Jay Chou's Exclamation Point [周杰倫 驚嘆號]... is an absolute disaster

So I make no secret that I had been a fan of Jay Chou. The operative word here is 'had'.

Over the last few years, ever since his ego got the better of him and he decided to deviate from what he does best (his music) to have a go in the movies (in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and of course, Hollywood), hosting his own talk show, or even his shenanigans with an 18-year-old. I was forced to question (more than once, I might add) whether has he lost his plot.

But with every album release in the past, he reminds us of his musical brilliance, and with his increasingly extravagant world tours, he reminds us of his creative genius. His 超時代 World Tour was the best concert I've ever attended. And that's mainly because it was billed as his 10th Anniversary concert and he performed mainly his old hits, which were incidentally his best works.

But I'm not here to talk about all that. I'm here to talk about his latest music creation, Exclamation Point (驚嘆號), being his 11th studio album.

In the past, I've always been one of the few who bothered to pre-order his album the day it was available for pre-order, and several occasions, I've even brought the special editions which comes with lots of useless memorabilia which I will probably never (and still have yet to) use. Yet, there was still this excitement I feel every time a new album is impending from him.

In recent years, I find myself getting increasingly underwhelmed about the media hoohah over his album releases, though I still pre-order, it was largely because I happen to pass by a CD shop and thought, 'oh well, there's no queue, so what the hell.' The change of attitude did not caught me by surprise.

Until now.

For me, his 11th album is the biggest disaster that he has EVER came up with.

Let's count the ways this is a complete disaster, shall we?

~~

1. Album release schedule

The official release date announced, and printed in the album booklet was 11.11.2011, which in itself was a publicity stunt.

Nothing wrong there, being the hype around how special 11 November 2011 is to the whole friggin' world (but it was in fact, just another day on the 365-day calendar).

The release date was advertised as Asia-wide release. However, as 11.11.11 draws closer, it was announced (at least in Singapore) that the album release will be pushed back by a week to 18.11.2011 due to production issues. Which again was fine, a similar thing happened in his 8th Studio release, 我很忙. The album release was delayed as the production of the album memorabilia was delayed.

So why am I taking issue with this?

Well, besides the fact that any delay in album release will force eager fans to turn to the internet to download leaked copies of his album, a problem that has been prevalent ever since he came to fame, but it also seems to punish fans who bothered to pre-order his album. This was especially obvious this time around.

The album was still released on schedule on 11th November 2011 in Taiwan, which is understandable because that was his primary market and home.

Much to my dismay the regular edition of the album (with no memorabilia whatsoever) was released in Singapore a few days after 11th November, before the pre-ordered versions arrived on 18th November. And that was when I found out that there are actually THREE editions:

1. Regular edition w/o memorabilia

2. Regular edition w/ memorabilia, and

3. Premier edition w/ memorabilia & a 'special' USB thumbdrive (a poor excuse to charge fans over S$90 for an album)

This was not what I expected, or from what I bothered to find out, given that they were only taking pre-orders for two editions. In the past, the regular album release has ALWAYS been the same with the pre-ordered edition (with the exception of his 5th album 七里香). This was mistake number 1.

Mistake number 2? Releasing the damn album to the mass market BEFORE the pre-ordered version arrives. Why the hell would they want to punish fans who bother to pay a premium to purchase the album earlier, by delaying the album from reaching the fans' hands? What the hell are the coffers in JVR Music and Sony Music thinking?

If they are working on the assumption that 'oh well, fans will always be there to support and are willing to wait since they pre-ordered,' they are greatly and gravely mistaken. Yet another sign that the regular CD format business is not evolving with the changing times of legal digital downloads. This is especially prevalent in Asia with piracy often eating away a big, unestimated earnings from artistes.

2. Uncreative Music Video Concepts

The album comes with a 'Bonus' DVD containing two 'exclusive' music videos. Why the sarcasm? Because almost all of Jay's albums (since he became a big star) came with 'exclusive and bonus' DVDs.

This shows the lack of understanding the changing market. With the social media boom now, people are sharing media and information at unprecedented speed. This tactic worked in the past because of the limited avenues people can get their first look at exclusive MVs and behind-the-scenes materials. And with Jay's team maintaining his own Facebook page, they are sharing new MVs and media on FB and STILL using such obsolete marketing tactics.

But back to my criticism over his music video concepts.

He had in the past came up with some pretty brilliant MV concepts. Such as having his 楓 MV showing part 1 of a continuing storyline:

and showing part 2 in his good friend, 刘畊宏's song and MV 彩虹天堂:

This was just one of his many creative ideas, both conceptually and just plain mind-blowingly brilliant.

So what went wrong here?

Let's look at his first MV in the album, his first single off his new album - 驚嘆號

Let's just leave the music aside (I will review the disastrous music in a separate post), the concept of this MV is... shit.

You know what that concept reminded me of? Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. Without saying too much, take a look:

See the resemblance? The trains, the blade and gun fights and so much more.

And what the hell, Jay? You call this an MV? You didn't even star in it? It's just a CG rendition of your image with a nonexistent storyline.

Even the explosion at the end mimicked the explosion of the Shinra company HQ in Final Fantasy VII. FFVII fans will know what I'm talking about.

So MV number 1. Fail.

What about MV number 2 - 迷魂曲 ?

Again, the terrible music aside. Less than a minute into the video, right where the 'bad guy' falls asleep, I already knew what the plot was about and where the idea came from.

It so obviously came from this movie:

Noticed the similarities once again? Shared dreams VIA A PAIR OF HEADPHONES? Really?! Zero creativity. Filming in a posh location such as Vegas doesn't change the fact that very little thought and dare I say, effort, was put into this MV. Go Hollywood means can steal Hollywood ideas issit?

So MV number 2. Fail.

And don't even get me started on his third MV - Mine Mine.

Waddafark Jay? What's with the Auto-tunes throughout the ENTIRE SONG? He is a renowned singer with great musical and singing abilities, can somebody tell me why he must resort to using auto-farking-tunes?

And the cheesy dance moves? Trying to be Justin-blardy-Bieber issit? And the only reason why I am not posting a video of Justin is because I can't stand Justin and his World (2.0) of music. 'd rather spare the pain to anyone who happens reads this as well.

~~

I am unfortunate (or fortunate) enough to catch only three of his MVs thus far. But you get the idea. I am afraid and saddened to think that my idol has lost his plot :( I want the old Jay back!

杰倫, 你去哪了?

Thank you, Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks. Since work started, life has been really hectic.

But today, something happened that deeply sadden me, along with much of the world.

Steve Jobs has passed away at 56. He is survived by his wife and kids, and a legacy that will continue to shape our world for time to come. I have never met the great man, but there are so many things I am thankful for.

Thank you, Steve, for your vision and for showing me how to embrace technology. Thank you for providing me with the technology and tools which literally changed my life in so many ways. Thank you for continuously striving for your vision for perfection even though you were in a great deal of pain.

As President Obama said, "there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented."

I still remember the nights I stayed up watching your keynotes, picking up valuable presentation skills that still serve me well to this day.

I still remember the late nights I stayed up with Chuwen, Johnny and Leo during our last semester in NBS, rushing out our business case study report and presentation on Apple Inc. We selected Apple because of how Jobs' vision and innovation gave us tools and products that shaped our lives. We were so passionate about Apple that we put our heart and soul into the project, and we eventually scored an 'A' for it.

My very first Apple product - the 1st Gen iPod Mini

I still remember my very first Apple product. It was a 4GB silver iPod Mini, it was a GIANT leap from my previous mp3 player, (ironically) the Samsung Yepp MP3 player, which I remember could only hold up to like... 16 songs with its pathetic 32MB built-in memory. So it's easy to imagine the excitement in being able to carry up to 1,000 songs in my pocket.

I eventually upgraded to the iPod, twice, before getting the iPhone 3G. But Steve's innovations didn't stop at changing the way I listen to music. It changed the way I enjoy, love and eventually, write and record music.

I got my first, and current MacBook 3 years ago and I experienced the magic of GarageBand. 3 years on, with the iPad 2 and GarageBand for the iPad, it continues to change the way I play, enjoy and record music. It even changed the way I perform music. Just last week, we used GarageBand on the iPad to perform during our company's D&D.

Thank you for reminding me (again) that my "life is short. So don't waste it on living someone else's dream."

So, just one more thing... Thank you, Steve. God Bless.

"When you grow up, you tend to get told that the world is the way it is, and your life is just to live your life inside the world, try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money.

That's a very limited life. Life can be much broader, once you discover one simple fact. And that is, everything around you that you call 'life' was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.

The minute that you understand that you can poke life, and actually that something get pushed in and something will pop out the other side, that you can change and mould it, that's maybe the most important thing. Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again."

- Steve Jobs, 1994

my career. my life.

This has been getting on my nerves for awhile.

I don't go about announcing, if you will, my choice of company to start my career with, and for good reason.

Yes, I studied six years of accounting, first at NP's School of BA, then at NTU's NBS. Along the way, I interned and/or worked at two international banks. Does that mean I will definitely start my career with a bank?

No! Why should I?

There's no written formula saying that once I interned/worked or even once expressed my interest in the banking/finance industry, means that I have to start working in a bank upon graduation, is there?

Granted, I did raise a few eyebrows when I turned down several offers from banks to join one of the Big 4 accounting firms. That is largely among my friends and I don't blame them, and I'd gladly explained my reasons for doing so.

What ticks me off are the acquaintances or people I barely know, past and present, coming around asking me where I'm working upon graduation. When they found out the answer, they express their 'concern', 'surprise' and even 'shock' at why I chose what I did.

Hallo, your career or mine arh? Why should I be taking career advices from people who barely know me? If anything, I have more working experience then most of you jokers. Even if I do end up regretting my career choices (which I highly doubt I will), that's something for me to deal with.

Initially, I did try to explain, trying to reason with these people. After a frustrating conversation, they'll end with "whatever it is, as long as you like it, I'm glad for you" or something along those lines and an awkward smile or laughter.

Eventually, I've grown tired of these meaningless, unimportant conversations that I am now ignoring them altogether.

Now, I have found the perfect response to these people, in the very friendly PSA brought to you by the friendly folks at College Humor.

take things easy

Stumbled upon a travelblog Fluent In 3 Months today. It is set up by globetrotter, Benny Lewis. Basically, it follows Benny's experiences as he travel from city to city, most of the times for 3 months (hence, the name of the site) as he attempts to pick up the local language.

Pretty cool stuff and he has been doing this for 9 years, and most (if not all) of his travels are done completely alone. Do check out more about the site here.

I don't (and certainly can't) claim to be a globetrotter as much as I like traveling and getting lost and immersed in a foreign culture. But I very much aspire (more like dream) to be one, and I really admire Benny's courage and determination to travel into the deep end. Not knowing anyone, not knowing the local language, culture, etc, yet still being able to step out of his comfort zone at a young age of 21 nine years ago and travel all over the world.

About a week ago, he celebrated his 29th birthday and decided to share 29 life lessons he learnt in his travels.

It is a very good read and there were a few that were basically screaming at me, in particular:

2. Deferring your happiness to the future is a terrible idea

16. Take your time (this I must really learn)

21. Stop thinking so much and act

22. Sing and dance whenever possible!

27. People are not alone in being alone (something I know, but must constantly remind myself)

Of course there are others, but I figured if I continue listing them, I'll end up listing out all 29 lessons.

So do check out his post here as a reminder for yourself to take things easy.

missed opportunities and second chances

I first stumbled upon Wong Fu Productions quite some time back.

They are basically a group of three Asian-Americans based in LA that make shorts for the internet. They started off as just three guys with a camera and shooting film shorts that were meaningful to them. They have since expanded (exponentially, got sponsorship deals some more) and their shorts (and films) now cover a wide range of topics. The principal writer and director is Philip Wang.

The ones that really struck a chord are those emotional, relationship, bittersweet and of course, the abstract arty themed shorts. Some of the shorts are actually really low (or no) budget productions that has since garnered millions of views online.

Among those I really could relate to include the following.

The Places We Should Have Gone | 若能再次与你同游

A short about wanting second chances. Sometimes, we want second chances even though we know we were wrong in the first place and probably do not deserve it. I can very much relate to this.

Strangers, again

A short that breaks down the cycle of a relationship and looks at each stage of the relationship as people begin and end up as strangers. The purpose of this short (and blog post) is to remind us that we all go through (or will go through) failed relationships in our lives, and the failure of one does not mean the end of the world. Again, something that I can relate to.

A Peace of Home

This is their entry for a Cannes International Short Film, not sure if it was awarded anything. But it is a short that I can relate too as I felt this way when I went on exchange in London. I've shared this with a close friend who studied in Melbourne for the last 2.5 years and is now preparing for life back in Singapore. She really related to this as well, so I guess this short goes both ways - missing home, and your home away from home.

~~

There are still hundreds (okay, I didn't really count 'em all) of other shorts that you should check out. And if you liked the above three shorts, be sure to read and/or watch the director's commentary and the making-of videos that come along with the video at http://www.wongfuproductions.com.

NDP 2011 Fun Pack song, when Gaga's 'okay' isn't okay.

So yes, I'm a little late to post on this.

The last few days while I was in Melbourne, a certain parody cover of Gaga's Bad Romance has gotten a lot of flank from the online community and people IRL. Though Mother Monster (Gaga) herself has came out saying that the changed lyrics 'were lovely' during a recent stopover in Singapore, she is really just playing the PR card and trying not to make a big deal out of it. So what's the big deal, you might ask? After all, people do parodies and covers of Gaga's songs all the time.

Maybe this was just one mighty publicity stunt by Gaga and NDP organising committee to raise the profile of Gaga's "Born This Way" album and NDP 2011! Scandalous!

But for the NDP organising committee to change the lyrics without obtaining the rights to modify the song seems pretty low on several levels. It has since been yanked off YouTube, and the event organisers has decided to drop the song from this year's parade entirely.

The committee's prudence in obtaining the rights to perform the song is commendable. To have such a song performed at NDP is understandable as it is a (freaking) popular and catchy song that many would have heard of. But it is the local music community that is suffering from such decisions.

Whatever happened to supporting the local talents? We have a ready pool of talented musicians and bands who'd be more than willing to contribute to the NDP cause, not only would they get to showcase their talents, but what better way to raise their profile then on the national stage?

Granted, we had done a lot to support local talents previously, but they were largely already famous stars in the regional stage. Artistes such as Stefanie Sun, JJ Lin, Kaira Gong, Tanya Chua, Kit Chan, etc had all been featured in past NDPs, some more than once. Even the previous efforts to bring in Singapore Idols were commendable.

But there are so many other talents out there. 2009's "What do you see?" by Electrico was a right step.

And it worth mentioning that it has bought about an equally heart-wrenching rendition of "LeKuaSiMi" by mrbrown and his band, Electrician).

Last year's "Song for Singapore" by Corrinne May was also move in the right direction.

This year's "In A Heartbeat" by Slyvia Ratonel further confirms that the organisers are finally looking at other options than using "Home" by Kit Chan as the feature theme song year after year (I mean, seriously, how many times must that song be used over and over?).

This little songbird first came into the mainstream spotlight at last year's NDP covering Stefanie Sun's "One United People".

So how about going beyond getting musicians performing theme songs? I'm sure there will be artistes in a genre that organisers can find to compose catchy songs for the pre- and post-parade performance segments. All it takes is the right level of publicity. There are so many other talented musicians in the local scene to be bought into the mainstream and worth supporting, Jack and Rai and SIXX just to name a few.

Let's stop shamelessly doing rip-offs and start looking after our local talents. NDP is supposed to be for Singaporeans, not international superstars.

Democracy In Singapore

Had a few requests from my friends over this paper I did about a year ago. I decided to upload it here for easier access.

A side note though, this was written way before the recent GE2011 in May, hence, some of the views here are pretty backdated. I'll attempt to update this paper with my views on GE2011 whenever possible.

Is There Democracy In Singapore?