Latest Reviews

November 18, 2003
Artist: Harlemm Lee
Title: Introducing Harlemm Lee
Genre: R&B/POP
Rating: ****

After being declared the winner the television talent show "Fame" in July, Harlemm Lee was guaranteed a recording contract for a single as one of the prizes. Instead, Wire Records has gone for the gusto and his new and old fans get a full CD featuring 11 tracks showcasing his wide ranging vocal abilities. 9 of the 11 songs are covers while the song, "Jasmine Rain," is an original co-written and published by Harlemm. Highlights include "Destiny," a cover of the Jim Brickman/Jordan Hill/Billy Porter song, with "Fame" co-finalist Shannon Bex that is sure to be destined for wedding receptions in 2004. The other covers are new arrangements of some classics including a gospel inspired "Lean on Him" (a variation of Bill Wither's "Lean on Me") which is sure to get you up and saying "amen" even if you are not religious. Overall, the album is a solid showcase of vocal talents to toe tapping music but what we miss is Harlemm's shining stage performance to go along.

Favorite Picks: "Get Here," "Careless Whisper" and "Destiny"

Note: As an odd thought that occurred to me while listening to the CD, if Harlemm worked with Kevin So (see October's reviews) I could see a successful collaboration opportunity.

Nelson

A classical pianist in her youth, Fiona Wong began writing songs after switching to acoustic guitar. Three years ago, Wong moved from her hometown of Vancouver, Canada to San Jose, California in order to play her brand of guitar folk rock. On her album, "Missing Only You," Wong writes about love and politics. She even offers up inspirational messages for those who might need a spark of encouragement. Wong has a great talent for catchy songs that evoke a positive feeling of moving forward in the face of adversity. Her music will appeal to fans of Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, or Alanis Morissette.

Favorite Picks: "It Doesn't Matter" and "Sell Out"

Nelson

So Close reviewed: I saw this movie for sale in hk earlier in the year. I didn't get it cause it looked cheesy. Flash forward to a few months later and the US has released it to american audiences! The version I got has all the Columbia Pictures tagging and movie previews on it. I watched/listened to the Cantonese language version and was stunned to see both Hsu Chi and Vickie Zhao dubbed! I'm kinda used to their accented Cantonese, but admit I was liking more not having to wince each time they spoke. Still, it wasn't enough to make the movie a good one. The reality is, this movie isn't so much about girl power than an ongoing celebration of the babeness of the leads. If you're a fan of hotties Hsu Chi and Vickie Zhao, you will be duly rewarded with lots of shots of them running around in shorts, undies and midriff tops. Karen Mok, the third lead, is also cute, but her cop character's interest is in righting wrong. and romantically she's got the hots for Zhao's character. The action scenes are pretty fun to watch and one of the male leads, played by Song Seung-Hon, is the Seoul eye candy for women. The plot is pretty contrived and dialog even more inane. But it's still entertaining for those in search of mindless fluffy babe filled fun.

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Truth or Dare: 6th Floor Rear Flat reviewed: At first I thought it wasn't in the cards for me to see this movie. I couldn't get it to work on my player and when I played it on my pc the sound was all wonky. To make things worse, the movie doesn't start off in a way that keeps my interest. The comedy was silly and not in a good way. None of the leads aside from Karena Lam and Candy Lo were appealing. But then the storylines started to go into the character's subplots (6 flatmates have to fulfill a secret life goal or eat the poop of an old lady), and it got a whole lot more interesting. Good movie, but you have to give it time to hook you.

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November 8, 2003
Artist: Adagio
Title: 3 Coin Project
Genre: R&B
Rating: **

Adagio follows in the footsteps of many other harmonizing trios with their album, "3 Coin Project." The album features a collection of original songs all written and produced by Adagio which range from pop to R&B and even some inspirational songs. That's the good. Unfortunately, the CD can often sound more like a demo than a professional production. Harmonies between the three members are sometimes incredibly smooth and other times very distractingly weak. There is just something missing from the vocals that prevents consistent cohesion to all of the songs. Many of the songs themselves are actually well written but I think working with outside producers could definitely help this group get to the next level.

Favorite Picks: "Till the Weekend's Gone" and "Today My Life is..."

Nelson

Previous Reviews

October 2003 (Music: Kevin So and Kaila; Movies: Marrying the Mafia, Heroic Duo, Kill Bill, and Under the Tuscan Sun)

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