Mandopop: Jeannie Hsieh - To Be Mature (要發達)

To be honest - the new song from Jeannie Hsieh is a hot mess. Her "Sister" was a much better track. But what a fascinating video. Its like a golden celebration of slightly off bad taste. Like someone trying to make something both luxurios and stylish at the same time. As someone says in the comments - this is the style of Jeannie Hsieh, whether you like it or not. I like it. ;-)

• Jeannie Hsieh - To Be Mature (要發達)

Jpop: Suiyoubi no Campanella - Sen no Rikyū (千利休)

When talking about the history of the Japanese tea ceremony, one cannot avoid the 16th century zen monk Sen no Rikyū, who formed many aspects of the powerful tradition. (As an interesting side note, he served under the famous shogun Nobunaga, who started the unification of Japan)
Named after this monk, the new video from the duo Suiyoubi no Campanella has a theme that combines the tea ceremony with several mystical aspects, but I find it somehow quite suitable for its theme.

• Suiyoubi no Campanella - Sen no Rikyū (千利休)

Kpop: Stellar - Mask (마스크)

Whatever one may have thought of Stellar's explicitly sexy and slightly trashy look for "Marionette" (I thought the video was badly styled and rather almost un-sexy but the song was actually really good and not to be missed), it worked for them as they stayed in the spotlight for several weeks. This ofc means that the follow-up video will continue in the same mould. So…yes, if you liked Marionette for its "visuals", you will like this too. They song isn't too bad either, but more bland that memorable. If you want a group that does what Stellar is trying to do, but in a more successful way, watch some of 9Muses videos.

• Stellar - Mask (마스크)

Kpop: Sunny Hill - Monday Blues

Finally! Is this the end of Sunny Hill's "boring" phase? I know that the ballads and touching songs they have released for some time now is liked by many, but for me they have been a step down from what they did at their renewal back in 2011 with "Midnight Circus" etc. The new "Monday Blues" isn't perfect in any sense, but it feels refreshing for Sunny Hill as they had this unique charm that I feel they have been downplaying with the more serious tone, but now is back.

• Sunny Hill - Monday Blues