25 Minutes by Michael Learns to Rock

Through my older brother's influence by the time when I was in grade 4 (1993) I was already listening to music made by Guns N' Roses, Metallica and Nirvana. When I was in Grade 6 the music has extended to OPM with musical acts such as the Eraserheads, True Faith and Rivermaya.

In our Writing class (Handwriting is more appropriate) there's a part wherein you can tear off the pages off the book for you to use it as a slum book (yes... you and I signed alot of those during our elementary years). One famous girl in the class, Marie, wrote "Michael Learns to Rock" as her favorite band. Marie's the type of girl that most wanted to be a part of. She was smart, witty, talkative, had short hair and was the type who could hurt you if she wanted to. Back to the topic, I asked myself... who the fuck is Michael Learns to Rock...I've never heard of this band before. Hell! I'm familiar with Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Collective Soul, Sheryl Crow, Mr.Big, Skid Row, Poison... but Michael Learns to Rock?!?! Little did i know that there's are other Michaels in the music business other than the ONE named Michael Jackson.

How come this song is special? We'll for one thing, I was a witness to how powerful a song can be. There was a day when we had a Recollection as graduating elementray students and one last activity was to be done in the School Auditorium (how i miss those wooden chairs!), 25 Minutes was pumping through the sound system and almost everyone was singing the song. That was one sight to remember... and it could have been one of Michael Learns to Rock's greatest moments of all time... around a hundred grade 6 students singing their songs! Kids can be suckers for a lame love song!

After some time I've finally made up my mind
she is the girl and I really want to make her mine
I'm searching everywhere to find her again
to tell her I love her
and I'm sorry 'bout the things I've done

I find her standing in front of the church
the only place in town where I didn't search
She looks so happy in her wedding dress
but she's crying while she's saying this


Boy I've missed your kisses all the time but this is
25 minutes too late
Though you traveled so far boy I'm sorry your are
25 minutes too late

Against the wind I'm going home again
wishing me back to the time when we were more than friends


But still I see her in front of the church
the only place in town where I didn't search
She looked so happy in her wedding dress
but she cried while she was saying this

Boy I've missed your kisses all the time but this is
25 minutes too late
Though you traveled so far boy I'm sorry your are
25 minutes too late

Out in the streets
places where hungry hearts have nothing to eat
inside my head
still I can hear the words she said


Boy I've missed your kisses all the time but this is
25 minutes too late
Though you traveled so far boy I'm sorry your are
25 minutes too late

I can still hear her say......

Regression by Dream Theater

Officially titled Act 1 - Scene One:Regression, the song is the 1st track of the highly ambitious "Metropolis Pt. 2:Scenes From A Memory" album. I won't claim that I'm very familiar with the story of this album and the 1st part of the Metropolis Series, but what i can say is that this song blew my mind and opened a many musical territories that I've never explored before.

I encountered the song when a friend of Augy, Francis (Kiko) brought a pirated copy of this album on our home during one of their drinking sessions. Although it's very entertaining to listen to their college exploits, I was really looking forward to taking a glimpse of what the album had to offer. Unfortunately I had to buy an original copy 1st, before any glimpsing is to be done, as the pirated copy was not in tiptop shape when i chanced by it. Never did I regret buying that album.

This song was a fitting introduction for me to the world of Progressive Rock and Concept Albums. Fuckin' A!

"Close your eyes and begin to relax. Take a deep breath, and let it out slowly.
Concentrate on your breathing. With each breath you become more relaxed.
Imagine a brilliant white light above you, focusing on this light as it flows through your body.
Allow yourself to drift off as you fall deeper and deeper into a more relaxed state of mind.
Now as I count backward from ten to one, you will feel more peaceful, and calm.
Ten.
Nine.
Eight.
Seven.
Six. You will enter a safe place where nothing can harm you.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two. If at any time you need to come back,all
you must do is open your eyes.
One."

Safe in the light that surrounds me
Free of the fear and the pain
My subconscious mind
Starts spinning through time
To rejoin the past once again

Nothing seems real
I'm starting to feel
Lost in the haze of a dream

And as I draw near
The scene becomes clear
Like watching my life on a screen

Hello Victoria so glad to see you
My friend.

Note:
1. Progressive rock, sometimes shortened to "prog rock" or "prog", is a form of rock music that evolved in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Progressive rock compositions are often more elaborate than the standard rock or popular verse-chorus based song structures, and the arrangements often incorporate elements drawn from classical, jazz and avant-garde music. Songs with lyrics are sometimes conceptual, abstract, or based in fantasy.
2. Concept album, in popular music, is an album which is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical"
Facts gathered from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)

Falling Away From Me by Korn

Yes... I jumped into the Korn bandwagon like many others. I liked the anger, the noise and the quirky sounds that they produce. This is one of my favorite songs of them. I really liked the intro with the arpeggio of guitar notes... signaling the impending noise that's bound to come.

I don't actually relate to the whole song, but the lyrics "Beating me down. Beating me, beating me. Down, down.Into the ground" sounds like what all of us go through especially during our teen years when all seem to be against us... parents, teachers, other kids... they're all after you.

Korn gave me an excuse to play loud music at home, something different from what my older brother preferred.

Hey, I'm feeling tired
My time, is gone today
You flirt with suicide
Sometimes, that's ok
Do what others say
I'm here, standing hollow
Falling away from me
Falling away from me
Day, is here fading
That's when, I would say
I flirt with suicide
Sometimes kill the pain
I can always say
'It's gonna be better tomorrow'
Falling away from me
Falling away from me

Beating me down
Beating me, beating me
Down, down
Into the ground
Screaming some sound
Beating me, beating me
Down, down
Into the ground

(falling away from me)
It's spinning round and round
(falling away from me)
It's lost and can't be found
(falling away from me)
It's spinning round and round
(falling away from me)
Slow it down

Beating me down
Beating me, beating me
Down, down
Into the ground
Screaming some sound
Beating me, beating me
Down, down
Into the ground

Twisting me, they won't go away
So I pray, go away

Life's falling away from me
It's falling away from me
Life's falling away from me
Fuck!

Beating me down
Beating me, beating me
Down, down
Into the ground
Screaming some sound
Beating me, beating me
Down, down
Into the ground

Higher by Creed

As stupid as it may sound (and embarassing to admit), Creed's lead single of their 2nd album Human Clay, was one of the songs that has an effect of making me cry. I always imagine singing this song for a sell out crowd, all of them singing the lyrics of the song or blazing off the frets of a detuned guitar.

I'm a big Creed fan, even though most dismiss Scott Stapp as a self-consumed Eddie Vedder clone. Mark Tremonti is no slouch in the guitar department either and can carry himself against rock's pantheon of guitar greats (check out Alter Bridge's albums), even though there's no place for guitar theatrics for Creed songs. The Stapp/Tremonti song writing team is also very effective, as evidenced by Multi-platinum status of all of Creed's albums.

Probably one of the most memorable moments for the Billboard Awards ceremony was when Creed performed this song on roof deck of a hotel in Las Vegas with fireworks and beautiful girls to boot. Yes it was a page taken off the Beatles's roof top moment, but there's no denying that Creed was on top of the world that year. Although it was a bummer to watch them do the same thing the next year :(

When dreaming I'm guided through another world
Time and time again
At sunrise I fight to stay asleep
'Cause I don't want to leave the comfort of this place
'Cause there's a hunger, a longing to escape
From the life I live when I'm awake

So let's go there
Let's make our escape
Come on, let's go there
Let's ask can we stay?

Can you take me higher?
To the place where blind men see
Can you take me higher?
To the place with golden streets

Although I would like our world to change
It helps me to appreciate Those nights and those dreams
But, my friend, I'd sacrifice all those nights
If I could make the Earth and my dreams the same
The only difference is
To let love replace all our hate

So let's go there
Let's make our escape
Come on, let's go there
Let's ask can we stay?

Up high I feel like I'm alive for the very first time
Up high I'm strong enough to take these dreams
And make them mine

(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding by Chris Cornell and Maynard James Keenan

This song comes from the Axis of Justice compilation album which features the likes of Serj Tankian from System of a Down, Tom Morello, Jurassic 5 and other artists all of whom have, in one way or another, a political stand to take.

The song, as I found out, is actually a cover of a song written by Nick Lowe (I'm not familiar with him actually). The duo of rock vocal superstars Chris Cornell (Sound Garden, Audioslave) and Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle) perfectly compliments a simplistic version of this song. What endeared me most to the song was the title.... (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding, the answer to which would make the world we live in a better place. If there's one song which I wish I would have written this would be one of them.

Chris Cornell heart-felt performance is also worth noting.

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin for light in the darkness of insanity.

I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside,
Theres one thing I wanna know:
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.

Cause each time I feel it slippin away, just makes me wanna cry.
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding?

So where are the strong?
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.

Cause each time I feel it slippin away, just makes me wanna cry.
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
Whats so funny bout peace love & understanding?

My Own Worst Enemy by Lit

Featuring the riff that made instant millionaires out of the band members of Lit, you won't be able to help but like this song.

During 4th Year College, my classmates and I formed a band which would perform during freshman/sophomore acquaintance party. The band was Monster Monay (yes.. one of the fictional bands that came to fruition). I played the lead guitar for this and remembered having the strap of my RJ guitar hanging on for dear life. I also forgot to turn up the volume during the solo, which featured a bevy of octaves!

Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk
I didn't mean to call you that
I can't remember what was said or what you threw at me
Please tell me
Please tell me why

My car is in the front yard
And I'm sleeping with my clothes on
I came in through the window last night
And you're gone

It's no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy
Cuz every now and then I kick the living shit out of me
The smoke alarm is going off and theres a cigarette
Still burning
Please tell me why

My car is in the front yard
And I'm sleeping with my clothes on
I came in through the window last night
And you're gone
Please tell me why

My car is in the front yard
And I'm sleeping with my clothes on
I came in through the window last night
Its no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy
Cuz every now and then I kick the living shit out of me
Can we forget about the the things I said when I was drunk
I didn't mean to call you that

Note: 1.) Monster Monay was PJ on Vocals, Me on Lead Guitar, Johnell on Drums and Den-den on Bass! 2.) Memory of Vernon's used underwear being stolen along with his bag remains one of the best memories ever!

Always by Bon Jovi

Always comes of the Bon Jovi Crossroad album, which basically is a collection of the band's greatest hits. Always was one of the new tracks (Someday I'll be Saturday Night is the other) that was recorded for this release, which deservingly belongs to Bon Jovi's pantheon of hit songs.

Augy bought a copy of this album for us to listen. One memory I have of this is fixing up the cassette tape during Grade 6 on the classroom (I was seated on the 1st row beside the windows) as the some parts of it got entwined... trivials of rewinding the cassette tape with a pencil. :)

I'm also very particular with the versions of this song. I favor the album version, instead of the radio edit, as it contains the "I'll be there till the stars don't shine..." part during the 1st chorus

This Romeo is bleeding
But you can't see his blood
It's nothing but some feelings
That this old dog kicked up

It's been raining since you left me
Now I'm drowning in the flood
You see I've always been a fighter
But without you I give up

I can't sing a love song
Like the way it's meant to be
Well, I guess I'm not that good anymore
But baby, that's just me

And I will love you, baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and
The words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I'll love you - Always

Now your pictures that you left behind
Are just memories of a different life
Some that made us laugh, some that made us cry
One that made you have to say goodbye
What I'd give to run my fingers through your hair
To touch your lips, to hold you near
When you say your prayers try to understand
I've made mistakes, I'm just a man

When he holds you close, when he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I'll wish I was him 'cause those words are mine
To say to you till the end of time

Yeah, I will love you baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always

If you told me to cry for you
I could
If you told me to die for you
I would
Take a look at my face
There's no price I won't pay
To say these words to you

Well, there ain't no luck
In these loaded dice
But baby if you give me just one more try
We can pack up our old dreams
And our old lives
We'll find a place where the sun still shines

And I will love you, baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and
The words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I'll love you - Always

Always With Me, Always With You by Joe Satriani

I've never been a fan of instrumentals. i thought they were lame, funny and boring. Also when I hear the word instrumental, what comes to my mind was the "Interview with the Vampire" soundtrack, which my brother purchased for the specific reason that it contained the Guns N' Roses cover of the Rolling Stones Sympathy for the Devil, the rest are instrumental crap (I was 12 yrs. old and did not know better). The reason could be that they were not rock-instrumentals, they were classicals.

When I 1st heard this song, I was captured by it. With the cadence of the music and the soothing sound of guitar, I instantly recognized that this song was a ballad. I reached for the CD cover and zoomed in on the title... "Always with Me, Always with You". A love song indeed!

[INSTRUMENTAL]

So Lonely by Waltham

Waltham is one band I came across while watching TV. I saw them on a documentary on the Hallmark Channel. Named after the city they come from, Waltham was fronted by the Pino brothers that time. They were interviewing Dave Pino while working on a carwash. Carwash operator by day, fuckin' guitar god by night!

Dave Pino showed the screen some of his rad riffs, he looked like Eddie Van Halen I thought, with his 80's styled looks. Frank Pino, the vocalist, was shown driving around his truck.

I tried to scour for them in the internet and I came across an acoustic version of this song. The acoustic version is much better than the original, as the emotions wrapped in the lyrics are more heart felt when the song was stripped down. I believe this is another one of those unrequited love - songs. I'm not sure of Dave was still involved in this song as he left this band to pursue his own interests.

Driving by the window where you work
Is when I should have let you know
Instead of only saying “hello”

And waiting for your phone call meant the world to me
But now it’s over and I’m through
With all this runnin’ after you
Cuz’ I know you found the one you want
And I will never do

’ So I don’t wanna say I’m sorry
Cuz that would mean I’m movin’ on
I’d rather keep the story goin’
So maybe it will come undone

I bet if I were cool you’d take me on
That’s what I’m trying not to see
But see that’s taking way too long
And sittin’ in your driveways Sunday afternoon
Is when I should have let you know
If we could only be alone.
But I know you found the one you want
So I will never do, I wish I knew… Oohhh yeaaah

So I don’t wanna say I’m sorry
Cuz that would mean I’m movin’ on
I’d rather keep the story goin’
So maybe it will come undone
And I don’t wanna say forever
Cuz that would take out all the fun
So how can someone be so lonely
I guess that I’m the only one

I’m losin’ out
I’m losin’ out
On the way you lookead at me
I’m losin’ out
I never wanted it any other way
I’m losin’ out
And all the things you said to me
I’m losin’ out
You’re the one that I’ve been dreamin’ of…

Driving by the window where you work
Is when I should have let you know
Instead of saying “hello”

Can't Nobody Hold Me Down by Puff Daddy and Mase

I love the Puff and Mase duo. To me Puff sounded cool while Mase has something in his rapping style that i just can't put a finger on, sounding like he has a lisp. I was into Rap, Rn'B and Hip Hop during mid-HS.

The song's title really caught my attention... Can't Nobody Hold Me Down. It's like this guy knows a secret and he's out to take over and take over he did. Puff Daddy went on from being a producer, someone obscure to being a front man who everybody knows. I wanted to be Puffy back then... he's cool, he's laid back and had tons of money.

I specifically remember watching the music video for this song on Channel V, I came across it while I was half awake. It was a rest day for me, as I feigned sickness during that school day.

Bad Boy... we ain't gon' stop


Now with Sean on the hot track, melt like it's hot wax
Put it out, all the stores, bet you could shop that (that's right)
Leave a nigga with a hot hat, fronting like
Bad Boy ain't got tracks (nigga stop that)

There's no guy slicker than this young fly nigga
Nickel-nine nigga, floss you die quicker (uh-huh)
This fed time outta town pie flipper
Turn Cristal into a Crooked I sipper

Everbody want to be fast, see the cash
Fuck around they weak staff, get a heat rash
Anything in Bad Boy way we smash (we smash)
Hundred G stash, push a bulletproof E-Class (ehehe)

I'm through with bein a player and a baller
Just want me one bad bitch so I can spoil her
Mase wanna be the one you respect, even when you're vexed
Rock Versace silks over spilled brunette

Got green never seen so you suck my jewels
Clutch my uz', anything I touch I bruise
Puff make his own laws, nigga fuck your rules (that's right)
Goodfellas, you know you can't touch us dudes

Don't push us, cause we're close to the, edge
We're tryin, not to lose our heads, a-hah hah hah hah

Broken glass everywhere
if it ain't about the money, Puff, I just don't care (that's right)
I'm that Goodfella fly guy, sometimes wiseguys
Spend time in H-A-W-A-I-I

(Mase can you please stop smoking lah lah?)
Puff why try? I'm a thug, I'ma die high
I be out in Jersey, puffin Hershey
Brothers ain't worthy to rock my derby

Though I'm never drugged, I'm the venom in the club, G
Though I know the thug be wantin to slug me (uh-huh)
Could it be I move as smoove as Bugsy? (yeah)
Or be at the bar with too much bubbly? (c'mon)

Yo I think it must be the girls want to lust me
Or is it simply the girls just love me
Brothers wanna: rock the Rolls, rock my clothes
Rock my ice, pull out Glocks, stop my life (uhh)

I'm like, "Damn, how these niggaz got they trust?
Used to be my man, how you gonna plot on my wife?"
Do you think you snake me, cause they hate me?
Or he got his Ph.D; Player Hater's Degree? (Ahaha!)

Can't nobody take my pride
Uh-uh, uh-uh
Can't nobody hold me down... ohh no
I got to keep on movin


Quit that! (uh-huh) You a big cat? (yeah)
Where your chicks at? (yeah) Where your whips at? (where dey at?)
Wherever you get stacks, I'ma fix that
Everything that's big dreams, I did that (that's right)

Don't knock me cause you're boring
I'm record sales soaring (*whistling*) straight touring
Simply a lot of men be wantin to hear me
cause their words just don't offend me (uh-uh, uh-uh)

We spend cheese, in the West Indies
Then come home to plenty cream Bentleys (ahehe)
You name it, I could claim it
Young, black, and famous, with money hangin out the anus

And when you need a hit, who you go and get? (who?)
Bet against us? (Not a sure bet)
We make hits that'll rearrange your whole set (that's right)
and got a Benz that I ain't even drove yet

Don't push us, cause we're close to the, edge
We're tryin, not to, lose our heads, a-hah-hah-hah-hah

I get the feeling sometime, that make me wonder
Why you wanna take us under
Why you wanna take us under

Can't nobody take my pride
Uh-uh, uh-uh
Can't nobody hold me down... ohh no
I got to keep on movin

Wasting My Time by Default

Probably this song best describes my emotional life throughout college, I was REALLY pursuing this girl for around 3 years now and I still can't admit to myself that there's nothing I can do to make things better thus leading me to believe that I am... Wasting My Time.

Default, a band from Canada, was one of the bands that came in during the time when nu-metal was fading out, cashing in on the success of fellow Canadian Chad Kroeger of Nickelback. I really liked the vocals, guitar arpeggios on the verses and punchy power chords off the guitar heavy chorus. I bought my copy of this from Odyssey Records at their Robinson's Manila branch... if I'm not mistaken it was around December when I bought it .

Well I don't want to see you waiting
I've already gone too far away
I still can't keep the day from ending
No more messed up reasons for me to stay

Well this is not for real, Afraid to feel
I just hit the floor, Don't ask for more
I'm wasting my time, I'm wasting my time
You can't stop the feeling, There is no reason
Let's make the call, And take it all again
Woah again

Months went by with us pretending
When did our light turn from green to red
I took a chance and left you standing
Lost the will to do this once again


Well this is not for real
Afraid to feel
I just hit the floor
Don't ask for more
I'm wasting my time
I'm wasting my time
You can't stop the feeling
There is no reason
Let's make the call
And take it all
I'm wasting my time
I'm wasting my time again
Woahhhh again

See you waiting
Lonesome, lonely
See you waiting
I see you waiting


Well this is not for real
Afraid to feel
I just hit the floor
Don't ask for more
I'm wasting my time
I'm wasting my time
You can't stop the feeling
There is no reason
Let's make the call
And take it all
I'm wasting my time
I'm wasting my ...
Well this is not for real
Afraid to feel
I just hit the floor
Don't ask for more
I'm wasting my time
I'm wasting my time
You can't stop the feeling
There is no reason
Let's make the call
And take it all again
Woahhhh again

As Long As It Matters by Gin Blossoms

This was the 1st Gin Blossoms song that I became familiar with. My 2nd brother, Ryan, was the one who got me into this song. When Ryan liked a song, he listened to that song a lot, as in repeatedly. He initially saw this from MTV.

What makes this song special is this is one song that I tried to sing to a girl during a HS graduation party that one of my classmates had. I sang this with a guitar that i don't even know was tuned... this was supposed to be our love song this was my song for her. Too bad, as i learned after that summer, the feeling was not mutual.

How can I find something
That two can take
Without stumbling as we
Walk into our future's wake

I'm like a broken record
That you can play
Repeating as if it matters
Everything I want to say

I'll be all right
As long as it matters
As long as you're here with me now

Forget that time
It's nothing we touch and see
All this is fine
Even as it crashes down on me

I'm looking around
There's nothing that I could want
More than to tell you
There's no more than we've already got

I'll be all right
As long as it matters
As long as you're here with me now...

Forget that our time is almost up

I'll be all right
As long as it matters
As long as you're here with me now...

D'you Know What I Mean? by OASIS

I just love this song by OASIS, one of my favorite bands of all-time. Yeah, they are not as great as the Beatles as most people thought they were during the late 90's, but Noel Gallagher is still an awesome songwriter and guitar player.

What I particularly like about this song was the sense of bravado that it invokes (at least for me)! The song was very long and it was ambitious, with Noel even incorporating morse code throughout the song. The video as I remember it arrived around the same time as the Backstreet Boy's videos of 'As Long as You Love Me' and 'Backstreet's Back'. The video has a military setting with helicopters flying around. I also remember Mama bought shades similar to what Liam was wearing, well maybe not!

After the massive success of (What's The Story) Morning Glory?, OASIS had the feeling that they were on the top of the music world. As it turns out, their 3rd album, Be Here Now, which this single comes from did not meet the expectations of most people. These poor lads, which benefited from their comparison with the Beatles are now suffering from it. George Harrison even quipped that OASIS would be simply forgotten... well not YET!

Step off the train all alone at dawn
Back into the hole where I was born
The sun in the sky never raised an eye to me

The blood on the trax and must be mine
The fool on the hill and I feel fine
Don't look back cos you know what you might see

Look into the wall of my mind's eye
I think I know, but I don't know why
The questions are the answers you might need

Coming in a mess going out in style
I ain't good-looking but I'm someone's child
No-one can give me the air that's mine to breathe

I met my maker
I made him cry
And on my shoulder he asked me why
His people won't fly through the storm
I said "Listen up man, they don't even know you're born"

All my people right here, right now
D'You Know What I Mean?
All my people right here, right now
D'You Know What I Mean?
All my people right here, right now
D'You Know What I Mean?
Yeah, yeah

I don't really care for what you believe
So open up your fist or you won't receive
The thoughts and the words of every man you'll need
Get up off the floor and believe in life
No-one's ever gonna ever ask you twice
Get on the bus and bring it on home to me

Say What You Want by Texas

What makes this song memorable is that I was really fascinated by Charlene's hair in the video for this song. During 3rd Year high school I wanted to get that kind of hair, a girls short hair cut, as I was growing a lot of hair that time (also liked Gwyneth Paltrow's cut at that time). Her blue shirt also made an impression on me!

There was a day during that year, I went to the Isetann Mall in Recto with friends Marlon and Ariel to check some eyeglasses, as Marlon had an idea of changing our look. I bought a round, no rim eye glasses ala John Lennon. When I went home, I remember seeing the video for this song.

I'm not particularly sure if this is a love song or a song of falling out (i guess its the latter), but i really like the way it was structured, the opening guitar riff and the whispering girl (I'm not sure what she was whispering) complements each other. It sounded so simple the first time i heard it, but listening to it right now I realize it has complicated elements.

Twenty seconds on the back time
I feel you're on the run
Never lived too long to make right
I see you're doing fine

And when I get that feeling
I can no longer slide
I can no longer run
Ah no no
And when I get that feeling
I can no longer hide
For its no longer fun
Ah no no

Well, you can say what you want
But it wont change my mind
Ill feel the same
About you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it wont change my feelings
Ill feel the same
About you

What I am is what you want of me
Yeah, now that I'm not there
I took the tables away from you
Its turned that I don't care

And when I get that feeling
I can no longer slide
I can no longer run
Ah no no
And when I get that feeling
I can no longer hide
For its no longer fun
Ah no no

Well, you can say what you want
But it wont change my mind
I'll feel the same
About you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it wont change my feelings
I'll feel the same
About you

I've said goodnight
Try to sleep tight
Ah just dream of me
Go close your eyes
Cause Ive closed mine
The sun will shine from time to time
Oh, when you dream of me, yeah

Well, you can say what you want
But it wont change my mind
I'll feel the same
About you
And you can tell me your reasons
But it wont change my feelings
I'll feel the same
About you

Intergalactic by Beastie Boys

This song was really a lot of fun! I remember watching the Beastie Boys performed this song in MTV Music Awards with their prison costume. The video was fun too... taking elements of Japanese Mecha costumed shows. I tried to learn the lyrics singing them with my friends from school, we even formed a rap group ourselves! hahaha!

During the first weeks of my freshman year in college, I sang this song in an effort to share something about me. I sang this with my back facing them, so that i won't spit-shower them, just in case. Most of my classmates during college would remember this very well, it also made me a lot of new friends!

My first copy of this album was a cassette and I tried to look for a CD copy when i was already upgrading to a CD collection. I had a hard time finding one, until a chance encounter during a CD sale. I saw one prospective buyer returning the familiar Beastie Boys-in-the-sardine can cover to the stack of CDs, fortunately that he was not keen on purchasing this favorite album of mine.

Intergalactic Planetary Planetary Intergalactic
Another Dimension, Another Dimension

Well Now don't you tell me to smile
You stick around I'll make it worth your while
Got numbers beyond what you can dial
Maybe it's because I'm so versatile

Style profile I said
It always brings me back when I hear Ooh Child
From the Hudson River out to the Nile
I run the marathon til the very last mile

If you battle me I will revile
People always say my style is wild
You've got gall you've got guile
To step to me I'm a rapophile

If you want to battle your in denial
Coming from Uranus to check my style
Go ahead put my rhymes on trial
Cast you off into exile

Intergalactic planetary
Planetary intergalactic

Jazz and Awol that's our team
Step inside the party disrupt the whole scene
When it comes to beats well I'm a fiend
I like my sugar with coffee and cream

Well I got to keep it going keep it going full steam
Too sweet to be sour too nice to be mean
On the tough guy style I'm not too keen
To try to change the world I will plot and scheme

Mario C likes to keep it clean
Gonna shine like a sun beam
Keep on rapping cause that's my dream
Got an A from Moe Dee for sticking to themes

When it comes to envy y'all is green
Jealous of the rhyme and the rhyme routine
Another dimension new galaxy
Intergalactic planetary

Intergalactic planetary
Planetary intergalactic

From the family tree of old school hip hop
Kick off your shoes and relax your socks
The rhymes will spread just like a pox
Cause the music is live like an electric shock

I am known to do the Wop
Also known for the Flintstone Flop
Tammy D getting biz on the crop
Beastie Boys known to let the beat... drop

When I wrote graffiti my name was Slop
If my rap's soup my beats is stock
Step from the tables as I start to chop
I'm a lumber jack DJ Adrock

If you try to knock me you'll get mocked
I'll stir fry you in my wok
Your knees'll start shaking and your fingers pop
Like a pinch on the neck of Mr. Spock

Intergalactic planetary
Planetary intergalactic
Another dimension do it

Close to Heaven by Color Me Badd

I remember listening to this song on a school night. Augy bought a copy of this album and we listened to it late night. Our sound system at that time a old beaten up multi deck tape player. I was in the sentimental mood I guess, thinking of my childhood crush while singing this song with the effort of trying to remember the lyrics, so i can sing it tomorrow. It had some Spanish lines which I thought was cool... and smooth!

I remember walking to school singing this song, carrying bag full of books, the weight probably would crush lesser mortals but i pressed on, with a smirk on my face, the cool breeze touching my skin, the the smell of the morning, thinking that once I saw my crush for that day, the school day would be OK.

You know your the only one for me
The thought of you
picks me up when I am lonely
I get all crazy when you call out my name
I’m close to heaven when your touching me

You say that you love me
Girl, I know it
I feel the same but still so afraid to show it
I get all crazy when you call out my name
I’m close to heaven when your touching me

It’s gotta be love, sweet love (love sweet love)
Whenever your near me
Ooh you make me happy, baby
Love, sweet love (love... sweet love)
Whenever your near me
Ooh you make me happy, baby

Me vuelvo loco pensando en
Tu amor
Cuandote veo, temblo por
Tu calor
Cerca del cielco, alma de
Mi corazon, mis ladios
Brillan llenos de emocion

It’s gotta be love, sweet love (love sweet love)
Whenever your near me
Ooh you make me happy, baby
Love, sweet love (love... sweet love)
Whenever your near me
Ooh you make me happy, baby


All I wanted
All I ever wanted was you
And for you to love me
You keep me warm
And you give me love
I know you’re the one for me

You know your the only one for me
The thought of you
picks me up when I am lonely
I get all crazy
When you call out my name
I’m close to heaven
When your touching me


It’s gotta be love, sweet love (love sweet love)
Whenever your near me
Ooh you make me happy, baby
Love, sweet love (love... sweet love)
Whenever your near me
Ooh you make me happy, baby

Mi vida sonyado asi
Esta cancion que estoy
Cantando es solo para ti
Mirate, tocarte, besarte asi
Ya no lo aguanto mas
Querida mi vida sonydo asi
Esta cancion que estoy
Cantando es solo para ti
Mirate, tocarte, besarte asi
Yo no o aguanto mas
(Heaven’s only one kiss away)

Fun of Your Love by Jennifer Day

Back in 5th year college i made a "mixtape" of songs to a girl that i really like but who doesn't know me. The objective was to make her know who I was and what I felt for her. This was the 1st song on that compilation which i burned on a pink verbatim CD.

I came across this song listening to the For Love of The Game soundtrack, after watching the movie which starred Kevin Costner. The movie was about a baseball player, in what could be his last game. In between the game scenes, his story is told... all of his memories flashes back while he was on the mound pitching, watching the game in the dugout etc. The movie is one of my favorites, I especially liked how the story was told and the premise.

Fun of Your Love is one of the tracks off that soundtrack which made a quick impression on me. It was easy on the ears, upbeat and happy. It's just the way i would like to be introduced to someone i don't know.

This song has two versions, one is a bit more country (appearing on Jennifer Day's album). I like the song as it was on the soundtrack, featuring a guitar solo that has a great feel to it.... one of the coolest I've heard.

Boy you blow my mind
You can make me crazy
(Make me laugh, make me cry, keeping my heart shook up)
I'm so mesmerized
And you're the one who can save me
(So sweet and fine, throw me a line, I think it's time for the hook up)
Baby you're my main attraction
Setting off this chain reaction

Just a little enough
Just the thought of your touch
That's the fun of your love baby
Oh oh oh yeah yeah
Just the feeling inside
That's the thrill of the ride
That's the fun of your love baby

Now I've shown you how
I can push the limits
(I make you laugh, make you cry, I'm keeping your heart shook up)
Still you turn me around with sweet forgiveness
(You draw the line, I'll pay the fine, that's the sign of a good love)
In this twisted world we live in
Please don't stop this love you're giving

Just a little enough
Just the thought of your touch
That's the fun of your love baby
Oh oh oh yeah yeah
Just the feeling inside
That's the thrill of the ride
That's the fun of your love baby

Let the days unwind
Let the dreams come true
Happy ever after baby
In your heart you'll find
I'll be there for you

Just a little enough
Just the thought of your touch
That's the fun of your love baby
Oh oh oh yeah yeah
Just the feeling inside
That's the thrill of the ride
That's the fun of your love baby

Love You in The Fall by Paul Westerberg

I have to admit that I don't have an extensive knowledge of Paul Westerberg's work, especially during his days as the figure head of the Replacements, a band which was said to be, at one time "the best" in the whole world (against the likes of U2, Guns N' Roses and R.E.M.). I only became familiar with him with the "Dyslexic Heart" song which was featured in the Cameron Crowe movie "Singles" and extensively used in the local teenage TV show T.G.I.S.

I came across this single while doing sometime off from standby work duties on a Sunday. It was one of the singles included in the free CD the Paste magazine comes with. Westerberg collaborated with co-Replacements and now GN'R member Tommy Stinson. The song comes off as very raw, energetic and emotional.

It also reflects what i feel right now...

I love you in the fall
I'll never forget you at all
I love you in the fall
I'll never forget you at all

I'll wait for always

Love you in the fall
Never forget you
The winter's coming on

Seasons change before me
Before me there must have been someone else
Oh yes

I'll wait for always

Love you in the fall
I'll love you forever

Seasons change before me
After me there'll be someone new, someone new
(and) when the shadows turn blue
(shadows of the summertime)

When the crimson leaves appear
It's only days 'til autumn's here

Love you forever, oh-oh
I'll love you in the fall
I'll love you forever, oh-oh
I'll love you in the fall
I'll love you forever, oh-oh
I'll love you in the fall
I'll never forget you, mmm
I'll never forget you
I'll never forget you
I'll never forget you
I'll never forget you
No no, I'll never forget you ...

Glorified G by Pearl Jam

I believe i was in grade 5 when my eldest brother introduced us to Pearl Jam. As he hyped to me and Ryan, our other brother, it has a vocalist who climbs monkey bars, as seen in the music video of ALIVE (well i may be wrong). Of course we, as kids, were mesmmerized, not knowing that time that Pearl Jam is not just an act but a REAL BAND!!!

This song comes of from the VS. LP which a very good collection of songs i just began to appreciate again after hearing my older brother's copy. According to sources this song was conceived as an reply to Dave Abbruzzese's (Pearl Jam's drummer) decision to buy guns.

Opening with a solid drum line and guitar riff, it's just one of the songs that really impressed me when i began appreciating what good music is all about. I also didn't have an idea of what the album cover was until i searched for it in wikipedia

Got a gun, fact I got two
Thats OK man, cause I love god
Glorified version of a pellet gun
Feels so manly, when armed
Glorified version of a pellet gun

Double think, dumb is strength
Never shot at a living thing
Glorified version of a pellet gun
Feels so manly, when armed
Glorified version of a pellet gun
Glorified version of a...

Always keep it loaded!

Kindred to be an american...

Life comes...I can feel your heart...
Ooh...life comes...I can feel your heart through your neck...
Life comes...I can feel your heart through your neck...
Like some...I can steal your heart form your neck...

Glorified...glorified...

Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears

As some of the songs listed in this blog, i fell in love with this song when i was in high school. This was released way back in 1985, but thanks to Augy, my eldest brother, this song came to my senses during 4th year HS. I had a big crush on someone (as in head over heels), if i remember it was the same girl from the Spandau Ballet "True" entry, so the lyrics made sense to me (at least that's what it seems to me). Listening to it right now, I can't believe that this song also has an awesome bass line.

I wanted to be with you alone
And talk about the weather
But traditions I can trace against the child in your face
Wont escape my attention
You keep your distance with a system of touch
And gentle persuasion
I'm lost in admiration could I need you this much
Oh, you're wasting my time
You're just wasting time

Something happens and I'm head over heels
I never find out till I'm head over heels
Something happens and I'm head over heels
Ah don't take my heart
Don't break my heart
Don't throw it away

I made a fire and watching burn
Thought of your future
With one foot in the past now just how long will it last
No no no have you no ambition
My mother and my brothers used to breathe in clean in air
And dreaming I'm a doctor
It's hard to be a man when theres a gun in your hand
Oh I feel so...

Something happens and I'm head over heels

And this my four leaf clover
I'm on the line, one open mind
This is my four leaf clover

We're In This Together Now by Nine Inch Nails

A combination of industrial noise, distorted guitar riffs and awesome lyrics is what this song is. I got a copy of "The Fragile" album through a friend of mine who might have thought that all of Trent Reznor's music sounds like "The Perfect Drug". He might have been overwhelmed with the noise in the album, but he should not have missed this. I've never imagined a 'love song' can be concocted with all this noise around.

I've become impossible
holding on to when
when everything seemed to matter more
the two of us
all used and beaten up
watching fate as it flows down the path we
have chose

you and me
we're in this together now
none of them can stop us now
we will make it through somehow
you and me
if the world should break in two
until the very end of me
until the very end of you

awake to the sound as they peel apart the skin
they pick and they pull
trying to get their fingers in
well they've got to kill what we've found
well they've got to hate what they fear
well they've got to make it go away
well they've got to make it disappear

the farther I fall I'm beside you
as lost as I get I will find you
the deeper the wound I'm inside you
for ever and ever I'm a part of

you and me
we're in this togeher now
none of them can stop us now
we will make it through somehow
you and me
if the world should break in two
until the very end of me
until the very end of you

all that we were is gone we have to hold on
when all our hope is gone we have to hold on
all that we were is gone but we can hold on

you and me
we're in this together now
none of them can stop us now
we will make it through somehow
you and me
even after everything
you're the queen and I'm the king
nothing else means anything

Even When I'm Sleeping by Leonardo's Bride

Like most of the songs that became my favorites during high school, i saw this one on MTV. It was late night as I remember it, this one had a black and white video. What caught me was the title.... even when i'm sleeping, wow!.... it really suited me because sleeping is the only time were in i spend some time with my crushes (yep, you heard me). Anyway, this one is really underrated, a true hidden gem!

Don't be confused by my apparent lack of ceremony,
My mind is clear
I may be low or miles high off in the distance,
I want you near

I love you... even when I'm sleeping
When I close my eyes
You're everywhere

And if they take me flying on the magic carpet
See me wave
If our communication fails I'll reconnect it
I want to rave

I love you... even when I'm sleeping
When I close my eyes
You're everywhere

No matter where the road is leading us remember
Don't be afraid
We have a continent that sometimes comes between us
That's ok

I love you... even when I'm sleeping
When I close my eyes
You're everywhere