Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas to all!

And a happy birthday to my wonderful Mom! Yes, she has the same birthday as the day of Christmas. =) Hope everyone is having a great Christmas. And to my friends in the Philippines, I hope you guys had a great Christmas too. I just love how this season brings all the good out of all people.

I give love and peace to everyone for this Christmas day. May all your worries and sorrows may somehow be forgotten even just for one day to appreciate the love that surrounds us all in this special day.


And let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of the baby Jesus Christ.
Here's a clip from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with Linus explaining the true meaning of Christmas after Charlie exasperatingly said "as if there's anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"





Not everyone believes in this, but for me the true meaning of Christmas is being together with the people you love sharing laughter and memories while celebrating the birth of our Savior.

peace.

Merry Christmas everyone! Love you Ma!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Imagine John Today


Today marks John Lennon's 30th death anniversary. It's pretty interesting what he would be doing if he's still around today. His music and his contributions in promoting peace and unity will last forever. May he rest his lovely soul in heaven.



"What they want is dead heroes, like Sid Vicious and James Dean," he said. "I'm not interested in being a dead f------ hero ... so forget 'em, forget 'em." 

"But there will be no smoke bombs, no lipstick, no flashing lights. It just has to be comfy. But we could have a laugh. We're born-again rockers, and we're starting over ... There's plenty of time, right? Plenty of time."
-John Lennon 5 December 1980

And then three days later he died, what a sad thought. Just three days before he was happy and jolly about making music again. Curse that Chapman that shot him. But things happen, such a tragic thing to happen to John though. We'll forever be grateful for the talents you shared to us John. Rest in peace.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Remember the Legends

Freddie Mercury of Queen and Eric Carr of Kiss, 19 years gone today.

Mostly throughout the day, I was thinking of Freddie. I was thinking of what special thing should I do today to commemorate his death anniversary.

Then it occured to me, I don't really have to do anything special and grandiose. Just remembering him and thinking about him is already a special thing to do.

I still feel the same way to what I posted here a year ago about Freddie's long been gone but not forgotten.

So I don't have to write another long post, it's all here ("Freddie Mercury 18 Years Gone). This is for myself anyway.

I wonder where you are now Freddie? If there is such a thing as heaven, you deserve to be there. I wonder what you're doing right now? I'm pretty sure you're right there floating in the clouds with flocks of angels doing harmonies with you with their harps complimenting your piano playing. :D

Thanks for the inspiration.

To Eric Carr, it seems unfair to not write much about him. But since he's also part of the one thing that I truly love which is music, I thank him for his contributions with Kiss. You and Kiss just make me proud of you guys 'cause I actually know some of the "kids" I know in school who truly adore KISS. Which I think is a big step for them compared to what they mostly listen to nowadays. I know you're in a better place too. :)

I pay tribute by playing these legendary guys' music.

Freddie you are still my hero. I never would have gotten better with the piano if it weren't for you. Again, thanks.

peace.love.unity.

Advance Happy Thanksgiving everryone!

Friday, November 12, 2010

"I don't travel with a band anymore, I got so much equipment now..."

Music. Guitar. Harmonica. Jokes. Monologue. Classic. Neil Young. What more can you ask for?

Here's a video of Neil Young performing Heart Of Gold in 1971 live at Massey Hall. This was when Heart of Gold was just a brand new song. Wow, time really flies by so fast. Now, this song is a classic and a must hear for everyone.



I just realized that today is his birthday. My gosh, so that's why I was singing his songs today. I literally just found out now before starting this paragraph. I already posted the embed code for the video from youtube when I realized today he turns 65.

Ah, the magic of music.

Happy 65th birthday, Neil Young!
One of the best singers and composers of all time. Thanks for the music. It's amazing how music like Young's can make you feel so different. One second ago you feel in a certain way like maybe frustrated and confused, the next second you feel so calm and in peace with your mind.

Monday, November 8, 2010

My Back Pages

I found it! I've been looking for the video of this live performance of My Back Pages for quite a while now. I could never find it. Well unless I buy the DVD which I couldn't right now. Anyway, I was quite entertained with this song as the first time I ever heard it, I recognized the voices immediately. I didn't expect that it was a live performance and that there were six vocals from six great musicians. But I figured them out. I was so proud of myself (I've got a very low sense of happiness).

Just thought I'd post it here. This is a treasure for me now. What a great concert it was. This was for The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration of Bob Dylan for his 30 years of being a recording artist in October of 1992 (so basically 48 years now - amazing!). The video features the vocals of Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, Tom Petty of, of course Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, the MAN himself Bob Dylan, and George Harrison. Great combos of voices. Great music composed by a great songwriter. This was held in Madison Square Garden on 16 October 1992. The six musicians backed-up with Booker T. Jones on organ, Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass, and Steve Cropper on guitar - surviving members of Booker T. and the MG's, drummer Anton Fig filling in for the late Al Jackson , plus drummer Jim Keltner who I guess is best known with his work with the Traveling Wilburys and other famous artists.

Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now


Isn't that a great line or what? Who could've thought of that other than Bob Dylan himself? Exactly. No one else. Oh man, I really can't help but think that I wish I was around back then or more like I was aware back then (I have said and typed this so many times, I could not stress it enough). So many great music. I just love it. Although I feel like I'm cramming all these great music now. Because there's just so much to appreciate. I want to take them all in! What more can I say? EPIC.

Enough with the rants, here's the video. Enjoy!


Neil Young,Dylan... My Back Pages
Uploaded by ivaxavi. - Mira més videoclips, en HD!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Music news: The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, U2, Bruce Springsteen

I don't usually do this, but damn it these are good news enough that I want to post it here for my own entertainment and at the same time a reminder.

First off,

Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are to tour in 2011 as confirmed by Keith Richards yesterday.


NEW YORK (CBS) The Rolling Stones are ready to hit the road again.


Guitarist Keith Richards confirmed Thursday that the band is planning to tour together in 2011, dismissing any rumors that they have retired. He also revealed the group is preparing to record new material.

"Everybody's ready to go out there again," Richards told BBC 6 Music. "Who said it should stop, and who said when?"

"Only we will know when it comes to an end, with a crashing halt," the 66-year-old added.

The Rolling Stones have not released a new album since "A Bigger Bang" in 2005. Their last tour, which earned $558 million according to BBC, ended in London in August 2007.

"After these many years working together, we have a lot of unfinished stuff to work on that we had to leave off the last album," Richards said.

Although he described frontman Mick Jagger as "unbearable" in his recently published memoir, "Life," Richards said he's "looking forward to working" with his band mate.

"Knowing Mick [Jagger], as I do, he's a very prolific writer. I have ideas [too] and we'll put them together in December or January."






"Nuff said. Just knowing their touring next year, I can't say more. I'm just excited!! Hopefully I'm done with my school next year. One more semester and I'm good to go. I hope they do an American tour! AHHH!


Aerosmith


NEW YORK (Q104.3) Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer dropped a bomb in a recent interview with Spinner.com --he says he and his bandmates are working on a new record that will be out next year.


"Yeah, we're going to make an album," Kramer confirmed. "It's going to be an old-school Aerosmith record. "We're going to do it the old way with the whole band [in the same room] and it should be a good one. We're all anticipating."

Kramer promises this album is just the beginning of Aerosmith's plans for the future.

"One of the things that's great about being in this band is that I never know what's going to happen next," he says. "What you see in the mirror, is that really what you're going to get or not? Really, at this point in time, the only thing that's going to stop us is if someone out-and-out dies. Other than that, we've already been through what we've been through and stood the test of time. What else is there?"


I wonder how are they going to manage since Steven Tyler currently resides as one of the judges of one of the stupidest show on Earth, the American Idol. I hate the show and I hate the decision Tyler made but if they really are still Aerosmith and planning on continuing to play music together, I still love him no matter what. How are they going to do it? I don't know but I hope the end results would be really good!

I'm not really a Kid Rock fan but I pretty much agree with what he said about Tyler joining Idol. “I think it’s the stupidest thing he’s ever done in his life,” Rock told EW. “He’s a sacred American institution of rock ‘n’ roll, and he just threw it all out the window. Just stomped on it and set it on fire. I think whoever’s advising him, we should bring back the guillotine, or whatever they call that thing. And if it was himself, he needs some serious counseling. I love him to death, but I gotta speak the truth.” :D




U2




NEW YORK (Q104.3) U2 rocker The Edge has assured fans that frontman Bono has fully recovered from spinal surgery - insisting the singer is in "great shape".


A back injury forced the Irish rock star to undergo the procedure last summer, prompting U2 to postpone dates on its U.S. tour.

But now the band is back on the road - and preparing to release a new album as early as next year.


The Edge tells the New York Post, "Bono is back in form. His back injury unfortunately forced us to postpone dates on the U.S. tour, but we are performing again, and he is in great shape.

"We're working on a new album that could be out early next year."

One of the bands I also want to see. So happy that Bono is finally back and made a full recovery. Can't wait for the tour to start. I hope I still got money to buy tickets!!! 'Cause I think I already missed the sales!




And last but not the least,

Bruce Springsteen


NEW YORK (Q104.3) 11/02/2010 Bruce Springsteen was in a quiet, cerebral and reflective mood yesterday at the Rome film festival for the screening of a new documentary on the making of one of his greatest albums, Darkness on the Edge of Town.


"Sometimes you look for the story but it finds you," he said in hushed tones after a screening of The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town, by director Thom Zimmy.
Springsteen, Zimmy and manager Jon Landau spoke on the stage as fans who normally shake, rattle and roll sat at times in awe-struck silence as The Boss took on an almost professorial role despite his black leather jacket.

The film, which is in competition in the festival's extra section, shifts back and forth between now and the period between 1976 and 1978 when Springsteen and his E Street Band created, rehearsed and recorded the landmark rock album.

Zimmy took hours of sometimes grainy black-and-white footage made more than 30 years ago and spliced it with interviews with Springsteen and band members now to bring the creative process to life in two time zones: yesterday and today.

Springsteen was only 26 then. He had already become an overnight superstar with the hard-driving Born to Run. But he wanted his next album to be different.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is Springsteen's many notebooks. He wrote as many as 70 songs during the process but only 10 of them made it on to the album.

An indefatigable re-writer, phrase honer and riff perfectionist, the documentary shows Springsteen anguishing over the search for the right word or phrase and sometimes swapping phrases from one song to the other.

"I hear it differently in my head," he tells sometimes exasperated band members several times.

Apart from recollections by Springsteen, Landau and members of the band, the documentary includes modern interviews with Springsteen's wife Patti Scialfa and Patti Smith, a singer/songwriter and artist who was a major influence on the New York City Punk rock movement.



Springsteen was the original creative force behind Smith's 1978 hit "Because the Night."

He had written the music and the words of the chorus but he gave her the song to finish and says in the documentary that he has no regrets because she made it come to life.

Later this month Sony Music will be releasing a deluxe package made up of more than six hours of film and unseen footage and more than two hours of audio made between 1976 and 1978.

The package contains three CDs, one with the re-mastered version of the "Darkness" album and two with 21 previously unreleased songs.


Yes! Now that's why they call you The Boss Bruce. You're the mind and talent behind of it all. I wonder what it's like back then really. It seems like those years where the years were pure talent, good music were created and accepted. Honestly, I haven't seen the documentary yet but I've seen some parts of it. I'm saving the best for last, so I'm going to watch it once this semester is over. And boy, I'm gonna watch it over and over again.



No to Manufactured Music

I seem to be back to my preoccupation about Nirvana, Kurt, depression and death. I guess its got something to do with my clinical rotation now being in a Psychiatric hospital. I see these patients, their emotions or their lack thereof, their mental state - its pretty contagious. It's depressing. I can't help to think now, that if someone actually noticed Kurt's symptoms of depression he wouldn't have been gone now. I think he could've gotten better because unlike others he's got something to get his feelings out and that's through music. I believe in the healing power of music. I wish it had helped Kurt more and others who suffer from severe depression and has suicidal tendencies.


Speaking of music, this is really getting serious, what has happened to our music today? The real voices, real instruments, with raw emotion...with make-music-not-money sort of thing? The "musicians" they call now are pampered brats, squeeky good looking with messed up make-up and hair, and wacky clothes, rich, untalented people. They got there without working their way through it. Great musicians struggled before they reached the top. Their bank accounts were once zero before they made milliions. They worked endless shifts, dirty jobs. They weren't chosen by the biased public by voting on American Idol or X factor and I don't even watch the shows. It's just that it's everywhere you can't help but know about it. I'm not saying though that there aren't any great musicians right now, there are some but you can only count them with your fingers.


For lack of better word, the music we call now really sucks! I can't wait for the day that all these crappy songs and artist would be gone. I mean maybe not gone but hopefully forgotten. I hope it comes sooner. I don't usually let things bother me because if it does bother me it's actually my problem because I let it bother me, but the way we are now about music it's unavoidable for me to not say anything.




I feel like I'm preaching so to wrap this up, here's some quotes by the hater himself Kurt Cobain, that pretty much sums up what we're dealing today with our taste of music that the media is feeding us:


I just cant believe anyone would start a band just to make the scene and be cool and have chicks. I just cant believe it.
As quoted in Option (January/ February, 1992)


Jocks have completely taken over music... And just to get back at them, Im going to start playing basketball.
As quoted in Musician (October, 1993)


...band would start, play one gig, and get signed to a major label right away, 'cause it [was] a trend.
Date unknown, but believed to be 06/30/92 in Sweden


Music comes first; lyrics are secondary. Most of my lyrics are contradictions. I'll write a few sincere lines, and then I'll have to make fun of [them]. I don't like to make it too obvious, because if it is too obvious, it gets really stale. You shouldn't be in people's faces 100% all the time. We don't mean to be really cryptic or mysterious, but I just think that lyrics that are different and weird and spacey paint a nice picture. It's just the way I like art.
Date unknown; appears on the home video, Live! Tonight! Sold Out!!


MUSIC SHOULD REALLY COME FIRST. MUSIC IS ART. MUSIC IS ORIGINALITY. MUSIC MUST BE HEARTFELT. NOT JUST 'CAUSE YOU'RE COMPELLED TO DO A HIT SONG.


Please, we should do like a movement or something to end this. This isn't right! Something has to be done to end all this conformity in music!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween people!


Just imagine these cute, adorable kittens turn into monsters at night. That would be a sight to see! Because you never know. The cute ones, or the innocent looking ones are actually the ones who have dark, sinister secrets.
Yep, just wasting time. Enjoy halloween everyone. (LOL I got like two readers.) I've never dressed up for halloween. I wonder what everyone's costume is?

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Mini Nirvana reunion? More like 2/3 reunion + 1 =)



Of course a Nirvana reunion would never happen in this world since Kurt Cobain's tragic death. But reading the news this morning about Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl working together again for the new Foo Fighter's album got me excited. Butch Vig, one of the best producers around and also the one who produced Nirvana's "Nevermind" is going to be the producer of Foo Fighter's new album. And Pat Smear is going to join them too since I think he's officially back as a member of the Foo Fighters. WICKED! It's been awhile since Novoselic and Grohl played together more like 16 years. Although Novoselic did some work with Foo's first albums. It would be nice to see them together play live.


According to Dave the album is almost halfway done and Foo's "heaviest yet." Ahhh, I could not wait to get the album. Foo Fighters been quiet for awhile although Dave has been busy with Them Crooked Vultures. I wonder when will it come out?

Look at them now? (above center) I'm EXHILIRATED!!

To read the articles, click here by Blabbermouth.net and here by the Daily Times.

Actually, this news broke out yesterday.

Any thoughts?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TOM PETTY...yesterday! (Tom having a tantrum) Love him!



October 20, 2010

I wasn't supposed to forget it. I had it marked on my calendar, on my phone's calendar, on my PDA's calendar and on my mind!!! So that is why I keep hearing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers songs yesterday on my iPod which is on shuffle!! Gosh!!!! What happened to me?!?!

Some fans made their own concert celebration yesterday in NY. Ahhhhh!!!

He turned 60 yesterday! Unbelievable!!!! I used to think that 60 is too old! Now, NOOOO.. At 60 like Tom, you can still rock and look young. He's a legend. Glad I saw him last July. Oh, I just realized something. I think the reason I forgot is that I was still preoccupied with the fact that I missed their concert at the Izod Center last Aug. 24, and I got free tickets for that show. And the fact that their summer tour ended on Oct. 7th. I wana see them again live!!!!!!!!!



They are at their best during live shows!!

Here's Tom having a real breakdown while playing the song Breakdown at the US Fest of 1982...f*ckin awesome..would've been great to be there..



wish they do this kind of surprises live these days..

Saturday, October 9, 2010

I'll often stop and think about them: John and John



Happy 70th Birthday to John Lennon
and
Happy 66th Birthday to John Entwistle!

I can't imagine the world without their music... although physically they are gone, the music they created and contributed shows that even if you're dead and gone the music can literally make you immortal to the hearts of everyone. No matter how many years passed, no matter how hard you try to forget (I hope no one is actually trying) the power of music is strong enough to make you remember forever.

Still, it makes me wonder if any of them ever thought that one day they'll be this big especially Lennon (I know he kind of planned it)... I think it's unfair enough though that all the attentions seem to be with Lennon only, I mean I know I love him too, and I know he made a big contribution to the music industry but still Entwistle should get some recognition too... no one can play the bass like he did. I'm just saying...

I wonder what would they be making with music if they are still with us today...and what would they look like?

Friday, September 17, 2010

Sacha Baron Cohen as Freddie Mercury?


Apparently Sasha Baron Cohen who starred in Borat and played Bruno is set to play Freddie Mercury in a Queen biopic movie. No date is set yet on when the movie is coming out but the production is said to start next year. I think this is a movie to see! Brian May and Roger Taylor supports the casting and are said to oversee the music for the film.

This really got me excited, as one of the articles I've read about this news I don't think Cohen can sing in the movie as Freddie. Its either they are gonna use Freddie's real voice or they are gonna let Cohen sing (he can sing, he's also in Sweeney Todd) but of course, nothing can ever be as close as to Freddie's voice so we'll see. I wonder how this biopic is gonna come out. I've been hearing this news like forever that there is going to be a movie about Freddie Mercury but no actors have been chosen set. There were rumors that Johnny Depp was being called to play Mercury. But nothing was certain. Well, it's about time now. Can't wait to hear some more news. I hope this time John Deacon would participate and come out of 'retirement'.

To read the articles, click herehere and here.

What do you think about Cohen playing Mercury?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Road to A Promising Music Career


Happy 57th Birthday to Benmont Tench!!


57 years when this man came to this world. My other inspiration in playing the piano. Actually, I just became interested in him recently. And I wonder, what was I been doing I haven't given him that much attention before. For all of you who don't know, (heck, I wonder if I got readers anyway, lol) he is the keyboardist and one of the founding members of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Born as Benjamin Montmorency Tench III, his road to being a musician is pretty interesting and it kind of stuck to me. See, he was sent to boarding school then went to college. Then on his college break, he went to a concert by Mudcrutch which was then Tom Petty and Mike Campbell's band. And from then on, he became a session musician for different bands. He had piano backgrounds since he was very young so it should not really be a surprise. But, he was a serious student. After being a session keyboardist he still went back to school. No wonder Tom Petty stepped in and asked him to quit school. With a talent like Tench, it should not be wasted. After "long deliberation" Benmont agreed. Haha, if that was me I would've said yes immediately. Now, all Petty had to do was convinced Tench dad who was a Court Judge that "his son had a promising music career." It's kind of like those fictional stories that only happen in the movies. From nerd (I say this with admiration) to being a rock star.


Benmont Tench gives justice to playing the piano and hammond organ. I'm not saying he's the only one though. It's exhilirating to see him play. I kind of see myself in him although not the rock star part. I'm a student nurse, I play the piano, in college but my mind seem to wonder elsewhere. But no matter what's in my mind I still make sure that I do good in school. He just inspire me. That's my statement. For him to pick the right road, I'm still wondering if I'm going at the right direction. Enough with the drama. I wish him good health and to continue making great music with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and with his solos and new supergroup band Works Progress Administration (W.P.A). And thanks for the inspiration.



Here's Tench playing some piano solos:


Those fingers...


Sunday, September 5, 2010

Celebrate the Lover of Life, Singer of Songs

Happy 64th Birthday Freddie Mercury!!

Today marks the 64th birthday of the one and only Mr. Freddie Mercury or less commonly known as Farrokh Bulsara. Let's celebrate this day by playing all the Queen songs and his solo works out loud on our speakers. This man is my inspiration, that got me through my darkest hours. I owe a lot to this wonderful singer. I love the way that he sings, the way he incorporated the piano to almost every songs of Queen, his creativity with his voice even using it to imitate a real instrument. Because of you, Freddie, I learned to love the piano. And it may sound cheesy, but I'm really in love with piano. No human being, no man can ever replace my love for the piano and guitar. Thanks, for the music Freddie. Everyday, I listen to the songs, and everyday you never fail to amaze me. That wonderful voice... There's no one, ever, that's gonna replace you. No one can ever take your place. No one can ever be as powewrful, flamboyant and playful as you on the stage. I wish I have seen you live.

Everyday I thank God for creating music. For bringing people like you into this world with such great talents and never became selfish but shared your talents to the whole world. Thank you. May God rest your soul. I hope wherever you are right now, you're still making music. I'm sure God is still amazed he created someone like you. I wonder if Freddie knows that someday, he's gonna make a difference to someone like me. And I'm pretty sure to a lot more people out there. Sometimes I imagine with all the great musicians gone in this world, there's probably a concert everyday in heaven. Freddie, must be needed somewhere else.

I think for this part, I speak for every fans in this world: HAPPY BIRTHDAY FREDDIE! We all miss you. With your music, you will always be alive and well in our hearts and minds. Peace.




 If I could only reach you...

Monday, August 23, 2010

SURGERY or CONCERT?

How can something this easy be so hard?!

I'm going to have my wisdom teeth, all four of them removed tomorrow. And tomorrow night is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers show at the Izod Center with My Morning Jacket as the opening band. I won tickets from a radio station for this show! I'm still debating to myself if I should go. First of all, there's a chance I'm going alone. Second, I have an idea to get there but its pretty complicated, hence this should be easy but why really so hard? Like I have to travel to NY to go back to NJ, blah blah blah. Ugh, and there's also the issue on what would be my condition after the surgery. I really think I'm meant to go but...

See, Friday night. I said to myself, if I win a pair of ticket then it's really meant for me to go so I started dialing the number of the station. Nothing nada. After the 18th time, boom someone answered. I thought the man said I didn't win. I was like, "Oh, ok" and then he said, "Didn't you hear I said you win!" Ahhh!!! It was the 7pm round, it was the 18x, and I was the 25th caller. 7 is our lucky number, my dad and my bro's birthday. 18 is my oldest brother's birthdate. And 25 is my mom and mine's birthdate. So what's that?!?! Huh.

I should go!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Mellencamp: 'the Internet Is Dangerous'

John Mellencamp is convinced the internet has "destroyed" the music business, branding the web the "most dangerous thing invented since the atomic bomb".

The veteran rocker is adamant the rise in online music sales and the decline of CDs, combined with a sharp increase in internet piracy, will be detrimental to the industry in the long term, and he's even convinced digital tracks don't sound the same as hard copies.

He tells Reuters, "I think the internet is the most dangerous thing invented since the atomic bomb. It's destroyed the music business. It's going to destroy the movie business.

"(I listened to a Beatles track on a CD and then on an iPod, and) you could barely even recognize it as the same song. You could tell it was those guys singing, but the warmth and quality of what the artist intended for us to hear was so vastly different."

Mellencamp also fears the internet will spell the end of rock 'n' roll, insisting only a few popular artists will be remembered in years to come.

He adds, "After a few generations, it's gone. Rock 'n' roll - as important as we think it is, and as big as it was, and as much money as people made on it, and as proud as I am to say that I was part of it - at the end of the day, they're gonna say: 'Yeah, there was this band called the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, and this guy named Bob Dylan...'

"And the rest of us? We're just gonna be footnotes. And I think that that's OK. I'm happy to have spent my life doing what I wanted to do, playing music, make something out of life, but forgetting about the idea of legacy."

Photo Copyright Getty Images


Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2010


MY SAY: I couldn't agree more. To be honest, sometimes even if my conscience is killing me I download some songs not authorized by the artist for a project or something like that. Because the Internet offers endless possibilities, you can't help but do some stupid things. And the songs do sound differently from a cassette, to a vinyl, to a CD then to an iPod.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Tom Petty relaunches "Torpedoes" in documentary

(Reuters) - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are giving short shrift to one of their biggest albums on their current North American tour. The only song from "Damn the Torpedoes" to make the cut is "Refugee," which typically ends the main set.

But fans wanting to experience a bit more from the 1979 release can now pick up the latest addition to the "Classic Albums" DVD collection, in which artists dissect their greatest albums track by track.

Petty and his bandmates, along with co-producer Jimmy Iovine and engineer Shelly Yakus, revisit such hits as "Even the Losers," "Here Comes My Girl," "Don't Do Me That" and "Refugee."

As is the format's custom, they isolate particular instruments and vocals in the original mixes, and recreate certain riffs and melodies to explain their origins. Their anecdotes are accompanied by rare footage.

Petty, not always the most talkative of rockers, happily shares songwriting memories, while lead guitarist Mike Campbell and especially keyboardist Benmont Tench are downright loquacious. Tench's rhapsodic distillation of "You Tell Me" in the bonus section is one of the disc's highlights.

Bassist Ron Blair, who left the band for 20 years in 1982, also contributes. But former drummer Stan Lynch is represented by some archival video.

Lynch, whose "punk-ass" (his words) drum kit was replaced early in the "Torpedoes" sessions by Yakus, actually left the band for a few weeks during the recording after clashing with Iovine and Petty, the documentary reveals.

Various drummers including B.J. Wilson (Procul Harum), Phil Seymour (Dwight Tilley Band) and Jim Gordon (Derek and the Dominos) unsuccessfully tried to fill his shoes. Lynch reclaimed his stool, but eventually left for good in 1994.

Among the other tidbits from the DVD:

- "Refugee" originated from a demo recorded by Mike Campbell, who was inspired by an Albert King song "Oh Pretty Woman." Petty spent about 10 minutes supplying the words and melody, and initially didn't think much of the song.

- "Refugee" and "Here Comes My Girl" took "forever" to record, according to Tench. "We did so many takes," he said. "We were so naive and it was really a good thing. We did not edit a single take together on that record, I don't believe. I think they're complete takes of every song."

- "Don't Do Me Like That" and "You Tell Me," on the other hand, came together relatively quickly. Petty originally planned to pitch "Don't Do Me Like That" to the J. Geils Band. Iovine told him he was out of his mind. Almost left off the album, it became the band's first top-10 hit.

- The Rickenbacker guitar with which Petty is posing on the cover actually comes from Campbell's extensive collection. Campbell bought it used for $150.

The DVD marks the 31st in a rock-oriented series dating back to Paul Simon's "Graceland" in 1997, and it comes on the heels of the June release of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid." Due in September is an analysis of the Rush albums "2112" and "Moving Pictures."

Easily the most popular is Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon," which has sold "millions" worldwide, according to Mike Carden, president of North American operations at series distributor Eagle Rock Entertainment. The company hopes to corral the band's surviving members for a look at its 1979 opus "The Wall."

Carden's wish list also includes Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Guns N' Roses and Soundgarden. But nothing is in the works at the moment. Each project takes about a year from conception to completion, and they are also "really expensive" to produce, Carden said, with costs sometimes exceeding $200,000.

The artist brainstorms on content with production company Isis, and typically licenses the finished product to Eagle.

One has fallen out of print: Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life." Carden said Wonder declined to renew the license.

Besides the "Classic Albums" series, Eagle Entertainment has a full slate of other music offerings, including the DVD premiere of the 1972 Rolling Stones concert film "Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones" on October 6, accompanied by a limited theatrical release.

Copyright 2010 Reuters

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Madison Square Garden



The show was AWESOME!!!!! Tom Petty and the guys still got it!! I'm still wishing I'm back at Madison Square Garden watching Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rock their old songs with some new songs from their new album MOJO. I was shouting, I was hooting, I was singing along at the top of my voice. I didn't care what the other people think of me, I didn't care bout the looks I got. What a great night!!! Hopefully, I'll get to see them again when they do their show at the Izod Center. I LOVED THE SHOW!! My brother came with me. I got him to go with me because I told him Buddy Guy would be opening for Tom Petty. Guy is a blues guitarist and my bro is into blues guitar right now. We didn't get to see Buddy Guy though, I wonder if we missed him or he didn't play at all.

The show started at 9pm and we were there before 9 and we did not see Buddy Guy at all. But boy when Tom Petty and the guys came out, WHOOOOO!!! I shouted!!!! It was a great feeling!!! I love New York!!! We were at the 230 section, a little too far but as I've always said as long as I can hear the music, especially live music, I'm good! I wish I can relive it again! Really, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is one of the living legend bands of today. Everyone should get to see them! Ahhhhh. I'm still smiling and recalling the concert last night. Love, love, love it! I'm just so happy that my bro who went with me saying "I only know one some from them" enjoyed the show. He was clapping as hard as everyone else too. I actually told him that you already know most of the songs on their setlist you just don't know it. And I was right. I know he loved the show he just don't want to admit it. :)

Setlist:
1. Listen to Her Heart
2. You Don't Know How It Feels
3. I Won't Back Down
4. Free Fallin'
5. Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover)
6. Mary Jane's Last Dance
7. Honey Bee
8. Breakdown
9. Jefferson Jericho Blues
10. Good Enough
11. Running Man's Bible
12. First Flash of Freedom
13. I Should Have Known It
14. Learning to Fly
15. Don't Come Around Here No More
16. Refugee

Encore:
17. Runnin' Down The Dream
18. American Girl

Everyone was into it. People drinking, people swaying, people smoking, people singing. Best night ever! Mike Campbell was rocking the guitar solos. Benmont Tench playing with the pianos and keyboards - awesome! My bro loved Steve Ferrone with the drums. The beats was so good you can't help but nod your head and stomp your feet. Ron Blair holding the beats with his bass. I love the bass. Scott Thurston and his harmonica stealing the show. And of course, the man, Tom Petty!!! TOMMY!!! His voice is perfect. Never gets old. Running around the stage, letting the audience sang along. Hey-oh!

Show totally rocked! *sigh I loved it! I can't say more :)

UPDATE: to see pictures click here (not mine). My mistake, we did miss Buddy Guy :( last night.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sir Michael Philip "Mick" Jagger

"People have this obsession. They want you to be like you were in 1969. They want you to because otherwise their youth goes with you. It's very selfish, but its understandable."

"The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either."

"You wake up in the morning and you look at your old spoon, and you say to yourself, 'Mick, it's time to get a new spoon.' And you do."

"I haven't had the time to plan returning to the scene because I haven't left it."

-Mick Jagger



Happy 67th birthday to Mick Jagger!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Is it better to go to a concert alone or with friends? (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)

Anyone out there planning to see the awesome band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers @ Madison Square Garden?

What's your opinion: Is it better to go to a concert alone or with friends?

I normally would go alone but not because I'm a loner or something but because none of my friends share my taste of music. But then I think it would be fun to go with a friend. At least when I'm alone I don't have to worry about anything but just myself. One problem with being with someone else is that I have to buy for his or her ticket, I can barely afford one ticket so how much more if I got a buddy or two not unless that friend is willing to buy his or her own ticket. And that's why I'm thankful sometimes that no friend of mine shares my interest in music. But then again, it's kind of sad having no one there to share the adrenaline rush and the sound of live music and just have fun. I've only been to one concert by myself so I wouldn't really know.

What do you think?

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Dreams will break the boundaries of our fears...



Above is the Flamingo album cover revealed at 12 July 2010.

Here is the official video for Brandon Flower's first single "Crossfire" featuring Charlize Theron and some make-you-smile-even-laugh smile of Flowers himself. The video was released on 8 July 2010.


All I can say is, Brandon Flowers is probably one of today's best composer. I may be biased but the man has got some serious talent you can't help but just notice it. His solo materials and music with The Killers are proofs enough. The video appears kind of corny to me in my opinion but its a literal video for the meaning of crossfire I guess. All in all, the song is what really matters.



Brandon Flowers

Despite all its storied pitfalls, louche reputation and lascivious tourism campaigns, Brandon Flowers remains stubbornly proud of his hometown. The Las Vegas born-and-bred vocalist—whose working hours are usually spent with his friends in the Killers—makes that clear when discussing his first solo album, Flamingo, which takes its name from a Sin City downtown street on which Sam’s Town is located, and where Flowers used to buy his records. "I grew up there, so it's close to my heart," the 29-year-old says. "I feel a responsibility to represent where I'm from, to defend it. It's a place that a lot of people loathe. I can't help but love it. I grew up with a lot of people who couldn't wait to leave, and that was always strange to me. I feel a real connection to it. It's in my blood."

Flowers wrote the songs on Flamingo over the year and a half he spent touring for Day and Age, the Killers' third, critically acclaimed studio album. (He says the song that served as a catalyst for Flamingo is called "O, Sad American Night," which was recorded during sessions for Day and Age but didn't make the cut for that album, and won't be released on this record, either.) Originally, he'd meant them as material for the band, but circumstances—like being on the road for six years—intervened. "I would prefer if this was a Killers record, although it would obviously be very different if I'd made it with the band," he says. "We're just at different places in our lives right now. It's no secret that they're ready to put the brakes on for a second. It's definitely not the end of the Killers, but you can't blame them—we've been going nonstop since 2003.” The upside to recording the album alone was that without the other members of the Killers, Flowers could call the shots himself; the downside, as he explains, is that he feels "a little bit naked."


To read more, click here.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Peace and Love






As Ringo and his band sings it, "Give peace a chance!"

Happy 70th birthday to Ringo Starr!



The man has got one simple wish, at 12 noon on the seventh day of the seventh month do the peace and love sign. Did you do it?

Spread the peace, love and joy to the world. It's not too much to ask, isn't it? Peace and love sign, one at a time. It don't come easy, but it will come and can make a difference!

Here's Ringo with George performing at Concert for Bangladesh (1 August 1971) where he forgot some of the words! ;)



Have a happy, healthier and longer life Mr. Starr. I wish to see you and the All Starr Band today at Radio City Music Hall but I couldn't. I'm pretty sure it would be one heck of a celebration! We love you and your music...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Crossfire

"Crossfire" a new song from Mr. Brandon Flowers from his solo album Flamingo. Released as a single on 21 June 2010, also his birthday.

Great tune. Nice to listen to any time of the day. Actually right now I couldn't stop listening. I mostly like the first part though.

Note: Flowers doing solo doesn't mean The Killers is breaking up. He said so himself. To listen to the song click here.

Or just play this youtube video (not official):



I totally recommend listening to this song. It got such a great vibe that when you listen to it, you kinda remember something from your past. I don't know if it applies to others but it did to me. There's also some parts that makes me wana cry. The bass part! Ah, very pleasing to the ears. I love it when I hear the bass on a song. Please listen to the song and buy the album when it comes out in September. Right now you can purchase the song on iTunes.

Friday, June 25, 2010

"Beat me, hate me; you can never break me"

Happy birthday to my best friend Aya! She's in the Philippines and actually it's already the 26th there. But her birthdate is the 25th. I already sent her a text yesterday and gave her song. But still, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR BEST FRIEND! Near or far, we'll always be best friends! I miss you!

Here's a song for you:






It's been a year since Michael Jackson's passing. It seems like it just happened yesterday. I remember watching the news, and seeing his body on the white blanket being carried to the helicopter. The sad part was, the fact that he died that's when people started paying attention to his music again instead of his not-so-normal life and making fun of him when he was still alive. And too bad, his comeback tour didn't happen. I guess trying to prove to others that he's still the man we loved through his music back in the 80s-90s is what caught him down. If the people just gave him a chance before. But no more pointing fingers. This is a day to remember and pay tribute to the King of Pop. Rest in peace, MJ.

Here's something to remember him:





My iPod was on shuffle last night ---- first thing i heard "smooth criminal". I, then realized its the 25th already. One year later, wow seems like yesterday when he was on the news. Music can keep anyone alive forever...and Michael Jackson and his music will definitely lives on with all of us. He's still alive...

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Shed some tears...

People are being rescued before they die, even people in the last moment of life and completely dehydrated, they almost always cry. From some mysterious storage, real tears flow from eyes that, a moment before, were bone dry and painful. No one know where these tears came from.


from Deathwatch

Monday, May 31, 2010

The Sounds of Silence

REAL music. REAL voices. A MASTERPIECE. This is how we are today, "people talking without speaking, people hearing without listening". People don't "communicate" that well anymore (don't give me that twitter and facebook crap---that's not real communication). I wonder what changed that most of these days, it's not that often anymore where you hear a song like this by Simon & Garfunkel. A music so pure you don't need anything else, just the voice, the guitar, real talent, emotions and pure simplicity. Silence is golden.

Here's a video of Simon & Garfunkel performing the song live:


And this is the version I listen to everyday. There's just something about this song that makes you wonder about so many things in this world. I don't know maybe its just me, but the harmony gives me this sensuous feeling I can't really explain.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Save Tonight

Haha. A 90s classic by Eagle-Eye Cherry. I love this song. I can't get over it. I miss the 90s and being a little bit younger, when it seems like I'm still young to have so many problems. It's funny I just realized that, Eagle-Eye is Neneh Cherry's brother (she collaborated with Gorillaz "Kids with Guns"). And he is the son of Don Cherry, a jazz artist and the father of world music.

Eagle-Eye Cherry's philosophy about music, very down to earth and inspiring. There's not much like him nowadays...Long live the 90s!!

Here's Save Tonight:

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

True Colors and Ooh Child

Music for the soul. Someday, things are gonna get easier. Just don't be afraid to show your true colors and be comfortable of who you are. Nevermind the whisperers behind you, just hold your head high and don't let others make you feel so small.

Music with "a promise to a better life to all..."



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Shelter From the Storm

24 May 2010. Happy Birthday to Bob Dylan. The legendary man has been in this world for 69 years, still doing what he's known best: making and composing music with his guitar (and other instruments, of course).

Here's an example of Mr. Dylan's genius:



From the Rolling Thunder Revue, at Fort Collins, Colorado, 23 May 1976, Bob Dylan performs Shelter from the Storm, from his album Blood on the Tracks. Just a day before his 35th birthday. The other guitarist, in the blue jacket, is T-Bone Burnett. This one is the electric live version on his live album Hard Rain compared to the acoustic version found on Blood on the Tracks.

Monday, May 24, 2010

A Shot To the Stars



From the artist named Whitley. A great song from a great artist. Too bad he's ending Whitley, currently playing he's last tour in Australia saying goodbye to fans because he is "moving overseas". I just can't get over these songs: the aforementioned, More Than Life, and I Remember. I thought I'd share this video because the song is what currently playing on my mind over and over again and also for whoever's watching to appreciate the beauty of the song and explore Whitley's other songs and projects.

Here is Whitley's myspace music page.

Don't forget to check it out!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Mellow Show

Funny skit on SNL featuring Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz and the "not-so-mellow" Ozzy Osbourne (It's not really them, well except for Dave--JUST WATCH IT) LOL. This was shown in November 2009. Just thought I'd post it here. Cracks me up everytime I watch it. Instant classic!


Friday, May 21, 2010

Personal Quote of the Day

I'd rather be the ears than the lips.


"The best days are the worst days really are.." -from Fringe

Monday, May 17, 2010

Memories, my memories; how long can you stay to haunt my days...

So I decided to do another organizing-my-boxes. I decided to throw all the stuffs that reminded me of that awful experience about 4yrs ago. In the middle of doing that, and at the same time all the bad memories came flashing through my head I saw this. It's something I wrote, its about trust. I think I wrote it on my freshman English class. I think it's pretty good. I'm gonna type it right here, and show to whoever's reading this blog. And maybe, just maybe someone may like it. I thought it's pretty good, well after I typed it I'm gonna throw the paper out. LOL There's a note on top of it by my teacher saying "Great" and "20/20". Haha. The false hopes *sigh*. Here it goes:

Trust

Trust is a very deep word. My friends and I had each definition to trust. Trust are often found in friendships, in business, in schools and in the family.

For me, trust is the main ingredient of a strong friendship. To be able to maintain a relationship with friends you need to trust one another. Friends that trust each other are the ones who understands the true meaning of their bonding frienships.

For my friends, they define trust as an obligation. When they had given you, for example, a secret, they trust you to keep it and never tell anyone about it ever again unless that friend gave you the permission to do so.

In businesses and in school, trust is when they had given you something to work on and they trust you to do it right on schedule and they had trust that you put some effort to it. Because after all it is your duty and they want to see you at your best.

In the family, trust is one of the top reason for the family to have a close relationship to one another. There's a trust that only exists in the family but not to anything else. It is more of a dysfunctional way as it always does in any family. It involves the fact that in order for a family to trust one another they should understand one another. Secrets shouldn't be kept to one another, unless the secret is known by the whole but no one else outside of the family. But truth be told, sometimes trust in families are lacking especially of one that parents should trust their kids. Why? Because sometimes the kids take the parent's trusts for granted so mistrust results. Trusts though is very important for the family to be even called a family.

Even if there are lots of definitions given to the word trust, one thing we should all remember: trust is needed in order for us to live, in our everyday life. And one fact remains: we should learn to trust ourselves first, before trusting anybody to give our trust.

Monday, January 18, 2010

What if you're stuck and you don't know what else to do?

Funny, cuz that's the exact situation I'm in right now. Nursing or music? Should I choose? When I was young I've always said to myself that when I grow up I want to be a nurse just like my mom. Then came the time where I finished high school, and its really time to face that "grow up" moment. I've been having second thoughts about going to the nursing field. My interest moved from that excited, little child who wanted to be a nurse to that freshly out of high school who wanted to do something in the music field, but which ones I don't know.

I'm embarassed to admit that I want to do something about music to my parents. Don't ask me why, I just don't know. So that time to decide came, I don't know which direction I should go but two years later, which is now, I'm in my second year of college pursuing nursing. I don't know what happened but I managed. I'm still having doubts but somehow my experience when I had my first clinical experience changed something about my confused, lost mind. I felt good, I felt satisfied that I helped someone. Before when asked, "why are you doing nursing if it's not really what you want?" My answer would always be, "I do it because of the money." Well, I take that back now. I'm not doing this because of the money anymore. I realized that it's not really about the money. It's about helping. It's about doing things together with the patient you're taking care of that normally the patient alone could not do. Even the small tasks we always take for granted like eating, bathing, walking, etc.

I'm still not sure what I'm doing here. My mind is still not on the full scale of going the nursing way. I'm still interested in music. I'm still thinking about doing a music career. I mean at night, I would say I could teach music once I got my degree. I don't have to be a musician, just doing something with music is fine with me. And just as long as I can play my piano and listen to my favorite artists and bands I'm fine.

But why choose when I can do both? It's not easy but it's doable. At the end of the day, after a long, boring class I still have my music. I still have my iPod, my guitars and my piano. All I need to do is manage my time. It came to me, that incorporating music to nursing could also be a great idea. You know, music and nursing; nursing and music together. How? That's what I'm still trying to figure out.

I still wake up confused and lost sometimes. Without a purpose. But hey, I'm just trying to go with the flow. Whatever's planned for me it's going to happen. If not, then move on. I'm just hoping that whatever's in store for me in the future, I'll be ready. And I hope, I will never ever have to choose again and the confusion will stop.

peace, to any readers...