From SPH, Middlesex U, A*Star To Film Maker

Sunday, May 29, 2011

(Erwin Maisch, left image, contacted me about a year ago for a video interview on 60s music and its influence in South East Asia).

M. Erwin: Realisateur, HD Videographer. Location: Paris, Île-de-France. Nationality: Singaporean. Languages spoken: English, German, French, Mandarin, Hokkien, Indonesian & Malay. Education: Middlesex University, SAE Institute Munich/Singapore Major: BA Film Making.

Biography:

Erwin was born in Singapore of a Baweanese (Boyanese) father of dutch ancestry from the island of Bawean in the Dutch East Indies and a Bugis/Javanese mother. After 4 years with Singapore Press Holdings, he enrolled at SAE Institute in Munich and completed an honours degree in Film Making, accredited by Middllesex University U.K.

After graduating, Erwin returned to Singapore and worked as an assistant researcher at A*Star's I²R after which he freelanced as a videographer, catering to private functions and concerts. He now works as a despatch videographer for TV broadcasters, covering various news conferences across the EU.

In Paris, he runs an office at the edge of 16e Arrondissement de Paris (District 16) due to its close proximity to all major French TV broadcasters. He has since completed the research phases for 3 indie films and is currently juggling work; to make it realise by 2012.

(Erwin's write-up on The Swallows in the next posting below).

Erwin's Blog: http://www.blogger.com/profile/16386753260803316043

Continue Reading | komentar

Groovematics: Singapore Private Clubs Play 60s

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The natural talent, versatility and repertoire of Philippino musicians are legendary. These melody makers perform in many private clubs and nightspots all over Singapore. Our local islanders who love pops, throng these places to listen to singers like Laila, Vanessa and one man band Ging (lst image) over a glass of beer.

Handsome Ging is so deft on his guit strings that those who are familiar with his playing compare him to Carlos Santana. His rendition of Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va and other Santana hits kept us enraptured the whole evening. The girls sing anything from the 50s and they sound as great as they look! Their version of Freddie Aguilar's Anak will pull the heartstrings.

Requests for particular songs from patrons were swift as drink-hostesses carried slips of paper to the two ladies on stage. The Groovematics kept the young crowd entertained. Image 2 shows promoter and Silver Strings bass guitarist, Audie Ng with his group. And where is this band playing? Cannot tell lah! But definitely not far from the Esplanade.

Images/Article: Andy Lim.

Continue Reading | komentar

Singapore's Latin Duo: Ally And Bobo At The Expo

Friday, May 20, 2011

Well here they are ladies and gentlemen, two of the best Singapore strollers I have seen since my days in Paris, France. Elder brother Ally (right image) and Bobo (who plays lead and rhythm with The Silver Strings) are seen here at the Singapore Exposition hallways performing Latin hits from the 60s with only an acoustic guitar each. They were performing, Fly Me To The Moon and Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.

The amateur recordings on 1st May 2011 were done impromptu and under extraordinary circumstances. But the music and vocals are excellent, definitely professional. Los Bobos, as they are called, played for two hours each day during lunch. Pity you missed them because they are a fantastic duo, playing a great number of current music too. The Los Bobos are not buskers but stroll at nightspots around Singapore entertaining moonlight revellers.

Original article: Andy Lim.
Image: from You Tube by nateynoo.

You can listen to them at the right Side-Bar >>>>>

Continue Reading | komentar

Steven Tyler: Sing With Me, Sing For The Laughter

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

"Every time I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It goes by, like dusk to dawn
Isn't that the way
Everybody's got their dues in life to pay

Yeah, I know nobody knows
where it comes and where it goes
I know it's everybody's sin
You got to lose to know how to win

Half my life
is in books' written pages
Lived and learned from fools and
from sages
You know it's true
All the things come back to you
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears..."
(Dream On by Steven Tyler/Aerosmith)

I grew up listening to Dean Martin, Johnny Ray and Cliff Richard. The King was always standing by. But middle of the road stuff like Beautiful Sunday, Killing Me Softly and Mother And Child Reunion were also my cuppa in the mid 70s (having listened to them on New Zealand radio day and night in 1973).

But I began to appreciate Badfinger's Come And Get It and Steven Tyler's Dream On after having been introduced to them by younger college mates who were around me in the 70s. The grounding of course came much earlier from Deep Purple, with their heavy guitar drawl that was metal.

These songs gave me that extra edge for what I term kick music, songs with that extra under the jaw punch. But Tyler's composition was one that I kept in the back drawers of my mind. I never appreciated the screaming man and his harmonica although I like the song.

Now that I see him week after week on American Idol, I thought I'd open the drawer again and take out the crumpled paper that had part of the lyrics of Dream On. And when I read the words again, they made a lot of sense. "The past is gone, it goes by like dusk to dawn" but "sing with me, sing for the year, Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears." Thank you Steven Tyler and house mates.

Image: Google images.
Original article: Andy Lim.

Continue Reading | komentar

Singapore Band In London Had Three Names?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

ANSWER TO QUIZ TIME:

This group went to England in 1962 and were paid for their services when they played in a West End nightspot in London accompanied by their manager Tom Gan. Leading the group was 19 year old guitarist George Teo, cousin to brothers Andrew (18) and John (19) Gwee. Andrew played bass guitar while John the drums.

The two brothers were from the Singapore Junior Trade School and had gone to London to study music. Known as The Hilltoppers, the four became popular when they were runners-up in The Blue Diamonds Show Case in the 60s. They had played at parties and functions but when they acquired the engagement in the West End, they called themselves Singapore Islanders.

(Hardly anyone attempted the Quiz. Only current DJ Mr William Xavier got the answer correct. Apparently the group was also called The Etceteras. A phone conversation with pop music culturalist, Singapore 60s image collector Dennis Tan, confirmed the information.)

Besides recording the single in 1964 on Oriole (image) with Now I Know and Little Lady, Dennis also revealed that the group recorded another earlier single, Bengawan Solo with an original song on the flip, Where Is My Love. So the quest ends here; it's the same band but with three names: The Hilltoppers when they were in Singapore, as Singapore Islanders when they performed in England and became The Etceteras as recording artistes. If there are corrections to be made regarding information please let us know.

Thanks to LL for the connection, Mr X, Dennis and blog follower 'Jimmy', who recently provided the same answer! Four lunches for all. Anytime.

Images from: You Tube by 'my7inch'

Continue Reading | komentar

Stylers Band 1971 Casino Song In Fujian Dialect

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Two casinos have been built in the southern part of Singapore and they have been in the news these past months. One monolith stands tall bestriding the entrance of Marina Bay and the other is situated at Sentosa Island.

It is appropriate now to revive a rib-tickling, made-in-Singapore song about a gambling man who tries his hands at the gaming table. And the band responsible for this rollicking deal? The Stylers! The versatility of this home grown garage group is legendary. They recorded the humorous piece called, Our Casino Song in 1971. It is sung in Hokkien by Stylers' lead guitarist John Teo (image: centre man).

Hokkien or Fujian is a Chinese dialect which originated in the Fujian Province of China. This dialect is understood by many people living in the South East Asian region. Although it is not as widely spoken as Cantonese, the dialect can also be heard in the West. But whether it's in Hokkien or English, the lyrics run along a similar theme; that if you go to the casino be prepared to lose all your money.

However, if the listener still needs to understand the lyrics, here's the literal translation in English. Meantime, just enjoy the beat and the music. Does the tune sound familiar?

Our Casino Song

(Chorus repeated after each verse) Aiyoh, my money is gone, is gone, aiyoh...

Translation:

I played gin rummy /Loved the indulgence /Never thought that my wallet /Would 'follow them' /I haven't got a cent 'by my side.' /Went to Toa Payoh, Lorong 3 /(A place in Singapore) /Gambled everything away /Including my ring and wages /With nothing left to my name /But it's useless to regret /Gamblers get muddled /And become promiscuous /Abandoning their wives /Advice to others not to/Make the same mistake/Gamblers have no future.

Image 1 from: Antelope Record CTEP 1041 - The Stylers 8 Hits For Your Party Non-Stop Dancing.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim.

Our Casino Song: You Tube Video on Right Bar by MrRainbow64.

Thanks to Randy Lee (image: far right) and Alvin Tan for translation.

Continue Reading | komentar

Marvin Gaye: You Have Issues Compose The Blues

Friday, April 22, 2011

If you love mellow funk this is it. Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler), a 1971 composition, pulls the heartstrings because this song is a poignant plea for attention to the problems faced by America's urban areas, as well as a call for help.

The lyrics vividly depict life in the bleak ghettos of inner-city America and how such an existence makes them question the people who are in charge. Their predicament was real.

I wonder if the complainin' and grievances of Singaporeans can be effectively transcribed into a song. Maybe a local composer from our sunny island can compose a song too, entitled: Many Doin' Nothin' But Just Complainin'.

Meantime an edited version of the Marvin Gaye and James Nyx hit, Inner City Blues:
Rockets, moon shots
Spend it on the have nots
Money, we make it
Fore we see it you take it
Oh, make you wanna holler
The way they do my life
This ain't livin', This ain't livin'
Inflation no chance
To increase finance
Bills pile up sky high
Send that boy off to die
Hang ups, let downs
Bad breaks, set backs
Natural fact is
I can't pay my tax
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Who are they to judge us
Simply cause we wear our hair long
(This song is the 3rd and final single from Gaye's album, What's Goin On)

Continue Reading | komentar

Don't Criticise What You Can't Understand: Dylan

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Bob Dylan was in Singapore recently. A truly great 60s artiste with an independent mind, some of his songs are interesting reads. So looking from a different perspective and unless you are familiar with this particular song, please READ the extract of, The Times They Are A Changin' (January, 1964, Columbia Records) below. Apologies to Bob Dylan. Bracketed remarks are mine:

Bob Dylan:
"Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'
(Orchard Road floods?)

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'
(New roulette wheel at Casino?)

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
There's a (contest) outside ragin'
It'll soon (clear) your windows
And (strengthen) your walls
For the times they are a-changin'
(Perhaps a tsunami?)

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agein'
For the times they are a-changin'
(Seniors Realisation Week?)

The line it is drawn
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
For the times they are a-changin'..."
(Formula One Night Race?)
Just wondering. If there's a need for change, is it for the better? That's important.
Image: From 'Google Images'

SINGAPORE GENERAL ELECTIONS 2011

Continue Reading | komentar

Lyrics For Thought Before Singapore Polling Day

ANY POLITICAL MEANING TO PAUL SIMON'S SONG?

An extract and interpretation:

Paul Simon seeks to convey a message of how ignorance taints the minds of so many people. "Silence" refers to submission. He reveals how people so foolishly follow rulers without actually knowing a ruler's true intentions and background. "People hearing without listening" reveals a people's willingness to take heed to the commands spoken by a leader without fully realizing the consequences of this obedience.

Simon, or whomever is having this dream, tries to warn these conformists in the lines that read "'Fools' said I, "You do not know/ Silence like a cancer grows/ Hear my words that I might teach you,/ Take my arms that I might reach you."" But his warning is swallowed in the abyss of submission: "But my words like silent raindrops fell,/And echoed/In the wells of silence."

This song may refer to a particular nation or people, but most likely it refers to people in general who submit themselves too freely. The song continues to describe the people's capitulation in several lines, most notably in the words, "And the people bowed and prayed/To the neon god they made."

The song's meaning is for the listener to decide and there are many different ideas; however, I personally have always believed that it pertains to a people's readiness to support a leader without fully realizing the possible outcomes.

I am aware Paul Simon in an NPR interview, has admitted there was no profoundly deep meaning to the lyrics when he wrote them. He said he was possibly expressing teenage angst and frustration as to how they are largely ignored by society.

Click below to read the whole article:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_the_lyrics_Sound_of_Silence

Continue Reading | komentar

'Play It Cool' Movie (1962) Banned In Our Cinemas

Friday, April 15, 2011

According to a 1962 Singapore newspaper that covered local and overseas entertainment the rock n roll movie, Play It Cool (image) was banned because of its "undesirable song and dance sequence."

Such movies drew crowds because fans were able to watch their pop stars on the 'silver screen'. Computers and You Tube were not available then and movies like, Sing Boy Sing, Rock Around The Clock, Jamboree, Calypso Heat Wave and a host of others kept the cinemas flooded with the best Western pop artistes singing their latest.

Play It Cool had Billy Fury as the main attraction, so could he be the reason why the movie was banned in Singapore? Billy Fury, like many pop singers in the 60s, had a starring role and was known for his sensuality when performing.

Here's a bit of history from a website. His biography discussed his first self-penned 1959 hit, Maybe Tomorrow, which made him an overnight sensation both as a singer and an actor on radio and TV.

His second song, Margo just managed the pop chart while two other singles failed. It was due to "bad press which he was receiving," because of "his wild and overtly sexual stage acts." Elvis Presley experienced similar circumstances didn't he?

According to Fury, "All I did was to squirm about a bit and they banned me for that." But Play It Cool, a box office hit, was made in 1962 and the EP soundtrack were 45 weeks on the Charts. He had also toned down his act since 1959. Were there other reasons for the ban? Could it be the lyrics in the songs the artistes performed? What was the "undesirable song" and "dance sequence"? We will never know.

Anyone seen this movie? Perhaps someone can shed some light as to why it was banned? But then it was a long time ago. And censorship was strict.

Billy Fury Website: http://www.nic.fi/~nallew/pages/bio.html Original article: Andy Lim

Continue Reading | komentar

The Singapore General Election 2011: Vote Wisely, Vote With Care On Election Day: 1955 Advice

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

SONGS I LOVE:

(This posting is not a propaganda to vote for any party.)

Radio broadcast coming from Malaya was nothing special and many Singaporeans listen to the news and entertainment provided. So when the Malayan elections were about to be held on July 27th in 1955, announcements were common. It wasn't the election that attracted me but the song, composed by a humorous, radio personality called Zainal Alam.

He had a successful career in broadcasting in Malaya and to improve himself took up a Government Management Program in the USA. According to a website, "his course-mate friend was John F. Kennedy" who later became the President.

Besides Malay, Zainal speaks the local languages and dialects. He peppers his songs using colloquial catch phrases that everybody understands. One of these songs I love was Vote, Vote, Vote. I searched in vain but could not find the English version of this very popular song. It was an attractive jingle and played like a commercial day and night before election time, encouraging the populace to vote wisely. Perhaps someone in Singapore could compose an election song with just as serious a message but palatable for local consumption?

Below is part of the English version which I could remember. The Malay version is on the right side-bar. And the message is clear. Whether it's the American citizen choosing Barack Obama for his second presidential term or our Singaporean selecting a candidate for Parliament, remember to: "Vote wisely, vote with care because once you vote there is no 'lagi sa-kali' (one more time)." Anyone has the full English version?

The Voting Song (English version: Zainal Alam)

Vote vote vote

Everybody vote

Remember 27th is the day (change to: the 7th of May)

Don't forget

That you must not delay

Vote wisely vote with care

Everybody vote

When you vote You must vote wisely

What people say

You 'jangan peduli' (don't bother)

Use your head

Think very carefully

Because once you vote

There is no 'lagi sa-kali' (one more time)

Image: http://shawbrother.multiply.com/journal/item/1

SINGAPORE GENERAL ELECTIONS: 2011

Continue Reading | komentar

What Singapore Band Played In London In 1962 ?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

QUIZ TIME:

What was the name of the first 60s group that left Singapore to play in the West? Was it the October Cherries? Could it be The Neu Faces? Some of our local bands went as far as Hong Kong, Sabah, Sarawak and Malaysia but these chaps went to England, U.K.

This group went in 1962 and played professionally in a West End nighspot in London (image) accompanied by their manager Tom Gan. Leading the group was 19 year old guitarist George Teo, cousin to brothers Andrew (18) and John (19) Gwee. Andrew played bass guitar while John the drums.

Questions:

1. What did they call themselves in London?

2. What was the original name of this group?

3. Name the Singapore singing competition they participated in.

(A lunch for the first person who gives the correct answer. Better still, $50.00 to Tsunami Relief Fund as suggested by Mr William X.)

Continue Reading | komentar

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.)

Continue Reading | komentar

Singapore 60 Men Fashion On Vinyl Covers (Part II)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Now the boys. Just as fashionable as the ladies, they dress as well for that stage performance and look set with their tops, bell-bottoms or drain-pipes. Each gentleman cuts a dashing figure with his outfit.

Handsome and clean cut Randy Lee (left image), rhythm guitarist with The Stylers, is preparing for an evening bash with his boys in a dark grey 70s cut suit. He looks exceptionally confident in the simple yet stylish outfit. Tie and shoes to match. She's A Yum Yum, I Get So Excited, Mississippi Line and Love Grows (Where Rosemary Goes) are the four songs featured on this particular EP (Panda Brand: HREP 7003).

Chinese singer Chai Chen hangs his white jacket and flirts by the beach in white long sleeves and a maroon four-button vest and dark pants. Brown suedes complete the look. All he needs is to don the jacket and he'll be ready to croon Sayonara with his accompanying band The Travellers. Together with three Chinese songs, his recording under Jubilee (JE 5044) sold many copies.

With a short crop, Chinese singer and go-getter Peter Shu beats the lot in his eye-catching, always attractive red, black and white combination. The informal black vest with white trims and double whammy belts around his waist complete the picture. The stream-line white boots, accentuate his bell-bots. There's A Kind Of Hush, Love You Love You, Black Is Black and Proud Mary (InterWorld Record: WAA 1504) are the songs available.

Images: From record covers already acknowledged. Article: Andy Lim.

Continue Reading | komentar

Local Pop 60s, 70s Songs: Personal Choice (Part I)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I am trying to ease the trauma and tragedy of these past weeks and the postings I had of the Japanese tsunami, the radioactive leak and the passing away of a great, pop 60s keyboardist friend... So, change of subject.

LOCAL SONGS I LOVE:

Friends have asked me my list of favourite songs by Singapore 60s artistes. They noticed that all the songs I love are not Singapore ones. It is a long list but I thought about it and decided that the eleven songs below could be my choice. Some of the hits are covers of US and British ones sung by our artistes while others are originals by Singaporeans Robert Suriya, Henry Chua, Matthew Tan, Shirley Nair, Harvey Fitzgerald and others.

I have included The Blue Diamonds' Ramona under local as Ruud and Riem de Wolffe are so familiar in our music scene. In fact I like them better than The Everlys. Rudy has passed on but Riem is somewhat Singaporean. The songs are not in any particular order. And remember, we were young then, in our 20s?

1. Shanty - The Quests

2. Ramona - The Blue Diamonds

3. Singapore Cowboy - Matthew & The Mandarins

4. It's All Over - Naomi & The Boys

5. My Lonely Heart - The Thunderbirds

6. Happy, Happy, Birthday Baby (Chinese) - Rita Chao

7. Mr. Twister - The Crescendos

8. I Believe - The Tidbits

9. Do It Right - Benny & The Trailer

10. You're The Boy - Shirley Nair & Silver Strings

11. Sausalito - Western Union Band

And the song that transports me back to the 60s? Most of them. Do you have a local 60s or 70s favourite?

Image: The LIFE Records Ltd, Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Andy Lim Collection.

Continue Reading | komentar

Goodbye James, You Tried Your Best. We Love You.

Monday, March 28, 2011

JAMES CHOA: KEYBOARDIST WITH 'THE FLAMINGOS' AND SINGER WITH 'THE GAY LADS', HAS PASSED AWAY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Continue Reading | komentar

Singapore Pop 60s Fashion On Vinyl Covers (Part I)

Friday, March 25, 2011

SINGAPORE FASHION AMONG CHINESE POP 60s ARTISTES:

Ladies fashion in the 60s seems to focus on colours and tones but less on accessories. Dresses are elegant and evening gowns are usually full-skirted. For casual wear, the ladies have British fashion guru Mary Quant's mini-skirt for leggy jaunts. And the word 'mini' comes from the iconic 60s Cooper mini-car.

Compared with their sisters in the West, our local Chinese pop singers dress conservatively when appearing on the covers of the vinyls they publicise. Sakura, Frances Yip, Mona Fong and Carrie Ku Mei (images) look resplendent with their pleasing, eye-catching and fashionable dress sense.

The light purplish dress with fluffy puffed sleeves that Sakura wears, is either for a concert or nightclub act. Note her bee-hive hairdo. Is she over-dressed? Not really. Carrie Koo Mei and Mona Fong are also ready for a formal evening concert in a darker purple cheongsam with psychedelic prints (?) to woo audiences with their stage presence and songs. I love their simple but charmingly styled hair and stilettos.

A very young Frances Yip appears set for a stroll in the park with her short, captivating sun-hewed print mini. Perhaps she's ready to sing a twist or shake 60s hit during a tea-dance. Or is she?

I am no expert, so do write in if you are familiar with Singapore 60s dress code and comment on the fashion sense then.

For those interested in the Chinese record covers above: Image 1: Sakura COLUMBIA/EMI ECHK. 614. Image 2: Frances Yip LIFE RECORDS/EP 2092. Image 3: Carrie Koo Mei and Mona Fong PATHE/EMI: 7EPA-206.

Images/original article: Andy Lim.

Continue Reading | komentar

Elizabeth Taylor: Sixties Silver Screen Siren

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Remembering LIZ TAYLOR with a song. She had passed on at 79 years young. I was thinking of the movie Giant (1956) and the theme song by Dimitri Tiomkin that I remember so well and could sing as a youth. Fans gathered like bees at the Capitol Cinema when this honey of a film came. Tickets were sold out days ahead.
Nearly everyone who saw the blockbuster loved and learnt the Tiomkin hit which boomed out on the giant speakers at the theatre. It was also popular with Radio Singapore requesters and caused a stir. But this was the 50s lah, not 60s.

By chance, while watching television this evening, Elton John appeared on the little screen and dedicated, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me to the beautiful and sensual star of the silver screen. But my choice remains. So Liz Taylor, one of the giants of the 60s screen, this song's for you:

Just like a sleeping giant/Sprawling in the sun /In one great hand the Rio Grande/In the other Galveston/Where oil wells laugh at angels/Buzzards wheel above/This then is Texas/Lone Star State of Texas/This is the giant/Land I love..."/Just like the silver dollar/Falling from above/This then is Texas/Lone Star of Texas /This is the giant/Land I love.../Austin to Houston/The Alamo, El Paso/Crystal City, Waco/Giant, giant, giant...

(Music/Lyrics: Dimitri Tiomkin/Paul Francis Webster/1956)

Images: By courtesy of (1) Flickr and Raffles Hotel, Singapore. (2) Google/'Giant' with James Dean.

Elizabeth Taylor was in Singapore in 1957 with husband, then Mike Todd (of Todd AO lenses fame), and had a gown designed for her by Doris Geddes. She was here again in the 90s when Michael Jackson had a concert at the National Stadium. There are many websites about Liz Taylor.

Continue Reading | komentar

Thursday, March 17, 2011

(PART IV OF IV) "WHERE THE BEACH USED TO BE, WON'T BE NOTHING AT ALL..." >>>>>>

Way back in 1968, John Hartford, who wrote Glen Campbell's famous, Gentle On My Mind, composed and sang California Earthtquake way before Lady Gaga wrote her Earthquake Song. It was picked up Mama Cass Elliot (The Mamas n The Papas).

CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE
(John Hartford)

Recorded by : John Hartford; Mama Cass.

I heard they exploded,
The underground blast,
What they say's gonna happen,
Gonna happen at last,
That's the way it appears.

They tell me the fault line runs right through here,
So that may be,
That may be,
What's gonna happen gonna happen to me,
That's the way it appears.

They tell me the fault line runs right through here.
Atlantis will rise,
Sunset Boulevard will fall,
Where the beach used to be,
Won't be nothing at all,
That's the way it appears.

They tell me the fault line runs right through here
So that may be,
That may be,
What's gonna happen gonna happen to me,
That's the way it appears.

Continue Reading | komentar

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

TSUNAMI (PART III of IV) WILL SINGAPORE EVER BE AFFECTED BY RADIOACTIVE FALL-OUT?

.

There are songs about nearly everything. According to Wikipedia, a 1969 song about radioactive fallout by *David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Paul Kantner (Jefferson Airplane) "seems to deal with the ever-present fears of an apocalyptic nuclear war." The words of the song depict the horrors confronting the survivors of a nuclear holocaust. It's called, Wooden Ships:
.
"Wooden ships on the water, very free and easy,
Easy, you know the way it's supposed to be,
Silver people on the shoreline, let us be,
Talkin' 'bout very free and easy...
.

Horror grips us as we watch you die,
All we can do is echo your anguished cries,
Stare as all human feelings die,
We are leaving - you don't need us.

.
And it's a fair wind, blowin' warm,
Out of the south over my shoulder,
Guess I'll set a course and go... "

.

*Crosby, Stills, Nash, (Young: 'Heart Of Gold') group: active from 1968.

.

Information: Wikipedia.

Video: You Tube skoebiedoe

For a full explanation regarding the composers please go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden_Ships

.

There are many songs about the fears and consequences of radioactivity and nuclear fallout.

Continue Reading | komentar