Monkeying around in my magical music swimming pool

Along with rediscovering Nell yesterday, I'm going to bring back another band I've been a fan of back in the day. Actually I only knew this one song until today.

Hailing from Japan, I give you, Monkey Majik. 

Wait, it's a Japanese band. So what are these two non-Japanese dudes doing in there? Answer is that they are Canadians who went over to Japan and started a band.

Just to clear any sort of riddling puzzles that might arise later on, a brief history lesson on Monkey Majik. Maynard Plant, fresh out of Queen's University, decides to go over to Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher. There he starts the band in 2000 with some friends; Thomas Pritchard, Chad Ivany, and Misao Urushizaka. Pritchard and Ivany quits, and in order to fill the gap Maynard invites his brother Blaise over, and Dick, another Japanese friend. Eventually Misao quits around their second indie album, and Tax is called over to fill the spot. That makes it two Canadians and two Japanese making the band.

Due to the hybrid nature of the band, they've been cross-promoted in Canada and Japan, as well as having been chosen as “Goodwill Ambassadors” for the 80th anniversary of Japanese-Canadian Relations. Their lyrics are often composed of English and Japanese. 

The song above, Fly, was their first hit single on their major debut, climbing as high as the 19th position on the Oricon charts. Here's another hit single that came after Fly: Around the World. 

This song went as high as the 4th position on the Oricon charts. With this song, you could say that Monkey Majik began to go around the world. 

Monkey Majik's style is most definitely pop-rock. Allow me to demonstrate. 

By the way, Negai means wish. 


So in my mind, Monkey Majik doesn't earn a lot of points for musical color, because sometimes it's too damn typical. Not that I'm trying to devalue their music in anyway. I do like their songs, but when I listen to them, I don't feel that vibe that tells me I'm tuned on to Monkey Majik's frequency, until that segment comes where Maynard begins to sing in Japanese.


But then again, it's a Japanese-Canadian band that your average day-to-day guys formed and succeeded with through six studio albums. For instance, Tax, the drummer, was a dental technician whose drum experience until joining the band was playing in junior high for two years. Just by that fact, this band instantly grabbed my heart, because here's a really extraordinary story. Average Joes who came together purely by the spirit of music and succeeded without money in their minds. For example, their first independent album was self-funded, and even until then they considered the band a hobby. 


Forget about those big idol bands being pumped out by major labels and sculptured pop stars. This here, Monkey Majik, is a true musical odyssey. This is how it should be done. There's no other way for it to be done. You start from the bottom, with nothing but music in hand, and doing it for nothing but music. 

Just for that I give them great respect, and that makes me like the band even more, along with their music.  

I just hope that Monkey Majik keeps there pop-rock nature and doesn't try to go into the current trends of dance-pop, like how Maroon 5 sold their souls to cash in on the mainstream scene. Not that they will do that. Japanese artists are pretty stern when it comes to keeping their musical characteristic in my opinion. 

So while I'm on that subject, I'll admit that I'm really getting interested in the Japanese music scene nowadays. There are many artists in Japan that would be considered rare gems in North America. Too many artists, so little time.

Here's some more Monkey Majik to keep you entertained until next time. 

 

While I was digging through my itunes.

With the finals season, that same breed of brutal monotony that pervades my universe every now and then has surfaced into existence. So in order to combat such droning boredom from taking over my spirit, I was searching through my digital library of music, and came across a band that I discovered a long time ago.

Their music pulled me through hard times, tough situations, and my recurring episodes of depression. Whenever I listen to their music I feel a relief, a sort of cleansing. So much is my love for them, that I've played them quite frequently at shows.

Their name, is Nell. 

This first song is called, Time to walk on memories. 

This one is from their fourth major record label album. Although this song has been criticized as lacking that "Nell sound," due to its more electronic nature, I do like that they were able to incorporate the style of popular trends into their music and make it their own.

So, what's Nell's sound? Well, let me demonstrate with, music.

Got the picture? Now try to compare these with these others.

The two above are also songs from the fourth album. Evidently, it's in a way much more than what Nell have been before. Here they've integrated electronic, and orchestral sounds into their musical composition. Normally I'm not much of a fan of electronic rock unless it's done right. In this case, I tip my hat to Nell, and here's one of the principle reasons why I adore their music: they keep their color despite going through so many trends and influences.

Nell is another one of those feel- good bands. A way out for troubled times, a relief for a harrowing day. When getting by gets tough to bear, I crawl back to Nell, and surely enough, I feel comforted.

However, what really draws me to Nell, is their lyrical poeticism. No word is ever wasted when it comes to their songs. Everything means something. To those who can't understand Korean, I assure you; this band is reason enough to start learning.

Along with their lyrical mastery that have been inseminated in their music, often in Nell you'll find melodies and rhythms you've never heard before, and in today's music scene, with songs that are not unlike from each other being pumped out like water from a drinking fountain - for mostly money making reasons - Nell's sound can be considered a musical triumph in today's profit oriented music industry in Korea.

This next music video, actually is a criticism of today's music industry from Nell. The song starts around 19 seconds in.

Did you get the message? This one I can particularly relate to, because it demonstrates the point that I want to make to everyone. Music is the artform of ears. If you need to see it to enjoy it, that's not music. There has to be a shift, from today's horridly pervasive "music of the eyes" to "music of the ears". There has to be a more active proliferation and support of bands like Nell.

They briefly put a halt to the band in 2008 in order to complete military duties, but fortunately, in 2010 they came back. They haven't come up with a new album yet, but if they do release it, I would go to Korea, just to buy their record.

I'll leave you with some more from their 4th major album and their EP from 2008.

My neighbors are annoyed, and it's time for me to Move it!

Apparently I live in an apartment with walls composed of paper-mache. My neighbors can't stand my guitar playing or singing, or playing starcraft at three in the morning. So naturally, I've decided to move. Although I'm not in need of another source of physical exertion in my life, I'm quite excited about the move. I'm going to be living with my friends, at a new place, with new routines. Most of all, I can finally play all I want without having to watch for others!

Therefore, speaking of new, here's a fresh one for you guys. Movits! A swedish, swing jazz hip hop music group. They debuted in 2008 with Appelknyckarjazz, first spreading their name in America by featuring in the famed comedy show, The Colbert Report. The name Movits! is an allusion to Fader Movitz, a character in the Epistles of Fredman by Swedish 18th-century poet and composer Carl Michael Bellman. Usually I'm not a big fan of hip-hop, but this band's style is certainly distinct from any other hip-hop group out there. This first song, Fel del Av Gården will attest to that.

I'm a fan of swing-jazz, but I just didn't know it could blend so well with hip-hop. These guys however, did it, creating a whole new style that Movits! can call their own. This next one is Ta På Dig Dansskorna.

Along with the fact that Movits! captures the swing-jazz feeling and that they don't resort to electronic beats and sounds, what really pulls me to this band is the saxophone. That crisp smoothness that frolic over the music and tickle the eardrum, has to be one of the defining traits of Movits!. I would go as far as saying that without the saxophone, the band might as well lost half their sound. 

Other great instrumentals present in Movits! are the accordion, and the strings. Try to catch them this time with this next song called, Har du Soul?

And in this one called Det vete fan. 

The first time I encountered their music, was indeed back in 2008, when I used to be an avid fan of the Colbert Report. So partly, I have Mr. Stephen Colbert to thank for introducing me to the musical innovation that is Movits!

I have no idea what the lyrics are saying, nor am I planning to learn Swedish anytime in the near future, but I'd rather have it stay that way, because the lyrics, whatever they may be, go perfectly with the songs, and I can't imagine the songs being better when sung in English.

In conclusion, keep an eye out for these guys, because let's be honest. When in the next century, are we going to find a band as unique as this one? Surely, Movits! will become a genre of its own. So there you have it folks. You ready to move it to Movits!? On that note I present you my favorite, Äppelknyckarjazz.

Since I can't make a sentence with this next one, presenting: DEPAPEPE

If you haven't noticed, I like guitar sounds. In fact I play guitar quite a bit. So in my tiny shell of a universe, if a piece has a guitar, it's probably a sort of good music Now what's better than just a guitar? Come on now, it's too obvious. Two guitars.

That's exactly what is going on with this next guitar duo I'm going to present. DEPAPEPE. They are a Japanese acoustic guitar duo, composed of Miura Takuya and Tokuoka Yoshinari, who debuted in 2002. The name is a combination of the stage names of these two guys who form the duo, Takuya as Depa, and Yoshinari as Pepe. Also, Yoshinari's previous band name was Derupepe.

Before I say anything further, here's Summer Parade, to remind us of that sweet sensation of sun's rays wrapping out body in its undying hearth.

Now that you feel a bit warmed up, I'm going to throw you another one that will remind you of winter.  This one is called, Snow dance.

So here we are now, starting off with two season of that sweet guitar magic brought to you by Depapepe. One thing you would've noticed whether or not you're a keen listener, is that Depapepe's songs are always upbeat. They never have a downcast mood in their pieces. Melancholy, sadness,  I'm going to exhibit this characteristic by presenting you, more songs, starting with Ready go!! 

then moving onto Quarrel 

 and then ending with this one, called One.

By this time you probably understood the crux of my thesis. Most of Depapepe's songs are on a major key. That being said, a lot of their songs are rapt with buoyancy, and optimism. It's a defining character of Depapepe. You just can't have a bad day with their music, because when you listen to them, you're practically getting a warranty that states you will feel uplifted and happy. Listen to this next one and please try to tell me that it didn't make you feel better. Do try because you will likely fail, because the song is literally called, Morning smile. 

And speaking of mornings, try this one as well. It's a personal favorite of mine called Start.

All the mornings I've started off with putting this on in the background turned out fantastic, although rest of the day I would feel dismal due to Depapepe withdrawal until I get my next dose.

These days, it's hard to find cheer in anything I do, or experience. However, if there was one streak of line that shines on the derelict realm of misfortune that is my life, a large part of it would be Depapepe's music. To those who are looking for a little positivity in their life, I strongly recommend this group, because I know they've brought many smiles at least to myself, and I'm sure you'll find that much needed pat in the back that says "Cheer up! Live life!" in Depapepe as well.

As I'm signing out, I give you some more songs; Sky! Sky! Sky!, Wake up! and Flow

Greetings to a dreadful snowed-in urban life.

Well it turns out it's going to be a White Christmas after all. What I've dreaded for so long, has finally come, and is ever so accumulating. To get to the point, it's snowing, a lot.

Usually a Montreal winter is harsh and brutal, with its cold white blanket always carpeted over every nook and cranny of the city. Every step you take is a stumble, and every blow of wind against your face is like swiping sandpaper across your visage. The crux of it all is that I hate Montreal winters, not because of its cold, but because of its snow. In fact I don't mind the coldness. Being a heavy sweater I rather enjoy the chilly days. However when snow is included in the agenda, it's a different story.

So I would stay in today, and curl up on the couch with a good book. Unfortunately, there's this exam. It's tomorrow.

But! If I was staying in, and poring myself over a book, then I'd have this on the background.


I introduce, Urban Zakapa.


This first one's called, The Leaving, and the Left

These guys seem to have built up quite a reputation in and out of Korea since their debut in 2009. At first I thought they were a big band consisting of around eight or nine people. Turns out there's only three, but boy if that's all that takes them to make a sound like this, by all means I hope that they stay wherever they are.

Urban Zakapa's songs are very homely to me. If sound waves had a more solid material presence in our world, Urban Zakapa's sound would come, like a warm blanket. Take this song, Cafe Latte, for example.

And this one, called Let me be the one. 

And also this one, called Awkward Romance. This one's actually from their first album. 

 
All in all, Urban Zakapa truly has a sound that many would certainly call, different. Their melodies, although many of them jazz-oriented, have a ring to them that you can't really label. However you surely can't label Urban Zakapa in anyway. It isn't just indie; it's beyond that. Their uniqueness, only ears can do it justice.

With their heart-tickling vocals and musical flow perfect to rest your worries and burdens on, Urban Zakapa is bound to move many people to their rhythm. Try them. A day with Urban Zakapa and you are sure to have a relaxing day.

On that note, here's Crush, and Butterfly.

Warming a cold windy day in the city.

Today was one of those colder days of Montreal. One that pokes its head out and hollers the advent of Winter. So it was a perfect day to just stay in, and look through some good music.

Unfortunately I had 5 hours of class today.

Therefore, at the end of long day here I am sitting, clicking on some youtube videos, and man have I found something absolutely unique today!

I present to you Windy City. 

Since I could go about blabbering all day on how distinct this band is and still leave you all with no idea what I'm talking about, here's a song, and it's a love song, but not just a love song. A Silky Silky Love Song. 

If you have snapped out of the magical unicorn journey this song took you through, then let me tell a bit of history regarding this band.

Back in 2001, Chief Kim (that's his stage name) forms the funk band Asoto Union. Below is a song by Asoto Union called Think about 'chu

Asoto Union then goes on performing on the streets, and other underground venues, spreading their name out until 2005 when they disband after their first album for a reason that I'm not aware of.

Then Chief Kim along with the guitarist from Asoto Union, establishes another band, a raggae/soul band, and names it Windy City. Ever since their formation in 2005, Windy City's greatest known quality has been, and hopefully will be, their pure novelty. Windy City has been a pioneer in experimenting with new genres in the Korean music scene, starting with raggae, and even salsa as this song below, called El nino prodigo will show.

And of course, they haven't forgotten their soul funk origins, as these next two songs, Love supreme, and Love in understanding, will demonstrate.

Until now, I honestly thought the Korean music scene wasn't so multi-dimensional, but this band just proved me wrong and brought a whole new level of variety to my repertoire of Korean music. Perhaps Windy City is a one of a kind, and perhaps there's only one band like this in the entire country, although that truly is a dismal notion and would mean that the entire Korean music industry needs a facelift, but one thing's for sure. This band is keeping its sound distinctive and going strong with it. They will never sway under the mainstream influence, as they've shown this past decade, no matter how much neglect and shun they may face, because they truly can call themselves musicians, down to every last cell in their body. 

Another melancholy day goes by and it's yet another that day I feel like this world's out to get me, but at the end of it all I can find that grain of happiness that can keep me going, because I know I'm fortunate enough to have found such soulful music to meet my ears, and I certainly hope you find something in this music too that will keep you coming back to the wondrous universe of rhythm and tune that is Windy City. At that note I'll leave you with a couple more: This Crazy World, and Space Travel.

 

P.S. Chief Kim totally is the Korean Bob Marley.

Another boy in need of coffee

Tonight has been very lazy. In other words I haven't gotten a single thing done. Now being productive is a student's duty, and I have successfully foregone that duty in order to play two games of Call of Duty. If only my duty could be that duty.

So once again, late nighter it is, and every one of those comes with caffeine and occasionally, taurine. I'm not feeling like pumping myself full of energy drinks, so coffee was the choice.

Speaking of coffee, here's the next K-indie artist, Coffeeboy. 

As a solo artist who turned up in the indie scene fairly recently, Coffeeboy really knows how to bring peace of mind to a listener. Delivering mood and melody just right for sitting back lazily in a chair and listening to, he truly is one of those rare artists with honest-to-heart sound that tells a good story through his music.

This first one is called, Will I be able to get married? 

If you understand the lyrics, you'll know this song is one to forthrightly relate to, or at least when we near thirty. For those who do not understand Korean, it tells of a man and a woman, both wanting to get married, both looking around and contemplating their "desperate" circumstances, such as that all their friends are now getting married, and wondering if they'll be able to find love again.

Personally, I really love songs like this one. Primarily because it's easier to cover, but also because it's difficult to find songs with only a guitar and voice that actually touches that right place in my psyche of music and make me utter unconsciously, that's it. 

This other one contains a more richer, and ethereal sound to it. It's, You in me. Once again, translation might not be exact.

This next one, which I particularly sympathize with, is called A Pimple. 

Now I'm sure there's a deeper metaphor to this song, but no. I'm going to take this on a literal level, because I exactly know how it feels to battle acne and pimples. My lord in heaven, don't get me started on acne or else you'll never hear the end of it. That is why this song, jerks tears out of my eyes. I hate pimples!

Anyways, regardless of whether you are worried about getting married, or frustrated with pimples, Coffeeboy is one to keep an eye on, because if one can make such a beautiful song about a pimple, then that's it. Jokes aside however, what I've said about the pimple song exactly points out Coffeeboy's unique quality: his ability to take common topics and move people with his own lyrics and easy-going yet calmly passionate melodies.

This last one is called Scars become Stars. Hope you enjoy it.