Psy is a Gentleman
April 13, 2013 8:25 PM Subscribe
Psy follows up Gangnam Style's horse dance with Gentleman's hip-swaying dance, aka "arrogant dance" from the Brown Eyed Girls' Abracadabra. Psy is helped along by Gain from Brown Eyed Girls and the cast from Korean variety show Infinite Challenge.
It isn't very good.
posted by Catblack at 8:43 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Catblack at 8:43 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm totally in on the found floor of this one! I need to get down to the county lockup and see if they'll let me use the inmates to make a lighthearted parody video. YouTube ad riches here I come!
posted by mph at 8:45 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by mph at 8:45 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
Also, did dude rube his hand in his butt then stick it in that lady's face?
posted by mph at 8:46 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mph at 8:46 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I was completely meh until...
mph: "Also, did dude rube his hand in his butt then stick it in that lady's face?"
...yeah, he did. I, uh, LOLed.
posted by notsnot at 8:50 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
mph: "Also, did dude rube his hand in his butt then stick it in that lady's face?"
...yeah, he did. I, uh, LOLed.
posted by notsnot at 8:50 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
Turns out that not every product of Korea's entertainment culture tends to snowball in the US.
posted by Nomyte at 8:53 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by Nomyte at 8:53 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
I wonder what Japanese commercial Psy ripped his dance moves from this time.
posted by Kevtaro at 8:55 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Kevtaro at 8:55 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
One-hit wonders do not have followups.
posted by rhizome at 8:59 PM on April 13, 2013 [6 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 8:59 PM on April 13, 2013 [6 favorites]
I was perhaps more amused than I should have been by Psy being an asshole to people, but yeah, the song isn't nearly as good as Gangnam Style. I don't think this one has legs.
posted by danb at 8:59 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by danb at 8:59 PM on April 13, 2013
I think he would have been better off remaking Right Now with a new video set in America.
posted by stavrogin at 9:07 PM on April 13, 2013 [9 favorites]
posted by stavrogin at 9:07 PM on April 13, 2013 [9 favorites]
Yeah, the video is definitely better than the song on its own.
I guess there's still hope for an english Right Now.
posted by sparklemotion at 9:11 PM on April 13, 2013
I guess there's still hope for an english Right Now.
posted by sparklemotion at 9:11 PM on April 13, 2013
Right Now is my answer to anyone complaining that they've listened to Gangnam Style too much.
posted by maryr at 9:16 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by maryr at 9:16 PM on April 13, 2013
It was morbidly amusing, but the tune lacked something.
Also, WTF does YouTube INSIST on everything being HD, even when I told it I have a slow connection, use bad video and then always start video, pause, 360p, let queue. Then BAM! 1080p!
Bite me, YT. I mean, hey, Google, I really DO know what I want. You already told me I don't want Reader, now you are telling me I don't want mostly skipfree playback?
Really?
More like Do No Evil Anyone Powerful REALLY Complains About.
posted by Samizdata at 9:25 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
Also, WTF does YouTube INSIST on everything being HD, even when I told it I have a slow connection, use bad video and then always start video, pause, 360p, let queue. Then BAM! 1080p!
Bite me, YT. I mean, hey, Google, I really DO know what I want. You already told me I don't want Reader, now you are telling me I don't want mostly skipfree playback?
Really?
More like Do No Evil Anyone Powerful REALLY Complains About.
posted by Samizdata at 9:25 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
Also, WTF does YouTube INSIST on everything being HD
Hmmm. I have a fast connection and Youtube never goes to HD unless I tell it to. I'm getting your YouTube videos!
But, seriously, I don't think that's a default YouTube thing--there might be a setting somewhere you could reset?
posted by yoink at 9:28 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Hmmm. I have a fast connection and Youtube never goes to HD unless I tell it to. I'm getting your YouTube videos!
But, seriously, I don't think that's a default YouTube thing--there might be a setting somewhere you could reset?
posted by yoink at 9:28 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
yoink: "Also, WTF does YouTube INSIST on everything being HD
Hmmm. I have a fast connection and Youtube never goes to HD unless I tell it to. I'm getting your YouTube videos!
But, seriously, I don't think that's a default YouTube thing--there might be a setting somewhere you could reset?"
I have already checked, but I will check again. Let me tell you there's nothing like getting a 1080p stream of a Let's Play of a 10 year old video game...
Sigh...
posted by Samizdata at 9:29 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Hmmm. I have a fast connection and Youtube never goes to HD unless I tell it to. I'm getting your YouTube videos!
But, seriously, I don't think that's a default YouTube thing--there might be a setting somewhere you could reset?"
I have already checked, but I will check again. Let me tell you there's nothing like getting a 1080p stream of a Let's Play of a 10 year old video game...
Sigh...
posted by Samizdata at 9:29 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
What have we learned today, kids?
Never get on a treadmill when Psy is in the same room.
posted by Dr. Zira at 9:31 PM on April 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
Never get on a treadmill when Psy is in the same room.
posted by Dr. Zira at 9:31 PM on April 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
The backing track is like 2006 never ended...
posted by codacorolla at 9:33 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by codacorolla at 9:33 PM on April 13, 2013
Dr. Zira: "What have we learned today, kids?
Never get on a treadmill when Psy is in the same room."
Oh, also block your face when working with him in an open plan workspace.
posted by Samizdata at 9:34 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
Never get on a treadmill when Psy is in the same room."
Oh, also block your face when working with him in an open plan workspace.
posted by Samizdata at 9:34 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
I guess the 15 minutes were up, but they were 15 pretty good minutes.
posted by wotsac at 9:40 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by wotsac at 9:40 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Presumably it's a criticism of contemporary Korean laddish behavior in the same way that Gangnam Style was a criticism of contemporary Korean nouveau-rich behavior?
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:45 PM on April 13, 2013 [9 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:45 PM on April 13, 2013 [9 favorites]
Obviously, music has no merit unless it's a cross-cultural ironic smash hit.
posted by cmoj at 9:59 PM on April 13, 2013 [10 favorites]
posted by cmoj at 9:59 PM on April 13, 2013 [10 favorites]
I know I'm looking at Psy but all I can see is the old dancing dude from the Six Flags ads.
posted by mintcake! at 10:02 PM on April 13, 2013 [6 favorites]
posted by mintcake! at 10:02 PM on April 13, 2013 [6 favorites]
It's vengaboring, in other words.
posted by mintcake! at 10:03 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by mintcake! at 10:03 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
I like how the dance is tailor made for lazy people like me who don't want to learn fancy steps. Just let me move my hips a little while standing still, thanks.
posted by rmless at 10:07 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by rmless at 10:07 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
MC Hammer is contemplating a come back.
posted by arcticseal at 10:11 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by arcticseal at 10:11 PM on April 13, 2013
+1 for the fart toss
posted by matimer at 10:29 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by matimer at 10:29 PM on April 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
On the one hand, I'm kind of glad PSY didn't totally go balls-out with English and try to score an international hit. That was totally what I expected, as did many of his fans here in South Korea.
On the other hand, the song is dull and the video is him being a dick to various hot ladies. All the charm of "Gangnam Style" is gone.
So yeah, the very definition of a one-hit wonder.
posted by bardic at 10:30 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
On the other hand, the song is dull and the video is him being a dick to various hot ladies. All the charm of "Gangnam Style" is gone.
So yeah, the very definition of a one-hit wonder.
posted by bardic at 10:30 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
Psy should do a Psy-ish version of Thrift Shop.
posted by mullacc at 10:35 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mullacc at 10:35 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
All the charm of "Gangnam Style" is gone.
I think he's damned no matter what he does. I don't think anything he does will top Gangnam Style and, well, everything he does from now on will be compared to it, and will be seen as wanting one way or another. Gangnam Style will probably be his "Citizen Kane". What's left to do except commercials for frozen peas? (Or pistachios)
posted by FJT at 10:50 PM on April 13, 2013 [8 favorites]
I think he's damned no matter what he does. I don't think anything he does will top Gangnam Style and, well, everything he does from now on will be compared to it, and will be seen as wanting one way or another. Gangnam Style will probably be his "Citizen Kane". What's left to do except commercials for frozen peas? (Or pistachios)
posted by FJT at 10:50 PM on April 13, 2013 [8 favorites]
Part of me wonders what his follow-up would have been without his international success with "Gangnam Style." Maybe I'm just clinging to his older work (I'm still partial to the songs on PSYFIVE, which includes "Right Now"), but I don't think it would have been this. Then again, maybe I'm looking at it with a more critical eye because of his major success. But I don't think so -- it just seems like a blah-generic-pop dance-track.
But I love the dudes from Infinity Challenge, and at least there's the lovely Ga-In to make me feel better about the fact PSY is following up his horse dance with BEG's signature "Abracadabra" move. If not for her, I probably would be crying "foul!"
posted by paisley sheep at 10:54 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
But I love the dudes from Infinity Challenge, and at least there's the lovely Ga-In to make me feel better about the fact PSY is following up his horse dance with BEG's signature "Abracadabra" move. If not for her, I probably would be crying "foul!"
posted by paisley sheep at 10:54 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
I wonder what Japanese commercial Psy ripped his dance moves from this time.
It's in the original post. He ripped them from a Brown Eyed Girls video from three years ago. Though I guess "ripped off" isn't at all the right phrase, since one of them is in the video and all.
Compared to "Right Now," which I also just watched for the first time, this just seems like it's trying too hard to be "Gangnam Style" Mk. II, as opposed to being its own thing. The song itself is actually the part I like the most.
posted by chrominance at 11:00 PM on April 13, 2013
It's in the original post. He ripped them from a Brown Eyed Girls video from three years ago. Though I guess "ripped off" isn't at all the right phrase, since one of them is in the video and all.
Compared to "Right Now," which I also just watched for the first time, this just seems like it's trying too hard to be "Gangnam Style" Mk. II, as opposed to being its own thing. The song itself is actually the part I like the most.
posted by chrominance at 11:00 PM on April 13, 2013
"What's left to do except commercials for frozen peas?"
Ramyeon, actually.
posted by bardic at 11:01 PM on April 13, 2013
Ramyeon, actually.
posted by bardic at 11:01 PM on April 13, 2013
GentleMetaFilterman Style! Wait, how does this work with the new one?
posted by michaelh at 11:03 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by michaelh at 11:03 PM on April 13, 2013
The song is generic as hell, but man that video is great. He sticks his hand in his butt crack and makes a woman smell it! He kicks away a group of kids' soccer ball and thrusts his crotch in triumph! He traps a ...guy? (not sure) in the elevator who has to pee really bad, and hits all the buttons while cackling maniacally!
posted by DecemberBoy at 11:03 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by DecemberBoy at 11:03 PM on April 13, 2013
Does he actually say "you know who I am, WEST SIDE!" or is that something in Korean?
posted by DecemberBoy at 11:05 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by DecemberBoy at 11:05 PM on April 13, 2013
Plus it has a mother fathering euphemism so little kiddies can sing along without so much mother fucking swearing.
posted by five fresh fish at 11:11 PM on April 13, 2013
posted by five fresh fish at 11:11 PM on April 13, 2013
This is the sort of video that one would have expected from Mr. Psy's infamous northern neighbour.
posted by islander at 11:12 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by islander at 11:12 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Goodness gracious, such fretting over a pop song.
I liked it. The video was odd and fun. Song catchy without being breathtakingly profound.
A pop song.
posted by Celsius1414 at 11:18 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
I liked it. The video was odd and fun. Song catchy without being breathtakingly profound.
A pop song.
posted by Celsius1414 at 11:18 PM on April 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
West Psy Boy and East Side Girls.
posted by five fresh fish at 11:22 PM on April 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by five fresh fish at 11:22 PM on April 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
Because the horsey dance was just too difficult.
posted by BungaDunga at 11:36 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by BungaDunga at 11:36 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm calling my broker on Monday morning and shorting Psy.
posted by mazola at 11:37 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by mazola at 11:37 PM on April 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
Gangnam Style will probably be his "Citizen Kane". What's left to do except commercials for frozen peas?
It would be hilarious (and, now that I think about it, not incredibly unlikely) if he ends up in the next Transformers movie somehow.
posted by brundlefly at 11:44 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
It would be hilarious (and, now that I think about it, not incredibly unlikely) if he ends up in the next Transformers movie somehow.
posted by brundlefly at 11:44 PM on April 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I liked it. I like PSY as a phenomenon (there's something endearing about a chubby 30-something pop star) and it's cool that Korean pop culture is going global.
The hazy skies also remind me of landing in Seoul (and Asia) in '94 for the first time.
posted by KokuRyu at 11:53 PM on April 13, 2013
The hazy skies also remind me of landing in Seoul (and Asia) in '94 for the first time.
posted by KokuRyu at 11:53 PM on April 13, 2013
He traps a ...guy? (not sure) in the elevator who has to pee really bad
It's gotta be that he needs a shit. Koreans seem to be obsessed with their bowels.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:41 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
It's gotta be that he needs a shit. Koreans seem to be obsessed with their bowels.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:41 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
To be fair to Psy, we don't hear much from those Macarena guys, either.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:13 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:13 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
It's a perfectly fun Korean pop song but I doubt it'll be huge internationally.
posted by atrazine at 2:21 AM on April 14, 2013
posted by atrazine at 2:21 AM on April 14, 2013
I thought it was pretty amusing. The knowing reference to MC Hammer, the terrible music, the focus on it just being a video to garner Youtube hits from someone who looks more like an accountant than a rock star is almost the perfect tribute to the commodification of culture and music.
The era of the rock star is over. The accountant / marketer will have success in an environment where its all about the page views.
Think of the recent OK Go video for "This Too Shall Pass".. Watching that it is obvious this has nothing whatsoever to do with music. The music is incidental - I can't even remember the song at all. But I can remember that crazy Rube Goldberg machine and that they probably spent more time and money on the video than the song.
With Psy's work there is not even the pretense of 'artistry' - It seems like its just an easy and amusing way to make a living for him.
posted by mary8nne at 3:12 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
The era of the rock star is over. The accountant / marketer will have success in an environment where its all about the page views.
Think of the recent OK Go video for "This Too Shall Pass".. Watching that it is obvious this has nothing whatsoever to do with music. The music is incidental - I can't even remember the song at all. But I can remember that crazy Rube Goldberg machine and that they probably spent more time and money on the video than the song.
With Psy's work there is not even the pretense of 'artistry' - It seems like its just an easy and amusing way to make a living for him.
posted by mary8nne at 3:12 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oh, I see wotsac beat me to that. Never mind.
posted by Decani at 4:28 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Decani at 4:28 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Gangnam Style worked because there was this unlikely guy trying to live the big life and obviously failing but still going at it with cheer while horsey-dancing and having dance offs in car parks and lifts. It was fun even if you thought the music was nothing to write home about.
Gentleman feels like the equivalent of some rappers who make it big and their next album is basically "I'm rich and famous; suck it". Psy being an asshole to people while trying to copy elements of his last hit isn't that endearing or interesting even though it'll get a ton of hits just for being the follow up to a video with 1.5 bn hits.
posted by ersatz at 4:31 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Gentleman feels like the equivalent of some rappers who make it big and their next album is basically "I'm rich and famous; suck it". Psy being an asshole to people while trying to copy elements of his last hit isn't that endearing or interesting even though it'll get a ton of hits just for being the follow up to a video with 1.5 bn hits.
posted by ersatz at 4:31 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm sure of two things. 1. I don't know enough about S.Korean culture to be able to comment on this. 2. The song's a pretty angry stab at the bad behaviour of young professionals, and to my mind pretty punk & welcome for just that.
posted by zoo at 4:58 AM on April 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by zoo at 4:58 AM on April 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
> Does he actually say "you know who I am, WEST SIDE!" or is that something in Korean?
He says "Wet Psy," albeit the similarity to "West Side" may be deliberate. More literally, when he's singing the lines at the 2:34 mark of the video, a clip of Psy's appearance on an episode of Infinite Challenge is shown, infamous because of his rather damp armpits (original segment from the show - Psy comments that after the episode airs, he expects the related search terms for "Psy" to be "Psy armpit sweat" "Psy armpit" ...).
posted by needled at 5:49 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
He says "Wet Psy," albeit the similarity to "West Side" may be deliberate. More literally, when he's singing the lines at the 2:34 mark of the video, a clip of Psy's appearance on an episode of Infinite Challenge is shown, infamous because of his rather damp armpits (original segment from the show - Psy comments that after the episode airs, he expects the related search terms for "Psy" to be "Psy armpit sweat" "Psy armpit" ...).
posted by needled at 5:49 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
It's only a decent k-pop song, but the video is hilarious.
posted by Veritron at 6:17 AM on April 14, 2013
posted by Veritron at 6:17 AM on April 14, 2013
i liked the tune.
i liked some parts of the video - sexy without being in-your-face pornographic
but while I would have agreed that Gangam Style succeeded at making fun of the nouveau riche, I don't know that this video is as successful at its intended target - instead of laughing at Psy's character as we did in GS, we're laughing with the character here. It's not about bringing him down to earth here, it's more about high-fiving him every time he does something jerky.
While the video of Gangam Style had the satirical wit of (the old) South Park, the video of Gentleman has the misogyny of Family Guy.
posted by bitteroldman at 6:38 AM on April 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
i liked some parts of the video - sexy without being in-your-face pornographic
but while I would have agreed that Gangam Style succeeded at making fun of the nouveau riche, I don't know that this video is as successful at its intended target - instead of laughing at Psy's character as we did in GS, we're laughing with the character here. It's not about bringing him down to earth here, it's more about high-fiving him every time he does something jerky.
While the video of Gangam Style had the satirical wit of (the old) South Park, the video of Gentleman has the misogyny of Family Guy.
posted by bitteroldman at 6:38 AM on April 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
I still feel that this is a pretty weak MV/song, but part of me feels that critiques of PSY's artistry are a bit unwarranted. Not that I'm complaining if his fifteen minutes of fame are up globally, because he's still going to remain a popular entertainer at home.
Even just ignoring his previous work (the majority of which was controversial and banned), I find I actually enjoy all the songs on "Six Rules, Part 1." In my opinion, the weakest song is actually "Gangnam Style," and I prefer his collabs. Of course, I happen to really, really enjoy all the artists he collaborated with, so that inherent bias may skew my perception. But even so, the full is excellent (or half of a full album -- another reason why I'm a little put-out by this release, because I wanted a "Six Rules, Part 2," and now I'm not sure we'll ever get that).
I also enjoy songs with some lyrical depth, which I used to assume PSY could always offer (even if it was sometimes "in your face" and got him banned). So the fact that "Gentleman" just feels like a dance remix is a letdown. I'm hoping it's a tongue-in-cheek look at the punk asshats who, just because they happen to have a lot of money, think they can act however they want and still think they're awesome-sauce and that everyone will think they're hot and hilarious and want to be with them, when you just want to say, "dude, not cool; not cool at all." But I still wish there could have been something... more. Still can't quite put my finger on what, yet.
Really, though, I guess I'm wary about him signing on with Scooter Braun, if this is the kind of stuff that Braun and YG think will bring them commercial success (and you should see the photos of YG and his creepy "laughing all the way to the bank" smile). Maybe it will turn out to be a good thing, but all the hype that went into this new release (including a livestream of a sold-out concert packed with celebs) just kinda... eh... fizzled, when it seemed like it was "Gangnam Style-lite" with a co-opted dance. Although, it's been pointed out to me elsewhere that he actually tweeted a month or so ago that we should expect to see a familiar dance again, so the "Abracadabra" move was intentional -- and I'm at least happy they got Ga-In instead of HyunA. But for people who may only know k-pop through "Gangnam Style," the thought that if this became another global commercial success it would now be seen as PSY's dance, and not BEG's signature move, does ruffle my feathers a little.
(Why yes, my hobby is indeed overthinking k-pop MVs.)
posted by paisley sheep at 6:43 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
Even just ignoring his previous work (the majority of which was controversial and banned), I find I actually enjoy all the songs on "Six Rules, Part 1." In my opinion, the weakest song is actually "Gangnam Style," and I prefer his collabs. Of course, I happen to really, really enjoy all the artists he collaborated with, so that inherent bias may skew my perception. But even so, the full is excellent (or half of a full album -- another reason why I'm a little put-out by this release, because I wanted a "Six Rules, Part 2," and now I'm not sure we'll ever get that).
I also enjoy songs with some lyrical depth, which I used to assume PSY could always offer (even if it was sometimes "in your face" and got him banned). So the fact that "Gentleman" just feels like a dance remix is a letdown. I'm hoping it's a tongue-in-cheek look at the punk asshats who, just because they happen to have a lot of money, think they can act however they want and still think they're awesome-sauce and that everyone will think they're hot and hilarious and want to be with them, when you just want to say, "dude, not cool; not cool at all." But I still wish there could have been something... more. Still can't quite put my finger on what, yet.
Really, though, I guess I'm wary about him signing on with Scooter Braun, if this is the kind of stuff that Braun and YG think will bring them commercial success (and you should see the photos of YG and his creepy "laughing all the way to the bank" smile). Maybe it will turn out to be a good thing, but all the hype that went into this new release (including a livestream of a sold-out concert packed with celebs) just kinda... eh... fizzled, when it seemed like it was "Gangnam Style-lite" with a co-opted dance. Although, it's been pointed out to me elsewhere that he actually tweeted a month or so ago that we should expect to see a familiar dance again, so the "Abracadabra" move was intentional -- and I'm at least happy they got Ga-In instead of HyunA. But for people who may only know k-pop through "Gangnam Style," the thought that if this became another global commercial success it would now be seen as PSY's dance, and not BEG's signature move, does ruffle my feathers a little.
(Why yes, my hobby is indeed overthinking k-pop MVs.)
posted by paisley sheep at 6:43 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
(to paraphrase Eddie Murphy) It's got a Morris Day kind of feel and I'm diggin' it.
posted by cleroy at 7:12 AM on April 14, 2013
posted by cleroy at 7:12 AM on April 14, 2013
So yeah, the very definition of a one-hit wonder.
I thought he'd already had hits in Korea?
posted by kenko at 9:10 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
I thought he'd already had hits in Korea?
posted by kenko at 9:10 AM on April 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
I have to say that although Psy can be entertaining Fela is a true Gentleman
posted by wobumingbai at 9:14 AM on April 14, 2013
posted by wobumingbai at 9:14 AM on April 14, 2013
So yeah, the very definition of a one-hit wonder.
Hasn't he been huge in SK for a good while? I mean, maybe in the US market we'll consider him a flash in the pan, but that's just our cultural bias showing. Am I wrong?
posted by Think_Long at 9:16 AM on April 14, 2013 [3 favorites]
Hasn't he been huge in SK for a good while? I mean, maybe in the US market we'll consider him a flash in the pan, but that's just our cultural bias showing. Am I wrong?
posted by Think_Long at 9:16 AM on April 14, 2013 [3 favorites]
Yeah, he may be end up being an international one hit wonder, but it's pretty hard to be anything else. I mean, who makes a song that big internationally, across language borders, and maintains it? Michael Jackson? The Beatles, maybe? Edith Piaf?
posted by maryr at 9:21 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by maryr at 9:21 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
(Why yes, my hobby is indeed overthinking k-pop MVs.)
Keep it coming!
posted by mintcake! at 9:26 AM on April 14, 2013
Keep it coming!
posted by mintcake! at 9:26 AM on April 14, 2013
Disappointing. But since I know jack s. about k-pop it did prompt me to find the following in the wikipedia article on brown eyed girls abracadabra:
Teasers for the music video were released in mid-July 2009, hinting at a possible kiss scene between members Ga-in and Narsha.[11] After its full release, netizens posted critical remarks of the video due to its suggestive content.[5] However, the "Saucy" dance (called Sigeonbang chum in Korean), showing the members moving their hips left and right, became a popular dance.[12]
Various news agencies reported that member Ga-in watched pornography in order to prepare for the video's dance sequences.[13] However, on the August 29 broadcast of Star Golden Bell, Ga-in clarified the misunderstanding, stating that she watched sensual movies, namely 9½ Weeks.
If there's only four girls in your group does that mean you can have a boyfriend and not have to shave your head in humiliation? Also if somebody wants to offer up the literal translation of sigeonbang chum that would be appreciated!
posted by bukvich at 9:34 AM on April 14, 2013
Teasers for the music video were released in mid-July 2009, hinting at a possible kiss scene between members Ga-in and Narsha.[11] After its full release, netizens posted critical remarks of the video due to its suggestive content.[5] However, the "Saucy" dance (called Sigeonbang chum in Korean), showing the members moving their hips left and right, became a popular dance.[12]
Various news agencies reported that member Ga-in watched pornography in order to prepare for the video's dance sequences.[13] However, on the August 29 broadcast of Star Golden Bell, Ga-in clarified the misunderstanding, stating that she watched sensual movies, namely 9½ Weeks.
If there's only four girls in your group does that mean you can have a boyfriend and not have to shave your head in humiliation? Also if somebody wants to offer up the literal translation of sigeonbang chum that would be appreciated!
posted by bukvich at 9:34 AM on April 14, 2013
Slapstick comedy, stink palm, about a zillion animated gif worthy moments, and a catchy groove? Sold!
posted by zippy at 10:49 AM on April 14, 2013
posted by zippy at 10:49 AM on April 14, 2013
Some of Psy's other work:
It's Art
Celebrity
Urbanite (lyrics)
Paradise
I think 'Gentleman' might be Psy's small revolt against the sexless/harmless Asian dude stereotype. Though the point above about badly-behaved yuppies is good too. Either way, it's never cool to push women to the floor :/
posted by subdee at 10:52 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
It's Art
Celebrity
Urbanite (lyrics)
Paradise
I think 'Gentleman' might be Psy's small revolt against the sexless/harmless Asian dude stereotype. Though the point above about badly-behaved yuppies is good too. Either way, it's never cool to push women to the floor :/
posted by subdee at 10:52 AM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
What's left to do except commercials for frozen peas? (Or pistachios yt )
Or fitness equipment.
posted by homunculus at 12:14 PM on April 14, 2013
Or fitness equipment.
posted by homunculus at 12:14 PM on April 14, 2013
So, I watched the video....was that candy crush saga on the smart phone in one scene?
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 1:51 PM on April 14, 2013
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 1:51 PM on April 14, 2013
MC Hammer is contemplating a come back.
He's already been. And it was glorious!
posted by WhackyparseThis at 2:56 PM on April 14, 2013
He's already been. And it was glorious!
posted by WhackyparseThis at 2:56 PM on April 14, 2013
The era of the rock star is over. The accountant / marketer will have success in an environment where its all about the page views.
Rock stars have always been about accounting and marketing. Sort of like fascism actually.
posted by KokuRyu at 3:41 PM on April 14, 2013
Rock stars have always been about accounting and marketing. Sort of like fascism actually.
posted by KokuRyu at 3:41 PM on April 14, 2013
I think 'Gentleman' might be Psy's small revolt against the sexless/harmless Asian dude stereotype.
Where is that stereotype still alive? When I hear "Korean," my first thought is "loud Korean frat boys."
posted by Nomyte at 4:42 PM on April 14, 2013
Where is that stereotype still alive? When I hear "Korean," my first thought is "loud Korean frat boys."
posted by Nomyte at 4:42 PM on April 14, 2013
30 million hits in under 12 hours.
What's he get per click? Might have to make me a video!
posted by mygoditsbob at 5:48 PM on April 14, 2013
What's he get per click? Might have to make me a video!
posted by mygoditsbob at 5:48 PM on April 14, 2013
Don't know what you guys are talking about, it's just as stupid as the first one. It should be a huge hit.
posted by P.o.B. at 8:30 PM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by P.o.B. at 8:30 PM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Where is that stereotype still alive?
Everywhere people don't distinguish between (ethnic) Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people.
posted by subdee at 11:48 PM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Everywhere people don't distinguish between (ethnic) Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people.
posted by subdee at 11:48 PM on April 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I really like the backing track. Got an almost industrial feel to it. Gagnam Style didn't hit for me at first, and this one isn't either, but I ended up loving it, so maybe I'll change my mind.
posted by Xoder at 6:47 AM on April 15, 2013
posted by Xoder at 6:47 AM on April 15, 2013
Since its initial exposure to "Gentleman" my brain has now mashed it up with U-KISS's Neverland. I think I should lay off the k-pop for a while.
posted by needled at 7:14 AM on April 15, 2013
posted by needled at 7:14 AM on April 15, 2013
Rock stars have always been about accounting and marketing.
Yeah but that has always been 'behind the scenes' in some sense. Hidden from view and deniable. There seems to be a sense in which Psy is standing up as an accountant and making no pretense of it.
Even the 'subversion' in the music videos doesn't make a claim for being actually subversive (like a "rock-star" would) - but only for codified, acceptable music video subversion. It admits its own benignity.
posted by mary8nne at 7:22 AM on April 15, 2013
Yeah but that has always been 'behind the scenes' in some sense. Hidden from view and deniable. There seems to be a sense in which Psy is standing up as an accountant and making no pretense of it.
Even the 'subversion' in the music videos doesn't make a claim for being actually subversive (like a "rock-star" would) - but only for codified, acceptable music video subversion. It admits its own benignity.
posted by mary8nne at 7:22 AM on April 15, 2013
> So yeah, the very definition of a one-hit wonder.
I thought he'd already had hits in Korea?
Most "one-hit wonders" in the US have already had, or go on to have, more hits in other countries.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:54 AM on April 15, 2013
I thought he'd already had hits in Korea?
Most "one-hit wonders" in the US have already had, or go on to have, more hits in other countries.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:54 AM on April 15, 2013
Waaaaaah, the only OTHER song Americans know from Psy didn't knock us over... and, unable to understand the lyrics, we judge the (rather obviously over-the-top) behaviors in the video from our lofty moral perches.
We're so worldly! And moral! And full of ourselves!
Entertain us, you Korean celebrimonkey! And make it Art!!! And always better than the last time!
posted by IAmBroom at 5:35 PM on April 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
We're so worldly! And moral! And full of ourselves!
Entertain us, you Korean celebrimonkey! And make it Art!!! And always better than the last time!
posted by IAmBroom at 5:35 PM on April 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
It's gotta be that he needs a shit. Koreans seem to be obsessed with their bowels.
I think the gentleman in the elevator is Yoo Jae-Seok (the "Grasshopper"), who appears in the Gangnam Style video as the guy driving the red sports car who starts to dance with PSY.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:22 PM on April 15, 2013
I think the gentleman in the elevator is Yoo Jae-Seok (the "Grasshopper"), who appears in the Gangnam Style video as the guy driving the red sports car who starts to dance with PSY.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:22 PM on April 15, 2013
Waaaaaah, the only OTHER song Americans know from Psy didn't knock us over... and, unable to understand the lyrics, we judge the (rather obviously over-the-top) behaviors in the video from our lofty moral perches.
We're so worldly! And moral! And full of ourselves!
Entertain us, you Korean celebrimonkey! And make it Art!!! And always better than the last time!
Wait, what? I get that you're being tongue-and-cheek here, but still.
I'm finding that it's actually the k-pop community (a community familiar with PSY's other MVs and songs) that is more critical of "Gentleman", whereas those who've only ever experienced k-pop through "Gangnam Style" seem to generally love it. I think that's because if you've been following PSY's music, you expect some crazy out-there MV, and this just feels like a GS retread with an appropriated dance move. Compared to GS (which was pretty much universally beloved by the k-pop crowd until it went ridiculously viral), this MV is apparently either (a) trying too hard to live up to the hype or (b) just phoning it in (depending on who you ask). It feels pretty generic for something that PSY created, and so people are a little disappointed -- even though it'll probably be a mainstay in the clubs, as it seems built for djs to have fun and make remixes.
There's also the undercurrent that, due to the GS popularity, anything PSY produces will no doubt see some level of success, no matter how "good" or "artful" it is, while other artists (that used to have the same popularity as PSY did just a year ago) make some crazy awesome MVs -- for example -- with ridiculously catchy tunes (and interesting lyrics!), and still have yet to break a million views on youtube.
Honestly, I wish that he would have taken a longer break in order to spend time crafting some truly good songs (like the two year hiatus between "PSYFIVE" and "Six Rules, Part 1") instead of appearing so desperate to capitalize on his fifteen minutes, and releasing this single. Not that I can blame him -- the k-pop industry isn't exactly known for making people rich (except for maybe the label owners, but that's another gripe for another day), so for him to make sure that he does all he can to keep his name out there is understandable. It's not like he's some overnight sensation -- he's a veteran in the business who, through some bizarre fluke of the internet, had one of his songs become a global hit.
Even so, I don't see why it's so terrible to be judgmental of "Gentleman," especially if one has listened to his other stuff and know he's capable of something better -- it doesn't need to better than GS necessarily, but at least something different. Or catchy. GS was an earworm that would not die, but at least it was an earworm. "Gentleman" has a pretty forgettable hook. I can't even recall it without having to go back and listen to it again.
Even using different people in the MV would have helped -- yes, I love "the nation's MC" Yoo Jae Suk and the rest of the Infinite Challenge cast -- but by putting those two in the MV it's an automatic nod to GS (even with the same moves, as with Noh Hong Chul). So it's pretty much begging us to compare it against GS, even if we weren't going to anyway. And with regards to the "over-the-top antics" (which, yes, it's obvious they're over-the-top, that's not the issue), it's hard being able to relate to them because there's no redemption, so to speak. Unlike with GS, where you're laughing at PSY, because he's putting himself in ridiculous situations, here, you're laughing with him as he plays some pretty mean pranks on people. So maybe those over-the-top immature-boy antics aren't as amusing to someone who's more apt to put themselves in the shoes of the woman who has the chair pulled out from under her or a fart flung in her face as she's trying to read.
Yes, he does make himself look as ridiculous as possible (hey, he even makes fun of himself, as needled pointed out about "wet PSY") -- we know he's being an ass, even if the "gentleman" he's portraying doesn't have a clue. So the gimmick of the MV is that everyone is in on the joke. It's a point-and-laugh MV. Which, for me personally, doesn't seem as enjoyable as his "hey let's just laugh and have a good time" MVs of the past. (Honestly, it's hard to beat the "hey everyone, let's forget the annoying traffic jam and just have a dance party!" of "Right Now.")
But apparently there are millions of people out there who think it's hilarious and wonderful and who can't wait to hear it in the club. So. There you go.
posted by paisley sheep at 9:09 PM on April 15, 2013 [3 favorites]
We're so worldly! And moral! And full of ourselves!
Entertain us, you Korean celebrimonkey! And make it Art!!! And always better than the last time!
Wait, what? I get that you're being tongue-and-cheek here, but still.
I'm finding that it's actually the k-pop community (a community familiar with PSY's other MVs and songs) that is more critical of "Gentleman", whereas those who've only ever experienced k-pop through "Gangnam Style" seem to generally love it. I think that's because if you've been following PSY's music, you expect some crazy out-there MV, and this just feels like a GS retread with an appropriated dance move. Compared to GS (which was pretty much universally beloved by the k-pop crowd until it went ridiculously viral), this MV is apparently either (a) trying too hard to live up to the hype or (b) just phoning it in (depending on who you ask). It feels pretty generic for something that PSY created, and so people are a little disappointed -- even though it'll probably be a mainstay in the clubs, as it seems built for djs to have fun and make remixes.
There's also the undercurrent that, due to the GS popularity, anything PSY produces will no doubt see some level of success, no matter how "good" or "artful" it is, while other artists (that used to have the same popularity as PSY did just a year ago) make some crazy awesome MVs -- for example -- with ridiculously catchy tunes (and interesting lyrics!), and still have yet to break a million views on youtube.
Honestly, I wish that he would have taken a longer break in order to spend time crafting some truly good songs (like the two year hiatus between "PSYFIVE" and "Six Rules, Part 1") instead of appearing so desperate to capitalize on his fifteen minutes, and releasing this single. Not that I can blame him -- the k-pop industry isn't exactly known for making people rich (except for maybe the label owners, but that's another gripe for another day), so for him to make sure that he does all he can to keep his name out there is understandable. It's not like he's some overnight sensation -- he's a veteran in the business who, through some bizarre fluke of the internet, had one of his songs become a global hit.
Even so, I don't see why it's so terrible to be judgmental of "Gentleman," especially if one has listened to his other stuff and know he's capable of something better -- it doesn't need to better than GS necessarily, but at least something different. Or catchy. GS was an earworm that would not die, but at least it was an earworm. "Gentleman" has a pretty forgettable hook. I can't even recall it without having to go back and listen to it again.
Even using different people in the MV would have helped -- yes, I love "the nation's MC" Yoo Jae Suk and the rest of the Infinite Challenge cast -- but by putting those two in the MV it's an automatic nod to GS (even with the same moves, as with Noh Hong Chul). So it's pretty much begging us to compare it against GS, even if we weren't going to anyway. And with regards to the "over-the-top antics" (which, yes, it's obvious they're over-the-top, that's not the issue), it's hard being able to relate to them because there's no redemption, so to speak. Unlike with GS, where you're laughing at PSY, because he's putting himself in ridiculous situations, here, you're laughing with him as he plays some pretty mean pranks on people. So maybe those over-the-top immature-boy antics aren't as amusing to someone who's more apt to put themselves in the shoes of the woman who has the chair pulled out from under her or a fart flung in her face as she's trying to read.
Yes, he does make himself look as ridiculous as possible (hey, he even makes fun of himself, as needled pointed out about "wet PSY") -- we know he's being an ass, even if the "gentleman" he's portraying doesn't have a clue. So the gimmick of the MV is that everyone is in on the joke. It's a point-and-laugh MV. Which, for me personally, doesn't seem as enjoyable as his "hey let's just laugh and have a good time" MVs of the past. (Honestly, it's hard to beat the "hey everyone, let's forget the annoying traffic jam and just have a dance party!" of "Right Now.")
But apparently there are millions of people out there who think it's hilarious and wonderful and who can't wait to hear it in the club. So. There you go.
posted by paisley sheep at 9:09 PM on April 15, 2013 [3 favorites]
Props to Psy for shooting a video in one of those awesome outdoor tent eateries that sprout up in Seoul when the sun's going down (check the 1'50" mark). Those places can get nuts. I needed to take a leak from too much makgeoli in one of those things and the Ajuma told me to go in the street. When I looked at her like she was crazy she had a girl stop eating and take me to some house down the way. The lady who answered the door looked at me like I was crazy.
Walked in, took off the shoes, and headed to the bathroom. The brochures on the counter caused me to realize that I'd entered a brothel. 3rd time I'd accidentally ended up in one in Korea. Those tent huts are cool beans for food checking and social mayhem. Find a nakji tent for some surreal weirdness in your mouth. Or do a Psy with a long, white appendage around your neck and chew that thing with your dream date.
And the way he mocks female exploitation. You know ladies love him because he's not an asshole. I live in Seattle so I know masculine assholes. Psy is a fun time waiting to happen on your weekend.
And the song is fun! If you were on X and that sh*t came on you'd be bouncing and screaming with your friends. Just admit it. West Psy indeed.
posted by artof.mulata at 10:32 PM on April 15, 2013 [3 favorites]
Walked in, took off the shoes, and headed to the bathroom. The brochures on the counter caused me to realize that I'd entered a brothel. 3rd time I'd accidentally ended up in one in Korea. Those tent huts are cool beans for food checking and social mayhem. Find a nakji tent for some surreal weirdness in your mouth. Or do a Psy with a long, white appendage around your neck and chew that thing with your dream date.
And the way he mocks female exploitation. You know ladies love him because he's not an asshole. I live in Seattle so I know masculine assholes. Psy is a fun time waiting to happen on your weekend.
And the song is fun! If you were on X and that sh*t came on you'd be bouncing and screaming with your friends. Just admit it. West Psy indeed.
posted by artof.mulata at 10:32 PM on April 15, 2013 [3 favorites]
If you have two and a half hours to spare, here's Psy's recent (great) prodigal-son-returns arena show in Korea: One, Two, Three.
If you don't have two and a half hours to spare, here's the big audience sing-a-long number.
posted by subdee at 2:13 AM on April 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you don't have two and a half hours to spare, here's the big audience sing-a-long number.
posted by subdee at 2:13 AM on April 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Psy ‘Gentleman’ video smashes YouTube daily record
posted by KokuRyu at 2:15 PM on April 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by KokuRyu at 2:15 PM on April 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by sparklemotion at 8:41 PM on April 13, 2013 [5 favorites]