki: yayyyyyy
Mel: But the king will always be Junsu.
Nikki: well yeah. I like how it ends nice and clean and soft
Mel: But JJ sounds almost as pretty as he is.
Nikki: HE DOES.
Mel: Very pretty.
Mel: And how pretty is the background? Simple.
Nikki: next song?
Mel: you pick.
Nikki: 'Break Out'?
Mel: Ahh, that works. And....................... Go.

Nikki: "Baby we keep the faith eternally" * bawls *
Mel: :) :) I can't believe it took me that long to fully grasp how meaningful that was. Even if its just YC.
Nikki: UGH I KNOW * glares *
Mel: I quite prefer their Japanese uptempos.
Nikki: Me too.
Mel: With the exception of "Mirotic."
Nikki: I'll just nod.
Mel: And the Japanese version of "Rising Sun." But we'll get to that later.
Nikki: CM sounds good here.
Mel: Dang Skippy.
Nikki: WHAT?!
Mel: Just nod.
Nikki: whyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Mel: B/c he does! You said it!
Nikki: Yeah I know I said it!
Mel: Yunho's solos tend to blend in this song.
Nikki: JJ sounds better though. dreams
Mel: I tend to forget its him and think its someone else.
Nikki: HAHAHAHAHHAAHHA
Mel: I prefer CM in this range. And Junsu sounds stellar as usual.
Nikki: well duh. when DOESN'T he? OK maybe sometimes but let's just go with that!
Mel: The roundtable Autotune bit is my favorite part.
Nikki: hahah.
Mel: I always want to do the robot.
Nikki: I was against autotuning them at first. but it's tasteful.
Mel: It is. And really, it's not nearly as robotic as most Auto-Tune uses.
Nikki: and they didn't autotune everything.
Mel: I have to give the award to YC for this one.
Nikki: Me too.
Mel: Even if he doesn't sing much other than that big line.
Nikki: yeah but it's pretty much the entire song.
Mel: Dang these songs fly by.
Nikki: ugh I know.
Mel: I wonder who does that robotic "Break Out" bit?
Nikki: Me too.
Mel: Hmmm. The mystery.
Nikki: could either be CM or Su or none of them
Mel: Maybe it's Yunho.
Nikki: maybe.
Mel: And he's punking all of us.
Nikki: ugh the song's done and we're still talking about it.
Mel: It's a good one. What's next?
Mel: Hmmm. "Darkness Eyes"?
Nikki: :)
Mel: Off the beaten track a little. And go.

Nikki: ahhhh DBSK does EPIC. EPIC.
Mel: The background is really kind of amazng.
Nikki: it is. I love string sections. :) it sounds even better in CDQ
Mel: Stop yourself.
Nikki: and why would I do that?
Mel: I liked this one because it's kind of dissonant in places, so it wakes you up and makes you pay attention.
Nikki: OK OK I'LL STOP MYSELF! * nods * the string section alone is enough to kill me.
Mel: That coupled with the harmony chorus = Nice.
Nikki: then JJ just HAS to come in and kill me a gazillion times more.
Mel: To be honest, I feel he sounds real thin on this one.
Nikki: I think that's the point.
Mel: But perhaps that's why I like the chorus so much more.
Nikki: you know, airy and whatnot? to contrast the really heavy instruments
Mel: It fills you up...its almost like it's turning. Like a wheel.
Nikki: it's more brilliant live. did you see that?
Mel: Agreed 110%.
Nikki: OK you did
Mel: Yes ma'am.
Nikki: I was like OMG LIVE BAND MY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE
Mel: Trueee story. Ah, I see what you mean on the thin vocals.
Su's like that too.
Nikki: see?
Mel: I do.
Nikki: CAN I DIE NOW? PLEASE?
Mel: Errr....yes?
Nikki: I like how it just ends.
Mel: True. I have a new appreciation for that one.
Nikki: su says the last line and it's like 'BAM' done. I TOLD YOU.
Mel: I'm more in favor of The Secret Code album, but T is probably my second favorite of the Japanese albums.
Nikki: amen.
Mel: But I like the Five In the Black one too because of CM's hair.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: OK, I'll stop now. Next song?
Nikki: FITB gave us 'Proud' * dies * Next?
Mel: TRUE STORY.
Nikki: uhhhhh 'Rising Sun' or 'You Only Love'?
Mel: Either works.
Nikki: mmmmmmm Rising Sun.

Mel: OK.AND GO.
Nikki: I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.
Mel: Is that CM or Su doing the RISE UP?
Nikki: SM. CM! lollllllll
Mel: I got scared for a second. haha
Nikki: LOL
Mel: It takes on a new meaning then. Haha.
Nikki: YC rap.
Mel: YC's RAP MAKES EM LAUGH EVERYTIME! dslkfjdsklfjdksjflkdsjflj lkjsd gotcha bah!
Nikki: HAHAHAHAH
Mel: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Nikki: HERE I GO, COME BACK! what the crap does that mean?
Mel: I love the versatility in sounds of this song.
Nikki: Junsu was brilliant on this.
Mel: One minute it's hyper, next it's introspective, then dancy.
Nikki: I wanna faint, but then I won't hear JJ
Mel: Chorus is beautiful too.
Nikki: I KNOW.
Mel: EE-MO-SENSE
Nikki: LOL. "waiting for rising suuuuuuuuun!!!!"
Mel: YH's rap makes no sense either.
Nikki: and more YC rap. LOL.
Mel: FAIL ENGLISH again.
Nikki: I know. CM! his signature line. I think?
Mel: :) :) :) insert Mel dancing
Nikki: SU! JJ!
Mel: CM's wail here is too golden.
Nikki: why do they always put them together? don't they have any mercy?
Mel: AH AH AH AH AH AH OHHHHHHHHHHH
Nikki: I know.OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH! "SLOOOOOOOO DOWN!"
Mel: SLOW DOWNNNNNNNNN hehe
Nikki: lol.
Mel: aye ya ya
Nikki: NA NA NA! YC. again.
Mel: WAIT
Nikki: WHAT?
Mel: at 3:23
Nikki: yeah?
Mel: did you hear the "eh he" like Michael Jackson? Or was it just me? Who was that? Yunho?
Nikki: WAITTTT
Mel: Go back, go back.
Nikki: I DID!
Mel: :) :)
Nikki: O.O
Mel: WHO IS THAT?
Nikki: then we go back to normal. with a CM scream. I HAVE NO IDEA.
Mel: It makes my ovaries quake.That scream. RISEEEEEEEEE UPPPPPPPPP
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: Even if he was underaged when he recorded this. I don't care.
Nikki: I didn't actually like this either when I first heard it.
Mel: jaw drop
Nikki: I'M SORRY, OK?!
Mel: It's so strange and interesting.
Nikki: I know.
Mel: Hehe.
Nikki: and once again, it just ends.
Mel: Are you sure that Rise Up's CM at the end?
Nikki: they're made for performance. no. at the end, no.
Mel: Who is that?
Nikki: dunno. YC?
Mel: It sounds a bit like YC. Hmm. I suppose we do "You Only Love" next?
Nikki: yeah?
Mel: Why not.

Nikki: I love Su here.
Mel: I like the piano.
Nikki: me too. and CM isn't wailing. yayyyyyy
Mel: I wish it was them playing it though.
Nikki: UGH ME TOO
Mel: CM in control = Happy Mel
Nikki: JJ+Piano = Dead Nikki
Mel: (dirty grin)
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: ugh... I was waiting for that.
Nikki: I love the chorus.
Mel: I like how you can really hear all five voices and how they fit in together.
Nikki: I was trying to concentrate on listening to the harmonies but they're too gorgeous that I just had to fangirl over it. you can't not fangirl over it - that's a crime.
Mel: :) Nice try at a big note, YC. Kudos.
Nikki: wait.
Mel: A for Effort.
Nikki: where are we?
Mel: 1:46? 1:48? Was it not YC?
Nikki: no. it was YH
Mel: lmao Ahh. Now it makes sense.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: I told you - I get his voice confused.
Nikki: hahah. JS and JJ have to STOP sharing verses/middle 8s
Mel: He's the only one. NOOOO. No no no no.
Nikki: I'm dying too much.
Mel: They sound perfect together. Su is killing me.
Nikki: DO YOU WANT ME TO ACTUALLY DIE BEFORE WE FINISH THIS?
Mel: I love the oooooh WOP
Nikki: me too.I love dynamic markers. :)
Mel: :)
Nikki: I can't believe it's over. :((((
Mel: Ahh. OK.
Nikki: 3 songs left.
Mel: Needed to get some water. DBSK parched me.
Nikki: HAHAH
Mel: OK. What's left?
Nikki: survivior, 9095 and mirotic.
Mel: What about Love In the Ice? Oh dear.
Nikki: OH RIGHT WE FORGOT ABOUT THAT dammit.
Mel: How could we?
Nikki: wait.
Mel: we shall be crucified.
Nikki: lemme load the CD I KNOW. * goes and gets a cross * you get the nails. LOL.
Mel: Oh dear.
Nikki: K. CD's in. gimme a sec
Mel: Are we doing Love In the Ice?
Nikki: yeah. we should.
Mel: okay. You tell me when to hit play.
Nikki: k.
Mel: now?

Nikki: I love the sparkly bits. YES NOW.
Mel: Awwww.
Nikki: they're even better on CD * grins *
Mel: And I should point out that Changmin transcribed the Korean version from the Japanase.
Nikki: yessss he did.
Mel: I say that like I'm proud of it. But I am.
Nikki: we're doing the Japanese version right? RIGHT?
Mel: Err, no. Changm -- I mean Korean version.
Nikki: OK BACK BACK BACK
Mel: UGH.
Nikki: WAITTTTTT
Mel: OK. Tell me when.
Nikki: I thought you said Japanese!
Mel: NOOOOO. Why would I have the non-Changmin version?
Nikki: BOO. because it has better production? :))))
Mel: Huffffsdlkfjdslkfjlds Details.
Nikki: OK NOW. sparkly bitssss
Mel: Take 2.
Nikki: the Korean version has less depth
Mel: You cannot listen to this on anything short of 11.
Nikki: but I like it. it's crisp.
Mel: JJ sounds lovely.
Nikki: and JJ's just O.O I would like to die happy now. CM sounds nice.
Mel: I quite like CM's vibratto as well.
Nikki: STRING SECTION.
Mel: Even YC sounds gorgeous and controlled. They are all on their best behavior in this one.
Nikki: WAAAAAAAAHHHH JJ!
Mel: This is one of the best parts. The little mini duets.
Nikki: I. KNOW. RIGHT.
Mel: Even better live. :)
Nikki: ughhh yesss
Mel: We say that like we've been there. Haha.
Nikki: I'm dying just thinking about it. LOL. in our dreams.
Mel: LIGHTERS UP. JJ's note here is perfection.
Nikki: I love that everything just disappears when YC and JJ sing.
Mel: Gorgeous. Oh, YH, nice of you to join us.
Nikki: we get a CM scream! kinda.
Mel: Errr...nah.
Nikki: MORE JJ.
Mel: That's not a scream, honey. ;) (winky winky)
Nikki: well kinda! Junsu makes me wanna cry
Mel: He does that to me a lot to.
Nikki: * sobs * IT'S SO PRETTY!
Mel: The boy knows how to emote.
Nikki: Seriously. I feel tears.
Mel: Rock to the ah ah ah ah bit.
Nikki: Then Su comes in and just WHOA
Mel: Junsu here is perfection.
Nikki: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH JJ!
Mel: JJ soars.
Nikki: I wouldn't be surprised if I cried in a while.
Mel: But YC just sends it home. Arguably his best.
Nikki: when they did this live at the Tokyo Dome I was bawling by this part.
Mel: Awwwww.
Nikki: No other boyband has made me cry. for real.
Mel: I cannot claim that feat.
Nikki: UGH.
Mel: But I'm older than you, young grasshopper.
Nikki: * stares * * blink *
Mel: Just smile and nod.
Nikki: * smiles and nods * AWWWWW WHY
Mel: Ahh. Five minutes goes in a blink.
Nikki: it's overrrrrrrrrr BOO
Mel: Gorgeosity.
Nikki: I know. I can't believe we forgot this.
Mel: I don't think they can top that now. Ballad-wise.
Nikki: we'll see.
Mel: Fingers crossed.
Nikki: * sigh * Right now any new material will be brilliant. because we've waited so long.
Mel: Mmm. And to be honest, I'm not a huge of "Tomete".
Nikki: It was OK.
Mel: It's pretty but it's no Love In the Ice.
Nikki: not crazy over it. LITI is really WHOA
Mel: Very very WHOA.
Nikki: this and 'Proud' are lightyears above everything else.
Mel: It's the type of song that you give to people when they say UGH They are such a BOY BAND. And you say, oh yeah? Hmmm.
Nikki: LOL. it's been done for ages and we're STILL talking about it.
Mel: Ah, right. OK.
Nikki: 9095?
Mel: Sounds good.
Nikki: loading the CD
Mel: Anddddddddddddd
Nikki: WAIT!
Mel: .....tell me when
Nikki: LOL. stupid copyright protection. you guys seriously think I'd wanna degrade a CD to an MP3? SERIOUSLY.
Mel: * taps foot impatiently
Nikki: I am too. waittt OK! aaaaaannddd NOW

Mel: Ooooh Rain Effects.
Nikki: JJ wrote this. It's my ring tone.
Mel: Ahhh, I shall bow to you, then.
Nikki: Weeeeheee
Mel: My ring tone is vibrate.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: Err...anyway.
Nikki: I love this with real drums. it doesn't have it in the recording though
Mel: It's so spooky and mysterious.
Nikki: BOO.
Mel: CM follows JJ in solos alot, huh? Hmm
Nikki: yeah. My phone was ringing the other day and my mom was like "why's it so creepy?" yeah. and Ho gets the chorus! well part of it.
Mel: Ooooh....dark. Dissonant... Ahh, he's throwing his boyfriend a break.
Nikki: I believe that's a guitar? LOL.
Mel: Lots of spooky midi keyboard.
Nikki: * nods * YC sounds brilliant on this. they all do.
Mel: Goes without saying really.
Nikki: and you'd think the chorus would explode but it doesn't
Mel: I like when it sort of POW!s off into the chorus. and gets quiet. AHHH wavelength.
Nikki: the harmonies are so pretty.
Mel: same one. jump on it.
Nikki: HAHAHAHAHAH JJ's note. sends everything into utter brilliance.
Mel: It sounds so different than everything else. Than anything I've ever heard in the pop realm, really.
Nikki: it's like the JJ version of 'Darkness Eyes'
Mel: I almost feel like those notes at the end were almost as if they were recorded and then put on the record being played backward. Hard to explain but that's almost how it sounds. So hesitant.
Nikki: there's '9096' and that really freaks me out - it's even spookier than 9095
Mel: I'm not a fan. I prefer the real thing. ;)
Nikki: me too, but it's just so damn spooky
Mel: Speaking of interludes, I like the main intro
Nikki: me too! JJ scream!
Mel: But I also quite like T's "Trick". If only for the Michael Jackson reference. Again.
Nikki: HAHAHAH
Mel: Ahh, I love them for loving MJ.
Nikki: hahahahaha. Ho's MJ tribute. :))))))
Mel: :) So that leaves Survivor for next, right?
Nikki: yessss
Mel: SA-BYE-BAH?
Nikki: I believe TSC was my #1 album of last year because of this song.
Mel: I am Junsu. Native Speaker.
Nikki: LOLLLLLL
Mel: I'm a new fan. Let's listen....anddddddd. go.

Nikki: I know. I love the start
Mel: POW It's like fireworks. mixed with guitars scratches.
Nikki: they have fireworks when they do this live. later.
Mel: :)
Nikki: and the production's just O.O
Mel: I love the synth arpeggio.
Nikki: me tooooooooooooo
Mel: It's so 80's....it's like...Duran Duran meets 00's korean
boy band. epic.
Nikki: YC tends to growl or whatever when he does this live. :(
Mel: Yes. He needs to learn to stop that.
Nikki: Ho. Oh ho.
Mel: The way he does it on record is just fine.
Nikki: YESSSSS
Mel: Does the chorus sound like a video game theme song to you?
Nikki: CM and JJ!
Mel: It does to me.
Nikki: yeah.
Mel: I'd type more but I'm busy dancing.
Nikki: and then the middle 8-ish thingy.
Mel: AHHH.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: Junsu....
Nikki: WAHHHHHHHHHH
Mel: How I heart you.
Nikki: DANCE BREAK! FIREWORKS!
Mel: random ambulance sounds too
Nikki: LOL I know.
Mel: its like they've been to NYC
Nikki: lolllll and it just ends. :((((((( I want more
Mel: like they skip off into the sunset.
Nikki: Skip off into the SUNSET? after singing SURVIVOR?
Mel: Uh...why not?
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: DONT JUDGE ME
Nikki: LOL. I'll load Mirotic.
Mel: And that leaves the myth. The one. The only. The legend.
Nikki: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH * freaks out *
Mel: I'm so excited.
Nikki: and we haven't even pressed play yet.
Mel: Ahhh, the anticipation! Tell me when.
Nikki: K. 1 2 GOOOOOO

Mel: UGHHHHHHHHH
Nikki: JJ doesn't get that many lines. :(
Mel: How can you not dance to this song?
Nikki: I don't. :(
Mel: The backdrop is crazy.
Nikki: Ugh I know.
Mel: The use of "red ocean" disturbs me.
Nikki: I was trying to follow the percussion and I was like OMG whoever made this was so brilliant.
Mel: I know its a reference to Cassiopeia but...
Nikki: hahahah.
Mel: NO NAKED MITCHELL
Nikki: "neon nareul wonhae....." HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHA "i gotchuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"
Mel: try to unhear that now.
Nikki: it's like this gets even more epic live.
Mel: During CM's bit in the video, the camera doesn't capture him the whole time.
Nikki: YH+ a bit of YYJ
Mel: During this verse. It annoys me.
Nikki: hahahahahha Rap.
Mel: Now, put your hand on your chin and prove to the world you're a bad ass beast.
Nikki: HAHAHAHAH SCREAM! SCREAM!
Mel: AHHHH
Nikki: SCREAMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!
Mel: <<--- Melismatic died Nikki: OK guys. it's just me now. Mel's dead. we're planning her funeral now.
Mel: Ah, CM revived me with his Come On Come On. He promised me other dirty things I cannot repeat.
Nikki: OMG THAT MIDDLE 8 OMG! OMG! * dies *
Mel: UGH, so perfect. Don't you die on me too!
Nikki: I just did.
Mel: * slaps Nikki *
Nikki: * dies *
Mel: Pull it together.
Nikki: LOLLLL
Mel: NO NAKED MITCHELLS.
Nikki: we're done anyway. LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL come to think of it, it DOES sound like that.
Mel: During the live cuts, Junsu's riffs are the best.
Nikki: JJ's adlibs
Mel: Hehehe.
Nikki: I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S OVER. NO.
Mel: I'm telling you, it's impossible to unhear when you hear it.
Nikki: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mel: LETS LISTEN AGAIN. lol
Nikki: YES YES YES LOL.
Mel: OK. One....two... GO
Nikki: did we say anything NOT fangirl-y about this?
Mel: Uh...blank stare
Nikki: Ugh who cares.
Mel: I like their outfits in the video.
Nikki: Me too.
Mel: And CM in the water.
Nikki: :))))))) LOL.
Mel: NO NAKED MITCHELL.
Nikki: ughhhh I might start singing that the next time I hear it.
Mel: Chrome Heart?
Nikki: uh... yeah.
Mel: What does that mean? And it doesn't even sound like that. CM needs to practice his annunciation.
Nikki: dunno. * shrugs * LOL it's "enunciation"
Mel: Whatever.
Nikki: * glares *
Mel: I'm not an English teacher. Only for him.
Nikki: LOL well what use are you if you're gonna teach him the wrong things!
Mel: Shhhhh details.
Nikki: * glares *
Mel: SCREAM
Nikki: WHO'S GONNA BE THE ENGLISH MAJOR HERE?
Mel: <-- Melismatic died again. Nikki: lol. OK guys, I'm serious this time. got a date for her funeral? I'm free this weekend.
Mel: YOU CANT TAKE CHANGMIN
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: This is the ghost of Melismatic. And she will haunt you.
Nikki: I wouldn't want to. I'd gladly teach JJ though.
Mel: UNDER MAH SKEEEEEN.
Nikki: oooooohhhh I'm SO SCARED * blank face *
Mel: Ugh, and it's over again. Already.
Nikki: I know.
Mel: Incredible.
Nikki: I remember my review of this. back when I wasn't a fangirl. :)))))
Mel: Ahhh, so there was no bias.

Nikki: LOL we're done? we need an outro or something.
Mel: I did the intro, you do the outro. ;)
Nikki: while I listen to 'Flower Lady'
Mel: And I listen to Good Girl.
Nikki: I don't know what to say! we're done. were we funny? I hope we were.
Mel: (Junsu smile)
Nikki: WERE WE FUNNY? * asks everyone else *
Mel: Don't make me one-touch you.
Nikki: I'm not scared of you. hmph.
Mel: Hyunggggggggggggg. Wait, this just got weird.
Nikki: LOL. I KNOW.
Mel: I'll stop now.
Nikki: yes.
Mel: (Junsu smile)
Nikki: ugh stop it with the Junsu smiles.
Mel: (Junsu smile) (Junsu laugh/cackle)
Nikki: I have 4 DBSK physical CDs. :)
Mel: (crickets)
Nikki: 'Mirotic' in CDQQQQQQQ!!!! :)
Mel: (more crickets)
Nikki: 3 versions. :))))))
Mel: I'm married to Changmin.
Nikki: mmmhmmm. no one believes you.
Mel: Well, I guess I'm not being truthful.
Nikki: no one will.
Mel: I'm married to Changmin, but only in HIS dreams. It's quite sad actually.
Nikki: LOL.
Mel: Poor thing.
Nikki: you and your wild dreams
Mel: Well, I have a 'Wild Soul'. (Junsu cackle)
Nikki: UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Mel: I was WAITING to use that. You don't even know.

Rihanna's Hat Trick

Interesting:Rihanna is #1 on the Hot 100 this week with "Take A Bow". Last summer, in early June, she hit it with "Umbrella".And about this week in 2006, she had a #1 with "SOS". 3-Year HAT TRICK!

Songs of the Week

Here are the songs I've listened to the most this past week, and maybe you should to. ;)

1. Robyn - Konichiwa B*tches
2. VFactory - Round & Round
3. Jesse McCartney - Leavin'
4. Sara Bareilles - Love Song
5. Robyn - Who's That Girl?
6. Kim Sozzi & Cascada - Break Up
7. Paramore - That's What You Get
8. The Saturdays - If This Is Love
9. Girls Aloud - Girl Overboard
10. Danity Kane - Ain't Going
11. Jonas Brothers - Goodnight & Goodbye
12. Robyn - Be Mine!
13. oneREPUBLIC - Stop & Stare
14. Maroon 5 f/ Rihanna - If I Never See Your Face Again
15. Craig David - Hot Stuff (Let's Dance)

Other Links of Mine, that you may want to check out:
http://lgcproductions.livejournal.com
An open journal full of icons/avatars of various celebrities for you use.

Coming Soon:
---->New Indie Music Worthy of Attention
---->Sexy Boys of the Summer
---->Review of My Favorite Tracks
---->The Countdown of the BEST songs of 2008, Part 1

Battle of the (new) Boy Bands: VFactory v NLT

VFactory (top) v. NLT (below)

Several people are predicting that 2009 will be the year of the boyband. In my mind, I believe the 90's boyband era ended around 2002 when Justin Timberlake struck out on his own to success. Yes, you can argue that the Backstreet Boys are still around, but to consider them a "boy band" would be a disservice to the respect they've cultivated after more than 10+ years as a band. There are several other contenders in this race of boy bands, including Day 26, Jonas Brothers and Menudo. But it appears VFactory and NLT seem to be at the forefront, just as Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC were in 1999 (wow, I feel old). I think it's needless to say that I'm psyched for the return of frothy teen pop (thank you, Disney, for bringing it back!), but I find it slightly disturbing that now that boy band pop is back, I will be the older fan, who is the same age if not older than the boys themselves. ::Sigh:: First, I was too young. Now, I'm too old. Not fair.

I'm leaving this race up to VFactory and NLT as they seem to best fit the profile of "boy band". I do feel that Day 26, the Making the Band 4 Diddy group, is more of an older band, and fill the mold of r&b band a la Jodeci or Boyz II Men (that dance...). Menudo can take over the latin tip. And my beloved Jonas Brothers just don't count as a "boy band", as they are siblings, write virtually all of their own music, and play instruments....

I kind of feel like VFactory and NLT are the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, respectively, for the new generation. "She Said, I Said" (NLT) sounds like a modernized sound of *NSYNC's "Girlfriend", while VFactory's "Round and Round" sounds more and more like "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" and "We Got It Going On" the more I hear it. I was an *NSYNC girl, so you'd think I'd be predispositioned therefore to like NLT better. Howevever, seeing as I'm older and wiser this time around (::ahem::, no snickering), I can find love in my heart for both. As it stands now, let's take a look at how they rank against each other:

Issue: Band Name

VFactory: ??

NLT: Not Like Them

Verdict: NLT.

Although "Not Like Them" is a bit cliched as a boyband title, I have no clue what "V" is being Factory-ed by VFactory...Can anybody clue me in?

Issue: Group Member #

VFactory: 5

NLT: 4

Verdict: VFactory.

Everyone knows that the best boy band formula isfive members. Just ask 98 Degrees.

Issue: Dancing Ability

VFactory: Click here to see the routine for "Round & Round"

NLT: Click here to see the routine for "She Said, I Said"

Verdict: NLT.

From what I've seen so far at least.Not counting the other boys out, but in terms ofwhat's been available so far, NLT's got 'em beat.NLT has much more finesse.

Issue: Vocal Ability/Harmonization

Verdict: BOTH.

In true boy band style, at this point it's hard to tell which band has the stronger singers. Each have their requisite SANGER, and bothare well qualified in this arena.

Issue: Label

VFactory: Warner

NLT: Geffen/Universal

Verdict: NLT.

Universal has a much larger reachthan Warner will, not to mention an non-stop hitbrigade with Timbaland, which Warner lacks.

Issue: Release

Verdict: NLT.

Their album was schedule to bereleased this past February, but due to leaking, itwas pushed back to June. "She Said, I Said" hasbeen on radio airwaves since November 2007, whileVFactory is just now starting to break through interms of performances and industry gigs.

Issue: Production

VFactory: ??

NLT: Timbaland

Verdict: NLT.

Timbaland versus just about anyoneright now will still pretty much always win.

Issue: Writing

VFactory: ??

NLT: "Karma" was written by Ryan Tedder, the frontman of OneRepublic, aka the superman who wrote "DoIt Well", "He Said She Said", "Bleeding Love", etctimes a million.
Verdict: NLT.

Ney I say more.

Issue: Famous GF

VFactory: Jared is dating Ashley Tisdale; Wesley was allegedly dating Miley Cyrus

NLT: ...

Verdict: VFactory.

Ms. Tisdale is a big supporter ofthe boys and helped form them from what I heard thanks to the fact that Jared and Wesley weredancers on her "High School Musical" tour.

Issue: Associated Acts

VFactory: Ashley Tisdale, Candy Coated Chaos

NLT: Bratz Movie, Timbaland

Verdict: In terms of pop music, gotta give it toVFactory. And it's not even because I rep CCC with serious pride...

Issue: First Single

VFactory: "She Bad"

NLT: "She Said, I Said"

Verdict: NLT.

More radio play, more catchy...of course, this part is subjective.

Issue: Second Single

VFactory: "Round and Round"

NLT: "Karma"

Verdict: VFactory.
That song gets stuck in my brain and goes "round and round" until I want to bash my skull in. But in a good way.

WINNER: NLT. For now at least.

Robyn Is Amazing.

Although I'm sure you're aware of this already.

If not, go to iTunes and download her 'Robyn' album. Its full of kitchy electro-pop goodness. Best songs:
-Be Mine!
-Bum Like You
-Cobrastyle
-Handle Me (Remix)
-Konichiwa Bitches
-Who's That Girl?
-With Every Heartbeat

Go. Now. Do It.

The 308 Playlists

My girls at school and I always put together a mixtape for each year to play when we're in the car together full of songs that we each liked, or funny inside jokes. So I've decided to share them with you.

Here is our most recent playlist, featuring songs popular within the window of January through May 2008. Songs marked with a * are my song choices.

1. Flo Rida f/ T-Pain -> "Low"
2. Paramore -> "That's What You Get"*
3. In Flames -> "The Mirror's Truth"
4. Leona Lewis -> "Bleeding Love"
5. Cupid -> "Cupid Shuffle"
6. Theory of a Deadman f/ Chris Daughtry -> "By the Way"
7. Mariah Carey -> "Touch My Body"
8. Danity Kane -> "Damaged"*
9. Usher f/ Young Jeezy -> "Love In This Club"
10. Chevelle -> "The Fad"
11. Sara Bareilles -> "Love Song"
12. Miley Cyrus -> "See You Again"
13. Girls Aloud -> "Girl Overboard"*
14. Sara Barielles -> "Fairytale"
15. Disturbed -> "Inside the Fire"
16. Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown -> "No Air"
17. OneREPUBLIC -> "Stop & Stare"*
18. Korn -> "Kiss"
19. Robyn -> "With Every Heartbeat"*
20. Rihanna -> "Take A Bow"

And let the record show, I also wanted the Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown tracks, but my roommate stole them from me. :(

Why I Must Like Jesse McCartney In Secret.

It's really bad enough that I harbor a secret guilty pleasure-filled love for the Jonas Brothers & yes, even "Hannah Montana" (the show and the music -- not quite Miley Cyrus just yet...however "See You Again" is a formidable contender), but to add Jesse McCartney to that list seems too much even for me to bear. Here's why:

I'll admit to being a Dream Street lover. Not even a closet one. Full fledged, saw them twice in concert, four times in person for a meet and greet type of fan. For those of you who weren't aware, Dream Street was caught in the middle of the boy band conundrum, meaning they were too late to fit in with the *NSYNCs and Backstreet Boys, and too early to be a harbinger for current faves NLT and V Factory. However, they contained Jesse McCartney, Greg Raposo (now of rock-ish band "Raposo"), Frankie Galasso, Matt Ballinger and Chris Trousdale, my fave being the latter, who is apparently still trying to create a name for himself via solo career. I've seen Chris twice in concert post Dream Street, but the excitement is starting to wane...I've waited for nearly six years for the album afterall...Yes, it's been that long.

It's not that I didn't like Jesse in the Dream Street days, but he wasn't my favorite. Post-DS, he seemed to effortlessly reappear while his co-horts struggled, and it harboured a little bit of resentment for me. I was, after all, a Justin Timberlake fan through and through, and he's certainly doing fine now (at the expense of his former *NSYNC bandmates...which does kind of bother me, even now). First, it was that awful show "Summerland" (which helped jump the career of Zac Efron, funnily enough), then that awful song "Beautiful Soul". His press kept coming rolling in. He's doing this, he's doing that, he's dating Katie Cassidy. We don't care!

When "Summerland" got cancelled, and his second album for all intensive purposes flopped, I felt slightly vindicated, and kept hoping for the Chris Trousdale album. Karma bit me back in a big way when Katie Cassidy (are they still together? do I even care?) joined the cast of my beloved "Supernatural" in a big way. But it got worse:

His current single, "Leavin'" is an awesome track.

And that sucks.

I guess I'm the type to harbor grudges in the pop world. I think R.Kelly is scuzzy. I'm still not too big on the Backstreet Boys. I initially disliked Britney Spears during her glory days because she dated Justin. Trivial and stupid, but it lasts, as if I know them. Jesse is no different.

So I find a leaked version of his upcoming album. It helps that I don't like about half of it, but the other half is really, really good. "It's Over" and "Runnin" (both produced by The Cluth, surprisingly) stand out in particular. "Relapse" is also. And of course, "Leavin'". I think it's because he's abandoning that guitar-driven pop-rock of Ryan Cabrera for a more electro-poppy sound a la Chris Brown (especially in "Leavin'") or Usher. A different sound for him for sure. And I'm proud of the awesomeness.

Doesn't mean I still can reconcile liking it. *Sigh* Some habits die hard. Really hard.

Top Songs of 2008 (so far)...

Per the Billboard Hot 100, the following are the most successful songs of 2008 in the USA so far:

1. Flo Rida f/ T-Pain - "Low"
2. Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love"
3. Usher f/Young Jeezy - "Love In This Club"
4. Mariah Carey - "Touch My Body"
5. Lil Wayne f/ Static Major - "Lollipop"

Thoughts...

"Low"
While it's resounding bass-beat is furious and a banger for the clubs and the cars to say the least, I will never be much a fan for this pointless hip hop swagger. It blows my mind that this song was as successful as it was (and still is) and I think is the only real song of 2008 that has warrented a useless catchphrase ("Shorty got low low low, etc repeat on for infinity" and "Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur"). Is it wrong that when I first heard the "apple bottoms" like I thought the song was by Nelly? It kinda fits his style and wasn't his clothing line "Apple Bottoms". *Sigh* Kudos has to be given to T-Pain, who seems to just keep hitting them out of the park success-wise. Houston: We have a new Timbaland on our hands.

"Bleeding Love"
I've always been a big fan of euro-pop of any degree of sugaryness, but what I love most about Leona Lewis is she feels so legit. Her voice cannot be denied, and the song is reminiscent of the big Mariah and Whitney ballads of the early 90s. Here's to hopings she'll have a long and successful career here in the US as well as worldwide. It's about time we caught on to this one. Although, I will say -- who knew this song was written by Ryan Tedder (OneREPUBLIC) and Jesse McCartney? Tedder, I believe, but JESSE MCCARTNEY?

"Love In This Club"
I wasn't impressed by this. The initial beat sounds like it's stolen by that other "magical" hip hop slow jam, "This Is Why I'm Hot", and Usher isn't inspiring too much. Coming off of the mega album "Confessions", the stakes were high, and I'm sure he knew this. But maybe he was digging too much on himself, not unlike Mr. Kanye West. The talent is there, but it doesn't show through, and I feel like newer, younger versions of Usher (read: Chris Brown, NLT, Jesse McCartney) are doing it with more finesse.

"Touch My Body"
What can I say about this? I feel like my Mariah has let me down. Her music has slowly gone from epic and classic staples to mindless utterings about nothing. It should be noted she is an INCREDIBLE lyricist, so imagine my disdain to hear this is the first single. Just when I thought she was getting it back together, I may fear that "We Belong Together" is the last truly epic Mariah track.

"Lollipop"
I'm tired of the hip hop innuendo being the cool fad of the week. Didn't we hear this before with 50 Cent and "Candy Shop"? I try to keep my mind open for Lil Wayne, as he is working with one of my loves and friends, T Lopez, on her upcoming solo album, but...yeah, ew.

What are your thoughts?

Rant: Deconstruction of the Female Image

Pop culture is something that is inherently central to all young people’s life, especially college age, in my opinion. As a music industry major, I have always enjoyed meticulously following the career paths of musicians. I like being in the know about what song is #1 and what artists are the new hot commodity. When I was eleven, I used to sit by the radio and listen to Casey Kasem’s Top 40 Countdown and writing the slots of this week’s countdown on a piece of paper to add to my binder collection.

But by having this dominance of pop culture engrained on me, not just involuntarily but voluntarily too, I quickly get caught up in what is new and trendy, rather than it’s real message.

Susan Douglas and Catherine Orenstein’s “Pop Culture Is Us: Two Essays on a Theme” hit home to me on that front. Their ideas on such television shows as “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan” are ideas that I vapidly agree with. While watching the former with my mother one night, I was disgusted by all of the plastic surgery and work they “forced” on this woman (as I’m sure, whether it was her idea or not, the reasons were trivial and materialistic). But by the end of the night, you see the final product, and you are amazed! She looks incredible! But at what cost? Who is to say what is “incredible”?

I think their ideas tie in very well to the music industry market as well, now more than ever. I miss the days of old when it didn’t matter what you looked like, what mattered is if you could sing with soul and passion, creating music that the people liked to hear. Those days are gone. Now, if you’re halfway attractive, skinny and can take direction to learn some pop-locking choreography, they can ensure you sound like a great singer, even if you can’t sing a note. "Talent", in a broad sense, is optional. Artists like Britney Spears are excused from singing live at gigs, because she is also a dancer, and dance is a huge part of her live act. Great voices like Christina Aguilera get ridiculed for her shocking choice of wardrobe, while more and more models are becoming movie stars and Lindsay Lohan gets to record her own album. It all seems backwards. We tend to blame the victims, while the ally of the oppressor is praised.

And it’s certainly not just the women who are at the center of the controversy. A huge part of today’s music market is rap or hip hop music. I will not say that all rap music and all rap artists are bad; some things need to be said, and if they can said to a catchy beat, all the better. The issue arises when rappers are praised as artists when the only lyrics their songs consist of are graphic depictions of women, sex, drugs and violence, often to women. What is even more disheartening is the songs are “cleaned up” by deleting offensive words, rather than offensive concepts, and placed on the radio. Artists compete to make their video the sexiest, flashiest, most “innovative” clip out there, when really the derogatory images portrayed by both male and female artists should be downplayed and ridiculed rather than heralded as the hottest new song of the summer.

The idea that musicians now are sources of revenue to start a franchise rather than a good album is readily accepted as truth. Shows like “American Idol” and “Making the Band” are always very quick to state that a person has a good voice, but if their appearance is not up to stratch of today’s flippant aesthetic, there is no point of getting this poor amateur’s hopes up. What’s even more upsetting is, as Douglas and Orenstein have said, this is what we deem entertainment.

Rant: MTV & "TRL"

I chose my music deconstruction on a block of programming that I hoped would focus more on music (as I remember it being), MTV's "Total Request Live". However, while the show used to feature a 10 music video countdown "voted on" by the fans in it's initial phase in the late 90's, it doesn't focus on this countdown anymore, despite keeping the same moniker "Total Request Live". A countdown was aired about 10 minutes in, showing about 3 seconds of each of the 10 videos. The songs featured tend to be songs that also place high on the Billboard and iTunes charts, as well as featuring band "Day 26", which formed on the MTV show, "Making the Band 4".

Other than that 30 second snippet, I only was able to view three music videos longer than 3 seconds, and only one was full length, mostly because it was featuring Usher and his video was being premiered (and he was also in studio). It filled the traditional archetype of male chasing female, and the female was overtly sexual and scantily dressed. She was wearing all black and was often showed with a red backdrop, dancing seductively, often with Usher. The imagery is very sexually charged throughout the video. Several diamonds bling on both Usher and the female lead. Rapper, Yung Joc, appears also in all black with a backwards baseball cap and several glittery chains, swaggering amongst several more scantily clad women. The women in this club background appear to outnumber the men 3 to 1.

It becomes clear that the main target market of the show is high-school-aged girls, as they fill the majority of the audience, and are often seen clapping enthusiastically. When not musical material, the show has turned instead into a type of MTV-centered lifestyle program for their high-school aged demographic. The show was featuring a "prom theme". A small, young girl wearing jeans and a striped shirt participated in a contest where she can choose between three different designers prom dresses of different styles and colors, and the winning dress will be hers.

The two hosts, male (white) and female (Hispanic-looking), are both young, attractive and following common fashion trends. The female host is more often seen from what I viewed, and although she is dressed somewhat conservatively, she is wearing a relatively short skirt with heels, while the male host is dressed much more conservatively. Also, a news correspondent in room full of video monitors was also shown, and he appeared Indian.

Long camera sweeps an overhead shot at Times Square in New York City, a customary scene for the network. New York City is often seen as a center for all things cool and trendy, especially in the world of music. Several close-ups are made to several different vantage points in Times Square, and ads featuring entertainment are readily visible throughout the broadcast, in particular, a large ad for the video game "Rock Band."

As always, commercials were extremely heavy and seemed to center on three main topics: MTV related programming, a few anti-drug ads, and products blatantly attempting to appeal to a teen demographic, like sports drinks, technology (video games & cell phones), and hair and body products. Many commercials seem to stress the importance of either looking good/sexy (mostly towards women) or technology (towards men). MTV would tend to promote it's key "reality drama", "The Hills", as well as a handful of new series they are about to launch (including one featuring a behind-the-scenes look into the Sean Jean clothing line, featuring Diddy, a common contributor to the network, under the moniker "If I Were King", apropos of Diddy's notoriously driven attitude).

From what I saw, there was only one demonstrated attempt to highlight “new” music, by featuring a short clip of a music video by Welsh artist, Duffy. However, with further research, it is easy to find out that Duffy is represented by Mercury Records, owned by Universal Music Group.

Overall, despite an attempt to view a program involving music videos, “Total Request Live” is instead a reflection of what MTV and much of music programming has become – much more about the lifestyle of youth and much less about the music that “defines” it. It is an updated example of the feedback loop we discussed in class – what is featured by the media about youth culture is absorbed and demonstrated back in how they act, and the cycle doesn’t end. There is supreme focus on fitting in to current trends, and filling this expectation to be attractive, popular and overall “cool”.

As demonstrated through the somewhat lack of music being shown longer than 10 seconds, it further solidifies fears that music is being devalued to be not a “definition” of a generation or period of time, but more like an underlying soundtrack to the other aspects important to teens. It may be viewed passively, but at least it’s still there.

Rant: The Disney Effect

One particular trend in the music industry that I have viewed quite extensively over the past few months is the tremendous effect created by the Walt Disney Corporation. In a brilliant three-arm marketing scheme comprised of the Disney Channel, Radio Disney and teen pop “artists”, a self-contained wheel continues to turn seemingly without an end in sight. Disney finds an up and coming young teen actor, usually that can sing (or rather “perform”) to some extent. This young actor, if they are lucky, ends up in a Disney Channel related sitcom or television movie. If this show or movie has an amount of success, the actor can be marketed as a musical act, both on the Radio Disney end, and on terrestrial pop radio.

The result is the marketing of saccharin-sweet non-offensive pop music, occasionally with some kind of “edge”, be it r&b/urban (Cobin Bleu), rock (Jonas Brothers) or country (Miley Cyrus). The downside is, because several acts on the Disney roster glaringly stand out in the musical landscape as “Disney”-esque, only a select few gain pop radio coverage (which is starting to change a little bit with the overwhelming success of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus and her recent tour support group, the Jonas Brothers). Despite that fact, in a seemingly profound strangeness, this artist will sell a respectable amount of records, even without their songs on pop radio. Examples of this include “High School Musical” (which spawned Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu – all of which have pop music deals) and “Hannah Montana” (which spawned both Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus).

So how did this happen? The music business and our culture in itself is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Children and teenagers (and those in between – “tweens”) have often been both alternately marketed toward intensely or not at all, depending on the type of artist. These type of “Disney” acts obviously appeal toward children and tweens who watch the Disney Channel extensively. This channel does not provide typical commercial advertising during its breaks in shows, but rather advertising for its other shows, movies or even full music videos of the artists it supports. In this way, it has become a marketing machine for those who are lucky enough to be in the Disney club. Kids and teens today alike are more akin and knowledgeable to technology than any other generation. Also, with the rise of iTunes and other digital means of acquiring music, money has little value when its exchange has never been seen by the purchaser. By creating an image-heavy persona of these teen acts, its fans feel like not only can they relate to the music and the artist itself, they are more inclined to buy accessory merchandise (ie. wigs, backpacks, makeup, nail polish, keychains, teddy bears – anything with the artists name and face on it).

What about you? What do you think of the "Disney-fied" artists?