What are Your Top 10 Songs?

I really2 like Brit bands (the big names like Beatles and U2), but I deeply appreciate American band like Dave Matthews Band and Dave Matthews's solo performance (have a major crush on Dave).

Dave Matthews Band

I also adore Rufus W, particularly his album Poses. He's just one gorgeous gay and I mean he truly relies on his music and never throws some popularity stunt the way Adam Lambert did at the AMA. We know you're gay Adam, get over yourself.

Rufus Wainwright

Or Adam Lambert? What a waste of talent.

A little pop couldn't hurt either, that is why I appreciate Robbie Williams and Stevie Wonder, with all their quirks.

Oh... and another last year discovery, Peter Bjorn & John... they're just so witty to pass.

Ok, here's the list.
1. Dodo by Dave Matthews
2. Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band
3. Grace is Gone by Dave Matthews Band
4. Paris 2004 - Peter Bjorn & John
5. Advertising Space - Robbie Williams
6. From the Bottom of My Heart - Stevie Wonder
7. Grey Gardens by Rufus Wainwright
8. While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles
9. Across The Universe by The Beatles (and the Rufus Wainwright version)
10. Mysterious Ways - U2
11. Memories and Dust by Josh Pyke
12. Suddenly I see - KT Tunstall
13. Sleeps with Butterflies by Tori Amos
14.Tears for Affairs by Camera Obscura
15. If She Wants Me by Belle & Sebastian

I can't help posting number 11-15, here are why:

1. Currently liking Josh Pyke, an Australian by the way (the first Australian musician I really appreciate since Pete Murray).

Josh Pyke

2. Really2 like KT Tunstall & Tori Amos's vocal, music and style - They rock without being over the top like Amy Winehouse or that Lady Gaga (gasp!)

3. As I was saying, adore Brit bands. My latest discoveries are Belle & Sebastian and Camera Obscura. Can't get enough of them.

Belle & Sebastian

Camera Obscura

Voiceless Singer-Wannabes

I am no singer (and you must thank me for this).

I can't play musical instrument. Not one.

Yet, I love music, particularly the one referred to as "alternative music".


What the F is "alternative"? Who gave the term alternative anyway? Alternative music is the critics way of saying the new sounds are "unfit" to their established categories - rock, pop, country, jazz, keroncong (really?), classic (read: really really old and depressing stuff - sorry guys - I don't have to get myself used to this genre to be acknowledged as an intelligent person), folk, blues, rap, etc.

See? they even give constant foul mouthed complaints a specific category!

And they refer DMB, Pearl Jam, Peter Bjorn and John, The Decemberists and The Killers (I could go on and on here people) as "alternative"? To what? Music? That's pretty insulting guys!

The New Pornographers

Changchutters

This "new" category showed the critics incapability of finding new categories for these new found sounds (identified since early 90s) by these new talented singers and bands refuse to be dictated by the establishment. Music critics is a bunch of narrow-minded-self-declared-ancient-people (who by the way are not musicians, can't sing and can't play - just llike you and me) that make a living out of critisizing singers and bands (hello?!! Did you guys not see the irony here?).

Does that make me a musician or a singer? Thank GOD no, if yes, you'd have to buy my CD along with a set of ear plug or insurance for wanting to kill yourself while hearing me sing.

Same goes for the critics: you voiceless singer-wannabes!

Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King

I've been listening for the first single (Funny The Way It Is) of the new Dave Matthews Band album (post title) since March this year (the band generously let their fans download the song in their official website). All I can say is: this song made me very much looking forward to the real deal.

The cover is designed by Dave himself and picturing the late LeRoi Moore (DMB saxophonist who passed away last year in an accident). Roi's death was actually in the middle of this album recording process. GrooGrux King is his nick name and the album art explain Roi and the band well.

This is their first studio album since 2005 and if you're a die hard fans like me and hoping for Dave's acoustic, don't get your hope high as he's shifting (at least for this album) to more electric. But somehow his move makes perfect sense without leaving his signature guitar play and quirky and brilliant lyricism.

(Listening to this album while writing this post) I'm catching similarities with 1998's Before These Crowded Streets.

DMB wind up returning to their roots and reviving the loose-limbed jams, a sound they've largely abandoned. Now, everything seem to be falling into places, their signature clean and elastic solos are back - on record. Since this is the band that is widely recognized for their outstanding and exhaustive live performances (which is better than their studio versions).

You can expect to find epic song ala "dont drink the water" (Squirm - the ref is perfection!), implicit messages that all love (Laying in the Hands of God) and loss (Why I Am) can be felt and shared through music. I can feel the band's loss of a very dear friend. Music creation itself is the reason they're here - and it's not just an album tribute to LeRoi Moore, it's a reason for the band to keep moving on. This album is the perfect interpretation of the new millennium DMB and I'm loving it to the core.

Verdict:

Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King is by far DMB's richest, most powerful and quite possibly best album.

Cendol Like Audience @ Jason Mraz Show: Java Jazz 2009 Festival Success Indicator

We (me and my friend Ami) arrived at the crime scene at about 5.15, greeted by a long line of queu to enter the Festival. We religiously follow the line for about 5 mins and realize that there were 4 entrances and soon release ourselves from being an obedient liners. Our tickets were verified, bags were searched for food and beverages.

Thank God, my chocolates and bottled sugar free gum survived. I brought these just in case, learning from past concert experiences. I've watched people colapsed during concert from lack of sugar. Naaah....it's just my excuse to eat chocolate.



Mr. A-Z Stage

About a minute later we're busy searching for the Jason Mraz stage and manage to enter the stage in about 2 minutes after queing. The atmosphere wss there, allright. I mean, really, really, really.... crowded. We had to wait about 30 mins before the whole thing started.

Prior to that, Mike Idol appear on stage singing our national anthem Indonesia Raya (it's been a long time since I sang the sacred song). After that, Jason with his band appered.

On stage, Jason Mraz looked really comfy wearing an oversize gray t shirt and khaki cargo pants. Nevertheless, the guy did a good (if not great) job in entertaining the audience in Exhibition Hall B. His appearance immediately greeted by histerically screams from girls (and guys), including us. I mean, look at the guy, so simple and still captivating. Is that Zen or what?!

The first song, no doubt, gathered another histerical moment, "make it mine", followed with "the remedy". After that, "Lucky" and "I'm Yours" (this song was nominated song of the year @ the Grammy). The audience sang with his every song except for one or two numbers that were not as popular here, but still they were greatly performed by Mraz and the Band and followed religiously by the audience.

I was actually waiting for my favorite Mraz track: "Bella Luna", knowing that this is not a highly popular song here, but he played the song anyway and I thanked him for that.

Closer to the ending, Jason took the time in capturing his band members using a polaroid camera and throw it out to the audience. Too bad, we're not that close to the stage.

Mraz closed his performance with "Butterfly", the song that rocked the audience once again. Although we're not that close to the stage, we really enjoy his performance. The Grammy was not exaggerating by nominating "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things" in a best engineered album category. His previous albums also rocks!

My verdict to Jason Mraz act at the Java Jazz Festival (060609):

1. A highly engineered performance: great voice, great band, great show!
2. Better than the album.
3. Highly engineered crew.
4. Highly motivated audience.
5. Special note for the audience: too much people there. My friend Reza (who were also there with his wife), refer to as sardine. I'd prefer to call it "cendol-like audience". (cendol is a delicious traditional drink from Indonesia - not sure if it's West Java or Medan). Some people, too anxious to see Jason, they were willing to be scoffed at.

Inspiration is Everywhere and For Everyone!

Inspired by Presentation Zen's latest post on inspiration, I decide to post something similar. Call me a follower (ikut2an), not a copycat. Here's my version of the categories posted in the above mentioned site.

Who: My Mum & Dad (for being the coolest parents), Amien Rais for bringing us the new meaning of Reform, Round pegs in square holes (like Steve Jobs and Chloe Sevigny - for her brave fashion sense)


What: Picture of shimmering fields, Children Books, Movies about successful revenge, a perfect cup of coffee, a perfecly moist chocolate cake (made by me!)


Where: Tuscany (even though I've never been there, I just picture the place in my mind), Jakarta @ its worst (making me angry and anger is good for creativity)




When: Anytime, abruptly.

Why: I like to get inspired (inspiration boost your creativity) and loooove to be an inspiration to someone ;)

How: Open all my senses

Here I add a category,
Inspirational quote: Get busy living or get busy dying (from one of the most inspiring movie: The Shawshank Redemption).

What's your list?

Is My Playlist Harming (the ears of) My Colleagues?

Where I work, we are juggled into a not so big room consist of 8 persons (including me). With the pint size room, we can hear others speak, or sometimes if we really concentrate to eavesdropped, we can even hear someone whispers. Neat right?!

Someone - or is it everyone? - once mentioned that there is no secret in that room. This can be beneficial AND damaging sometimes. Meaning we know our friend's personal conversation, personal argument, personal problem, even down to the romance department. But, let's discuss this some other time.

When arriving @ the office we used to race on who will be the first to play music on their computer. Most of the time that person is me. Music plays an important driver to my work, just like coffee.

When arrive at the office the first thing I do is turn on the computer, and while waiting for it to start I make myself a cup of coffee. A moment later, coffee is ready and so is the computer. Then I turn on my secretary (Ms. Outlook), to refresh my calendar and emails. While waiting for my emails to load, I click the music application and select songs that I would be playing for the rest of the day.


The Playlist

Selecting the playlist can be flattering (or harmful) to my colleagues ears. But you know how each person is different right? How each person is individualistic depending on their own nature and character, my playlist is probably a reflection of my character. Again... let's not discuss character. Let's play it safe by discussing what songs/artists are usually (and most of the time) IN my playlist.

1. Acoustic. I am a big fan of Jack Johnson (the complete albums), so I frequently play his songs. One friend comment that he never realize what a big fan of reggae I am until he hears Jack around the clock (I sometimes play the complete discography the whole day - all 80 songs). By the way, Jack's music is TOTALLY NOT REGGAE!! It's called acoustic, people. Let's not forget Ben Harper, Matt Costa and Mason Jennings... they are all part of this genre.


2. The Quirky Tree Girls. Tori (Amos), Fiona (Apple) and Joni (Mitchell). Also have the complete albums and even DVD collections. I've been a fan of the ladies for a long time. Actually I like Joni first and I find that Tori and Fiona has similar music so, naturally I adore them as well. Try to listen to them and you'll fall madly in love as well. Not sure my roomies (at the office) would though.



3. The Alternative Genre. Started listen to this at the same time Pearl Jam release its first album. Pearl Jam, DMB, Soundgarden, Green Day, Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, etc. One more thing, Even though Soundgarden is officially dead, Chris (Cornell) is still productive (be it Audioslave or going solo).


4. The Brits. The Beatles, U2, KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, Mika and Mark Ronson. My friends used to comments every time I play Ronson's Version. They said his songs are like anthems of police movies (the scene where criminals being chased by police in a car race).



5. Indie. Peter Bjorn and John is my new thing here, along with The Decemberists and The Hush Sound. So yes, I play them around the clock also (occasionally). One friend comment that he can tolerate some of Peter Bjorn and John's songs.



6. Actually I am not into R & B, but I make an exception for John Legend. He is just awesome and keeps getting better and better, don't you think? You should listen to his new album Evolver.

7. The Locals. Recurring playlist members are: Benyamin Sueb. Been trying to transfer my Ebiet G. Ade Collection to my office computer. I also enjoy Dewa (before Dhani's big mouth happen). I don't really like current and happenning local music, except for Andra's Sempurna - which I played around the clock and drove my friends crazy.




8. The Obvious. Miscellaneous Genre. I still consider myself a jazz and pop fan. I can listen to music from Sarah Brightman to Christina Aguillera. From Andrea Bocelli to Jason Mraz. Call me tasteless. Fine with it, as I don't adore a specific genre.

There you go.... will your ears hurt if you're in the same office room as me?
Probably yes, or probably yours even quirkier than mine.

Have You Ever Experienced Blogger's Block?

I don't consider myself as a writer, at least a qualify one. Never in my mind to think of myself as writer. For Jack's sake, I was just starting my own blog for a little over 9 months. So... I consider myself a newborn. Newborn baby can't see a thing (except for angels).

As a newborn blogger (after in practice for 9 months), I can't seem to force myself to type/write something. It's been almost 2 months. I don't consider my last post (about a month ago) as an actual post, as I was wishing everyone 'eid mubarak', it was an easy one. Just about anyone can post something like that. I guess this is what they call "writer's block" or in my case "blogger's block".


Believe me, I've tried everything to overcome this condition. From planning an interesting topic, creating a supportive environment in my room, reading many topics, exploring other blogs, playing an interesting music, watching indie movies, reading a cutting edge book, writing down ideas, you name them. Nothing. None. Zero.


The Blockers

Where do ideas come from? Not sure. They just sort of pop out. Lately I just seem to have none, when it comes to blogging. Well.... I blame these things:

1. TV Series

• All interesting series I follow just beginning to start a new season (Heroes, House, Life, Samantha Who, Grey's Anatomy, and my guilty pleasures I'm ashamed to admit: Desperate Housewives, Gossip Girl and Dirty Sexy Money).
• TV stations are playing new interesting series: True Blood, Fringe, The Mentalist.

2. Baking, my new hobby
I seem to have a new budding interest over cooking (yay!), believe me during Ramadhan I've baked several cakes and they turned out to be good (meaning: nobody dies while eating them and they actually tasted ..... delicious - this is based from actual people who were actually eating them). Here's a picture of one of my baked products. Yummy huh!?




3. Office Work
There's a new pressure at the office, to say the least. The pressure to perform is entering a new era of backstabbing that I should be aware of. Hope I can come out alive.


4. The Twilight Saga
Yeah....I know I may sound a little bit teenish, compared to my actual age, but I like the first book and it keep me occupy for a while (finished the book, looking for the next books and counting on the days until the film actually on theaters - which is 12122008)



Excuses, Excuses

I know I may sound like a whiner or an escapist, I prefer the latter. But, today after sipping a cup of coffee with some friends @ Bakkoel Koffie and bringing my "book of ideas" with me, I finally decide to post. Accompany by The Decemberists (my new favorite band - not actually a feel good band, but they rock!) and a very very strong will, here I am. Back with a ..... (I would like to say '"vengeance", but the word would be too mambo jumbo)....post.

By the way.... back to the post title:
Have You Ever Experienced Blogger's Block? How do you battle with it?

Jack Johnson and Ben Harper (Live)

Actually this video was taken sometime ago, but since I love their music so much, can't help but to post it here. Hope you'll enjoy this as much as I do. I find their music very refreshing compared to current happening sounds (especially those R & B stuff we call music - well kinda).

Jack Johnson & Ben Harper share a stage => Watch on You Tube.

This is what I call excellent music and it doesn't hurt that they're both good to look at. Just look at them. Just listen to them. It's a pitty I have no quality coffee to enjoy while listening to the song. Tomorrow. It's a promise.