These days, when one's fame is measured in terms of the number of Facebook "likes", it's a sure sign that Hallyu has spread its wings beyond the Asian market when it has been listed as a genre on the Youtube music website since 15th December. This is probably the first time the pop music of a particular country has been highlighted, much to the delight of fans of Super Junior, Girls' Generation and so on.
BUT, what about those outside Kpop mainstream? Don't know when Fluxus's Channel first appeared on cyberspace but here's hoping more people around the world will become familiar with these indie musicians like Yi Sung-yol, W and Whale, Ibadi and Clazziquai.
꽃피는 봄이 오면BMK (비엠케이)
니가 떠난 그 후로 내 눈물은 얼 수 없나 봐
얼어 붙고 싶어도 다시 흐른 눈물 때문에
널 잃은 내 슬픔에 세상이 얼어도
날이 선 미움이 날 할켜도
뿌리 깊은 사랑은 이젠 떼어낼 수 없나 봐
처음부터 넌 내 몸과 한 몸이었던 것처럼
그 어떤 사랑 조차 꿈도 못 꾸고
이내 널 그리고 또 원하고 난 니 이름만 부르짖는데
다시 돌아 올까? 니가 내 곁으로 올까?
믿을 수가 없는데 믿어 주면 우리 너무 사랑한
지난 날처럼 사랑하게 될까? 그 때의 맘과 똑같을까?
계절처럼 돌고 돌아 다시 꽃피는 봄이 오면
기다리는 이에게 사랑 말곤 할 게 없나 봐
그 얼마나 고단한지 가늠도 못 했었던 나
왜 못 보내느냐고 오~ 왜 우냐고
자꾸 날 꾸짖고 날 탓하고 또 그래도 난 너를 못 잊어
다시 돌아 올까? 니가 내 곁으로 올까?
믿을 수가 없는데 믿어 주면 우린 너무 사랑한
지난 날처럼 사랑하게 될까? 그 때의 맘과 똑같을까?
계절처럼 돌고 돌아 다시 꽃피는 봄이 오면
참 모질었던 삶이었지만 늘 황폐했던 맘이지만
그래도 너 있어 눈부셨어
널 이렇게도 그리워 견딜 수가 없는 건
나 그 때의 나 그 날의 내 모습이 그리워
시간에게 속아 다른 누굴 허락하고
다른 누군가에게 기대 서로 묻고 산다고 해도
날 기억해 줘
한 순간이지만 우리가 사랑했다는 건
너와 나눈 사랑은 참 삶보다 짧지만
내 추억속에 사는 사랑은 영원할 테니까
꼭 찰나같아 찬란했던 그 봄날은
Korean to English translation ( See how Google translator can mess up?)
After that you're gone can not get away my tears, look at the Earl
Tears flowed again because I want to freeze transfixed
The world froze in my sorrow, I have lost
Hate me, the day halkyeodo
I can not get away and pulled off a deep-rooted love Look
You like my body, beginning a momyieotdeon
What I can not even dream that dream
And you want within your name I was crying
Could come back? You could come to my side?
Believe if I can not believe we loved so much
The last day when I would do? I wonder when the heart and the same?
When spring comes round again, like the seasons around
Has anything better to do I see waiting yiege
I had not even measure how much hardship or if
Why not send a calling me Oh why I'm crying
I keep blaming me and rebuke me, but I can not forget you
Could come back? You could come to my side?
I believe if I can not believe we have loved
The last day when I would do? I wonder when the heart and the same?
When spring comes round again, like the seasons around
Mozilla had been so devastated lives, but always mamyijiman
But you still got nunbusyeoteo
I miss you too so what I can not stand
I figure that I miss the day when I
Hours to allow anyone else to be fooled
Hope someone else can live with each other to ask
Remember me me
I mean, one moment, but we
Divided by the true love you more than life is short
I'll love to live in my memories forever
The spring is glorious moment I think
John Park vs Hur Gak
A Korean-American vs A homeboy
A student from a privileged school vs a TV repairman
A member of the American Idol alumni vs A high school dropout who had to support his family
According to the JoongAng Daily, "Huh’s win was based on a compilation of the judges’ evaluation, real-time votes through text messages and online votes prior to the broadcast. Three superstar judges - singers Lee Seung-chul, Yoon Jong-shin and Eom Jeong-hwa - participated in the event."
Working on yesterday's post has put me in the mood for more music from Whale ( with and without W i.e. the trio of band members who actually call themselves Where The Story Ends). Whale's real name is Park Eun-kyung but it can be confusing because there's another person, a sexy racing queen with the same name. Our Park Eun-kyung, who is as cute as a button, perhaps to avoid confusion, has taken on the stagename "Whale". The reason for that choice eludes me. Funny as well that she has Dolphin as her nickname.
Well, what's in a name? The important thing is this girl CAN SING! She can play the guitar as well as compose lovely ballads such as this one here. BTW, it's not a paen to the largest of sea mammals; instead it seems to be autobiographical. In the second video clip, it really sounds like she's sharing her life story in a performance just for you at home. Love the simplicity, the sense of intimacy and the laid-back quality. Enjoy. ( But if you want something more uptempo, click here for RPG Shine.)
WHALE SONG
어린 날, 포근한 엄마의 멜로디 Eo-rin nal, po-geun-han eo-ma-eui mel-lo-di
언제나 품속에 담아두고 싶어.Eon-je-na pum-sok-e dam-a-du-go ship-eo.
까맣게 깊은 밤, 하얗게 피어있는 Gga-mah-ge gip-eun bam, ha-yah-ge pi-eo-itt-neun
별에게 얘기했지 수없이 많은 바램. Byeol-e-ge ye-gi-haett-ji su-eobs-i manh-eun ba-raem
in the young days, mum’s soft melody
always wanted to lay at her chest
deep black night, blooming white,
the stars, told them, my countless wishes
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
Radiohead의 음악을 느끼며 Radiohead eui eum-ag-eul neu-ggi-myeo
이슬이 스며든 런던을 꿈꾸지.I-seul-i seu-myeo-deun leon-deon-eul ggum-ggu-ji.
기타를 튕기는 내 손이 너무 좋아.Gi-ta-reul twing-gi-neun nae son-i neo-mu joh-a.
굳은 살 투성이지, 나는 Rock and Roll Star. Gud-eun sal tu-seong-i-ji, na neun Rock and Roll Star
feeling the music of Radiohead
dreaming of London with sinking dewdrops
I like my hand a lot that rebounds from the guitar
it’s full of hardened skin, I am a Rock& Roll Star
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
어쩌면 다시 흘러간 시간 속에서 힘이 드는지도 Eo-jjeo-myeon da-shi heul-reo-gan shi-gan sok-e-seo him-i deul-neun-ji-do
이제는 내게 감미로운 멜로디 그 속에 힘을 싣고I-je-neun nae-ge gam-mi-ro-un mel-lo-di geu sok-e him-eul sid-go
maybe in the time that flew away again, I am putting my strength
now, for me a sweet melody, getting strength in it
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
translated by wassereis.livejournal.com + lyrical movement Hangeul lyrics: cyworld
For some inexplicable reason, the song by indie group, W and Whale entitled RPG Shine keeps running through my mind lately.
Here's a snipper of info from a website:
W and Whale (korean: 더블유앤웨일) is a collaboration between W (Where The Story Ends) and female vocalist Whale (웨일).They released their full-length project album on September 24, 2008, entitled “Hardboiled”, making some head way with the title track “R.P.G Shine”. They’re a new alternative/indie movement, and their styles include indie, alternative-pop, rock, jazz and even disco.
Haven't been able to find a translation for the lyrics below but the part that bugs me most is the reference to Rocket Punch Generation. Maybe my age is showing or the rock that I'm under is even bigger than I'd thought so can somebody please put me out of my misery and tell me what that phrase refers to?? I can only infer that Rocket Punch has something to do with Japanese anime and so can only conclude that this ajumma is definitely not part of the RPG!
건조한 눈빛, 쓰디 쓴 그대의 혀
항상 말만 앞서고 행동하진 못해.
나는 좀처럼 스스로 판단할 수 없어
필요한 건 Rocket punch.
때론 나대신 싸워주는 로봇
그건 말도 안 되는 만화 속 이야기
너의 어깨가 부셔져라 부딪혀야 해.
1 & 2 & 3 & 4걱정하는 것을 걱정하지 마.
Rocket Punch Generation지루하게 선명하기보다는 흐릿해도 흥미롭게
You have to cha, cha, cha, change yourself.
대체 왜 그래 뭐가 부끄럽다고
딱딱해지는 몸짓 빨개지는 얼굴
삶은 언제나 그렇듯 오르막 내리막
Tricky, Freaky, Break it my heart.누가 뭐래도 무거운 신념 하나
너의 가슴 속 깊이 못을 밖아 두고
결국 뱃머리 돌리는 건 바로 나 캡틴 Whale
5 & 6 & 7 & 8 걱정하는 것을 걱정하지 마.
Rocket Punch Generation 지루하게 선명하기보다는 흐릿해도 흥미롭게
You have to cha, cha, cha, change yourself.Oh~! Love me & love you이보다 더 좋을 순 없으니
Hold me & I`ll hold you또 이보다 더 나빠진다 해도 우리.
이미 지난 일은 후회하지 마.
Rocket Punch Generation. 불안할 것 없어 다가올 일도 중요한 건 바로 지금
I have to cha, cha, cha, change my, You have to cha, cha, cha, change your, We have to cha, cha, cha, change ourselves.
Horan of Clazziquai fame has such an enviably effortless style. Whenever my nerves feel frayed, I turn to Ibadi's music. The best kind of soothing balm for the spirit.
What ever happened to K otherwise known as Kang Yoon-sung? He's a Korean singer crossed over to Japan when his debut albums failed to attract attention in Korea . The Japs like him though and he's made a few hits, more notably Only Human (1 Litre of Tears OST). Perhaps others like BoA and DBSK have enjoyed as much popularity in the domestic as well as the Japanese markets but for some reason which I don't understand, K hasn't really had the same kind of success, which is a bit of a pity. His appearance has been compared to Taiwan's Jay Chou but I'd argue K doesn't convey the same chin-stuck-out arrogant air of Mr Chou.
Here is K's version of Rain's Running Away from the Sun. For a skinny chap, he seems to have a pretty sturdy pair of lungs. Check out how he holds the note in the video.
Pardon me while I sound sloppily sentimental but I happened to see Insooni in an old concert on TV singing "Father" and was reminded again of why she's made it twice to Carnegie Hall. It's not Father's Day yet but no matter, everytime I listen to this song, I must remind myself about all that I owe Dad ( and Mom).
Thinking of spring flowers reminds me of Iljimae - the TV drama series that features Lee Jun-ki in a Robin Hood type role and Park Hyo Shin's lovely ballad. I thought the main character used the branch of apricot blossom or Japanese apricot ( maehwa) as his signature simply because it reminded him of the apricot blossoms in his childhood home.
But I've just learnt that the mae-hwa is one of the few trees that can withstand the freezing temperatures in winter and so has become a symbol of fortitude and endurance. The elegant profile of the blossoms on the branches is also associated with the virtues of the nobility.
More on maehwa in the next posting but in the meantime, enjoy the theme song from this popular drama. Thanks to lolgalygal for putting it up on youtube.
Her voice's been described as having "viscosity and tension like a balloon just before blowing up". Not quite sure if that sounds complimentary and somehow "viscosity and tension" sounds like an oxymoron. No matter, Kim Hyun-jeong, a.k.a. Big Mama King ( not to be confused with the great vocal group, Big Mama) has been one of my favourite Kpop artistes but sadly she has not appeared on the music charts of late. My last two postings on spring reminded me of this song of hers which appeared back in 2005, "When Flowers Bloom".
BMK became known as one of the best jazz female vocalists in the country after she graduated from the Seoul Jazz Academy. There's an interesting anedote about how she once sneaked out of hospital with a plaster cast for the audition to enter the academy. These days, passion and talent may not be enough for musicians in Korea. From the way the girlie groups seem to be dominating the pop charts with their dance tunes and long legs, what chance does BMK have of enjoying a comeback?
Listening to this is like drinking cool spring water and I don't mean your usual Evian or Perrier. The female half of Clazziquai, Lee Horan is doing her own thing with drummer/guitarist Gur Jeong and bassist/guitarist Justin Kim. Together, they're IBADI, using apparently a traditional Korean word for 'celebration'.
Here are two version of "Secret Waltz" with Lee Seung Yuel (another great voice) from Ibadi's mini-album, "Songs for Ophelia".
The sound quality is better on this MV. Haven't found the English lyrics to this number but will post as soon as possible. Meanwhile, just sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy. For more on Ibadi, click here.
I've been going ga-ga over tigers in this blog lately in the run-up to Seollal and to usher in the Year of the White Tiger. But here's my last posting on tigers ( I think but can't promise!)
Just heard on KBS World Radio that Drunken Tiger just recently won the Best Album and Hip Hop Award at the 19th Hi - One Seoul Music Awards on Wednesday this week. Drunken Tiger was the Korean-American hip-hop group that eventually became a one-man show
The first song that I liked was Liquor Shots way back in 2006. Am still clueless about what they're singing and I can't explain why I like it. Let's just say it's quite infectious.
DRUNKEN TIGER 7TH ALBUM MV
8:45 Heaven was written when DK Tiger's grandmother passed away.
Lyrics for 8:45 Heaven. Thanks to Scottahn for posting the video and the English translation on youtube.
I should've done better when you were here I should've told you when you could hear that morning which had no difference I already felt by the ring which woke me up it's too late to put back the time One last cry. oh please god try please don't let her die on me I know it's a lie I told you to wait for me to make you happy you told me that you'll wait till I rise to the top please endure it bit more, don't leave this world God please pretend as you've never saw it just for once it must be a mistake, god is not also perfect he's trying to take the most precious thing in the world
[CHORUS] 8:45 you're going up to heaven, the peaceful world where only virtue exists 8:45 you're going up to heaven, if you can hear me..know that I love you 8:45 you're going up to heaven, the peaceful world where only virtue exists 8:45 you're going up to heaven, if you can hear me..know that I love you
[VERSE 2] Holding your speachless hand..I just yell out that you might hear if do so.. please wake up, open your eyes One last cry Let me say good bye please don't let her die on I know it's a lie even the world hates me I'm your best no matter what people say you never blamed me the question less love.. that's the thing like God which makes miracle, the perfect, perfect beauty after God The most beautiful thing in the world the most precious thing in the universe my love
[VERSE 3] where did you go without your last goodbyes My heart is filled with pain Tho I drive 'em out with a deep sigh Only pain remains I see nothing in this empty world But I try to smile You might be sad if you see me so sad I promise you I'd never ever forget you I'mma let go of your hand
Deep sigh - so near yet so far. Commitments make it impossible for me to make it to the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore next week on the 1st and 2nd of February where Bobby Kim will be performing with composer/ lyricist/ arranger Oh Joonsung, Mario and Shinee.
Singaporean fans of K dramas are bound to have a great time as Mr Oh will conduct his 9-piece band, Green Cacao alongside a 23-piece orchestra specially put together for the concert as he presents a number of his OST hits from popular K dramas such as My Girl and Boys Over Flowers. Other Kpop stars, Mario and Shinee will also delight their fans by appearing as well for the two- night concert.
It matters zilch to me that I won't be there in the Concert Hall to hear them but oh, Bobby Kim - that's another matter. (....Sound of another deep sigh from ajumma).
To console myself, I'm pinching this music from youtube.
Here's something for a friend of mine who rather belatedly has discovered the charms of Lee Byeong-hyeon ( of present Iris and G.I. Joe fame).
She's fallen for his deep voice but I'm hoping she'll also fall in love with the soulful voice of Kim Kwang-seok, the folk rock singer whose "Letter To A Private" ( 이등병의 편지) was featured in JSA: Joint Security Area - a compelling film by Park Chan-wook. Still relevant movie today, given the most recent tensions between the North and South. Let's hope and pray good sense prevails.
Answer: Lucid Fall
Who?
His real name is Jo Yun-seok. According to the KBS report, "A graduate of Seoul National University’s chemical engineering department, Lucid Fall has studied in Switzerland for his doctorate degree in bioengineering. His dissertation was so innovative that it was published in the inaugural issue of the new academic journal 'Nature Chemistry'. " Now, he's made a big switch from a life in academia as a researcher on nanotechnology to the unpredictable life of a singer and composer. For more on his debut in the music scene, click here and for the full story about his brave decision to change careers, click here.
Wow. Talk about a modern-day Renaissance man.
Here's another snippet from the same report: "Ten thousand copies of Lucid Fall’s fourth album were sold out in just three days". Now, that's successful marketing or is it a case of great music selling itself?
I couldn't find any decent video of the beautiful "Spring Snow" by the man himself but here's his composition delivered by the beautiful Park Ji-yeon.
Am waiting for those who attended his “Silent Night Nylon Night 2009” concert this December in Busan,Seoul and Daegu to post their recordings on youtube. Meanwhile, here's wishing you, Lucid Fall, all the very best for your inspiring choice and new career path.
Do you prefer the new R&B version of Super Junior's Sorry Sorry
OR
The Dance version below?
I'm not a fan of Super Junior ( but I'm no anti- either!) and I was annoyed with myself when the tune of Sorry,Sorry kept running through my head while I was exercising outdoors (That's what comes of listening to too much Kpop music on KBS World Radio!) But I was intrigued to read the article below on the KBS World Radio Webpage. Is this a trend in Korean pop music scene - to have fast number hits reworked as slow ones as with the Wonder Girls' "Nobody"?
" Idol group Super Junior has released online the R&B version of the group’s hit “Sorry, Sorry.” The new ballad version is titled “Sorry, Sorry? Answer.” In addition, the remix version of another hit “It’s You” will also be released online. SM Entertainment, which manages Super Junior, has announced that the music video of “Sorry, Sorry? Answer” will be disclosed on the group’s official homepage and other video sites."
He's the King of Ballads and the Emperor of Live Music in his home country.
He consults taxi drivers and waiters when choosing title songs for his albums.
He's celebrating his 25th year in the entertainment industry next year. He's also published books; one of them's a cookbook with his favourite recipes.
He continues to enjoy success despite his problems with drugs.
He's the acid-tongued judge on "Superstar K", the Korean version of American Idol.
He's Lee Seung-Chul.
