Nasha - Narsha!

Narsha's debut EP is a prime example of k-pop packaging going above and beyond the norm. Narsha is a member of Brown Eyed Girls, one of the biggest girlbands not associated to the three main Korean talent agencies (think "major labels"). She went solo last summer with a 7 track EP which came in an extravagant 7" sized package.

The bottom third is actually a slip-over that can be taken off in order to access the disc and booklet. Once opened up and the disc removed, this is what meets the eye. One golden booklet for lyrics/credits and one additional booklet for the photographic concepts.

Narsha plays around with gothic and religious themes in her artwork. One spread has her dressed up as a stylish nun, another as an enchantress who literally has feathers for hair (with smoke coming out her eyes), one as an innocent sultry redhead. The album-cover goes for an Alice In Wonderland vibe. She is a tempting witch or a white clad madonna. And one is just a feral birdlike creature. I wish I had a scanner so I could properly share more of the artwork, it really captures a gothic feel and sense of mystery, bewitchment and magic.

The feathers are a theme that goes through the entire design, in the video to lead track Bbi-Ri Bop-A Narsha even sprouts wings. Versions of other characters from the booklet also show up. Bbi-Ri Bop-A is my favourite k-pop single of last year, it's such a simple track but filled with atmosphere and small tweaks to keep it interesting. And of course the hook that sounds like someone casting a spell on you. It's an uplifting tale that lets us know that all our memories, all our sorrows can be erased. We just need to give Narsha our soul first... a cheap price to pay, if you ask me. If there wasn't a goth r'n'b-pop subgenre before, there is now!

Banana Erectors - s/t

Hey, remember when this was supposed to be a blog about my record purchases and artwork? Well, we're back on schedule with a post about Banana Erectors. If the cover didn't give it away, Banana Erectors worship on the altar of Ramones. They're a female fronted Japanese punkrock band that released their only album in 1999.

In the booklet every member gets a page to introduce themselves. Among other details we find out their stage names, real names, gender, real jobs, hobbies (except for ROCK'N'ROLL), favourite colours and of course favourite band (except for RAMONES). Guess which member worked at a factory and who was an optician! I also dig the yellow CD-case, lets take the Banana metaphor to its fullest!

They do a few covers and some originals. The best original tune is "Fed up with high school days", which is far from a masterpiece but still a fun enough diversion.