Today I hate snow

Truth.

I guess I should give a little background.

In general, I love snow. I think it is beautiful, it turns the world into a quiet, lovely place that I can view through my window as I'm snuggled up with a blanket and a book (in my warm home). And, I even like walking in it, all bundled up with a fluffy coat, nice hat, gloves and scarf. Boots are a must.

But today, I was caught outside, with just a running jacket and shorts--SHORTS--when it started snowing. On my run. It was awful. The wind even started blowing it in my face, so the snowflakes were sticking to my eyelashes so I couldn't see. Sounds pretty bad, huh? (Okay, so it really sounds like I'm just whining to a captive audience, and I'll stop now)

What does this have to do with my post today, you ask? Good question. And it might be a stretch, but because I didn't have a song that just HIT me with it's epicness, I decided to go with one that I just plain like (kind of like comfort food, except a comfort song that will make me feel better, and hopefully win you over).

Wheesung is a new favorite of mine. You know how you go through phases in things you like? Okay, maybe you don't, but I sure do. Some days I can be jamming out to Three Days' Grace, and later that month I need to be listening to Yiruma (piano music to die for).

I didn't used to like the type of music Wheesung puts out, but at this point in my life, I am REALLY getting into his style.

The song I would like to present to you for your utter delight is "Night and Day." I ran into it maybe a week ago on a quest to find a new drama, and I was entirely entranced with his voice. This song is just... Amazing. It's soulful and painful and full of longing.

The music video was interesting (read: made my head blow up with not only sarcastic thoughts about how hair like that should not be under a cap, but also thoughts of the social commentary one could make on youth vs. experience in pop culture across the globe), and I actually liked it a lot. Of course, I listened to the song over and over before I took a look, but I loved the settings with the pillars, and then the story telling. I liked how the dancer stage kept changing from night to day and back, which was really cool.

I would go on more about how amazing his voice is (I'm talking about talent but also about the work he's obviously put in to be the singer he is today), but that would just bore you, and we can't have that!

Also: don't feel bad if you don't like this. Nobody can like everything :)

Have a great week, and I hope, wherever you are, you don't get caught in the snow in your shorts on a run :D

STANDING EGG - 맘에 걸려 and Crush(크러쉬)_SOFA

Because, duh. Standing Egg. And, of course, because... Crush.

When these two come out with something in THE SAME WEEK... We mustn't question our good fortune. We must roll with the punches and simply accept what the universe chooses to deal to us. Which is AWESOMENESS, in this case.

In all seriousness, I adore both of these groups. If we can really call either of them "groups." I suppose in Standing Egg's case we might? I mean, aren't they a group of composers/musicians who feature vocalists? And... Well, Crush is a solo artist, so not really a group there.

Anyway...

Both of these songs are wonderful, and I love them both. Both artists have unique sounds that they bring to these new songs, but manage to keep the songs fresh and new. Crush's song is soulful and beautiful, featuring a nice deep bass rhythm to emphasize his voice, which I feel like I could curl up with and just take a nap, it's so... enticing and yet comforting and familiar, if that makes any sense.

Standing Egg comes to us with their standard upbeat, happy-with-a-touch-of-wistful-longing kind of song--songs like this I never tire of, and this will be up there on my list. It feels simple but reaches into your heart and takes you captive. It's the kind of song that will get stuck in your head, and you'll find yourself humming it a week later, and you hadn't even listened to it in that week. Those are the best kinds of songs.

Confession: I didn't really watch the music videos. I blame my hoppin' social life (I visited a friend and we painted pumpkins for Halloween, and... Things got a little crazy, what with the monster of Frankenstein's pumpkin taking up so much paint. You know how it is...) I did watch just a bit of Standing Egg's music video, and my first thought was... Wait, both actors are WHITE! What is this?

I'm not racist, I promise. But... Those actors were NOT Korean. Standing Egg IS Korean, right?! I'm not crazy?

Okay, forgive the levity, I just thought that was funny.

Go, now my friends and watch the music videos if you haven't, and enjoy them! They're great songs.

Standing Egg:

Crush:

Have a spooky and fun Halloween, stay safe and don't eat so much candy you get sick. That's not fun at all!  See you next week :D

조형우 Cho Hyung Woo - 아는 남자 Someone I Know (feat. 김예림 Lim Kim)

Well.

Ummm... I'm sorry? Very very sorry about leaving you out in the cold for so long! My life got a little crazy there for a while. Many things happened, and all I can even say is that I am sorry.

But, I'm back now, so that's a positive, right?! I wouldn't be surprised if all of you wonderful people have moved on to something more amazing like... I dunno, ramen with eggs and cheese.

Which would be a real shame, because I've got a FANTASTIC music video for you! (You could probably eat said ramen while reading my blog post and listening to this amazing song. Just sayin'. I'd even let you keep the eggs and cheese!)

Preface: Along with not posting to Chill Music Stash, I have been very much out of the K-Indie scene, so I am woefully out-of-touch.

Which is probably why I've never heard of Cho Hyung Woo (조횽우). His music video/song, "Someone I know" (아는 남자) feat. Lim Kim (김예림), blew me out of the water. (Apparently it's got Ga In--가인-- in it as well (as the actress), but... Well, I'm not a huge fan of Ga In and that wasn't a huge draw for me... please don't hate me for that). I clicked on this music video because it featured Lim Kim, and now I have a new artist to follow, because I loved this song. So much.

Where to begin?? Oh, right ;)

The CELLO! 

Um, yes please? Excuse my fangirl language right there, but the Jazziness of this beautiful song is breathtaking, and then the cello just SWEEPS you away. It has such amazing moments of beauty, overcoming the piano and everything else that I just fell in love.

And then Cho Hyung Woo's voice--his clarity, the purity and tone. Wow. I love how he can go from whispery and soulful to BAM! Vocals soaring above everything. Amazing.

I love the timing of everything, how jazzy and catchy to slowly, softly sad with Lim Kim's vocals... and then somehow a crazy ending with the cello again. Slightly creepy ending, but it just adds to the charm.

The music video?! 

Holy cow, umm... Anybody else think it was super creepy, but so AMAZING?! Yeah, that's where I was too: I loved it. I thought the music video weirdly suited the song--perhaps??

I loved the black and white filming style at the beginning, and how it isn't that way the whole way through, only indicating the madness parts. I loved the touches of color in the music parts--the green of the plant, the red of the rug and the sun shining in with yellow rays.

I love the setting--dilapidated apartment with the paint coming away from the walls. I loved the creepy madness of it all. I really hope that doesn't make me creepy, too. I mean, the mv's story wasn't scary so much as sad, so I wasn't completely freaked out--and the song was so upbeat and jazzy that I couldn't really be frightened, you know? Which was perfect, because the song conveyed, somehow, the sorrow and wistfulness of the madness in the music video.

Now that I'm no longer making much sense, here is the video if you haven't seen it yet. It's not as bizarre as I just made it sound. Watch it, it really is so great!

I will leave you with a plan of me coming back again in a week with another amazing video to chat about. It will show my apology better than persistent, annoying declarations of remorse in a post.

Until next time, my Chill Music-listening friends!

My Two Current Favorites

Zion.T (자이언티) Dok2--these guys are my two absolute favorites.  At least, right now.

I say "current favorites," because there are always new artists coming out, and new songs.  That's one of the things I love about the music scene--there is something for everyone, it seems.  And there will always be more, even if you have to wait for it.

That being said, I also feel like I love these two artists not just because of one certain song, or because of any bias.  I genuinely like the music they release, consistently.  Yes, I wish Dok2 would stop using the obligatory f-word in every song, and sometimes Zion.T... Well, I can't think of anything about Zion.T's music I would like to change.  We all see now where my true sympathies lie!

But, in all fairness and seriousness, I just enjoy these two artists.  I love listening to their music, I like watching them perform, I like the evolution of their music (except the f-bomb).

I don't remember when I first heard of Dok2.  Perhaps (and I'm pretty sure this is it) it was when I heard one of G Dragon's new songs--new at the time--and thought to myself, who is this "Dok-two character?  I like his voice."  Ha ha, and I know what you're thinking, but give me a bit of a break?  I was stinking new to the scene, and I figured everything out with a little bit of research.  And then I started listening.  And, slowly, Dok2 (pronounced: Dohk-ee) has turned into the artist I will go to when I am in a bad mood and just need something to listen to.

With Zion.T...  I think the first thing I saw him in was something he featured in (Choiza?  Gaeko?  Primary?), and I thought he was WEIRD.  Have you seen his music videos??  And the others he features in?  If you were a new fan, of the genre or even of Zion.T, would you really instantly like him, or would you think he was a little bit weird?  Because I know that I loved his voice--was instantly captivated--but was strangely both drawn and also made a little cautious by his performance.  By the time Babay came out however, I was enough of a fan that I loved every single second of the music video.  Zion.T has become one of my absolute all-time favorites.  I love listening to him, quite enjoy watching him perform, and have to laugh at his interviews.

And, since this is a music blog, about music... Here's Zion.T's debut song, featuring Dok2.  I know, can life get any better?  Probably not.

*wait!  It could get better if Dok2 were actually IN the mv...*

Do you have any stories about your favorite artists?  Who are they, and why are they your favorites?  Leave me comments, questions, requests... You know, anything that suits your fancy.  Of course, if you're gonna be a troll, I might sneer at my computer as I read.  Beware!

Keep listening to your awesome chill music, and I'll see you back here next week!  I'm sure I'll have something awesome for you :D

Tidbits: Startline (스타트라인), The Richard Parkers (리차드파커스), and Ashgray (애쉬 그레이)

Just a few songs and videos that I want to share today.  No deep analyzing (hopefully), no criticism, simply music that I really like and feel should be heard.

Let's start with The Richard Parkers (리차드파커스) with "On My Way to Sleep (자러간가)."

Beautiful instrumentals, very chill, AMAZING vocals, such a nice match.  Lovely song, perfect rainy day music.

I loved the name, too-- "The Richard Parkers."  Fun!

Next, let's do Startline (스타트라인) and their song, "Time Goes By."

Here's another group with MirrorBall Music.  These guys, though, are more of a rock sound, and I really like the change of pace.  From Chill to Rock.

They have a nice, straightforward rock sound--sometimes you just want to listen to something that is upbeat and fun like this.  A nod-your-head song, and then at the chorus you get to sing along with the "Whoa-oh-oh," and life is good again.

I like the description, too.  It tells us that Startline is a "melodic punk band" and their song contains a "hopeful message."  Yes.  Definitely hopeful.  So much love.

Last is 애쉬 그레이 (Ashgray) with "어린왕자," or, "The Little Prince."

This is a group of three guys (as far as I can tell), and they're under BigFoot Records.

This song, combined with this music video.  Wow.  Just, wow.  

I watched the music video and I was creeped out a little bit at first, because the sound was a little creepy, and it looked like it could be some kind of horror music video; but then it turned into this very interesting artistic video with amazing editing and shots and fantastic ideas behind it.

And the song?  Wow.  I love what they did with it, especially where they warp the vocals going into the chorus.  Sooo cool.  Loved it.

Have fun with your listening, and I'll see you soon!!  :D

Somebirds (어느새) - Korean Salamander (도롱뇽) and 소란(SORAN) - Your Love

We're taking a step into the past today, kiddos.  Hope everyone's okay with that.

Not too far, of course.  Just a couple of months.

First we've got Somebirds (어느새) with "Korean Salamander (도로뇽)."

When I first saw the link, I was being judgmental again, thinking I wouldn't like the song.  But, I did listen to it, and it is rocking and chill, and I absolutely love it.  It's a fun walking song.  You know--when you are walking somewhere and you want music that won't rush you, but you can just strut to?  This is it.

I love the vocals, but in a very, "I'm not sure they would work for me without the rock/laid back sound of the instrumentals" sort of way.  Very quirky and fun.  The band is so much fun, too!  I love the electric guitar, and everything else (the keyboard: oh yeah!!).

The video is weird but fun as well.  I don't like his facial hair, but it definitely fits with what he is trying to portray.  At the beginning he climbs out of a box, and encounters varying human interactions (mostly fights that he accidentally gets in the middle of) as he walks along.  The description says the song is about Korean youth whingeing (yes, they used that word, and I adore it!) about their "severe realities."  That was almost a direct quote.  It makes sense, because he goes through a lot of weird and tough things, randomly meeting up with his band every so often and singing and playing with them.

Also: cigarettes are GROSS!  I am glad he didn't light up, and I hope he kicks the habit.  Because, those things will kill you.

I love his round glasses.  I love how the video transitions from sepia tone to color every now and then, and at the end, I not only like the old guy standing in front of his box, but I also enjoyed that the main guy turned into a salamander after he climbed into the box.  Very different and awesome.

I also want to talk about 소란 (Soran) and their song "Your Love."

This video is live, so we don't really need to discuss it.  I mean, except for the fact that they TOTALLY have an UPRIGHT BASS!!  Bah.  I think the last time I wrote about Soran, I was geeking over that fact, too.  Ah well.  Gets me every time.

I absolutely love this song.  It's definitely been a while since it was released, but it is so pretty, and subtle.  So very chill.

His vocals are very prominent in the chorus, but I love the feel of the actual instruments behind him, especially during the verses.  The vocalist falls quieter there, almost making his voice a part of the background, blending so beautifully and seamlessly with the music.  So lovely.

The thing about Soran is, I love that they are an actual band.  And not a rock band.  I do love me a good rock band, but it is so nice to have that chill, relaxed sound to listen to, with actual, acoustic instruments.  I admire musicians all across the board (DJ's, vocalists, instrumentalists, etc), but something about this combination... This song just feels like a conversation, or a poem.  It's so personal and feels so well-thought out, but also almost impulsive.

Okay, now that I have made myself sound ridiculous, I'm going to stop.

I hope you liked both of these.  Maybe not as ridiculously as I did, but that's okay.  It'll get you one day.

Have a great weekend listening, and I'll see you soon!  :D

Freestyle(프리스타일) _ Winter Song(윈터 송) (Feat. Navi(나비)) Drop a Beat

Yes, this video was released in December of last year.  That's okay, I didn't get to talk about it, and I really like it.

Another thing:  I just copied and pasted the title into the little title section for this post.  There really are that many parentheses.  Not joking.

Okey Dokey.

Freestyle (프리스타일) feat. Navi (나비) with "Winter Song (윈터송)."

This song is so chill, and I love the Spanish influence they decided to run with throughout the song, even so far as to add Spanish phrases here and there.  I especially liked how the tone of those phrases were different than the ones that were part of the rap and the song, softer, almost like they were said at a point when the couple was still together.

I am in love with the guitar they've got in this.  Yep, guitar geek here, letting her freak-flag fly.  Of course... I don't know enough about guitars, but this sounds like classical guitar (I mean in the classical romantic way they're playing it--because the guitar did originate in Spain, and that's the sound they've got), and I absolutely love it.  My sister would freak out about the flute in there, too.  It's gorgeous.  Also--is that a harpsichord I hear?  Probably synthetic on a keyboard, but still!

The music video kind of gives me this lingering feeling of sadness, like it is something that happened--and while it is sad, it's no longer as devastating as it was when it first happened, and she is now able to let go.  At the very end of the video, she drops the locket which he (probably) gave her, showing us that she's finally over it (the break up, I guess). 

 I don't understand what she was walking through--it looked like a furniture store.  Maybe (from what I understand of the lyrics), she was ready to move on with their life, but he was not?  I mean, when they began the relationship, maybe she assured him it was enough, but then started wanting more, and he either wasn't ready, or just couldn't?  Total guesses there.

I did like how the viewer got shots of their relationship (or maybe it was her imagining how it could have been, as she IS walking through a furniture store).

I think my favorite thing about this song and music video is how chill it is, and how perfectly everything works together for a harmonic whole.  Their voices and her voice, the beautiful and smooth instrumentals... Amazing.

Thanks for stopping by for Drop a Beat :)  Keep reading if you want to hear my thoughts on profanity in music (and in anything, really), or just come back for Chill Music Stash later this week.

Profanity Rant Here:

I had some other songs I wanted to comment on as well (more recent, too), but they were all rife with profanity!  I have been known to put up with an f-word here and there (go ahead, scoff at me for not typing it out--I forgive you), but when it's once in every single chorus and verse, that's a no for me.  Don't worry, I'm even more frustrated than you are that hip hop artists are under the misconception that "forceful" means "profanity."  Not true.

I know I've talked about that before, but I don't know that I explained very well or thoroughly.  Profanity isn't a substitute for intelligence, it's not a way to express yourself.  When you use foul language, you sound like an uneducated thug.  Of course, I am listening to music from hip hop artists, who are kind of marketing toward the streets and whatnot.  I get that.  

At the same time, do you know how refreshing it is to not have to dodge foul language in a song?  Profanity is not only awful to me as a human being, but also as a person who loves language and embraces expression.  It is so much more creative and impressive when an artist chooses to go with language that actually expresses their thoughts and ideas.  Complexity is amazing.  Choose the RIGHT words and you not only impress those worth impressing, you confuse those not worth impressing.

A big vocabulary is, frankly, one of the most attractive traits a person can display.  Not only are you showcasing your intelligence, you are also honoring the people around you with the thought that you think they are intelligent and well-read enough to understand all of your big words.

Stay classy, peeps.  If I haven't frightened you off with my rant on profanity, I'll see you back here for Chill Music Stash on Thursday.  Keep up the chill listening! :D

The Nuts 더 넛츠, and Brand Newjiq 브랜뉴직

I have two new-to-me artists (one's a band and the other is a duo, from what I can see) that I ABSOLUTELY ADORE, and I almost didn't give either of them a chance!

Have you ever done that before?  You are looking at new music on your subscriptions on Youtube, or WHEREVER, and you almost don't listen to something, but then you DO, and you wonder where it has been all your life?  And then, you have to wonder, "What about that song I didn't bother to listen to last week, what if it was supposed to become my favorite song, but I altered my destiny because I just didn't listen to it?!"

Fine.  I'm being dramatic.  But, in all seriousness, I do wonder sometimes, what songs I should have listened to.

These two are just such songs.

The Nuts (더 넛츠) with "또르르" will go first.  I was being judgmental when I first started it, because I was just not in the mood to listen to anything except more rock-y music.  Also, sometimes I never know what kind of music it would be on that channel (it could very well have been more pop-esque).  The fact that the music video started out with talking didn't help me at the time, either.  Because I didn't get that instant like/dislike feel for the song.

BUT.

This song is pure gold.  It's beautiful without being too much of a ballad (not my favorite), the pacing is perfect, and the vocals?  Heaven.  The vocals are really what sold me on this song.  The instrumentals are great and everything (and really tie the song together in my opinion), but their voices are like a little slice of what I imagine a heavenly choir would sound like.  They are tidy and just powerful enough on the chorus, and just quiet and breathy enough where they want it to be breathy.  I really do love this song.

The music video is okay.  It's got kind of a story, and I really do enjoy watching the band (yeah, so I think they're adorable...), but the song is what sold it for me.  Sometimes music videos distract from the sound of a song, and I think this one might be a little bit like that.  I just prefer to listen.

Next we have 브랜뉴직 (Brand Newjiq) with "Stand By Me."  With this one, it was kind of the same thing.  It came from a source that I wasn't really in the mood for, but I decided to put it on my iPod anyway.  My "Listening" playlist.

Two days later, this was my new favorite song.  I am not even joking.  I went to my roommates and had them listen to it.  They thought I was a weird-y, but that's fine.  I know quality when I hear it, and I LOVE THIS SONG.

I have to say, I do not like his facial hair.  Not so much, no.  But, again, the vocals more than make up for that.  This song... *sighs* it's such a sensual, amazing song.  One of the comments below the video on Youtube is "eargasm," and, while I find that word wildly inappropriate, I agree with the sentiment.  This song is slow and swaying side-to-side in a smoky old-time club with a live band whispering into their microphones.

I love the keyboard at the beginning, and then his voice--smooth and a bit naughty.  Then the chorus with that sexy guitar.  Oh, just soooo good!  And then, there's that rap bridge!  But not really rap at first.  A whisper that leads up to his slightly more intense rap.

I, again, didn't pay much attention to the music video (the song drew me in), but I love black and white.  I like how the music video manages to suggest things (with the tie falling to the floor, and him circling her, and you can't see any of the background because it's mostly blacked out) without being completely inappropriate.

The guitarist was wearing something really weird, like Native American thing, but I did love the shots of just the neck of the guitar and him playing it.  Wow.

Let this be a lesson to you.  Give things a chance, and try not to judge.  You never know.  They could become your new favorite song!

Have a great weekend, listen to chill music, and I'll see you in a few!  :D

Drop a Beat Catch Up

Let's start out with a few things.

I am trying to become better and more consistent with my posts after falling off.  It's hard because I got out of the habit, and because I've been listening to other things (still love chill music and rap, though!) and because I wanted to do a catch up with some of the songs I missed.  That is super intimidating!!

The other order of business is this: I decided to call this section (instead of "Rap Corner," which I thought sounded a little bit silly), "Drop a Beat," which is actually the name of my rap playlist on my iPod.

With that stuff taken care of, let's go!  This is going to be fast and awesome!

Electroboyz, "Let it Rain."  This song just gives me chills.  It's like a perfect mix of rap/hip hop with an almost pop but chill sound.  I love the vocals, and I will always love a song with rain in the background.  This was fun rain, though--they had a random heavy drop every now and then that was super epic.  I also really liked the percussion that they had going on: not just some heavy dubstep, but what sounded like a real drum kit.  Nice.

This next is more "listening" music than "drop a beat" as such.  It's Mayson the Soul's "Holiday." And I love it.  In a much different way from "Let it Rain." Holiday is a head-nodding song.  I do love the vocals so much, I love the beat and rhythm, and I really enjoy the rap sections.  It's stylish but simple.  This is definitely a chill dancing song.  It's great!  And it features Beenzino, which is just perfect!  

I'm inserting a plug for Kanto in here.  I love a lot of his stuff, he's pretty much awesome, but I didn't want to add "Daybreak & Fly High" because I heard it's a cover?  Not sure, but I love basically everything he does.  Go check Kanto out.

Okey dokey.  Now for a deep, nod-your-head, awesome and sick beat-- Twangsta with "The Roots," feat. Hwaji (my apologies, I'm rushing through this and am not taking the time to type everything out in Hangul).  This song is not necessarily fun, but it's good for those days you just wanna be a gangster, you know?  Without all the... actual gangster-ness, right?  Am I the only one?  Okay, well, this track has fantastic elements to make the whole.  I love his laid-back rap style, not forcing it, like it's poetry, really.  The music part reminds me of the fifties, I think, and the old-school gangsters with their suits and hats.  It's got that swag laid-back feel to it.  Sweet.

Last (this is getting long) but definitely not least, I want to add Swings' "Bulldozer."  This was absolutely SICK.  When I think of sick rappers, Swings is definitely up on the top of that list.  This song--the beat, it echoes through the center of your chest; I would LOVE to hear this in a club, or something with HUGE speakers.  And Swings?  He just spits out words like he's got something to SAY.  I am almost never disappointed by Swings' songs.  Of course, the caveat: why all the profanity?  That's just dumb.  No one needs to hear it.  Done with that.  One last thing: that ending?  Holy cow.  Love it.

Don't let this list define you!  I also want to mention Double K, who recently came out with an amazing song; B free X Optical--holy creepy!  Okasion is a new artist I'm watching out for, and I do love the new Untouchable tracks.  Go have fun, and I'll see you back here for Chill Music Stash!
:D

Zion.T(자이언티), Miss Kim(미스 김)

Am I being a total sheep if I write about Zion.T's "Miss Kim?"

On the one hand, yes, allkpop has already reported about Zion.T, as has Soompi.  They had very nice things to say, and after I read their articles, I almost felt lacking.  As if, once I posted, I would be judged on what I said, compared to what Zion.T's agency said about the song--how it's a trot/dub fusion, and it is hearkening back to Korea's roots.  Let's face it, I don't necessarily say awesome things like that.  I mostly just talk about how much I loved the video ;)

On the other hand (not to pat myself on the back TOO much), I am not a new fan of Zion.T.  I feel like I'm not such a sheep if I've been listening to his music, wishing for more, even if I post about the music video after others.

So, I'm gonna post about "Miss Kim," because (and I'm a little embarrassed to admit this), after I watched it, Zion.T shot up on my list of favorite artists.  I'm talking top 5.

Yeah, that good.

Alrighty.  A few first impressions:

My dancer friend (Christina, that's you!) loved that they were tapping in the streets.  She said something about soft-shoe and how she wished we could hear the sounds of them dancing.

Another friend (Mindy), loved the Korean typewriter.  My own thoughts were that it was such a fun touch that he was typing out what he was singing.  And when he lays his head on the keys, the spokes (or whatever those are called) move up in a creepy, claw-like manner.  Loved that.  One possible discrepancy:  Is that an actual Korean typewriter?  Because in one shot, they keys have Roman (English) characters, but when he's typing, the characters are definitely Korean (한글).  Is that how they work?  Anyway...

The song is really catchy.  I showed the music video to my brother who is NOT into all things Korean, and who had never heard of Zion.T before, and two minutes after he watched the video, he walked by humming it.  I laughed at him, of course.

The music video.

I want to say it's a video of the past, but not in it.  Maybe I don't even know what I mean by that, but the car looks like it's from the 40's, their fashion looks like it's from the 20's, ish, and the music?  It's a classy, solid, smooth fusion of the older Korean trot style and Zion.T's own Jazzy hip-hop style.

Love the black and white.  Black and white--especially with this video--adds to the overall ambiance of the video.  I want to say, however, when I see a black and white video, I'm always curious about what the colors are that the black and white is hiding.

The rain, the car, the flowers being dropped, the blurry figure--even the dancers, I feel--add to the sorrow and longing, the overall wistfulness of the song and music video.  Love it.

The music.

I just... I love it.

Catchy and classy and entirely different than the other pieces I've heard by Zion.T.  I wish it were longer, rather than just 2:34; but I also admire that he kept it short and sweet.  Some things are just complete, you know?

I love the sounds that he used.  I am bad with the whole instrument naming thing, but I think I hear an upright bass (sick!!!), and maybe an accordion?  I am so not sure about that one, maybe it's a woodwind that is making the actual notes... Or even a organ/keyboard?  Argh, watch me fumble.  I think what I really want to say is that the music also adds to the trot/dubstep feel of the whole thing.  

But.  What makes this song entirely his own is Zion.T's voice.  That man has the most amazing set of pipes.  Such a unique voice, such control and not breathy at all, unless he wants it that way.  I've heard him "live" on Youtube, and he is the real deal.  Maybe not spot on the entire time (no one ever is, and he's not perfect either), but his voice is so true.  My fangirl is showing...

Enough!  Go watch this amazing music video.  I do hope it speaks for itself and that you all love it as much as I do.  I listen to it over and over (probably 20 times since yesterday), and I love it.  Every time.

Enjoy!  I'll see you back here next week. Keep listening to your Chill Music, and have a wonderful holiday too :D

Raonjaena (라온제나), and 쿼트로코드 Quattro Code

Two for one today, darlings!  I have many reasons, but I think the most pertinent one is that the song I settled on by Raonjaena doesn't really have any singing...  So I felt I had to throw in another song, and I really liked Quattro Code for it.

Raonjaena (라온제나) first, shall we?

Their song is "New Begin, of the Day," and it is absolutely lovely.  I don't remember if I've told you all about this, but I am quickly becoming a guitar fanatic.  I love everything that has to do with the guitar, especially music that highlights its beautiful possibilities.  And boy, does this song ever do that!

New Begin, of the Day starts with a man, I suppose we can call him the star of the music video, telling someone (possibly us, his viewers) that it has been a long time since he's seen us.  In Korean, of course.  As I was watching, I thought to myself, "I would be okay if that were the only vocal part in this song, the instrumentals are so amazing!" And then it was the only spoken part, and I loved the song!

The keyboard work is also phenomenal.  I love everything about the pacing and the beautiful way the instruments compliment each other--I even love the 80's parts of the songs, where they dive into that wicked synth.  It fits.

The video could have used something different, I think.  If you're going to do a music video to accompany an instrumental song, I think you should show a story--perhaps the story of what the song is trying to depict?  I feel like we got a bit of it at the beginning and at the end with the main actor guy, but all of the in-between bits were shots of him lounging around with his self-constructed molecule trying to make it look interesting for the camera.  And then shots of the musicians.  That stuff is great, and I do appreciate it, but I also think that a story would have served this song better.

Shout out to the molecule guy!  The guy that opens and closes the song, and then during the in between parts looks like he's trying really, REALLY hard to make that molecule interesting.  I can just hear the cameraman telling him, "Okay, now spread your arms like you're flying!  Good!  Now you're playing with the molecule!  Great, that's great.  Now a thoughtful pose!"  Tee hee!

Even though I thought the video could have been different, I think they did an amazing job of filming it and staging and editing--the transitions were smooth, it was an interesting video to watch, and seemed very professionally done.  It just makes me wonder who gets to decide, in the end, what the video to the music is actually going to be about...

Quattro Code (쿼트로코드), and their song "붙어있을래요" is next!

I fell in love with this song, as well.  It's a little bit poppy, but I am not going to hold that against the song or the band :)  The song is just so smooth and cute and... I think hip and a bit jazzy.

I love so many things about this song.  I love the instrumentals, I enjoy the swinging rhythm of the drums and the bass, I love what they do with the guitar to give it a little spice (sometimes swinging high for a descant, sometimes just emphasizing the guitar's notes), and I adore their voices harmonizing.  The vocals are such a perfect fit for each other and the song, it's just so much fun to listen to.

This video is different and yet very similar to the one from Raonjaena that I just talked about.  Weird that I just realized it.

Yes, somehow I managed to pick two videos with the group being filmed in the "setting" of a story... but not really.  Come on!  Be a little creative, people.  I mean, yes, it used to be creative and fun to have videos of just your group singing and playing for the camera, especially in the studio.  If I wanted to come and see you perform, however, I would come and see you perform.  With your music video, I'd much rather you show me a story, or something actually creative, instead of you and your group performing for the camera and being cute.  Sorry.

After that rant (which I was hoping to aim at ALL of the groups just doing glamour shots for their videos, not only Quattro Code, I promise), I would like to say that I did enjoy the video.  It was really cute, and I thought it fit the sound of the song quite well.  Although, the shots of the musicians made them look like they were either concentrating intensely on their music, or trying not to be bored.

Here's Quattro Code:

All in all, not bad songs for the Chill Music Stash.  I'm going to chalk up the videos that I've seen in the past (like these) to both vanity and laziness.  Take the time to develop something interesting and unique to the group.  I don't know whose fault it is, it could be vanity on the group's part (or their entertainment company trying to get them face-time), it could be laziness on the entertainment company's part.  I just know that I would like to see more original videos out there.  

Wow, didn't realize this post would turn into a music video rant.  On that note, come again and keep listening to your chill music! :D

Shayne 셰인 "Be My Love"

I’ve been away from Chill Music Stash for such a long time, and I’m very sorry.  It’s been pretty hectic here, what with me moving in with a bunch of friends and having more of a crazy schedule than usual, and then I was sick, had a trip to L.A. to see VIXX, and then Thanksgiving, which was fabulous.  Thanks for asking ;)

But I’m back now.  And I wanted to come back with a very chill Bang.  And by bang, I don’t mean bang at all, actually.  I heard this song today and I just HAD to post about it.

It helps that this song is perfect for the gloomy ish type of day the weather decided to give me.

This song is “Be my Love” by Shayne.  Let’s start out with this: I have never heard of Shayne, but I am also fairly new to the Korean Indie/Chill Music scene.  And it looks like, from the comments below the video, that Shayne has been around for at least longer than this one song.

Next, I must comment on this—because I have my Bachelor Degree in English, I very much appreciate the usage of “love” in the title.  I’ve seen too many shortenings (he could have made it: “B My Luv,” which would have turned me off the song), and… just ridiculous words that aren’t even words in titles of songs, and that no longer appeals to me, if it ever did.  Thank you!!

I am deeply sorry that I chose just an audio track to comment on instead of a song and a video, but I just HAD to, because this song is just so ADORABLE!! 

The song starts out with an accordion-sounding thing, and an acoustic guitar, with this harmony of voices singing to you, “I need your love!”  Okay, really, the beginning is a tiny bit much for me, and I would have not thought it fit the song, except the harmonies are in the chorus too.  After that very first bit, which totally sounds like the opening to some cheesy romantic comedy, the song turns into this ridiculously awesome chill but still peppy song.  His voice is sweet and mellow, and I can only think of “adorable,” really. 

With this song, I kind of have a visual in my head of him singing and walking in a jaunty/bouncy manner down a clean, sunshiny street and singing into the camera as he passes cute houses in the suburbs.  Just being a cutie—dressed in, oh, I don’t know, a pastel pink shirt with tan trousers held up by pink and white striped suspenders; red plaid bowtie and a plaid cap.  Seriously, this just popped into my head!  Now, try imagining that as he’s walking toward the camera and smiling and singing.  No aegyo for the camera, because this song is just that touch more serious than a super cutesy ballad.

I will definitely be listening to more Shayne—I adore his style and his voice.  Of course, this could be the only song I like of his, too, which would be a huge bummer.  If you haven’t heard it yet, you should give “Be My Love” a try J  Perfect for any type of day you’re having—if you need a pick-me-up, or if you’re completely happy.

Have a great week listening to your chill music, and I’ll be seeing you next time!!  :D

10cm & Fine Five - Beautiful Moon

Because I don't have a lot of time, and because I just love 10cm and haven't heard anything from them for a long time--this post will be short and, hopefully sweet.

I don't know when I first fell in love with 10cm, but I do know that they were one of my very first K-indie bands.  I fell in love with their style, their music--pretty much everything about them.

Someday I want to go to Korea and see them perform live.  That is going on my bucket list.

For now, I guess I'll have to settle for what they give me on Youtube and the internet.  

10cm, keep up everything you're doing and everything you are!  We love you!

10cm and Fine Five

(The Youtube link wasn't working, sorry guys!)

Really.  Love 10cm for all that they are, because they are wonderful, and amazing musicians.  The music they produce is just such a happy thing in my life.

Have a fantastic weekend with your chill music, kids! :D

Kye Bum Zu(계범주) _ Something Special (feat.Dok2)

This isn't exactly Chill Music.  But I had a very busy day on Tuesday and missed what I was going to do then, so this is sort of an in-between.  It falls kind of in the middle--it's good music to jam to.

Okay, fine, it falls more on the side of rap and hip hop than Chill Music.  Sorry...  (I guess, I am, but I love the song, so...)

Kye Bum Zu (계범주) came out with "Something Special," featuring Dok2.  And, I LOVE THIS SONG!!!

Short but sweet-- 계범주 has an amazing voice, and I really enjoy the style he's chosen to go with.  It's dance-y, but it's also smooth and sexy.  Good rhythm, fantastically catchy and fun to sing over and over when it's stuck in your head.  I also like the slightly growly way he goes into "You got that somethin' baby!"  Seriously cute.

Dok2!!!  Holy cow, I adore Dok2, and I think that it was the best idea every for 계범주 to make this song featuring Dok2.  I am so amazed and happy that Dok2 is in here and he's not dropping the f-bomb left and right as well.  His style and voice just sends shivers down my spine, and the combination of Kye Bum Zu's amazing voice and Dok2's rapping is just amazing.

The music video is completely adorable.  Seriously.  When he looks at her and when he does something cute to get her attention and it WORKS?  The smile on his face when he has accomplished it is THE CUTEST THING!!!

Okay, listen to this song.  It's fun.

I hope you love it so much!!  :D