The Boredphucks (A Tribute to Music Made In Singapore)

Singapore's local music always has a place in my heart. I felt that the music made by our local bands/musicians is comparable to any made in the world, some even much better.

The Boredphucks were one such band. A three piece band which plays a mixture of pop-rock, they were famous for an incident in which they played an open air concert once and were arrested duly after they belt out songs filled with expletives. Their live version of a song called 'Ai Sio Kan Mai?' (in a local dialect translated into 'You Wanna Get FxxK?' is one of the greatest songs i have ever heard. Loud, brutal, no-holds barred, uninhibited - this is the true spirit of rock and roll.

Unfortunately, their drummer Wayne 'Thunder' Seah passed away in his sleep in 2007, thus ending the band.

'Na Beh Chee Bye,
Ai Sio Kan Mai?'

- Ai Sio Kan Mai (Live)

Africa

'Africa' is one of the most recognisable 80s song by US rock group TOTO and it is a very well written and crafted song.

Tomorrow, the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, promising soccer fans from all corners of the world a month filled with endless soccer entertainment.

Let the beautiful game begin

'I guess it rains down in Africa'

- Africa

Remembering 'Lucky'

Mother

Luna Sea is a japanese rock band. They belong to the era of 'visual rock', and producing great rock tracks. This slow burning ballad 'Mother' is one of their best, especially the middle section and outro of a violin solo played by guitarist Sugizo. Listen to it closely and it actually mimics the sound of seagulls. This great live version is so touching that it often brought my senses to another planet and my eyes close to tears each time.

This song is for my mother, who gives everything that she can possibly give in her lifetime to me.

'Mother of love
Bring a dawn Bring me salvation Where should I go? What should I do?
Bring a dawn Bring me salvation I want love I want to love'

- Mother (translated)

Chinese Democracy

Guns & Roses is one of the most iconic rock bands in my generation. Any self discerning rock fan will have heard of their classic hits from 'Sweet Child O' Mine' to 'November Rain'. It took them almost 16 years since 1992 to release a new album in late 2008 with 'Chinese Democracy'. While i don't really dig the whole album in its entirety, the title track is really a blast and i really enjoyed it till today.

Contrary to what the song title suggest, Democracy is a not something i agree totally, looking in the light of what is happening in Thailand at the moment from demonstrations escalating to bloodshed and violence, blowing into a civil war between the government and its people and bringing the country and its economy to its knees. When reading news of such situations happening around the war, i will always compare it side to side to the Tiananmen Square Massacre which happened on 14 April 1989 in Beijing, China, which i felt strongly should be the yardstick by which how governments should act in dire situations as this. Amidst days of continuing protests and demonstrations by mostly China students against the PRC government, the then Deng Xiaoping ordered military tanks to charge into the square and fire upon the demonstrators, sending them fleeing but also causing massive injuries and deaths. The protests came to a halt instantly, albeit causing worldwide condemnation of the Chinese government.

When i first read of the news of the massacre as a young kid then, i too reacted with much like most people do - to label the Chinese government barbaric and cruel. It was when i was much older and read deeper into the issues and become more aware of world affairs that i realize that what Deng Xiaoping did was the right thing, to end off the violence in the shortest and most effective way possible. Where there is people, there is bound to be divisions, divided opinions and ideas and that is exactly what makes democracy a dirty word most of the time. Give people too much freedom of speech, freedom of action and that's where trouble starts. A government or for that matter, any leader make decisions which will not satisfy everyone on the ground but if it is for the best of the situation and the future., then a bold one must be taken, even if it means unfavorable among some or in this instance, to cause bloodshed to let the people know who is in charge here, ,which is exactly how the Thai government should react at this moment of time. Pure democracy should have no place in this world.

Fields Of Gold

Sting is one of the most accomplished musicians in modern pop/rock music. After his music career with THE POLICE, he forged a strong solo music journey that is diverse in many genres and styles.

In 1993, the single 'Fields of Gold' was released. This calm and serene ballad evokes strong feelings of nostalgia as well as a feeling of hope for the future, each time i listened to it. That 'in the days still left, when we walked in fields of gold', that could well mean walking and living in better days ahead.

As i look through the sea of people today, i just can't help thinking you are somewhere in there...

'Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun, in this jealous sky
As we walk in Fields Of Gold'

- Fields Of Gold

Personal Jesus

I started listening to Depeche Mode from as early as my ears and senses could pick up music. They are my favourite and top music band. The mysterious aura and dark overtones surrounding their songs was something i embrace and could identify with till today. In 1989, Depeche Mode released 'Personal Jesus' as a single preceding the release of 'Violator', one of their highest acclaimed album and inspiring countless music bands since. I believe this song is still banned in many radio stations around the world, it is not difficult to know why just by looking at the song title itself.

It is not a song about jesus but rather, Martin Gore chief music writer of the band, cleverly uses it as a metaphor to describe a lover as akin to a higher power - somewhere who is always there, someone who cares, someone who is 'your own personal jesus'. I like that. Intelligent lyrics married to a galloping guitar riff makes this a top Depeche Mode song.

Someday soon i hope to find her. I'll be her personal jesus and she'll be mine too.

'Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
I will deliver
You know i am a forgiver' - Personal Jesus

Walk Away

'Walk Away' was a ballad released by UK band CAST in 1996. To many who heard or is hearing this song for the very first time here, it will in some way or another touch a chord in your heart, just like it did for me when i heard it in '96. Simple truthful lyrics sung with earnest heartfelt vocals, this song will never date.

This song talks of walking away from situations at some points in our lives that may seem helpless or pointless to hold on to. i can only wish it is as simple as what the song is trying to convey, especially in this period of time for me.

Walking away was and is going to be hard for me in the coming days, but i guess it has to happen.

Take Care WXY

'If you've done
All there is to do
Ain't nothing left for you
Just walk away, walk away
walk away'

- Walk Away

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Poison is one of my favourite 80s glam rock band especially towards the end of this glorious era of music. i heard 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' in 1988 when i was in primary five and bought off one of their albums on cassette tape. I was driving along the highway today when this song came on in the car stereo and i just instinctively hit the repeat button and let the song run over and over till i reach home. It still resonates deeply, more than 20 years since i heard it.

'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' is a simple acoustic song but its lyrics really tells a lot. Poison's lead vocalist Bret Michaels wrote this after a failed love affair. I remembered fondly that i had asked my elder brother who was five years older what the song title and lyrics meant and he explained in simple terms it actually means that everything, no matter how good has it's bad points and flaws and so metaphorically, a rose which supposedly represents all things beautiful has its bad and ugly side to it in its thorns. I understood right there.

Every picture has its imperfection
Every good novel has an ending
Every person has his flaws
Every relationship has its bad times

Every Rose has its thorn...


I hope this song comforts me and will whisk me to sleep soundly tonight...

'I know i could have saved a love that night
If I'd known what to say
Instead of making love
We both made our separate ways'

- Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Secret Garden

'Secret Garden' was a ballad released by US rocker Bruce Springsteen and was part of the soundtrack in the movie 'Jerry Maguire' starring Tom Cruise way back in 1996.

This is a very gentle ballad but the lyrics is deep and meaningful which spoke truly into the heart of relationships. The singer tells of getting to know a person but to what extent can he really understand and know her completely, unless he gets into that 'secret garden' inside her.

I always find this song very reassuring that it helps brings my thoughts about relationships back to reality sometimes. This 'secret garden' that the song talks of is a universal place that resides in the hearts of all of us, the place where we keep our deepest secrets, thoughts, hopes and fears that we will not share with others, sometimes even to the people we most love. I always think this is the main reason for conflicts especially between two persons in a relationship and why we see such relationships breaking down ever so often in our society today - little arguments remains unresolved, escalating into fights, separations and finally culminating in divorces. Only if we can, at the end of each day, no matter how events or our thoughts turn out to be, good or bad, we can lay them right in front of our loved ones, our partners and bare our souls, open our hearts and share, talk about them, rather than keep them hidden in the secret garden inside of us.

'She's got a Secret Garden,
Where everything you want
Where everything you need
Will always stay
A million miles away'

- Secret Garden

Losing My Mind

I was in my final year in primary school 1989 when i heard this song by American singer Liza Minneli. Back then, MTV was popular on television and i got to know many new songs week in and week out and that was where i first heard 'Losing My Mind'. It was actually an old song taken from a musical in the 1960s but the collaboration between Liza Minnelli and pop duo Pet Shop Boys elevated the song to a modern pop classic and a successful one on the charts.

The song tells from the pespective of a girl whose thoughts are always of the person she loves.

I was wrong to rush into things and not letting things be as they are for the past two weeks, and being less than understanding. And causing discomfort to someone, which i deeply regretted. I hope to change all that and be a better person for it. I hope i have the chance to do so and hope it is not too late.

'All afternoon
Doing every little chore
The thought of you stays bright.
Sometimes i stand in the middle of the floor
Not going left, not going right'

- Losing My Mind

Superwoman

I was driving along the highway along with a friend when this song by US pop/R&B singer Karyn White played out in my car stereo. We ended up spending some time talking and pondering over the lyrics and meaning behind this ballad, released in 1988 which goes on to be become a hit song and touching the hearts of many who have heard it since. I was only 11 years old when i heard this song but it does helps listening to such songs to have a glimpse into the adult world back then and i knew exactly what the song was trying to convey.

This song is sung from the pespective of a girl who laments over her relationship which had somewhat gone sour, pleading to her partner that she is no 'superwoman' who can go on loving and care for him without at least a token of his love back. The imagery formed by the lyrics are vivid and strong and one which every adult could relate to.

Superwoman

Early in the morning
I put breakfast at your table
And make sure that your coffee
Has its sugar and cream

Your eggs are over easy
Your toast done lightly
All that's missing is your morning kiss
That used to greet me

Now you say the juice is sour
It used to be so sweet
And I can't help but to wonder
If you're talking 'bout me

We don't talk the way we used to talk
It's hurtin' so deep
I've got my pride, I will not cry
But it's makin' me weep

I'm not your superwoman
I'm not the kind of girl that you can let down
And think that everything's okay
Boy, I am only human
This girl needs more than occasional
Hugs as a token of love from you to me, ooh, baby

I fought my way through the rush hour
Trying to make it home just for you
I want to make sure that your dinner
Will be waiting for you

But when you get there you just tell me
You're not hungry at all
You said you'd rather read the paper
And you don't want to talk

You like to think that I'm just crazy
When I say that you changed
I'm convinced I know the problem
You don't love me the same

You're just going through the motions
And you're not being fair
I've got my pride, I will not cry
Still I can't help but care

I'm not your superwoman (Oh, no, no)
I'm not the kind of girl that you can let down
And think that everything's okay
Boy, I am only human (I'm only human)
This girl needs more than occasional
Hugs as a token of love from you to me

Oh, baby, look into the corners of your mind
I'll always be there for you through good and bad times
But I can't be that superwoman that you want me to be
I'll give my everlasting love if you'll return love to me

If you feel it in your heart
And you understand me
Stop right where you are
Everybody sing along with me

I'm the kind of girl that can treat you so sweet
But you got to realize that you got to be sweeter to me, oh, ho, ho

I need love
I need just your love

I wish with all my heart that what happens to the girl in the song will someday not happen to me, and certainly will never happen to the person i love. I hope.

'I'm not your Superwoman
I'm not the kind of girl that you can let down
and think that everything's ok
Boy i 'm only human'

- Superwoman

Lobo ; A Valentine's Day Post

Lobo is a American singer-songwriter whose real name was Roland Kent Lavoie. He scored successful singles in the early 70s onwards with 'Stoney', 'Me & You & A Dog Named Boo', 'I Love You To Want Me', 'How Can I Tell Her', 'It Sure Took A Long Long Time' among others. His brand of laid-back country style sentimental music makes for a relaxing listen and i found his music when i was schooling during my teens, courtesy of my elder brother's records.

'I Love You To Want Me' is easily one of Lobo's most popular hits and a love song that will not go wrong in any way. I always thought that on this (and any) Valentine's Day, or just about any day, it will be the most appropriate song to play to a loved one.

'Baby, i love you to want me
The way that i want you
The way that it should be
Baby, you love me to want you
The way that i want to
If you only let it be'

'How Can I Tell Her' is one of the most interesting love songs i have ever heard. Beneath the sweet melody lies a tragic story of the complications of adult love. The guy in the song is trapped and caught between two loves and imploring his lover on how to tell his partner about her.

'How Can I Tell Her About You?
Girl, please tell me what to do
Everything seems right
Whenever i'm with you
So girl, won't you tell me
How to tell her about you?'

Why not take this time to tell that special someone in your life how much that person means to you right here and now.

See You

'See You' was the fourth single release by Depeche Mode in 1982 from their second studio album 'A Broken Frame'. This is a romantic sentimental ballad, quite different from the usual dark themes and tone of their songs.

This song mirrors my thoughts and the way i am feeling at the moment, and i guess very much so in the coming days ahead.

'All i want to do is see you again
Is that too much to ask for?
I just want to see your sweet smile
Smile the way it was before'

- See You

Dog Man Star

Suede was a UK band which came into the music scene in the early 1990s. Their brand of alternative glam rock style on their debut album 'Suede' produced memorable singles such as 'Animal Nitrate', 'So Young' and 'The Drowners'. Their chief music writers were Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler, quite possibly one of the best guitarist of his time.

Suede released their second album 'Dog Man Star' in 1994 and the tone of the album was dark, sombre but remarkably coherent and sweeping. From the heavy pounding drums/chaotic guitars introduction of the opening track 'Introducing the Band' amidst a background of echoic chanting, 'We Are The Pigs' set the tone of the whole album with its apocalyptic lyrics and Bernard Butler's signature guitar playing. The album continues on with 'Heroine', quite the best song on the whole album before the grandiose sweeping ballad 'The Wild Ones' lulls the listener to a calm. A glimpse of optimism and pop-sensitivity is evident in the track 'New Generation'. Another great ballad 'The 2 Of Us' features Brett Anderson's dark vocals coupled with a solitude piano tune. The album closes with a grand lush orchestral piece called 'Still Life'. Dog Man Star is considered by many fans and music critics as Suede's finest and one of modern rock's classic albums of all time. It is certainly in my list.

Sadly, this album was made and released in a period of tension within the band, resulting in the departure of Bernard Butler who was swiftly replaced by 17 year old guitarist Richard Oakes.

Suede's success continues right on with the razor sharp pop album in 'Coming Up' in 1996.
Watch out for my next blog review of this album.

'I'm aching to see my Heroine
I'm aching, been dying for hours and hours'

- Heroine

Birthday

'Birthday' is a track on the 'White Album' released by The Beatles in 1968. I have written about the album about a year or so ago in my previous blog post.

Today marks my birthday.

A Happy New Year to everyone.

'They say it's your birthday,
It's my birthday too, yeah'

- Birthday (The White Album by The Beatles)