Highly Suspect“The Boy Who Died Wolf” (300 Entertainment) When the rock band Highly Suspect nabbed two Grammy nominations last year, the world collectively went: “Wait, what?” They won’t do that after listening to the band’s stellar sophomore effort.“The Boy Who Died Wolf” is like a victory lap of rock, from the simple, piano-driven “Chicago” that Elton John would be proud to write, to the screaming hardcore punk of “Look Alive, Stay Alive” that might sound fine on a Black Flag greatest hits alb

Rumer“This Girl’s in Love: A Bacharach & David Song Book” (Rhino Records)Rumer sprinkles moon dust over a dozen tunes from the Bacharach/David catalog, putting her smooth imprint on songs of love and heartbreak. Rumer and husband/producer Rob Shirakbari opt mostly for subtle changes in tempo or mood on tunes best known in versions by the likes of Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters and Jackie DeShannon.The album comes with Burt Bacharach’s seal of approval, the master adding piano

NEW YORK (AP) -- It's been a hectic year for Kanye West. There was a new album that had a tortured, months-long release. Two fashion shows that were plagued by last-minute changes and long delays. There also was the reopening of a bitter feud with Taylor Swift, an ambitious US concert tour, a newborn son, and a harrowing robbery of his wife.“When was the last time I wasn’t in a hurry,” West asks on the song “Real Friends” from the new CD “The Life of Pablo.” On another track, West admonishes his

Singer Lee Hyori has confirmed her return to the spotlight. After denying speculations around her comeback last month, Lee -- from veteran K-pop girl group Fin K.L. -- is working with composer and producer Kim Hyung-suk on new releases, according to entertainment agency Kiwi Media Group, where Kim serves as chairman, Thursday.“Since signing on with Kiwi Media Group, Lee has begun her album production,” the company announced. “She will be collaborating with composer Kim Do-hyun, behind Lee’s hit

First -generation K-pop band Sechs Kies has finally revealed its plans for the group’s upcoming releases. Sechs Kies, consisting of five of its six original members, will unveil its first album in 16 years next week, according to YG Entertainment. The 10-track album, titled “2016 Re-Album” is a compilation of some of Sech Kies’ biggest hits, rearranged and remastered with a fresh and modern twist.  Since appearing on MBC’s popular variety show “Infinite Challenge” earlier this year, the boy band

K-pop stars are finishing off the year with strong rankings on global music charts. Boy band BTS and rookie girl group Black Pink have ranked among the top 10 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart for the most recent week, dated Dec. 3, with their latest releases. Since releasing their second full-length album, “Wings,” last month, BTS has garnered wide international attention with the album’s lead track “Blood Sweat & Tears.”Four-member group Black Pink -- the winner of the Best New Artist Award at

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kanye West has been hospitalized in Los Angeles after abruptly canceling the last 21 dates of his national tour.E! News, which is part of the E! network that airs the Kardashian family reality show and its spinoffs, reported that West was hospitalized Monday afternoon after his personal doctor called 911. A rep for the E! network said Tuesday that E! cameras were not filming when the 911 call was made and that they are not filming at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where W

YG Entertainment artists will not be attending the annual Mnet Asian Music Awards next week in Hong Kong.“Since the online vote (for MAMA nominees) is currently open until Dec. 1, there is no way to know the outcome at this moment,” the management agency told local media. “However, even if (YG artists) are among the selected, it will be difficult for them to prepare for performances slated for next weekend.” The company also revealed that its musicians will be focusing on upcoming year-end conce

Viewers move past awe over impressive vocals, delve into music-making process

Classical music has begun seeping into the household recently. New platforms are connecting classical performers and listeners directly, allowing consumers to customize the music they listen to. Mini-concerts are now being held inside homes, returning classical music to its salon origins. Last week, string trio Armonia Ensemble performed at a child’s birthday party at a kids’ bookstore in southwestern Seoul. Surrounded by toys and coloring books, the trio broke away from the conventional classic

Seventeen (Official Facebook)K-pop boy band Seventeen is gearing up for its return to the spotlight.　The group released a teaser image, featuring lead vocalist S.Coups holding a glass bottle containing a model ship at the beach, on its official social media channels on Monday morning.  　The 13-member act, which is divided into hip-hop, vocal and choreography units, is currently getting ready to unveil a new album next month, according to the boy band’s management agency Pledis Entertainment. 　Af

Block B’s Zico (Seven Seasons)K-pop boy band Block B’s Zico revealed one of the two artists collaborating with him on his upcoming single which comes out next week. 　The singer, producer and rapper released an image, featuring his and hip-hop artist Crush’s names, via his official social media channels on Monday morning.　“Zico has prepared a special year-end gift for his fans,” said the rapper’s management agency Seven Seasons on Monday. The company also revealed that Zico would reveal another a

Bruno Mars kicked off the 2016 American Music Awards with some serious uptown funk: He sang his groovy hit, "24K Magic," backed by his band who matched his slick, upbeat dance moves.The song is Mars' latest smash single after the success of last year’s "Uptown Funk." He, like many of the artists on Sunday, was promoting a new album at the AMAs at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.Mars released his new project on Friday, while others are also promoting new albums, including Lady Gaga, the Weeknd,

The annual Melon Music Awards on Sunday recognized some of the biggest Korean artists and groups for their contribution to K-pop this year. Among the top winners at the ceremony were the boy band EXO for the best artist of the year, Bangtan Boys, or BTS, for the best album of the year, and girl group Twice for the best song of the year with its single “Cheer Up.” Unsurprising to many fans and those in the industry, YG entertainment’s latest girl group Black Pink took home the Best New Artist Awa