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Welcome to another year of Selective Hearing. 2025 is the 19th year of our existence—yes, one, nine. It’s been a hell of a ride up until now, and it’s had its ups and downs. But we’ve consistently been able to stick around and have become the weird old guys in the back of the room telling stories of the good old days.
Seriously, I’m grateful that the site has survived this long, and I thank all of you who visit, whether on purpose or by accident.
We start 2025 with a new podcast on our network, Diaries of an MZ Generation (DMZ), hosted by Ellis Tan and Justin Le. In this new podcast, they discuss South Korean culture, music, and entertainment. I highly recommend you check the show out.
Events
January is usually a recovery month, with few concert tours and events. So there’s nothing to report.
Music
Remixes
After listening to the official remix EP, I had an idea of the many directions that Cherish (My Love) could take and what not to repeat for my interpretation.
So, rather than sticking with the original’s 143 bpm, I slowed the track down to a more manageable 135 bpm. Doing this kept the chill vibe of the song intact while allowing me to build something different around the vocal (which thankfully was not adversely affected by slowing the track down a few bpm).
The final result is a version of the song with a more dance-oriented instrumental that retains the feel that made the original so appealing.
I didn’t want to repeat the same motif as the original for my remix, so I went with a take that kept the original’s simplicity but added my spin on How Sweet. I slowed the pace down for the verse sections and built up to a complete four-four rhythm section for the chorus.
The final result is a version of the song that is a little more laid back but still has a danceable groove.
Below are my favourites from January 2025.
As I said above, January is usually slow, so I was surprised there were several new releases to start the year. My list for January included more singles and album cuts than albums, but I expect that to be the reverse as the year goes on.
Albums
Only four albums made my favourite list in January, which seems normal for this early in the year. Each of these is great in different ways.
Minnie – HER
Minnie’s solo debut was quite an enjoyable listening experience. Of all the (G) I-DLE members, her solo was the most anticipated for me since she seems to have more eclectic tastes, and I expected a lot of that to be reflected in her work outside of (G)I-DLE. She did not disappoint.
Muni Long – Apple Music Nashville Sessions
Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
Muni Long and Teddy Swims are well within my soulful R&B and Pop comfort zone. While I don’t keep up with English language music (that isn’t dance music) as much anymore, their albums had more than a few repeat listens in January.
XG – XDM Unidentified Waves
Lastly, XG’s remix album appealed to my dance music sensibilities. However, my bar was set pretty low for this album since the “remixes” of SHOOTING STAR, LEFT RIGHT, and WOKE UP were less than stellar. So it was very nice to hear some proper re-workings of their singles and album cuts.
Songs
These are the singles or album cuts that caught my ear in January. The rock-oriented ones, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. January was the month to rock out.
aimi & modesty beats – The Bdst.
BAND-MAID – Zen
Craig David – SOS
FANTASTICS FROM EXILE TRIBE – Pocket
Golden Bomber – Rephobia
IVE – REBEL HEART
Midnight China Blue feat. Kan Sano – Punipunidenki
NiziU – YOAKE
ONE OK ROCK – Puppets Can’t Control You
Sincere – Rain
Conclusion
January overall was a quiet month. Getting over the holiday hangover was challenging but not as bad as in years past. Working from home does help make the transition back into work mode easier since there isn’t a stupid commute to worry about.
So yes, let’s see what year 19 brings.
