s u n n y s i d e u p.

SOUTHERN ALLSTARS

JAY CHOU

Ok - I have done something on Lara Fabien, my favourite singer in Fench in my past posting. Lets look east this time.

Just want to mention Japan's Southern Allstar rock group and Jay Chou that singer-actor.

Keisuke Kuwata -- one of Japan's greatest composers has been leading the group Southern Allstars. His songs have also been sung by one of America's greatest blind singer, Ray Charles.

Anyway , Kuwata's top song, 'Tsunami' , is one of the best selling hits in Japan's music scene. I discovered this song a few years ago by chance when I was surfing the net . It then became and  still is  my favourite song. Its soothing, pleasant, easy and romantic. And Kuwata's voice is just ... well, listen to it yourself.

Go here to listen . 

It has never failed to calm me down. Anyway the band will calling it quits in May 2009 . (That sucks !) I reproduce the news from

http://www.japantoday.com/category/shukan-post/view/fans-wonder-why-southern-all-stars-call-it-quits

Fans wonder why Southern All Stars call it quits


Ever since the legendary Japanese rock band Southern All Stars announced on May 19 that they will take a break from 2009, suspending the group’s 30-year career, fans have been wondering why.

Band members will pursue solo projects, their office said, adding that it has not been decided when the band will re-form. The office said that members of the group hope to present fans with ‘‘fresher and more stimulating activities’’ when they resume playing as a band……

…“Kuwata ( Keisuke Kuwata, leader-singer-songwriter )is a very sensible and practical person,” said a friend. “I think one of the reasons for the sudden suspension of their music activities is the health condition of his sister. She has been suffering from a serious illness for a long time. I think he wishes to be with her as much as he can.”

Eriko Iwata, 56, Kuwata’s elder sister, is well known to his fans. Making use of her English language ability obtained from spending 20 years in the United States, she has helped him create English lyrics for his songs. Her name is often cited in the credits for some of Kuwata’s songs.

Their father Hisaji and mother Masako ran cinemas, cafes and restaurants in Kanagawa. Kuwata’s friend says Eriko became a fan of the Beatles who inspired Kuwata. Since their parents were busy working, Erika took care of Kuwata. However, their father passed away in 1994 and their mother in 2004. Now, Erika is the only family left for Kuwata.

“My illness has nothing to do with his decision this time” Erika told Shukan Post, but admitted she was not well. Kuwata’s agent also denied any relationship between his personal issues and the decision to break up the band.

Music critic Seiichi Tomizawa points out Kuwata has always cared about his band members. “The reason why Southern All Stars has not broken up before is that they equally share the profit from sales, which has strengthened the bond among them.” Tomizawa says none of the Southern All Stars members will have financial problems after they suspend their music activities.

Kuwata’s close friend also says, “Kuwata possibly thinks his band has become too big to handle. I think he must have wanted more free time to do what he wants. If he starts a solo career, he can better manage his time with Eriko.” (Translated by Taro Fujimoto)

Ok -- Jay Chou. This singer was first introduced to me by my Indonesian-Chinese student. She was just crazy about Jay Chou and  used every opportunity to use this name in all her written exercises. On her insistance, I had to sit and listen to his songs during short breaks in the class. And somehow, quite a few songs did manage to convince me that he's really not bad (although I suspected my student was more into his looks)

Anyway I love "November Chopin". Its got great melody and great voice too.

Try it here.

Well that's  it. Hope you like these two songs as well. Next would be on that Korean singer Rain with 'Sad Tango' - another great song !

ps. THE BEST PART OF IT ALL IS THAT I DON'T EVEN KNOW THE MEANING OF THE SONGS. HOWEVER, THE LANGUAGE, THE VOICE, THE MELODY, THE RHYTHM AND THE MOOD JUST DID SOMETHING TO ME !!!

# posted by sunnyside up @ 5:00 PM