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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How Many National Anthems Did Singapore Have?

Monday, February 21, 2011

Here's a book with so many interesting stories that you'll probably read it within a day. Chan Kwee Sung is a master story-teller who uses simple language and crafts lively anecdotes that scenes of old Singapore literally pop out of the pages from his 200 page book.

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I have quoted Chan about his articles on Chinese food in the previous posting since they are related to my topic on street-hawkers and Elvis' hit Crawfish. But in keeping wtih this blog's music theme, I wish to highlight readers on his topic, Anthems (page 130-132) where he discusses the five major national anthems Singaporeans had to sing before Zubir Said's masterpiece, Majullah Singapura.

According to Chan, senior citizens, who have lived through the days of the British, "the fearful Japanese" and the Malay peninsula, "can modestly claim ... to vocalise five, or maybe six anthems (page 130)." These songs would include, God Save The King, Kimigayo, God Save The Queen, and Negara Ku. During colonial days, Chinese students sang, San Min Zhu Yi, Nationalist China's anthem. The Indians had their own anthem in Hindi spurred on by their "patriotic fervour" of Indian nationalism.

There are about 60 stories in the collection and Chan weaves intricately the hard facts between simple, easy to read phrases, to make them palatable for everyone. Before settling as a writer, he was office assistant, a fitter, a pilot trainee, a business man. He authored Long Life, a fortnightly column for The Straits Times Press Singapore from 1998 to 2002. Chan, who was born in 1930 passed on in 2002.

The Foreward in the book, by his children, Keen Len, Keen Ian and Lai Gwen, had Psalm 102:18 quoted, "Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord."

(My son Daniel received this book from his friend, one of Mr. Chan's children. Thanks to both.)

Image/Cover: One More Story To Tell - Memories of Singapore 1930 - 1980 by Chan Kwee Sung (2005), Landmark Books, Singapore. (Image shows Chan as a trainee pilot at old Kallang Airport, 1950).

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Original article: Andy Lim

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Singapore Street-Hawker Calls And Elvis' 'Crawfish'

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Singapore street hawkers or vendors in the 60s have been highlighted as being unique and special. Many stories have been written about them and one author, Chan Kwee Sung in his book, One More Story To Tell, highlights the street laksa (page: 44) sold in the Katong area in the East Coast and the hot porridge (page: 49) in downtown Chinatown. These memories are etched forever in the minds of those who have lived the period and seen the food-sellers .

I remember my own encounter with these street hawkers along Geylang Road in Singapore where they advertise their food using their own unique/special hawker calls to draw out customers from their homes.

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The meat-bun man will shout his, "Char siew pau..." as he pushes his cart filled with hot, steaming buns in containers balanced over a charcoal fire. Then there's the chicken porridge man selling his, "Kaiiiii choke."

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The won-ton noodle hawker's assistant who strikes a small bamboo piece with a stick, using a rhythmic beat to announce his delicious meal for 30 cents a bowl. "Tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tick, tick, tock..." I even recall the Indian rojak (spicy salad) who shouts his ware along the pavements of Geylang with, "Rojak, rojak..." Street sounds we call them. Or food sounds?

The food hawkers mentioned by our local writers are not uncommon in other parts of the world (images). There are street hawkers everywhere and Singapore is no different. In fact the opening scene of the Elvis Presley movie, King Creole (Paramount: 1958) depicts street hawkers selling their wares in downtown New Orleans in the 50s. (please watch video above). After the film title, Elvis duets with singer Kitty White to sing Crawfish.

Elvis describes the catch:

"I went to the bayou late last night

There wasn't no moon but the stars were bright

Put a big long hook on a big long pole

And I pulled Mr Crawfish outta his hole

The street call:

Crawfish, craw-aw-aw-feeesh!

See I got 'em see the size

Stripped and clean before your eyes

Sweet meat look good

Fresh and ready to cook...

Craaawfeeesh!

The sales pitch:

Now you take Mr Crawfish in your hand

He's gonna look good in your frying pan

If you fry him crisp and you boil him right

He'll be sweeter than sugar with every bite

Crawfish..... crawfish...

(Song credited to: Fred Wise/Ben Wiseman)

Whether it's food culture or otherwise, the world has been connected a long time ago. Like the funeral bands in New Orleans and our own Singapore funeral marching bands - the similarities are astounding.

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Perhaps there is one difference between Singapore's street vendors and those from the West; they are more imaginative and sing their wares.

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Can you remember other popular 60s songs with food as a theme?

Images: 1. Paramount Studios/Elvis Presley Estate. 2. National Heritage Board Singapore.

Original article: Andy Lim.

Book Quote: One More Story To Tell - Memories of Singapore - 1930s to 1980s (Chan Kwee Sung: Landmark Books, 2005).

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(This posting is for Derek Tait who's just joined as a Follower. Thanks Derek. Welcome home!)

SINGAPORE HAWKERS' FOOD

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Joseph Adair's 1992 Book n Photos: Immortalised

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Joseph Adair writes with precision. Brought up in Liverpool two streets away from George Harrison, he gave up the guitar and a recording career when he broke his hand. He took to writing books and has contributed to prestigious rock magazines worldwide.

The Immortal Elvis Presley - 1935-1977 (image) is no exception. It is a 1992 coffee-table book with delicious chunks of Elvis Presley information that will keep fans happy. None of those gossipy tales about the King but true stories about his journey from 'Memphis and Music' to 'Graceland, Graceland', 5 hot chapters that fill 96 pages. And there are photographs on every page.

From the time Presley stood on a little chair in the 40s and sang, Old Shep, his first public performance at a Mississippi-Alabama Fair, up to Jimmy Carter's announcement that: "Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself," Adair tells it all.

Quotes from the book:

1. "His emotionally charged rendition of Cold, Cold Icy Fingers at the school's 1952 Christmas concert stopped the show..."

2. "it wasn't unusual for artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins to get together for an afternoon singalong..." (with a large photograph of the 4).

3. "Jailhouse Rock was rock film's first classic production number."

4. Army life: "The officers expect discipline and respect, and that's what I'll give them."
5. "Francoise Hardy paid fulsome tribute: 'I can't think of anybody but Elvis I'd put myself in trouble for...'"

6. On his death: "even the Soviet Union sent a wreath."

A comprehensive book that tells you much about the King in a few pages and with lots of photographs you might not have seen before.

Image: Cover from Viscount Books (imprint of Reed International Books Limited, Fulham Road, London, England).

Original article: Andy Lim.
Thanks to LL for lending me the book.

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New Orleans Jazz Bands And Chinese Funeral Bands

Sunday, February 6, 2011

As a child I remember street music in Singapore which comes from Chinese funeral processions. These funeral bands play melodies from both Chinese and English pops. One particular pop song that I can still recall, Today, (You're) Not Coming Home (Jin Tian Bu Hui Jia 今天不回家), has been played so many times at Chinese funeral street marches that it's been accepted as the unofficial theme song for the occasion (Image 2: a band at Kim Yam Road taken in 1970 in Singapore).

Books from the US that discuss the history of jazz music claim that jazz bands began from dance bands or social orchestras. These were African American bands that played on the streets in New Orleans, U.S.A. officiating at funeral processions. They play solemn music on the way to the burial yard and hot jazz on the way back (Image 1: a New Orleans jazz funeral).

It is common knowledge in the 60s that some Singapore band boys who play in the night-clubs freelance and work as funeral musicians in the day. Again the parallel; New Orleans dance orchestras do not confine themselves to playing in the ballrooms but played at funerals. Nothing to be ashamed of because it's honest living.

These funeral bands could comprise from eight members onwards and the instruments included trumpets, trombones, snare drums and cymbals. The Chinese funeral bands have the same number of people with similar instruments.

During a bigger and longer procession at a Chinese funeral (indicating the wealth of the deceased), more instruments could be used, like the larger bass drums and a tuba. When questioned why music is played during such a tear-jerking occasion, the band members explain that the noise drives evil spirits away. Comment?

Original article: Andy Lim

Image 2: National Heritage Board, Singapore.
Image 1: allaboutjazz.com

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Looking Back: Country Music With Maxine Brown

THIS POSTING IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT

If you are not familiar with the music of the 50s and 60s Maxine Brown's Looking Back To See - A Country Music Memoir - is the book to grab from the shelves of our National Library. The Three Bells (1959) is one of the biggest hits of all time and gave Maxine Brown, her sister and brother international stardom. And the story begins...

Mini review:

Maxine Brown shared stages with everyone, from unknowns to the knowns like Rick Nelson and Elvis Presley. "She saw Elvis at the beginning of his incredible, tragic ride" when she devoted one full chapter to travels with the King.

Then there were Jim Reeves and Johnny Cash and pieces of advice - "Lousy bands can mess up the greatest singers..." - from the people she met during the times of boogie-woogie, swing music, television, horror movies, The Kennedys, space flight, hula hoops and "nickel Cokes."

Country Music People magazine says it all, "This is the story of The Browns... It is also the story of rip-offs, frustration money woes, and the harsh truths about fame... Told in a spunky, no-holds-barred, immensely readable style with plenty of juicy anecdotes (blurb)."

If you have the time and interested in country music, this is the book to check out. And who are the Browns, in case you are not familiar with them? Her book tells all.

Image: Cover of "Looking Back To See - A Country Music Memoir" by Maxine Brown, The University of Arkansas Press (2005), USA. From: National Library Board, Singapore. NLB: 782.421642

Original article: Andy Lim.

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Bach Creates, Diamond Sings Jonathan L. Seagull

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Album:

SONGS I LOVE:

In 1973 Neil Diamond composed, wrote and recorded on Columbia the soundtrack to the movie, Jonathan Livingston Seagull (image 2). It is from a book by Richard Bach (image 1) and I honestly cannot remember how many times I played the songs from the album. Commercially, the music was more successful than the movie. It was Diamond's first album after an earlier hit, Hot August Night, released in 1972.

Album Review:
I would like to quote a review by Shawn M. Haney that I edited. It sums up the album adequately. He commented that in the recording Neil Diamond put himself into the shoes of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, writing and singing music, compelling and rich in texture and melody to fit the portrait perfectly for the movie.

"Be

As a page that aches for words

Which speaks on a theme that's timeless

While the Sun God will make for your day

Sing

As a song in search of a voice that is silent

And the one God will make for your way..."

Orchestra:

Recorded in 1973 for CBS under the pop/rock style genre, Diamond had much help from those around him to make the album a reality. Tom Catalano must be commended for the production and musical direction, Lee Holdridge for conducting and splendid, string arrangements, Armin Steiner for sound engineering and the hundred-plus musicians who rallied to record the soundtrack for overall performance.

Singer/Songs:

Though Diamond only sings on a few tracks, he does it so with much grace, smooth flair and enchantment. "Romantic, fresh and lively, this album fits the piece of the puzzle the motion picture needed so perfectly." Tracks include: 1. Prologue 2. Be 3. Flight of the Gull 4. Dear Father 5. Sky Bird 6. Lonely Looking Sky 7. Be* 8. Lonely Looking Sky* 9. Dear Father* 10. Anthem 11. Be 12. Skybird 13. Dear Father 14. Be (*These three songs appear as "The Odyssey".)

Movie Comment :
"I saw the movie when it came out, not a human being in it, as I recall. Fascinating, with the wonderful soundtrack composed and largely performed by Diamond with full rich sound, his arrangement is pure pleasure and his voice thundering during the score. This is music to listen to anytime, to sing with, to love. Own it forever." Submitted by a reviewer (Connecticut, U.S.A.)

Book Comment:

Jonathan the seagull learns to fly beyond his highest expectations when he left his friends and becomes an outcast. As a non-conformist he enjoys his freedom with other gulls that believe as he does. The theme, to listen to our hearts even when it goes the unaccepted ways, is clear. The book was a best seller in the 70s and remains popular today. The author, Richard Bach, is a descendent of composer Johan Sebastian Bach.

Quotes/Personal:

1. "Keep working on love."

2. "The gull sees farthest who flies highest."

3. "If our friendship depends on things like space and time, then when we finally overcome space and time, we've destroyed our own brotherhood..."

Best is to read the book. Won't take 20 minutes, unless you're not much into self-improvement books. I am not but I enjoy this one. Book is 40 years old, and last count sold more than 40 million copies. My!

Original article/Image/Album Info from CD: Andy Lim Collection.

Choice of quotations are my own.

Article extracts: http://www.cduniverse.com/

Copyright: Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

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From The Book, By The Byrds, For All Bloggers: A Time For Love... A Time For Peace... And To Heal

Friday, December 17, 2010

It's nearly Christmas and I was looking for a suitable yuletide album to post on this blog. I couldn't find one I like. I asked around and there were suggestions. Then a phone call from a friend who was discussing Ecclesiastes reminded me of a song that has words from this Book. So without further ado dear readers, this song is for all. Thanks for your comments, good wishes and support. A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Words-adapted from:

The Bible, Book of Ecclesiastes
Music-Pete Seeger

TURN, TURN, TURN

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones,

A time to gather stones together

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace,

A time to refrain from embracing

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

(I hardly know the Bible but with Edwin Goh's help I managed to get the source: ECCLESIASTES 3: 1 - 8. Edwin Goh was the former director at the Regional Language Centre (RELC) at Orange Grove Road, Singapore.)

More about Byrds: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Byrds/

Image: Embassy Records/Reissue. wikipedia.org

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/byrds/turn+turn+turn_20026419.html

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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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WatershipDown: Adams, BrightEyes: Garfunkel

Monday, July 19, 2010

Book (right)

Personally, the book exudes a troubling, eerie calm that excites:

"Oh, Hazel! This is where it comes from! I know now - something very bad! Some terrible thing - coming closer and closer." He began to whimper with fear. "What sort of thing - what do you mean? I thought you said there was no danger?"

"I don't know what it is," answered Fiver wretchedly... "Oh, Hazel, look! The field! It's covered with blood!" [Watership Down, Puffin Books (1973), Page 19.]

The animated movie was made as a result of the modern classic, heroic fantasy novel by British writer Richard Adams. It is the odyssey of a group of rabbits escaping the destruction of their warren (home) as they struggle to seek another. Evoking epic themes, Watership Down (1971), takes its name from the rabbit's destination, a hill in the north of Hampshire, England.

Song (image/left):

The lyrics suggest similar feelings of the fear within:

"Is it a kind of dream, Floating out on the tide, Following the river of death downstream... And nobody seems to know where you go. And what does it mean? Bright eyes, Burning like fire.... How can the light that burned so brightly, Suddenly burn so pale?

Bright eyes... Wandering over the hills unseen... There's a high wind in the trees, A cold sound in the air... And where do you start, Oh, into the dark?" [Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel/Mike Batt]

Bright Eyes (image/record cover) was used in the soundtrack of the movie and considered the theme song of the film. The track also appears on Garfunkel's fourth studio album, Fate for Breakfast from 1979. *Although it did poorly in the US, the song sold a million copies in the UK that year, making it the biggest selling single.

One interpretation of the lyrics, when book and song combine, discusses the transition into death highlighted by rabbit Hazel's close shave when he is shot and then years later when he departs and his body enters the spirit world. The journey of life puntuated by trouble and fear?

The book's been read time and again. It's recommended script-fare for all, including the older children. The song? Wonder why it didn't do too well in the US? Definitely not for the kids. I love both the book and the song; haven't seen the movie though.

Comments about Bright Eyes:

1. A beautiful song - it is probably the saddest song of all time - its about death and trying to understand it because none of us know anything about life or death, or why we are here and where we go or if we go anywhere...

2. Bright eyes was not written for 'Watership Down'. Mike Batt composed it about his father dying of cancer. 'Bright Eyes' refers to the strange look in his father's eyes brought on by pain killers. I suppose that the 'suddenly burn so pale' must be when he finally died. The song itself is one of my favorites. Very emotional.

3. Great song. Great movie. Great book. There's really not much you can say about a song like this one. When I was little, I used to cry at the part of the movie when they played it...

Much for discussion here. Anyone?

This posting is for Perry Nodelman.

http://crytc.uwinnipeg.ca/nodelman.php

Image 1: http://rateyourmusic.com/

Image 2: http://wearerabbits.files.wordpress.com/

Comments: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/13131/

*Book/Song Information: Wikipedia.

Original article: Andy Lim.

(For those interested in the book thematically, one aspect is its discussion about individual rights and the corporate state. Familiar huh?)

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Dr. Goh Keng Swee: 1918 - 2010. The Complete Man And His Love For Music - 91 Years Young

Friday, May 14, 2010

Dr. Goh Keng Swee passed away on Friday, 14th May, 2010:

"'With very innovative ideas. I mean, could you imagine a Scottish Bagpipe Band in Singapore - with all Singapore girls?' President SR Nathan (Chapter 9, page: 171)." When so much has been written about him, how does one pay tribute to one of the main pillars of modern Singapore? And how does one pay tribute to a great man on an insignificant Singapore 60s music blog? I shall try.

Dr. Goh Keng Swee has passed on at 91 years young. When I was reading the book about him (image) by daughter-in-law Tan Siok Sun, I found insights on his love for both popular and classical music. Chapters 2 and 9 are entitled: 'Love in a Time of War' (halcyon days) and 'The Complete Man' (let music be the food of love).

"When he was not in school attending lectures and tutorials, or writing essays, he was out attending social functions or visiting the cinema with his male and female friends. He even took an interest in ballroom dancing, spending quite a bit of time patronising the dance halls at the New World and Great World cabarets with his favourite partners. Still GKS (Dr. Goh) was not as light of foot on the dance floor... (page: 35)." I am certain he enjoyed 40, 50s and 60s dance music and the big band sound because that's what they played at these cabarets.

Dr. Goh grew up in a musical environment and as his elder sister Ida Goh (my former school principal) played the piano, he had tried to play the accordion. "Though he enjoyed popular music of his time, his interest in classical music endured throughout his life... (page: 178)." And when he travelled on official business to cities renowned for their great orchestras, Dr. Goh would "invariably ask to attend a concert" as he, "enjoyed these diverting interludes very much. (page: 178)."

In fact, Dr. Goh encouraged the establishment of a small symphony orchestra, "not merely to entertain converted music lovers but to educate Singaporeans in good musical taste..." a special effort to be "directed towards more promising materials such as school children... ( page: 179)." And as Dr. Goh envisaged, The Singapore Symphonia Orchestra Company was formed in 1978 and its first concert was on January 24th, 1979 at the Singapore Conference Hall.

There was also the Music and Drama Company which he initiated at the Singapore Armed Forces and the setting up of a theatre for Cantonese Opera at his Kreta Ayer constituency in 1969 (page: 177). They were blueprints in his mind but he made them a reality. And, as he said himself, he wasn't a dreamer but a visionary.

Well, I stayed on the music theme and had quotes about a fabulous founding father. I try... Comments?

Image: Book cover from amazon.com

Extracts from: "Goh Keng Swee - A Portrait" by Tan Siok Sun. Editions Didier Millet/SNP Security Printing Pte Ltd (2007). This quotations from this posting is only a fraction of the book about the brilliant architect of Singapore's economy. One truly honourable man.

Original article: Andy Lim.

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Songs Inspired By Salinger: Catcher In The Rye

Saturday, February 6, 2010

This posting has no connection with 60s music but one of Blogger's favourite books, Catcher In The Rye, written by J.D. Salinger in 1951, has long been inspirational for songwriters. Salinger, (previous blog posting January, 28th, 2010) who died on January 27th, 2010 aged 91, has his book as reference when these 10 songs were written:

1) Catcher In The Rye - Guns N Roses
2) Six Minutes - Jonas Brothers
3) Get It Right - The Offspring
4) Roller Shake Skinny - Old 97's
5) Shadrach - Beastie Boys
6) Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie - Belle & Sebastian
7) Who Wrote Holden Caulfield -Green Day
8) We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel (image)
9) Warning Shots - Rick Springfield
10) Good Year - The Refreshments

"Holden Caulfield was an antihero who spoke like a real teenager and rebelled against conformity. With his conclusion that successful people were phonies, Caulfield was punk rock long before punk rock existed." (Spinner Staff)**

Blogger is not familiar with most of the songs but some singers are familiar ie: Billy Joey (Piano Man - 1973), Rick Springfield (Beginnings - 1972) and Jessie's Girl - 1981). You can read more from:**
http://www.spinner.com/2010/01/29/j-d-salinger-catcher-in-the-rye-songs/

Many songs and pieces of music are inspired by William Shakespeare's plays. Are you familiar with any song inspired by a book that you have read? It could be in Chinese, Malay or any other language. Possibly a 60s song or novel?

Click: on 'Labels' below:

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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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Dr Goh Poh Seng: (1936 - 2010). Promoted Singapore Musicians At His Clubs

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Dr. Goh Poh Seng (73) who was born in Malaysia but lived in Singapore, has passed away in Vancouver on Sunday, January 10th. He was a medical doctor, novelist, poet, playwright and arts promoter.

More importantly, he helped to promote local musicians like Tokyo Square, etc at his clubs and was the Chairman of the National Theatre Trust. He also initiated an arts group called Center 65 and was the first author to write a Singapore novel in the English language called, If We Dream Too Long.

Information: Life! (13.01.10), The Straits Times Press, Singapore.

Image: National Library Board Website, Singapore.

Anybody knows GPS personally and wish to comment?

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Marianne Faithfull In Singapore? Book Reviews

Thursday, January 7, 2010

There are books about Marianne Faithfull. Check the addresses below.

Memories, Dreams And Reflections with David Dalton published by London, Fourth Estate, October 2007 (image) is available at our library [English 782.42164092 FAI - (ART)] but it's not on loan. Strange isn't it?

Anyway, the book is anecdotal, conversational, intimate and revealing the iconic artists's raw and honest account of her life, her friends, her triumphs, and mistakes. As an example she, "muses nostalgically about afternoons languishing on Moroccan cushions at George (Beatle) and Pattie Harrison's, getting high and listening to new songs."

She is frequently baffled at her image in the press because when she opens the newspaper she reads of her own demise: Sixties Star in Death Plunge and "mortified by her history of reckless behavior; not to mention her near-death experience in Singapore while looking for an opium den (Reviewed at: amazon.com)."

An earlier 1991 book, Mark Hodkinson's, Marianne Faithfull: As Tears Go By, reviewed by Pieter 'Toypom' (Johannesburg) reveals the Swinging Sixties, then moves into her family history, her childhood and school years. She enters the pop scene in 1964 with the single As Tears Go By which is followed by a series of pop-folk hits. The author does a splendid job of describing her early recordings and the impact they made on the UK and USA charts.

Then came Mick Jagger and the scandals that plagued Marianne from that time forward. Her stage and film acting took precedence over the music and "it seems to be professional rivalry that led to her separation and divorce from Jagger". The song Wild Horses on the 1971 Rolling Stones album Sticky Fingers preserves Mick's love for Marianne and feelings of regret in a moving way.

Blogger has not read any of them but some titles could be available in the bookshops. Perhaps some copies could be available for loan? Must be the 'opium den episode'. Not good for youthful minds. Staining our clean image? Comment anyone?

http://www.charliesweb.com/marianne/books.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0711930015/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk

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(1) Book On Sir Cliff Richard Lewry And Goodall

Sunday, November 22, 2009

(1) ABOUT CLIFF & SHADOWS:

If you still don't know about Cliff Richard after all these years then it's time to buy this book. Blogger has a 1996 copy of The Ultimate Cliff. Taken from a bookshop at a university he wonders why it's sold there? It must have been recommended by one of the professors.

Unknown facts about Richard that might interest you, the 400 page book is divided into 6 parts and they include his childhood, the people he works with, his music (very detailed) and his performances. There is also a memorabilia section that includes prices of his singles, EPs and LPs. This book is interspersed with published and unpublished photographs that any fan of Sir Cliff might want to keep. Oh and the Shads too!

According to the short blurb about writers Peter Lewry and Nigel Goodall, they have "probably listened to more of Cliff Richard's recorded music... than any other person." There's also a foreword by Bruch Welch. A good read on a rainy night. Very detailed.

Remark from a friend: "Eh! Why you waste time... reading this book? Better read Bertrand Russell."

Image: The updated edition/ amazon.co.uk

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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James Brown, Bob Dylan, Cher, Peggy Sue, American Pie, Purple Rain, Stand By Me?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

It's interesting to read snippets of "over a century of the greatest artists, albums, songs, performances and events that rocked the music world."

James Brown (image) playing at The Apollo is under 'Key Performance' in the book, "Working up his soulful screams before opting for a velvety growl, he continually took his audience to the edge and back again, women exploding with screams and hollered responses... (Page: 286)"

The Little Black Book Of MUSIC (General Editor: Sean Egan, 2007) is also worthwhile buying as it's a reference guide, so if the reader is that keen on pop music, the book costs about 17 pounds on Amazon ( about S$40.00++?).

The content consists of music from 1890 up to the present day. That's a long history and a detailed and interesting one too. This blogger is learning a lot from this book and as usual, it's available in our libraries.

With nearly 800 pages, the book is small, square and thick. But worth the amount paid for!

Image: amazon.com.uk

Original article: Andy Lim

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Frank McCourt: 'Angelas Ashes' ''Tis' 'Teacher Man' - Irish Teacher/Writer Has Passed Away

Monday, July 20, 2009

He had nothing to do with Singapore 60s music but a dedicated teacher and writer, Frank McCourt died yesterday, Sunday, the 19th of July, 2009 at 78 years young.

His poignant tales of his poverty in Ireland and his hilarious classroom interaction with students in New York brought him fame and fortune, and his three books, Angela's Ashes, 'Tis and Teacher Man became best sellers for many years.

To break down their resistance to poetry, he had his students sing Irish songs. He wrote with a fervour and realism that only a classroom teacher could.

A personal salute to a truly wonderful mentor and author. Please read him. No regrets. Yeah! He was a 60s man alright!

Original article: Andy Lim

Image: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

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Jerry Fernandez Neu Faces Be A Rock Dont Roll

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"Across fourteen countries and two continents... Setting us apart from the rest of the pack..." It's here. After more than four years of hard work, Jerry Fernandez's book, To Be A Rock But Not To Roll, will hit the bookshops after its launch on Sunday 12th July, 2009, at the Quality Hotel Singapore at Balestier Road.

Opening the book to look at the inside front cover, there is this beautiful map of Orchard Road, highlighting the venues or 'hot spots' where Jerry & The Neu Faces performed from 1968 to 1994. Impressive!

Haven't read the book yet but flipping through the pages, it is user friendly, has loads of photographs and information about Jerry's life, from the time he was a teenager, his years as a soccer lover and, more importantly, his established role as a musician both in Singapore and the world. He has also documented friends and colleagues who helped him along the way, on his life journey as a pop DJ, MC, singer, musician and business man. Sounds promising and could be a great read...

(Jerry Fernandez hosts the concert at Orchid Country Club this month.)

Image/original article: Andy Lim collection.

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Broadway Musicals - 60s Music Influence

Sunday, May 17, 2009

For further information on Broadway musicals, the above book (image) is a must-read, as it provides much information on most of the musicals that have appeared on New York's famous stages.

From, "Annie" to "Zorba," they come in large, colourful and bright images with sufficient data for the enthusiast.Written by Ken Bloom and Frank Vlastnik, both well-respected writers on musical productions, this particular 2004 edition is available in our libraries [782.14097471 BLO (ART)].

The book though, is mostly on musical theatre and not on musical films, but there is a complete song-list for each production featured.(Image: Amazon.com)Original article: Andy Lim

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