Lookin’ Back: SOLID

Oh man so this brings back memories. In the early/mid 90′s three korean americans became one of the first r&b sensations in Korea as the group SOLID. The were pretty influential in helpling break down some of the attitudes native Koreans had towards “kyopos”, Koreans raised abroad. In a sense, they helped spearhead what I call the reverse crossover to korea. Over a decade later, the members have gone on to pursue other interesteds but recently Lee Joon was interviewed by KBS World Radio. (Source: Bump This) It’s crazy to hear his voice after all these years, I just remember him having random guest rap features on different albums and compilations. Oh yea and there was that ill fated collaboration w/ Uptown: Soultown… which didnt do so well.

There are rumors of a comeback from the group (if Roo’Ra can attempt it, why not?) I’m not so sure it would work out but regardless after the break catch a couple of my favorite SOLID songs courtesy of youtube =) and remember the good ol days.

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Kid Koala Releases ‘The Slew’

Respected veteran DJ, Kid Koala, recently released a new tour album entitled ‘The Slew’ as a FREE download. Filled with acid-rock guitars and insane turntabalism, the album is kind of a crazy but fun listen. Also, if any of you readers are b-boys or b-girls you should check this album out, it’s got some cool breaks in there.

1 ) 100%
2 ) IT’S ALL OVER
3 ) PROBLEM CHILD
4 ) YOU TURN ME COLD
5 ) WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
6 ) ROBBING BANKS (DOIN’ TIME)
7 ) THE GRINDER
8 ) SHACKLED SOUL
9 ) SOUTHEAST SOLILOQUY
10 ) BATTLE OF HEAVEN & HELL

Marie Digby ‘Breathing Underwater’ Now Available

Marie Digby‘s heavily delayed album ‘Breathing Underwater’ is now available starting today. I’ve listened quickly through some of it and it’s a more pop-oriented record than her last release ‘Unfold’. Hope to have a review up relatively soon!

You can also check out the music video for the single ‘Avalanche’, although much of it is rehashed footage from her Japanese release of the single ‘Feel’.

Showdown: Mike Isberto vs Kina Grannis

So we’re kicking off a new feature here at a-Tunes called ‘Showdown’, where we take artists who have done the same or similar songs, and ask you to vote on who you thought did it best.

First up we got Mike Isberto who recently posted up his cover of Colbie Caillat’s ‘Fallin for You’. His opponent is Kina Grannis who released her rendition a few weeks back.

Mike Isberto:

Kina Grannis

Personally I was digging Kina’s version a bit more. Had more charm =). You?