20060917

Tai Mei Li broadcast

Absolutely gorgeous broadcast @ crienglish.com introducing Beautiful. Do have a listen & for those who still haven't made up their minds to buy the album, maybe this could make you rush to the nearest music store ^__^
David Tao: Return to Romance
2006-09-11 17:06:52
Broadcasting Time: 2006-09-10
Hi, welcome to this edition of China Beat. I'm your host Yuting. Today we'll feature David Tao's latest album for your listening pleasure. After one-year-and-seven-months of silence, veteran R&B singer David Tao is back in the spotlight with his fifth studio recording, Beautiful. Said to be his most expensive album, Tao spent time visiting musicians and gathering inspiration from all over for the new album. His excursions to Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Los Angeles and New York made it surpass all of his previous works in budget. The album is named, Beautiful, because, as David Tao says, he wants people to "share in his feeling of cherishing the beautiful moments in one's life." Now let's listen to the title track, Too Beautiful.
Too Beautiful 4:55
That was David Tao with Too Beautiful. Being a bit of a perfectionist, David Tao has gotten the nickname "Delay Tao" as he could never release an album before a deadline. Well, his new album, Beautiful, could be his most efficient. It only took him one and half years to finish all the writing, arrangements and recording for it. Consider the fact that his usual pace is two to three years to release an album,Tao even jokes himself that this time he has "handed in his homework on time."
Like before, David Tao once again features a cover of an old song in his new album, this time it's ‘Can't Get You Outta My Mind.' The song makes use of Tao's signature way of using western style to re-create Chinese ballads. For this cover, he chose an old school hip-hop style, making it a far cry from the original, which is deep and sorrowful. Despite the title, ‘Can't Get You Outta My Mind,' David Tao says the song is actually a satire, based on urbanites' amnesia and their instant-noodle-like love. See if you like his new experiment.
Can't Get You Outta My Mind 3:58
The Chase 3:29
That was ‘The Chase,' part of David Tao's new album, Beautiful. Being the Father of Chinese R&B, so much anticipation has surrounded David Tao's new album that he has failed to win favorable reviews from the critics. Many say the album is too plain and lacks the critically social commentaries featured in his previous two albums, Black Tangerine and The Great Leap. Facing accusations that he is becoming less talented and ambitious, David Tao had this to say in a recent journal entry: "I agree that this album is different from Black Tangerine and The Great Leap; however, I don't think this album is less musical or genuine than previous albums. On the contrary, I feel it is my most musically cohesive and unified album. Perhaps because of the larger percentage of ballads and slower tempo songs, some people feel this album isn't as ambitious, but I tend to disagree. The lack of aggressive, socially critical songs in the rock genre should NOT be confused with a lack of direction, inspiration or creativity." Well, I agree. I guess music is truly just for music's sake. You can't expect an artist to always make his work a commentary on society. Even if he doesn't get bored with it, we would. Alright, let's continue with the music, this is
Walk On 3:05
Olia 4:46
This is Olia, from David Tao's new album ‘Beautiful.' David Tao has not only caught us off guard by releasing his new album sooner, he's given us a little surprise with his new-look for the album. Tao once said that his previous two albums, Black Tangerine and the Great Leap, were darker because of his mental mood at the time, and more importantly, he wanted to highlight various problems in terms of the larger environment. However, this time, Tao takes off his black leather jacket, and puts on classic white suits; he puts down his wild electric guitar and holds up red roses and a dove. The new album certainly features a much fresher David Tao. It seems he's gotten all prepared to present us a view of the world from another angle, opening a door for us to peak into his beautiful memories of the unforgettable.
So Beautiful 4:30
So Beautiful, the song became a favorite with a TV ad even before the album's release. As a sensitive talent, 37-year-old influential musician, David Tao's real emotional life is rather obscure, so much so that his fans can only get a clue about it from his songs. So Marry Me Today has inevitably become a tune of interest. David Tao says this song indeed tells what's going on in his life and that he may consider getting married in time. But with whom still remains a question. Anyway, here is David Tao featuring Jolin Tsai, Marry Me Today.
Marry Me Today 4:32
That was Marry Me Today, a very lovely tune. David Tao compares the course of falling in love and getting married finally as the exchange of four seasons and has given a very romantic picture of the ceremony, and it has almost changed my impression of Jolin. I didn't know she can sing, you know... For this Album, David Tao says he has tried to bring some of flavor of the classic Soul sounds of the 60's by using string and horn arrangements along with an acoustic yet grooving rhythmic section. He says "With the Mandarin music scene congested with hip hop, rap, pop and everything in between, I thought a bit of classic old Soul flavor would give me a new musical playground to explore." In this album, Forever probably has the most classic soul feel. Within its Chinese title literally meaning "No Love Anymore," Tao sings about the lingering sorrow and love that lasts far after a breaking-up.
Forever 3:25
How Long 4:07
The song we've just heard is called How Long. Time progresses rapidly; and we feel even more of this in this media driven age, with many arresting moments sneaking away without being appreciated. In this album, David Tao has sought to capture some of his own beautiful moments that have come during his 37-years on earth. His memories and stories of freedom and love showcase his genuine romantics. Before we wrap up today's China Beat - Hope you enjoyed it - If you have any questions or suggestions, just write to us at English Service, China Radio International, Beijing, China, postal code 100040, or email us at ChinaBeat@crifm.com. And to know more about Chinese contemporary music, you can visit our website: www.crienglish.com where the previous editions of our shows are available for your online listening pleasure. Ok, I'm Yuting in Beijing, leaving you with Wish You Happy. See you next time!
Pix & transcript reposted from CRIENGLISH.COM
Yuting managed to sneak in 'I don't wanna know' which she called 'Wish you happy' even though its supposed to be banned in China but David did say the song will appear in another version of Tai Mei Li to be released -- all vry mysterious. Tickets still available for KL Love Can concert on 10/28, book online here *__*
Vry interesting place in Shenzhen called The Terrace where the band "is working on songs from the new David Tao album" WOW & not only that but I believe the lead singer of the band dun look entirely asian ^__~ David, dear David, you are such an amazing artist able to inspire people from all over the world. You prove that music is universal & if done from the heart, music is able to transcend all languages & barriers *wonder if its the same Mark?*
Lastly David held his fans gathering successfully although the attendance was not very high due to traffic disruption & congestion caused by the ongoing rally in Taipei to oust President Chen & Typhoon Shanshan. Pixs link already posted by fan who attended @ DT forum.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Zhaodi,

Hope you are well - I haven't left a message here for a long time. It was me who left the comment on the Terrace blog. I am amazed that you stumbled across it! It's in Shekou, and one of my good friends works as the General Manager there. It's a large place and the band - "Leon and Suger Rush" - is excellent. Venues in Hong Kong, if they have live music or not - play either soley western music or canto pop and there is rarely a mixture - at the Terrace, the band play a great mixture of western and Chinese music. The band is Filippino and are excellent. Leon Durupt, on keyboards and vocals, is western and is from Canada and speaks (and sings) fluent Mandarin. The DT songs on their play list are Ghost, Rain and Sula and Lampa.

Mark

Zhao said...

Hi Mark, so lovely to hear from you again. Yeah, thought it could be you as so close to HK. Sounds like a great place. Is Leon a DT fan too? I am sure he is an excellent singer & do great justice to the songs. Love to hear him sing Sula and Lampa. What do you think of DT's new album? Hope you like it.

Anonymous said...

I think DT's new album in superb :)

Mark