Unchanged Melodies

Simply Beautiful

2012-01-30T17:48:00.000-08:00

The song 'Simply' by Sara Hickman holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I hear this song, I cannot help but stop whatever I am doing and just let myself be carried away by its haunting melody.

It reminds me of Beth, my best friend in college who passed away a month and a half after our graduation in 1991, an event that I had to skip due to some important matters that I had to attend in Manila.

This was not the first time I've shared and written about this song and its significance in my life. I wrote 'Simply Beth-iful' in 2009 when I first came across a video of Sara Hickman playing the song for some close friends in YouTube. Just like before as it is now, the power of the song, the lyrics' message, and the effect of its melody remain the same to me.

Anyway, I found this video on YouTube today and I suddenly remembered that Beth's birthday was five days ago. Also, this time around Ms. Hickman performs 'Simply' in a duet with her teenage daughter, giving it a different take but still retaining the beauty of the song.

And we all shine on...

2011-12-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

"I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"

- John Lennon

There's something about Mary

2011-11-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

"All my lovers asked me why they couldn't replace Mary, but it's simply impossible. The only friend I've got is Mary and I don't want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that's enough for me."

-Freddie Mercury on the love of his life, Mary Austin.

Foo Fighters: Tickets for the documentary film premiere now on sale

2011-03-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

For Michiganders, tickets can be purchased at the MJR Theaters in Southgate, Brighton and Marketplace.

Dear John...

2010-10-09T02:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the 70th birthday of John Lennon, my favorite Beatle.

John Lennon: poet, singer, songwriter and rebel.

So, how does he celebrate his big day on the other side?

By rockin' and rollin' of course.

Mark David Chapman's denied parole again

2010-09-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

This month, nearly 30 years after killing John Lennon, Mark David Chapman's sixth parole application was denied by a three- member Parole Board and thus will remain at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York. He is eligible again for parole in 2012.

The saga of the Walrus and the Chapman continues...

Meanwhile here's a clip of John Lennon, George Harrison, Yoko Ono et al while having a creative session on the song, Oh My Love; a painting of how these geniuses were at work and how their creativity was able to churn out those beautiful lyrics and melodies that we became so familiar with.

Sonisphere Festival: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer & Anthrax 'live' in Bulgaria

2010-06-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, June 22nd, if ever there is heaven on earth for metalheads, it would be Sofia in Bulgaria, the home of the Sonisphere Festival wherein an estimated 40,000+ fans are expected to bang their heads in ecstasy when the Big Four of trash/ heavy metal music will perform in a historic concert that will be beamed live via satellite to over 600 theaters worldwide.

Yes, the Big Four, which is composed of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax, for the first time in history shared and will share the same stage this year in various Sonisphere Festivals all over Europe. The concert in Bulgaria is expected to be a concert for the ages as these four legendary American metal bands will treat their fans to almost 4 hours of non- stop metal hits plus behind the scenes footages.

And for just $18 many American metalheads can watch the concert live in High Definition in their favorite theaters without having to travel to Europe and spend thousands of money to see and listen to their gods strut their thing and play their brand of music on stage.

The heavy/ trash metal fans in the Motor City will surely not be left behind as this writer has talked to some of them as they are gearing up for the unique concert experience in the movie house complete with the trademark black metal shirts of the bands. Some were even practicing the ‘two big horns up’ routine in anticipation of the giant event that will take place at the Sonisphere Festival .

So, let’s say, up the irons!

The live feed will start at 7:30 p.m. and the following theaters will be showing the Big Four concert in Michigan- AMC Livonia 20 (Livonia), Ann Arbor Showcase Cinemas (Ypsilanti), Commerce Township 12 (Walled Lake), Quality 16 (Ann Arbor), Showcase West 12 (Flint), and Celebrations Cinema Lansing (Lansing).

Here are the expected Set Lists of the Big Four:

ANTHRAX

Caught in a Mosh; Got the Time; Indians; Antisocial; Madhouse; Only; Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.); I Am The Law.

SLAYER

World Painted Blood; Jihad; War Ensemble; Hate Worldwide; Angel of Death; Dead Skin Mask; Disciple; South of Heaven; Raining Blood.

MEGADETH

Holy Wars… The Punishment Due; Hangar 18; Take No Prisoners; Five Magics; Poison Was the Cure; Lucretia; Tornado of Souls; Rust in Peace… Polaris; Headcrusher; Sweating Bullets; Symphony Of Destruction; Peace Sells.

METALLICA

Creeping Death; For Whom The Bell Tolls; Fuel; The Four Horsemen; Fade To Black; That Was Just Your Life; Cyanide; Sad But True; Welcome Home (Sanitarium); All Nightmare Long; One; Master Of Puppets; Blackened; Nothing Else Matters; Enter Sandman; Stone Cold Crazy; Hit The Lights; Seek & Destroy.

Visit Films Premieres Footage of New 'Journey' Documentary at EFM

2010-02-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

by Nigel M Smith

Footage from the rock documentary “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey” will screen this week at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin. A Visit Films production directed by Ramona S. Diaz, the film chronicles Filipino musician Arnel Pineda’s rise to fame, from battling drug addiction to becoming iconic band Journey’s new lead singer.

The band (best known for their anthem “Don’t Stop Believing”) discovered Pineda through a YouTube clip of him singing for a cover band. “What could easily have been a five-minute film - rock band finds lead singer through You Tube - is a much bigger story because of the camera’s unfettered love for Arnel Pineda,” Diaz said in an official statement. “Arnel returns the affection by being the most candid and captivating character I’ve ever had the privilege to film.”

Journey’s manager John Baruck feels the film will have cross-over appeal with fans and film lovers alike.

Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey Trailer from john on Vimeo.

This Is It: Dancing Inmates

2010-01-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

Note: The Philippines' "Dancing Inmates" from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security prison, were treated to a visit by Michael Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from THIS IS IT.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

2010-01-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

Among the names enshrined in the pantheon of music, there is only one name that stands out among the legends. Among the names etched in our memory, there is only one name that is never forgotten. And in the history of Rock and Roll, there is only one true King-

ELVIS

John Lennon summed it all up best, “Before Elvis, there was nothing.”

U2 Live at the Rose Bowl Global Live Webcast

2009-10-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Watch the October 25th concert in Pasadena- HERE

Journey in Manila DVD

2009-10-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Journey's Live In Manila two-DVD is now available. Filmed with RED technology, which utilizes special 4K high-definition cameras with a resolution exceeding 35mm film that gives the footage an extra dynamic quality, the DVD captures Journey's historic concert in Manila, Philippines. Performing more than two hours' worth of classic favorites, as well as new hits from the band's latest album, Revelation, Live In Manila documents the triumphant homecoming of the bandâ€™s singer Arnel Pineda.

The Live In Manila DVD, like Revelation, is being sold exclusively at Walmart in North America.

This is it!

2009-09-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

'got myself a ticket to moonwalk the other day...

Detroit Rock City

2009-09-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Legendary rock group KISS is coming back to Detroit tomorrow and Saturday for a homecoming to the city that made them famous to open their current tour dubbed “KISS Alive 35” to show their appreciation to the city as well as to pay homage to their playground, the Cobo Arena which is now bound for demolition.

Gene Simmons in an interview with the press was quoted to have said when asked about their return to city, “We’re saluting the place that gave us a shot. Yes, it’s a concert but for us it means something more.”

You see, before they hit the big time they were just a struggling band from the Big Apple playing in every place and corner without some sort of direction and following until they found their way to Detroit’s Cobo Arena where they recorded majority of the songs in their landmark LP “Alive” in 1975 which went on to become their first ever certified gold- selling album. And to repeat the time-worn cliché, after Detroit, “the rest was history.”

Their love affair with the Motor City continued through the years after that as they kept on coming back every now and then wherein some highlights where when they jumpstarted their reunion tour at the now demolished Tiger Stadium in 1996. The love affair with the city also produced one of the best known rock anthems in “Detroit Rock City.”

It will be great to see them live because throughout its history KISS is famous err notorious for its live performances. I wouldn’t mind seeing this old hags of rock and roll doing their thing onstage complete with their outrageous costumes and make- ups and trying to relive their golden days. They earned their keep, they deserved it and they are legends.

The Man in the Mirror

2009-09-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

This Is It...

Let's moonwalk once again with the King of Pop on October 28.

Apple Bite: The Beatles Remasters

2009-09-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

Apple Records finally succumbed to the temptation as they agreed to release a huge catalogue of the Beatles music in digital format this year in an attempt to have a bite of the lucrative market.

Although the Beatles had made it clear in one of their songs that money can’t really buy them love, surely Apple and Sir Paul and Ringo and the surviving widows of John and George will have a lot of love and moolah as they once again reap the fruits of the Fab Four’s labor.

But this Beatlemaniac really ‘don’t care much for money’ that he may have to shell out, if mediocre bands and singers can get away with it, why not the Beatles?

Review: 'Beatles: Rock Band' fun for jamming in groups

Revolution: Beatles leap into digital age

'The Beatles: Rock Band' -- Revolution 09/09/09

The Beatles remasters: The long and winding road

Eternal Flame: Oh! Susanna

2009-09-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was surfing YouTube when I stumbled upon a video of Susanna Hoffs singing Eternal Flame which was taken in Yokohama, Japan in ‘96. I played the video and some wonderful memories came back of the good ol’ days. In spite of her somewhat odd fashion sense in the video which was obviously dated; the clothes, bad hair day and all, still I came out enamored with her.

The first time I saw her was on MTV singing Eternal Flame in the early 90s. Of course, to people growing up in the 80s Susanna Hoffs is widely known as one of the vocalists of the all- female band The Bangles who first broke out into the music scene with their version of Simon & Garfunkel’s A Hazy Shade of Winter as part of the soundtrack of the movie Less Than Zero which featured a young Robert Downey, Jr among others.

Also, a very good friend of mine loved them to death and was part of the Bangle-mania that swept the teenage girls population in the Philippines in the 80s to the early 90s. In fact, she used to cajole me to play my acoustic guitar for her while she sings Eternal Flame ala Susanna while we pass the time on the banks of the lazy Yawa River in Legaspi during our college days.

It has been 20 years since to the day that I have seen her sing on MTV and yet I can honestly I say that-

I am still a fan of the song, I still like her voice and I still love those beautiful bedroom eyes.

Oh! Susanna.

Come see Journey for FREE in NYC!

2009-08-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Exclusive performance in the heart of NYC!

Come see Journey for FREE when they perform at the CBS Early Show. Information about this event can be found below:

Where - CBS The Early Show Plaza 767 Fifth Avenue (corner of 59th and 5th next to the Apple Store)

When - Friday August 28th

Arrival time - no later than 11AM, performance begins at noon

So if you are in New York on the 28th come on down. Hope to see you there!!!!!

The Wizard of Mahwah is Dead

2009-08-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Les Paul (1915-2009)

Come Together

2009-08-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Abbey,

“You say it’s your birthday. Well, Happy Birthday to You!”

Yes, the iconic cover of The Beatles’ "final" album Abbey Road wherein the Fab Four were seen crossing the zebra-striped asphalt on Abbey Road turns 40 today.

No album cover in the history of music has been scrutinized like the Abbey Road photo. What with rumors then that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident earlier and that the plate number of the VW Beetle parked on the left side of the road was actually a code that confirms his death.

Abbey Road went on to become one of the most successful albums in the Fab Four’s short but great career as a group. It was not only laden with beautiful songs written by the most prolific songwriters of all time but also a revolutionary one not only in their approach and arrangement but the use of technology that was available at that time that set the bar high for other bands to imitate or follow.

Hundreds of Beatlemaniacs trooped to Abbey Road today to celebrate the iconic photo’s 40th anniversary and if we are to believe the saying that life really begins at 40, we can be sure then that the legendary status of the Beatles as a pop culture icon will continue to grow in years to come…

If you want to see a live video of the famous Abbey Road Crossing in real time, click
HERE

Here's a rockin' treat from my fave Beatle, John-

Beautiful Detroit!?

2009-07-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

"In 1950, Michigan was 1 of 8 states in America that collectively produced 36% of the world's GNP."

"Detroit was the greatest manufacturing city in the world."

Detroit native and controversial superstar - rapper Eminem paid homage to his hometown in this video of Beautiful, the fourth single from his latest chart-topping and million-selling album “Relapse.”

The said video was shot at Detroit’s famous and historic landmarks from its golden years. Now these historic buildings like the Packard Motor Car Company Plant, the Beaux- Arts train station and the original Tigers Stadium that were built prior to 1914 are nothing but shadows of their former selves.

By watching the video, one can see the sad state of the City of Detroit nowadays; down on her knees and out of luck. Detroit may recover some of her pride someday but probably will never be able to equal much less, regain her glory days. It’s sad when a once beautiful city succumbs to urban decay.

Goodnight Girl

2009-07-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

"soft music, slow dancing,
sweet wine, mind games
brown eyes, blue eyes
masked emotions, repressed passion."

* Wet Wet Wet

Michael Jackson: In Memoriam

2009-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

+

I liked Michael Jackson.

I followed his meteoric rise to the top of the world and his free fall thereafter.

I did not buy the sexual molestation allegationss that were hurled against him by people with hidden agenda that was further fueled by the media into a conflagration that consumed his fragile soul.

He was part of my growing up years; I’ve danced to his music, listened to his songs and bought his records.

I understood his eccentricities and frailties as a person.

I was able to separate the genius from the man.

Bad Company

2009-06-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

After almost a decade of being free from the “bad” influence of his band and despite his brief flirting with Queen, it must have been lonely for Paul Rodgers to do gigs after gigs without his ol’ buddies.

This year, he finally asked the two other original/surviving members of his band to join him even if it’s just for very limited engagements in the United States. So, starting on the 17th he’s going to have some company onstage to do some crazy old school rock and roll at the Hard Rock in Florida to jumpstart their 2009 Tour.

Yes, Bad Company is back and I am lucky enough that they chose to hold one of the 10 exclusive 2009 concerts at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston. I will definitely watch them come hell (maybe not) or high water (Clarkston’s prone to flooding especially at this time of year, just FYI) on July 1st.

Bad Company was formed in 1973 by bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke when they decided to be free from Free. Mick Ralphs decided to hop in from Mott the Hopple while Boz Burrell abdicated the bass position in King Crimson. Together they formed one of the first rock supergroups of the 70s and had their debut album entitled, what else but Bad Company in 1974 which became a hit to rock aficionados worldwide.

I became aware of the band when a friend lent me a cassette tape entitled Slow Rock Memory in the early 80’s wherein their song “The Way I Choose” was one of the featured tracks which became one of the earlier songs that I managed to play on guitar and which to this day is my favorite Bad Company song.

So, come 1st of July, I will once again do the 1 ½ hour trek and traverse the lonely stretch of US24 aka the Telegraph Road for a pilgrimage to Pine Knob in Clarkston to keep Bad Company company and watch and listen to them rock and play the songs that I knew from the good old days.

Spandau Ballet is Back

2009-05-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

To make the long story short--

Yes, it's true, Spandau Ballet is back sans the hair and the clothes.

The 80's band members confirmed that they have re-formed and have put their individual and creative differences aside and are now willing to work with each other again.

Although I did like their songs "True" and "Through The Barricades" back then; I'll still pick the Wild Boys of Duran Duran over their more sober, sax- playing counterpart anytime. But I guess that's just me. :)

Here's the interview from Cannes where they are working on a documentary about their lives and music--

And here's Tony Hadley-- True.