(Russian River, California)
I want to share my holiday and year-end greetings with all of you, the people who I’ve met in person in the U.S., my home country, in my travels all over the world, and in internet communities. I treasure the relationships we have created and the diversity and richness you’ve brought to my life. Continue reading
Because my life has mostly shifted away from music and towards journalism, my cello Dotty and I haven’t spent much time together, which is a strange feeling for both of us – I assume she misses me as much as I miss her. No, I’m not anthropomorphizing my instrument; she really does have feelings! Continue reading
(Jonghyun on the red carpet at KCON LA in 2016)
To a boy-to-man who I’ve watched for the past six years, this is my dedication to you.
As a musician, I resonate with your passion for music, for creation.
My sister and I grew closer together over your music.
I admire your vocal dexterity and ability to play with color.
I appreciate your appreciation for the softer dynamics of the volume spectrum.
I love your eloquence when speaking in interviews.
Listening to you as part of SHINee and as a solo act is a joy.
Your inclusion of rich harmony was never unnoticed.
Lyrically, your writing was as inspired and as sensitive as you were.
On social media, you were outspoken and passionate about your causes: politics, mental health, LGBT issues.
Even in death you were achingly honest.
You were always enough. And it was okay that you made mistakes. It still is.
You did work hard. And you deserve to rest.
I promise to share your story and help others who are like you.
Thank you for being you.
수고했어요. 정말 고생했어요.
– Lisa
by: Raine
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Not that I’m biased as a Shawl, but this is one fantastic collection of music. The focus of SHINee’s fourth studio album is their longevity and success as a frontrunner in K-pop. The album does just that. It showcases their maturity and how far they have come since their debut in 2008. Song choice reflects their greatly increased technical abilities and musical understanding. Tone quality of their voices and the cohesiveness of the harmonies reflect their obvious comfort with each other as a group and how they’ve learned to balance their musical aesthetic.
by: Raine
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Here is Part I of my review. It all began in 2008 when 5 wee teenagers had dreams of being K-pop idols and decided to sing…and dance. Yes, in brightly colored shirts and pants and suits. Why? No one knows, but it began the SHINee style and we will roll with it. It all started with Replay…
by: Raine
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In case you didn’t know, I’m a SHINee fangirl. The biggest reason I’m a fangirl is because they have magic when they perform live that shows off their talents in singing, dancing and effervescing on stage and that they constantly and consistently improve over the years. So I’m going to review their live performances from 2008 to present to show you how awesomely they’ve changed from talented and raw, to talented and polished. Mind you, this is a review of LIVE performances, not recordings. They are fantastic in the studio. Continue reading
by: Raine and Lil’ Raine
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(Note: Lil’ Raine is my little sister who I have gotten addicted to K-drama, K-pop and whose favorite Kpop group is SHINee…just like me! We decided to write some K-pop posts together! Here is the first of (hopefully) many!)
Raine: Initial reaction: Love the dance. Not sure about the song. The dance has amazing transitions. The song has…not so amazing transitions. The video and the effects are amazing, but I’m not sure why they’re smashing statues…
Taemin shirtless is kinda…AWESOME. *drool* Or as Lil’ Raine says “Taemin shirtless = win!”
Lil’ Raine: WIN! Continue reading
