I got tagged by Amanda Keisha Ang and Robin Chua to answer 6 questions with a song title that served a specific moment/memory in my life: *** 1. What was the first song you ever bought? *** - With my own money, it would have been Garbages debut album, Garbage in 1995 when I was 13. In a sense, I bought the album because I wanted the song, Queer that Id heard on the radio. What attracted me to the song was that it was unlike anything Id heard before. It was smokey and sultry, and it seemed to coil itself around my psyche. I was mesmerized even though I didnt know why. youtu.be/3ppiohVRZ0s In the end, the album exposed me to the world of alternative music although it wasnt until Oasis Whats The Story Morning Glory that made me want to pick guitar up. *** 2. What song always gets you dancing? *** - I dont particularly perform the action of dance as much as I flail without abandon. But Joy Divisions Shadowplay always puts me in the mood (for flailing). Its got everything. A steady proto beat, a two note 4/4 bassline with one passing note, a demented guitar riff that aches for you to reach out to it, and Ian Curtis singing - To the center of the city waiting for you. Perfect. youtu.be/6mpZUPPTyjo *** 3. What song takes you back to your childhood? *** - The End by Ryan Adams on the album, Jacksonville City Nights. This is a weird one, because lyrically, there is nothing I directly identify with (apart from romanticism of the country,)but the arrangement and delivery both lend me into a mood of nostalgia. I dont remember a lot of things, but whenever he sings the lyric, Oh Jacksonville, how you burden my soul, oh how you hold all my dreams captive... Oh Jacksonville, how you play with my mind, how my heart holds back suffocating on the pines in Jacksonville, it just resurfaces plenty of images and emotions from my past. youtu.be/Qtzpo_8Ft9Q *** 4. What is your perfect love song? *** - Although I havent heard it in awhile, it has to be Wintersleeps Listen (Listen, Listen). Everything about this song is about vulnerability, and thats what it takes to love and be loved. And even if the words dont sound right // I will love you till the day my heart dies // Till the day my heart dies. --- And even if this aint the right light // Youre prettier than anything // Youre prettier than anything that Id // Prettier than anything that Id write. --- Theres something in the way our lips touch // Theres something in the way were stuck together // And they dont build love like that no more. --- You said youd like it when the thunderstorms came // Said youd like if the thunderstorm just // pulled you piece by piece away. So Amanda, this ones for you. youtu.be/otxvL4t3atY *** 5. What song would you want at your funeral? *** - Daddy Sang Bass by the late, great Johnny Cash. Id love to record a rendition with my future family, where we all do the parts as they are in the original arrangement, and have them play our recorded version at my funeral. No the circle wont be broken // by and by Lord by and by... // Daddy sang bass // Momma sang tenor // Me and lil brother would join right in there // all singin hymns to help the troubled soul... // youtube/watch?v=Xh0gefgdpRw *** 6. Time for the encore. One last song that makes you, you. *** I choose Fleetwood Macs Dreams. Its one of my favourite musical arrangements of all time, and everything I strive to be musically, or even philosophically. Namely its the simplicity that confronts you. And then when you realize that all five members of the group are adding their own distinct personalities to each instrument and vocal layer, its absolutely spellbinding. I dont know if its accurate to say that this is me, but its what I strive to be. Clarity of mind and purpose, make magic with other people. youtu.be/YEi7GPkxfsE *** *** *** This took really long to finish, but you asked for it when you ask me self-reflexive questions about the music I enjoy. I nominate: Daryl Peh, Noel Yeo, Nick Chim, Daniel Tham, Rebecca Tan Suet Ting, Adrian Yuen, Eugene Chia
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:14:24 +0000