My iPod's Playin'... [04.08]
State of Being : Double Kylies
In My Arms - Kylie Minogue
Album: X; Genre: Dance-Pop
All I See (Acoustic Version) - Kylie Minogue
Album: X; Genre: R&B
After a four year absence since the release of "Body Language" & a public struggle with breast cancer, Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue is finally back with her tenth studio "X". Even though the new album has received critical acclaim for fusing glam electronica and dance, I just wasn't wowed by her new musical direction. In fact, her first 2 singles "2 Hearts" and "Wow" didn't leave much of an impression with me, and I was expecting Kylie's follow-up single "In My Arms" to be just as forgettable.
However, after catching the music video of her latest single on MTV channel, I was instantly hooked by its "fuzzed-out" and "synth heavy" arrangement. Think radio-friendly track sounding like early Madonna. Based on the infectious chorus, Kylie's latest offering is definitely single-worthy and a sure dance hit in the club!!!
While "In My Arms" is already her 3rd single in the UK/Europe, for her album release in US, Kylie will be releasing a remix version of "In My Arms" as the lead single instead. Featuring Mims for the single, the original song has been remixed to cater to the US market. Hopefully, Kylie is able to regain back some chart credibility in the US with "All I See". Afterall, her last Billboard Top 10 hit was "Can't Get You Of Out Of My Head" in 2001.
Did U Know?
State of Being : FYI
Did you know... :o :o :o
- that the Punggol LRT only operates in ONE direction before & after 3pm each day and because of that, I had to go an entire round of 12 min 'sight-seeing' on Sun when I left for my daily workout from Cove LRT station after 3pm, where it should have been only 1-stop (2 min) away from Punggol MRT station!
- that ALL the escalators in the Punggol MRT station are shut down on a Sun afternoon; only the stairs & lifts are available!
- that Punggol MRT station is so DESERTED on a Sun afternoon at around 4pm that you can have the entire train carriage to yourself! Unbelievable!!!
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Over the Rainbow... Skies are Blue
State of Being : Inspirational!
In conjunction with "Idol Gives Back", the top 8 finalists on American Idols had to perform songs that are inspirational on Wed show. While most of them performed well, I was only captivated by Jason Castro's rendition of "Over The Rainbow". Well, the ukulele arrangement for the song was simply very refreshing, unlike the familiar Judy Garland's rendition that we are all so used to listening.
In fact, that rendition was actually taken from Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo`ole's "Facing Future" album released in 1993. Dubbed the "The Gentle Giant" by his fans, he only became famous outside Hawaii after his medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", which was subsequently featured in several films (like 50 First Dates & Meet Joe Black), television programs, and commercials.
Had I not seen the album cover, I probably would not have realised that such a beautiful voice could actually come from a big guy like him. It's a pity though that Iz has already passed away at the tender age of 38 due to weight-related respiratory illness. But one thing is for sure, he will remain as one of the major influences in Hawaiian music and his rendition of "Over The Rainbow" would definitely continue to inspire future generations...
Somewhere over the rainbow
Some day I'll wish upon a star
Somewhere over the rainbow
Somewhere over the rainbow
If happy little bluebirds fly
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