| Nirvana
`Live at Reading'
(Universal Music Korea)
After 17 years, Nirvana's legendary performance at the Reading Festival, United Kingdom on Aug. 30, 1992 is finally available on CD and DVD. The mind-blowing concert has been voted number one by fans on Kerrang! magazine's list of 100 Gigs that Shook the World and NME's poll of Nirvana's Greatest Moments.
The limited edition release shows Nirvana at its finest. The set list included almost all the songs from ``Nevermind,'' a handful from ``Bleach'' and early versions of ``All Apologies,'' ``Dumb'' and ``Tourette's.'' The Reading concert perfectly captured Kurt Cobain's intense vocals, Krist Novoselic's electrifying bass and Dave Grohl's powerful drumming. Nirvana also played covers of Fang's ``The Money Will Roll Right In'' and The Wipers' ``D-7.'' This is a definite must-have for all Nirvana fans.
― Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 `Glee: The Music, Volume 1'
Original Soundtrack
(SonyBMG)
One of the hottest new TV shows in the U.S., ``Glee'' is about a mismatched group of high school students who join the glee club. Fans of "Glee" will no doubt love listening to songs that bring back memories of the show's fun moments. Lea Michele, who plays the uptight Rachel, gives a heartfelt rendition of Rihanna's ``Take a Bow''' while Matthew Morrison, who plays the enthusiastic Mr. Shuester, takes on Kanye West's ``Golddigger.'' The "Glee" cast versions of Journey's ``Don't Stop Believing'' and Queen's ``Somebody to Love'' are particularly enjoyable.
Sorely missing from the soundtrack are the mash-ups, like ``Walking on Sunshine'' with ``Halo.'' Not to worry, Volume 2 is said to be on its way in time for the second half of the show's season.
― Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Bon Jovi
`The Circle'
(Universal Music Korea)
It's been 25 years since Bon Jovi came out with their self-titled debut album. The band, originally formed in New Jersey, is still going strong and has just released their 11th album. The first single, ``We Weren't Born to Follow,'' is typical Bon Jovi, with its soaring chorus and radio-friendly rock beat.
Obviously rich and successful musicians, Bon Jovi sounds a tad insincere when singing about the common man's problems in ``Work for the Working Man." Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi still has the vocal chops, but the songs don't offer anything new. While the album is technically polished, you can barely tell one song from the other.
― Cathy Rose A. Garcia
| Green Day, Guns N’ Roses in Seoul Soon |
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Guns N’ Roses, led by Axl Rose, will perform on Dec. 13 in Seoul. | By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Two high-profile American rock bands will be making their first trip to Seoul in the coming months. Guns N' Roses will be hitting the stage next month, while Grammy award-winning rock trio Green Day will be performing in January.
Green Day, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool, will be holding their first concert here Jan. 18 at the Olympic Gym #1, Olympic Park, southern Seoul.
Originally from Berkeley, California, Green Day burst into the mainstream in 1994 with their major label debut ``Dookie." Filled with catchy punk rock songs, ``Dookie'' went on to sell over 15 million copies around the world. Their songs ``Longview,'' ``Basket Case'' and "When I Come Around'' also topped the charts.
Green Day will meet fans Jan. 18 at the Olympic Gym #1, Olympic Park, southern Seoul. / Courtesy of All Access | Green Day's subsequent albums ``Insomniac,'' ``Nimrod'' and ``Warning'' all sold well, but did not match the widespread popularity of "Dookie." Some of their hit songs from this period include ``Brain Stew,'' ``Walking Contradiction,'' ``Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),'' ``Hitchin' a Ride,'' and ``Minority.''
In 2004, the band found success again with their politically charged rock opera ``American Idiot.'' It debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, and received widespread critical acclaim. They also received Grammys for Best Rock Album for ``American Idiot,'' and Record of the Year for ``Boulevard of Broken Dreams,'' as well as eight MTV Music Video Awards in 2005.
In May, Green Day released the much-anticipated album ``21st Century Breakdown,'' which was once again embraced by fans and critics. It topped the charts in 14 countries, including the U.S.
Tickets for Hyundai Card Super Concert VII: Green Day will go on sale Nov. 24. Prices are 99,000 won and 88,000 won, but a 20-percent discount is available for Hyundai Card holders. Visit www.hyundaicard.com or ticket.interpark.com.
Meanwhile, Guns N'Roses, led by Axl Rose, will finally be coming to Seoul for a Dec. 13 concert at Olympic Gym #1 to promote the album ``Chinese Democracy.''
Guns N' Roses is best known for its hits ``Welcome to the Jungle,'' ``Don't Cry,'' ``Sweet Child O' Mine,'' ``Paradise City'' and ``November Rain.''
Rose is the only remaining original member of the band, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985. The line-up has changed over the years, as original members Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Tracii Guns left the band the 1990s.
Guns N' Roses released their first album, ``Appetite for Destruction,'' in 1987, followed by ``GN'R Lies." In 1991, the band released two albums ― ``Use Your Illusion I," and ``Use Your Illusion II." The rock ballad ``November Rain" proved to be very popular, especially on MTV.
The band has been plagued by infighting and personal problems, which were blamed for the line-up changes and delay in the release of new music.
After nearly nine years in the works, Guns N' Roses released ``Chinese Democracy" in December. The band is embarking on a world tour, with stops in Taiwan, Japan and Canada.
Guns N' Roses' current lineup is composed of Dizzy Reed on keyboards and percussion; Chris Pitman on keyboards; Tommy Stinson on bass guitar; Ron ``Bumblefoot" Thal and DJ Ashba on lead guitar; Richard Fortus on rhythm guitar and Frank Ferrer on drums.
Tickets to the Guns N' Roses concert range from 110,000 to 132,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr |
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|  Foo Fighters
`Greatest Hits'
(SonyBMG)
It's been 15 years since former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters. The band's pop rock sound helped Grohl move away from the shadow of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, and helped turn Foo Fighters into a commercial and critical success.
This Greatest Hits album offers 16 songs, including ``All My Life,'' ``Learning to Fly,'' ``Breakout'' and ``This is a Call.'' While the compilation makes a great introduction to their music for new listeners, long-time Foo Fighters fans will feel shortchanged with only two new songs ``The Wheels'' and ``Word Forward'' plus an acoustic version of ``Everlong.'' Grohl injects some humor in the liner notes by including a ``how to multi-track at home'' guide.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 `The Twilight Saga: New Moon'
Original Soundtrack
(Warner Korea)
The much-anticipated film ``New Moon'' hits theaters in Korea on Dec. 3, but the soundtrack will help fans endure the wait. The album features brooding songs by both established and rising alternative and rock acts. Death Cab for Cutie sets the mood with ``Meet You at the Equinox,'' followed by the darkly electronic ``Hearing Damage'' by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke and the solemn ``A White Demon Love Song'' by The Killers.
There's also some lovely, slow tracks, Anya Marina's ``Satellite Heart,'' and Lykke Li's ``Possibility.'' The soundtrack wouldn't be complete without a track from Twilight author Stephenie Meyer's favorite British rockers Muse, who contributed a remix of ``I Belong to You.'' Fans of ``New Moon'' star Robert Pattinson will be disappointed the actor chose not to contribute any song on the soundtrack, unlike with ``Twilight.''
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Jack Johnson
`En Concert' (CD & DVD)
(Universal Music Korea)
American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson's laid back folk songs have gained him fans all over the world. ``En Concert'' shows the former pro surfer at his best, giving heartfelt, intimate performances. The ``En Concert'' CD features 19 live tracks from Johnson's ``2008 Sleep Through the Static World Tour.'' It includes favorites ``Banana Pancakes,'' ``Better Together'' and rare duets, ``Constellations'' with Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder and ``Country Road'' with Paula Fuga.
The DVD offers artfully shot concert performances and behind-the-scenes footage of Johnson and his band having fun backstage, sight-seeing in Europe and even surfing. This beautifully shot film, directed by Emmett Malloy, captures the joyous atmosphere at Johnson's concerts. All the proceeds from the album and DVD will go to the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation to support environmental, art and music education.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
|  Harry Connick Jr.
`Your Songs'
(SonyBMG)
For his latest album, jazz singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. obliged the requests of his fans, filling it with covers of classic love songs by Billy Joel, the Beatles, Burt Bacharach, the Carpenters and Elton John. Connick arranged, orchestrated and conducted all the music on the album, which was co-produced by Clive Davis.
With his smooth, warm voice, Connick charms listeners with numbers such as ``Just the Way You Are,'' ``Can't Help Falling in Love With You," ``Some Enchanted Evening," ``(They Long to be) Close to You," and "Mona Lisa." He gives the songs the big band jazz treatment, but it offers nothing new and feels uninspired. The song selection may also seem a bit on the cheesy side, but for romantics, ``Your Songs" will be perfect.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Iron & Wine
`Around the Well'
(Beatball)
Iron & Wine has always had a dedicated following, but his mainstream popularity came after the song ``Flightless Bird, American Mouth" was featured in the blockbuster film ``Twilight." Both longtime and new fans will find new appreciation for Sam Beam in the two-disc ``Around the Well," featuring rare and unreleased tracks starting from 2002.
The first disc features Beam's lo-fi recordings of ``Such Great Heights," and ``Waiting for Superman." But it's the second disc that makes this album worth buying. It offers excellent studio production that somehow keeps the intimate sound of a live performance. ``The Trapeze Swinger,'' ``Communion Cups and Someone's Coat," and ``Belated Promise Ring" are real gems. This is an excellent compilation to tide fans over until Beam releases a new album.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Swell Season
`Strict Joy'
(SonyBMG)
Two years after the overwhelming success of the indie film ``Once" and its soundtrack, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova have finally released a new album. On ``Strict Joy," Swell Season successfully recreates the warm, intimate sound from their live performances.
The first single ― ``Low Rising" ― offers a surprisingly funky beat, but Swell Season shines when it does slow, heartfelt songs. Hansard and Irglova, who ended their romantic relationship while recording the album, still have a strong musical partnership. Their voices blend effortlessly in ``Two Tongues" and ``Somebody Good" (which is only available on the Korean version of the album). Filled with brilliant songs, ``I Have Loved You Wrong," ``Fantasy Man" and ``Back Broke," the album won't disappoint fans.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
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|  Michael Jackson
`This is It'
(SonyBMG)
The release of ``This is It," a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for what would have been Michael Jackson's comeback concert, might strike some as a blatant attempt to cash in on the King of Pop's memory. But it proves to be an extraordinary documentary that reveals Jackson as a pop music genius who is still immensely talented at 50.
The soundtrack is not a greatest hits compilation, but it features songs that Jackson would have performed at the concert, such as ``Wanna Be Startin' Something," ``Black or White," ``Thriller, ``Man in the Mirror" and ``I Just Can't Stop Lovin' You." The only new track is ``This is It," which doesn't quite live up to expectations, although a second disc features four demo versions, including ``She's Out of My Life," and ``Beat It."
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Michael Buble
`Crazy Love'
(Warner Music Korea)
Michael Buble is back with a new album ``Crazy Love," a mix of pop, soul and jazz, as well as originals and remakes. The Grammy Award-winning crooner opens the album with the bombastic ``Cry Me a River," then follows it a swing track ``All of Me." While his remakes of Ray Charles' classic ``Georgia on My Mind" and Van Morrison's ``Crazy Love" are filled with warmth, they don't live up to the originals.
Since Buble recorded the album with a live big band and strings, there seems to be more energy and enthusiasm in the songs. He gives the Eagles' ``Heartache Tonight" a big band treatment, with surprisingly entertaining results. His collaborations with Sharon Jones on ``Baby (You've Got What It Takes) and Ron Sexsmith on ``Whatever It Takes" are also gems.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Pitbull
`Rebelution'
(SonyBMG)
Miami-based rapper Pitbull continues to churn out hits, combining pop and rap, as shown in his latest album ``Rebelution." Songs ``I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," ``Hotel Room Service" and ``Shut It Down" (featuring Akon) will get any party started.
Pitbull doesn't pretend he's a hardcore rapper, instead, he embraces what he does best: rap-infused dance music. Unlike other posers, Pitbull raps: `I ain't no thug, I ain't no gangsta, I'm a hustler." He works with Lil Jon on ``Krazy," Slim on ``Daddy's Little Girl," and Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger on ``Hotel Room Service Re-mix."
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
| Nick Warren to Hit Seoul Friday |
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DJ Nick Warren will play at Le Nuit Blanche (formerly Club Answer), Cheongdam-dong Seoul, Friday. / Courtesy of organizers | By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Top DJ Nick Warren, one of the pioneers of the British club scene, will be performing at Le Nuit Blanche (formerly Club Answer), Cheongdam-dong Seoul, Friday.
In an e-mail interview with The Korea Times, Warren said his gig in Seoul will be ``a night of great music spanning everything from deep house to techno with a heavy dose of progressive."
Warren is currently ranked number 58 in DJ Mag's list of Top 100 DJs released last week, moving up 26 places from last year. He has brought his ``distinctly forward blend of progressive sounds, cutting-edge techno and atmospheric layers" to clubs and parties all over the world.
The British club culture was fairly new in the late 80s when Warren started as a DJ playing in small clubs and house parties in his hometown of Bristol. ``I then became good friends with Massive Attack and they asked me to be their tour DJ, that was my big break," he said.
It was simply his love for music that led him to DJ-ing. ``It was all about the music; I had all this amazing music and wanted to share it," he said.
Warren's DJ sets have a ``moody atmosphere," which he said was a key element of music from Bristol. His musical influences include Joy Division, 4AD Records, OMD and Orbital.
When he's working the turntables, Warren says he simply focuses on the music and the crowd. ``The joy of DJ-ing is taking people on a ride … I love to mix harmonically, moving up and down keys and progressing slowly. I like to think you can hear my love of the genres I play," he said. ``
For Warren, one of the best things about being a DJ is ``listening to amazing music every day."
The British DJ has played in clubs around Asia numerous times. ``I love the Asian scene. The crowd is always very enthusiastic," he said.
Tickets to Warren's gig at Le Nuit Blanche are 30,000 won. Dress code is in effect. Call (02) 514-4311. Visit www.lenuitblanche.com.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr |
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| Earth, Wind & Fire to Play in Seoul |
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Legendary funk and R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire will perform in Seoul for the first time, Dec. 17. / Courtesy of Yellow Nine |
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Grammy award-winning R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire will be in Seoul for the first time in December.
The legendary group, best known for their distinctive blend of funk, R&B, soul, jazz and pop music, is expected to delight Korean fans at their concert at COEX Hall C, Dec. 17.
Their hit songs include ``September,'' ``Let's Groove,'' ``Shining Star,'' ``Boogie Wonderland'' and ``After the Love Has Gone.''
Earth, Wind & Fire was originally formed in 1969 in Chicago by Maurice White. Throughout its 40 year career, the group has won ten Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. Their albums have sold over 90 million around the world.
Credited with popularizing the funk sound, the group has already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Rolling Stone magazine once described the American group as ``innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing.''
Earth, Wind & Fire has released 23 albums since 1971. The band went on hiatus in the mid-1980s as founding member Maurice White produced albums for Barbra Streisand, and vocalist Philip Bailey released solo albums. They reunited for the album ``Touch the World'' in 1987.
While the peak of their popularity was in the '70s and '80s, the band has stayed strong by coming out with critically acclaimed albums, performing live and collaborating with various artists.
Their last album ``Illumination'' released in 2005, features collaborations with Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, Brian McKnight and Outkast's Big Boi. The album was nominated for Best R&B album at the Grammy Awards.
In February, Earth, Wind & Fire performed at the first formal White House dinner hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
Last summer, the band also went on a U.S. tour with another popular group, Chicago. While White is no longer part of the touring group, he still works behind the scenes, producing and composing music for the band. Bailey remains the leader of the performing group.
Tickets for Earth, Wind & Fire's first concert in Seoul range from 55,000 won to 110,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr |
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