Seoul Transmissions: 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。