Musical highlights of Korea...

One of the things that blows my mind about doing anything in Busan is the incessant thump of techno-pop that trumpets from every building. Mixed with the daily construction projects, it makes for an iPod-drowning audio experience. Still, I'm fascinated that even at a reasonably-decorated sit-down restaurant, I still am likely to hear Erasure or the drum-n-bass remix of that Four Non-Blondes song, as I did last night. Just like in the States, there are a few Korean pop music staples that have stabbed their way into my heart, and what's great about liking them is that you can't make fun of me like you did with the Kelly Clarkson single because odds are you'll never hear the songs.

There's one that I've only heard three times now that I'm anxious to find: a Korean pop-rap number which bases its repetitive melody off of the 80's instrumental highlight "Axel F". It's all in Korean except for the chorus, where a guy clearly basing his 'tude off of "Funky Bunch"-era Mark Wahlberg brags, "I'm a champion!" Deep in my heart, I hope that this is the Korean "Lose Yourself". Pretty sweet and memorable track.

Another tune that hasn't been that ubiquitous is a Korean remake of the Black Eyed Peas' controversial "Let's Get Retarted". In this case, they took a song from what's probably the most irritating group in America and turned it into something slightly less aggrandizing. This seems to be a general fact with Korean music stars; the self-importance and loudness reflected in their personalities is like a cat's whimper, where as those in America make me feel like I'm being yelled at nearly all of the time. I'm hoping to find more Korean reproductions of American pop songs, since this was one that I hated there and only mildly amuses me here.

Finally, the song that has stolen my heart, run away with it, and declared its vows is the only one that I can't describe. It is the ONLY song you ever hear here though; whether you're at a lowly soju bar or an electronics store, it's going to rear its lovely head... if anyone in Korea is reading this, please help me out here. I saw a live concert on television where a boy band performs it, but I've also heard a rendition that seems to have a female vocalist. From the sound of it, it could be an anime theme song, but somehow I doubt it. Every musical note is a fuckin' ray of sunshine, and even on days when I hate being here, if I hear it, I do a jumping heel-click. When I find it, I'll post it here immediately. I promise. And then you all can declare me gay because admittedly it's a pretty gay tune, but I won't fuckin' care.

School has been slow today. That's the only reason you're getting this pointless post. I'll be playing Starcraft and drinking at a PC room with Marie's soon-to-be-departing French-Canadian co-worker once it hits 8:55. Friday night in Busan!