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'

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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.

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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.)

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Rudyn Impian Bateks Kugiran Garage Pop 60an

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Pop songs with car themes were blazing the Top Hit Charts in the US in the 60s especially with the Beach Boys Fun, Fun, Fun. Similarly our local pop stars did the same. Malay singer Rudyn *al-haj (image 3) is associated with his well-known hit Naik Kreta Ku (Drive With Me) or literally translated, 'Hop Into My Car.' He made this particular recording with Cosdel (CEP 3009 - image 4) and backed by his own group The Bateks (as in kain batek or sarong material).

After some changes within the group and because of unavoidable circumstances they joined forces with another called D'Impians (dreamers) and formed The Impian Bateks (Indonesian spelling: batik - image 2). This group was just as popular outside the Malay community playing western music.

Having an academic degree was rare in the 60s but Rudyn was one of those who had a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University in the U.S. Rudyn whose full name was Khairudin Haji Hashim, besides singing Pop-yeh-yeh music with his group, also served as a Planning Officer for Sabah Film Production. In November, 2007 Rudyn passed away in his hometown at Johore Bahru, Malaysia. He was 61 years young.

Music and lyrics for Naik Kreta Ku was by Rudyn himself while the other three, Selendang Hitam (The Black Veil), Terima-lah Lagu Ku (Please Accept My Song) and Berjumpa (Meeting) were originals by The Impian Bateks. Did Rudyn cut another record with a group called The Falcons singing Naik Kereta Baru (Hope In My New Car) , Bukan Salah Ku (Not My Fault), Pengembara (Wanderer/Vagabond) and Selamat Hari Raya (celebration after fasting month)?

The Impian Bateks were as popular under their own banner with previous recordings (Cosdel CEP 3005) like: Gadis Sekolah (School Girl), Wanita (Woman), Siapa Juwita (Who's That Girl) and Mengapah (Why). Another recording with Panda (YHEP 111) had Dari Ku Untok Mu (From Me To You), Guru Baru (New Teacher), Sekolah Ku (My School) and Oh Posmen (Oh Postman).

Song themes were typical teenage angst and school girl crushes. Pen-pals were also actively pursued by our youngsters and a record cover (image 1) that looks like an addressed envelope with stamps could sell. "Ku rindu pada mu, Ku ingin bertemu selalu... (I am lovesick and wish to meet you often...)"

Both Rudyn and TIB were a force to reckon with in the Pop-yeh-yeh 60s era. They stood among the top Malay artistes then and their wide popularity spread across Singapore, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. If you are familiar with them, please contribute more information.

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK (MALAY):

"Rudyn al-haj ada-lah sa-orang penyanyi berbakat dewasa ini, yang munchul di-tengah kemainan lagu2 pop yang pesat. Dengan kugiran Impian Bateks Rudyn al-haj menyanyi dengan gaya dan suara yang tersendiri. Rudyn berjaya menawan hati peminat pop dengan bentok lagu yang tersendiri.

Rudyn al-haj ada-lah bekas ahli kugiran yang kini sudah tiada lagi, tetapi Rudyn berjaya dalam usaha-nya merakamkan empat buah lagu2 pop pujaan ramai." Sharikat Cosdel Singapura. (Record back sleeve cover). Kalau kenal kugiran ini, harap beri maklumat.

*Term used for a muslim who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Information/Images: radiodiffusion.wordpress.com

Image: FORD 1907 Model R/Universal Cars Ltd, Singapore

Translated information about Rudyn: Malay Wikipedia.

Article: compiled by Andy Lim.

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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.

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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.

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A Note From Leroy Lindsay: October 19, 2009

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

I have just read this note below by Leroy Lindsay today while going through my postings. Apologies to Leroy. I did not have an 'alert mail' notice previously. If you read this posting please leave your email address and I shall provide you with the emails of The Mysterians. Thanks, Andy.

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Note from Leroy:

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"It has been a long time since I have seen something written about my old friends and backing group, The Mysterians. I have returned to Singapore a few times since 2000, but have been unable to meet up with any of the boys.

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The Mysterians was a group ahead of its time, with a group of tremendous musicians. We would have sold more records if we had decided to record the kind of music that was in demand at the time in Singapore, but we decided to record the songs that we liked. Our 'T' dances were always well attended on Sundays though.

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It was a pleasure to work with the Mysterians, and I am happy that their contribution to 60's music in Singapore is being discussed."

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Nice work,
Leroy Lindsay.

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Image: From record cover: Cosdel CSP 1010. Andy Lim Collection.

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Dig That Groovy Chick: 60s Jargon Disappears

Thursday, March 3, 2011

EXPRESSION, JARGON, SLANG: SINGAPORE 60s CULTURAL SCENE

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"Oh man dig that crazy baby!" We don't use an expression like that anymore do we? A person usually speaks and uses vocabulary within a certain context or cultural surrounding. When that cultural environment disappears, the expression, jargon or slang used within that context disappears too. Below is a list of expressions and questions that are hardly used today.
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1 Please switch off the transistor.
2 How many EPs can you stack on the record player?
3 I like your stylish bee-hive.
4 I go ape with the programs on Rediffusion.
5 Larry Lai's a real, cool dude.
6 Can't put anymore records in the radiogram.
7 Dig the crazy crowd at the National Theatre!
8 Little Richard, he sure likes to ball...
9 Here's a request from pen-pal Elvis Renaldo Sim for Lulu Sandra Ho...
10 I'm dialling my chick's number again.
11 Can I borrow your song book to copy, 'Rock Around The Clock?'
12 Can you do the off-beat with me?

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13 Hey, where're my Beatle boots?

14 Hey, play that new 78 we just bought.

15 New typewriting ribbons to copy lines from 'Peyton Place.'

16 Let's go to the Celestial Room this weekend.

17 Wow! I like your latest beatnik look.

18 Lots of cool cats at the Hotel Prince Garni tea-dance.

19 I like your Elvis sideburns.

20 Get me some fags and a bottle of Coke.

21 This singles costs me a dollar eighty.

22 Hey, Edmundo Ros' live on radio now.

23 My black and white's in the dump.

24 Don't have bread to buy a new color one.

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25 So psychedelic! I love it.

26 Teddy boys crowding the phone booth.

27 I am going steady with Jane.

28 You like some sky juice?

29 Your moon-glasses make you hip.

30 We were making out at Mount Faber.

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These expressions are only a fraction of what 60s vocabulary can offer and with a little imagination and memory the list can go on. But how did it all start? The clues are below:

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Lyrics (mid 50s to early 60s):

1 'Put your glad rags on and join me hon' (Rock Around The Clock)

2 'Sure like to ball, when you hear your mama call' (Good Golly Miss Molly)

3 'A movin' and a groovin' gonna satisfy my soul' (Party)

4 'Three to get ready, now go cat go' (Blue Suede Shoes)

5 'You don't like hot-rod racin', you're so square' (Baby I Don't Care)

6 'I'll be flyin' high, rock on out to the open sky' (Rip It Up)

7 'A honky tonky Joe was standin' at the door' (Party)

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So like words, fashion changes too.

Image 1: A beehive hairdo.

Image 2: A hippie.

Image 3: A fashionable 60s evening gown. Not the Merlion but definitely a Merlady. Swan Records SE 4556 "Off Beat Cha Cha." with The Wedding, Dream, We Meet Again and We Need Each Other. Andy Lim Collection.

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Saxy Guitar At Orchard Road Underground

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Saturday today, 26th February at 3.00pm Orchard Road. Take the air-conditioned route to get across from Borders Books to Lido Cinema at Shaw Building and you will meet an incredible duo busking at a comfortable corner just after Marks and Spencer.

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Mr. Mohamed and Mr. Zainal (image) smile at the shoppers who pass them as the sound of their saxaphone and electric guitar fill the cool air at the underground connection. Name a song and they will play it for you. No questions asked. I looked into their brown bag on the floor and saw a few coins and dollar notes - not much of a collection at that time of day, especially after playing a few hours.

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To be fair to them I took a couple of pictures as I didn't want to disturb their performance. I managed to have a short chat to get their names and then left immediately, leaving something in their bag for tea-break. During the short interlude I had with the two gentlemen, they told me they were 60s musicians and remember the good times when they played at some of the clubs in the vicinity.

They are in the same corner most days of the week and if you see them, spare the blue, green or even red notes. You know they will appreciate the gesture. It is a breath of fresh air when saxaphone and guitar blend harmoniously to actualise a professional sound that only Mohamed and Zainal can produce, so different from the common electronic synthesizer that we hear so often in Orchard Road. And they play cool jazz too!

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PLEASE, PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY.

Image/Article: Andy Lim. Photo taken with an iPhone 4 in dim light.

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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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Looking For Mandy: Singapore Girl. Anyone?

Friday, February 18, 2011

Hi Andy,

I received this request from my friend Russ Wickson. See if you are able to help him with his question.

"Hi Chun See.

Thanks for getting back to me. I am wondering if amongst your numerous friends and contacts you know someone that is into old records and may have old catalogues.

I am trying to identify a European called 'Mandy' who made a 45 rpm in the mid 1960's whilst living in Singapore or possibly Johore Bahru. It is quite feasible there were recording studios in Singapore connected with all the major recording companies of that time.

The details of the 45 are in the attachment, but in case it doesn't come out the details are as follows...

Philips 45 rpm mono
ME-0179-MF
Plaiser D'Amour / O'cangaceiro

I have tried contacting Philips in the past but it seems they are not in a position to assist and I have tried searching the internet without any success.

Russ Wickson"

Can any surfer help with this query?

Hi Chun See,

Found the images (above) and recordings from the blog below but am not certain what Wickson needs, the actual record or to find Wendy.

Andy.

Image: http://www.hamsterguppies.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/1022

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Pierre Nora: Emotional Anchor To Relate N Connect

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Remembering Our Singapore Stories

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Gracie Lee

A week ago, The Straits Times carried an article titled In Search of the Other S’pore Story. The piece highlighted the growing number of scholarly works and memoirs published on the leftist movement in Singapore during the 1950s-60s, and the increased interest in alternative history.

The introduction of National Education to schools in 1997 is a milestone in the shaping and telling of the Singapore Story, according to the writer. Targeted at the post-65 generation who showed little awareness on Singapore’s postcolonial history, National Education was developed to nurture national cohesion by fostering a sense of identity, and by equipping the young Singaporeans with the knowledge of Singapore’s history and present challenges.

The launch of the Singapore Story exhibition in 1998, and the publication of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s memoir of the same name in 1999, further established the Singapore Story narrative.

In response to official history, alternative histories burgeoned. The accounts of the movers and shakers of the political struggle in the 1950s-60s, in particular, have attracted considerable attention.

Less discernable and perhaps fortuitous in its timing, is the rise of the personal memory – seen in the proliferation of heritage and nostalgia websites. With the rise of social media, tools such as blogs, enabled quick and easy web publishing. The act of remembering, once the preserve of oral archives and history books, has gone mass. People can now record, share and relive memories of places, people, and events of past, with many at the click of a mouse.

The collective memories of individuals, especially baby boomers who had lived and witnessed these historical events, present a different facet of the Singapore Story. They also take the telling of Singapore’s history beyond the confines of the political to the social and the popular.

Many government, community and individual memory initiatives rely on such citizens’ participation in memory making and collective recalling.

These include the National Heritage Board’s MyStory, the National Library’s iremember.sg, the National Museum’s Families & Friends: A Singapore Album, Eye e City project, Joo Chiat Community website, Singapore 60s Andy’s Pop Music Influence, Second Shot, and Good Morning Yesterday - whose blog entries appear on the National Heritage Board’s Yesterday.sg.

Why this surge of interest in memory? Perhaps to borrow French historian Pierre Nora’s words, the power of the personal memory lies in its ability to present itself as “more “truthful” than history, the truth of personal experience and individual memory.” It provides an emotional anchor for us to relate and connect with history in more compelling and identifiable way.

Article from:

http://whennationsremember.sg/index.php/2010/09/03/remembering-our-singapore-story/

HAPPY VALENTINE TO ALL 60s MUSIC LOVERS! FEBRUARY, ROSES, CHOCOLATES, CANDY, SWEEETHEART, ROMANCE, KISSES, HUGS, CANDLELIGHT DINNER, DATE, CUPID, ARROW, HEARTS, POEMS, PROPOSAL, LOVE LETTERS, LOVE SONGS, ETC, ETC...

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It's The Singer Not The Song: Vernon At Large

Saturday, February 12, 2011

40 years on and the man is still attracting crowds. Whether he's in panic purple glitter, a resplendent white suit or a snake skin jacket (images), Vernon Cornelius still holds court with his singing, jovial banter and stage presence.

Formerly fronting The Quests he's keeping his fans happy today with his rendition of pop 60s songs. I have acquired some photographs of his gigs since 2004 when he performed with the Abadi Sousman Band from Indonesia. In January 2005, he backed Riem de Wolff (Mr. Blue Diamond) at the Assisi Home Charity Concert at Victoria Theatre.

In the same year, he appeared in a concert in aid of the Aceh tsunami victims and at the Orchard Hotel Ballroom. In 2007 Vernon sang at Zouk for the Singapore Heritage Festival Concert. He has also appeared at 'St Mary's Kampong Nite' at the Church of St Mary of the Angels in August 2008 and the 'Eurasiana' Show at the Esplanade Concert Hall in June 2009 with the 50 piece Singapore Pop Orchestra led by Maestro Iskandar Ismail.

Sing on young one.. sing on!

*The Singer Not The Song: Rolling Stones

Everywhere you want I always go /I always give in because babe you know /You just say so cause you give me that /Feeling inside that I know must be right /It's the singer not the song /It's the singer not the song /It's the singer not the song... (M. Jagger/K. Richards: 1965 UK)

Images: from Vernon Cornelius.

Original Article: Andy Lim.

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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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The Trailers: Phoenix Theme: Seeing Double

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Seeing Double: Play the song on the right bar while you read >>>>>>>

For those readers who are familiar with Singapore pop music from the sixties, seeing two different covers of the same vinyl is not surprising. For those who aren't, here are two Chinese New Year red packets. This particular vinyl sold so well that they produced another lot but with a slightly different cover. Not a bootleg copy, definitely.

44 Years Ago:

It was released exactly 44 years ago - in February 1967. The new Trailer for this recording was Jimmy Chan, featured as the man on the keyboard. Chan was with the Flamingos Combo (remember them?) and replaced Michael Teo.

Victor Woo:

That's the story I have at the moment until Victor Woo comes back from his trip to tell me the real story, so for those interested the record from Cosdel contains: Phoenix Theme - Go Go Beat (EMI HongKong), Lara's Theme (Jarre/Albert), Ding Dong Song - Off Beat (Yao Ming n Bart, Peter Maurice) and Ali San - Off Beat (Formosan folk song, unknown).

Line-up:

The back cover includes the Trailers line up for the vinyl: Victor Woo on lead, Edmund on rhythm, Eric Tan on bass, Jimmy Chan on the electric organ and piano, Tony Zee on drums and special guest, Robet Song on percussion instruments. In case you are interested, record number is: CEP 3001. You hear the songs everywhere in Singapore and the rest of South East Asia after this vinyl was released.

Images: Andy Lim Collection.

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The Quests 'Return Of Spring' by MrRainbow64

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Xperiment: 'Living In The Past' - Mr Rainbow64

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

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Shades Of Kung Fu Chinatown Rock: Chinese New Year 1979: The X'periment! Living In The Past?

Monday, January 31, 2011

Ang Pow:

Well, here it is, my own copy of Chinatown Rock (images:3,4) by X'periment. It's my ang-pow (red-packet) or Chinese New Year gift for everyone. I googled for the covers but couldn't find the images. I guess this record is going into extinction, so if you have a copy, keep it. The songs are gem-stones today.

Mervyn Nonis:

It is a Singapore WEA (Warner/Elektra/Atlantic) record pressed in 1979. Eight of the songs are originals by Mervyn Nonis and the Xperiment. It is produced and engineered by Stephen Israel and Lim Gek San.

K.V. John:

Personal Manager is K.V. John, who was a great compere in the 60s and 70s with his Spot Dances and Musical Chairs. John was also a comic on stage with a very pleasant personality. Does anyone know where he is now?

Original Songs:

So for those interested, Side One has: Chinatown Rock, Here Comes That Feeling, Come And Rest On Love, Living In The Past and *Fun, Fun, Fun. Side Two carries: Different Sound, Waiting, *Hedonism Is Fun, Geraldine and Baila. (Except for the two with astericks, the rest are originals.) Some songs are on You Tube provided by MrRainbow64. THANKS VERY MUCH, SIR.

Interviews:

I am waiting to interview Mervyn Nonis. Called him some months ago but couldn't make it to meet him. If you have any idea where the other members of X'periment are please let me know. I'd be glad to make an appointment to chat and write about them. Better still, if you can, do a write-up on the Comment page. Thanks.

Greetings:

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE RABBIT EVERYONE. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT CHINATOWN! IT ROCKS!

Cover Images/Original article: Andy Lim.
B/W Image 1: http://www.chinatownology.com/

Image 2: http://www.blogtoexpress.blogspot.com/

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In Memory Of Robert Song: Vocalist And Percussionist: The Stylers♪ Band: bogetman65

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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The Stylers Celebrate Chinese New Year In Style

Monday, January 24, 2011

There's a truly fabulous website on The Stylers and I am sure my namesake Andy who created it will not mind if I connect this particular posting to the site. It's a Stylers bunny year. Thanks again Andy and Randy. Without these two gentlemen we would have lost a treasure trove of Stylers goodies.

A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TheStylersBand#p/c/3C62E1DD3102ABD5

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