Distributed by Asia Entertainment, The Best of Tuan Ngoc is the second most invaluable special collection next to Ngoc Lan 1982-1991. With his flamboyant vocals and his mastery skills of holding on to a note as long as he pleases, Tuan Ngoc proves to be the most influential singer of his time as well as the younger generation. Tuan Ngoc has been singing for twenty-some-odd years and why does he last so long? Unlike many other Vietnamese artists, Tuan Ngoc takes his craft seriously. He only chooses songs that he can fully express, particularly, Tuong Niem, Huong Ve Ha Noi, Giu Nhau Trong Doi, Ai Ve Song Tuong, Tinh Yeu Nhu Mui Ten, Bai Khong Ten So 4, and Khong Ten Tiep Noi 28 (Anh Cam On Em). As a result, almost every song from Tuan Ngoc is elegant, romantic and priceless.

Beside the precious hits, Tuan Ngoc and Asia also offer some ballads for your enjoyment. So put down your glass of champagne and lead your lady to the floor for a graceful Waltz in Tinh Han (Delilah), a passionate Rumba in Va Toi Mai Yeu Em, a funky Twist in Ghen, and a stylish Bebop in Hay Song Cho Tuoi Tre (Say You Will). Actually, I prefer Don Ho version of Hay Song Cho Tuoi Tre because Tuan Ngoc seems to be a bit too slow with fast beat while Don Ho gives a perfect performance. Other then that, this special collection is an excellence work of art. Even his English pronounciation in Papa (Cha Yeu Dau) and Delilah (Tinh Han) is quite good.

With Tuan Ngoc untouchable vocals and Asia impervious musicals, The Best of Tuan Ngoc is an indispensable collection for Tuan Ngoc fans. The best part of being Tuan Ngoc fan is that you don’t have to put a hole in your pocket since his music is quite limited but valuable. Unlike Nguyen Khang and Quang Dung who only became popular recently yet they had come out with tons of CDs. As a result, most of them are junkies. I appreciate artists who take their time to produce timeless works and Tuan Ngoc is definitely one of them.

Thuy Nga’s The Best of Duets seduces me and I mean sexually not musically. The video kicks off with a strip tease by Bao Han and Ho Le Thu. Two hot Asian chicks in pink and yellow bras grinding on the male dancers. “Hallelujah” is the only word I can make out from their song, especially the ass-spanking part. Even though Ho Le Thu is a fresh new face, she is already exploiting her image in her Giot Tinh performance. The “back ripped-off” dresses look so nice. They make me want to do something tonight because shorties look mad tight, especially the dancer on the right (viewers left). The temptation gets stronger when Loan Chau rips off her traditional dress (Ao Dai) into short skirt and bra. She makes Don Ho looks like a geek next to her in shirt and tie. The climax part of the video is near the end where Nhu Loan grabs her crotch while she is being lifted up in the air. Damn! It’s getting hot in herrre. Let’s take off all your clothes.

Sorry if that is too much information for you but sex sells and Thuy Nga don’t give a damn so why should I? Hey! It’s all good. If the music sucks and the topic blows, they have to find something to attract the viewers. What is better than sex, right? I love it and I am sure many men would love it. Noticeable, the crowd goes crazy after the chicks performances. On the contrary, female audiences might be disappointed with the male singers. You might have to rely on the male dancers for some sex appeal because male singers will give you nothing. For those who loves Luong Tung Quang, I am sorry to say but he looks mad gay in a glittered turtleneck with a leather skirt. The new dude, Vuong Tieu Vu, looks like a lady as well and his voice is not so good either. It’s alright with me as long as the female singers are blazin’.

Musically, there are some nice performances. Nhat Trung and La Suong Suong give a beautiful execution on Trai Tim Buoc Gia. Tran Thai Hoa and Ngoc Ha’s vocals are magnetizing in Tro Ve Nha Xua. Khanh Ha and Luu Bich give a touching tribute to their mother in Long Me. The mother and daughter (Thai Thanh and Y Lan) dual is quite cute. Of course, Loan Chau, Nhu Loan and Minh Tuyet are sexy as hell in Lien Khuc Tinh, Hon Gen, and Binh Minh Se Mang Em Di.

In term of set design, thankfully Thuy Nga uses the big screen more effective than Asia. I like they way they use the three piece large screens combining with props in the foreground. The result is aesthetically beautiful. Thuy Nga’s set design is still topnotch comparing to other productions.

Although Video 73 is definitely way better than video 72, Thuy Nga still need to improve their music and topic. Nguyen Ngoc Ngan and Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen aren’t too bad on this one and I am glad Nguyen Ngoc Ngan stated his political statement regarding to issue of singers from Viet Nam performing in the US. He has a good point there. Lastly, what do you think of Bang Kieu? I can’t stand his bitch ass vocals.

Nguyen Khang is the male version of Khanh Ly on Trinh Cong Son’s music. His transformation of Ru Doi Ta Nhe, Ha Trang, Bien Nho and Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho are quite impressive. Although Nguyen Khang is a newcomer, he performs Trinh’s songs with confident and power, especially Ru Doi Ta Nhe. His duet with Diem Lien on Lien Khuc Diem Xua is simply beautiful. Even though Diem Lien gives a fantastic performance, she couldn’t hold up with his superb vocals. I would love to hear him performs with Khanh Ly on Trinh’s music. Together they would create a spectacular experience. As far as Quang Dung, he is nowhere near Nguyen Khang in term of vocals. Nguyen Khang edition of Ru Em Tung Ngon Xuan Nong is way more superior than Quang Dung’s version.

Nguyen Khang’s 10 Tuyet Khuc Trinh Cong Son definitely sets itself apart from other Trinh’s album. Dam Vinh Hung is going to have a hard time topping both Tuan Ngoc and Nguyen Khang. Actually the album only contains 8 tracks performs by Nguyen Khang. Moi Coi Di Ve performs by Trinh Cong Son himself and Lien Khuc Uoc Mi performs by Thanh Ha. I want more of Nguyen Khang on Trinh Cong Son.

Tuan Ngoc sings for singers. That’s his reputation and he has been able maintained his classy style for many years; therefore, he is still well recognized by the Vietnamese entertainment in both the United States and Viet Nam. Tuau Ngoc gentle vocals and indomitable flairs have inspired many young artists including Quang Dung, Nguyen Khang, Quach Thanh Danh, Tran Thai Hoa, and many more. Even though these young artists have been quite successful in Tuan Ngoc’s style, none has been able to come close to his refined vocals. When listening to these young artists, I can feel the hover of Tuan Ngoc. On the contrary, there is no lingers of others when listening to Tuan Ngoc.

Tuan Ngoc’s Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do showcases 10 of Trinh Cong Son hits. Highlights include compelling versions of Nhu Mot Loi Chia Tay, Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do, Em Con Nho Hay Em Da Quen, Ru Em, Vang Phai Truoc Ngo, Ru Doi Di Nhe, and Xin Tra No Nguoi, where he unwinds the melodies and flows the emotions out of the songs. The results are rather touching and inspiring. His vocals on Em Con Nho Hay Em Da Quen are hipnotizing with the way he ebbs and flows the words. His version of Nhu Mot Loi Chia Tay is the best I’ve heard so far. He accentuates his caressing vocals to create an exquisite experience.

Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do is an even album with 10 mellifluous vocalizing and elegant musical engineering. It’s an enjoyable album for Trinh Cong Son lovers and an essential collection for Tuan Ngoc fans.

While we’re on Trinh’s music, Dam Vinh Hung is coming out with his Trinh’s album. It is going to be an interesting album. I am not sure if he can pull it off. With his uniqueness, I have high hopes on it. It is now the most anticiapated album for me.

Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen seems to have a competitor. Leyna Nguyen, who co-hosted Asia 43’s Voice of the Heart, has those outgoing and talkative characteristics similar to Ky Duyen. Although Leyna’s Vietnamese is not as fluent as Ky Duyen, she is capable of capturing the younger crowds with her half English and half Vietnamese dialogues. It’s quite cute actually. Obviously her English is perfect and I have to give her tons of credits for trying her best to spit out Vietnamese. Unlike Trish, who doesn’t even try at all and I am not going to bring up Trish’s issue again.

With the previous two videos, Asia has raised the bar for themselves in term of creative and innovative. Unfortunately, Voice of the Heart could not live up to the previous two. The biggest mistake Asia always make is repetition. Once they have created something great and unique, they make a follow up and the sequel has never been as good as the first one. For instance, the first Da Vu Quoc Te was fantastic but the second one failed miserably. Voice of the Heart is a repetition of Mua He Ruc Ro. Not only that, they will reiterate Mua He Ruc Ro once again this summer. The theme is way over exposed. In fact, I am positively sure, there will be a revisit of Music Around the World. Asia needs to find new inspirations.

I didn’t feel much from the performances. Most are not bad but they aren’t outstanding either. In fact, Da Nhat Yen is the only performer who pushes the envelope. You might not agree with me but she has done a creative job of giving a Broadway style to “Dem Buon Nhu Thanh Ca.” I am sure the music producer has invented the music but Da Nhat Yen has carried it out with her mesmerizing vocals and sexy steps. Beside her, I have to give it to Cardin for his dance. That kid can jam even though the song is not that great. I am still wondering if he wrote the Vietnamese lyrics for “Trai Tim Dai Kho.” I am also diggin’ Nguyen Khang. His voice is exceptional and his singing on “Bien Vang Em Chieu Nay” is beautiful. This guy has high potential and I am sure he will succeed soon. Asia has definitely cut out a whole lot from this video. Where are Lam Thuy Van, Tuan Ngoc, Diep Thanh Thanh, and Kenny Thai? I am not going to name the ones should be cut but you know who they are.

In term of set design, Asia did a lazy-ass job on this video. Most of the backgrounds are simply full screen of boring sceneries that add nothing to the video. Noticeably, the background in Truong Vu’s “Doi Thong Hai Mo,” the photo is not even high quality. You can see the pixels clearly. They can get away with the ordinary eyes but they can’t fool the Visualgui. With fast beat performances, all you see is looping stock motion graphics or flashing lights in the background. They are way too sloppy.

Asia 43’s Voice of the Heart is a disappointment. I am sure you can bypass this one without missing much. Hopefully Asia will break out their repetition and come up with innovative and creative ideas. It’s a challenge but take the time to do it right. They don’t have to come out with 4 or 5 videos a year. Think through carefully to produce delicious products instead of these “instant noodles” junks. Speaking of taking time, Tinh productions have definitely taking their time. It is almost a year ever since the fantastic Tinh 11 released. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for Tinh 12 since they are taking this long to produce.

The little kid, Nguyen Huy, is too much for me. He is definitely talented but Bien Nho production has turned him into a little pimp. It’s not the appropriate direction for a kid at such an early age. He has made quite a controversial in Viet Nam and I have to agree with the protesters. His image is improper and his voice is annoying the heck out of me, especially that “Melao” song.

My most favorite performance from the video goes out Ha Vy and Huy Vu in “Chi Le Cha Cha Cha.” The video is so much fun. Ha Vy is so fly and I love her outfits. She looks so damn hot and sexy. I actually prefer her performance in pop instead of country. Her country style performance in “Dinh Menh Buon” is too dreadful; however, her duet with Truong Vu in “Lien Khuc Trom Nhin Nhau” is quite cute. The storyline is nice. Ha Vy and the little kid are adorable. I probably can play the daddy’s part better than Truong Vu.

My Tam and Dam Vinh Hung give a fantastic performance in “Lien Khuc Tinh Yeu Con Dau.” It’s a compilation of their top hits. My favorite one is the duet of “Tinh Yeu Con Dau.” My Tam does a great backup job and she certainly has the charisma for the camera. Unfortunately, Dam Vinh Hung has no rhythms. He can sing – his performance in “Giay Phut Chia Xa” is mesmerizing – but he can’t dance at all.

Thanh Truc is striking as always in term of her appearance but her singing in “Ve Chon Thien Duong” is still weak comparing to My Tam. Thanh Ha couldn’t come close to Ngoc Lan in expressing the emotional lyrics in “Nha Trang Ngay Ve.” Dong Dao gives me an impression of Nhu Quynh in “Chuyen Tinh Hoa Tigon.” Why the hell does she wear clear heels with the traditional dress (ao dai)? The traditional dress doesn’t go with whore’s uniform. Quang Dung and Thanh Thao look cute together in “Ao Anh.” Linh Tuan and Thanh Huyen did an implausible job in “Tan Co: Han Mac Tu.” Linh Tuan has some nice vocals.

Bien Nho 3: Di Tim Ky Niem is much better than the first and second video even though they are still featuring the useless Vietnamese models and a whole bunch of wack ass MCs. Actually some of the wacky jokes are somewhat funny. They still do those lame introductions, which have nothing to do with the songs.

This is not a comparison and definitely not a competition but a gratitude to the two remarkable Vietnamese artists who have brought some sounds and colors into my unexciting life. Their performances on Ngo Thuy Mien’s Tinh Khuc Buon are indescribable; you just have to experience them yourself. While Ngoc Lan effortlessly brings the natural beauty to the work of art, Don Ho soulfully breathes life into the aesthetic experience.

Ngo Thuy Mien must be extremely proud to witness these two artists expressed his lyrics to the highest level. Every single word they articulated cuts straight to the heart, especially “buon” (sad). Don Ho respires the word “buon” as if the winds blow out its sadness quality. On the other hand, Ngoc Lan exhales the melancholy out of the word.

If you think I am exaggerating, here is Don Ho’s Tinh Khuc Buon and Ngoc Lan’s Tinh Khuc Buon. Go ahead and enjoy them but keep in mind, this is not a competition. I would love to hear your comments but do me a big favor, do not compare. Feel free to disagree with me. You can tell me I am full of shit or I am way too obsessed but do not slam the artists, blame the fool who wrote this post. This is what happens when you have no cable TV or Internet connection at home but tons of CDs to listen to.

Congratulations! I was able to get through the four hours long Van Son in Little Saigon without hitting the “Skip” button. Van Son does a great job on this one. Although the comedies are not outstanding, they are laughable. All the performances are good and some are terrific. Viet Thao is implausible in hosting the show and narrating the Little Saigon’s documentary. It is an enjoyable video overall.

Here are some highlights of the show. Tuan Ngoc gives an extraordinary performance on “Han Doi,” a new song by Huynh Nhat Tan. His vocals are indelible and he is definitely the Vietnamese Frank Sinatra. Cat Tien is once again slick and sexy with her steps in “Yeu Mai Khong.” She still needs to work on her vocals but her performance is on the mark and that killer smile is irresistible. Nguyen Thang gives a mesmerizing performance on “Vi Sao Khong Noi.” The remix of Chineses melody is creative and innovative because he gives it a nice touch with R&B flavor. Nguyen Khang is not bad but he sounds too much like Quang Dung. Nevertheless, he blends in nicely with the other three members of V-Pop group.

Of course, there are some lowlights of the show as well. Truong Vu really depresses me. He drags the life out of the words. You must have to have a horrific life to listen to his songs. Minh Tri has no soul in “When I Left You That Day,” which he uses Thailand’s melody. His lyrics go something like this, “You are all that I need/and I’m missing you/but we won’t meet again.” How much cheesier can you get than that? His wife, Viet Thi, is a hoochie girl instead of a “Naughty Girl” in her performance. What is up with that whore dresses? Speaking of whores, are clear hats (non la), which the dancers wear in the beginning of the video, the new Vietnamese whores’ uniform? Since clear heels are the new American hoes’ uniform, I guess clear hats are the new Vietnamese hoes’ uniform as well. I am just kidding.

Even with some not so great performances mentioned above, the over all satisfaction makes up for it. Van Son 27 is entertaining with enjoyable comedies, many great performances, and well-done Little Saigon’s documentary. Why go all the way to Viet Nam for authentic foods when you can find them all at Little Saigon. I thought only Cafe shops in Viet Nam served by hot chics until they showed Cafe De Thuong in Little Saigon. It’s the Hooters version of cafe shop. I have to go to Cali one of these days, for authentic foods only.

Oh! I forgot to mention, the lip-syncs have to go. It is so damn obvious.

Even though Don Ho has a distinctive voice (one and only), he never sounds awkward when performing with a partner. His greatest strength is that he never overshadows his partners but brings out the aesthetic qualities in them. I truly admired this eminence of his and there is no one can come close to him on it. Even Dam Vinh Hung can’t blend in seamlessly like Don Ho because Dam Vinh Hung always dominated his partner. On the other hand, Don Ho knows exactly when to lower his voice to let his partner shines and when to pick up where his partner leaves off. If Don Ho understands women in real life as he does in singing, he would be the perfect soul mate. By the way, I am talking about the Vietnamese Don Ho, not the Hawaiian Don Ho.

10. Mot Thuo Yeu Nguoi – Don Ho & Chau Ngoc
Here is an example where Don Ho brings out Chau Ngoc’s voice and not overshadowing her. When they both sing at the same time, he switches his vocals constantly to mesh with Chau Ngoc. He does it so smoothly that you don’t even notice the changes in his tone.

09. Mong Ao – Don Ho & Dalena
This is a beautiful piece of composition. Both Don Ho and Dalena do an exceptional humming tune to create a soothing illusion. These two are creative, talented and they are not afraid to experiment with their voices. Together with the dramatic musical score, they have brought a fantasy world to the song with their ingenious vocals.

08. Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
This version of Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho is quite unique. I don’t think anyone had done a duet on this song before. Obviously Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho (strolling alone in town in an evening) has do be done alone. You can’t stroll alone with two people. But hey! Don Ho and Lam Thuy Van do an implausible performance and their voices are convincible.

07. Thuyen Tinh Tren Song – Don Ho & Ngoc Hue
Beautiful Chinese melody with delightful Vietnamese lyrics. Although there are tons of translated versions, Thuyen Tinh Tren Song is the most romantic one because of the exotic lyrics and the striking duet from Ngoc Hue and Don Ho. Ngoc Hue’s cracked-voiced mantra works so well with Don Ho’s smoky vocals. Pay close attention the adlib at the end; you’ll notice how they switch back and forth backing up (giong be) each other’s lines. It’s just tantalizing.

06. Together – Don Ho & Dalena
Just listen to the way Don Ho skillfully exhales the word “together…” in English and “em yeu…” in Vietnamese. It’s just breathtaking and I love the beautiful English translation by Dalena, “Every season must fades with a passing of time. Time can never fade love like yours and mine.” Both Dalena and Don Ho are artistically creative so when the two come together, they have created a beautiful harmony.

05. Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen – Don Ho & Nhu Quynh
The upbeat makes this version of Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen stands out from the rest. Even though the beat is a bit fast, Don Ho and Nhu Quynh are capable of maintaining the elegant elements of the lyrics. The duet breaks away from Nhu Quynh’s usual horrific style and gives her a new dimension. Thanks to the incredible Don Ho.

04. Bay Gio Con Yeu – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
What a beautiful Chinese melody. The keyboard is compelling and the voices are mesmerizing. Lam Thuy Van does a wonderful job of supporting Don Ho in the background during the hooks. Every successful man has a great woman behind him. Lam Thuy Van is the great woman behind this successful performance.

03. Ban Tinh Cuoi – Don Ho & Diem Lien
Even the infamous Huong Lan and Thai Chau cannot bring out the aesthetic experience like Don Ho and Diem Lien can. Don Ho amazes me how he could pull off the high note, “tinh la dang…” then lets go, “cay…” with a long breath. The beat kicks in and Diem Lien skillfully backs him up so he could restore his breath. I would never thought Diem Lien and Don Ho could sound so well together if they never done this song.

02. Nhung Loi Me Hoac – Don Ho & Ngoc Lan
Actually Ngoc Lan doesn’t sing in this one but her dialogue is extremely seductive. Even though Don Ho gives a soulful performance, the song wouldn’t be complete without Ngoc Lan. It’s so creative how they go back and forth in a conversation between a man who lost trust in his girl and she keeps on trying to fool him. With Ngoc Lan’s sweet and sexy voice, it is hard not to be seduced and Don Ho does a great job of conveying the hurtful feelings that a man goes through when his girl lies to him.

01. Co Ua – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
With Lam Thuy Van’s high pitch and Don Ho’s low timbre, they have created an opposite attraction. I am quite surprise how the mixture works so well. They do an excellent job of complimenting each other like a perfect couple. They take turn to be dominant and submissive. Combining both beautiful voices with Asia’s crystal clear musical arrangement, this version of Co Ua is unbeatable. I haven’t heard anything close to it.

There you have it. Don Ho’s top ten duets. The singer I would like Don Ho to duet with is My Tam. Her voice is so powerful and clear and she hasn’t been able to find a perfect match. Even Dam Vinh Hung clashes with My Tam because their voices competing with one another instead of integrating. Dam Vinh Hung does not have the back up singing skills that Don Ho has. Don Ho must have picked up these invaluable skills from singing in the choir when he was in high school. See! You never know when your skills set will pay off.

Although Trinh Cong Son had written Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do a long time ago, I was only introduced to it by My Tam a couple of months back. I love the way My Tam performs the song but now Ngoc Lan gives me a whole new perspective when I listen to her version.

Have been listening to other songs by Trinh Cong Son, I suspect Ngoc Lan stays closer to Trinh Cong Son’s intension than My Tam. Ngoc Lan takes the simpler approach and her soft and elegant vocals conveyed the waterfall sounds (thac do). In contrast, My Tam takes full advantage of her strong and clear vocals to produced a brand new flavor. The result is quite interesting because the song now has that heavy Pop/R&B vibe to it, which is perfect for the younger audience. I was instantly hooked the first time I heard it from My Tam because of the way she has emotionally built up the words. But now, Ngoc Lan has smoothed it the song with the way she breathes out the words.

I get two totally different experiences from these two artists. Although, Ngoc Lan and My Tam are from two different generations, both are unique and creative. I like them both but I want to know what is your take on this. Now, if you’re either a fan of Ngoc Lan or My Tam or both, I need to step out of that for a minute and focus on this song only. Don’t let “the one you like” mentality interferes with the aesthetic experience. Listen to the song and pretend you never heard of My Tam or Ngoc Lan before. I know it’s hard to do but that’s the only way to truly separate the work of art by itself. With all that said, here is Ngoc Lan’s Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do and here is My Tam’s Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do. Enjoy!