Wednesday January 27
 
18:01
 
Korean music

일본에와서3년이나됐는데도아직도내가자주듣는음악은한국음악이다
Even though I haven’t lived in Korea for 3+ years, even now most of the music I listen to is Korean. The latest Jaurim EP is superb (“제목 없는 음반”).

I most listen to:

1. Delispice 델리 스파이스
2. Humming Urban Stereo 허밍 어반 스테레오
3. 3rd Line Butterfly 3호선 버터플라이
4. Rollercoaster 롤러코스터
5. Rainy Sun 레이니썬
6. Nell 넬
7. You-me 유미
8. Casker 캐스커
9. Lucid Fall 루시드폴
10. Cherry Filter 체리필터
11. Jaurim 자우림
12. Loveholic 러브홀릭
13. Jadu 자두

Know them? #1, #2, #4, #7, #10, #11, #12 and #13 should be known to most Koreans - the rest, probably not. If you like Portishead, you must listen to #5. The last 4 I only like a subset of their music.

Monday July 27
 
12:09
 
Crying Nut at Fuji Rock

Not only did I brave the rain this weekend at Fuji Rock, but I got up especially early to see Korean punk band Crying Nut.

From Wikipedia:

Crying Nut is a punk band from South Korea. Their 1998 debut album sold over 100,000 copies, setting a new record for South Korean independent rock albums. They released four albums up to 2002. However, band members had to take some time off to fulfill their mandatory military service. Then, to the delight of their fans they released their fifth record entitled The Cow Of OK Pasture on July 14th, 2006.

I estimate there was less than 100 people watching the band – here’s a shot from a wider angle:

I’m sure the band also must have been disappointed to be playing for so few – but it’s not entirely surprising giving that their slot was before midday and many people were still waiting for wristbands (daily visitors) or in bed (those partying from the night before). Good performance though.

A number of their videos are on You Tube – here’s Circus Magic and 넌 네가 반했어 for starters.

Tuesday May 19
 
14:33
 
Nell

Ok, it’s a year old, but it’s hard to “discover” Korean music outside Korea. Nell is a band I knew of when in Korea. Recently I picked up their 4th album and it is excellent.

There are some tracks you can listen to on You Tube – Fisheye Lens (Live), Promise Me, Separation Anxiety (with English Subtitles), 12 Seconds (which is partially sung in English) and a bunch more under the “Related Videos” section. Forget BOA – this is good Korean music.

The album is available to buy from Yes Asia.

Friday May 15
 
22:03
 
Another “Album Of The Year” Contender

The Horrors – Primary Colours. Early Jesus and Mary Chain meets My Bloody Valentine and Spiritualized (track 8 is like track 2 from Floating In Space but faster). British Indie back to the late 80s, early 90s. Fantastic.

Thursday March 26
 
14:50
 
The Funniest Song Ever?

Oh he treats me with respect
He says he loves me all the time
He calls me 15 times a day
He likes to make sure that I’m fine
You know I’ve never met a man who’s made me feel quite so secure
He’s not like all them other boys
They’re all so dumb and immature

There’s just one thing that’s getting in the way
When we go up to bed you’re just no good
Its such a shame
I look into your eyes I want to get to know you
And then you make this noise and its apparent it’s all over

Oh I lie here in the wet patch
In the middle of the bed
I’m feeling pretty damn hard done by
I spent ages giving head

LOL…

Full lyrics…