Latest Reviews

December 21, 2003
Artist: The Francis Kim Band
Title: The Orange Concern
Genre: Rock/Pop
Rating: ***

This Boston based band, headed by Francis Kim, is heading in the right direction. Released in November 2003, this full length CD features 12 original tracks all written by Francis Kim. The guitar based rock/pop sound will appeal to fans of bands like Fountains of Wayne or Ben Folds. The music ranges from folky rock to some rockabily/swing sounds which gives the album an interesting blend of styles to keep listener interest. The band seems to have captured a good energy that normally you would feel during a live performance. Overall, this CD should provide a good support piece for the band's live tour and keep their fans happy - old and new alike.

Favorite Picks: "Five Foot Four" and "Luminescence"

Nelson

Men Suddenly in Black: The reviews for this dark comedy are actually excellent, and I admit it's better than the my dream girl piece of crap. There are quite a few A-list HK stars and their performances are strong but the premise is bizarre and starts to meander -- although just enough to make the dark stuff worthwhile. The best scenes, imho, are the cameos from Tony Leung Ka Fai and Sandra Ng. That aside, I would recommend this movie only to fans of the main stars. The writing is actually good so I do look forward to other pieces from the writer.

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My Dream Girl: I make an effort to see every Ekin Cheng movie and I grant him special immuinity from bad reviews because I don't believe he can do any wrong since he's good looking but this movie was a piece of crap. Even Ekin's looks couldn't save it. The premise and story falls flat and the performances are more screwball than inspiring. I don't know how it fared at the HK box office, but I can't imagine it was one of his bigger hits. I hope he doesn't keep making crap like this, I mean he's ideal for romantic comedies, but this was proof that a good script and some simple direction was necessary for success. I'm pretty sure they dubbed Vicki Zhao's cantonese too so if you're a Zhao fan and a purist, beware.

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The Last Samurai: This would be an example of a movie that takes my breath away -- and in all the best ways. It's filmed beautifully, the story is strong and the performances excellent. If Ken Watanabe and Tom Cruise don't get Academy Award nominations, there is seriously something wrong. There's nothing else I can say aside from just go see it.

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There is no sophomore jinx with the return of Himalyan Projects' 2nd full-length release "Wince at the Sun." Representing the Bay Area, critically-acclaimed MCs Rainman and Chee Malabar narrate and educate the listener about history, politics, family, Hip-Hop, and their overall experiences growing up Asian in America. Very fresh and jazz-fused production from the Soulful MPs compliment Chee and Rainman's rapid rhymes and intellectual content. Himalayan Project challenges you to react to the rhythm- "the rhythm we're given to get the masses driven!"

Favorite Picks: "Reaction" "Postcards from Paradise" "The Project"

LeRoid David

San Jose, California based rock band, Sonic Orange, is a band worth listening to. Their head-bobbing rock edged music pulses through the veins with an infectious rhythm reminiscent of music past. You can definitely feel a great energy from the music. Makes me want to see them live! This 4-track EP gives the listener a taste and leaving them wanting more. Vocals are smooth with great harmonies, musicianship is good, and production is good. This band could definitely become the next popular band of the next MTV generation. Well worth listening to.

Favorite Picks: "A Little Luck" and "A Far From You"

Nelson

Jeff Hsin's demo CD showcases his own blend of acoustic guitar rock with folk in the 6-track EP. Hsin, a native of Maryland, sings from the heart about topics about loneliness and lost love. The music is catchy, vocals are decent, and production is basic. I would be interested in hearing more from Hsin to hear how he may grow from this demo EP and to where he takes his music next.

Nelson

Previous Reviews

November 2003 (Music: Harlemm Lee, Fiona Wong, and Adagio; Movies: Truth or Dare: 6th Floor Rear Flat and So Close)

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

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!

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