Seen And Heard: Kris Allen - Live Like We're Dying

Today has been a gloomy day, as it started raining from the afternoon till about like 6 or so. Anyway, I was downloading a few songs for my collection and I encountered this song. At first I thought it was from The Script. I was like 'Gee, haven't heard this song before. Is it from The Script?' After further digging, I found out the truth: it is Kris Allen's latest single! Hey hey, now why it sounded just like The Script's nature of songs? Turns out, it was originally recorded by The Script. But then, it was pretty much unreleased, and now Kris got his hands on it! Check out his video after this. If you're a big fan of The Script, I'm damn sure you'll like this too:)
Download

Seen And Heard: This Is It

I went to the Gardens to watch 'This Is It' with no expectations. Heck, I don't even remember that Yaya and I bought tickets for Saturday night until the afternoon, which showed the state of mind I am in earlier. I'm not entirely sure what to look up for. Is it a documentary? Is it a tribute film? All I know during that time was the airing is only scheduled for 2 weeks only.

'This Is It' is a compilation of hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage, on how MJ and his crew prepared for what could be the greatest show ever performed by the great genius. In a nutshell, it shows you what to expect and what will the concert look like should it take place. There are footages of how the auditions for the dancers went on (a very brutal selection process I would say), the stage preparation, the visual effects. They even construct some new video scenes to complement the concert for songs like 'Thriller', 'Earth Song' and 'Smooth Criminal'. From what I saw, they really put an effort to make it BIG! It was going to be the greatest pop concert ever based on what I saw and its preparations.

Well, some might say that the release of this so-called film is only a mere publicity stunt, as a means to return what they have invested, taking advantage of the good name and just 'milk' the public in any way possible. I could not deny that possibility, and based on what I've read the public seemed to have that same opinion. But then, most of the public seemed to embrace the release of this film. Reviews were positive (at least the ones I read) said that they're glad to be able to watch MJ one last time, preparing of the greatest show in his life. Fans can see that MJ really loves his fans, and that is shown in the rehearsals. Yeah, he takes rehearsals very seriously!

MJ's attention to detail is very, very admirable. Despite being 50, he knows his stuff very well. He knows the right note to hit, when to excatly hit them. His dance move is still rockin'. You can see that he has the stamina to get the concert going. There are no signs of deteriorating health, although MH can been seen obviously thin. He is very methodical in his approach, and for that reason, it is a pleaure watching a genius at work.

I came back a happy audience. Despite being only a rehearsal footage, you can't help it but to be excited, excited of things that might happen. It is just unbelievable! Too bad the audience took it like they're watching a movie. I was dying to clap my hands, shouting 'Woooo' after each song and they can just sit there seriously like watching an epic film. Only when the end credits started to appear, people started clapping. What a dull audience. Have you not been in a concert before? That is how you should embrace 'This Is It', imo. A review from BBC can be read here. Go watch it if you're an MJ fan. I think you will not be disappointed...Signing off..

Seen And Heard: Uncle Kracker - Smile

Another tune worthy of your ears by Uncle Kracker (the group who was famous for the 'Follow Me, Everything Is Alright' song). Enjoy:)
Download

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me,
Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Seen And Heard - Use Somebody (Kings of Leon Cover by Pixie Lott)

You know that chick Pixie Lott right? (the one who came down to perform at the MTV World Stage, with the now popular song Mama Do?) Apparently she, like Marie Digby, posted a few of cover songs on You Tube, and here's one which I fancy; 'Use Somebody' by Kings Of Leon. You can check out her other covers as well on her YouTube channel. I decide to put on this video as currently this is my favourite song:) Just another twist of a great tune. Enjoy and have good weekend! Happy fasting to those who are!

And...in case you're hooked by the tune, I have the download link for the song here

I've been roaming around always lookin down at all I see.
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach.
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
And all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers undercover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
Off in the night while you live it up I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you notice
I hope it's gonna make you notice
Someone like me
Someone like me
Someone like me
Somebody
(Go and let it out)
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
I've been roaming around always lookin down at all I see

Seen And Heard: Vega4 - Life Is Beautiful

I stumbled upon this song upon watching the trailer for 'My Sister's Keeper', and it got stuck in my music brain. A nice song with beautiful words put into it. The song is a-la Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars' if you ask me, but nevertheless, a great song worthy of your listening pleasure. Enjoy the song, and embrace the fact that life is beautiful:)
Download

Life Is Beautiful Lyrics
Artist(Band):Vega 4

Life is beautiful
We love until we die

When you run into my arms,
We steal a perfect moment.
Let the monsters see you smile,
Let them see you smiling.

Do I hold you too tightly?
When will the hurt kick in?

Life is beautiful, but it's complicated.
We barely make it.
We don't need to understand,
There are miracles, miracles.

Yeah, life is beautiful.
Our hearts, they beat and break.

When you run away from harm,
Will you run back into my arms,
Like you did when you were young?
Will you come back to me?

I will hold you tightly
When the hurting kicks in.

Life is beautiful, but it's complicated,
we barely make it.
We don't need to understand,
There are miracles, miracles.

Stand where you are.
We let all these moments pass us by.

It's amazing where I'm standing,
There's a lot that we can give.
This is ours just for a moment.
There's a lot that we can give.
X 2

Seen And Heard: The Merchants Of Bollywood

Usually for Seen And Heard posts, it's always about videos, songs or movies. Well, guess what? This time it's neither about all those. It's time performance arts are brought into picture; in this post namely The Merchants Of Bollywood (MOB). I had a chance to check it out together with my mum and my sister (my mum is such a huge fanatic fan of anything Bollywood), at Istana Budaya on Sunday evening. I was there with an open heart and open mind (I'm not a big fan of the movies, but I don't mind the actress, hehe), but according to some sources the play received some positive reviews. We arrived in IB 20 minutes till the play starts and we could see how this show attracted many. The crowd was so stylo mylo, all dressed up to the nines. And more, the audiences came from all parts of race; we have Malays, Chinese, Indians (d'uh), even the foreigners are feeling the heat too. And Sunday's performance are special with the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister.

MOB is basically about Ayesha, a young aspiring dance choreographer trying to find her hopes and dreams in Bollywood. Her father turned out to be a sensational choreographer back in his days. But then, her father disapproves of Ayesha's intentions due to the ugly side of modern Bollywood and instead asked her to retain her traditional roots. Working now in the modern world of Bollywood cinema, Ayesha now begins to question Bollywood's way forward in story telling as more and more foreign films are followed and adapted, as well as the music that creeps in. There are flashbacks to highlight Bollywood at its peak back in the 70's and its transitioning time to the very recent.

That's about it for the teaser synopsis. Now let me share with you about its performance. Well, first of all, mind you (again!) tat I'm not a huge Bollywood fan, so I can't really appreciate those songs they're singing and being crazy about. But I can tell you this. The show is magnificient! It's vibrant (the costumes are such an eye candy, not to mention the hero will be definitely be drooled by the ladies), dynamic (those jaw dropping, insane dance moves) and filled with heart and passion. Watching the play makes you appreciate what they have been through and what they have become now. It's definitely a pleasant journey into the realm of Bollywood with the lip-syncing, warmth in family values, just what you would expect from watching a Bollywood movie. And that is why I think my mum loves it. It's like watching a live Bollywood movie (minus the stars of course). And the music! man oh man do the crowd enjoyed it! Even the DPM showed that he is also a good sport, reacting to the beats and tunes.

So that's it! Amazing, wonderful, a great experience of the performing arts. MOB delivered it with such a class, we left IB feeling happy and delightful...Signing off, ciao!

Seen And Heard: Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen

Woww, I actually don't know how to start writing about this. Anyway, yeah after months of anticipating, hundreds of hours being teased and drooled by the trailers, tv spots and many more, the time has finally come; I have actually watched Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen! Before I go any further, let me just brief you on the happenings surrounding this movie. All of our premieres should start on Thursday (they'll show pre-scrennings on Wednesdays), and somehow for this movie the premierre date was shifted a day earlier (and don't ask me, I don't know why). The buzz coming out from this movie was so big, all of the tickets are merely sold-out till next week! I do not kid you, I received feedbacks ranging from online bookings to people who queued for tickets, and radio commentaries. I can't even get access to GSC's website to check out the tickets! Let me tell you this, as far as I can remember, that NEVER happened before! I can't believe the magnitude of the hype for this movie (and all the more reasons to actually watch this movie). Long story short, my sister managed to get tickets for it @ GSC Signature, The Gardens (nothing beats watching an awesome title at awesome cinema, with comfy huge seats, less crowd (well, that's what I think at first)). So midnight at 12, I was there, ready to watch the movie I've been waiting for so long.

Now I'm attempting to write what I think about the movie. Before that, I've been receiving buzz about how 'not so good' the early reviews went, so I decided to actually check out what they have to say before I say anything. I'm trying to be realistic with what I am about to write, also to give some reassurance as to what I felt is true and not.

Let's go to some plot summary, shall we? (Note to readers: spoilers ahead!). First of all, I thought the title itself was referring to the fall of the Autobots due to revenge by the Decepticons, which...is not! The Fallen is actually a character on this movie (more on that later). So the Autobots and the military have formed a special force to combat the remaining Decepticons (the universe has started expanding, introducing cities like Shanghai and Cairo). On the other side of the world, Sam (played by Shia LeBouf) is moving on with his college life, and his ever awesome
superhot girlfriend Mikaela (that's Megan Fox y'all!), trying to work things out in a long distance relationship. All of a sudden, Sam got all wacko when he touched the frags of the AllSpark (the huge cube thingy majiggy) and saw images of weird symbols, ancient Cybertronian language of some sort; which in the end led it to a deadly machine once built by the Decepticons. The Transformers as we know it depends on Energon as their source of energy, and they sort of harvest it from planet to planet (with exception of planets with living beings). That's where The Fallen steps in. He is apparently the degil one, wanting to harvest Energon from the sun surrounding Earth. They then had this civil war (which happened thousands of years ago) whereby the key to leadership throne (on this movie it's called the 'matrix'). Anyway, the matrix was sealed off by the elderly leaders hoping the The Fallen will not ever find it, till today. So thus begin the battle in order to attain the matrix (oh and did I not mention, Megatron was resurrected by his fellow Decepticons?) and apparently take commands from The Fallen. And let me tell you this, it is lonnngggg battle!

So that's about the plot summary summary (I can't be bothered to write everything). Go watch it yourself, haha. Let's get to the good parts, shall we? In this movie, you'll definitely see new robots (for those who followed the series way back then), you'll know what I'm talking about. We're talking Constructicons forming into Devastator (it's massive I tell you!), Demolisher, Soundwave (the weird talking comunications Decepticon), Sideways, even Arcee is in! And the action was kick-ass in my opinion. You definitely feel like living in your childhood again, watching this characters battle it out. The battle and actions scenes have been increased up a few notches, and if you're into having a good time watching a good popcorn movie with mates and all, this if for you! The destruction magnitude is just gargantuan (I felt sorry for those who built the pyramids, let's just say it has undergone massive makeover) Another reason to watch it? Megan Fox! Simply translated, hot, hot , hot!!!

So, let's go to the 'not so good' aspects according to the viewers. First, the length of the movie claimed to be too long, and so some of the scenes are made too draggy. I can't complain much about the the lengthy running time. It is a little bit on a long side, but heck, the action scenes are long too! I got out of the cinema thinking ' man tere was nothing in between, action action all the way). I do agree on the draggy scenes though. The college scenes were a little long. Next people claimed that it lack storyline. Now, this I have to comment! I don't expect much storyline at all (at long as it makes sense, it's fine by me!) I'm not here to see a brilliant masterpiece of storytelling, I want to see top notch action sequence, things got blown up and stuff. That is why I wanted to watch Transformers in the first place! Robots in action turns me on! (haha, there, I said it). I'm not expecting to watch another 'The Dark Knight' and 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button', if I wanna see those type of movies, I'll get tickets for it. This is just not about that. Then, there's the comedy aspects of it. I think some are great additions but some of it are plain unnecessary. This is not a comedy. I don't expect to scene funny scenes in all scenes.

I know in the end this movie will not satisfy everything. So I suggest you guys to go and watch it, and give yourself a thought about how it went. Personally, I went to see robots (and Megan Fox) in action, and I managed to appreciate it. I enjoyed my time watching, it was a good popcorn movie with stimulating visuals, although some of the plot aspects can be improved or removed. A 6.5 stars from me. To those of you who haven' watched it, go to your nearest cinema now (let's hope that they're still tickets) Signing off, transform and roll-out!

p/s: do you have to ask why do I put Megan's pix on the header?

Seen And Heard: Kris Allen - Falling Slowly

Well peeps, Idol may be over, but the heat is still on. I am enjoying some of the best tunes performed by the contestants, and one of the performances that stood out was Kris Allen's take on 'Falling Slowly' during the Movie Week. Kris Allen truly brought his soul near to the audience's listening pleasure. He somehow managed to connect with emotions way up high. Listening to it makes me high! Check it out!

Download

Falling Slowly lyrics:

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You'll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

Seen And Heard: Angels and Demons

So, summer is approaching for all of us movie buffs! This season kicks off with the opening of two sensational blockbusters worthy of not being downloaded over the Internet. Fighting for the top spot is the legendary Star Trek (which a lot of you, I’m sure grew up watching the franchise, which I don’t sadly) and Angels and Demons (the prequel of the great Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code novel series, now adapted into a major motion picture). While I haven’t got the chance to watch the former, I have just returned from watching the latter.

In this installment, Tom Hanks returns as the Mr Know-It-All symbologist Robert Langdon. He is on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the legendary infamous secret society, known as the Illuminati, which threatens to seek revenge against the Vatican. From what I understood, the Illuminati are the secret brotherhood, you can say of which science is their core ‘religion’. The Vatican is concerned over the ideals they fight for, sciences over religion (in this case, Christianity). And so the Vatican took an oath to eliminate the Illuminati once and for all. Till now, they were thought as a myth, which now seemed to reappear, seeking justice to what they have fought for. Their plan, is to destroy Vatican City by a means of antimatter, created by means of experimentations by a group of scientist in Switzerland. Prof. Langdon, being the expert at what he do best, tries to unfold the secret and thus save the Vatican from total abomination.

As far as the storyline goes, it is fairly straight forward, not-as confusing and mind boggling as the Da Vinci Code, also more fast-paced as Prof Langdon and the others are running against time to save Vatican (oops, no spoilers). I think The Da Vinci Code addressed a more radical ideal that needs a lot of appreciation from its readers and audience. Angels And Demons on the other hand addresses a more, universal ideals to be accepted and understood by audiences as to why Dan Brown initially wrote a book about it; which is on the co-existence between science and religion, which ultimately suggests that it is acceptable. I’m trying not to sound very professor-ish here. Hope that you guys got what I’m trying to say.

I understand that the Vatican were not exactly on the same page with the production crew during the filming, that they are not allowed to enter Vatican City to shoot this movie (yeah, this movie does step on some sensitivity issue), but may I say the production sets have been top notch. Scenes in Rome and Vatican City, especially is what have I expected; vibrant, spiritual, gargantuan (I just loved the statues, sculptures and all). It’s just epic in my opinion. Damn, should have visited Rome when I got the chance! And the score for this movie is just brilliant. I was literally seating on the edge of my seat during the 150-minute running.

So, summing up; a good summer flick to watch. Not as complicated as The Da Vinci Code, it’s fast-paced, stunning visuals, and Tom Hanks, of course. I’ll give it 7.5 out of 10 (I am saving my full mark for Transformers 2. By the looks of the trailer, it’s gonna be sick!). So go check it out!

Seen And Heard: Naturally 7 - Wall Of Sound

They are perhaps one of a few underhyped R&B acts; definitely one of a kind. If you've been to Sunburst and have been given a chance checking out their gig, you know that I have stayed true to my statement. I present to you Naturally 7.



p/s: I'm still looking up for the download link of this song. I can't seem to find it at the moment. Watch this space!

Seen And Heard: Eminem - We Made You

Guess who's back into the scene, the Slim Shady himself! It's been a while since we last saw him, and he'll be launching a new album soon entitled 'Relapse'. Here's the video of his upcoming latest single, 'We Made You'. The production of this video is just what you had expected from his top notch standards! Check it out!

Eminem - We Made You
Uploaded by Eminem

Seen And Heard: Ryan Cabrera - True

Another tune worthy of your collection (I hope). It's by Ryan Cabrera, titled 'True'. I happened to hear this on TV (MTV, I think) and I got caught by it's soothing, mellow tune. Enjoy!
Download


True - Ryan Cabrera Music Code

Seen And Heard: David Cook - Come Back To Me

Here's a new single from the newly crowned American Idol, David Cook. I heard it from the latest episode of Idol, where he was there as a guest performer. It's a great single, and hope and you feel the same way too. Enjoy:)
Download

David Cook - Come Back To Me (Official Music Video) - The funniest videos clips are here

Seen And Heard: Slumdog Millionaire

For the past few weeks it has been the awards buzz; there was the Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild. Apart from seeing the people in gorgeous couture, the awards show is about seeing the best movies. One of the nominated movies for best picture (and I think it won!) was this film called Slumdog Millionaire. It's basically a mid-budget film shot mostly in India, and the story is about a boy who becomes a contestant of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'. He then got arrested under the suspicion of cheating due to his ability to answer most of the questions. His life story was then unfold in the movie. Can't reveal much as that would be a spoiler. But I'm surprised to find out that it was a wonderful movie! It's funny, sad, and entertaining at the same time. Definitely one of the must-see movies this year. Trailers can be watched at Apple's trailer site The next movie on my list is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, another Best Picture nominee, which I think will be released sometime mid or late February. Stay tune for my post!

Seen and Heard: KC and the Sunshine Band - Give It Up

Here's a song I heard from Mix.FM, and it sure brings back memories. Retro songs always bring up such a happy feeling (at least that's how I feel whenever I listen to this sort of song). Enjoy:)
download

KC and the Sunshine Band - Give It Up (1983)

Everybody wants you
Everybody wants your love
I'd just like to make you mine all night

Na, na, na, na, na, na,
na, na, na, na, na
Baby give it up
Give it up
Baby give it up
Na, na, na, na, na, na,
na, na, na, na, na
Baby give it up
Give it up
Baby give it up

Everybody sees you
Everybody looks and stares
I'd just like to make you mine all mine

Na, na, na, na, na, na,
na, na, na, na, na
Baby give it up
Give it up
Baby give it up
Na, na, na, na, na, na,
na, na, na, na, na
Baby give it up
Give it up
Baby give it up
Can you give it
Can you give it
Give it up

Come on baby I need your love
Do you know I want it baby
Come on baby I want your love
Give it up, some of your love
Come on and play the game of love

Seen and Heard: Katy Perry - Thinking Of You

Just got back from dinner. Pian, one of my good friend is here in Malacca; attending this course about petroleum engineering. Anyway, took him to Pak Putra for a cheese and butter naan & tandoori chicken. I've managed to convince him that it's one of the best:)

Anyway, here's another tune found for my private collection. From the women who brought you the catchy tunes of 'I Kissed A Girl' and 'Hot and Cold', it's the latest single from Katy Perry, 'Thinking Of You'. It's a great song in my opinion. This is one of those songs about the fact that you never forget about someone you truly love, even after you're no longer together (Now that I mentioned, I do have a couple more songs of the same theme, maybe I'll share it with you guys later) Till then, happy listening:)
download

I guess I'm logging off now. Till the next post, oyasumi nasai...

Seen and Heard: Funny Cat Hits The Dog

For my blog, I'm going to introduce a new section called Seen and Heard (S&H) Basically every week I'll try my best to publish or upload any form of media that interests me; and hopefully does interest you as well. It can be songs that I fancy, creative adverts, or some funny viral videos in YouTube.

Anyway, today's S&H is a viral video. Bad kitty(or should I say gooood kitty)hehe..Enjoy:)