UFO (2007)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
(((10)))
10, now officially (((10))), is a Seoul-based experimental electronic duo. Drawing equally from keytarist/sound manipulator Marqido's noise background (he's Japanese, what do you expect?) and vocalist/keyboardist/quirky sound maker (bird whistles, deflating balloon loops, etc.) Itta's electronic/pop-based work, (((10))) frequently moves back and forth between piercing feedback, danceable electro-pop, and droned-out synth loops. The highlight of it all is Itta's vocal work, which she comfortably adapts to the changes in the music - at times cute, at times powerful, at times trance-inducing. Their integration of electronic beats and drone, combined with Itta's mesmerizing vocals, brings to mind groups like Excepter and more recent Growing. While a bit of their more experimental tendencies have been sacrificed on the recorded output in favor of tighter, song-based structure, the albums are none-the-less enjoyable, unique, and alot of fun. I really can't stress how much I dig these guys. Here is an early self-release and their first official release. Enjoy!
UFO (2007)
UFO (2007)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Seoul Transmissions 2.0!
Although the 'Seoul Transmissions' name will stick, as this blog was started during my time in Seoul, it will now focus on presenting various types of music from the Northeast Asian region and, if we want to draw a deeper meaning out of it (probably shouldn't try...), the deeply interconnected nature of the region (for better and worse) that is occasionally reflected through that music.
So I think the best way to inaugurate my return to the blog and renewed focus on solely music is to provide the blogosphere with access to one of the most criminally underrated punk bands out of Japan, the Blue Hearts. Why not start with a Korean band? I certainly have alot of music I would like to share at some point, but the Blue Hearts were one of the first bands that made me realize you don't necessarily need to understand what a band is saying to feel a connection to their music. They are often referred to as the "Japanese Clash", and indeed such song titles as 'Punk Rock' (about just what you might think it would be about) evidence the conscious continuation of a tradition that started before them. Yet they also bring a truly unique interpretation of punk that generally strays away from the narcissism, pessimism and misanthropy that can often be found within the music (although, again, a bit like the Clash I suppose). The songs on these first three albums are alot of fun; they carry a visceral mood of youthful enthusiasm and passion. Lead singer Kōmoto Hiroto constantly looks like he is about to burst; his maniacal glare and trademark tongue action helped lead the band to immense popularity in Japan. Some of the most catchy songs are simple love tracks ('A Star Please', 'I Want a Kiss', 'Linda-Linda'). The band, however, wasn't naive. Quite to the contrary - they were banned from T.V. for criticizing nuclear energy ('Chernobyl'), critical of war ('When the Bombs Fall'), and aware of the dangers of apathy ('The Future Is in Our Hands'). While the 1st album is certainly the best, both the 2nd and 3rd albums find the band experimenting with their sound a bit more (blues, some occasional horns, a polka-like track about eating, etc.) while still on a whole retaining the raw energy that makes the 1st such a classic. After the 3rd album, however, the experimenting takes its toll and most of the remainder of their output isn't worth pursuing. Anyway, I think I might do better to end this here and let the music speak for itself. 僕、パンク・ロックが好きだ。
(Tracks in original Japanese; refer to above Wikipedia link for translations.)
The Blue Hearts (1987)
So I think the best way to inaugurate my return to the blog and renewed focus on solely music is to provide the blogosphere with access to one of the most criminally underrated punk bands out of Japan, the Blue Hearts. Why not start with a Korean band? I certainly have alot of music I would like to share at some point, but the Blue Hearts were one of the first bands that made me realize you don't necessarily need to understand what a band is saying to feel a connection to their music. They are often referred to as the "Japanese Clash", and indeed such song titles as 'Punk Rock' (about just what you might think it would be about) evidence the conscious continuation of a tradition that started before them. Yet they also bring a truly unique interpretation of punk that generally strays away from the narcissism, pessimism and misanthropy that can often be found within the music (although, again, a bit like the Clash I suppose). The songs on these first three albums are alot of fun; they carry a visceral mood of youthful enthusiasm and passion. Lead singer Kōmoto Hiroto constantly looks like he is about to burst; his maniacal glare and trademark tongue action helped lead the band to immense popularity in Japan. Some of the most catchy songs are simple love tracks ('A Star Please', 'I Want a Kiss', 'Linda-Linda'). The band, however, wasn't naive. Quite to the contrary - they were banned from T.V. for criticizing nuclear energy ('Chernobyl'), critical of war ('When the Bombs Fall'), and aware of the dangers of apathy ('The Future Is in Our Hands'). While the 1st album is certainly the best, both the 2nd and 3rd albums find the band experimenting with their sound a bit more (blues, some occasional horns, a polka-like track about eating, etc.) while still on a whole retaining the raw energy that makes the 1st such a classic. After the 3rd album, however, the experimenting takes its toll and most of the remainder of their output isn't worth pursuing. Anyway, I think I might do better to end this here and let the music speak for itself. 僕、パンク・ロックが好きだ。
(Tracks in original Japanese; refer to above Wikipedia link for translations.)
The Blue Hearts (1987)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
So It's Been a While...
It's funny how the little things make all the difference...
It is Friday night around 11:30. Needless to say, the mere fact that I am sitting home at this time of the day, this day of the week, says something about my mood. At times, living abroad can take a toll on you. I think this is particularly applicable in East Asia (although East Asia is the only place I have actually traveled to). There are numerous factors that lead me to this belief: difference of language, difference of race, difference of culture, etc. And even in attempting to keep the most positive of attitudes, it is unavoidable that, on the occasion, frustration, exhaustion, and apathy will create a perfect storm, if you will, that just makes you want to say, "fuck it". And this, ultimately, is why I am spending my evening at home with some shitty Korean beer and a large bottle(s) of soju.
The point of this post, however, is not to bitch or complain. It is actually quite the opposite. Feeling the need to actually step out of the house this evening, albeit simply to purchase more alcohol, I had a small encounter that turned my negative feelings on their head. In fact, these sort of interactions are things I've experienced quite often. Yet for some reason on this particular night, on this particular interaction, I felt the need to revive my dormant blog.
What I will describe is nothing dramatic and, frankly, considering all the fantastic blogging that is taking place right now, now even worthy or blogging about. Yet a certain "perfect storm" (again, if you will) of emotions leads me to want to write this. I simply went to the local grocers, grabbed a 6-pack and a bottle of soju, made my way to the counter, and checked out. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? This is a grocers I go to quite frequently however, and have been since I first arrived here roughly 8 months ago. There is a usual woman who works the counter and she always greets me with a smile; she always is quite accommodating to my less-than-spectacular Korean skills. And tonight, to top it off, she asked, "Name? Your name?" A simple question, but a question that acknowledges me as not only a consistent and respectful customer, but a person. And frankly, at times, it can be easy to forget that you are a real person as a foreigner in Korean society. Don't get me wrong, I have met many fantastic people here that have been kind, considerate, and accommodating. Yet the generic questions and constant superficial, "keeping-you-at-a-distance" interactions that foreigners inevitably experience, again and again, day in and day out, certainly take their toll. But what has, and continues, to give me strength during the tough times abroad are these simple interactions. They not only encourage me to continue forging through this unique experience, they not only encourage me to keep studying a place, a society, and a people I am truly passionate about, but they also give me hope in humanity as a whole.
On a separate note, I have a great deal of music that I feel should be shared with people outside of not only Seoul, but Korea, East Asia, and the world in general. So I plan to (on a consistent basis!) upload files in an attempt to fulfill at least one original purpose of this blog and, more importantly, communicate the original, innovative, and passionate music that is being created outside of the West.
It is Friday night around 11:30. Needless to say, the mere fact that I am sitting home at this time of the day, this day of the week, says something about my mood. At times, living abroad can take a toll on you. I think this is particularly applicable in East Asia (although East Asia is the only place I have actually traveled to). There are numerous factors that lead me to this belief: difference of language, difference of race, difference of culture, etc. And even in attempting to keep the most positive of attitudes, it is unavoidable that, on the occasion, frustration, exhaustion, and apathy will create a perfect storm, if you will, that just makes you want to say, "fuck it". And this, ultimately, is why I am spending my evening at home with some shitty Korean beer and a large bottle(s) of soju.
The point of this post, however, is not to bitch or complain. It is actually quite the opposite. Feeling the need to actually step out of the house this evening, albeit simply to purchase more alcohol, I had a small encounter that turned my negative feelings on their head. In fact, these sort of interactions are things I've experienced quite often. Yet for some reason on this particular night, on this particular interaction, I felt the need to revive my dormant blog.
What I will describe is nothing dramatic and, frankly, considering all the fantastic blogging that is taking place right now, now even worthy or blogging about. Yet a certain "perfect storm" (again, if you will) of emotions leads me to want to write this. I simply went to the local grocers, grabbed a 6-pack and a bottle of soju, made my way to the counter, and checked out. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? This is a grocers I go to quite frequently however, and have been since I first arrived here roughly 8 months ago. There is a usual woman who works the counter and she always greets me with a smile; she always is quite accommodating to my less-than-spectacular Korean skills. And tonight, to top it off, she asked, "Name? Your name?" A simple question, but a question that acknowledges me as not only a consistent and respectful customer, but a person. And frankly, at times, it can be easy to forget that you are a real person as a foreigner in Korean society. Don't get me wrong, I have met many fantastic people here that have been kind, considerate, and accommodating. Yet the generic questions and constant superficial, "keeping-you-at-a-distance" interactions that foreigners inevitably experience, again and again, day in and day out, certainly take their toll. But what has, and continues, to give me strength during the tough times abroad are these simple interactions. They not only encourage me to continue forging through this unique experience, they not only encourage me to keep studying a place, a society, and a people I am truly passionate about, but they also give me hope in humanity as a whole.
On a separate note, I have a great deal of music that I feel should be shared with people outside of not only Seoul, but Korea, East Asia, and the world in general. So I plan to (on a consistent basis!) upload files in an attempt to fulfill at least one original purpose of this blog and, more importantly, communicate the original, innovative, and passionate music that is being created outside of the West.
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