Boa - Energetic

Its funny with an artist like Boa who has such a huge presence abroad, especially in South Korea, China and Japan that she would have such a hard time breaking into the US market. I really liked "Eat You Up" which came out in January of this year, however it flopped in the US probably because Boa was still struggling with her English when she recorded the song (and you can tell). Furthermore, the song writers didn't seem to be native English speakers either. Her third release "Energetic" is not as interesting as "Eat You Up" but definitely showcases her dancing skills and its still catchy but in a generic kind of way. I don't even think this single will help her make a dent in her album sales in the West.

Are The WonderGirls planning a North American invasion?

Recent Video footage says yes. They performed their smash hit "Nobody" in New York in English, and they were surprisingly decent. However, Asian artists breaking into the US market has proven challenging; Boa's current career in the US appears to be more rocky than smooth, Se7en has never gotten any attention from US R&B fans and Utada who is probably the most likely to have any Western success has never sold that many albums here . Although I wish Wondergirls luck, it would cool to see all those tween queens like Miley, Demi and Selena shaking in their boots a bit...probably won't happen but I can dream.

Their debut single in Korea...

OH AND GUESS WHAT...after I wrote that whole piece about The Wondergirls possibly breaking into the US market I find the dubut US single...I'm a fast one.

Studying Break Musical Guilty Pleasures

Devotchka - "How it Ends" haunting and beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbZM6ZSlvvY

Gogol Bordello - "Wonderlust King" gypsy punk at it's finest...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jv3b0VKec8

Buraka Som Sistema - "Yah!" its kuduro a musical dance hybrid from Portugal, made popular by the Angolan immigrant population in Lisbon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TWXXyaCQJM

Thunderheist - "Jerk it" Toronto based rap dance duo I've seen them in concert, a really good time, almost as fun as seeing Bloc Party live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbvKUEXNaDU

Guiltiest songs?

Boa - "Eat You Up" My Korean and Chinese friends introduced me to her she can sing she can dance...she is a completely manufactured pop product of the Korean music industry. The lyrics to the song suck, but the beat is so catchy...I listen to it in my room with the door and windows shut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUbiK8zl5BU&feature=related


Craig David - "Insomnia" Another sugary pop song but at least Craig writes his own material...still I am never really that comfortable telling people I listen to this stuff...I risk losing my indie cred! There are actually two versions of this song, one sung by Craig and another sung by Korean singer Wheesung...I listen to both...but the Korean version has messed lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjGrOG5EbeI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLYg8rwdihM&feature=related

Son Dambi - "Bad Boy" Another Korean singer! (My friends have really corrupted me.) However there is something about the Korean pop music industry, the songs are catchy, the singers are usually strong and since I can't understand the lyrics I don't feel stupid for listening to them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g5kXJX3vIs