Ssing Ssong

I've been to some weird and wonderful gigs this year, and last night's rates pretty highly on both counts.

I was at London's fashionable South Bank to see Ssing Ssing, a Korean ensemble who describe themselves thus: "We define the band's genre as alternative Minyo rock, Minyo referring to Korean folk music which is characterised by an emphasis on strong vocal lines and lyrics that sing about peasant lives".

Which is all very well, but it doesn't really prepare you for the sight (and sound) of two men in drag and a small but very noisy woman in a shiny skirt wailing, leaping and cavorting round the stage while the three musicians behind them crank out everything from disco and ska to doom metal. I really have no idea what was going on but it was bloody marvellous. You should go and see them if you get the chance.

I have added a bonus track. Ssing Ssing have no connection to the similarly spelt prison, but you should not need a reason to enjoy the Fabulous Fezettes.

"Cheongchunga" - Ssing Ssing

"Sashiraengyisori" - Ssing Ssing

"99 Years In Sing-Sing" - The Fire Hydrant Men With The Fabulous Fezettes

From Sing Sing to song sung...