Fave Artist: Lisa Loeb

I ADORE LISA LOEB.

I've loved her since she sang "Stay" in 1994. Totally blown over when she sang "Do You Sleep" in 1995. I clearly remember being all anxious about getting her "Tails" cassette as soon as I heard "Do You Sleep?" enter NU107's Midnight Countdown. (Haha, how 90s can you get?! :P)

I actually don't know much of her outside of her albums (I heard she was on some reality show), and I'm not really sure I was able to follow her beyond her "The Way It Really Is" album. But I still consider myself a huge fan.

It was a very big disappointment when her Hard Rock gig here in Manila didn't push through back in the late 90s. I still don't know why that didn't happen.

Lisa is on my list of artists-to-see-live-before-I-die, along with Counting Crows.

I like that her voice is so nice and girly, and yet still not too high for me to reach :D Whenever I play guitar, "Stay" and "Do You Sleep?" are part of my staples. I just hate how I can't play and sing at the same time so I fumble a lot with the phrasings and pluckings of "Do You Sleep?" :)) But I totally love playing them.

Here are some awesome live performances by Lisa on YouTube:

"Stay" (March 2006), with a nice commentary at the start. She talks of how "Stay" jumpstarted her mainstream success, with the help of her friend Ethan Hawke, who by the way directed a one-take and no-edits music video for this song (couldn't find any other upload so this'll do). Btw, I didn't know Ben Stiller directed "Reality Bites", hehe. I haven't watched that film yet - so much for being a 90s kid, huh.


"Do You Sleep?" (March 2004). I like the electric guitar riff during the intro/outro; it's not in the original recording. One of my favorite songs of all time.


More Lisa Loeb videos from lisaloebshrine on YouTube.

Fave Album: "Primordial Soup" (1996) by Violent Playground

I discovered a gem at the record bar in Landmark, TriNoma last Wednesday: a CD of Violent Playground's debut album, "Primordial Soup"!

I literally squealed when I spotted this on the racks; it must've looked pretty awkward because I was all by my lonesome then :D

I have the cassette of this from way back 10+ years ago. The inlay doesn't indicate the date of release though so I'm not really sure if the year was actually 1995. I checked online and they have this on titikpilipino.com, but the release date (of the CD, I presume) is 2008; and the inlay for the CD says it's copyrighted 2007. Anyway...
EDIT: Ok, MSN Music says the CD was released 1996.

I totally love this album. I was in ecstasy when the band reunited (after 6 years apart) for one night only at Rock Radio Cafe in Alabang in 2003 (one of my first few Admit One gigs).


Other pics from that Admit One gig.

Fave tracks include "Moist", "Starvation Army", and "Never the Bright Lights".

Here they are performing "Starvation Army" and "Never the Bright Lights" at the 1996 NU107 Rock Awards:


I kinda remember having a slight crush on RJ (their vocalist) back in high school, hehe.

A CD of their sophomore album would be a great find, too. Though I believe I didn't even lay eyes on the cassette version of that...

Related VP link:
https://music.msn.com/music/album-review/violent-playground/primordial-soup/

My CD and cassette versions of "Primordial Soup". The cassette inlay is more interesting, with the comic strip surrounding the lyrics, and pics of and thank yous from the band. The CD inlay only has the album cover and the tracklist. I believe the original album art is by Dino Ignacio, the same guy responsible for the animated "Maritess vs the Superfriends" skit of Fil-Am comedian Rex Navarette :)

Things that keep me sane

My previous entry talked about the things that are driving me crazy these days.

Now these are the things that keep me sane:

My guy.

My band.

My friends.

And of course - music. Such as this one, which is perfect for this sleepless Sunday morning: Sungha Jung's "Angel's Sunday" (originally by Kotaro Oshio):

And the news that this guy's coming to town:

Things that Rick Astley will never do

Menggai (Ma'am Cheng), her good friend, and I will be watching Rick Astley at the Big Dome on August 1.

Not a diehard Rick fan, but seeing that he's just as cute as he was two decades ago convinced me to at least get General Admission seats and see him perform his charttopping hits: Never Gonna Give You Up, Together Forever, Cry For Help (with that heartbreaking piano intro). He's really got this awesome voice which hasn't changed a bit, and actually looks good on him now that he's more mature than (but still) babyface. (Labo ko, haha!)

So anyway, before I turn in tonight, just wanted to blog about my favorite Rick Astley songs:

It Would Take A Strong Strong Man (1988)

Hopelessly (1993) - just rediscovered tonight how I used to LOVE this song

Revisiting Elliott Yamin's Glorietta 2007 Gig

I suddenly missed Elliott tonight, so Elliott-mode it is. He's such a talented artist, best seen live! =D

Watch the whole Glorietta (and Alabang) gig on sleeplacker's YouTube channel (Thanks so much Marie!) =)

It takes wild hope to make the stars worth reaching for

Wasn't too hot about Cook's performance (but it was still good); it was the lyrics that won me over. Found the songwriter on MySpace, check her out: Emily Shackleton


DREAM BIG

When I was a little girl
I swore that I would change the world
When I grew up
Nothing else would be enough
Back then it all seemed black and white
But these days I just can't seem to find
The child in me
Who always believed

I see it everyday - we settle for safe
and lose ourselves along the way

BUT IF YOU DON'T DREAM BIG
WHAT'S THE USE IN DREAMING
IF YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH
THERE'S NOTHING WORTH BELIEVING
IT TAKES WILD HOPE TO MAKE THE STARS WORTH REACHING FOR
SO REACH OUT FOR SOMETHING MORE

It took a well-perfected plan
For me to finally understand
That it's not me
Faith is something I can't see
I loosed the reigns then let them go
I broke the chains of fear that had
Their hold on me too long
When all I felt was wrong

I've wiped my tears away - now it's time for a change
No I can't waste another day

CUZ IF YOU DON'T DREAM BIG
WHAT'S THE USE IN DREAMING
IF YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH
THERE'S NOTHING WORTH BELIEVING
IT TAKES WILD HOPE TO MAKE THE STARS WORTH REACHING FOR
SO REACH OUT FOR SOMETHING MORE

SO CLOSE YOUR EYES
AND TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE
BETWEEN WHAT'S REAL
AND MAKE-BELIEVE
HERE'S THE PATH WE'VE ALL BEEN SEARCHING FOR
SO REACH OUT FOR SOMETHING MORE

Than you ever could imagine
Then move, don't wait for it to happen
Life's too short for not taking chances
The stars aren't as far as they seem

BUT IF YOU DON'T DREAM BIG
WHAT'S THE USE IN DREAMING
IF YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH
THERE'S NOTHING WORTH BELIEVING
IT TAKES WILD HOPE TO MAKE THE STARS WORTH REACHING FOR
SO REACH OUT FOR SOMETHING MORE

SO CLOSE YOUR EYES
AND TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE
BETWEEN WHAT'S REAL
AND MAKE-BELIEVE
HERE'S THE PATH WE'VE ALL BEEN SEARCHING FOR
SO REACH OUT FOR SOMETHING MORE

Daughtry @ Eastwood!

I am totally watching this!!!

(Click for details)

Experiencing Toto for the first and last time

I never really got to blog about the Toto concert, so here's a "quick" one before I go back to prepping for Field Bio :D

The show started without a front act at around 8:45 p.m. I was starstruck to finally see Steve Lukather in the flesh. During my re-discovery of Toto weeks prior to the gig, I developed a crush on Luke, never minding that he's old enough to be my dad :P

Seeing Luke and the rest of the band give their all on that stage was really awesome; but it was a constant thorn in my side for the rest of the night to see the lukewarm response of the crowd whenever Toto rocked it out. The most responsive the audience got was when Toto played the ballads, though there were enough sincere cheers and applause when Luke or other members would do their solos.

Reading comments on YouTube and on certain forums, I gathered that indeed the general Filipino audience was disappointed by the gig. Most people were looking forward to the ballads - "I'll Be Over You", "I Won't Hold You Back", "Lea", etc. These songs were played, but only as part of an acoustic medley. During that medley, someone in the audience actually shouted "Lugi!" And it really made me sad that this was how the gig was proceeding - the band's vision and the audience's expectations weren't a match at all. But what I really cared about was how the band was reacting to this scenario - it worried me that they weren't having fun.

They started out really hyper. Greg, their keyboardist, was jumping up and down amidst his 4 keyboards, coaxing the audience to get on their feet, yet the audience remained stuck to their seats. Towards the later part of the gig, I didn't see the same level of enthusiasm they portrayed in their live DVDs; it was obvious that they couldn't feed much from the energy of the audience, which I believe is an important thing for bands.

The general sentiment from the comments I've read is that Toto doesn't know how to play their old songs anymore, that they were just showing off with their new stuff and with their solos, etc. But I think Toto did try to give it all to the Pinoys that night - the mere fact that "Lea" and "99" made it to the playlist indicated that they were made aware (via their Cebu gig the day before) that the Pinoys wanted the ballads. You see, "Lea" was also requested the last time they were here (in 1994?), and the band obliged with just the chorus, saying that they haven't played that tune in 10 years. Also, "99" is allegedly Luke's least favorite Toto song, and it never makes the playlists anymore. And, "I Won't Hold You Back" and "Georgy Porgy" aren't part of their setlists in other legs of this tour, yet they included parts of it in their Manila performance. I also watched the vidclips I took of the gig, and I caught Luke saying that they'll be jamming a bit, because "weren't really counting on this", referring to the Pinoy's penchant for their slow songs - thus the "totally unrehearsed" medley of the ballads we oh-so-wanted.

So I guess for those who felt "bitin" after the medley should actually be glad they even got to hear parts of the songs that the band never meant to play in the first place.

As for me, I was just glad to see and hear Luke sing the first half of "I'll Be Over You". Oh and yeah, it's funny because the only other person I knew in the audience, besides my companions Menggai and Dave, was the reason I got to like "I'll Be Over You" in the first place :P

A day after the gig, I felt sad that the show was over. After weeks of looking forward to the gig, now I was dealing with the fact that I'll never get to see them play again; I've read in a forum that the manager mentioned that this was their last tour (not that I wasn't expecting that though - they've got senior citizens in the band already! :P) Also, I was still bothered that most of the audience (and maybe the band) didn't enjoy the gig, which in effect kinda took away some of my enjoyment as well (nagpaapekto ba, hehe).

But this made me happy - excerpts of goff's post at Philmusic.com. I don't personally know goff; I just came across this thread and saw that this person was a friend of Toto's manager:

Coincidentally, did you know that a Filipino now manages Toto? He is none other than Sonny Abelardo. Sonny is the grandson of Nicanor Abelardo of UP Abelardo Hall fame and his name is really Nicanor Abelardo lll.

...He pala is producing and managing Toto and is Luke's manager on Sonny's new label Ride Records. Sonny has been in production for the last 20 plus years with the likes of Miles Davis, The Crusaders, Al Jarreau.

...During dinner Sonny and I talked much about his plans for Steve Lukather. The new album is out along with a real cool video for the song Ever Changing Times under Ride Records. He plans to bring Steve here as a solo artist for this album sometime this year if things can be arranged. Along with the CD is a DVD of the video and a behind-the-scenes in the studio featuring Steve and the musicians on the new CD.

Anyways, I'm hoping even just for a small venue Luke gig, if that would be feasible for them. Anything to see Steve Lukather live again.

- - - - -

Songs I remember at random from their setlist: Medley: I'll Be Over You, Won't Hold You Back, Lea, 99, Georgy Porgy; Gypsy Train (opening song), Hold the Line (2nd to the last song), Africa (encore), Rosanna (with a cool jazzy intro), Hydra (keys and drums solo), Falling in Between, Bottom of My Soul, Pamela, I'll Supply the Love, Stop Loving You (with Tony Spinner on vocals). I think there were others but I don't know their titles.

I love Lukather!!!

Once is NOT enough.
Pics here and vidclips here.
More details in a separate blog entry soon :)

The search for Toto...and a realization about the music industry

Couple of days ago, I went Toto CD hunting in Makati. Got off the MRT at Ayala Station. Visited SM Makati's record store, and the Astrovision branch they had. Scooted off to Music One Glorietta, then moved on to the record store in Landmark. Made a last stop at Music One Greenbelt. And then made it all the way back to the Ayala MRT Station because that's the same place where the terminal is for BF-bound shuttles. So that's an hour's worth of walking to and browsing through five record stores.

I was looking for any Toto album that was NOT the Best Ballads nor the Essential Toto collection. I already have Best Ballads, and Essential has basically the same songs. I was also looking for their latest studio album, Falling in Between (2006), or their latest release, Falling in Between Live (CD and DVD, 2007).

Anong napala ko?

All I saw were the two albums I WASN'T looking for. But thankfully I did score a VCD of their 25th anniversary gig (Live in Amsterdam 2003), and the commendable record store was SM!

It just sucks, because here I am, a very willing consumer, loaded with Toto-cash, but nobody wants to sell me albums. The record company should've cashed in on this moment; besides, that's what tours are for, to promote their albums.

Hmph.

Anyway, I've watched snippets of the 25th anniv gig, and that didn't help one bit in watering down my anticipation of their Manila gig on April 3.

We're off to the province this weekend though, so I'm bringing the VCD to watch when everyone's sleeping already. Plus I've printed some chords/tabs that I plan to try out during lull times over the weekend ;)

I don't think I've ever been this excited (and well-prepared! or at least trying to be...) for any gig I've gone to before =D

P.S. Signs of the times. I haven't gone to these records stores in ages. Which is why I was shocked to see that Music One Glorietta has been reduced to 1/4 its original size, while Music One Greenbelt is just half of what it used to be. Haaay. Panalo na ba ang mga pirata? Hindi pa naman siguro, diba? =(

P.P.S. Actually I did score something other than the 25th anniv gig. Recently my co-teacher Menggai and I talked about Richard Marx (who's friends with Toto's Steve Lukather). As I was Toto-CD-hunting in SM, I chanced upon Richard Marx CDs. And guess who was just beside Richard? None other than Steve Lukather :) So yeah, I have Luke's latest album, which is awesome. I wish I could score his old CDs as well.

P.P.P.S. (04/08/08) Recently visited SM Megamall and was surprised to see - or NOT SEE - Music One. It was all just Powerbooks where Music One/Tower Records used to be. I don't know if they transferred, or M1 was totally obliterated from Megamall. Odyssey is also now just half of what is used to be.

One of the most awesome things I've seen in a long while

Here, just in case you're not familiar with the song, hehe.

And yes, my obsession with Toto lives on...April 3 is sooo far away :(

As soon as forever is through, I'll be over you

Ok, this is weird. I'm currently crushing on a 33-year-old guy from 18 years ago. Better late than never?



"I'll Be Over You" was released in 1986 as part of TOTO's sixth album, "Fahrenheit".

I grew to love the song in 1995, during my first year in Pisay (my bandmates would know why *wink*)

But it is only now in 2008 that I discovered the voice behind one of my most favorite songs of all time.

Toto has been described by no less than Eddie Van Halen as "collectively the best musicians on the planet". One of those awesome musicians is guitarist/vocalist Steve Lukather (OFFICIAL SITE|WIKIPEDIA), who did vocals on "I'll Be Over You".

I cyberstalked "Luke" tonight and was amazed by his credentials. I've been all over, so forgive me if I forget to cite my sources; I simply wasn't able to keep track of everything. All I know is I remember reading that Luke's got 700 albums to his name - as part of Toto, or as a sessionist for a good number of artists. Check out his DISCOGRAPHY and be blown away.

Just this afternoon, I headed off to BF Ruins to look for concert DVDs of Toto (sorry for supporting the pirates, but I've tried Music One ATC and found nothing; I'll buy em if I find em, that's for sure!). Was actually looking for recent footage so I'd have an idea of what to expect on April 3, but instead I found the whole concert from where the vidclip I posted earlier was taken. It's an awesome (I use that word a lot, don't I?) gig from 1990, and I have half the mind to watch it for the second time tonight, as soon as I finish this blog :D

So there, watching a 33-year-old Steve Lukather sing "I'll Be Over You" and unleash those solos in between did me over. Now I'm hooked, and I don't mind that the guy's already 51 and doesn't really look like he did back in 1990. He's amazing! But speaking of 1990, Luke was a indeed a cutie then (in an 80s sense - the hair, the clothes...), what with those blue eyes and long lashes (I seem to have a thing for eyes...just check out Drew's!) and heart-melting voice and awesome (there I go again) guitar skills!

Couldn't April 3 be any sooner?!

In the meantime, let me leave you with more footage from 1990. This is "I Won't Hold You Back", one of the few songs that Luke wrote all by himself, and one of Toto's most beautiful songs. This particular performance starts out with a beautiful solo by keyboardist and also founding member David Paich.




P.S. 33 years old? Talk about 22! And in bell bottoms and a 'fro! :P

AI7 Marathon

Ever noticed how shows get marathoned during the Holy Week? Well, I'm doing my own marathon online, and it's an AI7 marathon. Missed quite a number of shows lately, though I've updated myself through Rickey.org, sometimes even before the show gets to Philippine TV. It's a bad habit we have at the Bio Unit :P Since there are three fanatics in the unit (me, Ma'am Cheng, and Sir Tafaleng; Ma'am Espiritu sana but she's not in the unit anymore), it's not just me who's excited to grab hold of the spoilers :D So at around 9am, we are promptly tuned in to Rickey.

Sorry, this is gonna be a bit long, ehehe.

So anyway, these are my fave performances:

TOP 20: Jason Castro - I Just Want To Be Your Everything
I actually like the interview more than the performance though :D He's just so doggone cute.

TOP 20: David Hernandez - Papa Was A Rolling Stone
Ok, so the gymnastics revelation kinda started to make me think. Nevertheless, this was his strongest performance for me. Too bad he's not gonna be part of the tour. Though there's a rumor of Wildcard spots for the tour so I hope he gets his chance there.

TOP16: David Archuleta - Another Day in Paradise
The piano was a winner! :D

TOP16: Jason Castro - Hallelujah
Wow, awesome comments from Simon! Yup, Castro did a great job on this one. What's more, his performance of this song catapulted Jeff Buckley to the top of iTunes! It's always great when people discover great songs through whatever means (AI, Rockstar, revivals/covers/etc.)


TOP 11: David Cook - Daytripper
Did he say in the intro that he arranged that with the house band? Then way to go for David C. I think this was the performance that finally got me to listen to him. The vocoder/voicebox appeared contrived though (but I didn't mind it one bit on the mp3, which I listened to first).


TOP 11: Syesha Mercado - Yesterday
This got Syesha back in her game. The mp3 alone was OK, but it was so much better watching her emo performance onscreen. Ganda :)

Random comments:

The group performances are somewhat disasters. Yikes.

As for David Cook, I've said before that I don't believe his rocker persona. But I'm slowly becoming convinced. But I still can't seem to like him the way I liked Chris Daughtry. Was his version of Hello his own arrangement? If it was, then kudos to him. I didn't like it the first time I heard it, but the second chance worked (even though it started awkward).

Regarding Carly Smithson, I can't seem to get over my bias on her. Though there are a lot of pros/semipros in this bunch of contestants, I think her spot is the most wasted. She already had her chance with a major label record that didn't sell. But now that AI's pimping her, that record just might get its chance to finally chart. She does have talent, but I'm not inclined to appreciate it just yet.

Comments on Beatles night:

Two Beatles nights in a row? Too much. To quote a favorite Simon comment: It was indulgent. And most of the songs got killed, massacred, left to bleed and die. I wouldn't consider myselfe a die-hard Beatles fan, but I'm still territorial when it comes to their songs - I rarely like em covered (The I Am Sam OST was awesome for the most part, though!).

Kristy Lee Cook should be hanged for her version of one of my most favorite Beatles songs. Argh! "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" was just as awful *rolls eyes*

I wouldn't say the same for David A. He could screw it all up and I won't make him a noose. But yeah, he screwed up the Beatles big time :(

I'd say David C's "Eleanor Rigby" had a great rock out arrangement (though I've read he copied it from some band), but the vocals weren't as hot in some places. But he did get great comments from the judges, and they weren't really undeserved.

In my opinion, Carly Smithson killed the Beatles' "Come Together". I don't think the song was ever meant to be sang that diva-ish-ly. It's a rock song through-and-through.

Lastly, boo that Ramiele's mic was off during her duet part with Brooke.

Comments on my favorites:

Michael Johns - He is undeniably hot, but his performances keep kinda falling short. I love watching him, but listening to the mp3s alone make me wince a bit when his voice wavers, especially during the high notes. A solid presence like his should be backed by solid vocals. I'm hoping the next nights would really showcase his talent. I love his playlist (i.e., his taste in music), though. And he really gets pimped during groups songs, especially on the first Beatles week :D

Ramiele Malubay - She's so cute and charming, with hot vocals to boot. But she kinda needs to work the stage more, to interact more fluidly with the audience. I mean, she's great on cam during the interviews, but her performances need a little more oomph. I really do hope she makes it to the top spots.

Amanda Overmyer - I'm disappointed but not surprised that she got booted this early. True, she didn't show versatility, but I like her nonetheless. I'm just glad she got some exposure through AI, but her type isn't really the kind that lasts on the show. I hope she still makes a career out of music - rocker chicks rule!

Toto in Manila on April 3!

I've got tickets! :)



Toto live! April 3, 2008 Araneta Coliseum April 2, 2008 Cebu City.
For more info please call Ticketnet - 9115555 or Ovation Productions - 5328883 / info@ovationproductionsmanila.com

- - - - -

One of my most favorite songs of all time:

Gigging around

Well, sorta.

I looove going to gigs, but I hardly can. So the next best thing to attending a gig is organizing one! :D

Yup yup, another Battle of the Bands and Fair Gig gone by. The lineup was great, the gig itself was fun, and the preparations...they were hell as usual. Year in, year out, I stress myself (and my SAMAPI folks) over the Fair Concert. But seeing the kids enjoy themselves so much on gig night itself makes it all worthwhile, especially when I hear of their close encounters of the rockstar kind :)

As usual, wasn't able to take decent pics as I was out and about for most of the night. Will try to post whatever I have soon.

As for the stress-free gigs that I've been to lately, photos have been uploaded to my other Multiply: Julia Fordham at the ATC, UP Fair (Tuesday Night), Maroon 5 at the Araneta

• I'm not really a Julia Fordham fan, but the curious music fan in me always wins. Besides, any gig is a great photo op :D I was late though, so I wasn't able to secure a nice spot to take pics. Was really glad when she sang "Someone to Watch Over Me"; it's one of my favorite songs of all time, especially her version. PICS, VID
  
  
  
  
• The UP Fair was an event I always looked forward to in the later years of my college life. I still like attending the fair now, but it's really a hassle since I have to go home all the way to Paranaque, aside from the fact that I'm tired from work by then. Tuesday was great, though, even if I wasn't able to wait for the main events: Urbandub's 45-minute set with an orchestra, and Sandwich's 10th anniv gig. This year, I went with Sam and her director's chair and her sister Baba and friends. Yup, Sam brought a chair into the fair grounds and actually sat through some performances while most everyone around was on their feet :D Was able to watch some bands I've been wanting to see for a long time: Camerawalls (Clem OnL's new band), Duster (all-girl band: Katwo of Narda, Kris of Cambio/Fatal Posporos, Myrene of Sandwich/Imago, Ristalle), and Peryodiko (Vin Halo's new band). PICS
  
  
  
  
• And of course, there's Maroon 5. Drew and I planned to watch this, but we ran out of tickets (at least in the price range we were willing to spend for). Luckily, my cousin texted the night before the gig that she had tickets, so off we went to watch (Thanks Kai, and Aimee and Jon!) :D All I wanted was to watch an international band, but it turned out that I enjoyed the gig very much.
  Adam Levine was HOT (though Andrew thinks he's gayish). Adam was cute, and he played awesome guitar (I didn't even know he could solo!). And I loved when he counted in Filipino as a segue to "The Sun" :D
  There were moments when he was really basking in the crowd's adoration; "She Will Be Loved" had around a minute of just the crowd screaming at Adam, with the screams intensifying as Adam smiled as a response to the crowd's love.
  I also loved when the band stopped playing "Won't Go Home Without You" and just let the crowd sing the chorus over and over again. The crowd was great, and props, too, to Maroon 5 for being great live performers, not only in terms of musicianship but also in their rapport with the audience. PICS, VID1, VID2
  
  

The UP Fair and the Maroon 5 gigs made me me love Tomi even more. I was situated far from the stage, but the zoom was powerful enough to allow me to take OK pics, and the sound quality in the vidclips was cool, too :)

So there. Til the next gig, I guess...

Taylor Hicks at TriNoma

Looong fangirly post that starts out with a rant and ends with some plugging :D

- - - - -

Pansin ko lang ang malas ko sa pagimbita lately. For two consecutive events, I kinda got stood up. And the people I invited had totally valid reasons for not being able to join me, but I can't help but feel bad about it, hehe.

So yeah, was able to watch Taylor Hicks at TriNoma, albeit alone. What's funny about that is that my friend Christi from RX 93.1 gave me 6 seat stubs so I can watch Taylor up close (yey!), but I only ended up using ONE.

Another funny thing is that three hours before the show, I went to claim the tickets from the Concierge, but was told that there were no tickets from RX. After almost an hour and a series of texts and phone calls, I finally got my six tickets.

Another funny thing is that I forgot to bring my camera; the main reason I wanna watch gigs up close is for better shots. Alas, none of that for me this gig.

So anyway, I used one ticket and was able to give away three. I searched the crowd outside the fenced seating area and picked a girl with an SLR. I approached her, asked if she had a ticket so she could take better shots inside. She had two companions with her so I gave them three tickets in all. At least those seats weren't wasted.

I remember watching Elliott Yamin at TriNoma last September, from the 3rd floor, looking down at the seating area, seeing the empty seats and thinking, "Those seats are mocking me." Hate to say it, but some folks must've seen the seats beside me last Thursday and were probably thinking the same thing. Actually there also were a lot of vacant seats at the back and it would've been better if people outside the seating area could've used those seats, too.

At a bit past 7pm, the band went onstage and was soon followed by Taylor. The crowd's reception wasn't as excited as Elliott's crowd. During Elliott's TriNoma gig, folks were already positioning themselves in strategic spots around the mall 3 hours before the gig, and they screamed (shrieked?) when Elliott came out for soundcheck (which I didn't see Taylor do, though he did soundcheck for both Glorietta and Greenbelt) and when the announcer would say that the gig was about to start in a few minutes. The crowd wasn't really responsive either to the music, there were only a few people who'd clap when Taylor clapped, or cheered when Taylor introduced his band members. In fairness, though, those who did respond clearly enjoyed the music, and showed it! Also, when Taylor waved to the fans in the upper floors, they'd wave back.

As for Taylor's performance, it was awesome! So much energy, and a strong soulful voice, and the cutest dance moves ever :P And yeah, Taylor Hicks is waaay cuter in person than in photos! Aaaaand Taylor and his harmonica rule!!! A lucky guy was able to catch that harmonica when Taylor threw it to the audience at the end of the show. Too bad there wasn't any encore - super bitin pa ako! I wish he'd come back for a major show, if not at the Araneta, even just in Hard Rock or some other venue that could accomodate a good number of fans.

Taylor's band was awesome, too! Got this list from The Official Soul Patrol Forum: Maestro Louie Ocampo - piano and musical director, Rickson Ruiz - percussion, Bobby Taylo - bass, Ric Mercado - guitar, Tats Tolentino - sax, Mike Agorrilla - drums, Marvin Querido - 2nd keys. I don't really know them (sorry!), but I've heard that they're well-respected musicians in the scene. And they're really, really good! They got to shine in different parts of the gig with their solos as Taylor would introduce them to the crowd. It was also great watching Taylor having so much fun with the band. I can't find the names of the back-up singers, but they were good, too!

The meet-and-greet after the show was really quick; I think only 25 stubs were given out for that (my seat stubs from Christi didn't come with meet-and-greet passes). So I just hung out backstage and waited for Taylor to leave (sorry na, professional stalker po talaga ako ng mga musikero). When he passed by, I handed him a Christmas gift - a CD of OPM songs (same CD I burned for Elliott) and a necklace from UP Shopping Center that had the word "pananalig/faith" carved in Alibata. He took the gift bag and was about to sign it when I shouted out, "No, that's for you!" He said, "For me?" and then motioned to hand the gift over to his manager but then ended up walking away with it instead. He didn't say thank you, but I was glad I was still able to give it, though I wasn't able to have my "Heart Full of Soul" book signed. I know Andrew hates it when I get all fangirly like this, but I can't help it. I just keep thinking that if I were a performer, I'd love to know what the audience thinks about my work, and I'd definitely appreciate it when they'd tell me about or show me their appreciation. Sorry na kung loser ang dating, but for me it's just genuine appreciation for their gift of music.

After the gig, I was finally able to meet up with my supposed gig buddies, Andrew and Sam. I had dinner while Sam had coffee at Starbucks, where we found ourselves sitting next Taylor's band. We were later joined by our friends Sandra and Peter, and then it was time to leave Quezon City for traffic-cursed Sucat.

- - - - -

In the days leading to Taylor's TriNoma gig, I did my homework and uploaded his album to Rabii. I bought the album almost as soon as it was available in the Philippines, but I never really got to listen to it much until now. Unlike Elliott's R&B and Chris Daughtry's alternative rock, Taylor's blues/rock/soul takes a bit more time to appreciate, but I'm learning to love it, nonetheless. I just noticed that of the Top 4 in American Idol Season 5, it's only Kat McPhee's album that I don't have; I'm interested, but I'll probably buy it way later on. What's nice about that AI season is that it really was overflowing with talent (so much so that I ignored the following season), and their music genres are so diverse that each AI fan has a different favorite.

After the TriNoma gig, I also ended up buying Taylor's pre-Idol album, Under the Radar. It was independently released in 2005, produced by Taylor himself, and contains two tracks ("Soul Thing" and "The Deal") that are also found in his self-titled, major label, debut album. The CD had an autographed sleeve, and cost P600. If it weren't so expensive, I would've also bought his other independent album, In Your Time, which also cost P600 and was also autographed. I'm kinda regretting it now because I'm not sure that album would be available anywhere here in the Philippines.

A day before the gig, I also bought Taylor's autobiographical book, "Heart Full of Soul". I'm only in Chapter Two, but it's turning out to be a very nice read. Taylor tells his story so well, with so much emotion, and with a lot of wit, too! You'd really feel bad about his growing up in a broken family, but you'd also be entertained by his witty comments now and then. Like when he was talking about him and Kat McPhee in the Idol Finale, he said: "The two of us didn't talk much to each other as we awaited the big decision that evening. It was nothing personal, though...I liked Katharine and knew she'd worked hard to get this far. Plus, let's face it, she was pretty easy on the eyes, and it was more fun looking at her than Chris Daughtry." :P I wish the TriNoma gig had been longer, or that I had attended Glorietta and Greenbelt, too. Ironic even that it were the gigs closer to my house that I wasn't able attend. It would be awesome to have Taylor Hicks (and, of course, Elliott Yamin!) back in the Philippines :)

- - - - -

Awesome pics from Taylor's Greenbelt gig, by Eric Fernandez.

Taylor Hicks Live at Ayala Malls

Glorietta
December 18, 2007
Glorietta 4 Park
7:00 PM
Concierge Hotline: (632) 752-7272

Greenbelt
December 19, 2007
Greenbelt 3 Park
8:00 PM
Concierge Hotline: (632) 757-4853

TriNoma
December 20, 2007
Activity Center
7:00 PM
Concierge Hotline: (632) 901-3000

Meet & Greet after each show.

Shannon and Nico Blue Hoon

I've discovered a new appreciation for Blind Melon.

Just the other night, I read about the events leading to Shannon Hoon's drug-related death, and I just felt so sad for him and his family, especially for his daughter Nico Blue.

Here are excerpts from Blind Melon's band bio on MySpace:

"Once the album was completed in the spring of 1995, Hoon checked himself into another rehab facility at the insistence of his bandmates, which pushed the release date of the album, titled Soup, to late summer. A month before the album appeared in August, Hoon's girlfriend gave birth to the couple's first child, which Hoon said in interviews had given him a new lease on life and a reason to straighten out once and for all.

Concerned but anxious to get back on tour, the band hit the road once again. Drug counselors at the facility that Hoon had been admitted to warned the band's management that Hoon wasn't ready for the temptations of the road just yet. But Hoon convinced everyone that he was and a drug counselor/caretaker was hired to accompany him. After a month and a half of dates, the counselor was sent packing and Hoon returned back to his dangerous ways. Just a few days later, on October 21, Hoon was found dead on Blind Melon's tour bus from an apparent drug overdose, at the age of 28."

His daughter, Nico Blue, after whom the next album was named, was just 3 months old back then.


Here she is, 12 years later, singing "Change" with the rest of Blind Melon.


"Change" is the first song Shannon Hoon ever wrote. Part of its lyrics are written on Shannon's grave in his hometown Indiana.

"I know we all can't stay here forever,
So I want to write my words on the face of today."





- - - - -

Blind Melon now has a new vocalist, Travis Warren. Listen to their new stuff on MySpace:

"Much to everyone's surprise, the four surviving Blind Melon members reunited in the summer of 2006, with Amarillo, TX native Travis Warren taking Hoon's spot behind the mic. The group plans on recording a new album for release in 2007, which will also be supported by a tour (the group's first since 1995)."

Please support these fundraising activities for the PSHS Natatanging Guro Endowment Fund!

PSHS Natatanging Guro Endowment Fund

The PSHS Alumni Association and the PSHS Foundation have joined hands with the PSHS Class of 1982 to set up the Natatanging Guro Endowment Fund. They envision the fund (targeted at P100mn in 3 years) to generate income that would support awards for teaching excellence; provide grants for teachers to pursue masters' and doctoral studies; and facilitate faculty exchange programs with leading educational institutions globally, among others.

To raise the initial funding for the Natatanging Guro project, the PSHSAA, PSHS Foundation and PSHS Class of 1982 have launched two events, for which we would like to get your support:

Bravissimo! A Tribute to Excellence, a concert by the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, on December 18, 2007, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.





Ticket prices are available at:
Orchestra Center P 2,000 ($50 for US based)
Orchestra Left / Right P 1,500 ($37.5)
Balcony 1 Center P 750 ($18.75)
Balcony 1 Left / Right P 600 ($15)
Balcony 2 Center P 400 ($10)
Balcony 2 Left / Right P 300 ($7.5)

Even though you may not be able to attend in person, you can still demonstrate your support by purchasing 'Sponsor-a-Teacher' tickets.

Sponsor-A-Teacher ticket prices are valued at $50 (U.S. based) or PhP2000 (Philippine Based)

For inquiries or to purchase tickets, please contact:

For Philippine Based
Gerry Parco at +639209514350 / gerryparco@edsamail.com.ph
Vicky Santos-Abraham at +639189432516 / vickisantos.abraham@gmail.com
Chris Franco at +639172432307 / cchristopherfranco@hotmail.com

For U.S. Based
Lenito Sinay at +15085662155 / lsinay@aim.com
Liza Virata-Theimer at +12407885187 / lizavirata@yahoo.com
or login to www.filgifts.com/pisay for ordering online (US dollar prices)

Pisay Parol Christmas Lantern Sale.
You may purchase traditional Philippine Christmas parols for your homes or if you are US based, for your loved ones and friends back home. These are manufactured by craftsmen from Pampanga Province (parol sales are also in support of the provincial livelihood program for lahar victims), and various designs are available. The lanterns are available in four types:



'PISAY PAROL' (PhP 2,500) - Classic all white capiz (colored also available), large, 11 bulbs, dimensions: 31in diameter

LARGE (PhP 3,500) 2 modern designs available - SAMPAGUITA / STARS & COLORS - Multi-colored capiz native, large, 21 bulbs, dimensions: 34in diameter

SMALL (PhP 1,500) - Multi-colored capiz native, 11 bulbs, dimensions: 20in diameter

'MINI-PAROLS' (P 500) - Mini-parols, multi-colored, plastic casing, 11 bulbs, dimensions: 2½in diameter, ½ inch thick, great for the car!

For Philippine Based
These parols will be for sale during the Pisay Pasko program on 7th Dec at PSHS or please contact Marj, Loida, Ruther or Doods at +6326673690 (ordering and delivery w/in MM) or Adee Sipin at +639175595180 / adee.sipin@gmail.com (for inquiries on Pisay Parols and NG Fund)

For U.S. Based
Lenito Sinay at +15085662155 / lsinay@aim.com
Liza Virata-Theimer at +12407885187 / lizavirata@yahoo.com
or login to www.filgifts.com/pisay for ordering online (US dollar prices)

For more details on the two fundraising events, please visit www.pisay82.org

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE PHILIPPINE SCIENCE SCHOLAR!

(signed)

CIELITO HABITO '70
President
PSHS Alumni Association

ALBERTO MUYOT
Chairman
PSHS Foundation, Inc.

ADRIAN SIPIN '82
President
PSHS Class of 1982 and Co., Inc

Fave songs: "The Universal" by Blur

My favorite Blur song.

This is the video remember. I dunno if Damon Albarn's cane is just a prop or for real (more likely a prop, though).



This is the official video. I only discovered it through YouTube today.


And this is a lovely lovely live version, with Damon Albarn looking extra dreamy.


The song's got many things I love:
- Simple but contemplative lyrics
- Britpop with strings and horns
- A hot Englishman playing the piano =D

"THE UNIVERSAL"

This is the next century
Where the universal's free
You can find it anywhere
Yes, the future has been sold
Every night we're gone
And to karaoke songs
How we like to sing along
Although the words are wrong

It really, really, really could happen
Yes, it really, really, really could happen
When the days they seem to fall through you, well just let them go

No one here is alone, satellites in every home
Yes the universal's here, here for everyone
Every paper that you read
Says tomorrow is your lucky day
Well, here's your lucky day

It really, really, really could happen
Yes, it really, really, really could happen
When the days they seem to fall through you, well just let them go

Well, it really, really, really could happen
Yes, it really, really, really could happen
When the days they seem to fall through you, well just let them go

Just let them go