Ethan's Playlist 9/6/12

Well, today is the day for a playlist! If there are some people out there who don't like my genre playlist, do not worry, for today is a general playlist day! If you did not know September Music Month started this month. Lots of good albums will come out this month. Here they are: Sept. 4 Lecrae & Imagine Dragons, Sept. 11 Dave Matthews Band, Sept. 18 Tyler Ward & The Killers, Sept. 25 Mumford & Sons and Deadmau5.

1. [Bleeding Out] - Imagine Dragons

I found this band like a couple of months ago when their first digital EP came out, Continued Silence and just absolutely fell in love with their music and style. This is by far their best song, that I have found so far, and they are doing great on iTunes... Yay! Also, check out their also awesome song, It's Time.

2. [Free From It All (feat. Mathai)] - Lecrae

Yeah, Ethan didn't you mention that Lecrae's album came out September 4th... Wait that was 2 days ago! Yep! I was quite excited...  I am such a big fan of both Lecrae and Mathai. I think I like Mathai a little more... she has more plays on iTunes. Well, I really like this song and I think it is just great.

3. [So Sick] - Sam Tsui & Max Schneider

I really like both of these guys' voices. They are so good, and I thought they wouldn't really compliment each other, but they really do. This is such a good cover and the original is pretty cool too. I am glad they did this collaboration together, it is sooo good. This would have topped the list if I did a playlist a week ago.

4. [Broke] - Kye Kye

So my awesome friend, <cough> Caitlyn, just kidding... Katelyn, haha, told me about this alternative band called Kye Kye. Well, I kinda didn't look them up till recently, because honestly, I did not think they would be that great... well, they are not that great... They are amazing! I really like this song, and the best thing is, all the lyrics are Bible verses, besides an occasional added word or two. So Katelyn, thank you so much for telling me about Kye Kye :).

5. [With Ur Love] - Cher Lloyd

Ok, this is kinda poppy... Ok it is really poppy... I thinks it catchy... ish.. Ok its catchy and she's pretty awesome. I liked her X-Factor stuff waaay more, like her rapping... and Stay.. but this will do...

6. [Fortune Teller] - Maroon 5

This was my favorite song for like 2 weeks, but the last time I did a general playlist was longer than that. So, now it has decreased in ranking, but it is my favorite Maroon 5 song, behind Payphone, which I am not sick of, I am just sick of people not being sick of it. I was there listening to the song the first time ever by the public, downloaded it the same night, and was obsessed with it months before it was popular... yeah... done ranting.... but it is fun singing with others.

The Voice Season 2 Episode Recaps with DJ Kwokodile [Quarterfinals 2]

I might be repeating a little, but I think that Adam was the strongest to begin with and that Cee Lo was the weakest, boy was I wrong! Cee Lo is definitely the favorite to win with either Juliet or Jamar. The weakest is either Xtina or Blake.

Quick Summary:

Jamar Rogers: It's My Life [8/10] It was good, but not exceptional

Katrina Parker: Jar of Hearts [9.5/10] Definitely her A+ game

Mathai: I'm Like a Bird [6/10] She did amazing with the song she had, but the song choice was...

James Massone: Just The Way You Are [5/10] Didn't really like it.

Tony Lucca: ...Baby One More Time [9/10] Nice to see a better side to Tony, still don't like him.

Cheesa: I Have Nothing [9/10] Cheesa's best performance.

Pip: Somewhere Only We Know [6/10] Really pitchy, didn't like it.

Juliet Simms: Cryin' [9/10] Amazing stage, amazing voice, great song, not amazing.

Instant Eliminations:

They were the right choices, even though Pip was one of my favorites on the show, I did feel like he did the worst of all of the 4. James knew his time had come, and all of the rest did well but him.

America's Saved: Tony Lucca & Jamar Rogers

Mathai: Cowboy Casanova [9/10] I really liked this performance, even though she was nervous, it didn't show

Katrina Parker: Perfect [9/10] Really good, Katrina is good, she better beat Tony!

Cheesa: Already Gone [6/10] Really pitchy, didn't like it.

Juliet Simms: Torn [9.5/10] So good, good amount of rasp! Love it!

Eliminated Mathai & Cheesa.

I was really upset that Mathai was eliminated but Katrina is really good. I really wanted Cheesa gone, I wanted Angie in from the beginning, but Cheesa won, so I didn't like her very much.

Rumour Has It, that Sharon Mathai is writing a Love Song for no Ordinary Person!

New series of blogs! Well, if you haven't guessed it, I am going to be blogging about my favorite contestants on The Voice.Well today I am going to blog about Sharon Mathai, better known just as Mathai.

^--- notice the honors banner

Sharon Mathai, 19, fresh out of high school and into college realized her gift was singing. I can relate in some sort of ways to Sharon, because she is Indian and I am Chinese, so pressures are very similar. Since I am Asian, I live in the same environment, pressure in school and being a doctor. (For the record, my parents are not that type, but other parents are... just in case my parents stumble upon this) I do want to become a doctor, but by my own choice. My mom is not a "tiger mom", but there are quite a bit of tiger moms where I live. For those reasons, I feel like I can relate with her, but then again I don't quite mind and I do not have a different dream.

So during the blind auditions, Sharon, Mathai, oh dear... I'll just say Mathai from now on. So during the blind auditions, Mathai sang "Rumour Has It" by Adele. Personally I do not like Adele covers, because many of those covers never sound good and the shoes are never filled. That was an exception for Mathai. She put a spin on the song and made it her own. The coaches couldn't see, but her stage presence was amazing. She was so comfortable on stage, that it was a bit shocking. Most of the contestants were criticized about how they were scared, but she was praised on her excellent performance in all ways. Adam turned around in less than 10 seconds, that is how much he loved her voice, (bet he was pleased by her stage presence as well).

Adam Levine congratulating Mathai

Cee Lo and Blake turned around, but ultimately, Mathai chose Adam. This decision was a good on. If I were in her shoes, I don't know what I would do. Personally I think Blake would be the best coach, because he wants your opinion and tries to do the most, for example, Dia Frampton opened on his tour, and Gwen Sebastian backgrounded for him on his tour. I think that either Adam or Blake would have been good for her.

Then in her battle rounds, she was selected to against Nicolle Galyon and they were to sing "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. I kinda thought that it was a little bit obvious, until Nicolle was allowed to use a piano. During the episode, Mathai also learned from Alanis Morissette to give each note its true value, and another thing good about Mathai is that she is fine with help and she takes it and applys it.  When the piano was taken away, I felt a little bit better. 

Mathai and Nicolle Galyon

I like to listen to country, but Nicolle's voice was a little bit bland. When the song started, immediately I felt good. Mathai was shining bright and unfortunately Nicolle was a little pitchy. I was really glad how the song went, it was a good duet. I was happy to here when all the other coaches praised Mathai and picked her, and felt even better when Adam chose her. 

Then comes one of my favorite songs from her. I love that Adam (or she) picked "Ordinary People" by John Legend. I thought that was a great way to showcase her voice And was I right, she sang it wonderfully. Her voice was so unique and made the song a whole new song. And with her dress and her hair, I kinda felt she looked a little bit like Princess Jasmine from Alladin, with a green dress and a head band. The song did chart on the Top 100 of iTunes. I thought she was superb and the next day on the results show she was the first to be saved! Personally, I think that even though Carson Daly says, "...in no particular order..." I think it is, because Jesse, Erin Willett, Mathai, and Juliet Simms were all the strongest I think. So I think it was, so in my opinion, Mathai was the most loved by America on Team Adam which made me really happy! I can not wait for... oh wow just 2 days! 2 more days for Mathai's next performance. Also please check out her cover of "Yellow" by Coldplay! (Go there by clicking Yellow)

Next week, I will be blogging about ______. I'll give you a hint... This person is... on The Voice! (BTW, don't count the little lines, they are irrelevant, or are they...) Update: Mathai's The Voice album covers!

EK10 with DJ Kwokodile 4/2/12

First off, I must apologize for not posting my EK5 for a while. The time restrictions didn't make me all too happy, but I am on spring so I will post one. My genre of music is now leaning more to Christian & Gospel. I am starting to like and appreciate Christian music so much more. It is the healthiest music there is out there. I still listen to other types though, especially from The Voice.

1. [Love Song] - Mathai
When I watched this on television, I wasn't all too impressed. Her voice wasn't extremely built for this song for live performances. I rapidly turned my head around when I heard her without Nicolle Galyon, and with her studio version. I think Nicolle's general voice was no longer there so it didn't sound as plain. I don't know if it was the auto-tuning or that, but I really like it.

2. [The Ruler and The Killer] - Kid Cudi
Hey! It's Kid Cudi! I'm Kid Fudi in my food posts. Yes, he is the inspiration for my name. He is also a pretty cool artist. I am also in love not with his new album, WZRD, but the soundtrack album, The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. I love the movie, but I love the books even more. The soundtrack is one of the bests I have heard. It is a very melodramatic album, but it is good. This is one of my favorite's. In this song Kid Cudi is like President Snow.

3. [Gold] - Britt Nicole
I love her new album! It is really motivational and is just flat out good. This song is super motivational because Britt is saying everyone is special and worth more than gold. I can't wait for a new album from her, even though it just came out.

4. [White Flag] - Chris Tomlin
Three things that I love in one: Christ Tomlin, Passion, and this song! Chris Tomlin has an amazing voice, and this song is just proof of his amazing artistry. Chris sang that song at Passion. The most amazing Christian music event ever. These older people are allowed to attend a week long concert! This song is about raising the white flag in surrender to Jesus. I love Chris Tomlin and this song so much!

5. [I Wanna Go (Hunger Games)] - WinterSpringPro
I love this song so much! It's so hilarious! I love the movie and this spoof cracked me up so much, I downloaded it. Gale and Peeta are singing to each other, fighting over Katniss. They all don't fit character at all, which makes it even more funny. The best line in the song is from "Peeta". He says, "I'll bake you pies." This is the funniest thing ever!

6. [Ready or Not (feat. Lecrae)] - Britt Nicole
This song is so good. It sounds really good, and the meaning is genuine. You can't find that in any other genre of music. Well, you might be able to, but that doesn't account for the entire genre. Lecrae is in this! I was so stoked that he was in this. He isn't in it all too much, but he is really good. I'm such a fan of them both, and I am so glad they could do a collaboration!

7. [Bromance] - Chester See & Ryan Higa
This is another comedic song. It is really funny seeing Chester and Nigahiga explain to to their friend. My favorite parts of the song, is definitely no the lyrics. My favorite are the guest appearances! Wayne Brady and the WongFu Cast! The best parts are at 2:05 and 2:16 when Phil and Wes guest appear. Phil is overly excited and Wes is confused at what he is doing.

8. [Sail] - AWOLNATION
Great instrumental song done by a single person. The instrumentals are what him me the most, I don't really care for the vocals all too much. I didn't say I didn't care for them all together, but I think the instrumentals are best. The beats, flutes?, and violins?. I have no idea what is in the song, but it sounds really good, for sure lots of electronics.

9. [Glad You Came] - The Wanted
Yay! British guy band! Presenting One D... no just kidding. It is not One Direction from the X Factor. It is The Wanted! All though they do have some members who have experience with X Factor, the band isn't from X Factor itself. I love the beat, and instrumentals, as well as the vocals. I am not bashing One Direction, but I feel that One Direction was directed a little more toward tween girls. I have not listened to their music, but I don't think it's bad.

10. [Sing You Home] - Xenia 
I didn't have a blog when Xenia's album came out, and by the time I have gave it its due respect and have moved on, I got a blog. I haven't said all too much about Xenia. According to iTunes ratings, she has the most of the albums released after The Voice. Her voice is incredibly unique, but I am afraid that her stage presence is not that good. Her song Sing You Home is really good.



I really loved my playlist this week, that I gave y'all 10 songs. They are really good and I really hope you and enjoy and comment so that I know that the many people who read, or get album covers are there.

EK10 with DJ Kwokodile 2/27/12

YAY FOR EK10 MAKING IT ON TIME! BC of Snowboardin!

1. [Back Home] - Tyler Ward & Alex G
YAYA! CLEAN VERSION OF THE SONG! TYLER WARD IS SO AWESOME! I really like Alex G's vocals and I hope you like them too! P.S First song I actually bought. :)

2. [Apologize] - Charlotte Sometimes
I think she had the most unique voice this season. I think that Blake has the gift of nurturing uniqueness, so I am glad she picked him. ALL 4! This is the best rendition of OneRepublic's song I've ever heard!

3. [Rumour Has It] - Mathai
I spelled Rumour instead of Rumor, cause that's how ADELE spells it. She was the best of the night! I'm glad she picked Adam! I think Adam would be able to nurture her the best. She was so good and I hope her voice gets even better than it already is!

4. [Butt Back Home] - Gym Class Heroes
Well I can say the rap is kinda bad... it's not that great. All I love is the catchy chorus... Not all that great of a reason to like this song... That's all I have to say is that, and oh btw... I listen to the clean version :) and now Tyler Ward's version

5. [Country Girl (Shake It For Me)] - Luke Bryan
Wow, long song name... Oh well, It makes up for it in the song :) It's a pretty great song. Great country, makes me happy, all I care about :P Luke Bryan has to be one of my favorite country artists! Him and Blake Shelton are my favorite!

6. [Somebody That I Used To Know] - Gotye
Totally lost faith in this song! I was so wrong! I still love it and it's great! Still love it for the same reasons... This is now such a nice song with great meanings!

7.  [Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)] - Kelly Clarkson
This is an amazing song! I love the lyrics, and even though it's by Kelly from IDOL, I still like it :) "Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone!"

8. [We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)] - Fun.
I love this song! It's so catchy and it so awesome! I really love Fun.! Just recently heard it and I need to listen to it more!

9. [Find Your Love] - James Massone
He was really good! I love this Drake rendition! He was really good! He is really strong and Cee Lo will do well with him. I think he did it better than Drake :)

3. [The Lazy Song] - Naia Kete
She was really good! She reminded me of Dia, so that's why I am so glad that she picked Blake! Her voice is really really really like Dia's! I hope she does well!








I think that I cheated a bit by copying and pasting, but I did edit some ;)

DJ Kwokodile

THE VOICE Season 2 Recaps with DJ Kwokodile [#4]

YAY! This episode was full of great voices! Love the last person!

1. [U Got It Bad] - Jonathas
Wow... he sounds like Usher. He was really good. I'm glad he picked Christina over Cee Lo.

2. [Mr. Know It All] - Monique Benabou
She was pretty good and I think that Christina was smart in picking her.

3. [The Lazy Song] - Naia Kete
She was really good! She reminded me of Dia, so that's why I am so glad that she picked Blake!

4. [Apologize] - Charlotte Sometimes
I think she had the most unique voice this season. I think that Blake has the gift of nurturing uniqueness, so I am glad she picked him. ALL 4!

5. [We Are The Champions] - Tony Vincent
He sounded pretty good. I was kinda surprised that only Cee Lo turned. He had so much experience, so I was quite shocked at that.

6. [What's Going On] - Anthony Evans
Ha! I know his dad! Not well, but I know he's an evangelical speaker! It was so weird to see him on television. He was pretty good and Christina was smart to pick him.

7. [Folsom Prison Blues] - Jamie Lono
I think he was so good! I didn't realize this at first but after listening this a second time I realized it was Johnny Cash! iTunes loves him too. I think he should have picked Adam, but Cee Lo was a good choice too.

8. [Babylon] - Justin Hopkins
I think he was pretty good, but I'm glad Cee Lo turned around for him :)

9. [You Save Me] - Nicolle Galyon
I totally think that piano is country as well as guitar! She was decent, and I think Adam was smart to pick her.

10. [Shark In The Water] - Ashely De La Rosa
Team Xtina :)

11. [Chicken Fried] - Jordan Rager
Team Blake :)

12. [Just Like A Pill] - ALyX
Team Blake :)

13. [If I Die Young] - Karla Davis
Team Adam :)

14. [Rumour Has It] - Mathai
I spelled Rumour instead of Rumor, cause that's how ADELE spells it. She was the best of the night! I'm glad she picked Adam! I think Adam would be able to nurture her the best.







ENJOY THIS WEEK'S EPISODE! :D