review – Page 3 – Artistic Apathy

Nujabes, Soul Music

I believe there are two types of soul food. There’s the one most people are acquainted with. I’m talking cornbread, fried pork chops and mac and cheese. Then there’s the other soul food.

Music.

If someone asked me for some good “soul music,” I would direct them to Nujabes.

I discovered Nujabes circa 2014 when I was on my expedition into deeper music territory. I was heavily into electronic music at the time. From there I gravitated towards strictly beats, then Hip-Hop beats and that’s how I found Nujabes.

Nujabes is a blend of Hip-Hop, Jazz and Soul and it is done so beautifully and seamlessly. The late DJ is truly a legend in my and many others’ books. His use of flutes, piano arrangements, and saxophones have captivated me from the moment I came to know him.

His music moves my soul, it’s hard to explain the intricacy of how this music permeates the body and reaches inside. I feel uplifted, like in another plane. When I listen to Luv (sic.) pt3, my favorite track, I feel an emergence of my soul. I feel hopeful. I feel nostalgic, like I’m being called home.

On Imaginary Folklore, the serenading Japanese vocals soothe me. It makes me feel like everything is alright. Nujabes’ music helps me see the beauty in the world and appreciate it. Sometimes I’m so moved I want to write my own lyrics to the songs.

I can see his music being played in a piano bar or at your friendly neighborhood kickback. It’s so versatile and universal, anyone can enjoy. I remember I received a guest to my house one day and I was playing Nujabes, they never heard him before but they explained to me that the ambience made them feel peaceful and relaxed.

Even so, his music is not so mainstream with Americans. Real Hip-Hop heads are sure to know who this legend is but I feel he deserves more recognition.

Nujabes, your music continues to touch and inspire a generation of people and I’m sure it will for generations to come. You have left behind a legacy so impeccable, you will be remembered for years to come.

I truly respect artists who put their heart and soul into their music. Nujabes was one of them.

Rest in the clouds, king.

The Universal Language

I’ve often heard music be described as the “universal language” or the “language of the soul.”

This implies that music reaches people no matter what their origin or nationality or creed may be. You don’t always have to understand the lyrics of a song. Sometimes a song can have no lyrics and still touch you. Many people argue they can’t listen to a song without understanding the lyrics.

I’m of the camp that thinks this is a non-issue. As I listen to a song by one of my favorite foreign artists, I can feel the emotion of what he’s saying. I don’t speak his language but already I can tell it’s an outpouring of emotion. This is also assisted by the fact that it’s the first track of the album and the album picture has a transcription on it that reads: — why didn’t you tell anyone? — no one asked

This is a sentiment I’ve shared in the past.

Before I was struggling in the shadows and didn’t want to burden anyone with my problems. Why didn’t you tell anyone? Nobody asked. I don’t know the whole story but this implies the artist went through something that at the time he would have rather not talked about. Perhaps he’s finally coming clean about it on this track. I’ve looked up the lyrics and really, I don’t speak Japanese but I feel the mystique of not knowing makes it that much sweeter. Why is it some people need to understand every word of a song and focus so much on lyrics while others gravitate towards music in foreign languages or just like the feeling of a song? I guess it’s a mystery.

Cover image: Untitled album by KOHH

Secret (2007) – Taiwanese Film Review

Secret is a 2007 Taiwanese film written, and directed by but also starring Jay Chou who is primarily known as a Taiwanese musician. Jay plays, well, Jay, the main character. Opposite to him is Kwai Lun-Mei who plays Rain. Yes, I’ll be using the English names for this review. I don’t know the Chinese ones.

Summary: Jay is a new transfer student at an art school. He is a musical prodigy, specifically piano. One day when he is taking a tour of the school he stumbles into an old building, hearing some very captivating piano music. That’s when he encounters Rain. Another student who is also skilled at piano and is very mysterious. The two end up getting very close. Rain has a secret but she won’t tell Jay what it is.

Some minor characters include: Sky, a classmate who has a crush on Jay. Bob and Lance, Jay’s no-good jock friends, and Jay’s father.

Secret is a movie I saw many moons ago when I yet wasn’t an adult. This year I revisited it again when Netflix brought it back. I revisited it for the third time and that’s why I’m writing this review. One thing I have to say: it’s still just as good if not better than the first time I saw it. There were so many things I did not realize when I first watched the movie but who can blame me. It was very subtle.

There’s definitely something about Rain but as a first time viewer you will not pick up on it right away. The movie is masterful in the way it keeps you guessing. After watching it a third time I picked up on how cleverly they string you along and leave you unassuming. Only for everything to be completely unraveled in the end.

Kwai Lun-Mei’s performance as Rain is just captivating. You don’t want to forget her. She’s also absolutely adorable. That always helps. Rain is very playful and likes to have fun, often sneaking up on Jay to scare him and even teasing him. Jay is more reserved and plays the cool guy act well. He’s also very humble and likeable. The chemistry between these two is undeniable. They seem to bring out the best in each other. There’s even a moment where they play piano together.

Just. Adorable.

Their moments are surprisingly intimate. I shall not forget their bike rides and their moments just overlooking the river.

The relationship isn’t perfect however. Rain always alludes to having a secret. Jay always has a hard time reading her. He even goes so far as to ask why she’s so mysterious. Rain wants to tell him her secret desperately but just can’t.

At one point, Rain stops showing up to class. During this time, Jay starts spending a lot of time with Sky, trying to not think about Rain but he can’t get over her. She all but disappears for five months up until graduation where the two see each other again. Later, it is revealed who Rain truly is.

Everything that takes place in the movie is meaningful. The piano battle that takes place, while entertaining, serves a purpose. Even when Lance is doing an impression of Elvis at a school dance, and Rain and Jay dance together, it’s setting the stage for something later.

Rain and Jay both have single parents. Not a whole lot is known about Rain’s home life. At home, Jay does all the cooking and cleaning. He lives with his single father that’s always expecting the most from him. At first he seems stern but shows a lighthearted side. Although he is tough on him, it is obvious that he just wants the best for his son.

Still, Jay and his father don’t seem to connect well. At one point in the movie Jay is washing dishes and his dad is telling him to be “ordinary.” The way I interpreted this is to not attract attention and do what is expected, not being untalented or common. Although, he is a musical prodigy, he is still hard on himself. He tells Rain that she’s special but he isn’t.

Rain and Jay spend most of their time in the old piano room where they met. When Jay tells Rain that it is being torn down she tells him that she will teach him the song that he heard when they first met.

Jay wonders why she plays it so fast.

“It’s how fast I play before I go home.”

She advises against playing it in the old piano room because it “wouldn’t sound good”.

Another thing, is the soundtrack. My god, the soundtrack is outstanding! Seriously, matter of fact I have it downloaded on my phone. I like to listen to it from time to time. Jay Chou even wrote some of the songs on there and he did an amazing job. They really set the mood and are just beautiful pieces of music.

Also the backdrops! Yes! My words can’t do them justice but some of the shots and settings are just beautiful.

All in all, I have no complaints with this movie. If you like a good love story especially one with a twist and you like music you will like this. I gotta give it a 10/10 master work.