What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland
App: City Spirit Go
Pokemon Go! may be all the rage in America but sadly the Nintendo created game is currently unavailable in China (and surprisingly also Japan where people are kinda politely pissed about it). Not surprisingly, China’s app stores have been flooded with knock-offs including City Spirit Go - currently the most popular app in China’s iOS App Store. While the app lacks Pokemon Go!’s innovative AR features, City Spirit Go still requires users to search for prizes around them in this location-based game that utilizes a cartoon map. So far, it’s received good reviews helping China scratch its Pokemon Go itch. Reportedly, Tencent is working with Nintendo to create a Mainland version of the real thing. Available at China’s iOS App Store.
TV: War & Peace
Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel comes to life in this six-part BBC adaption that debuted earlier this year to universal rave reviews. Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood, 12 Years A Slave) and Lily James (Downtown Abbey) star with Le Eco screening episodes every week. Available at Le Eco.
TV: Mr. Robot
Arguably, the best American show of last summer returns this week with so many questions to answer. Told through the unreliable eyes of a brilliant but hugely troubled hacker, Mr. Robot is utterly unlike any TV show from its daring direction to its cyberpunk score. While season two debuts in America this Thursday and is unavailable in the Mainland (at least legally), newcomers can catch up with season one exclusively available on Youku.
Music: Lu1 x Cee
This hip hop super duo pairs young upstart Lu1, who won numerous awards for his debut disc last year, with Shanghai OG Cee, who won the Iron Mic as a teen, released a record with Sony and was the most hardcore member of Shanghai icons Bamboo. Farewell on a Midnight Train is full of soulful jazzy flavor perfect for fans of 90s hip hop. Even better, the two bring their national tour to Guangzhou (July 29 at Live Wild Space), Shenzhen (July 30 at B10) and Beijing (Aug 6 at School). Available on Xiami.
Music: Al Rocco
On the other end of Shanghai hip hop, Al Rocco returns with his first release since the demise of the trap hop trio Busy Gang. On the Self-Made EP, he links with fellow Busy Gang member Blow Fever and NBA All-Star Isiah Thomas for four hard-hitting tracks ensuring everyone that despite all the changes, the Hong Kong born rapper is continuing to ball out. Available on Al Rocco’s Bandcamp.
For past What's New columns, click here.
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