zigsmusix

Non-Stop

2009-06-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

In an ode to a song that I have not been able to stop listening to in the past week, we here at Zigs have decided to check out playlists and write long arduous odes to songs that have a play count of more than 50! Ahaha.

Not quite hitting the 50 mark yet though, I must pay tribute to this relatively new release which has such a catchy ring to its tail that I cannot cannot stop playing it on repeat on my computer, in my car, on my iPod...

The track in question is this one: No Kind Words by The Maccabees

The reasons I cannot get this track out of my head I cannot quite fathom. Is it the way they repeat 'If you have no kind words to say, you should say nothing more at all' ? Because as far as repetitive sentences go, you gotta admit, that is a kick ass one.

There is also the way the song swirls into a sort of psychedelic trance from the morbid monotone opening. It's almost as sexily ominous as Placebo. Here I thought the Maccabees were a shiny, happy band.

And then there's the ending. Which isn't really an ending...it's the opening to a song 4 tracks down the album but it's done so subtly you may think you dreamed it in the first place.

Fact of the matter is, it's a bitchin' song. With a bitchin' hook. And bitchin' lyrics. And I bitchin' love it. Thank you Maccabees.

Almost London

2009-06-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well well well...we've come back from our hiatus. And slap bang into the indie party of the year. Koko Asia launched on 5th June to much raucous indie hand-clapping.

Lots of British accents on hand to make the night seem more authentic including that of the stunning Asha Gill who presented performances by The Deserters and The Standards with a wave of her beer.

Ah, it's good to see that there is in fact an indie music scene in good ol' KL. And it's good to see that a Noel-type frontman like he of The Standards is but a stone's throw away in Bangkok.

Oh and it's nice (although slightly disappointing) to see some lucky boy win a pair of tickets to jolly London to witness for himself the real KOKO in Camden. Feel the envy from our open pores!

Now, if only beers were cheaper. Ah.

the day the whole world went Hooray!

2009-03-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

one half of my lifelong dream is coming true this August. this beautiful creature named Trent is coming over to Singapore..and rock my world, cream my pants. Ooooooooooooohhh I'm so in love with him! and his music!

NiN is the perfect band in every single way. Paved the way for industrial rock, gave the whole "i dont give a fuck" rockstar attitude a whole meaning, blow everyone's minds with their innovative music videos, and famous for a whole physical not just musical performance at their concerts. and of late, they were risky enough to release their new album 100% online. just like radiohead. they're a band with balls, really. not afraid to be different, breaking barriers in every way(heck Trent was even rumoured not heterosexual), and to do it all with an attidude.

Can't wait to experience them first hand this Aug.

(p/s: just for the record the other half of my lifelong dream is to meet Eddie Vedder. which i did in Melbourne 2006. :D )

Festival Fiasco

2009-03-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

By now we would've all calmed down from the whole Sunburst hype and calmly look back and say...ah, job well done.

However, let us not forget that despite Korn playing a set that can almost be described as phenomenal and N.E.R.D pulling out a no holds barred type of performance, (Yes, Pharrell DID turn up looking mighty fine. No, he didn't take his shirt off) Sunburst 09 seemed a little worse for wear.

First there was that whole Coldplay hype. Ah to have Chris Martin on Malaysian soil. Alas, it was not to be.
Then a strange media shutdown where all media seemed to be shunned when announcements of the final line up were announced.
Then as the day approached, Erykah Badu left us high and dry.

Was it just us or was there a distinct whiff of disappointment in the air as we walked the field?

So alright, no big fat international acts. But whatabout our very own?
Hujan are always big crowd pullers...as are Estrella (both acts who are doing so well they've either performed or are scheduled to perform in the UK for their loyal overseas Malaysian fans). Alas, they were scheduled to perform in the early festival hours when the sun still scorched and only the hardcore festival goers were trickling in. More whiffs of disappointment.

As we walked around and munched on our highly overpriced hotdogs (thankfully, the booze was going for a good deal - did anyone discover the bottles of champagne going for a cheapy cheap RM75?) we couldn't help but overhear a myriad of disgruntled moans and annoyed voices lamenting the fact that Sunburst last year was by far a classier affair than the gig we'd bought tickets to this year.

Alas, there is nowhere else to complain but here in the blogosphere where we hope someone out there will listen to our sighs and round up a much heftier do next year.

Did any of you Zigsters go? Share your thoughts with us!

PS. Sorry we've been so quiet of late...rest assured the Zigs ladettes are still alive and kicking. We've just been zigging way too much and regretfully neglected our little blog. But we're back so keep visiting!

Lost Crow?

2009-03-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Eric Clapton? Lance Armstrong? Who cares whatever happened to Miss Crow's love life? Almost 50 years old now, she's really one of those incomparable female artists. Base, lead, harmonica, piano...you name it, she plays it! Her talent is bigger than any other...what do you expect coming from a musically inclined family.

We haven't heard from her for awhile now but I'm certain she's set to surprise us more after releasing the brilliant Wildflower. One song just kept ringing in my head today "My Favourite Mistake" (which she supposedly wrote for Mr. Clapton). This was my favourite song back in 98 and until today, after over ten years...it's still on repeat on my itunes.

It goes to show, it doesn't matter if you've always had failed relationships and lost some men you've loved. At least you're always on the winning streak when it comes to something bigger, like the Grammys!

The doubtful pt.2

2008-12-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

and now, the doubtful:

i dub them "doubtful" cuz even though they are annoying and the lyrics is crap, it's annoyingly addictive! it's beyond me. this band is an example for confused: comprised of twins as members of the band, one is girlishly punk/goth/j-rock, while the other is... Hip hop. one's got black spiky hair and perfectly made up eyes with mascara, while the other dons baggy tshirts with customized baseball cap for his neat dreads. not to forget the baggy jeans. and, they are Germans. singing english songs. nothing wrong with that, just that it's kinda reflected in their English songwriting.

...on why the name Tokio Hotel? and i quote from Bill(singer),
"we love big cities and we're looking for a symbol so we chose Tokyo. and if you travel, you need a hotel...so, Tokio Hotel."

NICE.

Tokio Hotel seems to have the same formula as Rossdale = the "water" effect. there's something about water or shower or rain that makes girls go wild.

ive got to hand it to them on their performance at the European MTV Awards though... although as corny as the idea might sound, it's literally rain that was falling on the stage,... kinda cool cuz it makes you wonder how the hell did they do it without electrocuting themselves.

come to think of it, i'd like to see them fried in the water...

The lustful pt.1

2008-12-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

more youtube references for this entry. Today we will review the lustful, and the doubtful. The lustful first:

click to view his Official Video

There's something about Gavin being the rockstar that he is that constantly amazes us groupie-wannabe rockfans. from his debut as the frontman of Bush he sang with his husky Cobain-like voice with Brit slang, we first noticed his sea blue eyes and handsomely good looks...all too perfect for a rockstar in the making. then to his choice to marry ska-turned-poprock band No Doubt singer, to becoming a doting father to cute lil baby boys named Kingston & Zuma Nesta Rock (only rocker dads would come out with that name) - he seems to be pushing the right rockstar buttons all along. and now a comeback, couldnt ask for a better time. after 4 quiet years and 2 boys, he's back as a solo singer. Hmm, pulling off a Chris Cornell maybe? This one is more hopeful, his latest single is simple and honest. And, it talks about love. Such a topic always works with us screaming groupie-wannabe rock fans. The video comprises the perfect formula for girls to drool over him:

showering naked + lying on the ruffled bed with guitar + shirtless in his bachelor pad + deep stares into the camera + more showering naked + splashing and playing in the water= PERFECT.

*slurrrp*

Indie Loves!

2008-12-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

Extreme Indie >>>

Fans of Radiohead will love the event happening tonight!

Time: 10pm - 3am

Location: RAW, Soho KL at Solaris Mont Kiara

ENTERTAINMENT:DJ SETS BY:--->> Common People (UK)--->> Aidil Rusli (COUPLE)--->> Edwin Raj (THEY WILL KILL US ALL)--->> JOHNNY MAYO (UK) (KOKO ASIA)Special Guest DJ HazerylFREE B4 11PM

Resident DJ"s spinning local and international artists such as...RADIOHEAD ---The Killers, Broken Scar, Artic Monkeys,RHCP, BLOC Party, The Fratellis, LCD, Jet, Modest Mouse, Wolfmother, Kasabian, The Wombats, Kaiser Chiefs, Libertines, Couple, Seven Collar T.Shirt, Maximo Park, BUTTERFINGERS, The Kooks, Baby Shambles, The Strokes, YYY's, The Frames, Blur, The Stone Roses, Bitter Sweet, Franz Ferninand, Iggy Pop, The Cure, Evermore, Hot Chip, The White Stripes, The Pigeon Detectives, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,They Will Kill Us All, Muse, Kings of Leon, Oasis, CSS, Belle&Sebastian, Hot Hot Heat, Foo Fighters, Hopeless Romantic Project, The Kooks, Athlete, Rolling Stones, Ramones, Bravery, Interpol, Hendrix and shitloads more....

Twilight Action Girl >>>

TWILIGHT ACTION GIRL IS BACK!

Where: BarSonic, Zouk KLFriday

When: Dec 5, 2008, 10pm

Get ready for a sweaty, heady, smoky, dance-y evening out! Friday nights are cool again...yay!

The IndieRock Show>>>

GET YOUR BUTTS DOWN TO THE LION CITY!!!

20th December and one night (date unconfirmed) in January! Two nights of indie, two nights of music!Singaporean + Malaysian acts will be performing on these two nightz, so make yourself available!

Venue:The Next Page Pub,17 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238966

20th December: - The Sallys- Sourgrapes- Couple- Enrai

Ticket price: SGD15 + free drink. You can purchase the ticket at the gate on the night itself or look for me during the month of November onwards. :)

Celine - 0172391096

WE HATE GNR!..

2008-11-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well... definitely not us but the Chinese citizens of Beijing have dubbed the band's album titled "Chinese Democracy" an insult, attacking China. Record stores/websites (even on the Chinese version of google)/publications and all sources of information on GNR's album title is banned! Their album features a black&white cover picture of a bicycle and three red Communist stars, plus some action-packed provocative lyrics like "If they missionaries, real time visionaries...Sitting in a Chinese stew to view my dis-infatuation, I know that I'm a classic case, Watch my disenchanted face, Blame it on the Falun Gong, They've seen the end and you can't hold on now..."

Ahhh. This is just what everyone needs, another controversy. Human beings love drama. Well done Axl!

*This post is dedicated to our very own Duplo Donna, because she was having such a bad day, Cheer up!*

Just too biased!

2008-11-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Already it's hard becoming an artist/singer/songwriter struggling amongst the millions of others competing for just one damn gig. It's even more important to be on a certain platform looking upon the others awaiting that spot of yours, someday. But what if you were the one waiting?

What happened to local talents supporting one another? What happened to the phrase "support your local music"? What happened to the Malaysian indie scene? I think it's pretty biased these days and it's become more of a fad that only friends help their specific group of friends and the rest of these talented indie artists are just overlooked or more like ignored and neglected.

Many people have been disappointed and I'm just here to voice this out on behalf of all of them. There are some rather "established" organisers who claim they have the passion and are here to share it with others but I beg to differ. This happened to a friend who was told to email this certain organiser for an acoustic open mic gig (that's supposedly open to all)...Heck! but after a few weeks no one had the decency to even respond.

Is that just bad organising? Is it just the Malaysian mentality? Or... Is it that some enjoy having the limelight all to themselves and strictly share it with their friends only?

Maybe we need to change our attitude and mindset on choosing "ONLY Friends" as music companions because...

Music has no enemies, it's suppose to unite us all~

What's your take? Tell us.

Rock It Out!

2008-11-23T21:57:00.001-08:00

Its Rock The World 8 babyyy!!

20th December 2008 @ The Secret Garden, Merdeka Stadium. 12noon to 12midnight! RM25.00 tickets are available at Extreme outlets, Music Valley, Rock Corner, Maju Junction Mall & on event day!

The Bands:

1. Butterfingers

2. Estranged

3. One Buck Short

4. OAG

5. Koffin Kanser

6. Pure Vibracions

7. The Times

8. Bunkface

9. Republic of Brickfields

10. They Will Kill Us All

11. Zip Zieller

12. Upon Arrival

13. Komplot

14. Laila's Lounge

15. The Otherside Orchestra

16. Revenge

It's a love/hate relationship!

2008-11-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

There's something about British boys and cheesy music. Can someone tell me why? I have a few boys on my list, who I've dissed when I heard their songs repeatedly playing on air. But after awhile, I was made to swallow my words until I choked. (GASP! Look at those "delicious" photos of them) Not only do they sing corny poppy love songs, they flaunt their abs too?

Forgive me Gareth Gates, I thought you're such a sissy singing that song "Anyone of us"..It was too annoying with that whiny vocals of yours, repeating the chorus over and over...

and I hate you more for making me hooked on that one song...(I found it quite therapeutical after relating my life experience. ehem. )

Oh Shayne Ward... I know you're the young and talented winner of X Factor, but I'm sorry my friend thought you were some American bodyguard standing round behind us when we saw you in KL...and I hated "Breathless" cause the lyrics were too dumb, rather desperate and pathetic! C'mon... "If we had babies they would have your eyes?" I mean, I'm a hopeless romantic... but that's way too corny...

and most of all, I hate you for making me believe those words were actually sweet (I found me smiling to myself after awhile...with that "awwwhh" feeling inside).

Reminder to you Zigsters...Note: Never diss something you dislike, karma will somehow find its way and give you a slap in the face! (I think mine is already swollen)

Hooray to corny pop songs!

I love it but You hate it...

2008-11-17T22:28:00.000-08:00

Ever like a song but everyone else seems to hate it? So you kind of keep it a secret until it comes on the radio in a car full of your friends and someone accidentally catches you singing along to the words? Eee.

Here at Zigs, we're dedicating our topic of the week to the songs that we secretly like, but everyone else can't stand the sound of.

Currently no.1 on my list is: Shontelle's T-shirt song. teehee. Why is it everyone seems to hate this song but knows the lyrics to it, eh?
NOTHING BUT YOUR T-SHIRT ONNNNN....yeah. it's hot.

Which brings me to my 2nd song I know everyone else hates...but I am confessing my partiality to:
Paris Hilton's Nothing In This World
Maybe it's because of Paris...Maybe it's because the video is really dumb...Maybe it's because of Paris...Maybe it's because it's so cheesy...Maybe it's Paris...yeah, maybe it's because of PARIS!

Oh dear...

My 3rd guilty pleasure? ooh...this is an oldie but goodie...Right Said Fred's I'm Too Sexy!
I used to imagine myself walking down the runway to this song...I'm too sexy for my shirt, so sexy it hurts!! Check out the video!

More good music!

2008-11-12T02:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Zigsters!

It's Moonshine's 3rd anniversary!!! Happy Birthday!!! =)
Do drop by Laundry @ The Curve and be entertained by a great lineup of musicians like Reza Salleh, Tempered Mental and Rendra Zawawi.

We'd like to see you there supporting all your favourite local acts!
And we promise...you're gonna have a blast!

Whatever We Like

2008-11-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

In lieu of Obama-rama I thought...I should pay some kind of tribute. Have y'all heard the song? Like all these famous people singing over his victory speech? What makes me completely baffled is how fast they came out with it. I heard it the morning after. Hoo-wee.

But we here at Zigs, instead of jumping on the bandwagon and spouting many good things about the man himself (and there are many many good things to say about Mr. Obama), I kinda wanna pay tribute to the other African-American men out there we love. (and there are many many many of them out there too...teehee).

First up on my list is the gentleman himself - Ne-Yo.

Oh pish posh to the rumours that he may be gay. I mean, come on, the man can sing his socks off and move like there's no tomorrow andddd he loves 'independent women'. Oh wait, oh dear...he *could* be gay after all....BOOHOO. But no, Ne-Yo, is most certainly NOT gay. We will not believe it here at Zigs. He is simply too much of a gentleman to be.

Next on my list...oh and I'm so excited about finally posting about this lovely lovely gentleman: T.I.

Oh pooh, about his numerous arrests and all that shizz about weapons and gang fights and all..but who cares. The man is an entrepreneur. And how hard can someone named Clifford Joseph Harris Jr be. Seriously. We love T.I. And you do too....Admit it!

Another lovely gentleman that I recently can't get enough of and for whom I have John Legend (another lovely but slightly *gatal* [another story for another time] man..kaka) to thank for is: Lupe Fiasco

So much respect for this man. He's 26 and he's already got a Grammy and the respect of literally anyone who's anyone in the industry. And I gotta say, Superstar is one of the best songs of 07/08. Seriously.

And there you have it....Zigs' Chocolate Deeelights! Have you any more to add to the list???

TELL US!

Fave local band: Damn Dirty Apes

2008-11-05T03:47:00.001-08:00

I'm writing this as I'm listening to my favourite song from them, Rebel Scum.

DDA was phenomenal. They were short-lived, but i think their existence left a permanent memory to many local music followers circa '99/2000. saw them live once, met the members a couple of times too... the guys from Penang have now parted ways and scattered all over the world. first time listening to them... it blew me away. it was all instrumental yet full of emotions. some people say they sound like Mogwai, but for a local band i think they're still pretty good.

wonder what are these guys up to now?

click to have a piece of DDA in your iTunes.

Damn Dirty Apes - The Rebel Scum

The Adil Johan Quartet feat. Melissa Suciati

2008-11-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Adil Johan feat Melisa Suciati Live at Bangkok Jazz Nov 8th 2008, this young and soulful singer will take the KL jazz scene by storm!
Melisa Suciati: vocals
Adil Johan: sax
Terrence Liew: keys
Hiro Maekawa: drums
Steve Naris Nanda: drums

NO cover charge

Checked out their live performance on Youtube and was quite impressed with their talents. If you're feelin' the groove, check them out this Saturday at Bangkok Jazz!
for more info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=43241819534

Where Have They Gone?

2008-11-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

We're back on track with the locals this week. That's how it's gonna work on Zigs...we feature international and local bands/musicians/artists anything music related, you name it...we're not gonna be biased.

I think I'm lucky cause my parents have always been music lovers. What got me into local music was this 80s band called Freedom. I can't remember how exactly but I actually went to their mini concert in PJ Hilton when I was barely 5 or so but I do remember vaguely how it went. I loved Ghani the long-haired guitarist and always told everyone I'd marry him. I always picked up the phone and called him up when in fact I dialed various wrong numbers and even THE POLICE!!! (no kidding) My maid freaked out and had to apologise, for Ghani's sake. The band is brilliant and no one can beat Seha with that low husky voice, it's quite rare for any Malaysian singers to own that sort of tone these days. The other vocalist was Abang Shuaib, with that Hindustani hero moustache I remember. Those were the days. We lost Seha in October 2006, sadly...but no doubt her music and Freedom will always remind me of my childhood days. Here's one of my favourite songs from them. click
Another "local band" sortof with Aishah in it was Aishah and the Fan Club. I'd sing to "Call me, Call me..." any time of day and always wanted to have big curls with biker jackets. Mum never let me. Such a shame. Sensation was my favourite album from them! Aishah is still singing these days, more local tunes and still sounding like a nightingale. If you love them too, I found this facebook group a tribute to this band!

How awesome is that?

My one and only local HERO: P.Ramlee.

This man is truly an irreplaceable talent. He's genuinely gifted I can't describe how in love I am with his music. Til' this day I still watch his movies and sing all his tunes. There's so many beautiful songs, lyrics, melodies that he's composed that I can't seem to even pick my favourite. How can anyone be so amazing? P.Ramlee definitely brought an impact to the Malaysian music industry with his remarkable talents. He's definitely one that inspires me and I'm sure it's not just me. There's this Australian man by the name Raymond Cook who actually covers P.Ramlee's songs on youtube too. Brilliant! We certainly have something to be proud of as Malaysians. No one will match up to this legend, that's for sure. Here's one of my favourites. click I think the lyrics are poetically beautiful.

What has become of our local scene today? What can we really make of it?

We shall continue inspiring one another, and I know we are capable of doing so. I've seen many talents out there. This post is a salute to all the local talents. Let's be brave and let our passion drive us to better our music industry.

Malaysia boleh rock!!! ;)

Zigs boleh rock jugak!!! ;)

Extreme Indie Night

2008-11-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

Calling all indie cindys and garage geeks alike!

It's hip, it happens at Raw Bar in Soho KL (Solaris, Mont Kiara) and it's tomorrow night!!!

Good news for the ladies too...free drinks till midnight so milk it! *winkity wink wink*

DJ SETS BY:Aidil Rusli (COUPLE), Zack Yusof (THE DESERTERS), Edwin Raj (THEY WILL KILL US ALL) , LEE C BEATY (ENG) , SEVENLEVEN (AUS), MIXING IN ACTION-, JOHNNY MAYO (UK)

FREE B4 11PM

RSVP: FREE ALL NIGHT

Be there or be square...heehee!

Local Focal

2008-11-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the week and although we generally loath Mondays, take comfort in the fact that Mondays mean new week new Zigs Flava of da Week! Yaaaay!!

This week, it's LOCAL FOCAL...

Who do we like locally?? Hmm....hmmm...hmmm...

I'd have to say, one band that always makes me turn up the radio and feel generally happy-clappy would be:

Estrella

I first saw this band live about a year ago. Again, late in the game but hey, I was outta the country and very clueless about the whole local scene. Until, that is, I heard this band on the radio. In fact, I didn't think they were local...then I saw them perform and I was even more enamoured.

In my clueless state, I was told that this band sort of subscribe to the brand of music called *shoe-gazing*. I am told it is very popular. Think ambient, dream like sounds inspired by the likes of Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine and probably a bit of The Verve and Suede thrown in for good measure.

Estrella's sound though, is less abrassive. Lead singer Liyana's voice too has that heaven-sent quality to it. You bet your boots this girl has everyone falling over her too seeing as there aren't too many pretty girls with nice voices lurking around in your average mamak stall being nicer than nice.

They describe themselves as a brief respite from a headache-y traffic jam. I gotta say, it's TRUEEEE...I do get all comfy and dreamy when I hear them on the radio....gush gush.

Check them out!

http://www.myspace.com/estrellaband

Dates for upcoming gigs will be up soon!!!

Which reminds us:

All you local musicas...If you have any gig/event you want a shout out to, then email details to:

zigsmusix@gmail.com

Spooky Stuff.

2008-10-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

No tricks but I do have another "treat", it's a sweet post even though Halloween is pretty much about the gruesome stuff.

No trashy German rock bands with hilarious videos this time but one hard rocking band from down under, Sydney-siders AC/DC baby! I told you I wasn't lying when I said treat. Halloween was significant to AC/DC in so many ways. C'mon, Angus Young in schoolboy uniforms is just too hot and to think that the idea all came from his sister? How sweet is that.

I mean, sure there was Ozzy and Black Sabbath who'd pull gimmicks like biting off a bird's head in the 70s but we got to give it away to these guys who were absolutely born to be the oddballs of heavy metal and make it big amongst the others during that costume parade glam rock era.

Who could forget Bon Scott who brought his one of a kind knock out hit "Highway To Hell." Too bad he had to get wasted and totally wasted his life and career away. I miss him. I guess he's now riding on a highway to hell and no one's gonna stop him cause he's going all the way.

Today they're on a rock&roll train, kicking off their world tour on halloween...but I still miss my ride to their Promised Land. Peace Bon Scott.

Happy Halloween Zigsters!

In ode to Halloween

2008-10-31T04:08:00.000-07:00

Scary Scary BOOO!

2008-10-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloweeeeeeennnn folks!!!

Does anybody remember 80s German power thrash metal band Helloween? No? Well I do...mainly because my brother had a giant poster of them on his bedroom wall which scared the bejesus out of me...(no it wasn't the scary pumpkin head, more like their big frizzy dos). There was a time when being a rock / metal god meant having crimped locks that went down to your waist, tight leather trousers coupled with leather vests worn without anything underneath. It didn't matter that this get up would need a lot of panache to get into (and probably a bottle of talcum powder to get out of...but we won't get into that)...the truth is, thrash or death metal was a testament to being hard, tough and frankly, quite scary.

Helloween

I can't say I've been a fan of heavy metal but growing up, I was familiarised very quickly with Eddie the Iron Maiden mascot and stories of death metal bands who branded upside down crosses into their foreheads. There was also that incident with a bat by our favourite zoned out Dad Ozzy Osbourne of course. Metal-heads were a fixture in my pre-teen life and although I never quite identified, there was something perversely intriguing about men who could tear up a guitar riff and strain their vocal chords roaring Satanic verses into their recordings.

I am still fascinated by metal even though I've moved decidedly past into a more pop rock world. Every Halloween I think about Eddie and the cover of Iron Maiden's Fear Of The Dark album of which still sends a cold shiver down my spine. And the album Seventh Son of A Seventh Son still invokes imaginary dark memories of which the album provided the soundtrack to.

And so, in conjunction with this spooky day, I'd like to take a moment and give an ode to my old friend Eddie and wish everyone a very Happy Scary Hallo-hello-ween....

First Track.

2008-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Me, excited to type my inaugural post on zigs (a project we've all been working on a year, in our heads) I must admit it's worth the bruise I got from hitting my knee against my computer table a few seconds ago. We all are enthusiastic over something. We all are interested in something. Sometimes, what we swore we'll never be interested in oddly becomes something we're suddenly so enthusiastic about.

Ironically, I've heard 'Hanging by a moment' repeating on the radio a couple of times in the year 2000 and I couldn't be bothered, I mean who would if you were a 16 year old teenager pathetically dancing to 'Hit me baby one more time...." in the mirror. There were moments I turned on MTV to mimic more Britney dance moves, but all that came on was this shabby looking dude with floppy blonde hair, sitting at some cheesy diner looking like a wannabe rockstar strumming his guitar. And suddenly... that big voice came out of nowhere. It was 'Hanging by a moment' AGAIN! I sat there with annoyance telling my sister "This guy's voice doesn't sound like it belongs to him and he looks so silly with his unrockstar-like floppy hair!argh!WANNABE!!!" I don't know why I was so infuriated at that moment but that was...Jason Wade of Lifehouse I was condenming right there, right through my teeth.

Believe me that wasn't the only moment of hatred I had. There was more abhorrence for that, that wannabe fella! And just when you're thinking of something bad about someone...something unusually special sparks your interest about them. I sat down this time with full of amazement, hooked to the tv screen as if I were inside that same cab, walking the pavements, staring at people on the streets in Jason Wade's mind. I felt like I found my first "love" when I listened to 'Breathing' that was playing on MTV. I didn't know how it felt in my head but all I know was my heart was chained by thoughts that I kept a distant all this while. The song is totally beautiful, the emotions were the first I've ever felt in a song, in a voice, in any words...I knew from that moment on "I LOVE THIS BAND!"

The day after, I just had to look for the cd and with all pride and joy purchased it with my own $$$$! Since then, No Name Face was on repeat in my cd player and I was indeed in love. I never knew how loving music could be like a miracle and that same floppy-haired dude ultimately changed my perception of him not by his looks but his music and total honesty. How can one feel so much passion and share the same thoughts as me? But I think everyone feels the same as me if you've found your true love in music. As crazy as it may sound, Wade's like my soulmate when it comes to music from the way he writes.

This year has been my luckiest. My dream to see my ultimate #1 rocking band came true. I thought I'd fly off to the states when I'm at least richer, married, elderly and unattractive just to see them. Guess what? I was wrong because I saw them in concert twice this year!!! I tell you it's just unforgettable to see that band, that someone you believe to be an inspiration of some sort serenading to you right there, in reality and I cried. How could that one guy I dissed 8 years ago give my stomach a spinning washing machine whirpool effect and send my neurons to hyperdrive with just...his music?

From his whole sad life story which I could go on into a series of drama to that sexy raspy vocal line with oh-so-mesmerising melodies and despite the change of lineup, I have my reasons for making them the first ever and only band I love on my list. Until this day Lifehouse and Jason Wade remain undefeated in my books no matter how pathetic you may think I am. I guess if the bad comes first before the good, there must be something special to make you open up your eyes and believe that there will be something to look forward to, even if you might just not know it yet. In one of my favourite tracks Empty Space, Jason explains, “This is about the good and the bad, the struggle between beauty and darkness and how they’re intertwined. What keeps these relationships together is often what drives them apart.”
He must be something special as his T-shirt print "Specials" said, the one he wore when I watched Lifehouse performing in Manila.

there is always a first

2008-10-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

this idea of a music blog didnt take much, but it has been the talk and the dream for the whole year.

let's start it then!

who was your first?

this bunch of guys opened my eyes to what REAL music really is. I was amazed. As creepy as Axl (W. Axl Rose, excuse me) could be with his swirly dance moves, it worked on me. Their music rocked me to the core of my emotions.

I was around 10 then. My sisters were so into them and like a sponge, I baby-sisterly absorbed anything they did and whatever they were into. GNR being one of them. I was never afraid of GNR's soft porn-infused-with-skulls illustrations on their album covers..and their foul lyrics. I thought it was wayyyy too cool.

I had the hugest crush on Duff McKagan. him & Jason Newsted (of Metallica) drew me into playing bass. He was so sexy in those tight ripped carrot jeans. crotch-ripping. still, it was the hair that had me at Hello.

How could anyone ever forget November Rain? Such as classic. 11 minutes of gold. Everything from the video, to the extended version, and the live duet with Sir Elton John, to the song itself....perfect. W. Axl Rose is such a beautiful man. It's hard to point out just one song without mentioning other just equally as good ones.... so I'd have to say, Don't Cry I and II, Paradise City, Used To Love Her, Estranged, Civil War, Welcome To The Jungle were among my faves. :)

The highlight for GNR was the Japan tour, to me. gives me the chills every single time i listen to Slash's version of the Godfather's theme. And Gilby Clarke's version of Rolling Stones' Wild Horses. Even to their last (official) album, The Spaghetti Incident, I feel it's hard for any other band to recreate the vibe they had. Velvet Revolver's not even close. but i still support them.

First is First

2008-10-29T01:26:00.000-07:00

Hello hello hello!

Welcome to our uber-duber blog!

Obviously we were smart enough to realise one fine day that many of us out here need a place to just sit down, relax and read about all that's inane and mundane about music.

So here we go, this is meant to be a portal...yes, portal for us to vent, to spout with clout if you will on all that's music, fashion, yummy, scrummy, and dare we say it, cool in the World of We ( your friendly neighbourhood Zigs slavettes).

First is First... and the first band I really listened to as in, properly, lyrics and all, were...

Notice: It was also due to the fact that I had a massive crush on Alex James that I bothered at all with Parklife (which is also the first Britrock album I ever owned). A little late in the game but hey, I was 11 and still practicing Michael Jackson moves.

(Years later, in a close encounter somewhere in Soho, London, I would smile a goofy smile at the man himself thinking he was a former uni-mate with a cool scarf. He smiled back of course and it wasn't till seconds later that I realised he was the man of my childhood groupie dreams and let our a a magnanimous squeal. EEK!)

But listening to Girls & Boys on cassette whiled away many an afternoon and spurned many androgynous thoughts at the wee age of 11. It gave me a sense of belonging to something, a sense of rebellion against something I couldn't quite understand but wanted desperately to rant at. Little was I to know on the other side of the world, Britpop/rock would define the landscape of music in the 90s and give all tweens like myself a bigger purpose in life. It gave us a purpose. Britpop had something to say. It was about identity. Ah yes. Such revolution.

Ah Damon, now you've turned yourself into a graphic, Graham, you're on the radio, Dave, you're going to space and Alex..lovely Alex, you're a farmer...Oh well, you all were my First...