I’ve come out of hibernation just to mention this. So it’s really big news.

Coldplay has released a 9 track downloadable album as a way of saying thanks to their fans. I’m just glad to see Coldplay embracing the internet and showing absolutely no fear in keeping their songs as strictly sold-per-cd. It just keeps me a big fan of the Rock super-group.

The album which can be downloaded here, doesn’t have the bestest quality really. But I’m still very happy to listen to it and feel just like I did back in the Singapore Indoor stadium watching them perform live for their Viva La Vida tour.

Coldplay music,

Free download.

It’s like two of your favouritest things combined.

I love both.

But whenever I watch an awesome movie, I think about it and look out for the next one that’s coming up.

When I hear awesome music, I never want to stop listening to it again and again.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to watch Coldplay and I said no.

I so completely want to take that back.

MTV Worldstage’s screening of Coldplay in Japan. MAN.

Thought you’d seen the last post didn’t you? Anyways, after a nice long break, I decided I’ll start blogging again.

A few hours ago I was watching Live n Loaded on my Tivo(technically, it’s called the starhub digital station or something, but tivo sounds waaaaay better). In order to stay up to date with whatever’s happening in Singapore’s (possibly) budding music industry, I’ve caught all the episodes so far.

Opinions? The future of Singapore’s rock, indie and whatever music is uncertain, but there’s definitely a chance for a good future.

Certainly, there are the bands that really push Singaporeans to appreciate their own achievements as performers. Plain Sunset, Vertical Rush, The Amps and most notably; Allura come to mind here. My guess is that when people refer to there being potential for homegrown music to thrive Singapore, they’re really thinking of these guys.

I really liked Plain Sunset and Allura the most amongst all the performers so far. Plain Sunset really had the catchiest tunes (IMO) for all the episodes I’ve seen yet(that’ll be four). Tunes are really the thing that’ll give you that edge in the end right? I think Plain Sunset really has it there.

Allura’s frontman(frontwoman really) totally rocked. She just seemed so real, unlike other people when they to rally the crowd. She seems to mean it more than the other performers. Allura’s guitarists IMO have the best riffs when compared to all the other performers as well. Simple, precise and catchy. They really stand out compared to previous performers.  As a guitarist myself, I’m particularly watchful for these guys.

Things aren’t perfect for the music in Singapore though. Here’s a few reasons why:

1. While we’ve had plenty of good performers who’ve been around for a few years. There are really those that aren’t that good. I hesitate to point out names right now.

2. TUNES. I think we could really really really think of better tunes. In all honesty, I just find that generally, songs composed in Singapore really lack good melodies. Sure, there are exceptions such as Plain Sunset or Electrico. I think that’s not enough. Musicians really have to put in much more effort to come up with melodies that are not too monotonous, but not too weird either(there are plenty of those around actually).

3. Live n Loaded picked out a few budding new performers/composers to showcase their talent on live TV. Some of them were ok (like EN-X and For this cycle) Others (like Pervy Boy) errr, need to practise more. I’m not saying we shouldn’t scour our tiny island for musical talent. I’m saying we shouldn’t pluck the fruit before it’s ripe. Most of the bands that I felt weren’t very good were really just well versed in their craft yet. I think they need more time before the’re put up on a big stage on Live TV and branded as “Singapore’s Talent”.

On a final note, I know the buzz word amongst music lovers here at this time is “Support Local”. I think support isn’t just buying their cds and asking all your friends to do so too (that might help a bit).

I think as music lovers and musicians here, we have to give good critiques on our own music. I personally would love to see Singapore Music enter the international market and become a big hit. We as listeners have to do our part to make sure it gets refined properly. It’s our music, let’s make it great.

1. To blog more

2. To stop procrastinating

3. To come up with the rest of the resolutions soon. (Maybe tomorrow)

I’m so totally gonna buy Guns n Roses’ Chinese Democracy album. JUST because of all the controversy that’s behind it.

For anyone who wants to know, Guns’ coming album that’s to be released has taken well over a decade and a whole lotta cash to make. But that’s not all – Music Radar recently a published 33 insane facts about the coming album and I think it’s a worthwhile read. If you’re remotely interested in Guns and Roses, you HAVE to read it.

For now, I’ll leave you with some clips gleaned from Youtube from the year’s (possibly decade’s) most controversial album. Who knows, you might actually like it before you buy the CD huh?

Chinese Democracy:

There was a time:

I’m not gonna mince my words on this one. I don’t like Rihanna.

I think she doesn’t look thaaaaat pretty and her voice is nothing much to crow about. Furthermore, I found the lyrics to umbrella mildly retarded. Worse still, news has it that the 20 year-old is already showing signs of diva-dom.

However, I have to admit that she does give a kickass live show.

I guess you don’t really need me to publicise that her show’s coming in two days since mediacorp radio’s been blasting out her marketing campaign for the past few weeks. More info from sistic.

Vid: Umbrella Live at Dome42 (The one saving grace of Rihanna, a good live show, still I’m not shelling out $$ to watch her)

Partner with an amazingly cute songstress of course!

IN with the NEW, and IN with OLD

I recently discovered that one of my favourite 80s rock bands – Def Leppard has done a concert with Taylor Swift. The music is ok, but I somehow feel incredibly impressed.

Video: Pour some sugar on me (oh yea!)

Video: Love Story (This is Taylor’s, not bad)

I had the extremely good fortune of getting two tickets to watch the premiere of James Bond: Quantum of Solace from a very nice aunt!

As a movie buff, I’m honestly a little disappointed with the movie story et al. But when it came to the Bond theme song, I was IMPRESSED. And that’s all I’m gonna be talking about in this blog.

Firstly, the lineup: Alicia Keys and Jack White? Who in the world could’ve come up with that? As we all know, Ms Keys is well known for her slick R&B type ballads and Mr White of White Stripes fame is all Indie-Rocker. But who would’ve guessed that pairing didn’t just work, it rocked and grooved and thoroughly impressed this music buff.

The Song: Another way to Die IMO somehow managed to nail every single component of a great Bond song while displaying fully what the individual artists are capable of. Keys voice is just so sultry smooth, to me, she sounds better here than she does in her hit single: No one, the current fad in Singapore. Jack White somehow stays completely in element with his uber-cool retro guitar and his huge fuzzy guitar leads.

The song isn’t just another hit, it’s a Bond theme song. The music for this one just doesn’t disappoint. It has its blaring horn sections that totally remind the listener of all the old Bond classics. The Song stays in its ‘eerie’ minor key type of tune throughout. I just love it.

Here’s the Youtube link:

Anyways, what do you think?

What did I think of Oasis’ latest album? Err, it’s good, but………

Honestly now, it’s been 3 days since I bought dig out your soul from Sembawang music store at raffles city. The music’s great. Oasis have delved into their old school rock and roll style of music that made them famous in the first place. But some how, I felt that there was something seriously lacking in the whole CD.

While Oasis have retained their brit-rock style and chemistry, I felt the one thing that I loved about them just wasn’t there in this album. That is – their anthem style chorus that made so many of their songs great. I think back to the time where I would scream out (with no one looking) “sooooo, Sally can wait…” with their smash hit Don’t look back in anger.

So while they retained their distinctive oasis’ flavour, the song hooks in dig out your soul just didn’t seem to match up to their previous few albums.

It’s not all bad though. I personally enjoyed a few of their tracks very much. Bag it up and I’m outta time are my favourites for this album.

Enough of me, what do you think?