The Annual Frenzy

Its that time of the year again. Finals, projects, end of the year, throw in a little drama, and its like the crazy climax of a good trance song. You are caught up in the middle of a frenzy of emotion,passion,energy and its in this storm that I actually thrive in. I'm just getting over a cold, but I've gotten some of my best grades and done good work this week. I expect my final projects and papers to come out well in the end too. Maybe I'm just happy because my thanksgiving break was awesome. Great conversations and just good company in New York. Maybe its the 15gb of trance/electronic music I got from Perez. I've yet to even sample probably a quarter of it yet. Well whatever it is its back to work I go. Can't wait for winter break.

Recovering

Life moves fast... cept when you're hungover ha. Should be doing a paper now...

Money, sex, friends, love, family, my dog, music... just shooting out honestly the things that occupy my thoughts most of the time. Work is way on the bottom of the list, not a good place for it to be ha. Its funny how drinking doesn't show up on this list because it seems to me I'm at a place where it takes alcohol to do / or not do or obtain some of the things. Last night was a perfect example of this. I have mixed feelings about the many events, though mostly good ones, of last night. We shall see what the future brings...

Can't wait for Thanksgiving break, fancy lunch with the princess tiff ha, possibly clubbing later...

Here's a great trance song for this snowy winter day.

A midsummer night's dream

Heyo,
So I'm finishing a paper basically due this past monday on A Midsummer Night's Dream still buzzed from all the beer, shots, and drinks I've had in celebration of Lehigh/Laf. I still haven't gotten my new cell, Blackberry RIM 8100, oh yea ha and I haven't gotten my hookah yet either. Both cost over $150 and yet I can receive a cassette adapter for my car in like 2 days which can cost $3 including shipping... What a world right. So tonight I've noticed the abysmal ratio in my group of friends, and also the number of "J's", don't ask ha, in our group. I can't wait to branch out in the city. I want a balanced group and social/generous friends surrounding me when I hit up places like Essex / The Modern / shoot if the right people suggested it, even Per Se. Its spending a lot of money on food, but I'm sure it'll be worth the experience. My last New York night out showed me how a good night can feel like a wasted opportunity even if just one or two people in the group don't share or let themselves enjoy the experience. So I guess what I'm trying to say is I want to spend time and money on people who will appreciate the experience fully or as much as I want to. Future girlfriends or truly trustworthy and social friends please apply ha.

Anyway a perfect song came on that prompted this post, not my usual trance/r&b but more rock. It is by a group called Moments of Grace, truly a great emotional rock band. Here are two songs exclusively uploaded by me and a great trance song in theme of the emotional yet hopeful and optimistic songs.

Ibiza Article

Just read a article on Ibiza in the New York Times, its always been on my list of places to visit while I'm still young. Thoughts of going out into the real world have been accompanied by thoughts of traveling with established close friends. At this point in my life and I'm sure in many of my peers' lives, we all know who we will have lasting friendships with. Whether they are in Cali Toronto or Michigan, and even if I only get to see them once or twice a year, these are people I would want to share another memorable experience with. If they can't travel with me, then I hope to at least hit some spots in NY. I recently was reminded of this spot when thinking of cool things to do when Tiff comes down for Thanksgiving...

More things on my "fun" todo list will come...

release

This is just straight out, avoiding backspace release. Even now I am hesitant as I resist censoring myself, which I will... No point in rehashing anything. Tonight was an crazy experience. Must put music on...

Some songs that I put up myself... So here they are, exclusively
A song of release, a song of inspiration, just an amazing trance song, and then a song to relax to and sleep to...

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I need to at least have to stop hanging out till like 4 all weekend and then wasting half a day sleeping the next...

The Reluctant Idealist

I just finished reading this assigned book, The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. It is a novel, but was assigned to be written and analyzed in relation to the topic of Terrorism and "the Clash." I must recommended this, albeit the book is fiction and offers nothing in the way of analysis on theory or international relations. In fact, this book was perfectly in the vein of the type of books I enjoy reading and was hoping to read in lieu of doing work and partying one of these days. Suspenseful and well written, Changez's extended monologue will thrill you. It speaks to, for me, very relatable and shared identity issues and about politics at the same time. There is also the element of love and loss intertwined with his experience with a lucrative career and life in New York. It was an extremely relevant book for people in the same juncture of life as me.

can't think of a song right now that will match this book...

Can't help but wait...

Kanye's new album is pretty damn good, a definite recommendation. I've been in a Hip Hop/R&B mood with all the dancing I've been doing, and Graduation gets a few plays.

But this post is less about music, but more of a clearing of thoughts.
So graduation is in a few months, and today's events were all calls for introspection. Not that I want to to think about it all, but its unavoidable.

So today I went to the new Urban Outfitters HQ for some executive leadership panel/reception. The company / building / executives all are amazing. Plus DOGS are allowed! Unfortunately there are no opportunities for them in New York. So what to do?? Do I want to work in Philly? My good bud will be there for a few years, its worth thinking about... Then I would have to worry about rent and etc... It'd be a waste of some expensive real estate in NYC if my parents kept that apartment for me and I won't use it, and I want to use it! A whole floor will be mine to chill, but what job will I be coming home from. I can't imagine a job right now that I will be going home from, tired but satisfied.

I heard a lot about passion and a lot about creativity today. What can I do that will inspire me to have that passion and creativity? I can't really answer that question right now and it sucks.

Now to exudate (expel) some of my negative thoughts... What are you supposed to do if you know you just said or did something awkward? Not to say I didn't impress some people today, but I have a feeling I didn't make a great impression on every person I met. Is it better to be ignorant to awkwardness like an unnamed really loud/annoying girl did today. I'm pretty sure they never got back to her after meeting her previously for a reason, yet she persisted to annoy and pester execs and recruiters.
Will continue my thoughts again later...

I wonder if you know what it means to find your dreams...

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Ambiguity

Here's a new fav for ya all.

Ride - Cary Brothers

I heard it on MTV one time, and it took me like a week to find it. An awesome driving song, it makes me wanna just leave my books behind and drive... If only I saw the movie its featured in, The Last Kiss, I probably would have gotten it a while ago. I would still like to see it, it has J.D in it ha, for all you lame non-scrubs fans, Zach Braff.

Anyway, before I get back to studying, - basically hardcore cramming, I just wanted to write about something I read today. It was about how guys can't deal with ambiguity like women do. Even if that's a generalization, ambiguity is a big thing driving me. Here I am faced with ambiguity constantly, and I have yet to figure out a way to really minimize the stress that comes with that. That's just life right?

I should really post more, especially since my weekend home in the city was a blast and I had my most outrageous and fun subway ride ever... a story definitely worth telling... To make up for it, I'll post another song, one from my chillout/lounge collection. It's also found on a movie soundtrack that I haven't seen yet. It just makes me want to chill/party in NYC, which I am in the mood to do instead of studying, so here it is.

Bittersweet Faith - Bitter-Sweet

Love the word bittersweet too, it applies to Love & Life.

Shoot since I'm breaking out my alternative/chillout songs, I'm going to make a playlist.

Features:

A slow/duet version of Viva la White Girl - Gym Class Heroes - if someone could find the info on it like who is the female vocalist, please comment/let me know.

Grey's Anatomy favorite, and now Old Navy "jingler" - Ingrid Michealson's - Way I am

And a nice slow curveball,
Soulja Girl - Soulja Boy.

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Asian Music Guide Series - Post 1

Let me start off with a korean song I found many nights ago...

Nell - Good Night

I'll start with how I got a lot of my korean songs. Befriend/date an asian girl. The majority of my asian music was obtained that way. If you can't find a certain song, here are some of the next steps.

The many music listing/sharing sites that are Asian song friendly.
Downloadable songs (decent quality) with a free account - Multiply.com, Esnips.com

To play songs and figure out track names etc, Imeem has a lot of good uploads. It's really too bad you can't download any of them and you can't even listen to the full song sometimes.
I want to say go buy the albums off like YesAsia.com, but until I'm a millionaire, thats not happening.

For people like me who can't read/understand Korean, YesAsia and wikipedia are a godsend.
Imeem helps also to figure out the track and album titles etc... I have a large and mostly organized Se7en collection thanks to these sites. Anyone want to buy me the 747 DVD or rip songs of it, mainly Baby I Like You Like That (Remix). The version I have is horrendous in quality : (.

On to another source, a fellow blogger. I found Good Night off of her actually.
"My randomness" - http://phillyi.blogspot.com/

Thats all I can think of right now for finding korean songs. Having Korean friends who probably use BT and their own sources is a great help too...

Posts for finding Chinese songs will have a lot more info.

Exclusively,
James

*update:
nvm i just found the se7en song I've been looking for ha. thank you google, Livejournal

Back to reality

Kaskade - Be Still

Life goes fast, and the reality is dwelling and doubting your actions just sucks the life right out of ya.


Be still and as my best bud always said, take a step back. Enjoy music and life and fuck the pressures, fuck the stress. Ha if only we could...

exclusively,
James

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I'm thinking... perfect song

Justin Timberlake - Chop Me Up
Lyrically expresses my thoughts pretty damn well right now.

Little lady {lady lady}
You got me just {screwed up}
Off of your melody
Easy baby {baby baby}
Come on girl don't {chop me up}
Please don't make a fool of me

Screwed up
Chop me up
Screwed up
Off of ya melody

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Quando, quando, quando___

First a song, you can play it below also.
Swing 2 Harmony - Perasma

Oooie, This post is going to be a doozie...

Questions are flying through my head... no answers in sight...

Its too bad the good times I won't see coming, but I can feel every misstep and will take so many steps full of fear and caution. Is it too late to try to adjust my thinking and the way I move through life? I don't think so, but I still hesistate and feel doubt snaking its fingers into my soul.

What is prompting this flow of emotion? What else of course, the search for an attractive soul(mate). Its so lame to me that I would base my quest for happiness on a female partner, and write about it now instead of doing the hours of work ahead of me, but its time I got it all out.

I mean when will I get a chance to write that I have met my musical soulmate. Yes, I have no doubt about that, but what will I get out of this besides fantastic music and a strawberry milkshake? I think I'm dreaming if love were to come from this, but hey what else can I hope for. Attraction and an emotional connection is all I'll ever need but that's just from my side.

Ah well, this is my chance to just put all my fears and doubts into words and release it. I don't doubt my geniune qualities, but it sucks that I'm just starting to really feel comfortable expressing all my natural and appreciated qualities. I need to be fine tuned, and soon. Its horrendous when my music can't even help me get through life and I have to drink a little and write this rant on my blog... I still have work to do too!

Well that helped...

Did I mention I think I blew a few chances last year? Fuck me for being naturally shy and overthinking things...

ha what other blog would you find this shit.

exclusively,
James

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How I long to seduce YOU...

Attention grabbing title eh? The words are in the lyrics of Emma from her single "Free Me" of the same titled album. Those words are also prominently featured on the back cover of said album. I actually got it at a charity sale at Good Morning America, along with a few other gems like a graphic novel about the first live space passenger, the Russian dog Laika. Anyway, I've been listening to the CD packing for school, and now unpacking at school. It is a good chill/popish album with a few stand out relaxing or uptempo tracks. It's how I want this next year to be like. Some fast paced parts with some peaceful yet still stirring segments all transitioning and working melodically together. Throw in some seducing ha and I'll be set.

I'll be sure to finally make that music guide I've been planning on. A guide to finding Asian/Chinese/Korean music and then some good places for mianstream R&B and Hip Hop hits or remixes.

I'll throw out a new favorite R&B single of mine. It sounds similar to another song that I can't point out yet, but its still a great song. I found this off a blog I like to check out. Chris Pix - Bed post

J. Holiday - "Bed" Link

The Take Over, The Break's Over

Infinity On High
Fall Out Boy

I've been thinking about so many topics and post I should be writing, but the moment I watched the video for the "The Take Over, The Break's Over" I'm inspired to post - attribute this to the power of music/video. The song and lyrics are good, but the video of a dog's dream with break-dancing and the dog itself is what actually won me over. The fact that I am writing about this video is remarkable to me only because I have jotted down notes and things I would post for days, and today I saw the finals of an international traditional Chinese dance contest- an event definitely worthy of a post and some commentary. Another noteworthy thing it seems I enjoyed this song or video more than some other usual suspects in the TRL nominations voting slections. Their system is sorta stupid for voting online, you can't queue up the videos you want to watch. Anyway, I had watched some R&B, stupid 50 cent videos, and other pop-rock videos, and nothing piqued my interest too much, but saw the dog, heard the song, and watched the "dream" and throughly enjoyed it all. The black & white and doggie perspective was well-done. I would hope this video is in the TRL countdown, I wouldn't know since I don't have cable at home, but I'd vote/watch this all week.

exclusively,
James

Download the song here: fellow blogger site I check out all the time - "Chris Picks"
Watch the video here: MTV overdrive - boo I kno, they even named the video wrong

List of future posts!

I had so many ideas for a post I had wanted to do tonight that I have no choice but to list them out and hopefully cross them off by the end of this week.

An obvious one should be my 21st
A food/restaurant review post(s)
Asian music downloading guide/links
Imeem post + copyright post
Life thoughts/updates

So many thoughts/ideas I might have to do a post at work tomorrow.  
I need to get rid of this cold, so I need some sleep.  

Laters,
James

Musing/Musicing

by Butch Gordan, 2001
Origin of Symmetry Album Artwork

Musing describes my action of either comtemplating life and listening to music in general, or comtemplating life while listening to Muse. What an amazing, principled and successful band. There sheer amount of good music does nothing to simplify my organization of their music because they also have so many unmastered or "B-side" songs. The frantic energy and agressive nature of the music is tempered by the dark and deep lyrics and singing of conspircy theorist Matthew Bellamy.

So what shall I put in my musing part? So many thoughts, some are fleeting while others will linger for a while. First off I have to say Lyndasays is amazing. She could not only make money off of the blog itself, but her writing and reviews could easily lead to a career in food/restaurant reviews. I am in awe and likely falling in love with her ha. I might be serious : ). This leads me to state that in all likelyhood I will either marry a New-Yorker or an NYU educated girl ha. This is further justified by my immense attraction to a fellow intern and NYU student at my summer job. Something about the style and the cultural/general education and influence that only NYC/NYU can provide maybe?

A comment about the previous paragraph:
I never know because I debate if I should just post this in a more private spot since I always feel like there are implications and drama that can result. Now I have to consider whether I can tell my crushes and maybe even some friends to read it. I have yet to post a link on facebook because I've been considering this very issue. Now that my relationship status is single, I have to consider also wheter not I should use my blog as a way to present myself. Isn't love and life so complicated?? If only I could keep a blog like Lynda has, less personal but still revealing and entertaining. Ah well, I am a sentimental guy, there's no hiding it. Thats enough for one post... still need to write one about work so I don't have to describe the same thing to every friend that asks. Though there are complications and implications to contend with there...

2 Young - 早熟...

Speechless... I am in awe of how much I enjoyed this movie. It is simply a good movie. My view of life has now incorporated the life-lessons, both new and forgotten. The only negative feeling I get after seeing this movie is the ever-present and lingering doubt that reality is still too far from this honest and modest film. Good thing the hopeless romantic side is unwavering in its optimism for the future. Its belief that since I possess the qualities that Jaycee Fong adequately portrayed in the movie, that someone as cute as Fiona Sit could join me in exploring the happiness that life and growing up has to offer.

Speaking of Fiona Sit, I found a full discography on Imeem. Even though I may have favorited some of her songs along with some pop gems from Rainie in my top list for June in my last post, I now present to you a Fiona Sit playlist.

Music - New Favorites

I don't know how music blogs do it. They post awesome posts with links to download the song, or have mini players to preview also. Embedded playlists and even links that generate money, all this takes alot of time and effort. Not to mention the distraction of listening to music and finding new favorites constantly. Maybe its because I'm basically O.C.D when it comes to organizing my music. Its the one thing that I have extreme control over, and I obsess over every detail from quality to the exact album or track number. Now that I want to post my favorites, that obsession is an obstacle. What do I use to organize this playlist? Play count, recent favorites, what about the genre? I have eclectic and extensive music tastes, another huge complication.

Well below will be my attempt to make a top 25 "Exclusively James" playlist for June 2007.
Great, one of my new favs from Shawn Yue is only on youtube. Posting on Facebook then I guess.

So far after a couple of hours I've narrowed it to 10 songs, I will update as the month goes by ha.

exclusively,

James




*Update: Copyrighted material on Imeem only has a 30 sec preview now. Will have to use something else in the future.

Inspired

This is my first post after thinking about creating a blog for a while now... Its funny how I get spurts of motivation. After getting inspired, I spent some time creating this blog, and completely lost steam when it came to writing my first post. It seems like other bloggers may operate like me.

For you see, I was inspired yesterday by the well-written stream of posts at http://www.lyndasays.blogspot.com/ She is a friend of a friend and I have to admit I still might have a crush on her. Maybe its because she reminds me of Hilary Duff : )

Anyways, back to my inspiritment: the title of my blog comes from one of my new favorite songs - "Exclusively" by Marques Houston. Do I think I am unique enough to warrant the title? Absolutely ha, I've even thought about submitting myself to the company that handles Tucker Max's blog/website and making some money. However, after reading Lynda's well organized blog and having noticed that my notes on Facebook need refinement, I realized I need some practice in posting and in maintaining content. This was my first step and it doesn't seem so bad. Cheers.