AishaLoverLight's Neverending Dream

Timbaland & Keri Hilson [The Way I Are]

2007-10-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not really much of a rap listener, but I did enjoy Timbaland's album, Shock Value. One of the gems on the album was [The Way I Are] which features singer/songwriter Keri Hilson (writing credits include: Omarion's [Ice Box] and Britney Spears' [Gimme More]) and rapper D.O.E. The following are a small collection of mp3s I've gathered together for your listening pleasure:

AishaLoverLight's ~The Way I Are~ mp3 collection:
01. The Way I Are ~video mix~
(Timbaland featuring: Keri Hilson, D.O.E, & Sebastian)
02. The Way I Are ~rock remix~
(Timbaland featuring: Neptune, Keri Hilson, & D.O.E)
03. The Way I Are ~introverted remix~
(Timbaland featuring: Fransisco, Keri Hilson, & D.O.E)
04. The Way I Are ~OneRepublic remix~
(Timbaland featuring: OneRepublic, Keri Hilson, D.O.E)
05. The Way I Are ~instrumental~

TRUE COVERGIRLS

2007-10-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Ayumi Hamasaki on the cover of CAWAII Magazine

Eh...I find this a little disappointing. It is creative to use one side of her face, but the scans on the inside of the magazine are all focused on the same side which kinda makes you wanna say---does she have a huge zit on the other side of her face or what? Then there's just the fact that I KNOW Ayu can do much better than this. These photos are amateurish and don't showcase the true modeling talent of Miss. Hamasaki.
Queen Latifah on the cover of Ebony Magazine
The beautiful Queen Latifah poses on a hot motorcycle for this month's cover of Ebony Magazine. It seems a little repetative seeing as practically everyone and their mother has a shot of themselves on a motorcycle, but to me I think the Queen pulls it off well.

The [I'm Sorry] Megapost

2007-10-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

To show that I am deeply sorry for not updating my blog, I'm going to give you all a nice, juicy AishaLoverLight-Megapost just for you. I hope you'll enjoy all the material that's up here and that you COMMENT so that I'll know what's not to upload anymore. All of the links are a mixture of Mediafire & Savefile.
-----------------------------------------------------------
This weekend I found out some startling news:

Jade Villalon has officially left Sweetbox and has decided to go solo.

I don't know why she and GEO, the composer of Sweetbox have decided to split other than the usual lame reason---"to embark on a solo career and separate thyself from thy old group". I'd much prefer an artist to TELL ME THE TRUTH than that more than obvious lie, but hey I guess saying that has it's benefits sometimes...And then there is the possibility that they are telling the truth. Regardless of whatever suddenly happened to Sweetbox, a clear sign that this separation could indeed be permanent is that the official website is shutting down and that all members of the fan club are being refunded their 2007 subscription because of the split.

After all the over-dramatic events, Jade has decided to release her first solo mini album which will be followed by her first solo album later on this year. To be honest I REALLY miss GEO on this set. He always added something unique any song that Jade ever wrote and I miss that a lot. Jade's mini album is a VERY good start for a beginning solo career. It's diverse and different from what Sweetbox normally does and that lets me know that she's at least trying to grow on her on. I guess that's why she named the album, [Out of the Box]...

Jade Valerie
(formerly of Sweetbox)
Out of the Box ~mini album~
01. Just Another Day
02. Tuned Up
03. Show Me
04. Crush (solo version)
05. Goodbye
06. Uh La La
07. Mr. Pay Me
08. You Don't Know Me

RANDOM GOODIES
BON BON (Hey!Say!7)
Be my 1004 ~gaejebal Home Growling remix~ (iM featuring: ???)
Don't Don (Super Junior)
Dreams ~LIVE~ (Sweetbox)
Dreams ~original version~ (Sweetbox)
Eien no Uta (Mika Nakashima)
Ex-Boyfriend (Crystal Kay featuring: VERBAL)
Fever to Future ~thai version~ (Golf & Mike)
Fight For You (Golf & Mike)
Got It Girl (Raven-Symone)
I believe (ayaka)
If Only You ~extended version~ (Danny featuring: Therese)
I YAH! (H.O.T)
Just Communication ~english version~ (Two-Mix)
Kokoro (Kazumasa Oda)
Liberty ~LIVE~ (Sweetbox)
Lie (BIG BANG)
LIFE (Mika Nakashima)
Love Ya (Keri Hilson)
Me Love (Sean Kingston)
Missin' U (Super Junior)
ONLY ONE (twenty4/7)
Punishment (Wheesung)
Put You Up On Game (Aretha Franklin featuring: Fantasia)
^---thanks to whatz-new---^
Rhythm Emotion ~english version~ (Two-Mix)
RHYTHM GENERATION ~Red Monster Mix~ (Two-Mix)
Rock the Night (EUROPE)
to the NEXT (twenty4/7)
SUMMER PLANET #1 '98 (Two-Mix)
THUNDERBIRD ~original mix~ (T.M.Revolution)
TRUTH ~a great detective of love~ (Two-Mix)
Unforgettable (???)
---if you know what this song is REALLY called & who it's by, please tell me. All I know is that it comes from a Korean drama called The Person I Once Loved---
Unforgotten (composed by: ???)
vestige (T.M.Revolution)
White Reflection ~D-Z JET STREAM ATTACK MIX~ (Two-Mix)
Yasashii Ame (Kyoko Koizumi)
YOU'D BE SO NICE TO COME HOME TO (Mika Nakashima+Katteni-Shiyagare)

I'm Back...

2007-10-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry about being gone. Last week was just one of those weeks where you just can't do anything but scream and go to sleep. I blame it all on that blasted full moon that was up, because practically everywhere I went EVERYBODY was in a terrible mood. Anyway, in an hour or two I'm going to upload an [I'm Sorry] megapost and invite some people from BoAjjang & Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai and see if we can get some people coming in and what not.

ALSO, if you'll look to the right of your screen you will see that I now have an affiliate: whatz-new added me to their list and I HIGHLY appreciate it. If ya'll have a blogspot or anything just leave me a comment and I'll add you as long as you promise to add me! (^-^)

SOLO SUNDAY: Tommy heavenly6

2007-09-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood for something different and decided to have Tommy heavenly6 as this week's Solo Sunday artist. In order to keep things short, simple and sweet here is a little bit of info on Tommy's rocky alter egos taken DIRECTLY from wiki.theppn:

Tommy heavenly⁶ is meant to be the dark side and the alter-ego of Tommy february⁶. Music released under 'Heavenly⁶' is poprock based and features a Tommy that is more sophisticated and classy than her 'February⁶' persona. Tommy heavenly⁶'s character is obsessed with her image, and almost parodies modern culture. She loves reality shows (Joe Millionare and The Osbournes), alcohol (Heineken and Corona with Lime), and junk food (Doughnuts, popcorn and cola, among other things).

Tommy heavenly⁶ begun in the double single release of [Love is forever / Wait 'Till I Can Dream], which were both released on the same day. The PV's for both songs run together in a reciprocal motion (aka they can be played back-to-back and the story flows between them). Though both singles sold roughly the same amounts, the Heavenly⁶ single came out on top above the February⁶ single.

Much like how 'February⁶' was only planned for a temporary release, 'Heavenly⁶' was planned for the same fate. However, 'Heavenly⁶' returned for a second single, an Avril-like downbeat single, [Hey My Friend], which was used for the ending theme for the popular movie Shimotsuma Monogatari. A B-side on the single, [Roller Coaster Ride], was also used at the opening theme for Shimotsuma Monogatari.

Nothing was heard from 'Heavenly⁶' until March 2005, when 'Heavenly⁶' was featured on Love for Nana, a tribute album for Yazawa Ai's popular manga NANA with the song [Gimme All of Your Love]. Five months later, the next Heavenly single, [Ready?], was released and to be quickly followed by the first Heavenly album, [Tommy heavenly⁶]. In the summer of 2006, she released two new singles: [I'm Gonna SCREAM+] on June 7^th[Pray] on July 5^th, and she is scheduled to release a special Halloween single, [Lollipop Candy♥BAD♥girl], that features two versions of the song, a duet version with Tommy february⁶ that's 10 minutes and 31 seconds long (a nod to Halloween's date: 10/31) and a shorter, five minute version featuring only Tommy heavenly⁶. (PVs for both versions have already been shot). That December, her next single [I LOVE XMAS] came out, in the PV Tommy February6 makes a cameo. Two months later her next single, [Heavy Starry Chain] came out, the PV shows Heavenly6 with a new more gothic look. On March 7th, 2007 Tommy Heavenly6 put out a second album, Heavy Starry Heavenly.
---------------------------------
Tommy heavenly⁶'s self-titled debut album was an amazing fuse of rock and pop along with the traditional TOTALLY RANDOM usage of English in her songs. If you can get past the whole no-make-sense English and rock out to the actual song, you will LOVE this ego of Tommy. Below are selected tracks from that album:

Tommy heavenly⁶
Tommy heavenly⁶

album cd tracklisting:
01. 2Bfree
02. Ready?
03. Wait till I can dream
04. fell in love with you
05.Wanna be your Idol
06. +gothic pink+
07. Swear
08. Lost my pieces
09. GIMME ALL YOUR LOVE
10. LCDD
11. Hey, my friend

Like what you hear? You can buy Tommy hev's debut album here.

ANIME SATURDAY: Fate/stay night

2007-09-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

This year I was fishing around for new anime to watch after the under-dramatic and totally unexpected ending of SPIRAL, and kept coming across Fate/stay night. I rented the first dvd from Netflix and became INSTANTLY hooked.

Starting out as just a video game, Fate/stay night became an anime through the animation of Studio Deen and the production of the Fate Project which included numerous other big-name anime production companies. The show aired on Japanese television between Januay--June 2006 on Saitama TV and Chiba TV. It's popularity spread from Japan to the rest of Asia and then here to America before Geneon could even get it dubbed and produced---thanks to the benefits of Youtube that is! ^-^

Without getting into too much of the plot, Fate/stay night is a story about the war for the Holy Grail using summoned warriors, known as servants to achieve that victory. The main character, Shirou Emiya is pretty much untalented and clueless to the world of magic and unknowingly summons Servant Saber---one of the most powerful servants of all.

I haven't completely finished watching the series yet. I'm supposed to be on volume 5 but got distracted by Fushigi Yuugi while waiting for it's availability status to be in my favor. After watching volumes 7 and 8 of Fushigi Yuugi I'll jump back onto Fate/ stay night once more!

Today in honor of how amazing this show is, and in conjunction with Anime Saturday AishaLoverLight is proud to present the some of the theme songs to Fate/stay night:
Opening Theme #1
disillusion
Sachi Tainaka
01. disillusion
02. Wasurekaketeita no Kana (I Wonder What I Have Forgotten to Have)
03. disillusion ~instrumental~
04. Wasurekaketeita no Kana (I Wonder What I Have Forgotten to Have) ~instrumental~

In a world of Sachi's disillusion? You can support Sachi by buying her debut single here.
Ending Theme #1
Anata ga Ita Mori
Jyukai
01. Anata ga Ita Mori
02. SAKURA difference
03. Anata ga Ita Mori ~instrumental~
04. SAKURA difference ~instrumental~

Do you like this single? You can support Jyukai at this link.
Opening Theme #2
Kirameku Namida wa Hoshi ni
Sachi Tainaka
01. Kirameku Namida wa Hoshi ni (Shining Tears are in the Stars)
02. Shounen no Yume (Boys' Dreams)
03. Kirameku Namida wa Hoshi ni (Shining Tears are in the Stars) ~instrumental~
04. Shounen no Yume (Boys' Dreams) ~instrumental~

Prefer having shining tears to being disillusioned? You can buy this single and support Sachi here.
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As you can tell, I don't have the b-sides to these singles. If you have them and wanna share them with me, please them to me when you get the chance. I had no idea these singles even had B-sides, especially Sachi's.

American Entertainment News

2007-09-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Raven Symone's New Album Postponed Once More

Raven-Symone was supposed to release a new album in November, but it has been announced that the album project will be pushed back for release in 2008 indefinitely. Earlier this year, three songs by Raven called [Gravity] (the ending theme to the Lifetime Original Movie she starred in---For One Night), [Got It Girl], and [Green] leaked to the internet and received quite a substantial amount of buzz from bloggers and fans alike. Unfortunately not even this buzz spawned an officially released album, and it may be because of Raven's new busy schedule. Currently she's got two new movies under development: College Road Trip with Martin Lawrence and the modern-remake of Adventures in Babysitting. Honestly, I can't wait for Raven's new movies but I'd prefer a new album instead.

Raven's last album was her third studio album, This is My Time and was released by Hollywood Records on September 21, 2004. It included the leading single, [Backflip] and other mature songs such as [What's Real], [Life is Beautiful], [Mystify], [Just Fly Away] and the scrapped song [Overloved] which popstar Paula DeAnda re-recorded in 2006. It debuted at number 51 on the Billboard Charts and sold 19,000 copies during it's first week. Since then it's sold 235,000 copies around the world. Hopefully Raven's new album will perform a little better with BETTER promotion I hope.

TRUE COVERGIRLS

2007-09-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing I've noticed within the past few years, it's the fact that the presence of minority covergirls are disappearing more and more each year. With the exception of the OVEREXPOSED Beyonce, of course. There's nothing wrong with Caucasian models and covergirls, it's just that it's becoming a little monotonous. For example, walk into WalMart tomorrow and look at the magazine rack. All you see are Caucasian covergirls, then you'll see some African ones (hair magazines mostly...) and you'll be LUCKY to find an Asian or Latino (other than Jennifer and both Eva's).

With that in mind I've decided to try and showcase some magazine covers that feature minority models:

In JAPAN, Japanese R&B songstress Crystal Kay Williams makes her covergirl debut on the September '07, Japanese edition of BLENDA Magazine.

In Canada, pop-superstar Rihanna poses for FASHION Magazine to promote her amazing third album, [Good Girl Gone Bad]. According to the caption on the right, Rihanna might be discussing her new sexy image as well as how she was able to take charge of her career in a sophisticated and business-like manner.

Apparently, according to VIBE Vixen's official site that is, Rihanna is also featured on VIBE Vixen Magazine's cover. The shoot, as I've seen on Oh Rihanna is a powerful and sexy dominatrix photospread with metallic clothes and awesome accessories. In the magazine, Rihanna addresses the rumors about a romance between herself and rapper Jay-Z.

Got a magazine cover you feel deserves to be here?
Send me the link to it in the comments section or e-mail me at:
AishaLoverLight@yahoo.com
ABSOLUTELY NO SPAM

2007-09-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

AishaLoverLight's

+Most Anticipated Releases+

All About Dong Bang Shin Ki ~Season Two~
(five disc dvd boxset)
$51.99
October 15, 2007

Following the success of last year's Dong Bang Shin Ki - All About Dong Bang Shin Ki, here comes a season two release. This five-disc package contains music videos, TV variety show and drama clips, interviews, making of footage, and behind-the-scenes clips. Highlights from the DVD include making of and music videos for hits such as "Balloons" and "Red Sun", stage performances on SBS music programs, and TV drama appearances with never before seen blooper clips. Also, meet the boys up close and personal on shows like TVXQ!Variety Show and "The Survival Quiz Show" and in "couple talk" footage where group members pair up for candid chats in front of the camera.

abingdon boys school
(debut album)
CD+DVD version: $31.75
CD-only version: $27.49

abingdon boys school, fronted by Nishikawa Takanori who also happens to be the project leader of T.M.Revolution, is back with their first full-length album. It features all of the quartet's single hits including [HOWLING], [INNOCENT SORROW], and their most recent release [Nephilim]. The album also contains a cover of [Dress], which was originally featured on the 2005 BUCK TICK tribute album PARADE~RESPECTIVE TRACKS OF BUCK-TICK~. The boys from abingdon boys school ask for the attention of the J-pop music scene once more with their debut album.

album cd tracklisting:
01. As One
02. HOWLING -INCH UP-
03. VIA DOLOROSA
04. INNOCENT SORROW
05. DOWN TO YOU
06. ATHENA
07. stay away
08. Nephilim
09. Lost Reason (featuring: MICRO from HOME MADE Kazoku)
10. DESIRE
11. DRESS
12. ReBirth + ReVerse

album dvd tracklisting:
TBA

Japanese Entertainment News

2007-09-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Japanese Entertainment News

Koda Kumi & TVXQ to release collaborative single

Koda Kumi's 38th single, [LAST ANGEL] will be a collaborative effort between herself and TVXQ that is slated for release at the beginning of November. No details about what the song will sound like have been given, but it is indeed a very exciting business proposition. I personally don't care too much for Koda because of her over-sexed image, but if more exposure is what Avex is looking for, a collaboration between these two acts is probably headed down the right direction.

In other news about TVXQ, they got a lot of national attention in Japan when they decided to compete with J-pop Queen, Ayumi Hamasaki. Their new single, [SHINE/Ride On] recently hit number two on the Daily Oricon Charts, while Ayumi continued to prove to be a very formidable foe at number one with her 42nd single, [talkin' 2 myself].

Next week, TVXQ will release their 14th Japanese single, [Forever Love] which will be featured with the Japanese version of their Korean song, [Harudal]. It is also expected that TVXQ will release two other songs in Japan as well during the month of December. [Together] is scheduled to be featured on the original soundtrack of Sanrio's (the company of the Hello KittyCinnamon movie. The second song, [Thousand Year Love Song] was already leaked in Korean but has yet to pop up in the form of a Japanese version. This emotional ballad is scheduled to the theme song of a new Korean drama called, The Legend and was composed by the legendary Joe Hisaishi----famous for scoring the original soundtracks of Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Princess Monoke. franchise) new

((source credits go to Bakanishi + [Unknown] Bestiz member + Soompi members + CD Japan))

Ayumi Hamasaki---Career Move RUMORS

Within the past two days, a lot of rumors about Ayumi's next career move have surfaced over and over again. Since they don't have sources, they're labeled as being simply rumors---well GOOD&JUICY rumors that is:

First came rumors about Ayumi embarking on a world tour called [Ayumi Hamasaki WORLD TOUR 2008-2009] According to the rumor, Ayu would make tour stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Las Vegas. As much as I WISH Ayumi would come to perform in Las Vegas, I hate to say that this rumor is FALSE. Ayumi will only be making a stop in Beijing this year (so far anyway) to perform in a+nation 2007---a Summer concert series that features almost every single Avex Trax and Rhythm Zone musician.

Next came the rumors about Ayumi beginning a five-singles campaign. Starting from December 12 and ending January 9 each single would be released once a week and would've been double a-side singles called:

[Shake it!]
[my destination]
[Winter Wind]
[revolution]
[OUR SONGS]

I wouldn't mind if this rumor had been true, I'd have just been afraid for her number one streak to end.

Amerie's [Take Control]

2007-09-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today is American Friday and it's time to showcase a random American musician that I happen to be into. This week's American artist happens to be none other than Amerie Rogers, a beautiful and multi-talented Korean-African American entertainer. Most people assume two things about Amerie during their first impression of her:

1) She looks like Crystal Kay, another Korean-African American singer that has yet to debut in the US and only promotes her releases in Japan.

2) She copies Beyonce.

However way you look at it, it's kind of obvious that Amerie had a bad start as far as a substantial debut. Her initial sound was more-or-less, the typical American R&B sound. You know, soft melodies and loud vocals. Her highest chart peak in the United States was her single, [1 Thing]. Reaching up at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, [1 Thing] is her most successful single and was used as an insert song for the hit romantic-comedy movie, Hitch starring Will Smith. The album that followed that single, [Touch] sold over 500,000 copies and was certified gold after four months of release. The album [Touch] also saw Amerie leaning towards a go-go sound instead of her former style.

This same sound is reintroduced in her third album [Beacuse I Love it], an album that appears to be competing with many other R&B albums for the most postponements in the world if you ask me. Even though the album has been released in Japan, Korea, Europe and the UK, it STILL hasn't been given a release date for the United States. The only good that's come out of this postponement is the release of the album's first single [Take Control].

Using what many people recognize as "the spy guitar", numerous elements of jazz, and catchy lyrics [Take Control] was BORN to be a chart topping hit. I don't understand why it didn't chart in the US, I guess our music industry is just stupid that way. The single did spark some attention in South Korea while Amerie was promoting her third album however. On the Korean version of [Because I Love it], there is a duet version of [Take Control] that features Asian-pop superstar SE7EN performing his first American track. Personally, I prefer this version better than the original! ^-^

TAKE CONTROL
01. Take Control ~main version~
02. Take Control ~call out hook version one~
03. Take Control ~call out hook version two~
04. Take Control ~acapella version~
05. Take Control ~instrumental version~

---BONUS DOWNLOAD---
06. Take Control
(featuring: SE7EN)

Opinions on TVXQ's solo song previews

2007-09-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

MAZE
(Hero)

A friend of mine always said that if Hero ever made a solo song, it would revolve around the rock genre and boy was she right on the mark. From the 48second preview it sounds like Hero's song is going to sound like a positive and upbeat rock song. The sound of the song is VERY different from what TVXQ is known for doing, but it's a good different at the same time!

Crazy Life
(U-Know)
U-Know's song is the one I'm most surprised (satisfied) about! He may not have the best vocals in the group but he's managed to pull his solo off really well with a sexy sounding, Asian-flavored hip-hop beat. Think [Ride On] but much sexier (if that's even possible). Just from the preview I can tell that U-Know's going to do some rapping on this track, something I haven't heard him do since...a long time. This song is probably the one I'm looking forward to the most.

Rainy Night
(Xiah)
I don't really care too much for Xiah's solo effort. After an amazing vocal performance for Zhang Li Yin's debut Korean single, [Timeless] and his easily recognizable vocals on all of TVXQ's songs, Xiah falls short on this solo song for me. It's almost as if he's got no emotions on this track when you compare it to the other songs he's done. Maybe this is just the opening verse and that it'll get better as the song goes on, however if it doesn't I smell another boring ballad coming around the corner.

WILD SOUL
(MAX)
The title of MAX's song sounds like a powerful rock song, but if I know the Japanese music industry as well as I think I do this song will turn out to be an energetic pop song. I want this to be a rock song though so I won't badmouth it anymore than I already have. More importantly though, I wanna hear MAX scream on this track like he does on [Rising Sun] and [TRI-ANGLE]. I find it so sexy whenever he does that!

----opinion edited 09/21/2007----

OMG, MAX's solo sounds REALLY awesome. It's rocky just as I'd predicted and wanted it to be, and in the preview you can kind of hear MAX getting ready to start up his screaming which is also an a-plus for me! I can't wait for his song to leak completely.

My Girlfriend
(Micky)
I don't know what to expect from Micky at this point. He's got an amazing voice, is fluent in English and has some slick rapping skills of his own. I hope this song turns out to be crunky in both sound and style and showcase his talents well because Xiah's is still a disappointment to me.

----opinion edited 09/21/2007----

Ehh...Micky's song is alright. It's one of those mid-tempo songs, and while his vocals are pretty good I feel as if they aren't of his greatest potential. I'm not excited about his song anymore at all because I really don't like mid-tempo songs all that much.

Beyonce V.S. Tommy heavenly6 [My Irreplaceable]

2007-09-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

I don't really care too much for Beyonce Knowles. There's just something about her that makes me cringe. Perhaps it's how husky her speaking voice is, or the way she carries herself. Then there's the whole jealousy thing she's got going over Rihanna and any other female musician who happens to get a little famous. Ugh, and don't even get me started on what she did to Kelly Rowland---who's supposed to be one of her BEST friends. Either way, I just don't like her. Last year and partially this year, Beyonce released one of the biggest singles of 2006 called, [Irreplaceable]. The most memorable (addicting is more like it) part of this song is---"to the left to the left, everything you own in a box to the left". I swear every time I hear that line I start humming the entire song regardless of my extreme hatred for this woman. With 1,900,000 digital downloads sold and 180,000 other single formats sold, it shouldn't come as a surprise when I say that this single remained number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for seven weeks---six of which were consecutive.

In 2004, a singer by the name of Tomoko Kawase released a single entitled [Hey, My Friend] under her punk-rock alter ego, Tommy heavenly6. My first impression of this song was, "NOT ANOTHER AVRIL LAVIGNE!!!". But as I listened to the words a little more and got Avril's annoying behind out of my head, I realized just how classic and beautiful this song really is. By the end of 2004, this single charted for 9 weeks, sold 39,000 copies and was even selected as the theme song to a movie called Shimotsuma Monogatari starring Kyoko Fukada.

Now fast forwarding to 2007, I stumbled upon the world of mashups. Mashups are basically acapella songs to different instrumentals, and are kind of part of the underground scene. I wish they were more popular, but they kind of don't go as far as that. Anyway, I downloaded this song and became hooked to it in an instant and I hope that you will like it too. I don't know who made this mashup, but if anyone happens to know please let me know and I will give them FULL CREDIT for this. Also for your convenience I have included the original songs as well. Enjoy, and don't forget to comment! ^-^

---CREDIT edit 09/21/2007---
[My Irreplaceable] was mashed up by DjLobsterdust. You can check out his other HOT mashups at his official website.

My Irreplaceable
01. My Irreplaceable
(Beyonce V.S. Tommy heavenly6)
02. Irreplaceable ~original mix~
(Beyonce)
03. Hey, My Friend ~original mix~
(Tommy heavenly6)

TVXQ solo songs

2007-09-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Just five seconds after my Ayu post comes news of the TVXQ boys making their own solo songs for their new mini-live. So far only two 48sec previews have leaked courtesy of ongoingmelody. I've listened to the previews and reuploaded them myself and have shared them on various message boards. Watch this space for the other leaked songs

---edited with Xiah's preview & the titles of the remaining members 09/20/2007---
---edited with MAX & Micky's previews on 09/21/2007---

01. MAZE ~48sec preview~ (Hero)
02. Crazy Life ~48sec preview~ (U-Know)
03. My Girlfriend ~28sec preview~ (Micky)
04. WILD SOUL ~28sec preview~ (MAX)
05. Rainy Night ~38sec preview~ (Xiah)

ayumi hamasaki's [talkin' 2 myself]

2007-09-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ayumi Hamasaki is a Japanese pop singer and song-writer under the Avex Trax label. A former model, she was raised in a single-parent family, and was rebellious growing up. She eventually dropped out of high school, only to be discovered by chance at a karaoke night. Despite an unsuccessful first single and album under the Nippon Columbia label in 1995 (both of the rap genre), she debuted in the pop scene with [poker face] under the Avex Trax label in 1998.

Since [LOVE ~destiny~], nearly every one of her singles has landed in the top three, helping to set her status as a successful singer-songwriter in stone. Ayumi has a large collection of albums available on the Avex Trax label, including some remix albums that provide a slightly more enjoyable dance experience for those so inclined. Her large fan base and regularly strong sales would suggest that she's something worth listening to. Ayumi is also the all-time 4th best-selling artist in Japan and the highest selling solo and female artist in Japan. She is the only solo artist to have sold 20 million singles in Japan. She has worked with a diverse selection of companies, and has promoted many products. Panasonic is currently at the top of the list. She had her own TV show called "AYU READY?" and a doll called ayupan.

Ayumi has sold over 45,528,000 copies in Japan alone. She currently has 29 #1 singles (16 consecutive) and 12 consecutive #1 albums.

Ayumi Hamasaki is my absolute FAVORITE J-pop artist in the world! She is known for her deep and heart-touching lyrics, and is the woman responsible for me being into J-pop in the first place. It all started with an accidental download of [evolution] and hasn't ended since. Over the years I've become a member of Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai Forums (AHS) and have purchased two of her albums, eight of her dvds, two posters, and one photobook---obviously that's not a lot to me so I can't wait to get a job so I can buy more of her stuff. Then I can REALLY splurge.

Okay so September 19th is the official release date of Ayumi Hamasaki's 42nd single and it's called [talkin' 2 myself]. Both the title track of this single and it's accompanying a-side [decision] are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED songs that both lean towards Ayu's J-rock sound. [talkin' 2 myself] was also the background music for the new Panasonic Lumix camera in Japan.The third track is [fated ~orchestra version~] and it's original version comes from her 41st single [GLITTER]. Personally I didn't really like [fated] because it sounded like the typical acoustic rock song, but I'm really digging this orchestral version. Also as a bonus, I've decided to include the instrumentals as far as downloading this single. If you don't care too much for Ayu's voice I recommend trying those out instead.

talkin' 2 myself
single cd tracklisting:
01. talkin' 2 myself ~original mix~
02. decision ~original mix~
03. fated ~orchestra version~
04. talkin' 2 myself ~instrumental~
05. decision ~instrumental~

single dvd tracklisting:
01. talkin' 2 myself PV
02. decision PV

Have you fallen in love with this single? Support Ayu at the following links:
talkin' 2 myself (SINGLE+DVD) ~Japan Version~
talkin' 2 myself (SINGLE+DVD) ~Japan Version~

Useful Ayu Links:
Ayumi Hamasaki's Official Website
Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai Forums

Don't forget to comment!

(Ayumi Hamasaki info taken directly from http://www.wiki.theppn.org/Main_Page ---> the ultimate place to go for up-to-date Asian music information. Pictures taken from http://gallery.asianfanatics.net)

The Weekly Schedule

2007-09-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going to attempt to set up a system here as far as downloads are concerned. I can't make any promises that I'll actually stick with them because I'm so busy in the real world...You know how it is, working hard everyday for a paycheck---in other words blah, blah, blah!

So here so far, is the schedule:

Mondays----> +groups, duos & collaborations+

This is pretty obvious. Groups, duos and collaboration uploads come on this day. In other words expect to see music from the likes of m-flo, Morning Musume, abingdon boys school, UVERWORLD, TVXQ...etc.

Tuesdays----> +sexy gentlemen+

I love Asian guys...Need I say anymore? This day is dedicated for all those hot Asian guys whose music is just as amazing as their looks. Expect to see appearances from Gackt, T.M.Revolution (I consider them a solo act because you see Takanori 98% of the time anyway), JUNE, SE7EN, and Rain.

Wednesday----> +ladies night+

How could I possibly forget about the beautiful Asian women who make such amazing music? Naturally you'll see Ayumi Hamasaki, Chiaki Ishikawa, Crystal Kay, Namie Amuro...you catch the drift.

Thursday----> +mashup day+

I've recently gotten into mashups. For those who don't know what they are, mashups normally use the acapella of one song against the instrumental of another to create an entirely different song. I've collected some good ones but if I tell you what to expect you might not listen to them, so hang on til then, okay?

Friday----> +american influences+

I'm an American and although I don't really listen to too much of my country's music, I do have a selective set of good songs. So on this day I'll share those rare American songs that keep me insync with everybody else. Expect songs from Rihanna, Keri Hilson, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, Fall-Out Boy, etc...

Saturday----> +anime saturday+

If you're into J-pop as much as I am, chances are you're into anime as well. Saturday will be the day that I get to introduce people to some anime that I like as well as the theme songs I'm hooked on from them. Shows will range from Naruto to the likes of Sailor Moon, with songs by Minami Kuribayashi, Masami Okui, Sachi Tainaka, as well as other popular anime theme song vocalists.

Sunday----> +solo stars+

Sunday is reserved for those celebrities who broke away from the groups that made them famous in the first place and became bigger stars than what they already were. I think I'll have different artists from Japanese, Korean, and American backgrounds rather than just categorizing them like before.

Hopefully...I'll actually stick with this pattern. If you've already read my first two posts you'd know that I already broke this schedule to begin with. *sorries* Also I'd like to apologize for my long posts. I'm very talkative and don't know when to stop, so just skim through my mess and try out my songs. Oh yeah, and don't forget to comment. Preferably a thank you would be nice, but I'd also like to hear what you thought about the songs. That way I'll know what to put up next and what not to.

TVXQ's [SHINE] & [Ride On]

2007-09-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

TVXQ is a five-member male chorus group based in Korea by SM Entertainment. In Japan they are officially known as TOHOSHINKI. Due to differences in romanization of the Hangul by fans, they are often seen as Dong Bang Shin Ki or Dong Bang Shin Gi. TVXQ has debuted in Korea, Japan, and China and is well known as one of the leaders of the Hallyu Korean Wave. They are currently under the SM Entertainment label in Korea as well as the Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone label in Japan. In Korea they have three number one albums and their Japanese career is really starting to get a sturdy fanbase.

The members of TVXQ are from left to right---->Kim Junsu (Xiah), Park Yoochun (Micky), Kim Jaejoong (Hero), Shim Changmin (MAX), and Jung Yunho (U-Know) and they are all HOTTIES with amazing vocal talent and hot dance moves to back up their looks. Currently, my favorite member is Hero but as you'll come to see in the future my favorite group member changes like the temperature of water. Tomorrow, I'll probably say that MAX is the best.

My family knows me to be a TVXQ-freak. So naturally, when I found out they were releasing a new single this month I got very excited, and as usual the boys didn't disappoint me.

The first a-side of their new single is entitled, [SHINE] and is a very sweet pop tune that uses light elements of jazz along with that trademarked sound of summer that J-pop artists are known to have. The "summer sound" may be a bad thing to some people, but I personally feel that this song has a nice atmosphere to it that's perfect for anytime of year. Then again, I might just be biased.

By the way, my favorite part of this song is when Hero sings the chorus by himself. It's just so cute. And if you're into Asian guys like me, you'll be swooning too. ^-^

The second a-side is TVXQ's sexiest song yet! [Ride On] sounds like an urban American song with Asian influences from the beginning to the very end and is totally different from anything TVXQ-veterans like myself have ever heard from them. I love this song a lot, but I don't recommend it to anyone who's never heard one of their songs before. Don't ask me why, I just don't. -_-;

SHINE/Ride On
single cd tracklisting:
01. SHINE ~original mix~
02. Ride On ~original mix~
03. Lovin' You ~Haru's Deep Water mix~
04. SHINE ~less vocal~
05. Ride On ~less vocal~

single dvd tracklisting:
01. SHINE ~PV~
02. Off-Shot Movie

If you like what you hear, support TVXQ and buy their new single at the following links:
SHINE/Ride On (SINGLE+DVD)~ Japan version~
SHINE/Ride On (SINGLE Only) ~Japan version~

Useful TVXQ Links:
TVXQ's Official Korean Website
Tohoshinki's Official Japanese Website

(TOHOSHINKI i info taken directly from Wiki.Theppn ---> the ultimate place to go for up-to-date Asian music information. Pictures taken from Asian Fanatics Gallery)

Welcome to my +neverending dream+

2007-09-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa minna!

My name is Aisha, but most people see me lurking around on the net as AishaLoverLight or AishaAngel. Without getting to deep into myself, I can say that I am a BIG music person. I love Japanese, Korean, and a little American in terms of language, and all over the board when it comes down to genre. Currently, my favorite musicians are Ayumi Hamasaki, TVXQ, Gackt, Rihanna, Keri Hilson, Micheal & Janet Jackson, Hitomi Shimatani, Crystal Kay, Mika Nakashima, Namie Amuro, UVERWORLD, Fall-Out Boy, Three Days Grace...the list goes on and on.

Anyways, as you can tell I'm obviously pretty big on music. Over the years I've accumulated a lot of MP3s and haven't shared a single one. Well now, I'm going to share my music with anyone who's willing to listen to it. I personally believe that downloading music isn't a bad thing. It basically introduces you to new musicians and can encourage you to support them by purchasing their products. I don't like sugarcoating things, so to be blunt about it---there aren't many artists I support enough to actually buy their music. With the exception of Ayumi, TVXQ, Crystal Kay, Micheal & Janet....I really don't buy much. I used to until I realized just how much filler record companies are putting on CDs and how much money we spend to get it. While we only happen to like two or three songs, record executives and those same celebrities get millions of dollars for songs that just ain't worth shit.

SO, to prevent letting someone who TOTALLY doesn't deserve my money get what they want I download music, listen to it for a while and decide whether or not to buy their album. And if I grow to like them consistently like Ayumi Hamasaki, I'll continue to buy their products without even downloading. Now is that so bad? I didn't think so...and if you think it is, this isn't the site for you.

Getting back to the point, this website is meant to introduce others to music that I happen to enjoy and to also establish some friendships along the way! I hope that ya'll like my little LJ and find some good music while you're here.

~also...If anyone who sees this site knows how to make LJ templates and avatars, basically good graphics please let me know and help a sister out. (^-^) I could use some pretty stuff like that and would really appreciate it.