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Standing In Front of Goddess

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:43:41 +0800

The feeling was incredible, to an extent awesome! Finally, I shook hand with one of the most talented singer-songwriter of our era, Cheer Chen!

We were there at Changi Airport Terminal 1 this evening to welcome Cheer & Entourage (including all her musicians, Tiger, Yi-Wen, Mr Q, Chico & George)

Really had a great time and fun tonight !!! La La La !

The Meaning of 魚 Rebirth

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:22:04 +0800

魚一種抉擇：重生或墮落, 自由或祝福

用海洋跟太陽兩個截然不同的抉擇去說明当我門遇到這種巨大的人生的轉變，然後那個抉擇兩者是無法相容的時候。你必須要變到另一個狀態才能有辦法融入那個抉擇之後，你會怎麼做。

生命的起源也是從海洋出來的。。。choice of not speaking, choice of sacrifice of no limbs and dance.

面臨抉擇的那一刻，就像處在邊緣狀態. CHOICE.

(From Cheer Interview on the Making of Rebirth MTV)

Cheer Chen's on her Gibson Hummingbird

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:41:35 +0800

Photos used with permission and copyright of Klyle

我拥有一把Gibson hummingbird的琴,这是一把乡村摇滚或是蓝调吉他手爱用的款式,我当初买它,是因为刚开始有机会表演的那个时期,我的生活真的很穷困,我需要在每次演出之前向乐器行租借吉他,每次表演都得要适应不同的琴,碰运气的感觉真的是非常痛苦.后来渐渐地,当家教,在麦当劳打工,也从演出酬劳里存了一些钱,没想到平生买的第一把吉他却又意外地被好朋友摔断了,于是我的外婆决定资助我,让我有机会再次拥有属于自己的乐器.

一开始我常会想,吉他上面有着华丽的图案会不会太招摇.但是日后我才知道我幸运地在还是非常便宜的时机就买到它,颜色很特殊,手感很好,声音很放松,而这个图案就是它之所以成为经典的原因之一.一种声音可以飞行的象征.简直就像一切都注定好的那样一见钟情.剩下的就是让自己的弹奏匹配得上它.每一位弹吉他的朋友都羡慕我拥有这么好的琴,它帮助我写了大部分的曲子,也陪我在很恶劣的气候中长途飞行,坐车颠簸,吹风淋雨.我的战友!但后来,我为了方便,几乎演出完回家也不曾将它拿出来练习.就让它放在外出用的特别订做的盒子里.里面整整齐齐放满了表演需要的工具,它开始从日常生活中消失了.只有录音,演出,拍照,我们才是一起的.甚至心血来潮买了另外一把外形十分抢眼,许多摇滚乐手都拥有的Gibson J200百年纪念琴,放在家中当成练习琴.

Photos used with permission and copyright of Klyle

我的HUMMINGBIRD开始会在某些场合微微走音,修理吉他的师傅认为它的状况很好,我仍旧定期交给吉他保养厂,换上新的弦,擦拭,做琴杆物理式的调整.除湿.但我常常轻声皱着眉头责怪它.”实在是太不听话了”,”真是太不给面子了”.在它没有展现出该有的魅力之时.就这样,每次表演前的彩排总变成我最害怕的事,我们的问题已经不是恶劣的环境或是不可靠的音响公司,而是彼此是否发出了使对方舒服的频率,这种只有我在乎的枝枝节节.像是情人不信任的探索.若没有人发现的话,这种状况维持了一年多.

前几天,我朋友边开车边赞美他从来不洗也不整理的车,我在一旁觉得很好笑,觉得这像是一个嘲讽似的.没想到,他很严肃地告诉我,他真的很爱他的车.还告诉我关于两个空的塑料袋的实验.实验者对一个空塑料袋不断责骂,对另一个持续到赞美,实验维持3个星期之后,把相同条件的面包放在两个塑料袋;被骂的塑料袋里的面包以非常快的速度就发霉了,当然,另一个面包奇妙的维持了更长久的新鲜.这种类似的理论,从听音乐的牛可以产出较好喝的牛奶,对植物说话可以帮助植物生长,到现在的空的塑料袋;我联想到的当然是我这把常常挨骂的可怜伴侣.我自己思索,是不是我的吉他生气了?被我骂到心灰意冷.我陷入了深深的反省,反省这一段时间对所有事情是否用错了珍惜的发法,然而错误的珍惜方法会不会只是一种借口,一种想要被更多欲望覆盖而失去了尽头的理由.

结果是肯定的.我开始回想我买这把吉他的种种;写的第一首歌,上台做第一次表演,第一次吉他盒子上面贴上小心轻放的贴纸目送它随着输送带进入机舱.每一次我是多么恐惧地在机场打开盒盖检查是否被粗心的行李员摔坏,也因为它特别的颜色让我怎么朴素的穿着,靠着它也不会显得太过狼狈.原来一直躲在它的保护背后唱着的,是如此安全.闭上眼睛唱的时候,我有时甚至觉得我在飞
虽然不明就里的朋友们在一旁也觉得我最近行为诡异,我开始把该对它表明的种种感谢化成合理但还是稍嫌肉麻的语言,对它说话了.也许是巧合,但我宁愿相信不是,那丰沛浑厚的声音有再度在两天前的一个小演出让我听见了(没有太多人知道那天我的感谢和成就其实来自于这里).

你有吗?你曾经全心全意地依赖一样什么吗?一样在心里深深知道它给了你力量,这力量一旦失去就再也找不回的什么?如果有,你一定知道这种无法与它相互诉说,却又浓烈密不可分的情感.我只好在这段脆弱懊悔的时刻,对着空气,对着任何人,对着伤痕累累,却越来越展现出灵魂厚度的一种声音,大方表达我的爱意.
因为我的灵魂,已与它密不可分

2009 陳綺貞 Album #5 太陽發片記者會

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:27:28 +0800

Photos used with permission and copyright of Klyle

陳綺貞煙火 - acoustic guitar play along

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:49:00 +0800

旅行的意義 by Cheer Chen acoustic version

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:48:29 +0800

陳綺貞太陽－ acoustic version

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:08:38 +0800

Me playing Cheer Chen new song, Immortal, 陳綺貞太陽。多多指教 ^_^

Track 4 魚 ::the edge

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:29:39 +0800

No where in the lyrics where the word FISH appears...it is only when Cheer link the FISH theme in context to the story where i got her idea.

Color of the song: GREY/SUBDUE Orange

Mood of the song: Dark, 無奈

When I first heard the song, i thought it's about hope...but on deeper listening seems to be a

prelude of a FISH trying to say goodbye to her WORLD.

In a world that has turned from Clear River, to a Muddy Bank

From the rising of the sun to the decay of the land

The FISH wishes Mother Earth can self-heal herself.

In a world that forget to Love, in an oceanic of sadness and avaricious.

Please forgive the FISH for leaving the WORLD because it is has ERODED,

There no choice for to Love the SUN.

But will the SUN provide the Warmth the FISH seeketh ?

Only the FISH can tell when she touches the FLIGHT of FREEDOM from the "Edge".

Track 2 - 狂戀 :: Complex - review

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:29:02 +0800

Track 2 - 狂戀 :: Complex

This is not a new song, in fact it was written at least 10 years ago or more. This song appears in the ultra-acoustic, homemade and now rare release of Demo series (Demo 1, i think). In that particulary release, the recording quality was very sparse. Imagine hearing Cheer singing in a echo-ed room with only a clean tone sounding electric guitar from a 2.5" Panasonic radio speaker in the dead of the night. That scary, that saddnening.

Finally, Cheer has done a glorious full band version in 2009 :) The songs has a slow built up with just piano intro trickling in, followed later by strings section before peaking with drum & bass. Here, she sound less depressed but nontheless sung with a strong conviction of the "Complex" emotions that exude resignation of a star-crossed love story. Well, not star-crossed, just plain infatuation !

What could be better: the drumming....there should be more intense drumming. Not sure why there is this "too" held-back feeling which lack the "kick". The drumming should match Cheer's desperation in those lonley nights with lonely thoughts. Maybe Tiger/Cheer really wanted to convey the incompleteness of this song....

This will definitely be a concert show-stopper!

手的预言 Rebirth - Aomoon's interpretation

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:27:57 +0800

Listening to Cheer Chen songs is a pure enjoyment, a sonic-orgasm of the highest order.

Okay, i may be exaggerating here....but this IMMORTAL album is Deep and Dark and I love it!

Here's my personal interpretation of her song, 手的预言 Rebirth.

There are times where Cheer gives glimpse of what she intends to convey by the title of the song's English title. Rebirth is "a belief that consciousness arising in the new person is neither identical to, nor different from, the old consciousness, but forms part of a causal continum." In the lyrics, Cheer is using a simple three Chinese character to portray this theme. What is the prophecy of the hand? It's just a releasing of the character's heart toward freedom. Which is exactly why Cheer reference the butterfly symbology to represent a need for change and greater freedom, and at the same time it represents courage.

The setting of a possible MTV is on a cold western coastline, with storm threatening and rising tides. Cheer Chendon't waste a single word in this song, every character has a meaning. My favorite phrase in this song is "追逐一头大雨中的狼" Wolf represent wilderness, the hunter, warrior and magician. Can you imagine Cheer Chen surround a pack of wolf, leading the troops onward charge for the kill with her guitar? Yes, I can !

The song is only 1min36sec long but a powerful prelude that sets the stage of the album.

陈绮贞《鱼》 - A review

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:50:15 +0800

No where in the lyrics where the word FISH appears...it is only when Cheer link the FISH theme in context to the story where i got her idea. Color of the song: GREY/SUBDUE Orange Mood of the song: Dark, 無奈 When I first heard the song, i thought it's about hope...but on deeper listening seems to be a prelude of a FISH trying to say goodbye to her WORLD. In a world that has turned from Clear River, to a Muddy Bank From the rising of the sun to the decay of the land The FISH wishes Mother Earth can self-heal herself. In a world that forget to Love, in an oceanic of sadness and avaricious. Please forgive the FISH for leaving the WORLD because it is has ERODED, There no choice for to Love the SUN. But will the SUN provide the Warmth the FISH seeketh ? Only the FISH can tell when she touches the FLIGHT of FREEDOM.

Cheer Chen's new song "SUN

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:18:38 +0800

陳綺貞 :: 太陽

Fans attending last weekend Simple Living concert in Taipei were treated to Cheer's new song! Thanks to Youtube, fans around the world can share the warmth of this song! Click on the link to the site and hear it first hand :)

Cheer Chen 陳綺貞 new album

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:31:56 +0800

Everyone one wants a piece of Cheer Chen....well at least that's true of Cheer fanatics and admirer.

This is my wish list for things in her new upcoming album(s). May or may not comes true...but Cheer can do no wrong.

a) Release a vinyl format

b) Release a Double-CD with lots of outtakes and B-sides

c) More aggressive songs ...Sentimental Kills!

d) A French song!

e) A Cantonese song!

f) An album that is not made up on singles...that need to be listen as a Whole from Track 1 to Track 12 to just get it.

g) An album with lots of guest artists.

The list goes on...i guess!

Cheer Chen's Lee Guitar

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:04:28 +0800

Cheer Chen has a new guitar, it's a Lee Guitar!

Jonanthan Lee had crafted an acoustic guitar for Cheer and I believe Singapore fans has the privilege to see it 1st in the world !!! This is the first time in a very very long time that Cheer is using another brand other than her Gibson Hummingbird (her main axe) and J-45 (normally use in open E tuning).

Actually, Jonathan crafted the guitar to be very similar to J-45. There is no pickguard and has a very simple but elegant feel to it. No bling bling feeling but truly matches Cheer's style. I especially love the gold tuner ! I may be biased, but Cheer's fingering on this baby made it sound the best of all Lee Guitars played last nite.

" 關於心中的話 , 心中的話,

.... 只對你一個人說 " --- the sublime phrase from her rendition of 生命中的精灵 (this is the Mandarin's Knocking on Heaven's Door)

Even though Cheer's only sang 4 songs...we are still happy to see her again !

Blythe Doll in Singapore

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:32:50 +0800

Singapore... (thanks to Tommy of www.blythe.7-even.com/ !)

Action City (website: www.actioncity.com.sg)
260 Orchard Road
#05-k1/k2/k3 The Heeren
Singapore 238855
Tel 6738 7253

200 Victoria Street
#03-23 Parco Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Tel 6837 2723

3 Lorong Liput
#02-01 Holland Village Shopping Mall
Singapore 277725
Tel 6462 5320

Dollz inc www.dollzinc.com
501 Orchard Road
#02-20 Wheelock Place
Singapore 238880
Tel 6733 7377 fax 6235 7877

Blk 3c River Valley Road
#02-32 The Cannery Clarke Quay
Singapore 179022
Tel 6338 6313 Fax 6289 5280

Earth X
Blk 3c River Valley Road
#02-25/26 The Cannery Clarke Quay
Singapore 179022
Tel 6338 8396
earthx02@yahoo.com.sg

Rapid Culture
5 Coleman Street
#b1-16 Excelsior Shopping Centre
Singapore 179805
Tel 6336 3552

Simply Toys
14 Scotts Road
#01-26 Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
Tel 6736 4438
simtoys@yahoo.com.sg

The Falcon's Hangar www.tfh.com.sg
14 Scotts Road
#04-104/102b Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
Tel 6235 2390

865 Mountbatten Road
#02-47 Katong Shopping Centre
Singapore 437844
Tel 6348 5530

1 Jalan Anak Bukit
#01-01l Bukit Timah Plaza
Singapore 588996
Tel 6466 8723

蕭敬騰同名專輯

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:26:35 +0800

Although I am Willing - Wu Jia Hui 伍家辉

Sat, 24 May 2008 23:11:33 +0800

What can I say....it's this album that let me found a long lost friend, Al Kuan aka 阿管 (songwriter) and acquaint a new Twitter friend, Klaire Lee. (music blogger among other). I will talk about that later.

First, this is a great album by "new" artist, Wu Jia Hui and I highly recommend everyone go and get this album. JiaHui has a unique voice that people, including his boss, 黄韵仁 (Eric Ng), mistaken him for a female vocalist. The production team put a lot of effort in this album and each song ain't a filler.

Jiahui hails from Penang, Malaysia and he had already written many songs for A-list artists in the region. Ever-since the song , 一人一半, from 881 soundtrack, he had left me a deep impression with his vocal. I got the album based on the above and he doesn't disappoint me.

All in all, a strong debut.

My favorite tracks are:

虽然我愿意 Although I'm Willing

肚子饿了 Hungry

空缺 Empty Space

远距离 Distance

Below is a live performance of 虽然我愿意 Although I'm Willing at the Esplanade earlier this year. The keyboardist is 黄韵仁, the ultra talented producer, boss of Funkie Monkies Production.

倦容

Wed, 21 May 2008 01:11:23 +0800

Found it funny from Klaire's comments:

對吧，對吧！

不知道這是誰！

「明天會更好」表示「今天整個糟」，
這梗整個老，所以OUT！

(本來設定私人，但是克爸克媽沒有帳號，設定了他們就看不到... 囧)

The Number 8 Connections

Mon, 19 May 2008 15:35:40 +0800

First, it is a tragic and sad day for many, many, many Chinese folks and their loved one on May 12th 2008. The day earthquake arrived onto the people in Sichuan, China.

I'm very curious to know about the Number 8 Theory in connections to this event. And this time, the Number is not that Lucky.

a) May 12th = 5 +1+2 = 8 in the Year 2008 at 2.28pm

b) The Chinese lunar date of May 12th is = 4月初8日 , also the Tibetan Lunar Calendar is the Month of 3b, in the Day of 8

(Medicine Buddha Day)

c) Quake happened with just 88 days away from the Beijing Olympics

d) Beijing Olympic officially opens on 8/8/08 at 8.08pm

e) The date of the deadly Tibetan protests 3(March)/23 = 3+2+3 = 8 (Also Medicine Buddha Day)

f) It had been 8 weeks passed since the Tibetan protest

g) Devastating Snow Storm this year 1(Jan)/25/08 (1+2+5 = 8)

An article of the 8 connection

小心眼 @_@

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:41:10 +0800

source:夏天 Summer

In Fish Leong's 2006 album,亲亲, Fish & Cheer Chen had a duet call 小心眼. It is so laid back and easy going that you can hit "repeat" and loop it over and over ! The song starts with sexy clarinet phrasing with a mid-tempo jazz beat that feels like I'm a white sandy beach in Barbados on a windy afternoon! (大叔，你想太多了！）At around 0:43 minute, Cheer snudges in via backing vocal singing complementary alternate key just underneath Fish's vocal. Then, Cheer's part came at around 1:24 minute and her singing is just so soft...like candyfloss or Softlan with Fish taking backing vocal role this time. Quite amazing...the song is like sonic orgasm (ahem). Unwillingly at 3.10 minute, the ladies began saying sayonara with one last part before disappearing into the sunset at the far end of the beach.

60s70s80s

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:35:38 +0800

OMG ! The Queen is back and she is awesome !

Namie Amuro has released a tripe A-side singles 60s70s80s (New Look, Rock Steady & What A Feeling) You gotta check out her MTVs for these songs. Name grows from strength to strength.

The odd thing: her tattoos were digitally removed in the MTVs

Go Namie ! ! !

More info from Eddie's site

Source: EddieWong

陳綺貞 Cheer Chen 腐朽 - My acoustic cover

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:44:09 +0800

Love and Berry Nintendo DS

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:13:50 +0800

Wow,,,,my daughter told me she is searching for Love and Berry stuff on Youtube and found this,

Need to check if there is a Hong Kong version for the cardreader etc etc....quite interesting as this is all the rage.

Love and Berry is quite popular in Japan, but apparently the arcade game is so big that there is a market for a Love and Berry DS Lite. Sega’s Oshare Majo Love and Berry DS Collection comes with: Oshare Majo Love and Berry, the e-reader, a CD soundtrack, ten limited edition cards and the special Love and Berry noble pink DS Lite for 23,730 yen ($200). Even though it might not be the most appealing looking DS Lite out there it is bound to be a rare collectable like the Final Fantasy III DS Lite

Source: Spencer of Siliconera

Japanese Retail Version

Source: Halley Von Purr

Tons of cards to play in this arcade games ! Got this from the arcade in Macau.

Source: DJ Damian

盧廣仲 - “這傢伙真了不起！”

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:53:15 +0800

source: ChuangChuYa

” 有此人要愛，要自由

要別人的尊重

他只要他的眼鏡，和一雙吉他

就怎麼都有了 “－－－陳綺貞

source: ChuangChuYa

看到盧廣仲自彈自唱的那一天

肯定是我人身中的

搖滾瞬間 ！！！！！！！！！！！！！！

－－－旺褔樂團姚小民

小賴 Guitar Playing on YouTube

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:03:21 +0800

Finally !!! 小賴, Cheer's right hand woman, has her very own Youtube site and there are a lots of video of her playing mostly Cheer's songs. Most are intermediate to advance stuff and I am really HAPPY that she did a cover of 腐朽 at regular tuning. Thanks to her, I'm transcribing visually to those funny and exotic voicing chords (like E11, A7#11, Asus2, Eadd4 to D).

It is one of most atmospheric Cheer songs ever. It's right up there with SELF and oh...she does' 煙火 and 太聰明 too ! So, now i can have a reference of 煙火visually (transcribe by ear previously). Hooray !!!!

Cheer in Spore July'08 ?

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:41:02 +0800

\\ STOP THE PRESS ! \\

陳大牌 coming to S'pore in Mid-July 2008 ?

source: 緑

I just got a news via Marc that Cheer maybe coming to Spore for a small gig. This is unverified but EXCITING ! Can anyone who has any info drop me an email (at the right sidebar contact form) ?

\\ STOP THE PRESS ! \\

The Taiwan Vitas

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:35:38 +0800

Hilarious !

A-Yue Unplugged Singapore Esplanade 2008 !

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:00:23 +0800

Zhang Zhen Yue (Unplugged) 馬拉桑 !!!

Source:Adrian

A great concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall. We were at dead centre at the second row. Guest star: MC Hotdog. From 7.30 p.m. to 9.45 p.m.. He sang a lot of sentimental songs, some earlier stuff and the section featuring MC Hotdog was just great! I love the guitarist, A-De. Cool looking and a great guitar player. A-Yue didn't even played his guitar and left the duties solely to A-De. But they look like they are having a great time with the capacity crowd :)

Source: Stella

This is the A-Yue's set list that was pasted on his monitor speaker (!) and Stella got it after the show! A-De's set list was given to another fan. Also, Stella got A-De's guitar pick .....OOOOOOOOOO What the !!!!! Great Stuff :)

Source: Stella

I was hoping for better acoustic at such a superb venue. But, somehow the sound guy mess it up and couldn't contain the occasional feedback and booming bass at the front row. A-Yue even have to apologize to the crowd. This is unacceptable.

We stood up (with the encouragement of Stella & 欧雅) for the fast songs. Else it will be quite boring sitting throughout the performance. 还好有她們叫“站”起來 (via the famous "站" poster that appeared in Cheer Chen concert last year)！

3 merchandises bought from the gig : Lanyard (Live In China 2007) , MC HotDog CD, A-Yue & Free9 Demo. Featured in photos are Depeche Mode Devotional Tour DVD & Remixes CD.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 LAUTA

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:45:48 +0800

I was introduced to this brand only recently...and I never notice Uma Thurman wore a pair during Kill Bill movie. In Singapore, there are a couple of shops selling this Japanese cult sports label : Limited Edt (Queensway & Hereen) & Star Three Sixty (Wheellock Place & Paragon). I believe the current productions are from Vietnam factory.

The brand was founded in 1949 by Mr Kihachiro Onitsuka in his native city of Kobe and garnered a strong following among trendy Japanese youths and style icons including Twiggy and Bianca Jagger. In Singapore, there are literally many different designs to choose from and the price normally retail at S$169-ish per pair.

Model : THL7G1 - Mexico 66 - Lauta Series

Why I like it : Brown Color with Tiger Strips as background. Also, it features thin leather-like shoe laces.

Wearability: I wore this pair for around 4 hours of shopping at Orchard Road today and it is surprisingly comfortable. It has an arched insole which provides some relief from the other-wise flat sole. I am wearing Size 10 US

Tanya Chua at St James Dragonfly

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:15:58 +0800

Thanks to Yamie , ultimate Tanya Chua fan, we were able to secure VIP seatings at Dragonfly. And to top it off, I actually have to contact Tanya Chua's mum to get the tickets. She came out from backstage and handed me the tickets !! Incredible. I find her to be very friendly lady. She told me I still can't go in yet and have to wait for a while more...but hey, at least we beat like 200-300 other fans and had complimentary drinks :) It's really a strange feeling...thinking back I was once within the music industry and now having a great time as a fan.

The best thing, Yamie won a Nokia mobile phone during the "identify Tanya Chua songs" contest !

Overall, I had a great time listening to a talented artist and concluded the evening over at VivoCity-Carl's Jr with Stella.

We are Tanya groupies, too !!!! Go Tanya ! Go Tanya!

Tanya look awesome and her vocal really in top form!

Tanya with her trusty Martin acoustic guitar

That's Tanya's Martin !

Tanya & her mommy :)

Wearing No. 5 Chanel

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:03:00 +0800

Can men get away by wearing Chanel No. 5 ? Definitely and I don't see why not. As one article in Perfume Posse mentions, "men could quite easily indulge in its dry, chilled florals. While a random person on the street might be surprised to discover a man wearing No. 5, an adventurous perfumista would understand. "

I am enchanted by the scent of this 87 years old brew and this was largely due to early exposure of it during childhood. Nothing have yet to top it at its category. The wife don't really have a big preference for it but I am a big fan. Its top notes include ylang ylang, neroli and aldehydes; its mid notes rose and jasmine; and its base notes sandalwood, vetiver and vanilla. This composition truly is amazing.

As one reviewer put its as "Chanel No.5's scent is a classic, discrete yet powerful and elegant. It smells a little bit dusty - the smell of the good quality make-up powder - but it is relaxing and soothing." Ms Coco wanted a perfume that "reflects my personality, something abstract and unique" To me, it's not overly feminine and the scent brings back pleasant memories. Warning: this perfume is a real man-magnet for ladies!

Picture above is the 50ml Eau De Parfum version and is available at many departmental store. I got mine from Takashimaya at S$137/-

Joanna Wang 王若琳 - Queen of Midnight

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:25:33 +0800

王若琳 is Taiwan answer to Norah Jones. She is releasing her English album this Friday and you can sample all her songs below. Immediate reaction: WOW...

Got the album today.....you gotta have it. I kid you not. All tracks are diamonds. Noteworthy: listen to Track 11 "True"...yes that Spandau Ballet's ballad. She transformed it into her own song.

The most important album for January 2008 listening !

This Taiwanese songbird is simply astounding. She posses a voice like no other and to listen to her sing is simply a blessing! And......she's just 19 years old ! Her style is laid back jazzy and lounge atmospheric. The best time to listen: around midnight and beyond.

Joanna Wang - Queen of Midnight. Yes, that's what I am gonna call her. She will over Norah Jones, win over Sade, win over Lisa Ono and win over Diana Krall. She WINS Big Time !!!

Disc 1 - English songs (12 tracks)

Disc 2 - Chinese songs (5 tracks)

Definitely my top of the chart desert island disc.

Where to buy ? Well, I ordered via Neon Music as most retailers are sadly slow in bringing this title since official Taiwan release of 11th Jan 2008

Rave Review from Music Insiders :

David Tao
Joanna 的才能是上帝賜給他的天份。而我們的耳朵也終於有福份，可以聽到一個有靈魂的聲音。

朱衛茵
身為DJ二十年，難得有一個聲音在第一個瞬間就感動了我。
她讓我想起了The Beatles, Linda Ronstadt，讓我想起很久以前那個最初的自己。

林暐哲
在Joanna的歌聲中，我聽到輕而易舉的感動，更聽到睥睨一切的驕傲。

張懸
既像咖啡有的濃郁又有酒精能帶來的醉意。
讓我們聽歌的耳朵一邊被沁透,一邊生出溫熱。joanna. 她的聲音，真是美得不得了。

Amazing !

of iPod Touch & Gucci

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:59:04 +0800

I have a good X'mas this year with family. The wife got me a Gucci wallet (!) for X'mas & Bday present and I just replaced my 2 yrs old nano with iPod Touch (8GB). Thank you, Universe.

Fresh stock of iPod touch just arrived in Singapore store today. This batch features the legendary John Lennon on as the cover boxart! Previously, it was Macy Gray and Corinne Bailey Rae.

I've been adding tons of songs from my iTunes, video files and photos to my new media player. This machine can surf the web via wifi, view YouTube video, check my Gmail etc etc. Totally cool as I do not think i will get an iPhone until 2009 or so. I heard there are many people modifying their iPod Touch to unlock and installed some of the iPhones application. For the time being, it's very cool and easy to navigate using the touch screen. The touch is really a hybrid device...something in between a mp3 player and a short of becoming a full PDA device. Technology certainly comes a long way since 4 years ago when I thought my Palm was cool.

My wishlist for iPod Touch:

a) Read pdf files (maybe it can, already)

b) plays GO chess game (there are some web apps designed for iPhones & Touch...)

c) Simple Notes taking (i heard with Jailbreak modding)

d) handle Javascript & Flash for web content

e) whatever....

The ability for this device to surf the net for basic info is astounding to me. The zoom in function and rendering speed is acceptable and it's really a wow for me.

The Obs In Motion

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:55:25 +0800

The Year of Living Obviously

The Obs at SODF, Bangkok

2007 is calling to an end soon... but what a year it had been for me, musically. There are a few important gigs that I had attended, which had affected me for the better. It all started with The Observatory concert on 25th March at NUS UCC Auditorium. It was a perfect setting to experience one of the best band Singapore has seen. Totally sonic porn !

The Obs at Seoul Fringe Festival

Source: Used with permission of the Observatory

A brief intro : The Observatory are an indie space rock and electronica band and have toured widely throughout Asia (despite the facts that they all have day-jobs) and are influential in the Singapore music scene. They first performed at the Baybeats music festival in December 2002, and have released three albums, Time of Rebirth, March 2004, and Blank Walls, September 2005 and A Far Cry From Here, April 2007. 'They use electronic effects extensively, using several laptops during their performances.

Their music defies classification and it is an amalgamation of confluences as wide as the galaxy. There are a few tracks from their 3 albums which are listed as my all time favorites : Acid Pills, Time of Rebirth, Sea of Doubts, Enlightense etc

“Beyond the jazz subtext, whiffs of electronica, and folk rock roots, The Observatory makes compelling music through engaging storytelling … truly a work of genuine talent, a work from the heart, of belief seldom seen, and of passion rarely heard.

- Sebastian Ho, MTV Asia

Visit their website for more info on ordering their works. If you are in Singapore, you can grab their stuff at Gramaphone, Sembawang Music etc

There is no finer time to be alive to be a groupie of The Obs ! I recommend you starting via their 2nd album, Blank Wall and work you way to Time of Rebirth & then A Far Cry From Here. Afterwhich, you can then shuffle all their songs in your iTunes for an immersion of the fourth dimension !

BLANK WALLS

release date: September 2005 / produced by: The Observatory & Jorgen Traeen / mixed by: Jorgen Traeen @ Duper, Norway

Blank Walls is deliberately loose, eschewing particular themes or genres and embracing unconventional structures, progressive sounds and improvisatory forms, continuing our experimentation with song form into greater depths of musical and lyrical tension. A diverse, experimental palette of words, sonic layering, and musical contrasts. The subject matter signals a mood-shift towards a more palpable intensity, exploring various themes from anger to disenchantment, from the quaint and humorous to self-mockery or plain indignation.

Lead Singer: Leslie Low

wikipedia : The Observatory

official site: The Observatory

All Photos Used with permission of the Observatory

Adrianna ex-Taipei

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:18:03 +0800

Source: SkinnyLatte

Adrianna is in Taipei now and seems to enjoy herself so much. Shopping, eating and discovering that she is so damn Chinese and a Hokkien-lang. For an early 21-ish, she is well travelled and i think she is coming back to Singapore tommorrow and leaving for Eastern Java 12hours thereafter.

Wild Children 野孩子

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:58:49 +0800

wow, as I searched deeper into the China folk-New Orleanish music, I found 野孩子 ! A B.I.G Find. Their music is so pure, folky and infused heavily with ethnic melody.

This Beijing/Lanzhou based band is simply awesome and had released 4 albums. I will not hesitate to pay top dollar to see them live. Unfortunately, i heard one of the founder passed away.

Wow, again! This is so DEEP! I don't think i can sleep tonite...

Source: Pots

Albums:

《咒语》

《感觉不到你》

《冷酷到底》

《热爱》

Amazing Xie Tian Xiao 谢天笑

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:28:07 +0800

I think XTX is amazing ! Once more, I have found Beijing grunge music blew my mind! Yatta. He is Da Man. Youtube to see some of his concert and you can understand why he is acknowledged as China New Godfather of Rock.

Music: Grunge-Reggae

Where: Beijing

Band: 冷血动物

My favorite song, thus far:

是谁把我带到这里 (Lyrics: 谢天笑)

凌晨时我离开了人群迷迷糊糊来到森林里

这里的人告诉我要用树叶当作衣

这是个赤裸的世界我该去拒绝

还是万分羞愧的低着头看着脚下的落叶

我下定决心要离开这里回到我的家里

可是我却忘记来时的路不知怎么回去

这时有个陌路的人正匆匆路过这里

哎! 我着急的问他是谁把我带到了这里

带到了这里!

他告诉我如果要回去需要用我一生的时间

可是这还需要很多年

别告诉我如果要回去需要用我一生的时间

因为这还需要很多年

Of All Places. . .

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:22:29 +0800

While walking back home, guess who I met ? Sherlyn! She was standing next to her car, SMS'ing. I stopped to test her reaction and yup, it's her alright !

We always can't seem to get a fixed timing to meetup due to works, her studies, kids , yadda yadda and finally bumped of all places, at a fruit stall at near home. It's kind of hilarious !

Must tell Andrew & Annie about this and catch up soon!

2 Degree to Jonathan Lee

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:54:51 +0800

Six degrees of separation is the theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries. The theory was first proposed in 1929 by the Hungarian writer Frigyes Karinthy in a short story called "Chains."

Actually, I do find it to be somewhat true. Some degrees can be even be shorter.

For example, to get acquaint with the legendary Taiwanese producer, songwriter, singer 大哥，李宗盛, it will take me 2 degree. Eg: Martin-> 阿管 (friend, songwriter, who is ex-boyfriend of Fish) －》梁靜茹 (Fish Leong, prodigy of Jonathan)－》李宗盛

To get acquaint to Cheer Chen, it would take me 3 degree, i.e from 李宗盛 onward :)

Another example to get acquaint to some of my favorite Hong Kong artists, it will take me 1 degree. Eg: Martin --> Ray (friend, who is a Mixing Engineer) ---> 李克勤 (Hacken Lee) or 陳慧琳 (Kelly Chen).

I find this to be even more interesting from Facebook friend, of a friend, of a friend etc. It is really a SMALL WORLD after all.

Faye Wong 王菲的浮躁

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 08:55:37 +0800

Before Cheer Chen, there is Faye Wong

在綺貞之前，有王菲

Released : 1996

Language: Mandarin + Fayian

Songs: 10

Guest Singer : Cocteau Twins

Source: 770

Of all Faye Wong's works, this is my personal favorite. This is truly what Faye Wong is suppose to do - Beijing alternative music at its best. According to Faye, this is her favorite's, too. However, sales of this album was less than ideal. But this does not discount the sheer quality of her works.

You must listen the whole album from Track 1 to Track 10 at one go. It still gives me the goosebumps and sonic orgasm, way before Cheer Chen's A Fabulous Adventure. This was the album of the 1990's and it is way beyond its time.

On Track 4 分裂 & Track 8 掃興, Faye collaborate with Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser and they are riot!

There are notably 3 "achievements" in this album: a) it is a non-commercial work for the Queen of Pop....who dare wins ! b) there are several songs which Faye utters gibberish and invented her own Fayian language, which nobody understands, c) there are 3 tracks that is purely instrumental.

01.無常

02.浮躁

03.想象

04.分裂

05.不安

06.哪兒

07.墮落

08.掃興

09.末日

10.野三坡

Falling in Love with Tanya

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:22:01 +0800

I think I am starting to like Tanya's music more and more. It's her guitar playing and vocal that is distinctively "westernized" that make her special in the Chinese pop world. Thank goodness she'd crossed over from English to Chinese market.

Seriously, how can you grow in a puny English music market within Singapore for an ethnic Chinese ? You have the whole of China & Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Hongkong fans for Chinese pop.

Tanya is a talented artist and I wish people give her more credit and not just dismissing her.

Go Tanya !!!

Why Does Cheer Chen De-Tune Her Guitar

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:07:28 +0800

After playing for a long time on Taylor guitar, I think I am closer to the reason why Cheer play in - 2 semitones from the regular tuning of EADGBE and capo back at Fret 2 to make it in standard tuning.

There are a few possible reasons; technically & musically:

a) It is easier to barre chord by capo at Fret 2 for standard tuning song.

b) For smaller hand (subjective, and not referring to Cheer or Tiger's left hand) like myself, you can do barre chord of say, a F major and at the same time extend your pinky finger to the 5th frets and letting it ring throughout (i'm referring to A Yue's 思念是一種病 distinctive 4 notes riffs comping). It is difficult to get the same effect if you use standard tuning to the actual 5fret (it is has a longer distance ...frets get nearer to each other as it goes down the neck)

What you may lose it the open ringing sound as your guitar strings is effectively shorter

c) You can have the flexibility now to sing and compose songs -1 or -2 semitones from regular tuning.

Some example :

路口 (by 張震嶽) is using -1 semitone from regular tuning

吉他手 (by Cheer Chen) is using -2 semitone from regular tuning

我親愛的偏執狂 (by Cheer Chen) is in regular tuning by Capo at Fret 2

aChord Crazy Rendition

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:51:05 +0800

aChord谢和弦思念是一種病 神經病搖滾版

This is one sick and fun version by aChord ! I love it !!! 4 chord and variations + talents = unlimited fun !

aChord's blog here.

A Yue Unplugged in Singapore Feb 2008

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:43:04 +0800

张震岳[不插电]Live 演唱会 at Singapore Esplanade Concert Hall 16th Feb'08

Stella called me and told me about A Yue coming gig in February and asked if I'm interested to go. After I had checked my schedule during the coming Chinese New Year, i told her "Sure!"

What I didn't expect was the venue at Esplanade Concert Hall ! Plush setting and i think this should be a good gig, for a special unplugged session. We went online to Sistic site and try and try to get optimal centre seats and finally found what we wanted ! We will be sitting at Stall Section B (ground level just in front of stage),Seat 15 to 17. If you are around that area, just say hi :) The ladies are going for A-De & A Yue and I'm going for a sonic experience at Esplanade and definitely good music for the soul.

Date: 16th Feb 2008

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore

Time : 7.30pm

Special Note on the venue: " Esplanade's crown jewel is its 1,600-seat Concert Hall, which boasts superb acoustics by world-renowned acoustician Russell Johnson of Artec Consultants Inc, USA. There are only five such halls in the world with similar state-of-the-art acoustics. These features include reverberation chambers and an acoustic canopy which adapts the hall for different musical performances, producing optimum sound at every concert. " source : Esplanade.com

These are the recent promo show at Bugis during October 2007

告别冥顽不羁，告别纷纷扰扰，这回阿岳要卸下以往的摇滚外衣，不再喧哗，只是实实在在地以一把吉他，连同他的专属乐团Free 9，呈献一整夜的“不插电”演出，让你近距离接触非常OK的张震岳，感受他发自内心的动人演唱。

阿岳唱红的摇滚经典多不胜数，包括《自由》、《爱的初体验》、《分手吧》、《再見》、《爱我别走》等。除了经典好歌，他也将为大家带来最近大家所熟悉的一首首“岳式情歌”如《思念是一种病》、《路口》及《OK》等歌曲。

A Fabulous Adventure - Album Details

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:14:28 +0800

As far as I am aware, there are currently 7 version of this truly wonderful and legendary 華麗的冒險 album circulating in the marketplace. I have listed all the visible differences below for references. There is no Japan released version, though.

Cheer Chen or her associates or anyone that can reach Cheer Chen, please let her know this : can you please release a 10 year Anniversary Issue on 2015 ? It would be wonderful if you can include alternate takes, special trackings or even bonus songs and unreleased materials (!) Or, how about a HDCD release ?

Personally, this is album of the decade. It is definitely my desert island disc.

According to audiophile, maggielurva 愛美姬,

......" try playing track #7 "self" in full blast. the full glory of cheer's angelic voice coupled with the intensity of the melodious soup of noise come unabated. i get multiple aural orgasms every time i listen to this track.

trust me, if you only listen to western music and think lowly of Chinese pop music, this album could very well change your perceptions.

and the recording, my oh my, is simply marvelous. "

Enuff said ! My personal advise sonic quality is go for the Taiwan Pressing.

TRACKS:

I - 旅行的意義

II - 腐朽

III - Sentimental Kills

IV - 華麗的冒險

V - 太多

VI - 花的姿態

VII - SELF

VIII - 80%完美的日子

VIIII - 表面的和平

X - 靜靜的生活

XI - 最初的起點

華麗的冒險 - Taiwan 1st Edition (Digipack)

Pressing: Taiwan

Tag # : AVCCD90072

Barcode: 4-719760-018885

Additional Item: A small pocket size ringtone card. Album booklet contains 3 special slides that can be used for projection (if you have a projector, off course)

華麗的冒險 - Taiwan 2nd Edition

Pressing: Taiwan

Tag # : AVTCD-95859

Barcode: 4-892747-958593

華麗的冒險 - China (Digipack) Simplified Chinese font

For those who get this version, it has quite a very deviation from the Taiwan version. Back cover songs index from Song 7 to 11 are not shown as inverted reflection. There are typo in crediting the Mastering Engineer as Bernie Grundman, instead of Doug Sax. It can be a collector item because of these (!) Also, it has this distinctive quality check sticker that is common for China released CDs.

Album booklet contains 3 special slides that can be used for projection (if you have a projector, off course). However, the printing layout is slightly different from Taiwan version, again.

Pressing: China

Tag # : SSD-007

Barcode: 9+787880-817935

Additional Item: 4 mini postcard of Cheer Chen photos from her MVs

華麗的冒險 - Singapore (2nd Edition)

This pressing is for the Singapore & Malaysia market. Shown here is personal collection of Cheer Chen autographed on 2005 November 17th

Pressing: Singapore

Tag # : AVTCD-95859

Barcode: 4-892747-958593

Special Worldwide 1000 Box-Set Only "Journey" Limited Edition (Issue : Year 2005)

Pressing: Taiwan

Tag # : AVTCD-95859

Barcode: 4-892747-958593

Additional Content:

1 White Cover Notebook(with gridlines) & 1 Black CoverNote Book (Both are from 2005 October 29 &30th Concert Merchandise)

1 DVD containing MV of 表面的和平

1 graphic book "祕密" by artist,吳佳穎

Hong Kong Summer Tour Limited Edition (Issue: Year 2006, With Serial Numbers, rumored to have only 1000 in circulation)

Shown here with Serial Number #152

Pressing: Taiwan

Tag # on Packaging : AVTCD-95859C

Tag # on CD : AVTCD-95859

Barcode: No Outer Barcode

Additional Item: A blank Notebook

Hong Kong Summer Tour Limited Edition (Issue: Year 2006 , Without Serial Number)

This is the release without serial number on the packaging after initial special run. Basically, it has the same content as above.

Pressing: Taiwan

Tag # on Packaging : AVTCD-95859C

Tag # on CD : AVTCD-95859

Barcode: No Outer Barcode

Additional Item: A blank Notebook

Cheer Chen's J-45 Gibson Acoustic

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:20:59 +0800

A Gibson J-45 (own by Shawn Hebb)

Source & Copyright to : Shawn Hebb

I believe this is her first Gibson (a Black Sunburst finished) that she used for recording session. Her main acoustic guitar now is the Gibson Hummingbird. The J-45 was originally released around 1942 and nicknamed by artists as " The Workhorse". It is equipped with active electronics and volume control now. It's rather plain looking but a durable no-frills workhorse ! Some of the well known musicians that owns this includes Bob Dylan, Aimee Mann, Bruce Springsteen and James Blunt. It's not a guitar that make an artist, mind you...but as an extension to his/her personality.

Sometimes, you can see Cheer use this for a special acoustic version of "SELF" under Open E tuning. It's marvelous to hear her sing! You can find her using this in the 16 Days DVD section,too.

A brand new J-45 will cost around US$2500. According to some, it has a warm and sweet sound. In Singapore, Swee Lee Music is the main dealer. You can also get it from Guitar Gallery (they stocks lots of custom, ultra-good brands)

For acoustics, I believe Cheer's favorite guitar maker would be Gibson !

Cheer holding a B-minor chord on her J-45. This CD is a best compilation "Pricess From East'01" (Japan release)

PS: Thanks to aCiDz for zooming in on the identity of this guitar !

Tanya Chua's Goodbye & Hello

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 22:26:51 +0800

蔡健雅 latest album is better than her last three !!! It is more positive sounding and that's what I like. Even sad songs has more strength to carry on than sobbing of the past. It's Tanya way of saying goodbye to her past years (emotionally etc) and hello to the new beginning. She is really a talented songwriter & singer-guitarist and I wish her all the best staying in Taipei !

The initial release has a promotional disc of 3 acoustic demo from the album. Very refreshing and it's recorded over at Tanya's place. Just vocal, guitar & piano.

You can find more info at this ultra groupie fansite

Oh yes, her current axe is a Martin 000-1 acoustic guitar. She used to play Taylor 510 & GA 814C

Video: 蔡健雅"當你離開的時候"MV

Cheer To Dear All (Nov 2007)

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 07:57:43 +0800

Source: Cheerego.com
(From Cheer Chen)

To Dear All

一年當中能有十個月互相擁有，我已經感到非常的滿足。

今年從年初的Pussy Tour, Pussy單曲和花的姿態演唱會發行，香港校園到A Piece of Summer巡迴演出 …… 無論你用甚麼方式參與…… .

當然還有心情上狂妄與低潮交錯，生活上一切看似簡單卻深澳的相處，還有堅信奇想能從平凡中脫穎而出的信念，(而我說的平凡，是沒有裝飾和自我解釋的平凡，雖然在這太熟悉的城市，平凡往往被看作是謙虛或弱小，卻是不得不讓自己長不大的最後一個十字架。)和一群有著許多特別想法的朋友一起工作，準備演出時瞎忙的每一分鐘，這一切都是既驚險又令人懷念。(就算當時那些可惡的不得了的事，多年後也還是會被懷念吧，是嗎?)

我想短暫揮別沒有人能理解的瘋狂投入，身邊的人也需要休息和釋放。

也許你們在一旁看，也感覺累得不得了也說不定喔。

這個網站是由幾個朋友的熱心幫忙才能架設和維持，這段時間，他們真的真的辛苦了。

在這個地方，沒有企業也不是媒體。沒有契約，卻還有最體貼的心理約定。

我們不一定要不自然的一直快樂著，卻可以不讓別人受傷，這是我從你們身上學到的，也是我一直需要更努力的方向。(這條路上總有花花草草吸引我，或是猛獸或災難需要排除，但我確定，方向會是對的。)

有時候，這裡甚至反映著我的心。

讓我們用一段時間各自生活，輕輕柔柔的努力。

別忘了，今年夏天的熱情，接著要相互取暖。

我愛你們，不管身在何方。

Stella's Collection of Cheer Chen Autographed CDs

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 00:30:46 +0800

Stella had just uploaded her collection of Cheer Chen's autographed CDs and concert tickets ! It is truly awesome and a testimonial of a die-hard fanatic groupie of Cheer Chen.

The indescribable joy and immense satisfaction of your favorite artist signing for you on the spot. Ahhhhh !!!

You can view her collection here

Copyright: Stella Lin

善变的你 Easily Changed - Unreleased

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 18:13:58 +0800

This is actually written for Faith Yang under 飄著。 A very sad song. There's only 4 main chords and the melody is quite haunting. I realised that Chinese sentimental songs are much slower and I am playing too fast (hah!) She even did this number with Faith Yang during 2006 concert in Taiwan. Both seating at a sofa singing this... ULTIMATE !

善变的你

作詞/曲：陳綺貞

你送给我的信大部份我都看不懂

你牵着我的手我已经麻痹没感觉

就这么漂着漂着漂着

听着你的声音冰箱里过期的啤酒

回答你的问题唱着歌你也不想听

就这么唱着唱着唱着

你穿过的大衣磨擦热了我的身体

你下了一场雨冲掉我说谎的能力

就这么望着望着望着

Cheer Chen @ Shanghai Oct 2007

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:01:38 +0800

A week after her fantabulous last leg of A Piece of Summer Tour in Singapore, she headed to Shanghai for a jazz festival at 同乐坊 on 6th Oct 2007. I believe the performance lasted around 1.5 hours or so.

All photos here are copyright & used with permission of June Li

You can view her full Flickr set of the concert here.

Ultra-talented Tiger Chung 鍾成虎 aka 虎爺 : Producer, lead guitarist, and boyfriend of Cheer Chen.

Here is the set list that night as appeared on Midstane blog.

1.九份的咖啡店

2.after 17

3.就算全世界與我為敵

4.小塵埃

5.倔強愛情的勝利

6.黑眼圈

7.還是會寂寞

8.讓我想一想

9.吉他手

10.最初的起點

Encore

* 11.旅行的意義

* 12.失敗者的飛翔

* 13.小步舞曲

* 14.會不會

“演唱会！演唱会！……”

“我想今夜就这样吧，就算孤独也无所谓。”

陈老师 unreleased songs

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 09:37:48 +0800

Here are some of the listings which she performs live or over the radiowaves. She won't released those that she had written for other artists.

That's the magic of Cheer! with Bootleg,too! Don't play play with our 陈大牌 !

陈绮贞 & 黄韵玲 - 喜欢你现在的样子

結語

陈绮贞 & 黄韵玲 - 蓝色啤酒海 + 下午三点[LIVE]

等待(防曬油)

地下道(完整版)

十七歲(live)

夜遊

証據(楊乃文)

(LIVE) 狂戀

把你當做他

嫉妒(Live Version)

倔強愛情的勝利(未發行)

來不及 [Live]

陳綺貞 & 陳珊妮 - 喝采

陳綺貞 & 陳珊妮 - 還是會寂寞

陳綺貞五百 - 被動

陳昇.陳綺貞-然而(你不知道)

各有國天空 - 陳綺貞

Surface---表面的和平手机内带音乐版

爱斯希雅的梦中梦---DALA

一起去巴黎

陈绮贞718广州音乐会现场录音

地下道（烟花）---（证据）DEMO版

孤独---DEMO版

黑眼圈---DEMO版

倔强爱情的胜利---DEMO版

倔强爱情的胜利---现场版

每天都是一种新的练习---DEMO版

起床闹铃---约会

善變的你(漂著)---DEMO版

太聰明靜靜的生活一起去巴黎吉他手旅行的意義(陳綺貞)

太多---DEMO版

下个星期你要去英国---现场版

下午三點---Ar Loo Remix

语音的电话---旅行的意义

语音电话---SELF

语音电话---华丽的冒险

最初的起点---DALA版

Underground - Firework 地下道（烟火）

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:50:04 +0800

When I was at the Max Pavilion at around 5pm, this was the first song I heard that they were sound-checking to. It blew me away ! It's a slow-rock song that pulls your attention. I wanted to know where can I get this song.....after a few weeks of downstream effort, got more info !

Supposedly, the lyrics was re-written by Cheer Chen over her Faith Yang's 证据 and I heard from WeiMin that she don't usually cover it in a personal album out of respect to the artists that she had written it for. So, she will only perform it live.

Cheer Chen is amazing.

She had written so many songs and this rank high in my Top 10.

地下道（烟火）

作詞/曲：陳綺貞

躲在黑暗的角落讓我徹底的放鬆(this is the killer verse)

陪我看一場華麗的煙火

我的愛如此短暫自由

除了你沒有人真正瞭解我

站在城市的頂峰灰色的雲朵飄過 (killer verse # 2)

我的心隨著你垂直的降落 (i've the specific scene for this in my mind ...a bit greyish and bluish landscape)

做過的夢是一陣漩渦淹沒你淹沒了我

快告訴我你還愛我 (i'm dying already !)

用我最後溫柔的請求

給你我的墮落給你我隱藏的脆弱

告訴我你還愛我

快告訴我你還愛我

用我最後溫柔的請求

對你毫不保留

等到我的青春剝落的時候

愛我 (Heaven)

Rare Cheer Chen albums

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:25:55 +0800

几米地下铁音乐剧原声带

Its not as rare as her Demo 1 & 2 , but I just got hold of 几米地下铁音乐剧原声带 featuring songs by Cheer Chen. This is a 2 CD set featuring songs from the play.

Groupies (Japan Version) featuring 2 bonus song

This was released for Japan market and there are 2 extra spoken tracks with guitars ( 媽媽睡了 & 坐火車傅説中的湘南海岸 ) . These 2 tracks were released under her Demo 3 album.

I love the cover ! It is different from the Taiwan version :

Princess from East '01

This is a best of compilation was also released for Japan market featuring 10 tracks and a bonus video of 還是會寂寞

For those who wants to get Cheer Chen stuff, you can contact Neon Music. I have bought quite a few of Cheer's album from him and he is a friendly guy to deal with and his shipment packaging is tip-top.

Neon Music is based in Singapore and you can also contact him via Tel: +65-67267955 for enquiry.

Cheer Chen's G&L 1995 ASAT John Jorgenson !

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:36:40 +0800

This is a new electric guitar that I have seen her playing live. It's a G&L Silver Flake finishes telecaster/hellecaster. I know she is holding a signature series but i can't just identify it. Maybe if I have the chance to meet up with Cheer I can ask for more details !

Just got confirmation: this is a Limited Edition (one of est. 190 in production) G&L 1995 ASAT John Jorgenson model! Resale price now around US$2500

Btw, the guitar has almost a matching type silverish metal flake finishes as her boyfriend/producer/lead guitarist, Tiger Chung.

Cheer Chen's Fender Jaguar

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:19:02 +0800

One of Cheer's electric guitar collection she uses for concert is her Fender Jaguar. Especially for the song, SELF (one of my all time favorites).

If you want to emulate Cheer by getting a Jaguar... think twice. Because The Jaguar is NOT a beginner's guitar and it's also one of the most expensive guitars under Fender's line. It has the distinct "surf" sound.

The Jaguar line was discontinued during 1975 (the year Cheer Chen was born) and current model are reissues.

Cheer Chen's Jaguar is the Olympic White color version

A Yue OK session in Singapore !

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:50:13 +0800

張震嶽 and Free Night came to town today for an autograph and promo session. Yesterday, they held a mini gig at NTU. Met Stella & friends there as well :) Managed to get A Yue autograph + Ah De's as well. Very happy to see them perform around 5 songs from his latest album, OK.

A Yue music is more indie/rock/hiphop and with an attitude ! This is his first album in 5 years....can you believe it.

During these couple of weeks, I have been a full time groupie and acquaint new friends. These artists that I am chasing are not really the idol type but artists that matters to me.

Click here for full Flickr set.

A-Yue and Free Night in the house !

Guitarist - 宋人德 (阿德) . He is playing a Taylor X12ce model. I believe this should be a 712ce with a sound hole/feedback buster cover.

A Yue is playing the 415ce Taylor model.

A Yue autograph at top right corner, while 阿德 at the guitar body (in gold..can't see clearly in this photo)

Stella with her snapshot !

I highly recommend to watch his Street Session documentary

街頭實綠 (2003), as well. And you will realise that Guitarist,

阿德 had become more rugged handsome. The rest of the band members are the same. Hah !

This documentary has interview, music videos & clips of his 50 street session (just doing acoustic version all over the place in Taiwan).

Copyright: Stella Lin

阿德 & Stella :)

Cheer Chen 花的姿態 POSES DVD Limited Edition Review

Sun, 20 May 2007 22:47:41 +0800

Cheer Chen, the unique Taiwanese folk singer/songwriter went on the stage shortly after her highly anticipated independent 4th album, A Fabulous Adventure in autumn 2005. Finally, after all the bootleg version circulating in the Internet, an official release from her! There were 3 dates for the concert, 2 at Taipei International Convention Centre (Oct 29 & 30, 2005) and 1 at National Chung Hsing University (April 22, 2006).

The amazing part is that ticket sales went unannounced and was snapped UP within 3 days of sale. It set a all time record for the fastest sold up ticket sales for personal concert by an artist in Taiwan. The concerts were a huge success and so did the album. Remember, Cheer Chen even had to get personal loan from bank to finance her recording & production and thank goodness it paid off! She even released a production DVD depicting her recording session , Sixteen Day (around 50 minutes). Simply amazing.

One of the reason why the concert is being released this year is because of her contractual ending with Avex distributor. Currently, she is signing up with Asia Muse Entertainment. But the wait was worth it! I already got wind of her DVD quite early, hence was able to place an advance copy request.

Details of the DVD Concert (released 18th May, 2007)

a) 1 hour 20 minutes
b) 18 songs (including 3 encore)
c) Region Code 9
d) Dolby 5.1 & Stereo

I am not a fan of collecting Chinese bands DVD, and most of collections are mainly US artists . The video production is so-so but sound is great, though! The main thing is her concert make up for it. There is no bonus item (which I was really hoping_...but enough freebie in the Limited Edition packaging to keep me happy (eg: 6 pages photo booklet showing her childhood, youth and present performance, 1 poster, 1 letter from Cheer Chen).

There were guest stars during the concerts, which unfortunately were left out in the DVD (eg Faith Yang...where is Faith Yang ???, you can find it in Youtube the bootleg). Also, one of my favorite song, SELF , is not featured. But the 18 songs are classics. The band members are the musician that records with her, including her boyfriend producer, Tiger Chung, bassist/guitarist, Chico, drummer, Mr Q, keyboardist, Chen Jian Qi, bassist, Lin Xinyi.

This concert DVD is worth the purchase and every fans of Cheer Chen will not be disappoint. It marked a major milestone in her life as well as mine. Thank God for Cheer Chen and her music!

Visit www.AoMoon.com for my fansite.

Cheer's Gibson Hummingbird

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:35:55 +0800

One of Cheer's acoustic guitar is the very striking Gibson Hummingbird. Usually, she will use this axe for performance. Gibson is like the Ferrari of guitar and Hummingbird is one of top line acoustic guitar under its family. You will need to invest around US$3800 to 5000 (withHardcase) for a current model. Many Taiwan artists I see use Taylor (one of my favorite) or Martin acoustics guitar... Well, it all comes to personal choice of the guitarist. Some of the ultra famous guitarist like Keith Richards (Rolling Stone) use the Hummingbird extensively as well as The Edge & Bono (U2).

Price List as of March 2007 (Singapore)

GIBSON HUMMINGBIRD GUITAR W/CASE, HRTCHRSBRS, NICKEL HDWE US$3800

GIBSON HUMMINGBIRD KOA,HONEYBURST, W/CASE (CUSTOM SHOP MODEL)US$5000

The tonality of a Gibson Hummingbird is exceptional. It is primarily crafted using Honduran Mahogany for the back, sides & neck. The guitar also combine other tone woods to work its wonderful sound. It also incorporate a very distinctive fret inlay design : Mother of Pearl Parallelograms.

Photo Copyright to K.erb.

I believe Cheer acquired her Hummingbird ever since she signed with Monster Stone Records in 1998-ish. There is a bit of story on her Hummingbird which I'm trying to confirm. She would usually tune it to a Standard D (1 whole step down from Standard E tuning). If she need to sing songs like "Travel is Meaningful"/ "旅行的意義", she will use her Golden Kyser Quick Change capo on the 2nd Fret to get back to Standard E.

In the picture above, her Kyser Capo is clipped at headstock. She is taking out her white pick.

Cheer's Guitar Tuning

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:31:22 +0800

Most of Cheer's songs are tune to a Standard D tuning. (D G C F A D) eg :Guitar Player. On the song, SELF, she uses a Open E tuning.

For some demo on how to play Cheer's songs, check out Archer's youtube site. There is no chord but you can learn visually.

Sixteen Days DVD review

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 19:31:22 +0800

Just watched the limited edition of the making of A Fabulous Adventure 'Sixteen Days' . Serial number is 001602. Verdict : 10/10. It's a 50 minutes music documentary that Cheer initiated to capture for memory of really a wonderful recording session spanning over 16 days at Zoo Recording Studio. The "recording studio" was not your conventional room.....but rather turnover of a house complex near the sea. They literally had to create a studio from scratch. The control room was pretty far away from the scene. So the recording engineer, Kenny, was monitoring remotely. He uses Genelec speakers and digital recording console & whatever equipment at hands. I like his spirit on recording! Even though the studio quality is not as comparable as those real studios, but the results are equally fantastic. Mixing Engineer is by David Yang. Even the ultra-famous Mastering Engineer, Doug Sax ( for Pink Floyd, Metallica, Diana Krall and host of artists) said that the sound quality are good. I deeply believe that Cheer Chen & associate made the right move to bring their work to Doug Sax for the mastering process in USA instead of doing it locally. This very sought after engineer make a good album into a great album! According to the Mastering Lab, it is also pleasure to work with the talented and friendly Cheer Chen!

Everyone was very game about trying a new method of recording, an easy pace, very unconventional way. The DVD booklet has lots of information on instrument setup, issues encountered, photos and even log out time for each musicians. As the recording took place over winter of 2005 Jan - Feb, you can see all of them wearing thick jacket or sweaters. There is even a section covering string recording over in Beijing studio. Overall, it is really very apt that Cheer named it as a A Fabulous Adventure. For those interested in getting this DVD, try Yesasia.com or for Singapore fans, my online supplier, Neon (link at the sidebar of this website)

Doug Sax - Mastering Engineer for Cheer Chen's A Fabulous Adventure Album

Used with permission of The Mastering Lab

Blog | aomoon.com

Standing In Front of Goddess

The Meaning of 魚 Rebirth

Cheer Chen's on her Gibson Hummingbird

2009 陳綺貞 Album #5 太陽發片記者會

陳綺貞 煙火 - acoustic guitar play along

旅行的意義 by Cheer Chen acoustic version

陳綺貞 太陽 － acoustic version

Track 4 魚 ::the edge

Track 2 - 狂戀 :: Complex - review

手的预言 Rebirth - Aomoon's interpretation

陈绮贞《鱼》 - A review

Cheer Chen's new song "SUN

Cheer Chen 陳綺貞 new album

Cheer Chen's Lee Guitar

Blythe Doll in Singapore

蕭敬騰同名專輯

Although I am Willing - Wu Jia Hui 伍家辉

倦容

The Number 8 Connections

小心眼 @_@

60s70s80s

陳綺貞 Cheer Chen 腐朽 - My acoustic cover

Love and Berry Nintendo DS

盧廣仲 - “這傢伙真了不起 ！”

小賴 Guitar Playing on YouTube

Cheer in Spore July'08 ?

The Taiwan Vitas

A-Yue Unplugged Singapore Esplanade 2008 !

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 LAUTA

Tanya Chua at St James Dragonfly

Wearing No. 5 Chanel

Joanna Wang 王若琳 - Queen of Midnight

of iPod Touch & Gucci

The Obs In Motion

Adrianna ex-Taipei

Wild Children 野孩子

Amazing Xie Tian Xiao 谢天笑

Of All Places. . .

2 Degree to Jonathan Lee

Faye Wong 王菲 的 浮躁

Falling in Love with Tanya

Why Does Cheer Chen De-Tune Her Guitar

aChord Crazy Rendition

A Yue Unplugged in Singapore Feb 2008

A Fabulous Adventure - Album Details

Cheer Chen's J-45 Gibson Acoustic

Tanya Chua's Goodbye & Hello

Cheer To Dear All (Nov 2007)

Stella's Collection of Cheer Chen Autographed CDs

善变的你 Easily Changed - Unreleased

Cheer Chen @ Shanghai Oct 2007

陈老师 unreleased songs

Underground - Firework 地下道（烟火）

Rare Cheer Chen albums

Cheer Chen's G&L 1995 ASAT John Jorgenson !

Cheer Chen's Fender Jaguar

A Yue OK session in Singapore !

Cheer Chen 花的姿態 POSES DVD Limited Edition Review

Cheer's Gibson Hummingbird

Cheer's Guitar Tuning

Sixteen Days DVD review

陳綺貞煙火 - acoustic guitar play along

陳綺貞太陽－ acoustic version

盧廣仲 - “這傢伙真了不起！”

Faye Wong 王菲的浮躁