Soundtracks

Most shops in China appear to believe that blasting out the lastest hits via loudspeaker onto the street is an infallible way of attracting custom. Sadly, the definition of 'latest hits' is sometimes a little off. In China, Blue, Aqua and Westlife still reign supreme, whilst the young and hip kids are often just discovering Greenday. The Chinese charts are full of anaemic pretty boys, who could give the likes of James Blunt, or Will Young a run for their money, but who do provide employment for several armies of backing dancers. The alternative often tends to be dodgy hiphop, or worse still ethnic pop, which tends to feature either Tibetans or Mongolians singing pop songs faintly based on traditional tunes and/or the praises of the motherland. The youth are given martial brass bands to march to, whilst the tigers of Dalian zoo were regaled with a saccharine arrangement of My Heart Will Go O, all day long - surely a fitting accompaniment to the practice of selling tourists live chickens to toss down to them.

Solace has been found however. Say what you will, but my local Starbucks plays Jan Gabarek. I may have to go there more often, simply to relax surrounded by spaced out saxophone for a change.

On an entirely more sinister note, in Sichuan I did walk into a deserted underground supermarket with flickering lights to find that their piped music of choice was none other than Nick Cave... I fled that place, very fast.



PS I would like to state that I have faith there is a more interesting Chinese music scene out there, and the little knowledge I do possess is entirely superficial. Its just that I have not yet encountered it. There has got to be one. Recommendations greatly appreciated.