Firestarter

What was the 90’s like for most of us? Yup that is my generation, that was the time  when cassette tapes were still in, Nintendos, beepers and all those gadgets, the hiphops and metals dominating, the Bioman and the Voltes V fever, and Club Dredd was the place to be..

And there was Eraserheads

We literally grew up listening to their music. We could probably associate an E-heads song to any personal event. Remember the first time you fell in love and how it felt being dumped? Or how you desperately wanted to drive your own car? That heavenly feeling? Or the dormitory where dreams and friendships were made, and finally, graduation? Those names-Ligaya, Shirley, Kim and Aling Nena? What about the  sentiments of the masses and what-nots of this society? Yes, blame it on these four guys- Ely, Raymund, Marcus, and Buddy, that the 90’s have something to boast about. And that is their music.

The saying, "You don’t know what you’ve got until its gone" really applies to me personally. I wasn’t a fan of E-heads back then. At that time, my love for rock-and-roll had not been realized yet. I did not care if they cuss on their songs. I was apathetic when they have been accused of songs with demonic lyrics (the back-mask issue on Alapaap). I really had no idea how "influential" they were at that time. I did not know I was missing a lot!

My fascination for bands started with their break-up. When Sandwich was introduced to me and later on, hooked up on their gigs, I thought, maybe, I should listen more to OPM rock. I was starting to ask myself, "What was the underground scene like in the 90’s? How was the UP fair back then when they played? Why do bands nowadays include Eraserheads as one of their biggest influences?" Little did I know that my curiosity will  lead to something else.

Thank God for this book which I just purchased minutes ago. "Tikman Ang Langit"-an Anthology On the Eraserheads features essays, not ordinarily written, which served as "testimonials" on how this 4-piece combo has inspired their listeners and fans in one way or another. They talk of the pop-culture Eraserheads has established, their memorable encounters with the band, and the legacy that lives on. Some articles feature interesting trivia, some unforgettable lines of their songs, and what not. I bought this book thinking it holds some of the answers why I got addicted to gigs and band music, and why people loved bands. My soul searching was finally over. And I was happy I was not alone…

I am not an avid Eraserheads fan. If I was, I could have stormed their staged performances, get a backstage pass on their concerts, and buy their records.I could have gone to UP fair every year and watched them perform. But that time, I was very young then, and was more ideal. Its not surprising why everybody knows them..
And its not surprising that I admire their songs now.

Eventhough Eraserheads got debunked, they are still in the scene. They are often referred to as "Sirs", as a sign of respect for what they have accomplished. If somebody asks me, "What was your E-heads unforgettable moment?" I would probably say interviewing Sir Raims, together with his current bandmates Pedicab, on air. He was laughing and smiling to some of my comments and questions. I am deeply humbled by that experience. And we go to some of their gigs in Saguijo, this generation’s Club Dredd. They keep the music alive by playing still (for Cambio, Sandwich, Pedicab, The Dawn, Twisted Halo) and  producing albums, of which the music industry is grateful for. 

Afterall, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. Thank you Sir Ely, Sir Buddy Sir Raims Sir Marcus, for the labor of love, and the music you made..

Yey! What a wonderful way of starting this year right! While others are thrilled and eager to witness the Pyrolympics event in MOA, we sought a rather different kind of explosion, that is, a rush of an electrifying and mind-blowing sound to the ears .. The first gig of this year was a Bang Bang Baby as Cafe Saguijo and Revolver productions present: Salindiwa, Chilitees, Sound, Kjwan, Sandwich, and the legendary The Dawn. Killer!

Anyways, some of the highlights of last night’s gig:

1. Salindiwa…a band to watch out for. They remind me of The Mars Volta, except that there are some interjections of rap. But their stage presence was felt and applauded. Good music.

2. The Dawn… they are what we’ve been there for! After the success of Tulad ng Dati , we cannot help but appreciate the kind of music they have been creating since the 1980’s. Definitely an institution in the local music scene. They kicked off with Difference, then Mahiwagang Babae (which they don’t play in most of their gigs), Ang Iyong Paalam… then Sir Jett asked for requests. people were shouting some familiar tunes and then boiled down to three: Saling Pusa, Salamat and Enveloped Ideas. As Salamat was starting to play, Sir Jett exclaimed, "This song goes out to Ely Buendia", on a rather sentimental note. Seeing the crowd clamoring, they did a cover of Elevation by U2, and people were just singing along to the tune of "WOO-HOO-HOO!" Yeah, that was ENERGY! And an awesome set.

3. Tindahan a few blocks away from Saguijo..hehe where my friend asked for a photo with sir jett and sir francis..no more elaboration..A nice Happy New Year greeting from Sir Kiko. Ayus

4. Chilitees and Sound..yup, they’re also sure to pump up 2007 with a unique kind of genre in their repertoire. Rock meets chill, ambient music for Chilitees.Sound was also boombastic. By this time I was feeling kind of sleepy, but nevertheless, the show must go on..

5. Sandwich!!! I hate to be biased but they really know how to make you bounce around! Their set kicked off with DVDX and Mong was doing his vocal stylings. Plus the fact that he was wearing "the wrong sleeves". he was being the butt of jokes. Then Photocopy. During In Case of Fire, things sounded a bit different. Apparently Sir Raims made certain twists and played on with the lyrics. He started incorporating "With Or Without You" by U2 (again!), Maging Sino Ka Man etc. Same went on with Good Night January and Two Trick Pony, where the crowd sang with them some of the pop hits like Devil’s Haircut, Hey Ho Let’s Go by the Ramones, a Gnarls Barkley revival, some E-heads song,even Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake (ang hirap isipin na pop meets rock? pero Sandwich ito eh), even Pedicab’s Dito Tayo sa Dilim, and other familiar rock tunes that made it big . They were also "grooving" to the beats (choreographed thats why it looked funny and hillarious). Sunburn came last. Galing! It just goes to show that they are evolving as performers, that when they grow tired of playing songs over and over, they had to re-invent and try something new…

6. Kjwan…incidentally, it was almost 3 am, so we just went home.

Yehey! What a wonderful night. First gig of tis year…and more to come!

So far, I am done counting down my best foreign tracks… now let me give you the best OPM songs which made it to my list this year…

1. Oo- Updharmadown

2. DVDX (Mong’s mix)- Sandwich

3. First of Summer-Urbandub

4. Molotov-Narda

5. Sweet Cheeks- Drip

6. Rebound-Silent Sanctuary

7. Beer Light- Itchyworms

8. Bleached Streaks- Pedicab

9. Boogeyman- Spaceflower Show

10. A Promise- Chicosci

And a whole lotta bands to watch out for this 2007..well, rock has never been this great, and what a good year it was, indeed!

Here is my list of the best tracks this year..Ayos!
1. Viscera Eyes- The Mars Volta
2. Black Swan- Thom Yorke
3. Hollywood Holiday- Love Me Butch
4. Wolf Like Me-TV on the Radio
5. In The Morning- Razorlight
6. Supermasive Black Hole- Muse
7. I’ll Follow You Into The Dark- Deathcab For Cutie
8. Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off- Pan!c At The Disco
9. Munich-The Editors
10. View From The Afternoon- Arctic Monkeys

Thanks to the NU107’s Stairway to Seven, the only radio station that knows how to count…

Its the 2006 NU 107 ROCK AWARDS! The premiere awards show for pinoy rockers. Featuring live and special performances by Pupil, Paramita, Dicta License, Urbandub, Updharmadown, The Itchyworms, Chicosci, Dong Abay, Pedicab, Lokomotiv, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sandwich, and The Dawn 

Congratulations to the all the winners:
Best New Artist: Updharmadown
Drummer of the Year: Jazz Nicholas (The Itchyworms)
Bassist of the Year: Myrene Academia (Sandwich, Imago)
Guitarist of the Year: Mong Alcaraz (Sandwich, Chicosci)
Vocalist of the Year: Gabby Alipe (Urbandub)
Producer of the Year: Buddy Zabala and Raimund Marasigan, and The Itchyworms (Noontime Show-The Itchyworms)
Best Album Packaging: Inksurge’s design on Five on The Floor (Sandwich)
Best Music Video: Sugod by Sandwich, directed by Marie Jamora
Sun Cellular Rising Sun Artist: The Itchyworms
Best Live Act: Kamikazee
In The Raw Award: Silent Sanctuary
Best Male: Mong Alcaraz (Sandwich, Chicosci)
Best Female: Armi Millare (Updharmadown)
Listener’s Choice Award: Kamikazee
Hall of Fame Award: DZRJ’s Rock Jocks
Song of the Year: Narda by Kamikazee
Album of the Year: Noontime Show by The Itchyworms
Artist of the Year: Kamikazee

And the big winners are: Kamikazee, who walked home with 4 awards, including Artist of the Year. (This really has been Angel Locsin and Narda’s year!) and The Itchyworms, also with 4 awards, including Album of the Year!

Long live rock and roll! Whatever they say, rock and roll is here to stay! Dig that baby!

Ayus

No, they’re not the song popularized by Kamikazee.. and definitely not the local super heroine’s alter ego…

Make way for NARDA…(thunder bolts and lightning flashes not included…)

Katwo Librando - vocals
Ryan Villena - drums
Tani Santos - guitar
Yaps Estagle - synths

Jason Caballa (band guitarist-Pedicab and music editor) wrote a feature in the October issue of Pulp Magazine about this group whose roots can be traced to indie rock, and now turning the tables for yet another ground-breaking reinvention of their beats. Theirs is an ensemble that primarily includes synthesizers, drums, guitars, (minus the bass) and a lady vocalist whose high pitched voice is even enhanced with a megaphone. Put it all together and you get a satisfying disco punk rock experience.

The band has evolved in fusing different musical influences, but still has a solid affinity to rock/ indie music. Proving they could rock, they are the recipient of the much coveted "In the Raw" award in 2003 NU 107’s rock awards.

Their brand-spanking new release Discotillon is irritatingly addictive. It is an 11-track album full of holler yet can bring your feet on the dance floor, a rush of noise in your ears but something you would want to play over and over, until, without notice, you just had your last song syndrome!

Pedicab’s music is almost similar to Narda’s; they could be siblings in the music scene, and definitely no sibling rivalry whatsoever. Pedicab pioneered in introducing this lively and smacking tune which gained popularity and recognition with the release of their debut Tugish Takish (winner of Best New Artist in 2004) from a bunch of music critics and almost anyone who has a flair for groovy beats and punk music. (whoever thinks that disco was a crime sure misses half of his life) Not to mention the funky music videos and use of brilliant lighting and effects which compliment their unique music genre.

Me and my friends witnessed their album launch last October in Saguijo, and oh gravity, that was superb! People were standing on chairs to see a glimpse of Katwo Librando, the band vocalist, complete with long eyelashes and that sexy little black dress by Kate Torralba, as she screams her heart out, with all-out spunk, angst, and total control over the microphone. Hand claps can be heard all over the venue after each song. A friend of mine even bought the album on that evening, and had it signed by one of its producers (Mike D. on drums-Pedicab and Sandwich) when we visited the NU booth during the First Set performance of Pedicab (I had mine signed too by the band members themselves) 

My personal favorites include: Ang Mitsa (Lagi nang ako…nahuhuli), Gasolina (Paandarin mo ako, paliyabin mo ako) Molotov (Hipan mo na ang salbabida) and 100 Taon (Isang daan taon, isang daang luha). Take note: all their songs are written in the vernacular. How patriotic!

Narda is under Terno Recordings (with Drip, Radioactive Sago Project, Paramita, Updharmadown, Juan Pablo Dream, Wahijuara), popular in the indie pub scene for taking rock music to a higher level, with prog rock, synths, electronic, vintage, and punk, which is believed to be the future of rock and roll.

Let’s funk this dancefloor baby!

Oh, well imagine, as I’m pacing the pews in a church corridor,
and I can’t help but to hear, no I can’t help but to hear an exchanging of words:
"What a beautiful wedding! What a beautiful wedding!" says a bridesmaid to a waiter.
"And yes, but what a shame, what a shame, the poor groom’s bride is a whore."

I’d chime in with a "Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!"
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality.
I’d chime in, "Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!"
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of…

Well in fact, well I’ll look at it this way, I mean technically our marriage is saved
Well this calls for a toast, so pour the champagne
Oh! Well in fact, well I’ll look at it this way, I mean technically our marriage is saved
Well this calls for a toast, so pour the champagne, pour the champagne

I’d chime in with a "Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!"
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality.
I’d chime in, "Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!"
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality.

Again…

I’d chime in, "Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!"
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality.
I’d chime in, "Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!"
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality.

Again…

The video for this song by Panic! At The Disco recently bagged the Video of The Year Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. The band’s video of "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" is among YouTube’s most-viewed videos, having been streamed more than 5 million times. Their music is a combination of pop punk, emo, electronica, dance and indie rock. The band is also known for writing songs with very long titles, take for example, "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage" or "Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off" A bit of a trivia: the latter was taken from "Closer", a line uttered by Alice Ayres (played by Natalie Portman in the movie with the same title). The album"A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out" went platinum, having sold more than 1 million copies. Their latest single "But Its Better If You Do" is now playing at NU 107.

Kwentuhan muna before I blog about the event last night…

So we were supposed to have dinner Saturday night at Alabang but then something came up so we had to re-schedule it some other time. Saturday night was supposed to be our gimik night. I just don’t want this moment to be wasted so I texted Paul if we can go to Saguijo, since Anniversary ng First Show and Admit One pa. Pumayag naman siya. So while waiting for him, I killed time in Tower Records listening to some new records by Panic At The Disco, Muse, and Deathcab For Cutie. Tapos surprisingly, may Hail To The Thief na available for free sound trip. Ganda. Electronic meets rock, the casual trademark of Radiohead. I liked 2+2=5, Sit up and Stand Up, Myxomatosis. Meron din ako nakita the best of Ramones, "Hey Ho Let’s Go", I want to buy the record but I feared that my dough was not enough. Tama lang pang gimik.

So medyo minalas ako since nag lowbat yung phone ko. I had to find a cell phone shop so I can at least borrow their charger. Malas, sarado na. Buti na lang open pa yung Nokia Service Center, so they allowed me to use thier charger. Pangit naman kung di pa matuloy yung lakad dahil lang di ako nakapagtxt.

So I mentioned that its Admit One tonight. May productions kasi ang mga bands like Revolver, Ninja Kiss, Kerplunk, Student Disco, Admit One, Play for Serve, Oh Inday, Princess Batugan etc. These productions have their line up of bands who will be performing in a specified date. Check out the website of Saguijo for their gig skeds. Admit One happens every 3rd Saturday of the month, with bands like Cambio, Happy Meals, Sugarfree (they were not there) and Twisted Halo (which dispanded recently… sad). Stonefree, Narda and Imago were I think guest bands, Im not sure.

We came at around 9:30 but the show started at around 10:30. I also asked my cousin if he can drop by since he lives near Buendia. But he just smoked outside and had beer.

The show kicked off with Narda. Boy, Narda was so terrific! Astig ng set nila! Powerful pa nung voice nung vocalist. They were also promoting their album kaya sila andun. They always get applauded after each song they play. Galing nila!

Happy Meals is an all Atenean Band. Maingay din set nila pero astig. Magaling din.

Next was Cambio. Gusto ko rin mga kanta nila. Maglalabas din sila ng new album. I was so happy that Patlang was played as their last song.

Trish and Russ Davis hosted the event, along with other listers. In between breaks nagpapa-contest sila where they were giving free NU stickers, shirts, a pair of Converse Chucks, and other surprise items. In one of the "contests", Trish popped a question kung paano naging ralated ang Cambio sa other bands, like you have to name 9 bands related to Cambio. The prize: you get to request a band of your choice to play for The First Set happening on Saturday morning, have a free seat in the NU booth, and co-host with Trish. Haha, exciting! So nag volunteer ako. I named SVC, Sandwich, Eraserheads, Fatal Posporos, Pedicab, Twisted Halo. Six pa lang yun but she needed nine. So nagbibigay siya ng clue. Nakalimutan ko yung The Dawn ni Buddy. Hehe tapos may bumulong sakin na Cupid, which is Buddy’s band daw. But anyhow, I got 3 stickers, and Trish asked my contact details and asked me which band I would like to play for The First Set. I told her Pedicab, she will try to contact them, pero my friend said that they had theirs already. I hope Trish will buzz me one of these days. It was fun! Excited na ko! hehe! Sana matuloy

Ayuin tapos Stonefree din. Ok din sila, powerful yung vocals ni Myro tapos astig din yung mga guitar rifts nila

The most awaited performance din was that of Twisted Halo. This was their last performance according to the hosts. They got disbanded. Sad. Since this was their last, dapat all out performance. So they were joined by Carlos of Updharmadown on guitars and Mr Raims Marasigan on guitars as well. Ang dami nilang tumugtog sa stage plus si Jason C din who really plays well. Magaling din siya. Their frontman Vin is Ebe’s brother. They just gave an awesome set. Ok din yung mga kanta. Ang galing nung Bawal (A Public Service Announcement), im not sure about the title of this song. But they have a video for this made by RA Rivera, who was also there. Ayun. Sayang lang kasi ang galing pa naman nila, tapos disbanded. It was a big loss; they could have soared higher from where they are right now. Pero malay natin, who knows…

The last band to play was Imago. Aia was still gorgeous as ever. They came all the way from Naga, and it shows that they were a bit tired, late na rin sila nag start around 2 pm na. They showcased their latest singles from the 3rd album. Sayang di kinanta yung Tara Lets.

Masaya din yung gig kasi maraming tao. Paul even met his blockmate who happens to be part of Narda, doing technical stuffs. we were sitting on the floor for like 4 hours tapos nung huli na lang kami nakaupo nung marami nang paalis. Anyhow it was a great night. Beer, live bands, music, people coming together to listen, enjoy, and have a good time. That was it, until….

Around 4 pm sa harap ng StarMall sa Shaw, we were waiting for a bus going to Alabang. Ang hirap pag commuter pa rin at walang tsikot, kakainis. Pag sakay namin sa ordinary bus, may limang lalaki na sumakay din, umupo sa likod. Yung isa umupo pa sa likod namin, nagyoyosi. Tapos in like 5 minutes they stayed there, bumaba sila sabay-sabay, kinapkapan lahat ng pasahero. Nagulat ako kasi medyo inaantok ako. Buti na lang hindi sila naglabas ng kutsilyo. Wala din naman nakuha sa amin. Tapos nagtanong na yung mga katabi namin, "May nakuha ba sa inyo?, mga holdaper yon". Sila din daw kinapkapan. Delikado talaga magbiyahe lalo na madaling araw. We were just quiet and tried not to sleep and be aware of our belongings. Buti may dala kaming bags. Buti hindi nakuha yung cameras namin.

Yun lang for now, till the next gig! As Trish always says at the end of her show…. "Blessed be!"

What will grow quickly, that you can’t make straight 
It’s the price you gotta pay 
Do yourself a favour and pack you bags 
Buy a ticket and get on the train 
Buy a ticket and get on the train 

Cause this is fucked up, fucked up 
Cause this is fucked up, fucked up 

People get crushed like biscuit crumbs 
And laid down in the bed you made 
You have tried your best to please everyone 
But it just isn’t happening 
No, it just isn’t happening 

And it’s fucked up, fucked up 
And this is fucked up, fucked up 
This your blind spot, blind spot 
It should be obvious, but it’s not. 
But it isn’t, but it isn’t 

You cannot kickstart a dead horse 
You just crush yourself and walk away 
I don’t care what the future holds 
Cause I’m right here in your arms today 
With your fingers you can touch me 

I’m your black swan, black swan 
But I made it to the top, made it to the top 
This is fucked up, fucked up 

You are fucked up, fucked up 
This is fucked up, fucked up 

Be your black swan, black swan 
I’m for spare parts, broken up

This is the latest single from Radiohead’s frontman Thom Yorke, which is also making waves in the Brit Charts with its cool and soothing electronic beat. According to him, the band is not splitting up, contrary to rumors. This is a pretty "fucked up" track, a beautiful way to describe my "fucked up" day… as always.

Fake Tales of San Francisco
Echo through the room
More point to a wedding disco
Without a bride or groom

There’s a super cool band yeah
With their trilbys and their glasses of white wine
And all the weekend rock stars in the toilets
Practicing their lines

I don’t want to hear you
(Kick me out, kick me out)
I don’t want to hear you no
(Kick me out, kick me out)

Fake Tales of San Francisco
Echo through the air
And there’s a few bored faces in the back
All wishing they weren’t there

And as the microphone squeaks
A young girl’s telephone beeps
Yeah she’s dashing for the exit
she’s running to the streets outside
"Oh you’ve saved me," she screams down the line
"The band weren’t very good
And I’m not having a nice time"

Yeah but his bird thinks it’s amazing, though
So all that’s left
Is the proof that love’s not only blind but deaf

He talks of San Francisco, he’s from Hunter’s Bar
I don’t quite know the distance
But I’m sure that’s far
I’m sure that’s pretty far

I’d love to tell you all my problem
You’re not from New York City, you’re from Rotherham
So get off the bandwagon, and put down the handbook

Get off the bandwagon and put down the handbook

Arctic Monkeys-

their latest single from the album "Whatever People Say Iam that’s what Iam Not", currently hitching its way in the UK Hit Charts.The album just recently was awarded by the prestigious Mercury awards, beating other top contenders like Muse, Thom Yorke, and Snow Patrol . The band also holds the record for the highest album sales, putting Oasis in the second rank during its first week of debut in the UK.They have been named by the NME as one of the best bands ever… yeah!

Wicked!