It's Been Awhile by Staind

I'm not sure if time travel is possible or if it would be possible at one point in time. What I do know though is that music has the power to bring you back the feelings that were present for the moments that you cherish from the past.

Staind was one of the Nu Metal bands I was really fond of, along with Limp Bizkit and Korn. Mike Mushok's guitar work (along with Incubus's Mike Einziger) inspired me to work on my dreaded guitar chops. Aaron Lewis singing voice and emotional lyrics was a highlight for the band as well.

I choose this song as this is one of the many standout songs from their sophomore album, Break the Cycle. I still remember seeing the video for the first time and holding a copy of the album after it was given to me by my father who dropped by a ShoeMart in makati to grab me a copy of the new album.

It's been a while
Since I could hold my head up high
and it's been a while
Since I first saw you
It's been a while
since i could stand on my own two feet again
and it's been a while
since i could call you
But everything I can't remember as fucked up as it may seem
the consequences that I've rendered
I've stretched myself beyond my means

It's been a while
since i could say that i wasn't addicted and
It's been a while
Since I could say I love myself as well and
It's been a while
Since I've gone and fucked things up just like i always do
It's been a while
But all that shit seems to disappear when i'm with you
But everything I can't remember as fucked up as it may seem
the consequences that I've rendered
I've gone and fucked things up again

Why must i feel this way?
just make this go away
just one more peaceful day

Its been awhile
Since I could lok at myself straight
and it's been awhile
since i said i'm sorry
It's been awhile
Since I've seen the way the candles light your face
It's been awhile
But I can still remember just the way you taste
But everything I can't remember as fucked up as it may seem
I know it's me i cannot blame this on my father
he did the best he could for me

It's been a while
Since I could hold my head up high
and it's been a while since i said i'm sorry

Daliri by KJWAN

I have to be honest, i think this is one of the heaviest filipino songs ever written... oh ok, at least the heaviest mainstream OPM song i've heard, I just love how the song was crafted, with equal parts for a rad-guitar solo and "bagsakan" parts. I absolutely love the intro. The video for this song was awesome looking as well. I don't like the end part of the recorded version of this song though, the improvised --- "out take" of a very stupid conversation. Let's keep it out of the records guys. Or at least be tasteful about it.

Marami ang nagsabi
Daliri mo'y may labi
Kung minsan sinasabi
Ang hawak mo ay sungkit
Ang init ng 'yong kapit
Tuluy-tuloy ang higpit
Nawawala ang alaala
Nawawala ang sakit

'di mo na maalala
Kung saan ka pupunta
'di mo na makilala ang iyong…

Kung minsan may nagsabi
Ang puso mo ay itim
Halik ng buwan sa hangin
Sabik sa mga salarain
Saan ka hahanapin?
Kailan ako titikim?
Nawawala ang alaala
Nawawala ang sakit

Nadapa sa Arina by Juan Dela Cruz

I grabbed a listen of one of Juan Dela Cruz's reissued CDs. Grabe! This song totally rocks... if Eraserheads' Alapaap caused controversy because of its drug-inspired lyrics, thus should would have caused alot of controversy back in the 70's. I love the straight-up blues rock and how the vocals were laid out for this song. Hanep talaga!

Ano itong nangyayari sa akin
Nangangati ang aking ilong
Kamot dito, kamot doon
Hangat' sa butas ng ilong ay umo-oblong

Nadapa ako sa arina
at na ngati ang aking ilong
Nadapa ako sa arina
at naumpog ako sa bubong
Nadapa ako sa arina ulit
at ah, ako'y na lasing

Hay naku! Rapsang rapsa... Hey!

Pahinging pambalot, at baka ito matapon
Ang arina na aking ini-score
Oh eto oh, dalian mo at malakas ang hangin
sige baka liparin, ikaw din ang mabibitin

Nadapa ako sa arina
Medyo kanina
Nadapa ako sa arina
at muntik ako maduling
Nadapa ako sa arina
pero ang galing

Ang sarap eh

Aghh, nanginginig nanaman ang buong katawan ko
Kapag arina ang naiisip ko
it's so galing but very malabo
i'm so groovy man, haha

Nadapa ako sa arina
ahh.. whooh sarap
Nadapa ako sa arina
halika na
Magswimming tayo sa arina
Wow.

Hey Man!
Peace Man!
Wow it's so galing
..

Love Story by Katharine Mcphee

I saw this song performed live on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, I'm no American Idol fan, but all I kept thinking was, how can you compete with that? Nice face, nice legs, nice figure. And this is a great song. I actually fell in love with the funky guitar riff and the bass line, and I'm being honest.

I think it was the summertime
When I laid eyes on you
I didn't even know your name
Somehow we'd end up in the same room
It never crossed my mind
I never saw you like that
I should've listened to my best friend
She knew it would be a perfect match

It's a typical love story
Started out as friends
We met way back when
This is just a typical love story
The boy you never wanted just steals your heart
I never saw it comin' 'til I fell so hard

I always made up some excuse
Saying you that weren't my type
Didn't want to face the truth
Didn't want to cross that line
'til one day I saw you
Out of the corner of my eye
You were flirting with some girl
And inside I thought I would die

It's a typical love story
Started out as friends
We met way back when
This is just a typical love story
The boy you never wanted just steals your heart
I never saw it comin' 'til I fell so hard

Can't believe its happening
When I least expect it
My prince under disguise
How you fooled me with those eyes
When I feel like letting go
In your arms is where I know
I am wrong
From the beginning we always belong

Love Love Story
Love Love Story
Love Love Story
(Love)
Love Love Story
(Love Story)
Love Love Story
(This is my)
Love Love Story
(This is my love story)
Love Love Story
Love

This is my love story

It's a typical love story
Started out as friends
This is how it ends
This is just a typical love story
The boy you never wanted just steals your heart
I never saw it comin' 'til I fell so hard

Sandalan by 6cyclemind

Even though this OPM band gets some flak for being too mainstream, i have to be honest that i really like this song. The opening guitar-riff's very simple and it actually works. Chuck Isidro at work! Great album cover too!

Kanina pa kita pinagmamasdan
Mukha mo'y di maipinta
Malungkot ka na naman

Kanina pa kitang inaalok
Ng kwentuhang masaya
Para sayo'y bale wala

Sandali nga
Teka lang
May nakalimutan ka
Di ba't pwede mo kong iyakan

Sige lang
Sandal ka na
At wag mong pipigilan
Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa langit
Iiyak mo lang ang lahat sa akin

Sige lang
Sandal ka na
At wag mong pipigilan
Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa langit
Iiyak mo lang ang lahat sa akin

Andito lang ako naghihintay
Lagi mong tatandaan
Di ka naman nag iisa

Andito lang ako
Makikinig sa'yo
Sa buong magdamag
Sa 'kin di ka bale wala

Sige lang
Sandal ka na
At wag mong pipigilan
Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa langit
Iiyak mo lang ang lahat sa akin

Sige lang
Sandal ka na
At wag mong pipigilan
Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa langit
Iiyak mo lang ang lahat sa akin

Sige lang

Sige lang
Sandal ka na
At wag mong pipigilan
Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa langit
Iiyak mo lang ang lahat sa akin

Sige lang
Sandal ka na
At wag mong pipigilan
Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa langit
Iiyak mo lang ang lahat sa akin

Sige lang
Sige lang

Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye by the Black Crowes

Usually I like Black Crowes songs for its edginess, cocky-blues-rock appeal. This one however i love for it's drama.

With my winter time
My idols and stage fright
In another night
Where the lights are loud and bright

One dream from waking up saved
Too shy to hold in the rage

I know no luxury
Of knowing what your eyes read
I know one million ways
To always pick the wrong thing to say

A love that you never gave
Always a time zone away
It's not out of spite
I know what's right

Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye

Sometimes a memory
Only sees what it wants to believe
And what's filled in between
Are days and nights that don't mean a thing

Such a simple suicide
A second chance never tried
And you don't understand
I need a helping hand

So you think that you've seen it all
Is that a fact?
So out your mouth a dictionary
Spouts about this and that
You got your do's, your don'ts
Because and why
I don't trust no one who don't
Take their own advice

Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye

Back in Black (cover) by Joe Lynn Turner/Phil Collen

I got my first listen of this song after reading about the AC/DC mythology in Guitar World Magazines, back at the time when peer-to-peer downloads was just starting up (I used Audio Galaxy instead of Napster). I originally though that this is the legit AC/DC version only to find out that it's a cover.

I'm choosing the cover over the original as Phil Collen, Def Leppard guitarist, crafted some face-mashing, ball-busting, gut-wrenching guitar performance for this song. A tough act to follow.

Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes I'm, let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I keep looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the herse 'cause I'll never die
I got nine lives
Cat's eyes
Usin' every one of them and running wild

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang
With a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I'm back on the track
And I'm leadin' the pack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I'm just makin' my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
Well I'm back in black
Yes I'm back in black

Hooo yeah
Ohh yeah
Yes I am
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah
Back in now
Well I'm back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back
Back in black
Yes I'm back in black

Outta sight

Animal by Pearl Jam

The most furious 2 minutes and 49 seconds that was ever recorded. The only thing that hindered me intially from liking this song was I can't understand what the heck Eddie Vedder was singing except when he's shouting the title of the track!

One, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five, against one
Said one, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five...five, five...five against one

Torture from you to me
Abducted from the street

Id rather be...
Id rather be with...
Id rather be with an animal

Why would you wanna hurt me, oh
Oh, so frightened of your pain...yeah...ooh...

Id rather be...
Id rather be with...
Id rather be with an animal
Id rather be... (2x)
Id rather be with an animal

Id rather be...
Id rather be with...
Id rather be with an animal
Id rather be...
Id rather be with...
Id rather be with an animal

Said one, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five...five, five...five against one
One, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five...five, five...five against one

Ang Iyong Paalam by The Dawn

I just recently started listening to the Dawn, by way of influence from a girl that I really liked. This is one of the strongest songs they have i guess. I love the overall production, from the steady bass and the effects driven effects. Jett Pangan's voice is still all over. I'm not sure if there's an earlier version than the one that appears in the Tulad ng Dati album, but this one has definitely taken me over.

Larawan mo sa 'king kamay
Puno ng pag-asa
May pangakong inaalay
Pangakong babalik ka

Ngunit sa bawa't gabi
Hindi mapalagay
Dahil may nagsasabing
Wala na ang tulay

Ngayon, sa t'wing sumisigaw
Pusong giniginaw
Iyo bang nadarama?

At kung ika'y mawawala
Makakaya ko ba
Ang 'yong paalam, ang 'yong paalam

Bakit ba nagpakita ka
Para maglaho lang?
Magparamdam ka naman
Kahit na sandali lang

Ikaw ang hangin at ulan
Ikaw ang buhay ko
Kung ika'y mawawalay
Paano na ako?

Ngayon, sa t'wing sumisigaw
Pusong giniginaw
Iyo bang nadarama?

At kung ika'y mawawala
Makakaya ko ba
Ang 'yong paalam, ang 'yong paalam

Larawan mo sa 'king kamay.

Marigold by Foo Fighters

I tried to take my first listen to the Foo Fighters Skin and Bones album, the live acoustic album of one of my favorite bands. I've owned the album for more than a year now, but i haven't had the time and courage to dig into this album. I'm not exactly thrilled hearing some of the songs in their acoustic version, but this song was a welcome addition to the Foo Fighters library. Doing some research, I found out that this was originally a Nirvana song written and sung by Dave Grohl himself.

She's there in case I want it all
He's scared cause I want
She's there in case I want it all
He's scared cause I want

All in all the clock is slow
Six color pictures all in a row
Of a marigold

She's there in case I want it all
He's scared cause I want
She's there in case I want it all
He's scared cause I want

All in all the clock is slow
Six color pictures all in a row
Of a marigold

She's there in case I want it all
He's scared cause I want
She's there in case I want it all
He's scared cause I want

All in all the clock is slow
Six color pictures all in a row
Of a marigold

Walking Away From Me by Car Fire

Car Fire is a fictional high school band from The Class, a sitcom. I accidentally just bumped on the scene were the character Duncan sings this song for his high school love. The whole song is not finished in the episode, which makes me wonder if there's ever a full version. Last time i checked the song was available via this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Tlqf2izbw

The longer I wait,
The more I find.
That this heart aches,
From leaving you behind.

Everytime our eyes meet.
All that I can see,

Is you walking away from me.
Walking away from me.
No I can't bear to see.
That you're walking away from me.

....

'Wag Na Init Ulo Baby by Rivermaya

Today is "bad trip" day. My work day just started and the first thing i got was an email i didn't want to see. Unfortunately a dose of this song didn't help. Not a even a Rivermaya song can't help me from this.

malapit na akong matunaw
sa init ng iyong ulo
muntikan pa ‘kong masugatan
sa talas ng pagtitig mo

pumapangit ka nanaman
easy nakakahawa yan
ako ay nakikiusap lang

‘wag na init ulo baby
dinggin mo please payong ito
Inom tubig, nood ng TV
gaan bigla probema mo

hindi naman kinakailangan
na ngumiting agad-agad
tsaka na tayo magpalitan
ng "I love you, I swear to God"

alam na natin yon diba?
maubos nang mga tala
ako’y nandito lang sinta
‘wag na init ulo baby

dinggin mo please payong ito
Inom tubig, nood ng TV
gaan bigla probema mo
'wag na init ulo
'wag na init ulo
'wag na init ulo baby

1, 2, 3, 4 by Plain White T's,

I was able to overhear this song being performed on a late night show, I can't remember if it was Leno, Letterman, Conan or Fallon... it's just a plain and creatively written song! Hope it doesn't get overused by guys who are just looking to get laid. :)

1 2, 1 2 3 4-
Give me more lovin' than I've ever had,
Make it all better when I'm feelin' sad,
Tell me that I'm special even when I know I'm not,
Make it feel good when I hurt so bad, Barely gettin' mad,
I'm so glad I found you; I love bein' around you.

You make it easy, it's easy as 1, 2- 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only 1 thing 2 do 3 words 4 you- (I love you) I love you
There's only 1 way 2 say those 3 words and that's what I'll do-(I love you)
I love you.

Give me more lovin' from the very start,
Piece me back together when I fall apart,
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends-
Make it feel good when I hurt so bad, Best that I've had,
I'm so glad I found you, I love bein' around you.

You make it easy, it's easy as 1, 2- 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only 1 thing 2 do 3 words 4 you- (I love you) I love you
There's only 1 way 2 say those 3 words and that's what I'll do- (I love you)
I love you.
(I love you) I love you.

You make it easy, it's easy as 1, 2- 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only 1 thing 2 do 3 words 4 you- (I love you) I love you
There's only 1 way 2 say those 3 words and that's what I'll do-(I love you)
I love you.

Every Day is Exactly the Same by Nine Inch Nails

I'm coming off 2 straight bad weeks that are complicated with my injured left hand pinkie. To get out of the funk, while commuting i listen to stuff. I choose NIN's With Teeth as a way of preparing myself with the arrival of Trent Reznor here in Manila. What I was expecting was full on noise, but as yet again, Reznor surprises me with complicate arrangements and layers of intruments churning out a blend of music and ambient noise that totally astounds me (i'm all smiles during the jeepney ride, especially when this song came in).

I believe I can see the future
Cause I repeat the same routine
I think I used to have a purpose
But then again
That might have been a dream
I think I used to have a voice
Now I never make a sound
I just do what I've been told
I really don't want them to come around

Oh, no

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

I can feel their eyes are watching
In case I lose myself again
Sometimes I think I'm happy here
Sometimes, yet I still pretend
I can't remember how this got started
But I can tell you exactly how it will end

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

I'm writing on a little piece of paper
I'm hoping someday you might find
Well I'll hide it behind something
They won't look behind
I'm still inside here
A little bit comes bleeding through
I wish this could have been any other way
But I just don't know, I don't know what else I can do

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

Grounded Ang Girlfriend Ko by Rivermaya

At last!!!! After around 4-5 years of waiting, I got my copy of Rivermaya's It's Not Easy Being Green. My favorite cut from the album is Shattered Like, but once I got to listen to this song... grabe! this is the Rivermaya music I've loved thru and thru! I love the simplicity of the lyrics and it's quite catchy!

Grounded ang girlfriend ko
(Hindi pinapagamit ng telepono)
Grounded ang girlfriend ko
(Me-balak pa namang sa Miyerkules mag-disco)

Ngunit hindi ko siya I-
Pagpapalit kahit na
Kanino pang mas malaya

Grounded ang girlfriend ko
(Hindi rin maaaring dumalaw sa kanila)
Grounded ang girlfriend ko
(Ayokong manood ng sineng mag-isa)

Ngunit hindi ko siya I-
Pagpapalit kahit na
Kanino mang mas malaya

Hetong sabihin mo
Sa tatay mong

Wag kang masyadong nag-aalala
Lalo ka lamang tatanda
Mabuti pa'y payagan mo na
Ang prinsesang iniibig nating dalawa

Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

I went to look for some CDs that I havent' bonded with recently and gravitated toward R.E.M's monster. This song is my favorite of the album. It's has a great bassline... it's calm and somewhat reassuring. This one carried me through one tough day this week.

I don't know why you're mean to me
When I call on the telephone
And I don't know what you mean to me
But I want to turn you on, turn you up, figure you out, I want to take you on

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine" all the time

The fool might be my middle name
But I'd be foolish not to say
I'm going to make whatever it takes,
Ring you up, call you down, sign your name, secret love,
Make it rhyme, take you in, and make you mine

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine" all the time, oh
I tripped and fell. Did I fall?
What I want to feel, I want to feel it now

You know with love come strange currencies
And here is my appeal:

I need a chance, a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance,
A word, a signal, a nod, a little breath
Just to fool myself, to catch myself, to make it real, real

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine" all the time, oh

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, they haunt me, hunt me down, catch in my throat, make me pray,
Say, love's confined, oh

Lie by Black Light Burns

I've always been a fan of Wes Borland's work with Limp Bizkit, this song made an impression on me when i first saw the video... I was just impressed with the engergy in the chorus! Grabe! It also features a weird video. Cool!

I'm living a lie
And it's not the best thing for me
But anyone and everyone is gonna hear another story

I'm building a house
Of murderous intention
To keep it all from coming down
I've gotta focus my attention

'cause confidence is key
When violating trust
I'm making sure that I believe
I'm doing what I must

Which is attempting to kill
The little boy inside
But as hard as I try...
The child will not die

Now I'm burning alive, just like you

I'm irrelevant
And I'm living down in the shit
I follow these pigs around
But I never get used to it

'cause they keep building and building
Their feculant franchise
I wish I could see this filth
From someone else's eyes

'cause ignorance was bliss
But now I must adjust
These animals, they operate
On jealousy and lust

I'm taking back what was lost
And I will not be denied
I'm crawling my way to the surface outside

Now I'm burning alive, just like you

Dahil sa Ulan by Soapdish

Soapdish's self-titled debut album is one record that hit me instantly. There's nothing too fancy, the songs are straight up and with lyrics i can relate to. I bought the album after watching the band play live. Yesterday, when I was riding a jeep and it started to rain, I popped this song out of my mp3 player. Whoah! I love the bass line at the bridge part... and the guitar solo that comes after that!

Pagmasdan ang buhos ng ulan
At pano malilimutan
Pinaglapit niya tayong dalawa
At tawa na lang ng tawa
At parang limot ko na
Ang lahat ng problema

Hindi ko na sinabi
At baka 'no pang mangyari sa 'tin
At di ko na rin binalak na
Umamin pa sayo oh...
Patawarin mo ko...

Sige na, alam kong pagod ka na
At san ka ba pupunta?
Madilim na ang langit

Oo na, mahal na nga kita
At sana'y itigil na
Mga bulong ko sa hangin

Hindi ko na sinabi
At baka 'no pang mangyari sa 'tin
At di ko na rin binalak na
Umamin pa sayo oh...
Patawarin mo ko oh...

Hindi ko na sinabi
Hindi ko na sinabi
At di ko na rin binalak na
Umamin pa sayo oh...
Patawarin mo ko oh. ..

When It Began by The Replacements

My love for the Replacements started when I heard Paul Westerberg's work for the soundtrack for the Open Season animated movie. This song has the familiar acoustic feel of the Replacements. I just loved it's simplicity.

Stop at a light that shine bright blue
and where you've been is still in view
you stop at nothing at your first chance
now it's nothing like when it began
when it began
when it began
when it began

Long ago, or yesterday
the queen sits quietly, the jester plays
she plays off with their heads and on with my pants
oh and it was something, when it began
oh when it began
when it began
when it began

Oh and nothing
yeah that's something I understand
I dance, try to make you laugh
I play the fool a king at your command
oh yeah

I never had to bow to you when we began
now I can play you a tune
at your command
Ooo and if you say nothing
then that's something I'll understand
when it began
when we began
when it began
when it began

Don't Gimme No Lip by Pearl Jam

Was listening to the Lost Dogs album yesterday, a collection of Pearl Jam B Sides and Rare tracks (rare-tracks for the casual fans that is). I just love how simple a song can be but still have the appeal to be appealing. Pearl Jam sounds like a punk band in this song. I just love the energy as it really pops out of the speakers. It's like they're playing in your living room.

Don't give me no lip
Don't give me no lip
Don't give me no

Don't give me no lip, i've had my fill of it
Don't give me no lip, i've lost my taste for it
Don't give me no lip, you've got to face this shit
Don't give me no lip, Don't give me no lip

Don't give me no lip
Don't give me no lip
Don't give me no

Don't give me no lip, I'm just not having it
Don't give me no lip, stuck on your cigarette
Don't give me no lip, I'm wiping off the spit
Don't give me no lip, Don't give me no lip

It's just a problem
One I'll be solving
It's just a problem

Don't give me no lip
Don't give me no lip
Don't give me no lip

Halo by Foo Fighters

The song is simple yet powerful, just like any power pop song by Foo Fighters. The bass line is surprisingly creative as well especially at the 0:26 - 0:29, that was a refreshing lick. This is one was released at the time when my interest in Foo Fighters have been waning and I have moved to other bands. Listening to it again though revitalized my love for Dave Grohl and his band.

Good and bad I swear I've had them
Both are overrated
But isn't it fun
when you get hold of one

Some go bad and some come back
The good ones all get taken
I'm calling your bluff
You ain’t strong enough

Wait and pray you'll pick on me
the day I raise my hand
Guess that I've been blessed but I'll be damned

Halo god only knows
Right behind me everywhere I go

Say your prayers when you get scared
You pray you're gonna make it
and then when you're done
you keep fucking up

One day soon I'll disappear
and if you'll come I'll take you
somewhere to go
To keep from growing old

Wait and pray you'll pick on me the day I raise my hand
Guess that I've been blessed but I'll be damned

Halo god only knows
Right behind me everywhere I go

Disappear the light is fading
Disappear outside their range
Disappear I'm tired of waiting
Disappear before we fade away

Hits of Sunshine (For Allen Ginsberg) by Sonic Youth

From what i know Allen Ginsberg is a poet, but who he is won't matter in this entry. I magically encountered this song last sunday on the way to the office with the use of my mp3 players "Rarely Heard" function. Lo and Behold, I stumble upon this song from Sonic Youth's album A Thousand Leaves, which I previously ignored over and over. Now I love it! I'm not sure if the atmospher in a jam-packed jeepney help or the ride to MRT, but i now fully appreciate this song. Sonically, the song is beautiful. Nothing special with the guitar, drum or bass work. It's simple yet magical.

Today I
Said goodbye
To my conflicted goddess
Her lush eyes
Show surprise
At how we could gather knowledge The painting has a dream
Where shadow breaks the scene
And the colors run off
Blue is bashful
Green is my goal
Yellow girls are running backwards
Until the nextime
With six hits of sunshine
The lights will blind up with blues in haiku
The shadow has a dream
Where painters look to sea
The colors burn out
Now I know where
I once saw you
Stepping into muddy water
John's reflection
Decried perfection
Now you walk him through the gardren
Waiting in the wings
Painters shade their dreams
With falling colors
See me wave good
Bye forever
Happiness the goddess lover
Hurry back re
Member last time
The hits of sunshine
The hits of goldmine
I'll see you back tonite
Where painters love the light
And yellow shadow girls
Today I
Say goodbye
To my complicious goddess
Her hushed eyes
Show surprise
And how we captured knowledge
I'll see you back tonite
Where shadows dream of light
Let's slip on outside

Diamonds and Coal by Incubus

Of the songs from the Light Grenades, Diamonds and Coal is the most formulaic song. You would instantly recognize that it's Incubus. I love the depth of instruments used, especially the subtlety of the keys in the verses and the chorus. This is one of my early favoties in the album, as it is radio friendly and classic Incubus at it's finest

If it’s good to complicate then both of us are doing fine
Just keep your eyes on your part and leave me alone to mine
If it’s good to instigate we’re a fast horse, bet on us
I’m not calling you an animal, I think we just fight too much

Come on, in spite of this we’re doing just fine, Even diamonds start as coal
Give us time to shine, Even diamonds start as coal

We’re both aligned in framed of mind but circumstance has got us good
And now you’re seeing a side of me I wished no one ever would
Yeah, if it’s right to pick a fight, we’re fingers in a sugar bowl
Love isn’t perfect, Even diamonds start out as coal

Hey now, in spite of this we’re doing just fine, Even diamonds start as coal
Give us time to shine Even diamonds start as coal
We’re incomplete and infantine Even diamonds start as coal.

Give it time girl, the fire feels divine
The sweetest things they burn before they shine
We think way too much Look at us losing touch
A promise is a promise until...

Yeah, in spite of this we’re doing just fine Even diamonds start as coal
Give us time to shine Even diamonds starts as coal.
We’re incomplete and infantile Even diamonds start as coal

Anyone Can Play Guitar by Radiohead

Today is Rediscovering Radiohead's Pablo Honey Day. I listened to this song on the way to work and was just amazed by the song. It starts on with guitar noise drudgery and then loosens up with a bass riff coupled by steady drum play and distorted guitars. An instant classic. I just love how this song is paced, how the chorus comes in, it's just memorable!

Destiny, Destiny protect me from the world

Destiny, hold my hand protect me from the world

Here we are, with our running and confusion
And I don't see no confusion anywhere

And if the world does turn, and if London burns
I'll be standing on the beach with my guitar
I want to be in a band, when I get to heaven
Anyone can play guitar
And they won't be a nothing anymore

Growwww my hair, Grow my hair I am Jim Morrison
Growwww my hair, I wannabe wannabe wannabe Jim Morrison

Here we are with our running and confusion
And I don't see no confusion anywhere

And if the world does turn, and if London burns
I'll be standing on a beach with my guitar
I want to be in a band, when I get to heaven
Anyone can play guitar
And they won't be a nothing anymore

Sana by Up Dharma Down

This song's awesome. And the previous sentence is an understatement. I was not a fan that was turned into one by this song. The soaring guitar riff at around 03:44 mark, is what i would call a "boner" riff. It just turns this song ON.... into a monster and an OPM classic. That is enough to convince me to place this on my blog when i just heard this song played live last friday amid an array of technical difficulties. And I bought the album the day after. All that and i don't even have an idea what the lyrics is.

I Want You (She's So Heavy) by The Beatles

I was listening to this song earlier in the office. I already know that the Abbey Road is a special album, but it was a revealation listening to this on the way to work. I would definitely say that Paul McCartney pulled all the stops in this song. He was just plain grooving! I would have definitely loved to watch sir Paul perform this song in his all bearded glory!

A quick fact from Wikipedia... only 14 different words are used for the song! Top that!

I want you
I want you so bad
I want you,
I want you so bad
It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me mad.
I want you
I want you so bad babe
I want you,
I want you so bad
It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me mad.
I want you
I want you so bad babe
I want you,
I want you so bad
It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me mad.
I want you
I want you so bad
I want you,
I want you so bad
It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me ...
She’s so heavy heavy, heavy, heavy.

She's so heavy
She's so heavy, heavy, heavy

I want you
I want you so bad
I want you,
I want you so bad
It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me mad.
I want you
You know I want you so bad babe
I want you,
You know I want you so bad
It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me mad
Yeh!

She’s so...

Crystal Ball by Keane

When i first heard this song i was instantly convinced to buy myself a copy. It's a rare feeling for me, but this song will definitely outweigh 10 bad ones (fortunately the whole album is quite good). I just love this song period! I just relate to it I guess as I always remember my father when listening to this.

Who is the man I see
Where I'm supposed to be?
I lost my heart, I buried it too deep
Under the iron sea

Oh, crystal ball, crystal ball
Save us all, tell me life is beautiful
Mirror, mirror on the wall

Lines ever more unclear
Not sure I'm even here
The more I look the more I think that I'm
Starting to disappear

Oh, crystal ball, crystal ball
Save us all, tell me life is beautiful
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Oh, crystal ball, hear my song
I'm fading out, everything I know is wrong
So put me where I belong

I don't know where I am
And I don't really care
I look myself in the eye
There's no-one there
I fall upon the earth
I call upon the air
But all I get is the same old vacant stare

Oh, crystal ball, crystal ball
Save us all, tell me life is beautiful
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Oh, crystal ball, hear my song
I'm fading out, everything I know is wrong
So put me where I belong

Monkey Wrench by Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters is one of my favorite bands and Dave Grohl is one of my musical idols especially during HS. The song is on of the highlight cuts from Foo Fighter's sophomore effort, The Colour and the Shape. I can't believe that this song is around 12 years old, I still remember seeing a 3rd year HS student in UST carrying a copy while i was in 2nd year, asking my parents to buy one for me and reading an article on Time magazine (we previously carried a subscription). It's also amazing to know that Dave Grohl was the drummer for the album, while manning the guitars and writing the songs.

What have we done with innocence
It disappeared with time, it never made much sense
Adolescent resident
Wasting another night on planning my revenge

One in ten

Don't want to be your monkey wrench
One more indecent accident
I'd rather leave than suffer this
I'll never be your monkey wrench

All this time to make amends
What do you do when all your enemies are friends
Now and then I'll try to bend
Under pressure wind up snapping in the end

One in ten

Dont want to be your monkey wrench
One more indecent accident
I'd rather leave than suffer this
I'll never be your monkey wrench

One last thing before I quit I never wanted any more than
I could fit Into my head
I still remember every single word
You said and all the shit that somehow came along with it
Still there's one thing that comforts me since
I was Always caged and now Im free

Dont want to be your monkey wrench
One more indecent accident
I'd rather leave than suffer this
I'll never be your monkey wrench

Don't want to be your monkey wrench (fall in, fall out)
Don't want to be your monkey wrench (fall in, fall out)
Don't want to be your monkey wrench (fall in, fall out)
Don't want to be your monkey wrench