Latest Reviews

October 27, 2003
Artist: Kevin So
Title: Leaving the Lights On
Genre: Many (primarily funk/r&b/folk rock)
Rating: ****

Boston's Kevin So is a diversely talented musician with an sweetly appealing voice and songs that speak to Asian American social and cultural issues. A listener is immediately immersed in the 2-disc CD (32 tracks with additional 3 bonus tracks) with the funky song "Average Asian American" which lays the groundwork for the rest of the album. It becomes apparent that So is using folk/funk/blues based music to tell short stories of the life of Asian Americans - and it works well. I recommend listening to the album in song order fully on the first listen to get the full experience of this highly original singer/songwriter's 8th CD. And if Kevin So is performing in your neck of the woods, check him out, I hear he's great live!

Favorite Picks: "New Day Begun" and "The Loneliest Person in the World."

Nelson

Marrying the Mafia reviewed: This cute movie stars Joon Ho Jung and Jung Eun Kim. Its definitely a delight and I recommend it if you're a fan of Korean movies. I guess it's supposed to be a romantic comedy, but it's definitely more in the vein of a fish out of water comedy (in this case a normal guy who gets mixed up with the Korean mafia) Very cute.

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Heroic Duo reviewed: Is supposed to be better than "Infernal Affairs" and "Colour of the Truth" but I'm not convinced. Although I must say the superstar casting which includes Leon Lai and Ekin Cheng is a good start. Its also nice to see both playing against type as well. Conceptually it's definitely got thriller elements to it, but I wonder if these types of movies are starting to get a lil too routine. I dunno if I would put it in the same league, it's a decently done movie *but* the whole hypnotist angle of it isn't working well for me. In fact, it's making me sleepy! Some of the stunts are pretty cool, I admit the interaction on the rickety ladder across the 2 buildings made me sweat a little.

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Kill Bill reviewed: I've decided I'm not a big fan of Quentin Tarantino movies afterall. There are certain elements of his stuff that I definitely enjoy (dark comedy) but in general he's just too much for me. I realized it today while watching "Kill Bill". Mind you, I was still entertained by the movie. Uma Thurman, despite some of the criticisms I've been reading, actually makes a great bride. Her haunting uber anglo appearance really gives the believeable edge. I wish there could have been more Vivica and I also wish the fight scene with Lucy Liu would have been more prominent -- but generally speaking, the storytelling was more effective than I thought it would be given the approach. Girl power runs amuck -- the sensuality and ass kicking of all characters is at an intoxicating level ... pretty much satiating all of Tarantino's probable lifelong fetishes. But I warn you that if you don't like blood and severed limbs, you might want to either wait to see it on DVD or avoid it all together. Both are at an all time high. Pacing is not great in some parts, but the editing is excellent ... esp the set up for part two.

One more note, Sonny Chiba rocks.

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Under the Tuscan Sun reviewed: Now I kinda wished I had read the book first. I can imagine the movie as a book (only better). The movie isn't bad at all, but I bet it was a really special book. I think I'd be intimidated to travel to italy alone ... the countrymen are so ... flirty! But it's definitely a beautiful country and the movie really makes it even more vividly so. Some good lines and great imagery -- and Sandra Oh is delightful -- but really, it just makes me regret not reading the book first. Raoul Bova is gorgeous, but I actually liked the Vincent Riotta character more.

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As a former Playboy model and current import car model Kaila Yu has skyrocketted to popularity. Not wanting to lose that momentum, she released her debut 12-track CD album, which she produced on her own (Associate Producer Mr. Lew), earlier this year. Her first single "Get Up On You" is an infectious hip-hop club track that starts off with the bang of a gong. The use of Asian instruments throughout the album is a creative surprise that takes the hip-hop inspired tracks to a whole new level. Kaila's breathy vocals can be distracting on some tracks (particularly the ballad) but tend to work well with most of the uptempo songs (NOTE: it isn't always necessary to include a ballad on an album). Overall, Kaila's debut effort should be enough to keep her performing at import car shows, nightclubs, and the Asian festivals.

Hot Song Picks: "Get Down" and "Make You Love Me"

Nelson

If you have a have an Asian Pacific American project coming up (CD, video, film, book, more?) and are looking for more exposure let us know about it and we will try to review your project so that others can find out more!

AArisings, along with KQED radio show, Pacific Time, are seeking to increase our Asian American music library for future reviews. If you would like to submit your CD for possible review and/or airplay on the radio, please contact AArisings by clicking here.

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