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

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Kamahl: From Bricksfield, Kuala Lumpur To Sydney Opera House, London Palladium And Carnegie Hall

Thursday, December 23, 2010

From Kuala Lumpur:

I thought I had lost the album (image) but after a thorough search last night I found the LP between Bing Crosby and David Seville's Chipmunks. So here he is, the man who was a regular face on Singapore television in the 70s. I remember him well but didn't realise he was a Malaysian from Bricksfield, Kuala Lumpur until I read about him some years ago in the newspapers. Last year, in my usual search for vinyls, I came across his Christmas album at a record dealer. So, for those who's never heard of Kamahl, a posting as a present, the second one this season after Turn, Turn, Turn.

To Sydney:

Kandiah Kamalesvaran of Sri Lankan heritage, was born in Malaysia in 1934 and studied at Victoria School. When Rupert Murdoch heard him sing, the tycoon spurred him to move to Sydney where he became a successful artiste. After his first public coencert in 1958 he was encouraged to sing in pubs and clubs all over Australia.

To Carnegie Hall:

His magic moment came when he became one of the first few artistes to appear at the Sydney Opera House. Since then he had sung at a Royal Command Performance in Brisbane, at Carnegie Hall and at the London Palladium. His singles and albums sold in the US, Commonwealth countries and Europe, having cut records under the Philips, Mercury, EMI and other labels.

To Albums:

Kamahl had his first album in 1967 with A Voice To Remember. The title was prophetic because fans love and remember his deep, operatic voice, booming out pop songs that others could only croon. There was Dreams Of Love (1969), a gold hit and recognizably, End Of A Rainbow (1974). The World Wildlife Fund documentary had a song on its soundtrack by Kamahl which became a hit in 1975. An Australian citizen now, he had pressed more than a dozen albums.

For Peace and Happiness:

He had a message for his listeners on his Christmas album, "The Summer of '75 has been the summer of my life - thanks to the Elephant Song. May I wish you peace and happiness. Kamahl."

Christmas Album:

(Philips 6357 035. Christmas With Kamahl. Side One: Silent Night, Both Sides Now, Mary's Boy Child, Through The Eyes Of A Child, All I Have To Offer You (Is Me), I've Gotta Be Me. Side Two: White Christmas, I Could Try, How Small We Are, How Little We Know, Vincent, Sunrise Sunset, The Holy City.)

Why Are People So Unkind?
During a stage introduction, an Australian MC carelessly called him "camel", so he changed his name from "Kamal" to "Kamahl." He had always been teased about his name and skin colour but he always had the same question for them, "Why are people so unkind?" Yes, why?

Wake Up S. E. Asian Composers:

(It's a great pity that local musicians are not composing new songs so older generation singers like Kamahl and others can record them. No market I suppose? It's so sad since the cultural scene in South East Asia and the region is so varied and colourful. Only the Indian continent and its Bollywood enterprise are able to challenge the Western music scene. Bhangra especially, with its dizzy, upbeat rhythm has been able to attract the youths in Los Angeles and the U.S. Why not Singapore's?)

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim.
Information: Wikipedia and Websites on Kamahl.

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Young Musicians Play Western Oldies At Asian Resorts But They Are Not Playing South East Asian Pop 'Oldies'

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Rest and Recreation:

During trips to Melaka and the Indonesian islands at the beginning of this year (2010), my family and I were entertained by young musicians who were able to sing and play songs from the past. These singers were either Philippinos or Indonesians.

Shadows to Dire Straits:

The top image shows a trio from the Philippines that were playing at a nightspot in a hotel at Mahkota Parade in Malacca. They had a repertoire of guitar instrumentals that ranged from The Shadows to Dire Straits. With fingers flicking on the accompanying synthesizer, one lone guitar plays the tune. Versatility is the name of the game as requests from the crowd came fast and furious.

Seniors and Connie Francis:

Surprisingly the two pretty ladies and young man were able to please the crowd of junior and senior merry-makers with whatever songs they wanted. Favourites for the night included selections from Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Diana Ross and Connie Francis. After a little chat with the young man, he remembered he worked in Singapore in the 90s. He told me his 'boss' was Audie Ng (bass guitarist of the Silver Strings).

Bintan Island:

The second image shows a quartet from a holiday resort at Bintan Island. This group was playing in the large and airy restaurant that had its dinner tables extended to the pool outside. There were no requests as the young musicians, comprising of Indonesians, belted out songs accompanied by the keyboardist during our big 'makan' under the starry skies.

Calypso and Mambos:

Their repertoire was different as they played rhumbas, cha-cha-chas, calypsos, sambas and mambos. To cool the warm, tropical night the singers ended the evening with a selection of soothing songs.

Comment on Pop 60s Music In South East Asia:

1. While the trio in Melaka pranced and danced on the tiny stage provided, the foursome at Bintan were cool and relaxed in their seats. Different styles naturally. But both groups were effectively entertaining.

2. Sixties music lives on, even on the little islands and provinces in South East Asia. It would also be a good idea if some of these local artistes learn 60s music from their own countries, ie: the Malaysians learning 60s Malaysian pop music, the Indonesians playing 60s Indonesian pop music and so on. The Philippines has a wide repertoire of local pop music from the 60s. Why aren't they doing so?

3. Bands in the South East Asian region must play their own pop music 'oldies' from the 50s and 60s otherwise these local classics will just fade away. There are many more songs beyond Bengawan Solo, Rose Rose I Love You and Singapore Cowboy.

But a personal comment here; these highly skilled music people are lowly paid. What a pity because they deserve much more...

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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BRUNEI FM News: Our 60s Music Neighbours

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Brunei:

The popularity of musical group D Idaman reached its peak back in the 1960s. D Idaman comprises lead guitarist Ahmad Laini Abdul Wahab, rhythm guitarist Haji Masli, bass guitarist Haji Mashud, drummer Malik and lead singer Haji Matussin.

This musical band was formed in 1965 and became very popular along the likes of other existing bands such as Saroja, The Hunters, Irama Perindu, Rayuan Irama, Lima Sekawan, Melati Puteh and more.‘

D Idaman was always in the hearts of their fans, especially teenagers. This musical group had won numerous awards through several talent competitions organised by the Malay Broadcasting Section of Radio Brunei.

The group also performed at wedding ceremonies in the Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait Districts. Their music recordings were played on local radio stations as well as in Limbang in 1969. Moreover, their stage performance during the royal birthday celebrations was eagerly anticipated by die-hard fans as seen in huge crowds gathering prior to their show.

Singapore, Malaysia:

Looking back at popular live musical groups in the 60s, the most renowned ones from Malaysia and Singapore included The Siglap Five, Reydham Boys, Sand Blues, Orkes Nirwarna, Seri Wana Combo, The Shawollas, D Faction, Kafillah and Sangam Boys.

Popular male singers from neighbouring countries included Ahmad Jais, Salim I, Jeffry Din, M Osman, A Ramlee, A Romji, A Rahman Onn, Halim Yatim, Husin Marican and A Karim.

As for the female singers, names like Raefah Buang, Hasnah Harun, Rogiah Latif, Azizah Mohamad, S Roha, Senisah Huri, Fatimah M Amin, L Hasnah, Siti Zaiton, Kamariah Ahmad, J Kamisah, Zaleha Hamid, Rahimah Rahim and Orkid Abdullah were on the lips of every musical enthusiasts back in the late 60s.

(Anyone familiar with Brunei Pop 60s bands and singers?)

Images/Article by: HJ MOHD ABDUL RAHMAN Dec 26th, 2009. and extracted from News Brunei fm.

http://news.brunei.fm/2009/12/26/local-live-bands-of-the-swinging-60s/

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Valiants - Melaka, Malaysia, Bristol, England

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

(A) SOME SLEEVES SPEAK (Sleeve liners):

"Most pop fans here have been demanding a new sound in music for ages. Now Philips have found this sound and introduce to you - the Valiants (image). Malacca-based Valiants have been together for three years.

Last year they were joined by John K. Couzens - a modern musician from Bristol, England. With John's guidance they have sprung from being a popular instrumental group to the top close-harmony group in Malaysia.

For the past six months they have become the most popular vocal group in Malacca. Their act on stage has the two main essentials - versatility and variety. Just listen to these four numbers penned by lead singer John and you will agree that this new sound is here to stay."

(B) Andy's Comment:

The above sleeve-liner was written by one M. Hanny and some scribblings on it noted that the vinyl was catalogued by a radio station on 24th January, 1968. Using this date as a guideline, Couzens could have joined them in 1967 and the band could have been together since 1964 or '65.

They must have reached some peak in popularity in Malacca, Malaysia or else Philips would not have invited them to record.

Vinyl info: The songs include: Big Wheel, My Elaine, Running Wild, Daddy's Home. All songs are by Couzens. Vinyl #437833 PE. It is a mono recording.

The group members: John K. Couzens (lead singer), William Rodrigues (rhythm), Roger Foo (bass), Gerald Dionysius (lead), Nik Pinto (drums) and Peter John Cutting (manager).

(C) *Peach Fuzz Forest Blog Posting:

"John was in the army and posted to Asia, where he hooked up with the band. The Valiants were an instrumental band until he arrived and added vocals, morphing them from **Indo-Rock to British beat. He wrote all the materials on this EP, although the band still sneaked in some twangs from their instrumental days.

John's wife was called Elaine (one song title) and came from Australia. He moved to Perth in the late 60s and formed Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Volunteers."

(D) Blog Comments:

1. Absolutely rare indeed, I wonder 'bout the other 2 tracks of the EP...

2. The other two tracks aren't as interesting, unfortunately! Pretty ordinary harmony pop.

3. Rare and great stuff, especially Running Wild; should've been an instant garage comp classic!

4. Very nice tunes!!! Rare and unique!!!

5. John Couzens looks like the singer in our rock band here in Perth around 1968/69. Does anyone know where John is at present?

Anyone know this band? Are they still around?

Edited article/Image: Andy Lim Collection.

*Information (b & c): http://peachfuzzforest.blogspot.com/

**Could be Pop-Yeh-Yeh since they were from Malaysia.

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