"Mayday" (Rock Records: RD-1505)
The one that Mayday will always have to live up to, or down to, depending on who you are. As a vehicle for their marketing-friendly image as a clean-cut "student" band, it was perfect. Bright, hook-filled tunes about everyday life and love conjure up memories of the Beatles and Squeeze, and in the same package are heart-on-sleeve ballads and some rockers. Whether you believe the image or not, compared with later albums this one is rough around the edges. I call the recording-session gimmicks and overreaching vocals charming, and the best of the songwriting timeless.
"World Crazy" VCD (Music videos plus karaoke) (KC-1015)
"Mayday" VCD (Music videos) (ID-1157)
"Mayday" CD+VCD (RD1505-4)
"168" 1999 tour live VCD (KC-1017)
"168" CD+VCD (RD1529-4)
Mayday's live albums are always a mixed bag, with spotty vocals and a sometimes too-heavy hand on the arrangements. These are honest records, with no apparent studio doctoring, nor the finely honed production of the studio albums. Surprisingly, this one holds up as well as any other, maybe better. Highlights include a punk-flavored "My Life" and two versions of "Peter and Mary," a delicate acoustic arrangement and a massive love-fest of an encore. The excellent "Ai Qing Niang de Jiu" ("Love Like Wine") doesn't appear on any other record.
"Viva Love" (RD1537)
If "Mayday" is the band's "Meet the Beatles," this is its "Abbey Road." The sound matures and stretches out, with several richly orchestrated midtempo tunes standing out. The lads sound less anxious to be our friends and more intent on getting us to listen closer, which for the most part is deeply rewarding.
"Viva Love VCD 1+1" (2 discs, music video plus karaoke) (KC-2009-4)
"Mayday 2000 Tour" VCD (2 discs) (RD1583-4)
"Mayday 2000 Tour" DVD (KD3005)
"Migratory Bird" movie soundtrack plus music-video VCD (Rock Records RD 1571 plus RD1571-A)
This outing finds Mayday in a cooler, more electronic mode, with some help from collaborators. Not a true Mayday album, but more than a curiosity. Quite nice overall. Highlights include "ICQ Love" and a smoldering electronic version of "Romeo and Juliet."
"People Life, Ocean Wild" (RD1600)
Anyone unfamiliar with the kind of devotion pop artists attract in Asia might be surprised to hear an anthem-laden "farewell" record from a band with only two other full albums. In 2001, as the band that popularized Taiwanese-language rock got ready to set off for military service in a period of political upheaval, it was justified in taking that tone. Mayday improved its production, stretched its style once again, and put out an excellent record. The many chanted choruses are a bit wearying at times, but the closing title track is one of Mayday's best songs. "Will You?" is a perfect gem.
"People Life, Ocean Wild" VCD (music video plus karaoke) (KC2011-A)
"Where Are You Going To?" (Tour 2001 CD) (3 discs) (RD1609-4)
"Where Are You Going To?" (Tour 2001 DVD) (2 discs) (KD8001-4)
"The Wings of a Dream" EP Limited Edition (RD1638-5)
One not-terrible ballad, one remake from the previous album, one apparent outtake from the next. Strictly for completists ... except for "Wo," a soaring blend of hip-hop, funk, orchestral elements, and Seventies guitar that stands with Mayday's best work.
"The Wings of a Dream" EP (RD1638)
"The Wings of a Dream" DVD (NCD007)
Documentary of the 2001 tour and tearful goodbyes. Fully subtitled, ladies and gentlemen ... in English!
"We Are Mayday" hits compilation plus one new song (lead vocal by Yu Quan)
For completists only. Includes all four songs from "Wings of a Dream," plus a selection of nine earlier songs and the one new track, in seemingly random order. My friend Fish informs me this album was intended as an introduction to Mayday for the Mainland China audience and some lyrics were changed.
"Time Machine" (RD1666-4)
After two years of study (Stone and Ming), military service (Masa), and military service and producer gigs (Ashin and Monster), Mayday returned with a record that's darker, harder and more polished than any earlier work. This time out, the rockers are the highlights. Mayday's best album, hands down, end of story.
"Sky City - 40,000 People Live Concert" CD+VCD (RD1680-4)
For completists only. Two CDs worth of Mayday's Aug. 16, 2003, reunion concert after the hiatus, plus a VCD of backstage clips. The show's energy occasionally shines through the murky sound and mostly pedestrian arrangements. DVD is much better.
"Sky City - 40,000 People Live Concert" DVD (NCD012.4)
Well-made video of a very emotional show for both the lads and their fans.
"May of Love: Music Inspired by the Movie" (RD1678-4)
A sprawling two-CD collection of original film music, a few tracks from other albums, and some brilliant remixes and re-imaginings of earlier songs.
True fans: Own it and cherish it.
"Falling Angels with a Flying Soul" (RD1708-4)
Mayday's return to pop. Fun, polished, and intermittently brilliant.
"Touch Together: Music of the Gay and Lesbian of Taiwan" (Taiwan Colors Music: tcm9901)
Mayday connections: Mayday credited or co-credited with arrangement and members perform on all but one song. Ashin & Mayday credited with music/lyrics on "Touch Together" (appears on "Mayday" album as "Embrace") and "Masquerade." Ashin credited with music on "Understanding" and "The Shape of Love" (appears on "Mayday" as "This Is Love"). Music on "Don't Hide Your Love Away" credited to "Ashine." Mayday credited with music on "Coming Out" (appears on "Mayday" album as "Let It Out").
Photographer Diane Arbus said a photo is a mystery about a mystery. So's this CD. On an album filled with artist pseudonyms, little-known vocalists and strange production quirks, the biggest questions remain unanswered even now. Who wanted this album made? Why did Mayday take such a big role in it? Is Ashin gay, or is he just a clever lyricist with an open mind? I've heard various things, but still I wonder. As music, "Touch Together" is uneven but features some nice pop tunes and vocal performances. As an artifact of Mayday's growth as a band, it's priceless.
"Michael’s First Album" (Michael Wang) (RD-1588)
Mayday connections: Mayday performs on "Elevator" (Track 9),"How Are You? (Track 11).
"Migratory Bird" DVD (Chinese Media Development Co. Ltd.)
Mayday connection: Soundtrack written and performed mostly by Ashin and Mayday, with some guest vocalists.
An Ang Lee-style romantic comedy set in Vancouver's Chinese community, it's mostly in Mandarin and has no English subtitles.
"18 Wanna Be" (young artists compilation) (RD1634)
Mayday connections: Ashin, Monster produced. Ashin co-wrote and Ashin, Monster performed on "Wang Ze Mian" (with Sun Yanzi, as Kid&Dream)