Check this Music Out: The xx

Mar 25, 2013 by Sami

What do I wish for when I hear The xx? That they’d play at Lollapalooza this year. After all, I’ve missed them when they were here in Chicago last year because I was on my way to Tokyo. Funny thing, they just left Tokyo before coming to the US. Some where over the ocean, we might have crossed paths.  

I then fantasize about meeting them in person to thank them for what they’ve accomplished. Their music is the type of stuff that gets you through a rough breakup or a 2 hour train ride. In my opinion, it gives your heartache an appropriate level of drama. Admittedly  I was introduced to them when they came out with their second album, Coexist. Maybe it was because the first one I heard but I prefer their sophomore album to the first one (or maybe it’s the missing band member). It’s one of the few albums that I can play on repeat for a while and I will never realize where it finishes or starts—some might think it’s because every song in the record sound like the one after but I disagree. I love this album because of its ability to teach the listener to let go and accept. It’s not about giving up on love or being happy after a loved one has left. To me, Coexist is about accepting reality and dealing with the awful feeling of being utterly lonely and coming out of it being able to breath better. 

Sunset might be the standout for me. Hearing “When I see you again// And I’m greeted as a friend// It is understood// That we did all we could” absolutely crushes me but then makes me happy—very much like a sunset does. Then again, I don’t think I can pick a favorite, the entire thing is absolutely amazing. Give is a listen on Spotify then go buy the album! If you’re lucky, check them out live, you’ll be blown away. 

 

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Check this Music Out: Lykke Li

Oct 27, 2011 by Sami

Technically speaking, she is perfect and before I go on I’d like to go on the record to say that I am a huge fan of Lykkle Li. But, I also have to say that her live performances are a different story.

Friends and I have had conversations about Lykke’s live performances. I saw her live at Lollapalooza Music Festival this year and I actually left after her 3rd song.

Why? I think Lost in Concert said it best. Her show always has smoke and enough lazer lights to take you back to your high-school rave days. However, emotions rush through you because back during those rave days there was so much jumping around and a dance dialogue. Lykke’s performance lacks that dialogue. I couldn’t tell if it was part of her act or not but her performances felt very one way. It never seemed like she made eye contact with the audience. She was…having a conversation with herself and while we were allowed to watch, we weren’tinvited to join-in.

Regardless of all of that, I’m still a huge fan of Lykke. Her voice is perfect. Her words are timeless and she has a wide range of songs that enables the listener to enjoy her during different moods. I first was introduced to her when I heard Little Bit which is the video below. It still remains my favorite work of hers. I also dig the version she did with Drake. I am going to see her when she’s back in Chicago at the Vic and hope that last time was just a fluke. 

 

 

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Check this Music Out: KOREAN POP STYLE Yanghwajin Band

Sep 23, 2011 by Sami

And another great one from @FrequentLee. I’m still waiting for him to review a cute girl group full of enough cuteness to cause diabetes! Until then, I’m happy with what he’s giving us. Enjoy!

 

This song feels like I’ve always heard it, yet refreshing and new at the same time. Anyone who’s ever watched anime gets the basic feel: I will always protect you. Every anime has that theme at some point or other: “I’ll be the hero! I’ll protect all the people who are precious to me! ALL BY MYSELF!!!”

Given the nature of the drama (City Hunter…I know! The drama sucks! But their soundtrack is so great! I don’t get it!!!!), I think it not only fits perfectly here, but it also has a great beat and a nice rush of adrenaline. Nothing I would work out to, but as a nice energy bump in the middle of a long stretch of ballads and whatnot. A neat little pick-me-up to get the heart pumping.

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Check this Music Out: KOREAN POP STYLE, Navi

Sep 1, 2011 by Sami

Here’s another KPOP installment from @Frequentlee (he noted I misspelled his last name last time).  Did you know that Justin’s email signature is: Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. By James Bovard.

I honestly loved this post because I’m such a sap and Justin TRANSLATED some of the lyrics!

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Check this Music Out: KOREAN POP STYLE, Kim Bo Kyung

Aug 25, 2011 by Sami

Justin is a great friend of mine. He’s one of the few who encouraged me to start a blog few years ago. He’s also a great writer and have proofread my posts before.  He’s much funnier than I am and the idea of him guest posting here was tossed between the two of us several times before we decided that it has to be done! I couldn’t be more excited to have him contribute and with his quirky style, loving him is not going to be hard at all!

Once a week for the next 4 weeks or so I’ll include a post from Justin of a Korean pop song (KPop is what it’ll be referred to from this point forward) he likes and a paragraph or two as a companion to the song.

Kim Bo Kyung – Suddenly

This song is from the soundtrack to “City Hunter,” a K-Drama that was originally a Japanese manga. I saw about 10 minutes of it and spent 9 minutes and 59 seconds ranting at the TV. Even for K-drama, it’s super childish and just…awful.

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