SISTAR19 "Gone Not Around Any Longer"

        Popular subunit Sistar19 consisting of rapper Bora and main vocalist Hyorin returns with a new single called "Gone Not Around Any Longer." With the hit success of their prior debut track "Ma Boy," fans are more eager than ever to see the girls strut their stuff in the comeback. "Gone Not Around Any Longer" hit the #1 spot on many music sites and currently continue their top reign in digital sales. The song itself is a slow-tempo, sensual track maxing out Hyorin's deep vocals and Bora's seductive stage presence. Think of it as a slower, more provocative version of Sistar's "Alone" track, though maybe not as tastefully done. Below are some perplexing MV details:

• There's a bath that isn't bathed in. 
• A table that's used to dance/stand on.
• Platform stilletoes worn indoors.
• A car that will never actually move (but the concept repeatedly appears in many, many K-pop MV's).
• An unused (useless) payphone prop.
• An otherwise casual outfit bedazzled to its limits: Furry booties worn with short-shorts and heavily encrusted denim shirts (all for the sake of fashion... I guess).
• A transparent white piano that is never played.
• Two male back-up dancers appear only for 12 seconds.
• Only fifteen or so seconds of Bora's voice (I thought this was a sub-unit, or is Bora just featured? Still, Bora's rap made a strong impression despite her short singing part).

Sistar19 "Gone Not Around Any Longer" (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMWBl61HoBs

Sistar19 "Ma Boy" MV (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTJGDry6XTE

The song is generally very catchy and appealing, but my ears reeled at the part where Hyorin stands on the table and raises her octaves going, "Eh eh eh eh ooOH!" The dissonance of the 'e' sound disrupts the mellow vibe. They could've exchanged the "eh" for "babe" and the crescendo would've sounded mollifying and even suggestive. (Two birds with one stone!)

This deserves its own paragraph, because it bothers me that much: If you're going to title a song, it's always best to make it short (it's efficient and easier to remember). If English has to be incorporated, at least use it wisely.  The definition of "gone" also encompasses the meaning "not around any longer," so it would be proficient to just name the title "Gone" (and the save time of those who wish to blog about it, thanks).

Though many people are praising Sistar19 for being so classy yet sexy, I personally don't like the beginning choreography where Hyorin's singing, "Hoo hoo ahoo..." and the two look like their sliding across the transparent table. It honestly looks like they're wiping dirty bottoms on a clear glass, and my first impression was of disgust. When my roommate later informed that they're not actually touching the table, we both still agreed that it looked like they were taking a number 2. (If you didn't see that before, I'm sorry for the image). Sure, their expressions look attractive, and the wavy movement is nice, but I still can't help feeling a bit nauseous.

Their stylists missed the mark this time around. Though the tight black attire with the golden necklines (and chain belt) were appropriate, the other ensembles had me scratching my head. It's unnecessary to bedazzle your loose denim shirts that much to create intrique. There's so many pearls and gems on those button-ups that the added chunkiness competes with the ladies' smooth moves. Then comes the unflattering, hot-pink pleated skirt/mid-length dress with biker jacket that makes Bora look like a thicker throwback extra from Grease and Hyorin uncomfortable displaying a camel toe. Later on, the two unexpectedly appear in baggy sweatpants with a white tank top and rhinestone cap that make them look like back-up dancers instead of the main performers. If they're trying to incorporate color because of the grey-blue filter, they're going about it the wrong way.

All in all, it was a mess of things that didn't come together well. For a song that is strong in its subtlety, the directors should have gone for a simpler, more focused approach. For example, if Hyorin was by a steaming shower, put her in it later with romantic candles and dark flower petals, brooding over a glass of wine. If Bora's supposed to be cuddling a guy, make it more interesting by having her watch the scene and then have it fade away like a wisp of memory. Also, stick to the concept, people! Even if there's no set storyline, I shouldn't be confused over the small stuff.


Check out their stirring live stages below:
(The indication of popularity is in how long and often they're asked to perform on music programs).

KBS Music Bank Comeback 130201 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve5eCDkybVA
MBC Music Core 130204 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL4i8qZEQ-Q
Music Triangle 130206 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPKeTYEXVdA
Mnet M! Countdown 130207 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBi-sjJio6c
SBS Inkigayo 130210 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgrpd7JfqR4
MBC Music Core http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7sqOY5MS0k
Mnet M! Countdown 130214 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLIRPr-Zk5A 
KBS Music Bank 130215 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXzy1WakXQU
MBC Music Core 130217 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl7ie1tbBmM
Mnet M! Countdown 130221 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6IqhN40aHo
KBS Music Bank 130222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxT7XRtHkFg&list=UUDrCsMjtCr6Yx42OBrXnyPQ&index=3

"Crossing the line between girl and womanhood" my butt. They're already there!

Interested in sub-unit Sistar19 or the original Sistar? Check out related links below:

Sistar Official Site: http://www.starship-ent.com/sistar/
Sistar Official Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC3A975A388190AE1