Levi's Big Bash Party

Featuring Estranged, T-Bone, Deja Voodoo, and more. If you're going, tell me how it was...

Power Song of the Month: Black Betty

I've decided to add a little more spunk to this blog. From now on, I'll be sharing my 2 cents worth of a 'power song' each month. What's a 'power song' you ask? Well, I'll put it this way...a track that's somewhat revolutionized the music industry over time (be it classics or modern), or a track that has affected lives of many (socially, politically) or on a lighter side, songs that have been covered numerously by various artists.

For November, it's Black Betty! A song that some might vouch, has been around ever since the 1930s. There has been 21 cover versions of this song and yet no definite interpretation of what the song exactly means. Some sources say it's about a lady and her child, and some say its about a bottle of whisky (a common term used in England/Scotland).

Well, whatever it means, the song's got 'life'. It makes a good motivation song for designers, writers, and for the gym even. Many favour the version done by Ram Jam. For me...the bomb's the one from Spiderbait.

This is E.I.D.R. by MGMT

Ben Goldwasser and Andrew Vanwyngarden form this trippy-funky-rocky-like genre called MGMT. What does MGMT mean? Well, they originally called themselves Management, but opted for MGMT instead. Formed in 2002 in New York, these lads' sounds are recognizable anywhere - the sounds of what's called Electronic Indie Dance Rock (E.I.D.R). You may have heard one of their tracks in the movie 21, called "Time to Pretend". My current favourite - "Kids" which kinda gives me that 80's almost Depeche Mode like feel.

Very worth checking out.

Dido - Makes a Trip Back

Safe Trip Home. That's the title of Dido's new album due 17 November '08. Based on this promo song, she still seems to have her same style (which I personally like). Fingers crossed there.

Perry Perry Extraordinary

Katy Perry - Lost Child? Sexy Musician? 50's Ambassador? And one of the most questioned..."Is she a Lesbian?".

Well, all I know is that according to The Observer she began her career with Gospel Songs and both her parents are Protestant pastors. Which came unexpected to me really, looking at her musical direction that paints kissing a girl and liking it, waking up in Vegas after a wild night.

Nevertheless, I'm just hooked to some of the tunes from this las. Can't get enough of Hot & Cold.

Malaysia to ban another concert?

I really can't digress as to why Malaysia is getting uptight about concerts in Malaysia. First it was Christina Aguilera, then it was Beyonce, then the Pussycat Dolls were slapped a fine for some sort of obscenity. And now... Avril Lavigne? You gotta be kidding me!

With all due respect to Malaysia trying to protect 'our children' but hey, don't you think they get that so called 'bad influence' by watching that artist's MTV? Oh please don't ban TV too!

The name's Keys...Alicia Keys

No official announcement yet but Alicia Keys might just be the one to lend her nightingale voice to the James Bond - Quantum of Solace theme song.

Among other artists that were vying for the Bond theme limelight were Beyonce, Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Annie Lenox.

Personally, I feel that bad girl Winehouse would suit a Bond tune more.

I know this blog is all about music...but I can't resist posting this recent article I came across. They are words so beautifully put. Like how lyrics match music, this excerpt here just matches people's lives.

FATHER FORGETS
W. Livingston Larned
condensed as in "Readers Digest"

Listen, son: I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little
paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls stickily
wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone.
Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the
library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily
I came to your bedside.

There are the things I was thinking, son: I had been cross
to you. I scolded you as you were dressing for school because
you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to
task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when
you threw some of your things on the floor.

At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You
gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table. You
spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off
to play and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand
and called, "Goodbye, Daddy!" and I frowned, and said in
reply, "Hold your shoulders back!"

Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came
up the road I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles.
There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before
your boyfriends by marching you ahead of me to the house.
Stockings were expensive-and if you had to buy them you would
be more careful! Imagine that, son, from a father!

Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how
you came in timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes?
When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption,
you hesitated at the door. "What is it you want?" I snapped.

You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge,
and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your
small arms tightended with an affection that God had set
blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither.
And then you were gone, pattering up the stairs.

Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped
from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What
has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of
reprimanding-this was my reward to you for being a boy. It
was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too
much of youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own
years.

And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your
character. The little heart of you was as big as the dawn
itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous
impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters
tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and
I have knelt there, ashamed!

It is feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these
things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But
tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, and suffer
when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my
tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it
were a ritual: "He is nothing but a boy-a little boy!"

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you
now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are
still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mother's arms, your
head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.

NIN new album - free download?

I remember my juvie days when I mentioned to a friend that if I ever came up with an album, I'd give it away for free. And that's what exactly Nine Inch Nails are doing with their latest album, The Slip - their 3rd album in 6 months following Ghosts I-IV and Year Zero.

So yeah...it's free folks. Available at www.nin.com .Their official website with a download map, live rehearsal videos, images from their official flickr site, and a NIN remix player. So really, other than just the free album in various formats, the site is worth checking out.

The Offspring - An Album After Close to 5 Years

"Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace" seems to be one of the most highly downloaded torrents that I came across today. I can only hope that The Offspring has left their commercial hits like Pretty Fly for a White Guy 'smashed' and buried.

Almost 5 years of absence, and Dexter and the boys are finally out with an eighth studio album, produced by the master Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue, The Cult, Skid Row).

Ah lookie here..download complete! .........

Alright. Here's the lowdown on each track.
1) Half-Truism
Sounds patriotic with that oh so sweet sound of The Offspring
2) Trust in You
Nice guitar playing by Noodles, putting some nice effects to good use. it's got that familiar sounds from the Smash album.
3) You're Going Far, Kid
Doesn't really sound like a typical track from Offspring but sure sounds 'moshing'
4) Hammerhead
This sounds like The Offspring i know, what's odd is there's a part where Dexter sounds like STP in Big Bang Baby. Love the intro. A song about war for sure - "I am the one camouflaged in guns, risk my life to keep my people from harm"
5) A Lot Like Me
A bad idea for the intro and verse. Trying something new with the piano?
6) Takes Me Nowhere
Don't think this track will take them anywhere

7) Kristy Are You Okay?
This one has commercial value
8) Nothingtown
It's a sing-a-long song
9) Stuff is Messed Up
I have no idea why, but when they start going "lalalala..la.." it reminds me of Marilyn Manson
10) Fix You
Going sentimental now are we?
11) Let's Hear it for Rock Bottom
Very fresh, very nice. Love that fuck ala 311 verse riff
12) Rise and Fall
...well....it's ok
13) O.C. Life (Hidden Track)
Punkish!

All in all, I wished they had riffs that stood out more. But I'll have to say, the band did discover themselves 'cuz they really sound different in this one. I'll buy this legally anyday!

Theme Songs for CSI

Just to enlighten those who don't already know the theme songs to CSI and its spinoffs. here they are:

CSI Vegas: Who Are You by The Who
CSI New York: Baba O'Riley by The Who
CSI Miami: Won't Get Fooled Again by The Who

Cheers!

The Cheesy lyrics are getting moldy

I was on the way to work today, and the 'oh-gosh-he's-so-hot' Chris Brown's 'With You' was playing on the car stereo. At first, yeah, tune was easy listening but when it came to part of a song when he sang "..."cause if I got you, I don't need money, I don't need cars..." I immediately switched to another station.

Point here is, why are artists still using such cheesy lines? I could understand that lyrics sort of have a creative license of exegeration, but puke puke man, when it comes to same old cheesy lines - "i'd die for you", "i don't need money if I had you" - you wouldn't be by the girl of your dreams if you died to begin with...you wouldn't have enough money to buy a decent meal for yourself let alone a date if you didn't need money.

Honestly, I hope the day would come when artist or songwriters write lyrics that open a refreshing thought and not serve listeners with 'moldy cheese'.

14 Years without Kurt Cobain

I still reminisce the times i first picked up my guitar...the first song i ever played on a 6-string was 'About a Girl'. Then came 'Come as you Are', 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', 'Lithium'....the list goes on. Nirvana was an inspiration to many. They were the cause of our embrace to the Grunge Era, and poetry.

On 5th April 1994, 14 years ago...we were shocked when we heard the news. He was gone. He left us. His pain was unbearable. But here's to you Kurt...we raise our axes and salute you as you rock the heck out of the angels.

Earth Hour - What are you doing about it?

Right on! Earth Hour is tomorrow, and what are you gonna do to help make a point that Global Warming is a serious issue? For me, I'm planning to shut of the lights and play Sound of Silence on my guitar. And I will try...try....to not smoke for an hour.

I guess the song suits the moment...a moment when each one of us, strangers to each other, across borders are united for a sole cause. A moment, for just one hour, actually making a huge impact just by doing nothing.

http://www.earthhour.org/

My night with the stars of Sunburst (Part 2)

Well, it wasn't really just MY night with the stars. It was probably shared with around 15,000 music fans. 15th March 2008 at Sunburst Music Festival will probably be memorable to many. I know mine was, not only because I had the wonderful company of my friends, but also had a Paparazzi Pass that allowed me to get closer to the stages. And adding more exclusivity to my night, I had a meet and greet with Incubus right before they performed. Now, I'm no groupie but I wouldn't pass off an opportunity like that!

Now...the performances... Incubus was excellent although I did feel that this would be their last performance in Malaysia ever. Why? He went from shirt to singlet, and singlet to topless. Now, now...Malaysia doesn't allow that! I'm pretty sure, the oganisers got that message across to them right? So, I'm thinking they probably just don't give a f**k anymore here. Despite the fact that the entire Sunburst schedule was delayed and they sure didn't look all bright and sunny at the press con right before their performance. I love these guys...but if this really was the case...shame on us for making our guests feel how they did.

Nonetheless, John Legend was a good performance - he grabbed someone up on stage, thankfully without a boner this time. From the local platter, Reza Salleh put on a wonderful performance, introducing himself several times to the crowd (Reza, we know you by now!). Che'nelle ... well... I'm no big fan...but she sings so close like she does on record, one would question if she lip syncs. Meet Uncle Hussein was a crowd pleaser to some, with Era FM announcers giving away free t-shirts right before the performance.


Off stage, I'd say the ambiance was great. The setup of the Tuborg beer garden, the fire juggling performances, and the food by Planet Hollywood, it was all good work.

A shoutout to the horsies who put up with the noise - Thank You!

My night with the stars of Sunburst (Part 1)

Fantastic! Even before the event, it was FANtastic (pun intended). I was privileged to have Tuborg invite me to a pre-event-closed-door party with the artists of Sunburst, a night before the event at the Ritz Carlton KL. It was a little cocktail party for invited guests to meet and greet local celebs and the Sunburst artists, as well as have a sneak peek of what would be in store for us the next day at the music festival itself.

I was so eager to meet Incubus but sadly, only managed to see Dj Chris Killmore and not the rest of the band. George Clinton was recognisable through his cool braids. John Legend was there for a bit (he's not as tall as I expected him to be).

But that night really made me realise that in this time and generation, the Malaysian music scene really has the potential. Two names i give you now, to look out for in the coming years - Reza Salleh and Yuna.

Reza Salleh is no stranger to the local music scene, thanks to his contribution to Laundry Bar's Moonshine music show. But who interests me the most is Yuna. She has sounds so very similar to Corrine Bailey Rae + Frente. I might be setting high expectations here, but this is really one talent to look out for. I had a few minutes with her to find out about her future plans. Sadly, she's not looking to be recording anytime soon due to studies. go check out Yuna's myspace.

All in all, it was a good start for the event of the year and most definitely a memorable experience for me. Here's a shoutout to Siao Ling and Chui Hoon for making all this happen.

Sunburst KL 08 - The Fun Starts Tomorrow!

Just one more day people! For probably the biggest music festival to actually happen on our soil. Hope all goes well with the weather tomorrow, but I doubt even a little rain would ruin it...in fact, it'll just make the mosh-pit even more exciting yeah? I wonder though, if there'll be "discounted drinks" from Tuborg (I know I might be sidetracking a little here, but the new tuborg...definitely better than a Heini anytime). Anyways, with all this artists coming down, I'm sure the media people would have loads to write about assuming they have backstage passes (So cool wan!).

Oh yeah most importantly, here's an updated copy of the Sunburst Music Festival KL 2008 schedule. Pick when to come see your artists or better yet, just be there from the start till the end... bring a mat, an umbrella, an extra t-shirt, friends and have a fun time.

Get Facebooked by R.E.M's new album

We've seen Radiohead revolutionize the ways of launching and sharing its last album. Now, even local band Butterfingers are going digital with their upcoming album, probably to cut a whole lot of cost on CD printing/packaging and distributionship costs.

Gone are the days of traditional radio premieres of an album release. And look whose next to jump on the bandwagon...R.E.M.

Their new album, Accelerate will be officially launched April 1, 2008 but before that, would actually debut on social networking sites with the iLike application (yes, that includes Facebook). Facebook members will be able to stream and share the album beginning March 24 people! So jot that down on your post-it notes folks. You'll also gain access to exclusive footage of the band talking about their album.

So, watch out for this legendary band's 14th album.

The Revival of Butterfingers

The boys are back and the word's out that Butterfingers will be releasing their new album come July this year. Specifically, the launch would be on 060708 (I think its due to Loque's studies back in the States who will only return to Malaysia then to promote the album).

This time around, from a source at www.royalbutterfingers.net, the album would be distributed via the internet. Still have no idea if it's a malay skewed or english skewed album...either way it goes, I'm sure most of us will anticipate a rocking Butterfingers album.

Sunburst KL schedule

By the way folks...those attending or are thinking of attending this huge event in a couple of weeks time might find this schedule handy. Have fun!

Kanye West - Flashing Lights

Now, I'm not sure if we in Malaysia have actually had a peek of Kanye's Flashing Lights video. But here it goes folks (on the right side of this page). Now, some have brought up thoughts that this is a 'scary video' - a girl starts stripping down outdoors, burns her fur coat, pulls out a shovel and stabs a dude who is in the car trunk (was that Kanye in the trunk?). Well... ain't that the sh*te. Scary and seductive it is then. Scary 'cuz you never know who you'll pick up at a bar, scary because even seduction could kill. Scary because a man's mind is weak too fall for all that.

My second post on One Republic

My last post on One Republic was two years ago on September 2006. And today...well, not today today, but a few months ago, they've finally gotten justice on the airwaves. Apologise was basically the sing-along-song for everyone.

But here's the thing. Would the band have gotten this far without the help of Timbaland? Listen to the difference between Timbaland's version of Apologise and One Republic's. All I hear the former do is just more bass and his voice that goes "ayy, ayy, ayy". Now, I know music taste is a subjective manner but honestly did that really bring One Republic where it is today?

Yes, Yes...F1 season is back and so are the F1 parties

So here we go. Formula One Race season is back and as usual, so are the F1 parties and events that just cannot part with it. It's just one of those occasions where advertisers and sponsors do the same old stuff each time we near race season (yawn!). Oh how i yearn for something new.

Anyway, let's see what's EXCITING this time round in Malaysia as we welcome the whole entourage of pit crew, drivers, engineers, etc. to Sepang come March 23, 2008.

Johnnie Walker - Black Circuit Paddock Party (22.03.08) for Team McLaren
RM40 @ Zouk KL featuring Dj Steve Aoki Kid Millionaire
p.s. cool site

Toyota Speedzone Tour 08 (22.03.08) for Team Toyota
RM33 @ KL Tower featuring Mauro Picotto, Matt Hardwick, Jon Carter, Gianluca Fucile and Joey G

BMW Pit Lounge (19.03.08) for Team BMW Sauber
All I gather is that they've got a demo at Jalan Bijai, KL, a DJ from new York, and a meet-and greet session with the drivers. Their site wasn't informative enough. It just put me off.

Coldplay goes Cold and Dark on next album?

Darker lyrics, prominent percussions and a lower key voice will be the music template for Coldplay's fourth album, due out in May, 2008. Now, question is... will this change the destiny of the band? Were they not glad about the outcome of their 'trilogy' albums? Are they certain that the fans want this new canvas of 'artistic' craft they serve?

We'll just have to wait and see...

2008 NME Awards

Muse -2nd time Best Live Band

The NME (New Musical Express) Awards 2008 saw Arctic Monkeys steal the show for a third year running. This year, the Monkeys bagged the Best Track, Best Video and Best British Band. NME Awards is one of those music award shows that give away awards for just about any reason...

Here are the list of winners (and losers in red):

BRITISH BAND Arctic Monkeys
INTERNATIONAL BAND The Killers
NEW BAND The Enemy
LIVE BAND Muse
SOLO ARTIST Kate Nash
ALBUM Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
TRACK Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent
VIDEO Arctic Monkeys - Teddy Picker
DANCEFLOOR FILLER The Wombats - Let’s Dance To Joy Division
MUSIC DVD Nirvana - Unplugged In New York
LIVE EVENT Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festival
HERO OF THE YEAR Pete Doherty
VILLAIN OF THE YEAR George W Bush
BEST DRESSED Noel Fielding
WORST DRESSED Amy Winehouse
ALBUM ARTWORK The Good, The Bad & The Queen – The Good, The Bad & The Queen
RADIO SHOW Zane Lowe (Radio 1)
WORST ALBUM Britney Spears - Blackout
WORST BAND The Hoosiers
TV SHOW The Mighty Boosh
FILM Control
SEXIEST MAN Noel Fielding
SEXIEST WOMAN Kylie Minogue
VENUE Wembley Stadium
WEBSITE Facebook
BAND BLOG Radiohead - www.radiohead.com/deadairspace

March Eleventh is 3-11 day

Come 11th March, ska-rock band 311 celebrates its fans as fans celebrate the band. They're all set for a hyped up Spring Tour from coast to coast including Canada. Fans right here in Malaysia, sorry-lah! But......maybe we can take advantage of a 24-hour sale at the 311 online store. That's right, in honor of 3-11 day, www.The311Store.com are holding a one-day, 24 hour sale. Nice!

As for other stuff 'bout the band, they're working hard in their Hive Studio in Los Angeles writing new material for their next album. Can't wait!

Today in Rock

• In 1932 today, Johnny Cash was born.
• In 1996, MTV premieres "Fashionably Loud," the first ever fashion show with live musical performance.

Brit Awards 2008 - "Take That Monkey Fighters"

2008's Brit Awards saw Arctic Monkeys, Take That, and Foo Fighters shine through the night. It was a big night in London (thanks MasterCard for making it happen) where stars gathered, won, lost, dressed up, dressed down, performed and collaborated. Speaking of which, here's a video of Rihanna performing Umbrella with The Klaxons (nice beat...but it would be great if they added more "klax" to it).



Anyhooo... here are the night's winners:

Outstanding Contribution to Music: Paul McCartney
Critics' Choice Award: Adele
Best British Album: Arctic Monkeys for Favourite Worse Nightmare
Best British Single: Take That for Shine
Best British Group: Arctic Monkeys
Best British Male: Mark Ronson
Best British Female Solo Artist: Kate Nash
Best British Breakthrough Act: Mika
Best British Live Act: Take That
Best International Album: Foo Fighters for Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Best International Group: Foo Fighters
International Male Solo Artist: Kanye West
International Female Solo Artist: Kylie Minogue

Guitar Hero : Aerosmith

Yup, yup! It's been conformed by Activision that Aerosmith will be featured full-out in the console game, Guitar Hero:Aerosmith come June 2008. The game will feature about 30 Aerosmith tracks as well as others from various acts that have opened for the band before. The game should be available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 2 as things develop.

So fellas, get your axes ready for this one! I know I am...

Fergie for Calvin Klein

Fergie is now the new spokesperson for Calvin Klein. That's right...despite her "leak" incident not too long ago, the 32-year old singer is set to front their new advertising campaign. Makes me wonder...are CKs going for the 'nappy' proposition?

JT heading up the Open Road

Justin Timberlake is set to star in the baseball flick, The Open Road and will be working alongside Jeff Bridges(Seabiscuit), Kate Mara(Brokeback Mountain), and Mary Steenburgen(The Brave One) as a young man trying to reconnect with his father, who is a legendary athlete, as he struggles to get him home to his ailing mother.

The film is said to be shot later this month.

Will Jakob see Flowers with this one?

Wallflowers frontman, Jakob Dylan is due to launch his first solo record come May 13, 2008.

Seeing Things is produced alongside Rick Rubin, the man responsible for producing Johnny Cash's comeback back in the day. Let's see if he can bring out the "legend" in this Dylan.

Track Listing:
1. Evil Is Alive And Well
2. Valley Of The Low Sun
3. All Day And All Night
4. Everybody Pays As They Go
5. Will It Grow
6. I Told You I Couldn't Stop
7. War Is Kind
8. Something Good This Way Comes
9. On Up The Mountain
10. This End Of The Telescope

Bands of Sunburst KL 08 - Reza Salleh (Part 4)

Those who frequent Laundry Bar should be familiar with the name Reza Salleh. He's the man behind the Moonshine music show here. For those of you who have no idea about this homegrown talent, Reza's got tunes that are somewhat (to me) similar to Matchbox 20/Rob Thomas and Ryan Cabrera.

Bands of Sunburst KL 08 - Estranged (Part 3)

One of the bands that I have a gut feel would definitely rock it out at Sunburst KL is Estranged. Oh yeah, before I forget... kudos to them for taking home both the Song of the Year award and Best Pop-Rock song with "Itu Kamu" in the Anugerah Juara Lagu just last month.

Anyways... you may need this for a definite sing-along when they perform "Itu Kamu"

Lyrics to Itu Kamu
Segala yang ku pasti akan aku capai tuk mengambil hati mu
Melepasi angkasa cinta ku
Sesudah aku melafazkan kesemua yang diperlu
Ianya seperti suluhan yang terang

Segala yang kau ragui akan ku padam habis dari hati mu
Mengingkari dalaman akal mu
Takkan puasku, mengiringi semua tawa dan tangisanmu,
Anggun jiwamu, pelita yg terang

Hatiku mahumu
Rupamu
Masih masih masih masih…

(Chorus)
Kau terindah
Masih ada
Yang tercantik
Itu Kamu

Tiada mengapa taupun sampai bila kerna cinta enggan kenal mengalah
Memanah masuk hatiku yang reti
Setelah kau nampak tetap ku masih menunjukkan erti hidupku
Yang mahu bersama kau buat selamanya…

Bands of Sunburst KL 08 - The Roots (Part 2)

Under the Def Jam entourage, The Roots (sometimes called The Legendary Roots Crew) will be set to entertain the crowd with some hip-hop/funk music come Sunburst KL 08. I wonder however, if they'd be performing "You Got Me" that features Erykah Badu (that may mean she's coming?). The video to that track has been put on this blog for a peek of what they sound like.

They were nominated for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance by a Duo/Group in last year's Grammy's.

Bands of Sunburst KL 08 - Incognito (Part 1)

I've decided to include some postings on the acts that will be performing at the Sunburst Music Festival this March. Hopefully this would help you out in deciding which 1 out of the 4 stages you would be rocking it out at.

The last time I saw Incognito was at the Panasonic Jazz Festival in Malaysia, years ago. And I gotta tell you, they've got some real groovy pieces (explains why Roger Sanchez, and David Morales have remixed some of Incognito's work)

They are a jazz/funk/soul outfit hailing from Britain that have been around for 20 years. Now, that's more years than most British acts I know of. There's probably a reason to it...we gotta watch them to know then i guess...

Sunburst KL 08 - The Fun Starts Here!

Well, well.....already claimed to be the largest outdoor multi-genre music festival, the Sunburst KL 2008 is getting much hype all over - by fellow bloggers, music fans, roadies, facebook, and just about everyone else involved with the local music scene.

How it would be nice to have a real music festival for once in Malaysia with an ala Woodstock or Big Day Out...with camping, tattoos, and whatever have you. But I guess this is the best we can do in Malaysia.

The festival (held in Bukit Kiara) on 15th March 08 will have four stages and 26 acts, and the organisers (Pineapple Concerts and Tuborg) hope to reach some 20,000 music fans.

With this lineup? I'd say it's possible but they definitely could project a better turnout if they really did finalise the deal with Velvet Revolver and Offspring to come as well.

But I am proud to say that this country is actually putting the effort in making things happen. The Fun after all can only start with the initiative of organisers. Thank you Tuborg! and Pineapple!

Klang Valley ticketing outlets are Hard Rock Cafe KL, Planet Hollywood KL, Rock Corner outlets, Music Valley (Ampang Point), Fantasy Music (Sunway Pyramid) and Connection, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Tickets priced at RM200 are available now at www.ticketpro.com.my or check out www.sunburstkl.com for a list of ticket outlets nationwide.

Oh...and here's the line-up:
International Acts
John Legend
The Roots
Incognito
Incubus
George Clinton+Parliament Funkadelic

Regional Acts
Gigi
Tompi

Local Acts
Joe Flizzow
Pop-Shuvit
Gerhana Ska Cinta
Estranged
Search
Love Me Butch
Tempered Metal
Reza Salleh
Meet Uncle Hussein

Real Musical Poetry by The Album Leaf

I came across The Album Leaf when I was reading some stuff about Explosions in the Sky (EITS). I was captivated by their work when I searched them on youtube - really amazing stuff.

The Album Leaf is actually a solo project by Jimmy LaValle who already has 4 albums up to date.

Fans of EITS and Mogwai would find his work to their liking - melodic, mellow, poetic, and deep. This post-rock/ambient/indie project simply sets you away to a dreamy realm. Good stuff.

Malaysian skies explode with Texas Post Rock

Texan-post-rock outfit, Explosions in the Sky have announced that Malaysia be a part of their current tour (other than neighboring Asian countries, Taiwan and Japan).

This is definitely great news to the fans of their work - commercially well known for the Cadillac commercial and theme song for TV Hit, Friday Night Lights.

See image for details.

BIG DAY OUT - BIG SUCCESS!

T'was done in the finest style possible! Australia's biggest touring music festival, Big Day Out 08 was sold out in no time. Melbourne - Sold Out! Adelaide - Sold Out! Gold Coast - Sold Out! Sydney - Sold Out! Despite weathers burning up t0 35 degrees, one can only wonder if the craze was due to the reunification of legends, Rage Against the Machine...

Future Music Festival - Australia

To the land downundah! Future Music Festival 08 hits Australia come March, with a fantastic lineup of artists which include:

• The Chemical Brothers
• John Digweed
• Roger Sanchez
• Shapeshifters
• Robbie Rivera
• DJ Yoda
• Kid Koala
• and more

Sounds awesome and like an event not to be missed. The festival kicks off:

• Sat Mar 1 – Brisbane
• Sun Mar 2 – Perth
• Sat Mar 8 – Sydney
• Sun Mar 9 – Melbourne
• Mon Mar 10 – Adelaide

More info at: http://www.futuremusicfestival.com.au/

Pure Punk by Gallows

Put punk, ska and 5 angst driven lads from Watford and you'll get a band called Gallows.

Best British Newcomer in Kerrang! Awards, No.1 in the UK charts Charts in 2007 for their hit, "Staring at the Rude Bois", and having a track of theirs in Guitar Heroes III. Maybe it's worth any punk's time to check out their album, Orchestra of Wolves.

Bristol trio Portishead back after 10 years

Trip hop makes its way back with Portishead - probably the best in this genre. After 10 years, they've crafted 11 tracks that'll hopefully compensate its absence it the music scene.

Their third album, 'tastefully' named Third is due in stores April 14, 2008.

Is Weezer back with a 6th?

There have been whispers that River Cuomo and the boys will be back in 2008...

Paste Magazine says April 2008. All we know is that it's been project named "Album Six". Anyone got any updates?