CD Review #8: "Fall Out Boy: Save Rock and Roll"

CD Review #8: "Fall Out Boy: Save Rock and Roll" (2013)

Many as usual, question why Fall Out Boy did such a different music route? For me, why not?!
Fall Out Boy continues to evolve. Why hinder their growth? No band is the same forever.

I was disappointed in: their 'guest appearances'. Felt too thrown-in and cheesy! Not to mention the guest artists had little to no part of the album! The only exception? Elton John did decent. Not awesome but decent. 

I loved: Their bright alternative rock choruses! They are very apparent in the songs and make you know that it really is Fall Out Boy singing! You may have to listen closely to understand what I mean ;) 

Number of 'F bombs': Quite a few. My guess is around 7. 

It is their: 5th album I believe. 

My rating (Out of 10 stars): 8.75/10 

Compared to other Rock-ish albums, I'd give this one: I'm not sure if I 100% feel the rock genre, but if I had to, 7/10.

Explicit: For some sailor-swearing yes! 

Am I happy this is part of my Collection? Yes!!

Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 8/10

My Ranking: 

1) 'Rat a Tat'------On repeat!! The one that sounds most like Fall Out Boy! 
2) 'The Phoenix'------beat=10/10! 
3) 'My Songs Know what you did in the Dark'------obviously their most popular! 
4) 'Alone Together'
5) 'Save Rock and Roll'
6) 'Young Volcanoes'
7) 'Where did the Party Go'
8) 'The Mighty Fall'
9) 'Just Yesterday' 
10) 'Death Valley' -----Goes downhill from this point! 
11) 'Miss Missing You' 

My Verdict? 

Well, I've been listening to this album, and this album only for the last two days. (Now that I think about it!) I see that as a non-questionable sign! 

Why is Elton John in this Album?! , 

------Temo 


P.S. Can someone explain to me possibly the meaning behind the album cover art or why they could of chosen it? I can't think of why. 

CD review #7: "Foster the People: Torches"

"Foster the People: Torches" (2011) 

Their album cover caught my attention. I really adore the artwork!!! 

Number of 'F bombs': none 

It is their: 1st album. 

My rating (Out of 10 stars): For just the 'strong tracks' in this album, a 8.25/10! For the less desirables, only 1.25/10! 

Compared to other Indie-rock albums, I'd give this one: N/A (I rarely listen to this genre)

Explicit: no. 

Am I happy this is part of my Collection? Sad to say, but no. 

Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 3.25/10

My Ranking:

1) 'Helena Beat'---EXTREMELY STRONG TRACK 

2) 'Miss You' ---EXTREMELY STRONG TRACK

3) 'Waste' ---EXTREMELY STONG TRACK 
4) 'I would do Anything for You'-------- Everything REALLY goes downhill from here!

5) 'Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)'
6) 'Life on the Nickel'

7) 'Pumped-up Kicks'

8) 'Houdini'  

9) 'Call it What you Want'

10) 'Warrant' 

So sorry you guys, buying this CD is a mistake. The songs 'Helena Beat', 'Miss You', and 'Waste' should just be purchased on iTunes--separate from the rest! They really are some of my favorite songs! 

I'd like to hear some input, 


------Temo 

CD Review #6: "Carly Rae Jepsen: Kiss"

CD Review #6: Carly Rae Jepsen "Kiss" (2012)

I was not aware that there was a deluxe version of this album. I always regret not going that route! It's packed with 4 more songs. I have no clue what they are. The electronic beats in this album reminds me of sprinkles being poured at like a bake fest at a sleepover or something! I can totally imagine little teens listening to this CD at a sleepover, but I am no kid at any sleepover and I still love it! 

Number of 'F bombs': She doesn't cuss! Omg! ;p 

It is her: 1st album. 

My rating (Out of 10 stars): 7

Compared to the other Pop-genre CDs, I'd give this one: 3.75/5 stars!

Explicit: No way! Her songs are pure light and pure of heart! I heard h*** though like 2 times.

Am I happy this is part of my Collection?: Yes

Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 6.25/10

My ranking: 

1) "Tiny Little Bows" -----I love her reference to 'the tiny little bows'! 

2) "More than a Memory" 

3) "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" -----Electronic beat kicks ***! 

4) "Good Time" 

5) "This Kiss"

6) "Hurt So Good"

7) "Beautiful"   ----This is not a pop song, but more of an acoustic song! 

8) "Guitar String/Wedding Ring" -----I felt the album start to lag right here. 

9) "Curiosity" 

10) "Turn me up" 

11) "Your Heart is a Muscle" 

12) "Call Me Maybe" -----may be her hit single, but I'm so sick of hearing it! 

Oh! & I couldn't resist! Isn't her album art JUST ADORABLE!?

Now I just want sugar cookies....with sprinkles,

------Temo 

:'(

CD Review #5: "Ke$ha: Animal"

"Ke$ha: Animal" (2010) 

A swear that Ke$ha was a curse word when she first made her debut on the radio. My father nearly choked when he heard the lyrics to "TIK Tok". Do I agree? Disagree? Well, the first sign Ke$ha is a 'curse word'? Hint: the song titles below. I mean look at it! BUT I just adore the sound and beats of her songs. I find them irresistible. The 'Sleeping with every guy' songs-NO. The music-yes! Who knows? Maybe Ke$ha is going through a phase. 

Number of 'F bombs': I'll go check. 

It is her...... 1st album. 

My rating (Out of 10 stars): 7

Compared to the other Dance/Pop CDs, I'd give this one: 4.25/5 stars!

Explicit: Ya although it does not label it as so. I wouldn't let any preteen touch it! 

Am I happy this is part of my Collection?: Yes :) These are her classics. 

Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 8.25/10

1) "Animal" (original Version)--total fav! makes me happy every single time I listen to it!!!!!!!!  

2) "Your Love is my Drug"---great way to start-off the CD ;) 

3) "Take it Off"

4) "Kiss N Tell"

5) "TIK Tok"--was on the radio all the time!  

6) "Blah Blah Blah"

7) "Party at a Rich Dude's House"---title is SO stupid. But fun song. 

8) "Hungover"

9) "Blind" 

10) "Dancing with Tears in my Eyes" 

11) "Boots and Boys"---STARTS to go downhill from here. 

12) "Dinosaur" 

13) "Backstabber" 

14) "Stephen" 

"Animal" by Ke$ha :)

Ke$ha-cussing,

------Temo 

Movie Review #1: "Celeste and Jesse Forever"

Movie Review #1: "Celeste and Jesse Forever" 

Because it is a rated R movie, please expect drugs, sexual references, swearing, and crude humor in this particular film.

It is on Netflix and with my friend having awesome taste in movies....picked this.

So What Is It About? 

Celeste and Jesse decide to follow through on a divorce. Too bad they are still like 'best friends'. A closer awareness is brought toward them when a close friend flares up at the bar during a group date wondering why the heck do they spend every minute with each other. She and her boyfriend flee the scene in disgust. Jesse and Celeste try to distance themselves a little more (fail) BUT......

**Spoiler** ........ After about half an hour into the movie, Jesse finds out he is going to be a dad. Not with Celeste, but with another woman he spent the night with. He of course is in shock, but Celeste, completely heartbroken.*

Celeste does not experience many signs of jealousy & anger during this film. At least as I can tell. Rather, there is desperation for her 'best friend' and experiencing the pain of moving from very sudden change. She comes to realize that she cannot turn back the time. When roads such as this take a twist, getting back together no longer remains option. Especially when a new family waits to be built.

Our fav parts of 'Celeste and Jesse Forever'? Well.......

1.) It is surreal.
2.) Secretly I did not like Celeste and Jesse separating as they were perfect for each other.
3.) It is SO funny! Celeste and Jesse really are immature...
4.) The b****y model later plays a greater role in the film. I loved her little 'rise to fame'! This seriously was my favorite part of the movie!


My Criteria:

Did it have a strong story line?
 Yes, you see the realism of the separation.

If not, did the movie serve its random nature well? 
It is a bit random too. A bit mundane at times, but I still watched until the movie's end. There was scene after scene of epic hilarity!

How are the main characters? 
Solid. At least with 1. Jesse and Celeste 2. The gay guy at Celeste's workplace (he was funny!) 3. The teen model. I particularly didn't fall for Veronica, but she had to feed her vital part of the storyline.

What about the other characters? 
nah.

Main genre? 
Romantic comedy. 

Did I laugh, cry, clap, etc. ?
I laughed, beamed and giggled on the inside, made note-able comments, and laughed again. 

Overall rating (Out of 10 stars): 7/10! 

This film made our weekend night, and should be watched by all who are considering to watch! 

The Official Trailer

Watch, Watch, Watch Again,

------Temo

Food Porn #3: Gimme some Starbucks!

Okay, I'm a returning regular at Starbucks. (tsk-tsk!) But lately, I've had so many yum-yum-a-yummy new treats! Can I help it? No.

Here are the GREAT ones: 


  1.) The Vanilla spice Latte (hot):

Starbuck's new seasonal drink. It is likely to hibernate in the coffee world soon :'( I first tried it and felt a bit strange to me. Most likely because I never went for their vanilla lattes. Suddenly it clicked. It's really good! The spices mix perfectly and is an change-up when you are bored with their other drinks. If you are a wimp (like I was), you can ask to do 50-50 on Cinnamon Dolce and the Vanilla spice lattes. You can also get an iced version if you like their drinks iced. Personally I detest any of Starbucks iced espresso drinks, but hey, do whatever floats you boat!

  2.) The chocolate cinnamon bread:

"Do You want breakfast with your drink?" (normally no) 'Sure! Why not?! I'll have 'that thing' there," I said (pointing). "What this thing?" "Yeah." She laughed because she said her husband should open a café where the names of the pastries would be like "whatcha-call-it', 'that thing'..... We laughed. So I took the bread and it was scrumptious! It was just a sugar & spice flaked crust with moist deep chocolate dessert bread! I came back the next day. 

3.) Raspberry mocha frappacino (extra shot of espresso + whipped cream)

This might be a secret recipe ending up not being mine on one of the Starbucks Secret Menus. (Seriously google it!) I just thought. That frappacinos are good. And that a raspberry mocha one would be GENIUS! It took a couple of sips to get used to its unique taste. It made my morning happier! If it were in Cafe Temo's world, she would also put a large drizzle of raspberry sauce on top ;) 

4.) Cheesecake Brownie 

It is just like it says Cheesecake! And if you did not like cheesecake, you would probably not be ordering it. There's not anything really differentiating with the pastry, but it tastes good? I might reconsider paying food Starbucks pastries though..... Everyone knows they're over-priced! 


......and the not-so-great ones: 


1.) Starbuck's bottled 'iced vanilla latte':

"They released a new line of bottled to-go latte drinks. I chose vanilla. Labeled 120 calories and lightly sweetened. Really bad stuff. Took a sip. And it is still sitting in the fridge as I am speaking ready to be poured out. Bottled drink failed again!

Better option? There isn't all bottled coffees kinda suck. 

2.) (the new) Hazelnut Macchiato (hot):

"IT WAS REALLY GROSS! Everyone loves hazelnut coffee but it tasted like fake syrup, cheap quality and tasted mostly of warm milk to me....not a hot combination. And the $5.00 (+ tax :p) was not so cute!" I like to check the nutritional info on the Starbucks site. It is just as fattening, sugary, and calorie-ific as its caramel partner. 

Better option? Go to a Dunkin Donuts and get their hazelnut flavored (latte). Cheaper and likely quite a bit better, I can imagine.



Sorry that there are no pictures this time :( Use your imagination ;p ,


------Temo 

CD review #4: 'Simple Plan: Get your Heart on!'

"Simple Plan: Get Your Heart On" 

Number of 'F bombs': I believe none.

It is their....I believe their 5th album? 

My rating (Out of 10 stars): 6

Compared to other Alternative-rock CDs, I'd give this one: 2.75/5 stars!

Explicit?: I do not believe so. 

Am I happy this is part of my Collection? Sorta. It might be out in a few years.

Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 6/10

Okay, so right now I am re-listening to this album, ready to rank. Here is my conclusion....

My ranking:

1) 'This Song Saved my Life'--this song sounded the most like the Simple Plan I know! 

2) 'You Suck at Love'

3) 'Gone too Soon' 

4) 'Anywhere Else but Here' 

5) 'Astronaut' 

6) 'Freaking Me Out'

7) 'Loser of the Year' 

8) 'Can't Keep my Hands off you'--You would be likely to stop listening after this point.

9) 'Jet Lag' 

10) 'Summer Paradise'

11) 'Last One Standing' 

But what really got me was the lead singer's lyrics to his song "This Song Saved my Life"! I will never get tired of it. This is a must-agree. Look it up!  

Lyrics to "This Song Saved my Life" (Simple Plan):

I wanna start letting you know this
Because of you my life has a purpose
You helped me be who I am today
I see myself in every word you say
Sometimes it feels like nobody gets me
Trapped in a world where everyone hates me
There's so much that I'm going through
I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you

I was broken
I was choking
I was lost
This song saved my life
I was bleeding
Stopped believing
Could have died
This song saved my life
I was down
I was drowning
But it came on just in time
This song saved my life

Sometimes I feel like you've known me forever
You always know how to make me feel better
Because of you my dad and me are so much closer
Than we used to be
You're my escape when I'm stuck
In this small town
I turn you up
Whenever I feel down
You let me know like no one else
That it's ok be myself

I was broken
I was choking
I was lost
This song saved my life
I was bleeding
Stopped believing
Could have died
This song saved my life
I was down
I was drowning
But it came on just in time
This song saved my life

You'll never know
What it means to me
That I'm not alone
That I'll never have to be

I was broken
I was choking
I was lost
This song saved my life
I was bleeding
Stopped believing
Could have died
This song saved my life
I was down
I was drowning
But it came on just in time
This song saved my life

My life
My life
(This song saved my life)

My life
My life
(This song saved my life)

My life
My life
(This song saved my life)

My life
My life
This song saved my life.

But it came on just in time-this song saved my life,


------Temo 

Manga Review #2: "Kitchen Princess Omnibus 1"

T'was a beautiful day of the weekend!! Ended up at a park and wanted to climb a tree. Here she is:

It was so fun, nostalgic, painful, and scary at the same time! That probably was my last shot though, unless you wanna see, like a 30 year old me, climbing a tree. (That rhymed! awkward...) I was trying to read "Kitchen Princess"....

The Omnibus Comics come at a cheaper price ($14.99 USD) 

Deep breath! Here I go! You know those manga series where you are all like "This seems like one of those too-mainstream girly comics! It's not going to be any good! It's going to appeal to the 5 year old girl population!" Way wrong.

The art makes me feel happy! Because the original release in Japanese was in 2005, its style leaned toward that era's "big kawaii eye" look! The story does begin with something adorable. Another worthy note of this manga is you can easily see the antagonist's strong passion and hate within this 2-volume omnibus edition. The storyline is even just simple and fun! Food is always being mentioned of course and it is always so kawaii! :) 

Art (Did the author seem to care about the art?; does its style have appeal?): A 
Plot (With the exception of Slice-of-life manga, does the story keep you engaged?): B+
Characters?: C+
Is the Dialogue Up-to-par?: B-
Will I continue the series?: Yes. 
Rated: T for Teen (A few intense situations, like fighting eating disorders; bullying) 
Authors: Natsumi Ando & Miyuki Kobayashi 

Plot Synthesis: 
"Najika is a great cook and likes to make meals for the people she loves. But something is missing from her life. When she was a child, she met a boy who touched her heart--and now Najika is determined to find him. The only clue she has is a silver spoon that leads her to the prestigious Seika Academy. Attending Seika will be a challenge. Every kid at the school has a special talent, and the girls in Najika's class think she doesn't deserve to be there. But Sora and Daichi, two popular brothers who barely speak to each other, recognize Najika's cooking for what it is--magical. Is either boy Najika's mysterious prince?" (Amazon.com). 

*Spoiler: At the end of each volume, THERE IS A COLLECTION of all the recipes Najika made in the manga!!! They share Najika's Flan in a cup, Taramasalata, Rainbow Jelly, Christmas Cookies, and Onion Gratin Soup recipes in the back of volume one! You will have to look at the others yourself ;) 

Yup! This is the one I would love to try!

So once I finish reading the manga series, (5 omnibus volumes) I will be happy to share my final review! 

Flan in a Cup,


------Temo

Chapter 7: 'Perfume Review #1'

Like my little back-drop? ;p

I absolutely love perfume. I chose at random a few I had of my counter and will be describing them. 

(Left to Right) 

1.) Bath and Body Works 'Honey Sweetheart' (travel-sized lotion) 

"I was able to try this one today and it smells like their signature sweet pea at first, but develops into a candy-sweet-honey-cherry smell too. It's now one of my fav lotions from there! It is likely to be a limited edition though!" 

2.) Bath and Body Works 'Japanese Cherry Blossom' (shimmer mist spray) 

"It has a very powdery smell. Not bad though. I would be likely to wear this in the spring with no event in mind. Just whenever I felt like I wanted that 'powdery smell'. Just tested it right now and yeah, it's definitely recommended! It is a shimmer spray, and the sparkles are AMAZING! Good value as the sparkles stay on, are very abundant, and are fine (not chunky)!"

3.) Harajuku Lovers 'Angel' (0.33 fl oz perfume)

"Described as a sparkling floral. I agree. I like the smell, but often I find it too over-powering. It smells like Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo, as a perfume. Alright, but now that I have smelled more, it is time to move on!" 

4.) The Body Shop's 'Japanese Cherry Blossom' (Eau de Toilette) 

"Obviously this is a floral scent, and as far as cherry blossom scents go, I never felt guilty wearing this one! Light, clean, and naturally sweet. If I cannot choose a bottle on the spot, I always go for this one!" 

My rank would likely be #2 as my favorite, and then #1, #4, and then #3 as my least. 

Any comments?

I Sniff Perfumes,

------Temo 

P.S. I REALLY hope everyone had a really good Valentines Day! It is always fun single or not! Always remember that if you're single, you don't necessarily need a significant other to be happy, and if you are in a relationship, take the time to reflect on what you appreciate about it! 

CD Review #3: "All American Rejects: Kids in the Street"

"All American Rejects: Kids in the Street"

I feel that too many of my album reviews have been, well depressing. So here's something to perk ya up! Last year, the "All American Rejects" came out with a new CD! 'Shocking'. So did Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, and all the other boy bands too. I cannot remember why though but I bought it.

And here's what I think: It is pure musical genius. They totally came out with a new style BUT IT WORKS. There are many instances it has not for several bands who try to go down a different route! (e.g. 'Fall Out Boy' COMPLETELY failed on their last CD) I HAVE NEVER BOUGHT A BETTER CD! (yet) I now wish I had the deluxe version.... Since the bass is kick-butt, the best way to listen to these songs is in the car! 


Number of 'F bombs': about 3 
It is their... 4th Album
My rating (Out of 10 stars): 9.5
Compared to other Alternative-rock CDs, I'd give this one: 5/5 stars!
Explicit: Mildly Explicit
Am I happy this is part of my Collection?: Yes! (I'm never getting rid of it!) 
Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 8.75/10

My ranking: 
1) 'Gonzo'--For a couple weeks, I loved blasting this song in the car. It is AWESOME with so much passion! (10/10 stars!) 
2) 'Bleed into your Mind'--like #1 but with really cute little electronic beats.
3) 'Heartbeat Slowing Down'
4) 'Out the Door'
5) 'Someday's Gone'
6) 'I for you'
7) 'Walk Over me'--the let-down of the album starts here. 
8) 'Kids in the Street'
9) 'Affection'
10) 'The Beekeeper's Daughter'
11) 'Fast and Slow'--most raunchy song lyrics here :( and its for a reason--the music sucks! 

"Who happened to catch this album?!"

I LOVE MUSIC! 


------Temo

CD REVIEW #2: "Kelly Clarkson: Stronger"

"Kelly Clarkson: Stronger (Deluxe Version)"

Number of 'F bombs': I believe none
It is her... 5th Album
My rating (Out of 10 stars): 3.75
Compared to other pop genre CDs, I'd give this one: 2.5/5 stars (Remember though she has talent!)
Explicit: No.
Am I happy this is part of my Collection?: no
Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 5/10

I don't listen to much of Kelly Clarkson, but I just wasn't impressed with this CD. I actually did NOT like the song "Mr. Know it All". There is little variety! I am a much bigger fan of her previous works, such as "Miss Independent" and the acoustic version of "Breakaway" (Beautiful!)

My Ranking:
1) 'Dark Side'--My fav one!!!! It was so good and I wish all the other songs were like this! 
2) 'I Forgive You'
3) 'Honestly'
4)'Breaking Your Own Heart'
5) 'The Sun Will Rise'
6) 'Let me Down'
7) 'Einstein' 
8) 'Standing in Front of You'
9) 'Don't you Wanna Stay'--Things really started to go downhill from here. 
10) 'Don't be a Girl'
11) 'The War is Over'
12) 'You Love Me' 
13) 'Alone'
14) 'Hello'
15) 'You Can't Win'
16) 'Mr. Know it All'
17) 'Stronger'

"What did you think about this album?"

I LOVE MUSIC!


------Temo

CD review #1: "All Time Low: Nothing Personal"

"ALL TIME LOW: NOTHING PERSONAL"

Number of 'F bombs': 1
It is their... 2nd Album
My rating (Out of 10 stars): 6
Compared to other Alternative Rock Albums, I'd give this one: 3.8/5 stars
Explicit: No.
Am I happy this is part of my Collection?: yes.
Value (does the music out-weigh the cost?): 7.75/10

This is my fav album from ALT because of all the catchy lyrics. Especially in the 'A Party Song (the walk of Shame)', it was so sweet-sounding, it's like...Bubblegum! Seriously! As for 'Weightless', listen to it in your car, LOUD with high base! :)

My Ranking:
1) 'Weightless'--I actually just found myself singing along with this!
2) 'A party song (the walk of shame)'
3) 'Therapy'
4) 'Sick Little Games'
5) 'Keep the Change you Filthy Animal'
6) 'Damned if I do ya (damned if I don't)'
7) 'Break your Little Heart'
8) 'Lost in Stereo'--this is where everything started going downhill in the list
9) 'Too Much'
10) 'Hello Brooklyn'
11) 'Stella'
12) 'Walls'--my least fav track :(

I LOVE MUSIC!


------Temo

Manga Review #1: "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" (2012)

I just started the series so.... here's what I think after my first volume. (I believe there are 12 total volume releases)

Cover is nice :)

Several websites give a blurb of  'Sailor Moon History'. I came to love anime & manga around 2006, so  of course the Sailor Moon manga, which was previously published by Tokyopop, was no longer out. That is why this is such a big deal! Over the years, even with Sailor Moon no longer on American TV and no DVDs or manga being released, there remained a huge Sailor Moon fan base.

Oh, and the author Naoko Takeuchi is a feminist in modern Japanese society!

On the left is the back cover :) Toward the Right is what to expect for the binding art.

Rated: T for Teen

Volume: 1

Publisher: Kodansha Comics 

Plot Synthesis: "Usagi Tsukino is a normal girl until she meets up with Luna, a talking cat, who tells her that she is Sailor Moon. As Sailor Moon, Usagi must fight evils and enforce justice, in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess. She meets other girls destined to be Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts), and together, they fight the forces of evil! (Amazon.com)".

I was very happy with the artwork! It has an older feel, but superior to all the others. Also, the translations experienced a huge makeover! (The first publishing printed the main character's name as 'Bunny'! It may be true that 'Usagi' means rabbit in Japanese...) Already in this volume, four Sailor Soldiers have appeared and Tuxedo Mask has a huge role! I love Sailor Moon's girly-feel and Luna, the cat. I can tell the story is going to go somewhere! I cannot wait to see volume 2! 

*Spoiler: I was especially pleased with the volume 2 manga preview, because it was in Japanese! I can read a few chunks, so for language students, look forward to this!

Here's what you'll be seeing :) Luna looks more classy in the manga than in the anime!

"IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, I WILL PUNISH YOU!"

     Take Care and read a manga! ;)

------ Temo