World Psychedelia
Lee Jang Hee : Meet me in a room (SK,1973, re.2007)**°
I usually prefer not to review albums if I do not know if whether they are official reissues or not, but there are so little more easily available Korean reissues that I prefer to give this one some attention.
Before I do review this I must say that there are, just like in Japan, two different influences of inspirations that western collectors should distinguish with, which is the more self-penned and adventurous acidfolk and the more cover-songs based folkpop. Both genres can be very attractive in their own context, and can have overlapping interests. In Korea during the early 70’s both genres can have a certain unique and attractive sensitivity.
This reissue gives a good introduction on Korean folkpop. It describes how in Korea folk songs were important as expressions, and also acted like a substituted world for any more individual visions to be expressed in songs of love, nature and freedom. It also describes how Folkpop was born with Song Chang-Shik and Yoon Hyong-Jo, a duo who made at least two beautiful albums with folk interpretations of covers from various origins (see their listing here). I guess American music had its biggest influence mostly since the Americans were stationed in Korea and asked Korea for their help in the Vietnam War (music promotion and studios in return for soldiers). The notes say it was Han Dae-soo, who became Korea's first singer/songwriter, after he returned from the United States and held a concert introducing this new type of song to the Koreans in 1969. One of the popular singers after this is Lee Jang Hee.
The style on this album is pop music which will not surprise those who look for “progressive” inventions or “psych” associations, in whatever context this is interpreted usually, like in a World Pychedelia context. Some tracks, like the first, fourth and 8th track have nice guitar arrangements (acoustic and slightly surf-inspired electric). In general the songs are just nice pop music with mostly rather mainstream pop rhythms. The few more melancholic songs distinguish themselves a bit (like the aforementioned fourth and 8th song, and the great first part of the last, 9th song). The singing is with a warm voice without showing its characteristics too much. Personally I like also this more “mainstream” pop approach, because also in such more modestly played tracks, you can still hear a typical Korean approach of a unique and attractive inner sweet softness, but that does not make me yet absolutely recommend this to every kind of music lover. On the other hand, I can imagine, that once a listener starts to open themselves to this flavour it is easily appreciated.
PS. The same label reissued one of the best and most psychedelic albums from Shin-Yung Hyun : with The Men : 'It’s a lie' (1973), a recommended album for psych lovers and one of the best starters for Korean psych. Also reissued and available outside Korea are two psychrock albums from San Ul Lim, the psychedelic He6 album, and some Kim Yung Mi albums in an original song/chanson style with a well done rock flavour.
