Morning Tunes 4/1

Artist: Fleet Foxes
Song: Mykonos
Album: Sun Giant ep

Haenyo and me.

There are many things that fascinate me about Korean culture. The kimchi, the soju, the pop scene, the paternalism; I'm captivated by all of these. However, nothing gets me more excited than Haenyo, or Korea's 'women of the sea.'

Haenyo are essentially woman divers. They make their living by searching Korea's southern waters for abalone, octopus, and various mollusk-like beings whose names escape me. But here's the catch: they do it alone, without a boat, and without oxygen. Haenyo have notoriously strong lungs, and are known to stay submerged deep in difficult waters for minutes at a time. In a country where machismo runs rampant, I simply don't see any of the men holding a candle to the harrowing achievements of most Haenyo.

But their community is dying. The Haenyo are an exclusively female group, and whether they encourage it or not, Haenyo daughters are choosing not to carry on the tradition. Young Korean women no longer see the point of the profession. They would rather be secretaries or teachers, and avoid the tough skin, broad shoulders, and inherent dangers that are undeniable parts of their mothers' existence. Furthermore, despite the clear honor in their charge, Haenyo are often not afforded any special treatment by their husbands or other men of their generation. Korea's paternalism is supreme in this case. This seems to be another reason that the younger generations are staying away. The question for young Korean women seems to be, 'Why would I commit to such an arduous occupation if I won't be given due respect at home?' It's a valid question indeed.

Regardless, today's Haenyo continue on. Most of these women are in their 50's and 60's. They have safely reached 'ajumma' status in Korea. But all they know how to do is be Haenyo. In a country whose youth are stringently dedicated to modernization, these women are the last bastions of an older time. In my opinion, they're like cattle hurders of the old west, or shoemakers for that matter. Their profession is one where machines have more or less taken over, but they continue on.

I almost lost it when I saw a small community of Haenyo at my local beach. Many people told me I would have to make a trip to Jeju Island if I wanted to see them. I figured I would at least have to head several hours southwest on the mainland. Never could I have imagined they would be in my backyard. My friends didn't quite get the allure, but I honestly felt like I was in the presence of a celebrity. The water is cold this time of year! I wouldn't dare go swimming, but the Haenyo didn't seem too bothered. A small rubber suit seemed to be more than enough. Anyway, enough ranting... simply put, it was an experience I'll never forget.

Morning Tunes 3/31

Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Even Flow
Album: Ten (Remastered)

It's no secret to many that I'm a huge Pearl Jam fan. I started with them 12 years ago, and nary a month goes by where I don't listen at least a little. The years since I purchased Vs. - my first tape! - have been informative. I can now see how Pearl Jam might seem like a 'bro' band to some. That makes sense to me, especially when I listen to Ten after a serious session with, say, Pat Metheny or Prince. Nevertheless, my allegiance is resolute.

Recently PJ authorized rock super-producer Brendan O'Brien to remaster the band's notorious first album. It was no secret to fans that the band always felt that Ten's original mixing was a little stuffy. Still, I'm sure that many die-hards will come down on the remastered album as a bastardization of a 'flawless' product. I disagree with that view. Ten wasn't perfect. I think the band was correct in their assertion that the original had reverb where their subsequent albums didn't, and that its presence dated what should have been a timeless album. I couldn't be happier about the remaster. O'Brien pulled the band out from underneath all that congestion, and now the album has an urgency it didn't have before. In truth, it sounds like I always wished it did.

From the Bowels of Seattle... TADGARDEN!!!

I am child of the 90's, and I'm also a rock and roll fan. Inevitably that means one thing: I love grunge. That said, I want to go further and say that I was never a Nirvana kid. For better or worse I almost exclusively worship at the alters of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. We all know what Pearl Jam is up to these days. Soundgarden on the other hand went down a much less notorious path. The band quietly broke up in 1997, their drummer joined Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell became a has-been, and the other members slipped into obscurity... until now!

Soundgarden, minus Cornell, reunited in last night to close out the Seattle stop of Tom Morello's (Rage/Audioslave) Justice Tour. It was the first time that the three had shared the stage since parting ways. I love how Morello, one of the biggest rock stars alive, sounds basically as excited as I would while announcing them. Vocal duties fell on Tad Doyle, who I guess is some sort of local rock mainstay in Seattle. He can't sing at all, but his performance probably has more honesty than anything Cornell has done since the 'garden. And listen to Kim Thayil! He's ripping like it's 1995! The whole band really hasn't lost a step.

If they do reunite I hope they don't bring along Chris Cornell. He's a shadow of his former self. Plus the whole affair would become about him. I bet they probably won't reunite though. Matt Cameron is doing just fine hanging out with Eddie Vedder, and I'm sure the other guys are more than staying afloat. What's important is that now we know they could do it, and do it well. What a way to start my weekend!

Hey remember that... before the recession? Pt. 8

This was still a legitimate threat. Times were simple. Life was good.

Another humble observation

Is it me, or do all elderly Korean men walk with both hands clasped behind their back? American old dudes would seem so much more dignified if they did that. Pass it on.

7 Mile Island - Jason Isbell

There's this lyric that's been in my head all day. I've got to get rid of it. My hope is that by posting here it might just float off. Anyway, this from a hot song on a hot album.

Mary's crying 'cause she can't hold water
and her clothes don't fit her right.
She used to say that she wanted a daughter,
now she only wants a Saturday night.

Morning Tunes 3/27

Artist: The Melvins
Song: Night Goat
Album: Houdini


*note: these guys and the Pixies were Kurt Cobain's two favorite bands.