Spicing up a Sunday evening

In my opinion, one of greatest tragedies that can ever incur upon humanity, is when something good, something beyond invaluable is ignored for the sake of lesser things. Additionally in my opinion, I happen to think that Deli Spice certainly fits this category. When people say that they are into Korean music, often I'll ask them if they know Deli Spice, to which the answer is very many times negative, which flabbergasts me into a blubbering confusion usually ending with "How?"

How? That's as bad as saying that you listen to Japanese music and not know what X-Japan is. People may not be fan of X-Japan always, but they know who they are.

So I'm going to break this chain. This chain of ignorance this band has suffered outside of Korea, and spread its name.

First off is one of Deli Spice's biggest hits, Chau Chau.

This was back in 1995. The lyrics are simplistic at best, with only two sentences uttered repetitively throughout the song, one being, I can hear your voice, and the other, although I'm trying to block it out. 
However, these two sentences are the only words that Deli Spice needs to turn this into an earthquake of a song that shakes the very foundation of emotions.  

This next one is called I'll leave the engine on always.

This next one is called Missing you. 

As you've noticed, the vocalist doesn't offer much in terms of vibrant techniques, nor excruciatingly painful high notes, but stays smooth, and soothing. That, exactly, is what creates the beauty of Deli Spice. The flexible bass line also contributes to the overall effect that is Deli Spice, giving each song a curtain of sound that sets a distinct mood unlike any other.

Whenever I immerse myself in the pool of Deli Spice, I hear, and see my innocence coming back to life. A sound untouched by modern day's processing gadgets, lyrics unedited by the indulgences or interests other than the band's own - their music.

In the age of decadence that the Korean popular music scene has fallen into, racked with electronic illusions and lyrics devoid of substance that reaches deeper than the skin, Deli Spice, along with their indie brothers, stands as a beacon of hope for reviving raw, heartfelt music that was lost after the 90s. On that note, I give you my favorite. Confession. 

 and the live version.

Hitting the books like an average Joe

Finals. The dreadnaught of all university challenges. It has finally approached us, and has crossed south into our lives once again. So in continuation of the study music posting before, I have some more study music!

If you are into Japanese culture, you certainly have not missed this music giant I'm about to introduce, and his name is Joe Hisaishi.

Well-known for his famous movie soundtracks for well-known films such as Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro, which is below, Joe Hisaishi is an internationally acclaimed music director, composer, conductor and pianist. His collaborations with Miyazaki in various Ghibli films never cease to be stunningly magnificent to the core of musical essence. Melodies that penetrate the very psyche and soul of humanity have been written from him, and I cannot grasp how one man could move so many hearts.

This one from Spirited Away (with Hisaishi playing live)

And this one is from my personal favorite Princess Mononoke, and since I am an orchestra junkie, once again a live version.

and also this next one just because the instrumental combination is absolutely enchanting.

However, few know that he also has composed music outside of movie image albums and soundtracks. These next songs are from his piano albums.

I'll stop there, because I believe my point has been sufficiently delivered. 

Some of these pieces don't make good study music for myself, because sometimes the melody is so engaging and mind-gripping that I must pay attention to every note of every bar.

So give a listen. If you're not a fan of classical music, Joe Hisaishi is a great start. 

These last two are my favorite pieces from the illustrious Hisaishi-san. Enjoy!

A bright end to a grueling day

Sometimes things don't work out, but then again it just might be to pave way for something new to come. And I'm convincing myself so as I'm looking at this great new apartment that opened up, just as I am now being half-forced to leave the current one. Apparently my apartment building, save for few wonderful friends who live in it, is full of quiet, peaceful, sloth-like complainers who are too cowardly to knock on my door and ask me to kill my amp volume.

Okay, so I'm antagonizing them, and I shouldn't, but this whole rigmarole is something I would've preferred to at least handle with next year, not smack in the middle of finals season for crying out loud.

So I've been pretty stressed. Stressed usually compels me to find some upbeat songs, and here they are.

Peppertones, a duo band that debuted back in 2004. It seems that they often hire other drummers and vocals.

This song is called, If you can hear my song now, sung by the vocalist, Lee Sun.

At the first bar, I could feel the edges of my mouth shooting into my cheekbones, making people passing me by wonder why this poorly-dressed, sleep-deprived, beaten-to-a-pulp-by-life kid was smiling so exuberantly as if he overdosed on antidepressants. Well you know what? This song most certainly is an antidepressant! It's just one of those songs that will get your heart beating to hope again.

To show you the actual band vocals singing, this is another song, called New Hippie Generation.

This one's a particular cute sounding one. It's called, Park trip. 

I'll probably posting more songs from Peppertones in the coming months as I discover more and more of them. It's truly wonderful that there are indie bands like these that give a rare spice to the Korean music scene. Enjoy them!

The calm before the storm music

It's that time of the year again. Happens twice exactly, once around Christmas, and once before summer. So like everyone else, I'm going into my supercharge preparation mode in anticipation of the coming of another great academic earthquake.

Call me weird or crazy or both but sometimes I really like the final season. Cozy and warm in a hole somewhere filling through books, papers and notes, sipping tea with a bit of that icing on the cake that is study music. So here are some calm softening pieces of music that will sooth your cranium from its tension.

First off is another Korean artist, Jae Hyung Jung, a Paris trained piano virtuoso. Recently he gained public recognition in Korea through a show program called Infinity Challenge, and although it's a little tragic that musicians such as he aren't able to gain any fame purely through music, I do approve of this one because I watch the show, and I would've never found him out otherwise.

This song is called To Those in Love. The piece is essentially simple and calm, but unlike Yiruma who is also a famous Korean pianist, it plays with emotions and feelings a bit more complicated and in depth than Yiruma. Also I'm not a big fan of Yiruma. His songs are too plain and darn happy in my opinion.

A particular point I like about Mr. Jung is that he is versatile with his melodies, switching from consonance to dissonance oh-so-naturally, without a hint of a melodic kink anywhere. His French influence seeps pleasantly from his music and is evident in that sweet aroma of neo-classics and jazz embraced together in a serene balance whenever Mr. Jung passes his fingers over the black and white keys.

I'm going to post some more of his pieces down below. I know many aren't into this sort of music, but do give a listen. You might just find yourself relaxed and steady, balanced in between the chaotic stress-fest that is University and the peaceful serenade of Mr. Jung. I'll be joining you soon after I pump a can of redbull into my system.

Good morning Mr. Memory

Now this guy, I especially recommend, particularly to those who would enjoy a good acoustic sound humming in their ears.

Above song is It's raining again, by Hi, Mr. Memory, a Korean modern folk musician.

Hi, Mr. Memory is different. That I could tell from the start. On the surface there's not much to expect; it's a guy with a guitar. This particular guy with a guitar, however, turns out to be a master lyricist, and a creative composer. It's raining again doesn't speak of crazy love stories or heartbreaking drama, but of, literally, how it's raining again. In this simple lyrical story however, Hi, Mr. Memory gently entwines a metaphorical vine to it, relating lost memories and longing for them, to a rainy day.

Here's a live version of this song, which includes his concert band. Personally, the best part about this live version is the guitarist on the right who rings out enchanting solos that fly above the music.

I hope to do a cover of this song soon. I've been dying to do it since I discovered the artist last spring.

Like Vodka Rain, Hi, Mr. Memory has been around for some time now. Here's another well known song of his, called Hangover, from 2008. It has a little more western feeling to it, nevertheless a good jam, with likewise the simple lyrics that talk of, (try to guess) a hangover, with a slight memory of his lover from last night's drinking.

Going to their show, and getting their album will be among the first things I will do if I ever get a chance to visit my motherland.

Sunny with a chance of vodka

Usually Tuesdays just pass by uneventfully, and I'm sure many agree. Things don't happen on Tuesdays usually. It just sort of sits there as a filler. Well, today was one of those rare occurrences when I could say the contrary.

As I was browsing through Youtube, minding my own randomness and what not, I came upon this band. Vodka Rain. A Korean Indie band. This song is called I Miss You.

The song's lyrics speak of a man, who is missing his gone lover sickly to the pains of his heart. Well, that's my interpretation.

At a glance, Vodka Rain comes like any other indie rock band. However, this song in particular I truly am enjoying. It starts out simply, but as soon as the vocal comes in I feel something tugs at my heart. His voice is very similar to Nell's (a famous K-indie band as well) lead vocal, yet it's less packaged, less adorned, but just raw emotion. There's no vibrato, nor any other vocal embellishment, but the pure simplicity of it is the reason why this song cries beauty.

Another special element about this band is that they have incorporated strings into their band; a cellist and a violinist is in the band. Personally, I'm a fan of strings. I think they add a rich sound to many songs, and they also allow the band to teeter closer to soulful emotions, grabbing the listeners' ears, and hearts. I also did a lot of orchestra back in the day so I'm a particular proponent of strings.  

On a quieter note, here's another song from Vodka Rain.

This one's called Like a lie, we are. I hope I translated that correctly.

This song in my opinion, is another example of how Vodka Rain's songs come truly from the heart. The song's lyrics speak from a person's point of view, addressing his or her lover of how their affection and feelings will disappear like a lie, and begs the other to leave while they can keep their love as a good memory.

At first I thought Vodka Rain was a new band, but turns out they aren't. Here's a clip from 2009 of them playing live.

It's a wonder how I haven't heard of them all this time, but now that I have, I'm going to catch up plenty with all their albums. I'm already getting giddy thinking about it, and I hope anyone reading this is excited as I am. Happy listening!