Maroon 5 returns with new albumBy Ines Min American rock band Maroon 5 has the industry down pat. The success of the group has been re-affirmed by a succession of hit singles, multi-platinum albums, Grammy Awards and, of course, their third studio album. “Hands All Over” saw a global release earlier this month and a small launch event last weekend in front of Hongik University in Seoul that drew a crowd of 100. Although it’s been eight years since the band’s debut, the members are still moving forward,Sep 28, 2010
HS Seoul Fest to embroider autumn nightBy Han Sang-hee Enjoy a melodic night with some of the best artists in Seoul and from around the world at the Seoul Soul Festival 2010 next month. The two-day event will take place at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, fusing hip hop, soul and R&B all into one exciting festival, perfect for a breezy night out with friends and family. The organizers have been promoting the event for months, revealing one featured artist after another to build anticipation and the full lineup has finally been unveiled. Fans are quite excited as news that Se7en and Jay Park were going to stand on the event’s stage was announced, since it’s not easy to watch them perform together, while the appearance of Big Bang member Tae-yang will draw an eclectic audience to match the scheduled performances. The three singers may have their own distinctive styles in terms of fashion, music and dance moves, but they equally create a similar hype when it comes to popularity and fan base. Se7en, who has returned to the pop scene after a three year absence with his new album ``Digital Bounce’’ and thSep 27, 2010
Soovin Kim returns with gypsy tunesBy Lee Hyo-won There was a calmness that was almost unsettling. When The Korea Times sat down with Soovin Kim earlier this month, it seemed nothing bothered him — neither the stifling late afternoon heat nor the fact that he had just gotten off a 15-hour flight and still had hours of teaching to do ahead of him. Beneath the serene facade, however, he seemed to embody “jeong-jung-dong” or motion in a state of stillness that reflects the ideal of a spiritualized inner energy — onstage this violinist of many colors explodes with an electric force. One of the most sought-after classical musicians of his generation, Kim has been hailed as “a superb soloist” (The Washington Post) with a “dazzling display of virtuosity” (USA Classic FM). He has made his mark on Billboard’s Classical Chart with his solo album and continues to attract younger Korean fans with the popular Seoul-based chamber ensemble M.I.K. In addition to globe-trotting performances, the Korean-American artist devotes a considerable amount of time teaching at Stony Brook University, New York, anSep 26, 2010
Hip hop singer Lil Jon to perform in SeoulBy Han Sang-hee American hip hop singer and producer Lil Jon is coming to Korea for the first time as part of his Asian tour. The 39-year-old Atlanta native made his official debut in 1997 in a group called Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz with the album “Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album.” Along with Soulja Boy and T.I., the singer is known as one of the representatives of the south and also as the creator of hip-hop genre “crunk.” Crunk is a fusion genre of hip hop and electro. The word was first contained in Lil Jon’s song “Who U Wit” and finally received national recognition through his band and the Ying Yang Twins through the song “Get Low” in 2003. His music and producing has earned him fame and also numerous awards, including BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards and BMI Urban Awards. Singing on stage with the band has only been a part of Lil Jon’s career, for he has also worked as a producer for some of the most famous singers in the U.S., including Usher on the hit number “Yeah!” and Ciara’s “Goodies.” His first solo album “Crunk Rock” was released in June this year,Sep 15, 2010
Album reviewsBrandon Flowers `Flamingo’ (Universal Music Korea) The Killers have produced no less than four full studio albums since their debut release in 2004. The American band from Las Vegas has finally laid down their instruments for a well-needed rest, but frontman and vocalist Brandon Flowers has decided to continue onward for the time-being with his first solo work. Produced with the help of Stuart Price, the sleek album continues in a similar vein as The Killers. A tribute in part to the band’s hometown of Las Vegas, Flowers extrapolates on his background ― religious faith and small town roots included, which provide for tiring imagery and charm, respectively. ``The church of mine may not be recognized by steeple/But that doesn’t mean that I will walk without a God...I’ve got this burning belief in salvation and love,’’ Flowers croons in ``Playing With Fire,’’ which starts off sounding not unlike the vocals of a Cake song, but quickly escalates into something gospel-like. The sentiment is repeated throughout the album, though the tracks themselves move from the poppy ``WSep 14, 2010
World’s youngest tenor breaking barriersBy Lee Hyo-won With a pair of deep-set, knowing eyes and a weighty, charismatic voice that gives expression to the most clawing emotions, he seems much wiser beyond his years. Amaury Vassili has been touted as the world’s youngest tenor since his debut album ``Vincero’’ (Warner Music) was released last year ― when he was still a teenager ― and immediately became a double platinum hit in France and hot in demand in other parts of the world, from Canada to South Africa. The international version of his recording is finally available in Korea, and this is just the beginning of his journey to bring crossover classical music closer to the public. ``If I can become an ambassador for neoclassical music, and lead people to listen to classical music, I would be more than happy,’’ Vassili told The Korea Times while listing his busy world tour plans. ``When will you invite me to Korea?’’ The young tenor’s enthusiasm for music and life was most palpable, despite the fact that it was an email interview. ``I sing 24/7,’’ he said, and travels non-stop ― ``but I love it!’’ But like Sep 13, 2010
Album reviewsKaty Perry `Teenage Dream’ (Warner Music Korea) The 25-year-old pastor’s daughter from Santa Barbara has made heads turn ― in malice or admiration ― since the release of her single ``Ur So Gay’’ in 2007. Katy Perry has continued to grow in popularity and with her third studio album (the first was a Christian release), the singer-almost-songwriter ― Perry is known to contribute her written skills in every track ― is attempting to show that no, really, she “IS” a star. Unfortunately, ``Teenage Dream,’’ wrapped in artwork by Will Cotton and his usual pastel-colored confectioneries, is as trite as it is offensive in its idolizing depictions of young stupidity and objectification of both genders. Though citing muses ranging from Alanis Morissette to Freddie Mercury, Perry’s lyrics fail to transcend the intellectual level of junior high. Some examples from ``Last Friday Night’’: ``I smell like a mini-bar/DJs passed out in the yard/Barbies on the barbecue/This is a hickey or a bruise.’’ The unsurprising tagline to ``Peacock’’ is the equally uninspired ``I wanna see your peacSep 7, 2010
Blues singer takes musical journeyBy Han Sang-hee Singer-songwriter Kang Huh Dallim’s voice is magnetic. It’s a bit old-fashioned compared to the voices of the young and hip stars, but instead fills the listener with a sense of nostalgia emitting a hint of jazz, blues, rock, and even Korean traditional music. Her voice is not something you would call sweet or pretty, but it pulls the listener in, something that is seldom possible in the upbeat and electronic tunes of today. The 37-year-old singer is holding a concert this week, and both fans and music lovers will be able to experience the breezy autumn at the venue before it actually touches the leaves and grass. This performance will wrap up her work from her first album “Waiting, Fluttering” (2008) and also offer some twists on favorites from the record. Fans will get to listen to some of her new songs, which will be featured in her second studio album, now in progress. Folk and blues fans will hear some of their favorite hits rearranged by the singer, including Han Young-ae’s “Thirst,” Lee Jeong-seon’s “Lonely People,” and also pop numbers such as JasSep 7, 2010
K-pop stars kick off SM world tour in LABy Han Sang-hee When fans waiting in line for the S.M. Town Live 2010 World Tour in front of the Staples Center, Los Angeles, looked up at the sky, they were surprised to see the banners ```Relive S.M. Town at ALL K-POP.COM’’ trailing from a group of airplanes, The Korea Times' sister paper Sports Hankook reported Monday. Arranged by North American fans of a popular K-pop website, the special event this past Saturday signaled the start of the anticipated concert organized by SM. Entertainment, one of the biggest pop music agencies in Korea. More than 15,000 fans made up the audience, including Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson. Along with the vivid costumes and music offered by the singers, the stage presentation was an impressive backdrop for the equally impressive S.M. star line up. According to S.M. Entertainment, the 3D images were created by the team that worked for the hit movie ``Avatar.’’ Fans wearing the same-colored T-shirts started singing in front of the venue, while others showed off their dance moves. ``I like Lee Teuk from Super Junior. I got to know theSep 6, 2010
Album reviewsIsobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan ‘Hawk’ (VANGUARD RECORDS) Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan (the former, co-founding sweetheart of Belle & Sebastian, him the toughened ex-frontman of Screaming Trees) return for their third album collaboration. The rocking Western tunes — furthered by Townes van Zandt covers — and country-folk mixed with blues paint an idyllic landscape of dusty tumbleweeds against faded Fords, but the real charm comes through, once more, in the odd couple pairing of Campbell’s soft cooing and Lanegan gravelly husk. The two, who have oft heard comparisons to legendary Nancy Sinatra-Lee Hazlewood, continue in that vein that is proving to be classic, if ever-surprising. Since their first album (“Ballad of The Broken Seas,” which was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize), a collection more languid, meandering and smooth, the duo has come forward with heavier guitar riffs and thumping drums in “Hawk,” leaving behind the piano melodies to capture the ambiance of heat-waved sunrises. “Snake Song” takes van Zandt’s original and breatheAug 31, 2010