A Perfect Day.. Sonnet LVIII's reunion show at 70s Bistro, December 30 2019

Monday Night at 70s Bistro felt somewhat right.  The other evening at Mow's during that wonderful debut of The Shoegaze Collective, well, it wasn't. At least for Sonnet LVIII. Of the four surviving members, bassist Romel Cajayon was unavailable. so Mike Ducusin of populardays capably filled in.

70s Bistro was a bit more like it. When they first performed there, it was Backbeat Night and they played with The Youth, Feet Like Fins, and Tribal Fish. Back then, there were tables literally beside the stage and the front of the club was a bit more al fresco.

However, Sonnet LVIII's history is more Club Dredd as Romel was the sound tech there (it is there where he gave me the band's demo in hopes of being signed up by Universal Records after I inked Datu's Tribe and Parokya ni Edgar to their first professional contracts) and that is where the band usually performed. 

With that legendary club long consigned to the dustbins of yesteryear and sainted memories, 70s Bistro, that venerable club put up in 1992, was just right. Although Skies of Ember did not perform this Monday night, I felt goosebumps seeing their name on that signboard.

And what made the evening even better was that Club Dredd's owner (and my former Ateneo classmate) Patrick Reidenbach was in the audience. Betrayed's Boyet Miguel was there as was Soft Pillow Kisses' Allan Montero and Pedicab and Tarsius' Diego Mapa. Iman Leonardo of Prank Sinatra and a Dredd vet with his Goth band, Dominion, was in the house too. Didn't Skies of Ember perform with Dominion in the same bill as Iconoclast and Prominence of Cathedrals? If memory serves me right, they did.

But Sonnet LVIII and Skies of Ember (and the Goth bands) were ahead of their time; at least locally. That is why I never got to get Universal to sign them. We  had two boardroom discussions about them and the company felt that even if I scored massive hits with Datu's Tribe and Parokya ni Edgar, it was deemed Sonnet LVIII wasn't going to sell. I was crushed. 

Now 23 years later, Sonnet LVIII was independently and officially releasing their old album Owe No Homage Unto the Sun -- on vinyl -- as Crossing Oceans.

I felt so happy for the band; more so, to see people queueing up to buy the record. It is great to see these guys get their due. Like Slowdive did two decades after Souvlaki. Dale has always been one of the most creative guys around with all his musical projects and I have followed them from Apple Orchard to Some Gorgeous Accident. We got reacquainted exactly two years ago to this evening. That was December 30, 2017 at 12 Monkeys when I hosted Sugar Hiccup's supposedly farewell gig and where they released their fourth and final album -- the aptly titled, Closure. He gave me a copy of Some Gorgeous Accident's last release then and I thought that was such a beautiful album. 

When I got a copy of Crossing Oceans (we met up near his parents' condo in Mandaluyong), I got goosebumps. The album artwork had this 4A.D. Records feel.

And when they finally hit the stage. Reidenbach and I huddled and said, "Man, I've got goosebumps all over." And as I write this, it is just a little over 24 hours since Vaughan Oliver, that celebrated graphic artist who designed 4AD Records' album covers from the Cocteau Twins, the Breeders, Pixies, and others and whose work became the style espoused for shoegaze and dream pop, had passed away.

Call it a strange confluence of events... or mayhap, incongruous symmetry that led to the December 30 show of Sonnet LVIII.

Hearing "Hurricane Aurora" and later, "Treasure Heaven".... they were solid this night. If you listened to them back during the Dredd days, they were like a wall of Sound. They are much better musicians now and although Romel was getting cramps because he had not played in a while, I was blown away.  One person even ventured his opinion that it will be quite a trip to listen to Sonnet LVII and shoegaze music while stoned immaculate. oh, he sat on the floor next to the soundbooth stoned all right.

And the band ended with "Perfect Day". If that isn't serendipitous then I don't know what else can be such. 

Outside, I told Sonnet LVIII guitarist Ron Cajayon, "Maybe you guys should record new stuff. With shoegaze more popular today than it ever was -- who knows?"

"We will talk about it," smiled Ron.

I added, "Just don't wait another 23 years before doing so."

And we laughed.

Yes, it was a perfect day.

On a Led Zeppelin soundtrip

I do not have a complete collection of Led Zeppelin records. These are what I had since I was a teen. I do have Led Zeppelin II, Houses of the Holy, Physical Graffiti, and Coda on compact disc so I never felt the compunction to get them on vinyl.

My favorite albums of the 2010s

With 2019 and the decade ending... here are my 32 FAVORITE (NOT THE BEST OKAY) records of the 2010s. Mind you I did not rank them. I just listed them in no particular order. Yes, I have every one of these albums (on vinyl). I do not download and am really not into streaming.

1. Ultraviolence – Lana del Rey
2. Songs of Innocence – U2
3. Hardwired to Self-Destruct – Metallica
4. Clean – Soccer Mommy
5. Egypt Station - Paul McCartney
6. Lost in the Dream – War on Drugs
7. Soft Sounds from Another Planet - Japanese Breakfast
8. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
9. Slowdive
10. We Are Not Your Kind – Slipknot
11. Black Star – David Bowie
12. Stage Four – Touche Amore
13. Beautiful Rain – Converge
14. Lotta Sea Lice – Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile
15. Feel Something – Movements
16. Encore – The Specials
17. Time & Space - Turnstile
18. mbv – My Bloody Valentine
19. LP3 – American Football
20. L’Enfant Sauvage – Gojira
21. Fear Inoculum – Tool
22. Emperor of Sand – Mastodon
23. In Cauda Veneum – Opeth
24. Ecailles de Lune – Alcest
25. A Different Shade of Blue – Knocked Loose
26. Transcendence – The Devin Townsend Project
27. The Parallax II: Future Sequence - Between the Buried and Me
28. Con Todo el Mundo – Khruangbin
29. Antisocialites – Alvvays
30. Celebration Rock - Japandroids
31. The Dew Lasts An Hour - Ballet School
32. Bright to Death - Film School

The Best OPM indie releases of 2019

The Best OPM indie releases of 2019

by rick olivares

The year 2019 saw a lot of artists and bands release new albums left and right. Yes, the music scene is alive and kicking. And here in my opinion are the best releases of 2019.

Hereafter – Polar Lows 

I will go on a limb here and say that Polar Lows’ Hereafter is the best local shoegaze/dreampop album since Sugar Hiccup’s Womb. Lush. Intricate. Dreamy. This one hits all the right notes in the stratosphere. And the last track, “Verses” is epic. And that awesome cover by Polish artist Michal Wrega completes the package.

Limasawa Street – Ben&Ben

The indie folk group’s finest effort to date. Ben&Ben channel their inner U2 and come up with a more expansive sound. In fact, it reminds me of the Big Music types that came up during the mid-1980s except Ben&Ben do not lose their trademark intricate arrangements and pop shine. And Limasawa Street wins the best album packaging award for the year. Hands down. 

Victorious – Valley of Chrome

The fourth time is the charm for this metalcore band. Valley of Chrome ups the ante with their fourth album, Victorious Slicker production. Tighter performances. Buzzsaw licks and propulsive drumming that sounds like a thousand skulls being bashed on a kick drum. And there’s that awesome cover by noted metal music painter, Brazilian master, Marcelo Vasco.

Not only is this the band’s best album, but it also spurred them to cross over into the international metal scene.

Basura Songs – Esremborak

A thoroughly entertaining band whose songs are catchy and live performances win crowds everywhere. The debut offering from this East Rembo, Makati City quintet features songs with wit and heart. They bring the fun back in music; a sound not seen since Parokya ni Edgar, Grin Department, Siakol, and even Yano. Did you hear their impromptu Christmas song, Chrisremborak? Yes, it is the season to be jolly?

Kolateral – BLKD x Calix

An incendiary release by two of today’s best rappers BLKD and ghetto priest himself, Calix. Along with punk band, Dead Brains’ debut, Mental Disorder, BLKD and Calix take a huge shot at the extra-judicial killings and the deep chasms in our society. While it is bold and telling, time will tell if this will be our version of It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.

Fatigue – Assembly Generals

No sophomore jinx for the Assembly Generals. Fatigue is even better than their self-titled debut. I love the creative nature of their releases using military insignia in patch-like pockets for cd jackets. Having said that, there is nothing superficial about this hiphop group. Fatigue drips with social commentary. While not as overt Kolateral or Mental Disorder, the Assembly Generals ask you to make your own conclusions.

Crossing Oceans – Sonnet LVIII

Believe it or not, this album was recorded in 1996. While it never saw the light of day as a proper release, the band, 23 years later, puts it out on vinyl form. Sonnet LVIII were the first real shoegazers in the Philippine club scene and were regulars in legendary joints like Club Dredd. With the recent shoegaze revival, this release is timely and apt; and actually, finds the bands’ sound timeless.

The Curse of Spirals – The Spirals

Oh, my. This post-punk music from this Cebu-based band reminds me of my love for Interpol and Joy Division as well as the Goth Rock that came up in the 1980s. Intoxicating. 

Fools & Foes – Fools & Foes

When I listened to their debut (and have seen them a couple of times now), I somehow thought of a more indie pop rock Up Dharma Down. They have the singer with a beautiful voice, the band with chops and technical proficiency. I just got that hauntingly beautiful and moody vibe with this album. Like a moth to a flame. I am not fooled. This is a darn good debut.

Honorable Mention:

A Drop In the Blue by the Bloomfields

King’s Music by Red-I Meets King Spade

In Stereo by Two Hit combo

Check out my Eraserheads slipmat (and I got Rayms and Buddy to sign my Ultraelectromagneticpop LP)

Now need Ely and Marcus to sign my record.

My valuable records in my collection and my most expensive ones according to Discogs

What do I considered prized in my music collection?

You have to start with my Original Filipino Music on both compact disc and vinyl. They might not be huge in the international market, but in the Philippines, they are obvious huge sellers for many reasons. While there were thousands and thousands in print back in the 1970s and 1980s (but not in the quantities of foreign releases), not many were "saved" or kept in superb condition. When vinyl went out of style at the end of the 1980s, many went to the scrap heap. Which is a shame.

I have a lot of the cds of bands that came out in the 1990s and almost all of them are in near mint condition. My cds of the Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Put3ska, Tropical Depression, Sugar Hiccup are really hard to find. Perhaps the most difficult one to get ahold is the ultrarare Sonnet 58 demo. I have about probably 700-plus of the Filipino bands on cd.

On vinyl, my Juan dela Cruz Band, Sampaguita, Mike Hanopol, the Dawn, Identity Crisis, and my promo copy of Gapo Vol. 1 are some of the nuggets. My seven-inch collection of underground punk rock records is a treasure. Because there are fewer pressings they are harder to find and you will not find them readily available such as Abrasive Relations; one and only EP that fetches for at least $68.  The split record between Boston's The Saddest Landscape and Manila's Legarda is a rarity. There are only 50 of them that were pressed. I also have the test press of Oi Squad (that was never released). I also have a Filipino metal collection of 7-inch and 12-inchers. And there's the recently re-issued Eraserheads Ultraelectromagneticpop on vinyl. Only 2,500 were pressed and this is going to go up in price in a year or so. 

For cassette tapes for Filipino artists, the gold here is the cassette of legendary punk band Betrayed's release on DMZ records.

It seems the punk records are the valuable ones. For foreign releases, it is my collection of New York hardcore bands Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, Gorilla Biscuits, Crumbsuckers, Judge, and Outburst that are the pricey ones. Throw in some Misfits too!

I also have the first pressing of Nirvana's Nevermind and the the Record Store Day releases of I Am Sam, The Crow, Lost in Translation, and Pearl Jam Unplugged that cost a lot of money.

According to Discogs, here are my Top 20 most expensive records in my collection:

What’s left on my vinyl bucket list?

What’s left on my vinyl bucket list?

With 2019 drawing to a close, it means that it has been a little over three years since I returned to buying records. When I stopped buying records in the early 1990s, I shifted to compact discs. I still got the odd record or so, but it was mostly the former that I purchased. 

I have gotten back almost everything that I have lost from my 1970s and 1980s heyday of record collecting. I can even say that my collection is a lot better today than it was when I was a kid.

I never got everything back. Some of my old records survived; others I updated and gotten better copies. Some I decided it’s best that they remain in cd form. I am no longer the completist wherein I must have every album of my favorite bands.

I just get what I like.

Here is what is left of the records I have to get back.

Animal Party – Ocean Zoo

I bought this when I was in first year high school at Muzikland in Ali Mall for P5.00. I have to admit, I wasn’t crazy about it when I listened to it. And I soon let it go. Much to my regret.

Incubus Succubus – Xmal Deutschland

The single I heard this over the radio and when I ordered XMal Deutschland’s first album Fetisch, I was disappointed that it wasn’t included. Plus, the fact that the entire album was in German didn’t score too high with me (it did much later). 

I managed to get all XMal’s album except this. So I will one day.

The Stars Are Insane – Versus 

Versus is one of my 20 favorite bands of all time. I have all their albums on vinyl and compact disc. The Stars Are Insane I do not have on vinyl. This being their first LP on Teenbeat; getting it is rather pricey. But this one I will get.

Ang Nawawala OST.

Of all the recent Filipino releases in the last decade, this is the one record that I do not have as it came out before I returned to vinyl. 

War All the Time – Thursday

One of my favorite records. When this came out, I got it on CD. Hope to score the LP even if it is pricey.

Almost Famous – OST

One of the best soundtracks ever to one of my fave films ever. Too pricey. Maybe they will release this during a future RSD.

Playing Khruangbin's The Universe Smiles Upon You

Playing Cro-Mags' Best Wishes

One of my favorite bands... Cro_Mags!

Playing New Order's Substance

I got this around Christmas of 1987. It was kind of pricey to get all their albums so when Substance came out it was a superb buy.

As I shifted to cds in 1990s, I got the compact disc version of Substance that was pressed by Nimbus Recordings (including those first Claire Marlo cds) that used virgin and unrecycled material. It became my more favored copy that is until Ondoy.

But some records survived the typhoon. You do not know how glad I am that the record survived all these years. 

Substance indeed.

Sonnet 58 releases debut album… 23 years late.

Sonnet 58 releases debut album… 23 years late.

by rick olivares

Shoegaze band Sonnet 58 will release their debut album, Crossing Oceans, on vinyl this coming December 30 at 70s Bistro… 23 years after they first recorded the songs.

The band --- vocalist Gonzalo Alfonso, guitarist and keyboardist Dale Marquez, guitarist Ron Cajayon, bassist Romel Cajayon, and drummer Elmer Macaraig – was greatly influenced by English shoegaze bands Ride, Chapterhouse, and Jesus and the Mary Chain. Along with Sugar Hiccup, they carried the torch for Philippine shoegaze and dream pop back in the 1990s and were Club Dredd and Mayrics regulars, 

They went in the studio in 1996 and recorded 12 songs under the album title, Owe No Homage Unto the Sun (that would eventually be renamed as Crossing Oceans), but the band didn’t attract any attention from the record labels.

Sonnet 58 opted for a self-released extended play album of five songs after which they uploaded online the full album. 

Although they never called it quits, life got in the way with Dale and Elmer moving abroad. The band received a jolt when their vocalist, Alfonso, suddenly passed away in 2017 after a heart attack. 

“In the back of the minds of the remaining members, we had the imperfect ending,” related Marquez who has gone on to record with Apple Orchard and Some Gorgeous Accident. “Several months ago, I was talking with my old bandmates as I was going to Manila for a short vacation after being away for two years and we talked about a lot of things. Of course, we talked about performing but it was tough because Alo wasn’t here anymore. So we needed a reason. The we thought, ‘what if we release the album on vinyl?’ And that is how this record and show came to be.”

With shoegaze music more popular than ever and independent releases more acceptable nowadays, the timing seemed right for Sonnet 58 to put out their old music. And on vinyl to boot.

“I had all these different feelings inside of me when I first held the record in my hands,” recalled Marquez. “We had a 4AD Records feel to the album. It is an emotional release so to speak.”

“In the last seven years, we saw the reformation of My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Swervedriver, Lush, and Slowdive – all shoegaze stars in the 1990s – and they have all put out albums,” added Marquez. “The genre also got a push from acclaimed soundtracks such as Lost in Translation that gave the scene and the music a big push.”

Even here in Manila, the shoegaze scene has exploded. “I am pleasantly surprised that there is a shoegaze community here that is thriving with a shoegaze stage during Fete dela Musique.”

Much to Marquez’ surprise, it didn’t take too long to re-master and cut the songs on vinyl. “We had 300 records pressed, but I brought only a 100 copies to Manila. Let’s see how it does.”

Aside from the December 30^th show at 70s Bistro, Sonnet 58 will also perform on the 27^th at Mow’s. “It has been a long time since we performed together. Let’s see how we will sound (Marquez and Ron will alternate on vocals for some songs with some guests singing lead on the others),” wondered Marquez. “But releasing this… it is a good feeling. Perfect for the Holiday Season, and finishing some unfinished business.”

Crossing Oceans will be sold for PhP 1,500 and will be sold at Sonnet 58’s show at 70’s Bistro and local distribution labels. 

Playing Pearl Jam's Unplugged vinyl

The one record I wanted from Record Store Day Black Friday and I got it. I remember watching this Unplugged performance on MTV and came away a bigger fan.

A photo collage of U2 in Singapore (that a friend made for me)

Pictures from U2's show on 30 November 2019 in Singapore. A friend of mine, Jovi Neri, made this photo collage. Awesome isn't it? 

Rush Permanent Waves and the Funko Pops

Permanent Waves was the album where I got into Rush. Became a fan for life.

Renewing acquaintances with Gary Valenciano

During one our planning meetings for our annual Christmas Party, I sat next to Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano and I renewed acquaintances with her. She is an old colleague of my dad during his music/showbiz days. 

I told Angeli I still had a few of Gary's old records and she in turn asked how I managed to save them all these years. You know me, I said... this old collector... And we spoke about one show in 1989 at the old Rizal Theater in Makati (where Glorietta side the closest to Ayala Avenue) where Josephine "Banig" Roberto was introduced to a larger audience. 

That show was more than memorable for me because the girl I was seeing at that time was leaving for Belgium for good and I was crushed. It was our last date so that show was even more memorable. It was raining that night and well, as we said our goodbyes, I was teary-eyed (I did see her years later and she's now married and still living in Brussels).

Back to Gary V.... during my college days, I once woke up one Saturday at home to find Gary and Angeli at our sala talking stuff with my dad. You'll never know who would stop by. One time it is Pepe Smith, another it would be Florante. or Freddie Aguilar.. or Zsa Zsa Padilla. It was incredible. 

Watching Gary twice this year is a blessing. I was telling DJ Jose during the concert that I saw Gary stretching and warming up outside the VIP area. I also watched him during the soundcheck. The man never takes things for granted and always gives it his all. 

When we had this picture taken, he asked about my dad. We talked a bit as I had to run back on stage as I was one of the emcees for the night. Now that's another thing I never thought I'd do... introduce the Man to the audience. 

What a night. What a party. 

Rusty Machines release debut album, Making Friends.

Rusty Machines release debut album, Making Friends.

by rick olivares

When life gets in the way… one can come away either for the better or worse. In the case of indie rock band Rusty Machines, a more mature sound isn’t so bad.

The quartet recently dropped their debut album, Making Friends, under that ear nectar of an independent label, Wide-Eyed Records (Ang Bandang Shirley, The Strangeness). And they brought a few friends in for the ride – the members of label-mate Ang Bandang Shirley, indie pop songstress Nikki Nava, She’s Only Sixteen’s Roberto Seña, Oh Flamingo’s Howard Luistro, The Strangeness’ Paolo Arciga, and Nights of Rizal (Migi de Belen). 

The indie smorgasbord aside, it doesn’t detract at all (like Santana’s Supernatural that featured guests ad infinitum) from Rusty Machines. 

Making Friends took the band – vocalist and guitarist Iggy San Pablo, guitarist Joshua San Andres, bassist Leandro Fabregas, and drummer Miko Miso – two years to complete as each of the four members is working. 

In between releases, the quartet has become a tighter unit musically. 

Their debut EP from 2014, City Lights, bristled with new wavish energy. Making Friends slows down and gives off this wistful twee bent; anoraks and all. It had me thinking of the Acid House Kings, Club 8, and all those Swedish twee bands that exploded across the indie world towards the end of the 1990s.

And maybe too that is part of the charm of Rusty Machines -- the sounds of yearning given a polished sheen by producer Ean Aguila (of Ang Bandang Shirley).

San Pablo confessed that he changed it up quite a bit for Making Friends. “What I had in my head was different in the final product,” he fessed up. “Thinking of the structures, it didn’t have that Rusty Machines identity. So I had to let go and allow the band to write their parts.”

After the first three tracks, Strange Things, “Roam Error,” “Sunner,” and “Strange Things,” the band gets going with “Trying too Hard” that showcases the band’s chops. “Fear of Change” features that old energy that the band is known for. And when the band shifts to faster gears they perform better; much better.

Having said that, sometimes I get the feel that the lack of San Pablo’s vocal range holds the band back. Maybe though this part of the charm of Rusty Machines’ sound.

And Making Friends is that album you listen to. Filled with introspective songs bathed in shimmering delight. 

Playing Madball's For the Cause

Featuring Tim Timebomb on "The Fog". 

On U2, politics in music, and the importance of adhering to rights

By Rick Olivares

Before, during, and after Irish rock band U2’s concert in the Philippines, social media was abuzz about the quartet’s political messages while others wondered about the ethics of rock stars using their stage to sing their beliefs and creed.

To even postulate about the latter is bewildering. Really? There should be rules for music? That reminds me during Martial Law when local comic book artists were told to avoid drawing guns of any kind. Seriously?

Music, for as long as it has been written, performed, and recorded, has been a means to convey messages. Some might be about life, love, challenges, or even plain old silliness, while others have political messages. In fact, one need not be political to be a danger to a certain ideology. At the height of the Cold War, even the music of the Beatles was banned in Eastern Bloc countries because the communist governments believed that any Western pop culture could corrupt their youth or implant ideas.

I am not sure how far back is the history of politics in music, but I do know that “Finlandia” written by Jean Sibelius in 1899 was the unofficial anthem of Finland protesting the Russian occupation.

Ninety years later, Leonard Bernstein conducted the orchestra as they performed a stirring rendition of Friedrich Schiiler’s “Ode to Joy” in Berlin just a few weeks after its infamous wall went down.

Pop music and rock music has been forever littered with songs that sang of the times. “Blowing in the Wind”, “Give Peace a Chance”, “Nelson Mandela”, and “Two Tribes” are but a few of songs that were popular hits that said a lot about the world we live in.

Original Pilipino Music isn’t a stranger to this. Freddie Aguilar’s rendition of “Bayan Ko” is probably the most famous as it was an anthem during the fight against former President Marcos.

The Radioactive Sago Project’s “Baboy” takes huge potshots at the corrupt.  Yano’s and its iconic frontman Dong Abay have recorded and sang a lot of pointed songs. And most recently, Chickoy Pura, frontman for the legendary punk band, The Jerks, released “Sa Madilim Na Sulok ng Kasayasayan.”

These are but a few.

It is said that during times of turmoil or political upheaval, the conditions are right for musicians or even artists to express what goes on. It isn’t only music. Throw in film and literature. I suggest you watch Five Came Back on Netflix.

Personally, I think a lot of local artists are afraid of writing overt protest songs against the incumbent administration because of the climate of fear that we live in. So it’s all ambiguous and open to interpretation. Whether that is sad or not, it depends on how you look at it.

It took a foreign band in U2 to crack wide open this discussion.

Since their third album, War, the band has adopted a more political stance to their songs instead of the existential matter of that was the theme of their first two albums. Subsequent albums – The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree, and Achtung Baby had an eye to world events. Other releases such, All That You Can’t Leave Behind and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb had one or two political overtones.

A lot of my favorite artists have songs that espouse their religious, personal, or political beliefs – The Style Council, Paul Weller, Rage Against the Machine, Thievery Corporation, Broken Social Scene, British Sea Power, Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Clash, and of course, U2, to name a few. Do I agree with everything they say? No. Not at all. But that goes for everyone I know. I agree with some of their ideas and beliefs; others maybe I disagree more vehemently than others. Yes, I know of the accusations against Bono and U2 and some of it is justified. As I have painfully learned over the years is that there is no one true person that you can fully admire because there is something different that you might find. But I still listen because one cannot always listen to what he wants.

U2 have made a career out of saying what they believe in. Love them or hate them, it is who they are as a band. 

Do I agree with every woman they placed in HerStory during “Ultraviolet”? Kind of. Were there omissions? There always are. If there are omissions from an all-star team so what more a song that has only a few minutes to tell or sing its story? Do I agree with their stand in all things? No. 

Have I decided to not follow an artist, a writer, an entertainer, actor or actress, or even a band for their beliefs. Yes, I have. But I never think ill of them. I don’t think I have called anyone out because I am disagreement with regards to their music. We even have a local punk band where its band leader is pro-EJK and pro-government never  mind if punk is supposed to be the anti-thesis of these kind of actions. As the saying goes, yung ang trip niya. Hindi ko lang siya trip.

Do I think U2 should keep their beliefs to themselves? Of course not. 

Even in sports, the lines blur when it comes to making a political statement. Let’s not be blind to this. The just-concluded Southeast Asian Games has been pilloried and glorified depending on what side of the political spectrum you adhere to. Even those in the middle who offer comments are lumped into one of the two camps never mind if people like me are for neither; we just go with what we believe is right regardless of who does what.

I just find it funny that those who are upset at U2’s messages don’t seem to mind it one bit when the man they admire the most has used his position to take shots at many a people and yet in a most obnoxious and rude manner. 

For the record, I agree with some of the president’s actions but do not with most. Again… I go with what I believe is right. And that goes for every government official we have past and present. 

And rights are the most fundamental thing that we have or must adhere and respect. Our nation’s history is stocked with episodes and periods of expressing that belief in both peaceful and hostile forms. We as a people are not going to go gently into that good night.

Unless you forget the lessons of history.. know that you can only suppress for so long before people have had enough.

Playing The Chameleons' What Does Anything Mean Basically?

The Chameleons were one of my favorite bands from the New Wave era (although they were never New Wave). I only had two of their records -- What Does Anything Mean Basically (the one pictured here) and Strange Times that featured "Mad Jack" and "Tears."

My copy of What Does Anything Mean Basically is the first British pressing! 

I loved the dark and brooding music that was like an extension of Joy Division.  Along with the pre-Bring On the Dancing Horses Echo and the Bunnymen, I played these bands a lot. Loud too. 

I was surprised when the band broke up in 1987 after their manager passed away. They really should have been bigger. 

Playing Chinese Football's Continue? album

Playing U2's Achtung Baby

Do I remember when I got my copy of U2's Achtung Baby?

Yes, I do. It was right before Christmas of 1991. The album was out a little over a month of that year. This was memorable for me because I got it on compact disc along with The Singular Adventures of the Style Council and R.E.M.'s Out of Time; these were te first compact discs that I ever bought and it signified a change for me. I stopped buying vinyl and went for compact discs.  I bought the odd vinyl or two but mostly purchasecd cds.

As for Achtung Baby, all I thought twas this was a marked departure from Rattle & Hum. I did like the album instantly and through the years, it has remained one of my top five fave U2 albums.

Almost three decades later, I finally got my record of this album (I still have the cd that I bought in 1991). And it is the reverse now... I have gone back to vinyl. And U2 sounds as great as ever.

Playing The Seeker's Angst-Filled Youth

The scorching debut album from Filipino-Italian hardcore band, The Seeker.

Filipino drummer makes name for himself in Singapore & Asia

Pinoy drummer makes name for himself in Singapore & Asia

by rick olivares

Meet Gilbert Nogales who has made a name for himself as not only perhaps an outstanding expatriate drummer in Singapore, but perhaps in Asia. He won the drum contest besting 500 other stickmen from the region with his coup de grace performing blindfolded, and he has played with the Juan dela Cruz Band, Mike Hanopol, Jason Mraz, Michael Bolton, Vice Ganda, Vennie Saturno, Christian Bautista, and many others including Indonesian and Singaporean acts. He’s even played in clubs along Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Boulevard and in our very own, Eat Bulaga. When foreign acts in need of a drummer arrive in this island state, it is Gilbert who is on everyone’s lips.

However, if Nogales, who hails from Cubao, Quezon City, had his way, he would have wanted to make a name for himself on the hardcourt. He played for the Trinity College colts in high school, and for the University of Santo Tomas Glowing Goldies in college. “I had dreams of playing professional basketball,” Gilbert said in the vernacular.

That came all crashing down while playing the Far Eastern University Tamaraws where he went up against Johnny Abarrientos. The quicksilver-quick point guard picked Nogales’ pockets clean at midcourt and before Gilbert knew what was going on, Abarrientos was scooting home for a lay-up. 

Nogales can laugh at it now, but back then, he realized from watching the likes of Abarrientos, Ateneo’s Jun Reyes, and San Sebastian’s Eugene Quilban, that speed was key and if one wasn’t as good if not better, then it was going to be tough.

“Fortunately, I loved music,” said Nogales, and Plan B for his future kicked in. “I grew up a fan of the Juan dela Cruz Band and Pinoy Rock. I other favorites include Rush, Toto, Lee Ritenour, and the GRP Band.”

With his band, Powerhaus, they became the first Filipino band to tour and perform in all Hard Rock Cafes (when it still catered to hard rock) in Asia from Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Shanghai, Beijing, and Bangkok. The band took up residence for three months at every stop before moving to the next.

Eventually, Gilbert settled in Singapore, and it took a chance encounter at a music store where he was buying some drum sticks where Tan Boon, the creative director of the Singapore Drumfest Drum Challenge saw him purchase these particular sticks. The Singaporean opined that only good drummers purchased these kind of sticks. Nogales didn’t think so; he just wanted them even if they cost Singapore $300. Boon invited him to participate in the 2007 Drum Challenge in the open category where he was named the Grand Champion after performing his final set blindfolded and with the likes of his idol, Toto’s Jeff Porcaro, serving as a judge. 

When both Michael Bolton’s and Jason Mraz’s regular drummers were unavailable due to various circumstances, Gilbert was highly recommended to fill in and he did an admirably job. “The only Jason Mraz song I knew was ‘I’m Yours’,” he chuckled. He had to learn some 30 songs in a very short span of time.

And that eventually led to the Michael Bolton show and more. 

“That drum challenge win opened doors for me,” conceded Nogales. It led to more shows and well, endorsements. 

He has his own signature drum sticks, first at Vic Firth, and now with new brand, Heartbeat. Gilbert is also an endorser for new cymbal brand, Arborea, that is comparable in quality to the top line cymbals. 

In spite of the success, Nogales remains firmly rooted to the ground.  He also opines that it takes more than reputation for a musician to get gigs. It also takes skill, reliability, and flexibility. He can deftly switch from rock to rhythm and blues to the classics or even Chinese music. 

Many a people who witnessed the drum fest triumph offered him a slot such as his current role as in-house drum teacher at the School of Music Clef at Sun Tec City. He has worked with Regi Leo, one of Singapore’s most known musical directors on a variety of projects. Along with fellow Filipinos Alfred Rivera (bass and vocals) and Jenny Vie (lead vocals), Leo (guitars and vocals) and Nogales also have their band, Uberjam. And Gilbert also performs with a folk rock trio also composed of expatriate Filipinos.

“It is tough making a living as a professional musician, but I have been lucky,” said Nogales. “I am lucky to make a good living about music which is my passion. Lucky to have very good and nice bandmates. I am just grateful for everything.”

Over a plate of chicken rice at a restaurant in Sun Tec City, Gilbert Nogales paused and thought for a moment. It is one of those life-changing moments and he summed it up…

“And I am grateful to Johnny Abarrientos as well.”