Amazing Flash Mob Wedding Proposals

My blog post back in March 28, 2014. highlighted some of the amazing flash mobs groups performed in various cities around the world.  I  mentioned my admiration for flash mob events. For those that are not familiar with the term "flash mob", Wikipedia defines flash mob as:

A group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then quickly disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, and artistic expression. Flash mobs are organized via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails.

If you have ever witnessed a flash mob, you will there is a lot of coordinating and planning involved.  However, when it is "revealed", it is amazing! 

With my continued fascination of these groups, I found two amazing wedding proposals that took place this year. As you watch, notice the reaction of the intended recipient.  You will be amazed and at the same time guarantee to shed a few tears.

The BEST Surprise Flash Mob Proposal at Balboa Park in San Diego! - Allison & Jon

Source:  Omnistories Event Cinematography

Man books out restaurant for surprise marriage proposal flash mob

Source:  Bookatable

Amazing Instrumental Covers for Hello - Adele

I was intrigued by a song sang by a korean girl who attends the Seoul Music High School.  I was not familiar with the song, but little did I know that the song was a very popular song. Later, I found it was the original song was song by well known singer from Britain.

The singer, Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, also had an amazing story.  A few years after her successful second studio album in 2011, she decided to take several years off from the music tours and performances.  When she return back from her break,  she worked on her third studio album which was released in November 2015.  The album starts off with the song "Hello", which has become the most popular song after its release.

Like the girl from Korea, many singers (young and old) have posted their version of this song (see Top 5 Best Covers of Hello - Adele).  As for me, my favorite vocal is performed by Grace Lee. 

Besides the vocals, there are several that have performed the song using various instruments.  Below are my top six instrumental covers for Hello.  

Top Six Seven Instrumental Covers for Hello - Adele 

[ 7 ] Indo-Chinese Fusion Cover [Performer: Parul and the Band: KOEL I AM]
Update:  added on 4/24/2016

[ 6 ] Ethnic Instrument Cover [Performer: Bandura Style]

[ 5 ] Flute Cover [Performer: Melissa.Flutes]

[ 4 ]  Violin Cover [Performer: JuNCurryAhn]

[ 3 ] Saxophone Cover [Performer: Justin Ward]

[ 2 ] Cello/Piano Cover [Performer: Brooklyn Duo]

[ 1 ] Brass Band Cover [Performer: Lucky Chops]


Most Creative Instrumental Cover for Hello - Adele

Classroom Instruments [Performers: Jimmy Fallon, Adele & The Roots]

3 Music Videos That Will Make You Say Awwww

As I review some of the latest music videos over the last year, I found three that will make three music that will make you say Awwww....

This short clip features Henry of Super Junior who provides a few tips on impressing a girl at a restaurant. It is both dreamy and humorous. This is my all time favorite!!!!  <3

Source: +KBS World TV 

The next one is a music video of a very cute guy (Park Bogum) and Irene.  The song and movements might be a bit juvenille, but I do enjoy watching their cute bantering.  :)

Source:  +KBS World TV 

With people taking more photos with their phones and the obsession of doing a selfie, this next one focuses on photos of your or with your partner.  It features SungJae (BTOB) and Kim NamJoo (Apink)

Source: +1theK (원더케이) 

4 YouTubers that have summarized the Top Songs of 2014

I am enjoying my time of relaxation and reflection. During my R&R, I spent  time listening to some of the popular songs that came out in 2014.

During this time, I found several YouTubers who have summarized these songs in various ways. Some manage to present this in 2.5 minutes...others did it in a humorous way. Here are four of my favorites... 



[ 1 ]  Hits of 2014 - played with household items. 
Andrew Huang



[ 2 ]  Top Hits of 2014 in 2.5 Minutes 
Us the Duo


 


[ 3 ] Top Songs of 2014 - A Cappella Medley/Mashup (Recap of the Billboard Hot 100)
RosendaleSings




[ 4 ] 4 people cover the 33 top songs of 2014 in 3 minutes 
EricThayneMusic

Spend a few minutes cherishing the top 2014 songs. 
Have a great and wonderful 2015 !!!!!

My Favorite MV for August 2014

OK... I thought I share with you my favorite music video for last month (not necessary the latest).  After much deliberation (if you believe that), I am selecting Henry Lau's (of Super Junior-M) cover of  Cho Yong-pil's 'BOUNCE'   I love he adds the various sound tracks as the music video progresses creating a unique and entertaining video.  

'Henry's Real Music : You, Fantastic' Ep.5. Cho Yong-pil's 'BOUNCE' by Henry

The cover is based on Cho Yong-pil who is highly regarded as well known industry as the "king" of Korean pop music.  Over his career he has performed around the world including Carnegie Hall.  It is always worth viewing and listening to the original artist and song.  The song does have some bounce.  :)

Great job to Henry Lau and SM Entertainment and special kudos to Cho Yong-pil.

Amazing Acapella Groups Performing the "Cup Song" (Pitch Perfect)

image credit: see below

I was first introduced to the "Cup Song" while watching the movie Pitch Perfect movie. The movie is about a freshman, played by Anna Kendrick, entering college faced with not only class selection, but needs to make a decision on club to join. She decides on join, but would need to do an audition. Her audition consist of singing and using a cup as her instrumental accompaniment.  A scene from of her audition can be found on YouTube.

Since the release of the movie in 2011, there have been several covers released on YouTube, which range from vocal to instrumentals.  The ones that caught my attention are the Acapella groups.  Below I have included a few performed in different languages.   I am amazed at how they simultaneously sign and do the cup routine.   Or maybe it is just me.   Anyways, enjoy and maybe you can start learning the cup routine (BTW....check out a great tutorial done by Kristina G.).  LOL !!!

Gun version [Added - 1/1/2015]
There have been many renditions of the "Cup Song" since my last post.  This week, I came across this one that was both entertaining and hilarious. Interestingly, Jim Huish, the creator of the video is also part of a band called Amber's Drive.


Source: Jim Huish

English version
Kurt Schneider, Sam Tsui, Alex G. and Kina Grannis

  Source: Kurt Hugo Schneider

Japanese version
YUME☆HIKARI

  Source: 夢ひかり魚沼産

Taiwanese version (done in English by a Taiwanese group)
Sirens Vocal Band

  Source: Sirens Vocal Band


French version
QuatuClap

  Source: QuatuClap

Spanish version
Girl Scout Spanish Cover

  Source: Martha Garcia


If that is enough, here are a few more renditions.  In particular, view the tap dance version.

• CUPS Tap Dance
• COLLE`GE MONT NOTRE DAME "CUP SONG" 
• inlingua Vancouve
• Heerenlanden College 

Image Credits
YouTube
Pitch Perfect Movie
Kurt Hugo Schneider
Sirens Vocal Band
QuatuClap
Martha Garcia
夢ひかり魚沼産

4 Amazing Global Flash Mob Videos

I have always admired flash mob.  It takes a lot of coordination, planning, and practice.  When it is "showcase", it is amazing! 

Here are my top 4 picks for flash mob videos.  They range from use of various instruments, to singing to dancing.   My favorite is the one done in the Korean Drama, Dream High.  I know it is probably staged, but I love the synchronized dance moves.
 

[ 4 ]  Flash Mob Chorus in Taipei 101, Taiwan


A great performance of popular Taiwanese and Chinese songs performed in the food court of Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

The songs performed are:
Green Island Serenade (lv-dao-xiao-ye-qu), Jasmine (mo-li-hua), Spring Breeze (wang-chun-feng) and Mountain is Green (gao-shan-qing).

[Credit: FMCtaiwan]


[ 3 ]  Histolashmob in Antwerp train station, do re mi



A great synchronized dance routine performed at a Belgium Train station (Antwerp).  The flash mob was done to the song Do-Re-Mi  (from the Sound of Music sung by Julie Andrews).

[Credit: The Ad Show]


[ 2 ]  Flashmob Marchingband TSV Lauf




The Marching Band Flashmob was performed by the TSV Lauf Marchingband complete with drummers and color guards.  The performance took place on April 27, 2013 in front of "Weißer Turm" in Nuremberg.

Check out also the making of the flash mob at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_flLz-...

[Credit:  Snaredrummer1996]


[ 1 ]  Dream High Flash Mob


My number 1 flash mob is from the Korean drama, Dream High (Episode #16).  It was probably staged, but it appears to be random.   There are special appearance by 2AM Jinwoon, Changmin, Seulong, missA Jia, Fei, Min.

Full episodes of Dream High can be found at http://www.dramafever.com/drama/3900/Dream_High/

[Credit: christmasj134 and KBS]