[NEW RELEASES] New CDs Span Musical Genres

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[NEW RELEASES] New CDs Span Musical Genres

This week's releases include three new CDs of totally different genres. Locally, the Korean rock band Wiretap in My Ear has released its first album while Lee Sun-hee, an established ballad singer, released her 12th album Friday. Meanwhile, internationally known Ricky Martin is preparing to take the world by storm once again with the rerelease of his previous hit songs in Spanish.

Ricky Martin "La Historia"

After tremendous worldwide success, Ricky Martin has earned the right to release his first "best-of" album. This time though, he brings back 16 of his formerly released Latin vibes re-recorded in Spanish. From early songs like "Fuego Contia Fuego," to more recent hits such as "Livin' La Vida Loca," and his latest song, "She Bangs," this album provides a sampling of the different stages in his musical career.

Lee Sun-hee "My Life"

Lee Sun-hee, who made her debut in 1984 with the ballad "J-egela ("To J"), looks back on the last 17 years of her musical career with the release of her 12th album on Friday.

This 37-year-old singer has done nearly everything for a celebrity to do in Korea, including trying her luck at politics by running for a municipal election. Though the last endeavor was not entirely satisfactory, she is now back in action, but with a different style of singing.

While she first earned fame with her explosive way of singing, which was more likened to shouting, in this new release she goes for something more emotional and sings in a soft- er, almost crooning voice.

The first of the two-CD release has 11 new songs which were recorded with help from a number of popular musicians, including Kim Jong-seo. The second CD features 16 of her former hit songs.

Wiretap in My Ear "Wiretap In My Ear"

Independent rock groups have established a respectable status on the Korean rock music scene. While most of these groups mainly engage in punk rock sounds, up and coming Wiretap in My Ear (Nae Gwi-e Docheong Jangchi) pursues something different. Somewhat psychedelic in sound, especially the vocals of Lee Hyuk, Wiretap in My Ear reminds listeners of the English rock group Suede.

Formed in 1995, Wiretap in My Ear did the tour circuit in areas around Hongik University, the favorite spot for underground rock bands. Their flamboyant stage designs and Indian-styled dance moves with yoga-like gestures are especially effective in capturing the audiences' eyes and ears at the same time.

In this ambitious first release, 11 songs are included. Fans can also enjoy their music video of the song, "E-mail."

by Chun Su-jin

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