Sometimes I can't even recognize a midi, but one that I think made the transition pretty cleanly is Noogoo Bodah Nul Saranghae [MIDI] by Bijou. Of course, all midis lack lyrics, so it's not quite as full as the original [MP3], but still is a nice file.

I also find the midi version Seotaiji's Comeback Home [MIDI] pretty cool. It reminds me of the music you might hear in a horror movie when the protagonist is tiptoeing through a haunted mansion. It lacks the funk and drive of the original [MP3], but is an interesting piece in and of itself.

I was surprised to find Uptown midi files. This is a group known for its rap, and who would have thought to make a midi of their music? Dashi Mannajo [MIDI] from Uptown Mutual Best is really funky while Naeahnae Geudae [MIDI] from that same album sounds like some cheesy easy-listening song you might hear in the supermarket. I like the bass line of Nae Il Eurwehae [MIDI].

Jinusean seems to be a popular choice for midi making. You can find both Gasoline [MIDI] and Jinusean Bomb [MIDI] on line. If you want to compare the sound to the original hits, you can still download an MP3 file of Gasoline [MP3]. Jinusean had a huge hit with Taekwon V [MP3], but the midi file of Taekwon V [MIDI] sounds like something off a pinball machine at the local arcade.

Of course, both H.O.T. and the Jekkies are popular targets for midi formats. In fact, the first time I heard H.O.T.'s Candy [MP3], it was the midi version [MIDI]. The same is true of Hengbok [MP3] of the Wolf & Sheep album. I heard the midi [MIDI] playing on a web page before I had the CD. The midi goes on sounding a bit like the circus, but truthfully, most of H.O.T.'s early music was so bright and poppy that they might as well have been singing in center ring.

The Jekkies' Couple [MIDI] strikes me the same way. It was so happy and light, it might as well have been a midi file from the start. I think Roadfighter [MP3] (off the Sechs Kies album of the same name) was a more interesting song to begin with, so it suffers a little more in the translation. Still, the instrumental version [MIDI] isn't that bad. The bass line is good too.

And we can't neglect the girl groups. Fin.K.L. and S.E.S. midis abound. Dreams Come True [MIDI] by S.E.S. makes a good midi in my opinion, as does the original song [MP3] since it had strong synthesizer sound anyway. Oh My Love [MIDI] and I'm Your Girl [MIDI] would be good background music as well.

From Fin.K.L., you can download Blue Rain [MIDI] and Ruby [MIDI]. Ruby is probably my favorite Fin.K.L. song, and I think it makes a decent midi even if I prefer the original [MP3]. Jajonshim [MIDI] is an upbeat slice of music and isn't a bad midi. Overall, the Fin.K.L. midis follow the rules of the rest of the ones I've mentioned: they're not quite as good as MP3s, but they're enough to put a good melody into your head and cheer up the day.

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