Finding Solace in the Nile

“You know it’s Christmas when the advert begins”

I hate December. I hate the shortage of staff in the office. I hate the jingle music at Cold Storage. I hate Last Christmas on repeat. I hate NYE parties. I hate artificial snow from spray cans. I hate family gathering dinners. I hate the end of the year. And I especially hate that there’s nothing to look forward to.

Fucking December.

I could use some hope.

Did Yasmin Ahmad plagiarise Matt Damon/Ben Affleck?

If today’s post is a digression from what you’d normally read here, I offer no apologies.

So yesterday I watched Good Will Hunting for the 5th time. If you’ve never watched it, you should minimize this window, launch your torrent and download the film now. Or you could go buy the DVD, whichever works best with your conscience.

Anyway, I discovered something new from my re-watch of the film. No, I’m not gonna go into how fucking brilliant Matt Damon/Ben Affleck’s script is. Nor am I gonna go into how gayly artistic Gus Van Sant’s direction is. Neither am I gonna touch on how powerfully moving Robin William’s performance was.

Instead I’m gonna discuss about an alleged plagiarism that may or may not have occurred.

By now, everyone would have watched the late Yasmin Ahmad’s Beautifully Imperfect ad, made for Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. And yes, everyone would have no problems being in agreement on how moving the ad was. But watching Good Will Hunting last night, I can’t help but think the idea may have been “borrowed” from Damon and Affleck.

Watch this first. Pay attention from 1:40 onwards.

Then watch this.

When I saw that scene last night, I cannot help but connect the dots between the two. Something like Coldplay’s Viva la Vida and Joe Satriani’s If I could fly. I’m not pointing any fingers lest I incur the wrath of Marina Mahathir like Kosmo did, but it really is too close for comfort.

Plagiarism or coincidence? You be the judge.

In the mean time, in tribute to one of the finest films ever made, here’s my song pick of the day – Seattle based rock band, Satchel’s Suffering.

Listen.

Of life, love and death

I guess I’ve been depressed lately. I’m not sure why. Something about airplanes maybe. So while some of my friends were happily diddling about at Urbanscapes, I rebelled against sunshiny fan fares and hid under the sheets.

Oh but I wasn’t alone. I’ve got company. It’s kinda of a combination of sub-par yawn yawn company that is thankfully neutralized by something more astonishing.

When I mention sub-par, I’m referring to this book I’ve been reading. It’s called Urban Odysseys: KL Stories. The title itself is a giveaway to anyone who has at least some form of intelligence, so yea, it’s a collection of short stories about KL written by supposedly up and coming, young Malaysian writers.

I don’t know why but there are at least 3 foreign writers in this book. Which is blasphemy considering it’s an avenue for local writers to show off their  craft. Anyway, it’s bad company simply because the stories are pretty much bland. Most of them have dog poo for a plot and recycles the same old Yasmin Ahmad heartstrings shit that cannot even kid a 5 yr old anymore.

I will single out Joanne Chin’s Clear Skies and Lee Eeleen’s Scenes from the Shopping Complex to be the only worthy read. The rest, I can shove it down my incinerator chute (if I had one to begin with). I’ve got a big complain about the local story telling scene, especially when it comes to books and film. Granted, I’m guilty for not being the biggest supporter (I’m trying to change that!) of the local arts, but what I’ve seen so far appals me. The stories in Urban Odysseys are drier than a 70 year old’s cunt. I practically have to force myself to finish it and at the end of each story, I go, WTF!? What was the point of that utter nonsense?

Let’s talk about film. Will you please stop doing that nonsense heart string tugging crap anymore Yasmin? Let’s try something different shall we? Or how about TV? Please no more Project Runway Malaysia. Or Ampang Medikal. Or So you think you can dance Malaysia. Fresh ideas please.

Celeste went to the screening of Free Flicks, and came home unsurprisingly disappointed. In her very own words, pointless. Now I trust her taste in a good solid story and if she said it was pointless, I believe her. She did mention a few worthy films – Kolam and whatnot, so to be fair there could be decent films out there but in a nut shell, we’ve got a long way to go. Oh yea she just turned 24, so everyone, say it with me.

Happy Birthday Celeste!

So what do I do now? Well, I turn to my brilliant  company for grace.

My old buddy from Dublin, birthplace of Guinness. He’s been busy these days. First writing a song for Woman of the Century, Aung San Suu Kyi and now, lending voice to the Dalai Lama by contributing another song to the Save Tibet CD, Songs for Tibet – The art of peace.

Listen. Listen. Just listen.

What do you really mourn for?

At the time of this writing, the world mourns Michael Jackson.

I’m upset. But not for the reason you may think. The world mourns him but what pisses me off is the pretencious nature that seems to engulf this “grief”. I load up my MSN contact list and lo and behold, 60% of them has a sappy sad PM for him.

You will be remembered MJ.
We will miss you MJ.
The world has lost another talented performer.

Bla..bla..bla, fucking bla. Let’s be honest here. None of you give a shit about him. None of you care a damn whether the lining of his cock hole stings when he pisses in the morning nor do you give two hoots if he snoozes his alarm 5 times before eventually rising. Now that he’s dead, you suddenly give a shit?

Or you’re just interested in jumping on the bandwagon hype of being in the middle of an “intense” topic of discussion?

I’m willing to bet my life that half of those alleged “sadden mourners” can’t even recite 10 songs of his by heart. Neither have they listened to any of his songs in the past 365 days of their lives.

Pretencious pricks.

So he’s dead now. I don’t give a shit. And really, why did he have to be white? He was a champion and an inspiration to the African Americans of his generation and trying to be white just cheapens that.

He’s gone and the only thing that crosses my mind now is how brilliant Liberian Girl is. That’s it. No teary goodbye. No sense of loss. No sadness. I don’t give a fuck.

Oh look, a book review

“Did I do and say these things? Yes, I did. Are there any mitigating circumstances? Not really, unless any circumstances (in other words, context) can be regarded as mitigating. And before you judge, although you have probably already done so, go away and write down the worst four things that you have done to your partner, even if – especially if – your partner doesn’t know about them. Don’t dress these things up, or try to explain them; just write them down, in a list, in the plainest language possible. Finished? OK, so who’s the arsehole now?” – p.72

Oh! Right there, point blank, at the crotch.

The first time Nick Hornby got my attention was when I had to read an excerpt from 31 Songs for Uni (Puff, the Magic Dragon – about his autistic son). I thought the book was quite an intriguing idea, so I went out and bought the book. However, I was not really impressed. I know; 9 books and 5 of them made into movies. Something is not quite right.

So, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt before writing him off. And knowing High Fidelity is a book revolving around the world of music, I decided to start with that. But, me being me, I never got around to it – brought the book to Australia and back, then to KL to sit on my shelf for a year – until a few months back.

First off, I love Hornby’s voice in his writing. It is one of those I-don’t-give-a-fuck-I’ll-say-what-I-want-what-can-you-do-about-it kind of voice. You know how certain writers would perfect the tone and grammar until everything is rigid and poised. Hornby is nothing like that. Very conversational. Something you would hear out of your friend’s mouth when he is shooting shit during a cock session. In fact, a kind of tone that you would like to give the speaker a good smack in the face for talking like that.

Countless times I would love to slap Rob Fleming. Face it, he is a loser. In his 30s and only just owning a lousy vinyl store that thinks it’s too good for anyone who listens to something siding towards the mainstream. Yet, he is sick of himself being a loser; he frowns upon losers who are losing more than him, and gets all high and mighty when he beds a not-so-famous musician. (At least, he gets to fuck the musician – and without strings attached – what have you to show, eh?)

I bet every reader would love to knee his crotch just to shut him up. But you won’t. You know why. Because there is a small part in us that is a Fleming. Someone who has hated their ex for dumping them and insisted that you don’t need them. Someone who has gone through a depression, whether you want to admit it or not, while subtly trying to get your ex back. Someone who sits around and complain everything bad about life but won’t do anything to fix it. Someone who is just an ass. Especially if you are a guy, you would probably punch him just because he is right.

Straight up, it is a dick lit. I doubt all guys are like that, because not all girls are like what Sophie Kinsella depicted. But of course, there will still be a small part of us that is well, bimbotic. But I am surprised I enjoyed High Fidelity, because the last time I checked out something dick related (physiques not included, of course – or maybe it is, hmm), I did not quite like it.

And yes, it has everything to do with it being musically oriented. I like how he talks about the art of putting together a mixtape. Exactly how I would put together mine. Delicate words you borrow from someone to help tell how you really feel. And also the order of the songs you put on the mix. There has to be a flow or a meaning behind the arrangement.

So, if you like music, and if you like someone who are not afraid to be blunt in their writing, and if you like someone who will dig for your worst fear about yourself and rub the stink all over your face, how about setting aside your headphones for a change and read a book. Or if reading will take its toll on you, watch the movie. Whatever blows your hair back.

[choose a song you think it's nice from the movie soundtrack - get from amazon - youtube it]

Finding a gem among the saturated cluster of Malaysian radios

I don’t listen to radio. I honestly can’t stand the propoganda that goes on in the FM world especially the AMP radio networks. The repetitive  hip-hop thrash and lousy below the belt humor the announcers have gets to me every time. But over the past week or so, I’ve had to rely on radio for some fresh music because I’ve run out of CDs to listen to and I’ve been too lazy to burn anything new. If anyone here wants to make me a mix, I’d happily oblige.

Anyway, for the past 3 days or so I’ve been listening to BFM. You know,  the Business radio station that I’m sure you’ve seen the frequency being plastered on the back of KL cabs. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the music they play. In the 2 days that I’ve tuned in, I have already been graced with some interesting music choices.

Let’s see.  John Lennon, The Beatles, The Wallflowers, some old school Phil Collins, Lynard Skynard and a whole shit of other great music that I don’t know. Now that’s always a good thing. Most of the songs they play remind me of waking up in suburban American to a brand new hopeful day. It’s sorta uplifting.

So right now, I’ve got 2 radio stations programmed to memory. BFM and Traxx FM. Now Traxx ain’t consistent but their breakfast show spawns some pretty interesting tunes too.I especially like their link up with Radio Australia that happens 8.45am Thursdays.

Anyway for those out there with a more adventurous sense of music, I implore you to listen to BFM. Now I know the contents can be rather heavy – what with business news, economic updates and stuff but it’s nice to listen to something deep for a change. There ain’t no fugitive to catch here just honest-to-goodness music. Traxx is nice too on occasions and I find it rather refreshing supporting a government based radio network.

Here’s the frequency.

BFM = 89.9 FM
Traxx = 100.1 or 90.3 FM

Malaysia is not the World

I went to to bed yesterday night feeling angry, sad, dejected and most of all – powerless. I have never meant to write about anything else on this blog but the current situation in the only country I will ever call home has forced a mind shift upon me.

Yesterday, 3 innocent people were detained under the ISA. Injustice has slapped its ugly head on 27 million people that are mostly decent, kind and tolerant human beings.

RPK – Although you’re rash, brash, silly and at times talk too much, you’re still the bravest man in Malaysia and you champion a cause that people like me and a lot of others believe in. Thank You.

Theresa Kok – I don’t really know what truly transpired, but the Azan issue is actually a very sensitive one. I believe you’re not as silly as to ask for the lowering of the Azan. Detention without trial is completely, humanely unacceptable. My heart is with you.

Tan Hoon Cheng – Yours is perhaps the case that I feel most strongly about. Getting thrown into jail just for doing your job? Come on. The other 2 might be able to stomach detention. Pete and Theresa are veteran politicians (ok, Pete’s not a politician but well, he’s royalty heh) but Hoon Cheng looks like one of those innocent girls that just got out of college.

The most despicable thing is that the fucker who made the infamous comments himself was awarded a 3 year holiday and the hooligan who tore portrait’s of our leaders gets away scot-free.

Fuck you government. For banning The Sun. For being complete retards. For practicing double standards. For being power crazy. For being the enemies of the land I call home.

There will be a candlelight vigil tonight at Bukit Aman – 8:30 PM onwards. Please come and show your support peacefully. There is no need for violent behavior. Just peaceful silence. If you’re unable to make it, light candles on the balconies of your home around your neighborhood.

Malaysia is dying. It is up to us – her children, to save her.

For today’s sombre post, the feature will be Morrisey’s America is Not the World.

In America, The land of the free, they said, And of opportunity, In a just and a truthful way.

But where the president, is never black, female or gay, and until that day,
you’ve got nothing to say to me, to help me believe

But even America has grown up. Hilary Clinton showed that America is the world and Barack Obama is living proof that America is no longer the boy it used to be.

Malaysia, I await your turn with bated breath.

Download the song HERE.

Gotta spend some time with Death Cab in Singapore

Okay so there’s this constant bitching going on about Death Cab choosing to go to Singapore instead of KL. Well, as much as I hate traveling down south, how can I ever say no to the genius known as Ben Gibbard?

Yes yes i know the KL music scene blows balls. While our ever loving neighbor gets Damien, Slayer, Coldplay, AX7, KT Tunstall, Travis, Mraz, Dream Theater, i can go on and on (really!), we get Celine Dion. Enough said.

Fine, fine. EITS did pay us a visit early March and although I am thankful for that, I still say that it could have been at a way better venue. Ruums is just too damn dodgy to host such a fine act.

Back to topic anyway. Death Cab’s playing in Singapore and in spite of rumors about them outbidding us to get them to go to Singapore instead of KL, I’m still gonna be there. I ain’t gonna miss Death Cab even if the frigging moon falls on my backyard and destroys my entire life as I know it.

Tickets are on sale tomorrow and judging from my last Singapore concert experience, it’s gonna go fast.  I know there’s gonna be a troupe of Malaysians hiking down south on the 12th so how about we form a human chain and together raid the fort?

If you’re alone and find yourself without anyone to go with, leave your contacts in the comment box and we can find a way to travel together or something. If you already have friends and would like to feel all stupid and swoon like a 16 year old, leave your contacts in the comment box and we can form a Malaysian groupie. Don’t worry I ain’t a serial rapist or killer. I’m just a Death Cab addict.

Sing it with me now “I’m gonna spend some time love, I’m gonna spend some time with Death Cab….“

Listen to the one of the most grandiose songs ever written, the majestic Transatlanticism from the album of the same name.

Buy your Death Cab concert tickets HERE.

Download the song HERE.

I said I wasn’t going to rant. I Lied.

I’ve said that I will not allow myself to rant on this blog but it seems like with all my other resolutions, I’m gonna break them. Cinemas are showing a new local movie called Apa Kata Hati. It’s a story
about this girl who is going through the normal ups and downs, ifs and nots of a relationship when one day, she suddenly discovered that she could listen to guys’ thoughts. WOW~! Awesome plot. Hey, wait a
second. Why does this sound awfully familiar?

Of course it does. Nancy Meyers directed Mel Gibson to play the female mind-reader in the excellent What Women Want. I mean seriously. What the fuck? What the fuck is wrong with the local film scene? Doesn’t anyone here have the passion or even the drive to create something extraordinare? Why does local movie makers take the easy way out by copying the brainchild of someone else’s work? How can we ever hope to see a majestic motion picture made by Malaysians if every local movie maker blatantly copies an existing idea out there and try to make it theirs?

This is not the first time. There was Impak Maksima. WTF is that? A copy and hype out of the even more ridiculous Fast and Furious. Then there was Cicak Man. My god. Have you actually seen that film? I had more fun letting a dentist probe my rotten tooth than watching that piece of junk. The worst thing about it is that Yusry who acted in the film received some award for some film making recognition. And then I hear they’re making  a sequel out of it. WTF?

Last but not least is of course Sepet. Alright that was a decent movie. It was good and something we all can be proud off. Until of course Gubra came out and every other subsequent movies by Yasmin Ahmad, contains the same plot and story line that Sepet had. Fine if you’re gonna say Gubra is a sequel or prequel or whatever not but what about Mukhsin? I mean come on. Reinvent yourself. Get out of the comfort zone. No one ever became great sleeping in their beds.

Motion Pictures mean a great deal to me and it saddens me to see the state of local film productions. Anyway my rant ends now so I’ll move on to what I should be talking about.

Celeste, a dear friend of mine and an ardent music fan herself (who also was kind enough to design my blog banner, thank you very much) introduced this interesting song to me by The Hoosiers. Hailing from the Uk and calling their sound, Odd Pop, you’d expect something unique from them. I was entranced straight away upon listening to the voice of Irwin Sparkes. He reminds me of the legendary and famed Jeff Buckley. If you don’t know who he is, shame on you. I’ll do a piece on him one day in the future when the gods above think I am worthy enough to talk about him.

I present to you Run Rabbit Run from The Hoosiers’ debut studio album, The Trick to Life. Pay attention to the stunning Indian music influence in the beginning and the staggering pitching prowess of Irwin Sparkes as he hollers and wails his heart out in the explosive chorus. Might not be your everyday song but it’s a track that every music fan should listen to at least once.

Download the song HERE.

In the Beginning..

I remember sometime late last year where I wanted to buy Dashboard Confessional’s The Shade of Poison Trees upon it’s release. Sure, I could easily download it , but I couldn’t bring myself to do that because Chris Carrabba deserves my money for his exceptional tug-at-the-heart emo songwriting skill.

So there I was scouring the entire streets of KL in search of my wanted record. From Tower to Victoria. From Rock Corner to cramped up dingy music stores hidden behind a front of transvestite hookers pitching their trade. No luck. I’m frustrated. I’m trying not to order my copy online where I’d have to wait for 3 weeks before it arrives on my doorstep.

Malaysia blows. I’m not talking about those ‘send you to the higher plane deepthroat’ blows but more to the ‘spit filled desperate’ blows that your friends try to make you do by placing your birthday cake miles away from your face. Turn on the radio and you’ll be hearing One Republic’s Apologize looping over and over. Or was it Timbaland featuring One Republic? Hah!

It’s not that OR is a bad band or anything- I actually think Ryan Tedder is a decent songwriter but there are numerous other better bands out there trying to find their voice. What happened to the genius of Jeff Buckley and his heart wrenching rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah? Or how about the emotional talent of Damien Rice and his forlorn sexual ballad Elephant? Generation-Y Malaysians could use a little more variety here.

I imagine myself being a radio announcer, spinning songs that i love, that formed the very core of my existence today. But then again, radio announcers here don’t get freedom to choose what songs they want to play on air; what with strict playlist and all.

So here I am starting a blog. I’m not gonna discuss my private life or which driver pissed me off today on the way to work. Fuck that. I’m here to talk about music. The stuff you don’t hear on regular Malaysian radio. The stuff that’s too brilliant to make into the playlist of unintelligent local radio producers. None of those pussycat dolls, spice girl reunion horse shit.

Stay tuned babes.