KOREAN POP/PSYCH-ROCK & ACID FOLK reissues : Park In Hee

Oasis Rec.Park In Hee (KO,1974,re.1991)**°°

airplayed : Tr.6, 3 min, Tr.7, 4 min, Tr.10, 3 min 10 -17

I think most tracks will be found too mellow for western taste. I took out the best tracks :

one happy song and two melancholic songs. This is one of the midprice reissues.

Because this was very cheap and I knew already the singer has a lovely voice and this was an original album reissue and not a compilation, I gave this release a try hoping it was containing an original expression behind a more mellow approach, where the loveliness and innocence would create some unique moments too with something real or fragile behind it, some salt in the sugar. There are several mainstream folk-pop covers with the innocence of a young girl, with orchestrations, subtle drumming and acoustic guitars and some other instruments like keyboards. The original songs stand out better than the few covers (from them I only recognise The Carpenters : “I'm on the top of the world”). Track 7 is melancholic song with some spoken word too. The album might not be a must have but there is a convincing sweetness in it that is more specifically of a unique Korean quality of the 70s, where in another version, language or country this might not work so well. So in that case it is rewarding. The last most sad "waltz" is also very beautiful.

Video fragments : http://www.youtube.com/.. & here & here

Discography : http://www.maniadb.com/artist.asp?p=104539 next volume->

Jigu Rec.Park In Hee : vol.2 (KO,1975,re.1990)*°°

Tr.3, 3 min -20

Less good and more studio-aranged compared to the previous one, I only took out one track of preseference.

The second volume continues in a similar vein, but goes even deeper into the mainstream, which I think is like I have read before, a mixture of Japanese Trot with a sort of happy-melancholic flavour, gaining innocence in a way but with a sad after-taste because it is as if the expressions are limited to more recognisable and safe hum-along songs or at times children-like songs, with the melancholy coming through in the end, -more than a creative soul can bear. The voice shows a strange kind of beauty expressing itself within a certain limitation of a world that is musically a safe haven. All the songs have lush orchestrations with backing of a similar band with electric bass and drums and some occasional electric piano. Still good for most of the album, the mainstream aspects are already more dominant on some tracks.

Discography : http://www.maniadb.com/artist.asp?p=104539 next volume->

Jigu Rec. Park In Hee : vol.3 (KO,1976,re.1990)**°°

airplayed : Tr.1, 4 min, Tr.3, 3 min, Tr.5, 3 min, Tr.10, 3 min 13 -33

The arrangements are again with a good rock band participating, which makes this creatively much better.

Strangely enough, the songs sound stronger and less mellow on volume three, and the arrangements are also better. The lush orchestrations are still present at times, but with it also some (progressive minded or psych-) rock musicians, playing drums, some fuzz and electric guitar and organ and a few other instruments (first favourites 1,3). Often with an attractive lightness, these songs can be regarded as a mixture of folk/pop/rock. A few songs sound more eastern (5), a few others eastern mainstream. I think I recognise a few covers too, or perhaps these songs just sound familiar (of which 10 I like a lot, it also has a more creative band arrangement). The album is a strange mixed bag, from which the best tracks show a convincing emotionality.

Video from 1976 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0brn2Jssxo

Discography : http://www.maniadb.com/artist.asp?p=104539

From http://z80cpu.eu/mirrors/home.att.net/~halbower/singers.htm :

"The fascinating aspect of Park In Hee's singing is the excellent control she has of her voice at very low volumes. Her wide vocal range and control along with light instrumental accompaniment gives her selections a very light sound with positive therapeutic effects. Her music helped me relax during recovery from recent surgery and in weeks of physical therapy. Furthermore, my young grandson nods to sleep more calmly when Park In Hee sings in the background. Oh for more singers with her talent!" Piergiorgio Betti

A compilation is reviewed next

Jigu Records Park In Hee : Greatest Hits (KO,1970s,re.1992)****

This compilation of Park In Hee songs makes a really perfect listen, really, this album making this one of the best starters of the folk-pop driven area from one of the most convincing voices as well. On track 14 a lesser favourite song appeared, a cover of “Scarborough Fair”, luckily with a fair version and beautiful string orchestrations, acoustic pickings, clarinet and sound sensitive touches by keyboards making me forget I have ever been tired of that song. Not sure yet about what to think of the last two tracks but still highly recommended. With a convincing happiness compared to other releases from the time.