Working on...
Watch this space for updates!
By the way, anyone knows what "您是节目播音员" is?
Updates
Nothing much upcoming during this transition period except for :
1. Lush 99.5 FM Private Reserve with Yukun, 31st Jan with show 41
2. The revamp of the Progressions blogsite.
We wait with anticipation for the arrival of the Year Of The Pig
Till the next one... which could be sooner than you know... have a good week!
As days go by...
Some people are damn...
... but they continue to be in denial.
The return of the survey... The Terrible Threes
It's has been a really fantastic and memorable weekend for me. It's Monday now and it's going to be a slow week. For the next few weeks, at least. Taking this period to lay more foundations, so to speak... hopefully for a couple of new things to come in the near future. I guess the new year warrants some changes; eventually both in life as well as in work. We shall see.
Here's another one of those dreaded surveys... well, I'm bored shitless and some of you think the surveys are hilarious to read so here goes :
Three Names You Go By:
1. Yukun
2. Les
3. Dear (amongst other pet names someone calls me by)
Three Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Adidas T-Shirt
2. My brand new dark green bermudas
3. Red boxers (oh la la! oh, behave!)
Three Things You Want in a Relationship:
1. Love
2. Trust
3. Foreplay :p
Three of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Cuddling
2. Movies
3. Foreplay (hey, it's downright wicked, ok?)
Three Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. Bunz
2. A long-term residency 3. Foreplay (who can do without it?)
Three pets you [want to] have:
1. An aquarium of fishes
2. A dog that doesn't poo
3. Bunny (tra-la-la)
Three things you did last night:
1. Sent out some resumes and demos
2. Falling asleep on the sofa
3. Waking up to pee (about a litre of it)
Three People that live in your house:
1. Mom
2. Dad
3. And some f**king irritating ants
Three things you ate today:
1. Toast
2. M&Ms (without peanuts)
3. Noodles with dumplings
Three people you Last Talked To:
1. Bunz
2. God (I'm kidding!)
3. Mom ("get off the sofa you lazy ass!")
Three Things You're doing today:
1. Take a dump (just did it... haha!)
2. Go take a look at a new place
3. Meet P@t to discuss future plans
Three longest car rides:
1. Genting Highlands
2. Penang
3. Bangkok
Three Favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas
2. New Year
3. Sundays (it happens weekly)
Three favorite beverages:
1. Orange Juice
2. Berry Crush
3. Green Tea with Vodka
Life is good again!
PRISON BREAK
Season Two resumes with Episode 14!
Wahooooooo! On with the plot!7 - 8 pm set at Cafe Del Mar later. And for the final time, to answer the various SMSes and email queries... there's no trance, ok? And don't ask me to explain what the term "Balearic" means either. There's more to music beyond the "bosh-bosh and dosh-dosh". Just grab a deck chair, find your space, watch the sunset and let the music baffle you further... hahaha!
Won't be organizing anything for the moment coz I'm a physically and mentally tired. Nothing much happening in February at the moment. Just going with the flow of things until my internal batteries are fully recharged. Once that is out of the way, then will be embarking on talks for some firm dates and events with the new eM Studio. Musically, nothing much fantastic or anything remotely inspiring is coming out. Almost every piece looks and sounds like stale crap.
p/s I'm on my short weekend getaway / break. Unless it's absolutely important or some sure-win business proposition, I'll be ignoring most of your SMSes and phonecalls till Monday. Please don't send well-wishes either. We all need our quiet time every now and then. It's importance is greatly much needed right now. And nope, I'm not in depression either. Like I said... life is positively good again. Have a great weekend, one and all.
EM By The River
More details and dates to follow soon...
... stay tuned and wired!
Essential parties this weekend...
CLICK FLYERS TO ENLARGE
@ Cafe Del Mar
@ Ministry Of Sound
Matt Darey in Poland
feat. Li Kwan's "Point Zero"
On the local front...
And for those who still fail to get it...
Blog updated by Ichigo
Lush 99.5 Anniversary Party @ Cafe Del Mar
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
For the many people that have SMSed me... I don't have a guestlist for this. Apologies as I'm currently not around to get it organized. Please SMS the number on the flyer to get on the exclusive list for this coming Saturday's shenigans at Cafe Del Mar. Seeya there and make mine a Chivas on the rocks.
In the meantime... he says "hi"
Bye bye... for now!
I'll be away and updates will be limited. So till we next meet again...
1. What do you mean you're still using Friendster? That's so last century! Come join the MySpace bangwagon... loads of goodies! I'm getting so many exclusive stuff from producers / djs lately, it's like Christmas every week. God bless the generousities of those good peeps! It's way more rewarding than taking part in forums or MSN networking. New times, new platform. Get on my list... :p
2. Moving on with the rest of my life... I've cut my hair real short and I'm slowly changing my wardrobe. The old tees-only me will have to make way gradually for the new ME! Got two really nice shirts as a gift yesterday. Thanks, dear. Next up, jeans. Hell ya!
3. Those interested in listening as well as checking out something else out of the usual club environment, drop by Cafe Del Mar on the 27th Jan for the Lush FM 2nd Anniversary party. And no, for the 1000th time, I won't be playing trance. There's more to me than trance... shame on you for not tuning in to my show on the station, which is fast coming to it's 1st year of broadcast. *tsk tsk*
4. Something new is abrewing. We have to remain hush for now but you'll know when things are more firmed up. There's nothing a little faith / optimism, some patience and a whole lot of sincerity cannot achieve. For those that have stuck with us for quite a while now, thanks for hanging on and not bitching to us about venues and etc. At least now we know who is REAL and who isn't. Those buying into the typical media hype can go dildo yourself with it... the word "poseurs" seem so apt.
5. Lastly, things can only get better, only if you do something about it. And you know what? Everything matters! The air smells fresh... and I'm off... be good and take care all! Tra-la-la...
Back in time, 31st January 2004
Space 2020 : Yukun vs Matt Darey @ Centro
Oh my f**king god... it was rammed all the way from opening till closing. The madness, the vibe, the emotions... with not a single request throughout the night! Nothing has come quite close to those magical days of the Centro. Something which many of us hold dear in our hearts. When will we ever see such moments again? Probably never. At least not with the way things are right now with the club circuit. :p
It's been 3 years now. Welcome back, Matt! Respects to the legend. Darey Products will hit the shores on 27th January 2007 at Ministry Of Sound. Hopefully without the shirt! Hahaha!
My Essential Electronic Albums... Ever!
More spring cleaning. Flipping through the racks of vinyls and mountains of CDs, I unearthed some really memorable moments that I'll be cherishing till my bones go brittle. Here are 5 album which personally are part of my roots and they still mean a hell lot to me musically... electronic music that makes sense. For those that have been asking me why I think Tiesto's "productions" (and his DJing) are utter rubbish, perhaps it's time you took a step back in time and listen to some blueprints that led to where dance music is today. There are more but that will have to wait when I get back after next week.Sasha
Airdrawndagger
[Arista, 2002]
Sasha's debut full-length album is one of the most long-awaited records in the history of electronic music. After his "Xpander E.P.", fans waiting years to hear more of his prodigious production talents and it was worth the wait for many. He retains his trademark atmospheric sounds, bordering on the filmic edge with heavy ambient sensibilities, sprinkled with nu-skool breaks and progressive house elements. It's an armchair-friendly effort that boast cinematic grandeur, which eventually found it's way into the more musically-inclined clubs. Despite some writing it off as overly self-indulgence, it's still unquestionable an envelope-pushing beauty if you look at it's intrinsic quality and sophistication. To this date, nothing quite comes close to the artistry of "Wavy Gravy".
BT
Ima
[Perfecto, 1995]
Brian Transeau's debut is in retrospect a masterpiece, despite sounding dated in today's "standard". But don't let that detract from the fact that the production is quality beyond anything that has been done prior to this. It remains a text book definition of what uplifting, epic, melodic trance sounds like. Tunes like "Embracing The Sunshine", "Loving You More" effortlessly transport you to a different universe. Personally, I wish BT could pull off something like this again - blending ethnic, melody and electronic sound with depth. It warms and elevates my heart everytime I take this out for a listen... on a rainy day. The way it builds and fades is incredible in a subtle way, unlike the often overbearing transitions in the trance of today. Those who study music, can and will appreciate and understand the complex chord structures, beautiful notation and sequencing.
Hybrid
Wide Angle
[Distinctive, 1999]
When the astounding "Finished Symphony" (first heard on Sasha + Digweed's Northen Exposure II) was unleashed to the unsuspecting club circuit, no one could quite describe the hair-raising emotions that it was capable of. You can't help but smile and move. This is like a soundtrack to a movie that was never made. Their ability to be innovative sets them apart from their peers - well orchestrated fusion of classical, jazz and hip-hop with electronic music into a breath-taking aural soundscape. It's the most technically and aurally impressive blend of sounds and rhythms I've ever heard. Critics can say what they want. This is still remarkably cutting edge and barrier-breaking. Simply put, they're the finest breakbeat production team around and this album is a revolution in sound. Hybrid is undeniably avant-garde.
Way Out West
Way Out West
[Deconstruction, 1997]
Collectively, Bristol's Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff have been really talented innovators with their distinctive sound using creative samples (i.e. film speech), lush synth chords and complex drum programming. The vocals on "Ajare" was truly angelic in a mindblowing sense and the edgy "Domination" is perhaps the duo's finest moment. An amazingly complex album from start to finish, packed to the gills with trancey melodies, body-bursting basslines and the sheer energy that's imbued into every one of the tunes. The mishmash of sounds from progressive to ambient, from downtempo to breakbeat... you name it, it's here, engineered for maximum listening pleasure.
Chicane
Far From The Maddening Crowd
[Edel, 2000]
What would Ibiza be without Nick Bracegirdle? He practically coined the term "sunrise trance". This debut album is one of the most extremely consistent offering I've heard, despite it's simplicity. The feel of optimism flows throughout. There's nothing too heavy or in your face... it just sympathizes, empathizes, soothes and consoles before setting about gently picking you up on it's wings and making you feel vaguely human again. "Offshore" has got to be the most repetative tune ever produced but no one gets sick of it despite the track running over 6 minutes with the same riff on a loop. When you have quality and finesse, you don't need anything else. The only negative to about this masterpiece, is that it ends. By the way, this addictive album is deleted and is now a sort-after collector's item in Ebay... not surprising, considering it's still hailed as the perfect album to unwind to after a shitty day.
Playlist for 35hz @ Barbaablackchic, 20th Jan '07
[12.30am - 2.20am]
01. Airbase - Escape (Original Mix)
02. Filo & Peri feat. Kathleen Fisher - Ordinary Moment
03. Dogzilla - Without You (Dub)
04. Armin van Buuren - Burned With Desire (Tech Dub Mix)
05. Stoneface & Terminal - Incognition (Marc van Linden Rmx)
07. Stoneface & Terminal - Nature (Original Mix)
08. Scott Bond & Solarstone - 3rd Earth (2007 Re-Edit)
09. Andain - Beautiful Things (Photon Project Rmx)
10. Aromabar - Winterpeagent (John '00' Fleming Rmx)
11. Sandimen - By Morning (Santoz Rmx)
12. Nick Rowland - State Of Becoming (Ian Betts Mix)
13. Marco V - False Light (Yukun's Recall Mix)
14. Andy Moor - Halcyon (Alex M.O.R.P.H. Mix)
15. Lost Tribe - Gamemaster (Mark Sherry's Outburst Mix)
16. Nu NRG - Last Experience (Giuseppe Ottaviani Rmx)
Weekend lament
Looking at where I am in life right now,
I've tons of regrets.
We all have.
We're only human.
We all make mistakes.
And honestly, I would've done a thousand things differently.
But here is where I am,
And here is where I'll go forth.
Looking forward to... (I'm not saying)
"Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after thrill of living is gone"
- Jack & Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp
My Top 10 Essential Albums From The 80s
Spring cleaning time. Digging through my CDs and tossing out even more useless space-consuming vinyls, I've come across several keep-sake albums that kind of influenced me at one point or the other during the 80s. Sorry, don't expect any Bananarama or Madonna albums. In no order of preference... with the exception for U2 which is unquestionably the album I would like to be played at my funeral and then buried with me; here's my list. I left Depeche Mode out because they're simply in a class of their own.
DEF LEPPARD
Hysteria
[1987, Island]
This sums up 80's pop rock in all it's glory : fun, catchy hooks, memorable riffs. It's also one of the few albums from the era that doesn't sound dated now. The UK rock band has never been able to climb past the success they achieved with this album. It vaulted them to superstar status on a worldwide scale, spanning 6 huge hit singles like "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and the balled "Love Bites". It also revolutionized the rock music industry with its glossy production and epic album length.
THE POLICE
Synchronicity
[Interscope, 1983]
This is their fifth and final studio album, and their biggest selling ever; cementing their immortality in music history. A benchmark album from a tremendously influential band. The singles, particularly "Every Breath You Take," "King of Pain," and "Wrapped Around Your Finger" are pure lyrical gems that has stood the test of time without losing any of their luster. An elegant masterpiece of intelligent and sophisticated pop music which has never been, nor ever will be duplicated. Longevity at it's best!
THE CURE
Disintegration
[Elektra, 1989]
An incredibly beautiful melancholic pop album on an epic scale. Complex drum patterns, the layered guitars, rich keyboards blend... orchestrated into a lush atmospheric soundscape. Some of the band's best work is on this album. "Pictures Of You", "Love Song" "Lullaby" and "Fascination Street" are a glimpse of the downtrodden and bleak view of life... something painfully intimate yet enduring. Anyone who has experienced the joy and sorrow of love will find echoes of their sentiments here.
NEW ORDER
Substance
[WEA, 1987]
The band's hits were always deeply unconventional, but they were brilliantly majestic productions, layering dozens of electronic elements and percussion tricks over Bernard Sumner's deadpan warble and Peter Hook's lead bass parts. Though they're audio snapshots of the dance beats of their time, they've held up both as club classics and as idiosyncratic rock songs. This album was their career-capper. And anyone that can write a song about the Falklands War ("Blue Monday") and make it the most essential single in the history of modern music has got to be a bottomless well of creativity.
PET SHOP BOYS
Please
[Capitol, 1986]
A few acts that have achieved the success and longevity of the Pet Shop Boys. They've been making music for over 20 years and have brought synthpop into the unsuspecting mainstream like no other before. Every song on this debut album transcends the murky pot of mid-80's dance-pop. The lyrics are interesting and mildly humorous... notably, it's songs by boys for boys about boys that snuck past so many because of the genderless objects of affection in the lyrical content. Fact remains that they'll always be most remembered for Neil Tennant's monotonous vocals in "West End Girls".
BEASTIE BOYS
Licensed To Ill
[Sony, 1986]
In the golden age of hip-hop, most of the rappers (like Run DMC, LL Cool J and Eric B), pretty much rapped over sampled, mixed beats and scratching; comes along a trio of white Brooklyn kids with a humourous breakthough debut album - boasting breaking-the-law vibe, and ear-splitting mix of rock and rap groove. Instead of the usual one-up-manship in the lyrics, most of the tracks thrived on a slew of other juvenile acts. This album's fun to listen to, and still is; as it takes us back to a time when life was less stressful and music was more enjoyable. "Fight For Your Right" will always remain a party anthem for youth rebellion.
GUNS N ROSES
Appetite For Destruction
[Geffen, 1987]
A train wreck of punk and metal with rock n' roll sensibilities makes this an emblem of its era. Between the glorious screeching of the lead singer and the unforgettable guitar riffs, this L.A. band sounded like nothing anyone has ever heard before and it somehow provided a generation with a musical identity. There's no other rock album that conveys real life gritiness with tongue-in-cheek delivery so effectively and yet went on to receive such a huge commercial success.
INXS
Kick
[Atlantic, 1987]
This Aussie band had a great ability to make rock music with a dance sensibility. This album was INXS's crowning achievement and it made them into worldwide superstars. Their first ever No.1 and breakout single "Need You Tonight" was built around a simple riff that shuffled along, but was filled with a powerful vocal. This was a radio watershed album, boasting other noteworthy singles like "New Sensation", "Mystify", "Devil Inside" and the soul-blues of "Never Tear Us Apart". Critics all agree that this album brought out the best of the charismatic Michael Hutchence as a frontman.
FGTH
Pleasuredome
[ZTT, 1984]
The five Mersey lads crashed into the charts with "Relax" which was promptly banned from Radio One due to "suggestive lyrics". Ironically, this propelled it to No.1 on the sales chart for weeks. The band is an example of packaging and pure marketing genius. People were so hyped by the debut single as well as "Two Tribes" and "The Power Of Love"; plus all those catchy slogans on the "Frankie Says" tee shirts and the media frenzy. We all know where this act went after the initial thrill died down, but it's still a touchstone for the 80s pop, and a high watermark it is for the post-glam era. Notably, it marked the arrival of the brilliant production skills of Trevor Horn (Art Of Noise).
U2
The Joshua Tree
[Island, 1997]
The worldwide No.1 album that lifted U2 into legendary status. It also marked the band's merger between social / political issues and epic stadium rock. Till today, they have never quite rivaled the album's phenonmenon success. The masterstroke has got to be "With Or Without You" a nasty love song dressed up as an ode of devotion and care. One of the most misread smash hit of the 80's. In case anyone cares to know, it's about a woman who gives her virginity away to an another. Such is the brilliance of U2's lyrical artistry!
Coldharbour...
It's almost the end of January 2007 and it's been weeks of the crappy "standard-formula" trance and passe "paint-by-numbers" hard dance bollocks by the truckload. Finally, comes a decent thought-processed production from the Coldharbour frontman Markus Schulz. With remix works from the likes of Jose Amnesia, Shawn Mitiska (check out his GOODIES) and Mike Shiver, I'll be plugging this to no end once the promo files come in from the label. This is proper vocal material that makes sense instead of "travelling somewhere" or "sleeping satellite". I put my stamp on this (as if my stamp is worth jackshit). Anyway, screw what the public thinks. I'm going to gag them with countless shoves of this. Nice one, Mark.
And this week, Dutchman Perry O'Neil wants to give you THIS.
Come "neil" before me...
A much discussed topic in various Trance communities... everyone is mellowing out. It's 2007. The sign of the times... euphoria, hard and almost everything stupidly obvious has been chucked out the window by most of the respectable international peers and forerunners. And in case you get a shocker when you go see Matt Darey next week, he plays a whole lot more variety and styles now; as profiled on his weekly shows. Most recently even German hardbangers Cosmic Gate have also turned their dial towards the "sensible" department. Their remix of Kirsty Hawkshaw's "Outsiders" (coming out on Armada in April) is a stunner. I'm beginning to like them :)
Oh fuck, not another survey thingy!
You know what? I think surveys are a really great way to waste time and to kill boredom. And since lately, I've got nothing much to bitch or poke fun about... and I severely need content to satisfy the 5 faithful daily readers of this blogsite. So like it or not, whether you bother or not... here are more facts you don't really need to know about me! Come, get to know me better, will ya?How big is your bed?
Big enough for two. :)
What are you listening to right now?
Imogen Heap.
What was the last thing you ate?
Tom Yam soup. It sucked.
Last person you hugged?
Since the last hug till now... it's been too long.
How is the weather right now?
Unpredictable. Rainy and grey.
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Some stupid sales person trying to sell some investment plan.
What is the first thing u notice in the opposite sex?
Hey, I answered this in the previous survey.
Favorite type of food.
Pasta. Non-cream based.
Do you want children?
Not at this present stage of my life. They complicate things.
Do you drink?
Water, yes. Booze, don't really fancy nowadays. I'm getting repulsed at the taste of alcohol.
Ever get so drunk you don't remember the entire night?
Only once, a long long time ago at one New Year's Eve. Played two gigs in a night and was knocked out by the end of the night. Champagne and beer don't mix well. Take a note of that!
Hair colour?
Black, with some highlights. I'm vain. Sue me.
Eye colour?
Dark brown. Some times watery. :p
Do you wear contacts/glasses?
Sadly, I need glasses but I don't use them. I'm in denial.
Favorite holiday?
Melbourne.
Have you ever cried over a girl/boy?
Haven't you?
Last Movie You Watched?
On cable... the overhyped War Of The Worlds. It was dumb. I was bored. Tom Cruise really sucks.
What books are you reading?
Not at the moment. Not even magazines. Reading is kind of a mood circle for me.
Piercings?
None whatsoever!
Favorite Movie?
The Star Wars saga. I'm a geek. Wahoooo! Wish I had a lightsaber, then I can go f**king slash some bad-mouthing assholes.
Favorite EPL Team?
Not Chelsea. Not Tottenham.
What were you doing before filling this out?
Making coffee and spilling some of it on the floor.
Any pets?
One silky terrier. Lester. Technically, it's not really mine. :p
Dogs or cats?
Both coz they're so darn cute.
Favorite flower?
Sunflowers.
Have you ever loved someone?
Duh... yes!
Who would you like to see right now?
"Bunz".
Have you ever fired a gun?
Yes. As well as several weapons of mass destruction.
Do you like to travel by plane?
I love flying. Not too often and not too far though.
Right-handed or Left-handed?
Right. My left hand's retarded.
If you could go to any place right now where would you go?
A beach resort or somewhere private.
Are you missing someone?
Yes. A hell lot!
Do you have a tattoo?
Still planning.
Do you still watch cartoons on Sunday mornings?
That's gay. Sunday mornings are for making out (round 2 or 3, depending on how early round 1 was) or recovering for hangovers.
Are you hiding something from someone?
Nope, no skeletons in the closet. I'm more truthful than before... and if you can't handle the truth, then you're no friend of mine.
Are you 18?
Yah... I have been 18 for almost 20 years. I'll be 18 later this year... AGAIN!
What's the wallpaper on your cellphone?
A very sweet looking... (pause)
Did you get enough sleep last night?
I went for a 3km run yesterday, slept like a baby, woke up really late in the afternoon. Wanted to call in sick then I realise that I don't have a boss to report to! Awesome!
First thing you thought about when you woke up today.
Where are my legs? I can't feel my f**king legs!
What do you have handy at your bedside?
My mp3 player which is loaded with non-electronic music.
Grilled or fried?Grilled fish... yummy!
What makes you unique?The new me? That's for me to know, for you to find out. :p
Are you afaird of the dark?
Nope. Not when I have a torchlight and a crucifix.
Favourite hangout?
Changi Village. But if I had my own pad, then it would then be my only hangout.
3 things you can't live without?
Bunz, Food, Sleep.
Favourite Song?
U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
What are you afraid of?
Failing in love again.
Are you a giver or taker?
I give first. Take later.
What are your nicknames?
Lez, Snoopz, Oei, Excuse Me, F**ker, Asshole, Idiot and "Dar".
Stuck on a deserted island and could take one thing?
A speed boat. Told you I wasn't that dumb.
Favourite TV advertisement? Not the Tiger Beer ones.
First thing you'll save in a fire?The fire extinguisher, without which, all is lost.
What are the things you always take with you?
Cellphone, wallet and a whole lot of love.
What did you wanna be when you were a kid?
Prime Minister. It's still the fastest way to get rich for doing almost nothing... legally.
What do you usually do when the clock strikes 12 midnight?
I yell "Happy New Year". Out of every 364 times, I get it right once at least.
The colour of your bedsheet?
Stained. Haaaaaahahahaha!
What do you think about before you go to bed?
I think of nice things... I think of snuggling... I think of lots of sensual stuff. That's living amourously. :)