One of my favorite things about Korea has always been the music, old and new. So now that I am back in the country for a bit, it is fun reconnecting to the music scene here.
First and best of all, I managed to get a copy of DJ Soulscape‘s More Sound of Seoul –40 short tracks, sampling a wide range of great Korean music from the 1970s. In a way, it is like the Korean version of Danger Mouse’s Grey Album. I like to think I know a bit about old Korean music, but this disc is full of cool tunes that I had never heard of before. As the liner notes state:
The postwar Korean Peninsula was a melting pot where different cultures from the east and west collide. The music business grew significantly as clubs were founded around the US military bases and many musicians playing for the clubs had interpreted and localized rock, jass, soul and boogaloo in various styles. However, such unique music was suppressed and vanished for the political interests of the military regime in the mid-70s and it still remains discontinued and underestimated. The Sound of Seoul project was conceived in order to revisit the Korean music of the ’70s.
There is a good interview with Soulscape here, along with a bunch of videos and other goodies. If you want a copy of More Sound of Seoul, you can apparently purchase it on this website.
I also picked up a reissue of the Kim Trio, a more disco-like ground from the 1970s. Have not had a chance to listen to it yet, but am looking forward to it much.
Oh, and I found a little interview with the weird electro duo EE over here. I did not know that Yunjung and Hyunjoon were married – neat. In addition to the interview, the link also has a bunch of videos of their music and performances. Fun stuff.
Just too bad about the King Khan and BBQ show going off the rails. Apparently the two performers’ relationship had been on the decline for quite some time, but it ended for good in the middle of their show in Daegu on Thursday evening. Made for some amusing chaos last night in Hongdae, as Sean (the promoter) tried to salvage the situation. Tough luck for Sean and the people at Supercolorsuper, who have been trying so hard at building up the music scene.
Part of this post took me back to my father’s many military stories–in particular the ones recounting the 60s and early 70s music scene in Seoul. (He is one of the first black men to desegregate the US military (mid-50s), and served in Korea post-war.) I don’t think I’ll ever forget the way he described the club scenes on and off base, and the music styles, the dances, and the people he encountered. He developed a great affinity and respect for South Korea that has lasted to this day.
More Sound of Seoul sounds like something I would really enjoy.
Thanks for the tip.