When Pippi Longstocking Meets Che Guevara, Pele

Friday, April 8, 2011

Remember The 60s Patricia Masso (Editor). A Book Review:

The lady's skirt became shorter and the man's hair grew longer. One became the 'mini' and the other 'hippie.'

The 60s was a brave new world as astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin walked the moon . The Pill gave men and women a chance to experiment and help "usher in a new era of sexual freedom (p 29)" while Big Mac "rocked the hamburger world" to cater to "American overindulgence (p 51)."

And in an era of the VW Beetle, Jaguar E, Andy Warhol, Op Art and Rosemary's Baby, 60s music fans will be delighted when the book discusses: Woodstock, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Hair, The Musical and West Side Story. Smaller than an iPad but larger than a pocket book, this cute coffee table reader boasts 175 pages of 60s "objects and moments of a swinging era."

The glossy coloured images and visually beautiful black and white photographs have been attuned to tell 60s short stories in 6 exciting chapters. Lots of fun reading that includes: Che Guevara, Mary Quant, Brigitte Bardot, Mars Bar, Wet Look Coat, the Lava Lamp and the bane of Singapore authorities - Chewing Gum! The book is in three languages, English, French and Dutch.

"The Age of Aquarius was memorable and momentous... we were... growing up... testing... hoping ... our actions would change the world (Introduction)." It's new in the market, printed in 2010 by Tectum Publishers. If you want to know the 60s in a nutshell, here's the book you can read in a day. The photographs take a longer time.

And the downside to this book? It's a glimpse into the past, so expect less than a 100 words for each item discussed.

Available at our Singapore National Library: NLB 306.09046

Original article: Andy Lim. (This posting is not an advertisement.)

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John Lennon, Mark Chapman, Salinger And Christ?

Thursday, December 9, 2010

(1940 - 1980)

Beatles John Lennon, who went solo after the group's breakup, was killed at the entrance of the building where he lived in New York City on Monday, 8 December 1980. He had just returned from a recording studio with his wife, Yoko Ono.

Music Man In Peace:

Like Elvis Presley and many pop 60s singers and musicians, his music lives on.
"Well you know/We all want to change the world/But when we talk about destruction/Don't you know you can count me out..."

(Revolution: Lennon/McCartney)

Relevance Today:

I was talking to a 16 year old student a few days ago and she told me that the Beatles are still relevant to day. When I asked her why, she remarked, "Their lyrics and music." And her favourite Beatle? John Lennon.

Mark Chapman:

Mark Chapman was holding the book, Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger, when he was arrested but he hadn't read it. He had ten cassettes with 14 hours of Beatles songs on him. Is it also true that he had planned to kill Elizabeth Taylor and talk show host Johnny Carson (deceased)?

Controversies:

There were controversies about Lennon's death too and the deportation problems he faced. But it's all over now and we let this man of peace rest in peace. But was he really 'bigger than Jesus'?

Empty Garden:

"He must have been a gardener that cared a lot

Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop

And we're so amazed we're crippled and we're dazed

A gardener like that one no one can replace...

Johnny, can't you come out to play in your empty garden?"

(by Elton John)

http://www.jfkmontreal.com/john_lennon/lennon_report.htm

http://www.jfkmontreal.com/john_lennon/Death_Cert.htm

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Soekarno Beatles Music Censorship In Indonesia 60s: By Dr Steven Farram, Darwin Australia

Friday, November 12, 2010

If you are into serious study about past pop music from this region then Dr. Steven Farram is the person to check out on Google. I quote his credentials, as he is "a Research Associate in the School of Creative Arts and Humanities" at Charles Darwin University in Australia.

"His main research interest are the history and politics of Timor-Leste, Indonesia and the Northern Territory. He has authored books, book chapters and journal articles in all three areas, including his paper, Wage War Against Beatle Music! Censorship And Music In Soekarno's Indonesia (published in RIMA in 2007)."

I was first introduced to Steve and his wife at the end of our Silver Strings performance (2008 VivoCity gig, Reunion Of The Sixties). They were both rockin' and rollin' with the crowd to the beat of Mike and Herb's songs.

When the music finally stopped, his handshake was wet as he was hot and perspiring. They had to hurry home the next day and came to Singapore just to see the Beatles of Malaysia perform. However, we promised to meet again.

We did meet again and, with email exchanges, became good friends when he returned to Singapore in April 2009. Even with the dinners, coffee breaks and discussion about 60s music, he never told me about himself.

It was only after reading the novel, The Year Of Living Dangerously by Christopher Koch and looking around for articles to write for this blog, that I chanced upon his name while googling for Soekarno and the Beatles.

Steve has been providing many comments and insights on this blog and interested parties can also read his articles at: garagehangover.com

I know you don't need this publicity Steve but I hope more reseach can be done on Asia's 60s music and with your help!

Image: Charles Darwin University Australia Website.

http://www.cdu.edu.au/lba/steven_farram.htm

Original article: Andy Lim.

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Abbey Road The Beatles - Wot's 'Appenin'?

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Remember Abbey Road and this famous album (image) by The Beatles? What do you think is happening? Have they taken the famous zebra crossing away or what? Guess again.

The latest news headlines has it that the internationally famous recording studio complex at Abbey Road is for sale. This venue, besides recording other music artistes, played host to many of The Beatles recording sessions. Any takers?

Image: http://lahmode.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/beatles.jpg

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J.D. Salinger - 'Catcher In The Rye' - Gone At 91

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Author of The Catcher in the Rye, has passed on. J. D. Salinger who is one of the most important American writers to emerge since World War II but who then turned his back on success, has died in Cornish, New Hampshire. He was 91.

He lived in seclusion for more than 50 years. His books include: Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour - An Introduction.

He can be remembered by many students of English Literature in Singapore because Catcher is a must-read for most. Internationally well-known this book, which has sold 60 million copies so far, is hardly available in our libraries. Perhaps there should be more copies on the shelves?

Anyone written a thesis on Salinger and wishes to share it? Do write in.

Trivia:

John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman was holding a copy of Catcher when the police went to the scene of the murder.
Photographer: Antony di Gesu.
Image: http://www.sandiegohistory.org/digesu/digesu2.htm

Ref: http://www.deadcaulfields.com/DCHome.html

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John Lennon: "Nowhere Boy" - New Movie

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Nowhere Boy is a biopic about John Lennon's childhood and has never been told, so now Beatles fans will be able to gain insight into his fascinating life. This press release information was provided by Tom Ortenberg, Weinstein Company president of theatrical films.

"The film will examine the effects each woman and their custody fight had on the young musician." The movie will also focus on Lennon’s bond with Paul McCartney, and concludes when the Beatles leave Liverpool and proceed to Germany. The title is taken from Rubber Soul’s Nowhere Man. The film went on general release in the UK on 26 December 2009.

Information from: Rolling Stone Magazine & Wikipedia.

Image: http://dreampark9.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

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60s Music On President Star Charity Channel 5 - Sunday October 11, 2009. Donate Generously!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

SINGAPORE:

The telepoll lines for the President's Star Charity 2009 (PSC) has opened since 6pm on Thursday. The 2.5 hours live show will have MediaCorp stars dancing the evening with international artistes like Coco Lee and Beatles Unlimited (image) performing in support of 37 charities.

Channel 5 will telecast it live on Sunday, October 11 from 7:30pm to 10pm.

Telepoll lines will close on October 18 at midnight. Viewers can pledge donations of S$5, S$20 and S$100 by calling the following numbers: 1900-112-8821 for S$5 donation, 1900-112-8822 for S$20 donation, 1900-112-8823 for S$100 donation.

Image: Rod Davis Scorpion Publication Website.

News item from: Channel News Asia, Singapore.

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(1) Singapore Formula 1 Race '09, Michelle, Green Berets, Boots Are Made For Walking '66

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Singapore F1 Formula Race next week on Sunday September, 27th takes us back to the 60s when Singapore had its lst Grand Prix in April, 1966 at Thomson Road.

Previous editions were held before Singapore became independent so there was much excitement that week. Blogger remembers that the buzz phrase was, "Grand Prix" (ie, 'gron pree') but the term was verbally abused by our folks.

While the focus was on the race, the froth was also brewing on the international pop music scene in April 1966. Why? Although the Beatles reached top positions in the world charts, they didn't do too well in their own British homeland.

Another surprise was Sergeant Barry Sadler's Ballads Of The Green Berets (image) which praised Vietnam but came 42nd on the list. This song never became popular in Singapore for obvious reasons but the ballad came up to the top on the US charts in later weeks.

Singapore Top Tunes lists Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made For Walking (covered by Nancy Sit and a few other local artistes) and Sounds Of Silence by Simon And Garfunkel in the top spots. Also Michelle by Billy Vaughn, and not the Beatles, was at number 3. What about our own bands and singers?

Image: Wikipedia.

YouTube Video: Konshito -Nov 2006. All time classic/original version.

Original article: Andy Lim

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Cheers To A Successful Gig At Singapore Orchid

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Veronica Young and The Beatles Unlimited from Austria toasting to a successful concert in Singapore, July 2009.

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The Silver Strings At Orchid Country Club Yishun Singapore July 23/24, 2009 With Beatles Unlimited Austria

Saturday, August 1, 2009

BEATLES UNLIMITED, AUSTRIA WITH SILVER STRINGS FAMILY

From left, standing: Jalani (keyboard), Herb (vocals), Audie (leader/bass), Mike (vocals), Danny Boy (drums), Bobo (lead/rhythm), Andy Young (vocals), Veronica (vocals, with Beatles on left).
Absent: Aloysius (lead/rhythm).

The Silver Strings Family have been together since last year, 2008, when Audie Ng, band leader, gathered everyone for a gig. It is a family where many ideas were discussed and tossed around. It is a family that got together for lunches, tea breaks and dinners. It is a family when we practised our songs and were waiting backstage, huddled together and supporting each other before our performance.

It is a family from different ethnic backgrounds. Gosh! Ronnie and The New Burns, Jerry Fernandez, Ms Rahimah Rahim, Karen Lim and their entourage and Ms Siao Hui from China. And including the Beatles from Europe? There were definitely more than a dozen countries that night, just backstage alone.

Our family is a very special one, a family of passionate people interested in 60s melodies and who took the effort to bring back these songs live, and made the two nights a memorable one.

Image: From Veronica Young Collection
Original article: Andy Lim

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The Beatles Look & Singalike From Austria

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

For the first time in more than 50 years, I heard the strains of God Save The Queen in Singapore. No urge to stand though but as I looked at the screens on the walls of the Orchid Ballroom, I couldn't see the fluttering Union Jack (British flag) projected anywhere.

But with the fanfare and like Elvis Presley's, Space Odyssey introduction, The Beatles Unlimited came on stage with much pomp and pageantry as the British national anthem was being played.

Trivia. Which 'Beatle' is the above gentleman supposed to be? Answer anyone?

Image: Roger Poh Collection

Original Article: Andy Lim

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60s Rock Music Concert Souvenir Programme

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

In case you missed the show, the above image is the programme booklet for the two nights, where details of the artistes that participated are documented. It is well designed and worth the while to collect as a souvenir. There are many people who keep programmes, magazine pages, newspaper cuttings, posters and advertisements as memorabilia to remind them of past events.

This blogger has a good friend who keeps such bric-a-brac. Singapore 60s band members and singers were surprised at the amount of photographs he keeps and the signatures he collected, when he showed them his files and albums during the local gigs in town. This gentleman and many other pop 60s enthusiasts have been collecting them since.

Don't throw them away. Could prove priceless some day. The National Heritage Board has an interesting collection of these programmes and souvenirs. Well, in case you need one...

Image/Article: Andy Lim

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Rolling Stones: Satisfaction, Village People: YMCA, Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs: Wooley Bully, Mony Mony, That's The Way I Like It, You Really Got Me!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Checking the sound system is a must before the big concert. Mike & Herb with the Silver Strings testing the microphones, amplifiers and guitars at the gig. Because of The Beatles Unlimited appearance, the two brothers had a new repertoire of songs but they sang their own originals too.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection

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The Beatles Unlimited Hey Jude I Wanna Hold Your Hand Please Please Me In Singapore

Without Beatle jackets and even in the cold, cold Orchid Ballroom, the Beatles Unlimited from Austria and the audience felt the heat, as the group pounded their guitars and screamed, I Saw Her Standing There, She Loves You, Hard Day's Night and other hits by the fab four.

They definitely sing like the Beatles and cockneyed their way with cheeky quirps. It was a great performance, as everyone enjoyed these impersonators with their mop tops complete with authentic Beatle guitars.

But they're really wonderful human beings and after meeting them personally. It's a pleasure to have made friends with the four fabs who came all the way from Austria to entertain Singapore 60s music enthusiasts.

Image: Roger Poh Collection

Original article: Andy Lim

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The Beatles - My Bonnie - Rare Collectibles

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The first ever commercial release of a record bearing The Beatles' name was My Bonnie/The Saints, released as a single in the U.K. on January 5, 1962 on Polydor NH66833.

The slow introduction for My Bonnie is a distinction from the other versions. The first pressings of this vinyl are not easy to find so if you possess one, it will probably make you a little richer.

The second impression came in Britain in June, 1963 with a slightly different typeface. The second issues are more common but there is a scarce third variation, with a small center hole, also released sometime later in the 60s.

"The original commercial releases are among the rarest and most valuable of all Beatles records. Three variations exist, an all-black label, a color band label and a label with crossbars - very rare." Pressed on Decca Records, these singles have all been counterfeited from the late 70s. Bootlegged ones vary and some use coloured vinyls and copies with My Bonnie on both sides of the record. And how much do they cost? Nobody wants to know.

Disclaimer: This blog does promote the buying or selling of vinyls or other products.

Reference/image: http://www.rarebeatles.com

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Beatles Of Malaysia Mike & Herb With Audie

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Mike and Herb will be in action again at the Orchid Country Club in July 2009. Here them sing the Beatles classics and compare them to the Austrian Beatles who will also be in attendance.

The image shows the VivoCity Concert in November, 2008. In the background is the band leader and Silver Strings bass guitarist Audie Ng.

(Image: From Andy Lim Collection/*Steven Farram in Darwin, Australia, who flew in with his wife just to see the show. Steven has postings on: garagehangover.com )

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Beatles Unlimited Austria Orchid Country Club

Friday, May 15, 2009

Beatles Unlimited will be appearing at "Those Were The Days Concert" at Orchid Country Club. They are the Beatles lookalike band from Austria. Not only do they look like the Beatles, the group also sounds like them with similar guitars to match.

The image was taken from Rod Davis (image, lst left) Scorpion Publication Website. He teams up with Doug Turner to produce guitar instruction books in England.

(Image: Rod Davis Scorpion Publication Website)

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Those Were The Days Orchid CC Concert July 09

Monday, May 11, 2009

The above poster has been distributed by Audie Ng for the forthcoming get-together at Orchid CC.

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Beatles of Malaysia: Mike, Herb & Silver Strings

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Beatle suits or a variation? Definitely a variation but the Beatle boots are real. Mike & Herb (two, centre) are the "Beatles of Malaysia" and toured Malaysia, Borneo and Brunei with The Silver Strings in the mid-sixties. Young, yearning and yummy these boys sang and played together for some time and held everyone agog.

Beatlemania had struck its chords in Asia and none were out of tune.

But did we ever have Beatles of Singapore? Yes, Siva & James Choy but that's another blog.

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