Thursday, December 31, 2009

Soundtracks Of The Decade

So, I'd like to compile my favorite tracks of the decade, the 00's. Basically I spent my teenage years throughout this decade and the musics have a very great impact on me. It's so hard to compile 10 years of great songs into 1 list, without being 100s of em, I'll narrow it down into 10 songs that I personally like during this decade. So let's celebrate a decade of new pop generations, full of catchy chorus, and pure geniuses - Plus my top 10 favorites of 2009!


10.
"Since U Been Gone"
Kelly Clarkson

It's the original American Idol's finest pop moment; the best of 2005 and the best from from any other Idol contenstant. She started to gained supports from the competition show and life's been sky-rocketed ever since for Kelly. It's the uplifting break-up anthem that everyone can relates too. Plus catchy chorus.


9.
"Hung Up"
Madonna

It's late 2005 and this track is the hottest dance track of fall. Madonna returns with this ABBA-sampled dance song that made people got up and dance.


8.
"We Belong Together"
Mariah Carey

'The Emancipation' marks the triumphant return of the 'Voice' and also brought up some of Mariah's best record, in this case, "We Belong Together". Mariah scored no. 1 on Billboard and also, after a while, she sings with no breathy vocals or whistle register. The result: an awesome great, pop song.


7.
"Cry Me A River"
Justin Timberlake

This song is the prove of there's always something good left out of the bad situation. This song is my favorite of his. I love the undertone hip hop beats with some kind of trumpet element in it. Betrayal + Timbaland's beat = Pure genius


6.
"Clocks"
Coldplay

I fell in love with the song when it was first time heard it during 'Peter Pan' trailer and I love the ethereal feel about it; the piano, the vocals, everything. It's too soft for rock, not too pop and it's not really alternative. It's such a comforting, beautiful song.


5.
"Rehab"
Amy Winehouse

The first time you hear this song, you'd my think it's an old record sung by black woman. Well, it's sorta right & wrong; it's not black woman or old record, but it is emulating those two. Amy really caught my attention when she released this song and I'm hooked ever since. It's still my favorite track of hers.


4.
"Beautiful"
Christina Aguilera

My personal favorite singer of all time and my favorite song of hers. It's not the teen pop Christina song and it sounds matured, raw and no gimmicks. A great anthem to believe in yourself. Always my favorite.


3.
"Hey Ya!"
Outkast

I've never found anybody who doesn't love this song. It's upbeat and fun and gave birth to the catchiest catchphrase: "shake it like a Polaroid picture"


2.
"Crazy In Love"
Beyoncé

I've to admit that the first time I heard this song, I was like, this is something I've never heard before and I'm hesitated. But after 2 or 3 spins, I'm like this is the song of 2003. Yes, it was her first single that catapulted the Beyonce we knew today: the ultimate entertainer.


1.
"Crazy"
Gnarls Barkley

I forget how I found out this one, but one thing for sure, this song is the ultimate song of the decade. It's 2006 and I was in the middle working on my yearbook. This song reminds me of my 'golden age', the time when I was really happy and enjoying my life. It has the element of old school (which I clearly love) and sense of irony (a depressing songs sung in a fashion of uplifting sounds). Crazy indeed.

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So as for now, I'm looking forward what 2010 has in stores: new Christina record that I've been waiting my whole life and some more great tunes. I'm looking forward another decade of great songs.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Best Of 2009

2009 isn't not really the best year ever but wasn't bad either. Actually it's pretty decent. So many great experiences happened this year (Summer holiday, new apartment & fashion show) and some down points (this semester in general among others). But it's okay, I learn and eventually moves on. But anyway, ending the year in positive note, I wanna show you something awesome and big!

I'm talking about the songs that's big this year. I always love to make list of anything since I was a kid, and the list about favorite music each year is no exception. Here's my best songs of 09, according to me.. in random orders!

"Bad Romance" & "Telephone" - Lady Gaga
"Use Somebody" - Kings Of Leon
"Bulletproof" - La Roux
"My Life Would Suck Without You" - Kelly Clarkson
"Don't Stop Believin'" - Glee Cast
"TiK ToK" - Ke$ha
"Halo" - Beyonce
"Boom Boom Pow" & "I Gotta Feeling" - BEP
"Empire State Of Mind" - Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
"Party In The U.S.A." - Miley Cyrus
"You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
"Obsessed" - Mariah Carey
"Heartbreak Warfare" - John Mayer
"Track Of My Tears" - Adam Lambert

I'd like to give movies a try this year. I don't really watch a lot of new stuff and that's why I don't have a lot of good amount of movies to put in the list. I look for a great visual and story line in a movie.. and my choice of top movies are







I just saw 'Avatar' and '500 Days' like 4 days ago and I fell in love with them right away. 'Avatar' has the best visual effect so far (and surprisingly good story-line) and also '500 Days' was unique and heartwarming, or quirky if you will.

So.. That's it! The Best of 2009! Can't wait to find out what's in store in 2010!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Givenchy Spring '10



Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!


Happy Holidays, People
Stay warm

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Hot List '09

There's a teenage country superstar, a controversial 'Idol' and a new savior of Pop: The last year of the 00's has a full of hotness, gayness and Gaga-ness.

Monday, December 21, 2009

MIXER January '10: Michael Jackson


He's truly the artist of our generation, which can be compared to the likes of Marylin Monroe or Elvis. He's that big of a deal.
Rest In Peace, Michael Jackson!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Confessions In The Darkest Hour

I'm sleepless, I'm bothered and I'm fucked. That's right, I've to say that this end of the year, despite the great life and so on, I don't feel happy. I feel like I, once again, re-entered the dark time again and speaking of dark, it's really dark right here literally.

I actually it began with the distance between my house and school (40 min by train, one trip) and then It spread out into 'too many courses taken' situation. Which is kind of true: I took 5 courses - textile science, french draping, history of costume, college algebra & microeconomics - which every single course need an extra care. That means that I have to work extra hard this semester - and it kinda failed.

I managed to survived Math test on Friday morning (at 9 AM), although I skipped to many classes. That happened to History, which I kinda confident with, but I was absent 10 times - which can resulting in fail. So does Micro and Textile. As for French draping, I'm not really sure anymore. I have this wedding dress I need to finish by Monday and I haven't even cut the lace. Such a tragedy and ironic.

Speaking of ironic, my weight. I know I promised myself to not talk about it anymore on the last post, but I have to come clean that, I gained half of the weight I lost in 2006-2007 period. It's such a shame and disappointment because I worked so hard on that and I blew it. I hate to say this but, I started gaining weight the first day I went to Jakarta for holiday, and it went downhill ever since. It's uber-ironic because, that 3-month holiday was literally the best thing happened this year and yet, it also started my new era of darkness - and here I am writing about it.

I do think that I'm in denial somehow and I'm afraid of discipline. I felt like some of me wants an endless freedom and a lifestyle of an ultimate devil-may-care slacker, but I'm seriously feels like, it's enough. I can't let myself down the drain now.. It's time to get up. Hopefully with this entry, I'm ending my dark ages and entering a whole new chapter.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Wish List: Indonesia

I know it's premature, but I already been thinking about what I'm gonna do (If God allows) when I'm going back next summer.

1. See my Jokker & Rockey
2. Dance along to Lady Gaga, in the car, with Sianny & Rubby
3. Sushi Tei with Ingrid
4. Meet up with the trinity: Angel, Cyn & Bjay @ SoHo
5. Make some dresses (learn something new from Mom, hopefully)
6. Meeting my old friends.. after all these years.
7. Get some Grandma's sate ayam, karedok & more.
8. Drive around Jakarta

That's pretty much it! fingers crossed now!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Manhattan Weekends

Last Thanksgiving weekends were pretty great, we went to NYC to bought fabrics for my third design (I got 30 yards of fabrics, insanity). I actually went with a friend & my bro on this trip and it was pretty nice. Well, we good this good, small hotel on 23rd St and it has the nicest bed i've ever sleep on in years. Anyway, I met up with my friend, Rani in the hotel. I wished I could have more time but there's always next time! it was good to see her after quite a while.

Well, basically it's typical NY to do list: checked out the Fifth Ave, SoHo and stuffs. Oh! I got a nice winter coat from Topman, I've been thinking about getting a trench coat and I got what I like there. I also checked out SoHo's Dean & Deluca market; I literally wanna get everything from that stores! the cakes, the sea foods, every single thing there looks like a luxury items. (Thank God, I brought a luggage with me).

The first night on the town, my friend Jade brought us to this small yakitori shop. It's superb. I was hungry all day and the foods are so tasty, I wanna stuff my face with those foods. I ordered pork chasu with avocado, and some yakitori set and those are heaven on small, wooden japanese bowls. We actually wanted to get some desserts on Serendipity 3 later that night, but it was 2 hr waiting list and we decided to checked out Dylan's Candy Bar. The verdicts: Dylan's service was bad (we waited 20 mins for 2 frozen hot chocolate) and the desserts are FAILs.










And on Sunday, me and bro went to Bali Nusa Indah (Indo restaurant) for lunch and checked out SoHo. Here's the thing, somehow my great genius mind decided not to book the return ticket to Boston and the result is predictable: all the bus tickets to Boston were sold, even the train tickets. I literally could faint any time, but luckily we gambled to get on to the bus on Chinatown. We got on at 6.30 pm and we arrived in Boston at midnight. It was exhausting but relieving at the same time. I'm looking forward to go back to NYC soon!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

That Girl Is A Monster

Last week, On Dec 2nd, I went to see Gaga's Monster Ball Tour and it's absolutely the best concert I've ever seen, so far. The wait was pain in the butt, but it was worthed. The show was spectacular.. and I picked the perfect date! it's extra special because it was the night Gaga go nominated for 5 Grammys! (that's the reason why she delayed the show)

The stage was simple, only have 3 giant monitors and a big lights framing the stages (and I think a treadmill track). I love the videos that shown throughout the shows.. it's artsy and weird and sick and fashion at the same time. Best Best Best show of the year!

I managed to took photos from my phone. It's pathetic but here they are!
















Friday, November 27, 2009

MIXER December '09: Rihanna


The return of the pop princess. Well, she's like the hot stuff since "Umbrella" came out, and she's still is, until the Chris Brown scandal and it just put her to Britney Spears level of fame. Rihanna is like Britney and Christina and Justin back in 2002; from sweet pop star, transformed into this hot, sexy and dark stars. And I'm loving it.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Be Thankful!

O God, I love my sleep. Last night I went bed at around 9.30 PM.. and wokeup like 11 AM today.. but decided to continue the sleep until 2PM. I know, I sleep like a dead person, but I love every minute of it. I feel fresh & happy.

Anyway, today is Thanksgiving, so.. Happy Thanksgiving people! I think I've sort of plan for tonight, going out with couple of friends for dinner. Can't tell much about it, since I don't know anything about it except who's the host, who's come with me and what not.

Have a great day!

UPDATE:

Well, basically i went to a dinner like, bunch of Indonesians we had this traditional dinner. Loves it. My first Thanksgiving dinner ever. But I went to Jade's house and her cousin brought her leftovers. They're the best!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Musicalité

It suddenly came to mind to post some reviews on new music coming this week! I've heard some of 'em and here's my favorite!



RIHANNA
Rated R


The first listen didn't cut it; and suddenly I craved for more. Rihanna is back, angrier and edgier than ever. I love how she has dark , somber-vibe songs in it and yet they got some cool basslines. She played so much on Rock music element: there's "Rockstar 101" with Slash on guitar, which reminds me of Lil' Wayne and "The Last Song" which reminds me of Kings of Leon material. The bass thumping "Wait Your Turn" was the highlight for me, because it is catchy and the bass is sick. The low point on the album is "Rude Boy" because it's just like a track from another urban album. But above all, I enjoy her new reincarnation from the island pop princess into this dark rock 'n' roll super bitch, but it might came out to dark and too in-your-face for some people.

Keytracks: "Rockstar 101", "Wait Your Turn"

LADY GAGA
The Fame Monster

Of course, I won't shut up about Gaga (and actually this is the 3rd Gaga-related post). Where to start? Ok her album is super amazing! I love every single 8 tracks in it. According Gaga, 'Monster' has 80's reference, with European gothic vibe, which I think, coincidence with 'Twilight' craze, it's a great formula and it works. "Bad Romance" kick off the record as the first lead single and it's the new "Poker Face"; the lyrics are psychotic, beautiful (the French, hello), and the beats are sick. The best 80s inspired is "Dance In The Dark", despite the uplifting melody and retro beats, it actually one of the darkest song in the album. Gaga got in touch with her personal side on "Speechless", a beautiful Beatles-inspired ballad that she addressed to her father. The track "Telephone" is definitely the highlight of the album, not because it features some singer named Beyoncé, it has the best energy among the bunch. 'Monster' is her best record so far!

Keytracks: "Bad Romance", "Speechless", "Telephone"

ADAM LAMBERT

For Your Entertainment

The Idol Worship! Mr. Lambert is showing his true color, at last- he got in touch with his inner diva in this record; a lot of glam-rock vibe, disco and a little bit of rock & roll. His first title single "For Your Entertainment" is an okay track that gives u a sense of what the album is about - but Gaga penned track "Fever" really has the catchiest beat. And there's this rock song that is Idol worthy called "Whattya Want From Me?" which is actually co written by P!nk. Lambert kind of recreated the "Mad World" sequel on his heartbreaking ballad "Broken Open", which showcased Lambert amazingly controlled vocal. Lambert's finest moment was on the Queen inspired track "Music Again" which was written by Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, he has the craziest vocal range in it. Overall, this is a fun record that some kind of tribute to the 80s rock that can make you forget where you are, in a good way.

Keytracks: "Fever", "Broken Open"

LEONA LEWIS
Echo

Leona is the new Mariah! well at least for her first two records. In 'Echo', Leona still sings about love, heartbreak... in Pop element. Her lead single "Happy" is her best song yet since "Bleeding Love". She also get her dance on the second single "Outta My Head" which reminds me of 70s techno dance. She sings a very beautiful minor song "Brave" which beat sorta reminiscing Lambert's "Broken Open" and her other catchy ballad "I Can't Breathe" was another winner. This second effort of hers is very pop mainstream and accessible, only with better sense of vocal and more contemporary sound.

Keytracks: "Happy"