Adele

There are so many good musicians today, and I maintain that most of them are not found in mainstream music. But there are a few gems. One of them is Adele.

The first song I heard from her was “Chasing Pavements” during my rare moments to listen to Philippine radio.  The first thing that struck me was the awesome voice; it almost pierced me (in a good way). The same voice conjured a strong recall with ”Hometown Glory”, and it finally sealed the deal for me when I heard her version of the Bob Dylan classic, “Make You Feel My Love”. From the night I heard that on YouTube, I fell in love with Adele.

Her songs give me the goosebumps, and she’s such a great storyteller! I guess that’s reason why she didn’t suffer the sophomore slump. I read the creative process that she went through and how she came up with the album and I was totally blown away.

Guys, sometimes Wiki is informative. Read up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21_(Adele_album)

As a writer, I am more interested on how a piece or an idea was borne; the creative process. That’s where most of the juice is. Satisfied with what I had read and heard, I purchased her album digitally and song after song was brilliant.

Rolling in the Deep. Seldom do we hear something so raw in pop. Kudos to the indie guy Paul Epworth!

Turning Tables is another masterpiece. Listening to Adele would seem as if you’ve gone through so much heartbreak! You could actually feel what she wanted to say, and not many singers today are able to evoke that kind of feeling from their listeners.

Someone like you was the first song I heard off of 21. Ladies and gentlemen, Adele can sing. She can write, and she can really tell a story with her voice.

I say, if you’re in the same state as Adele in this album (who had suffered a heartbreak), I recommend 21 to you. In the end, Adele goes full circle; wishing the best for the guy and moving on. I think the message is clear… you have to move on

I think the album was well thought of and it spoke to a specific audience. Those out of that audience should be curious.

Musically, I think Adele has much to improve and to show. She’s young and she’s beginning to explore what else she can do. I agree with critics when they said that Adele is a cut above the rest. Lady Gaga should learn from her.

Because appreciation is valuable to the universe

By simple and contestable definition, art is the creation of beauty. It is human-made, thought-provoking, and requires skill or craft. Art is a complex subject matter because it does not only mean paintings or objects drawn, formed, and ‘colored ‘ by humans, but it also encompasses film and even, music.

In the history of art, there has been much debate as to what are the things that could and should be considered under the bracket, ART. Schools have been formed, and those who have different styles were shunned from these, but they were eventually considered and accepted as forms of art. Therefore we had a fine mix of realists, surrealists, and even Dadaists; pop, shoegaze, alternative, folk, and even hard metal for music over the centuries.

It takes a certain amount of intellect and human understanding to appreciate art, or music to be specific. Others easily tag something as “crap”, but let it be known that it does not and should not immediately translate to being ‘not art/music” just because the form/sound does not appeal to you.

The reason why I said that is because beauty (as defined by the premise that art is the creation of beauty, and that music falls in that category) is seen in different perspectives and you cannot expect everyone to agree with what you think is beautiful. To say “to each his own” does not degrade music, in fact, it hastens its complexity. Embrace it.

Click on the image to enlarge

The good news is people can learn how to appreciate music no matter what genre it is; similar to how maturity is free and that everyone is welcome to avail it. In addition, a formal school is not really needed, but advocacy on art/ music appreciation might be necessary.

Appreciating and understanding different forms of art/ music by considering the era, movement, and style or genre can improve your work, especially if you’re an artist/ musician. It can also enhance the pleasure you get from it. Moreover, this level of gratification is increased when we consider the one who created that piece. You get to infer what influences were at play in the creative process. You especially get to be inspired when you find out that they are… not ordinary.

Again, appreciation and understanding different forms of art/ music by knowing the era, movement, style or genre, and even the person who created it can improve your work and enhance the pleasure you get from these. This is added knowledge on top of your skill. Inability to do so can result to poor development. An Arabian proverb summarizes this point very well: “Arrogance diminishes wisdom.”

Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is Art. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist

Based on the conversation in the photo above, is this kid producing music?

 

Person 1 says no, it is not. It is noise. Person 2 hints it is. Person 3 believes the point of the video is entirely different.

This kid is diagnosed as having autism and to be resourceful and to play ‘drums’ like this is amazing. Hard metal rock may not be my preferred musical genre, but I appreciate that this kid is able to play, that this kid is resourceful, and that this kid reproduces music. And yes, I think this is still considered music although I do not prefer this genre.

Music, obviously, has different standards. I believe that this is the reason why various genres exist. But it is impossible to say that there is only one set of standards; “The one that had been set by most of mainstream society a long time ago.” If that were true, I would have to like the music of Willie Revillame.

Art is the expression of life and the world. Music is art because it also falls under that definition. Correct?

Mr Bong Perez, painter and instructor from the University of the Philippines Mindanao repeatedly says in his Art History class that Art is the creation of beauty, but beauty is very subjective. What is art to you may not be art for others, but art can always be appreciated. Therefore, I say, this can also be applied to music, and different forms of music can always be appreciated.

Now, observe person 1 as he moves from “this kid sucks chicken feet. It’s full of inconsistent timing.” (he can’t play) to “THE KID CAN’T PLAY THAT GOOD” (he can play, but he’s just not good). I hope that that is the start of music appreciation because it provoked him to think and to consider other standards. Hopefully, the same applies to everyone.

Lastly, it is okay to debate but to degrade one just because he does not agree with what you say is not debate at all. It is cowardice. Panic later and present matter to the table, not attitude.

The conversation ended like this:

1:

No, you don’t cause you’re a moron.

1:

There’s no use arguing with YOU cause you can’t understand jack crap. :]

2:

be open, 1. It has so much good effect on you. don’t be moronic.

1:

Get a brain, 2, it might reveal how embarrassing your attempts to beat me are. Don’t be a butt-wipe.

1:

You debate like a dumb Blonde…and that wasn’t a compliment. Just in case you didn’t know.

1:

You SUCK at finishing arguments that YOU started. I debate online threads and discussions all the time. I eat noobs like you for breakfast. You’re nothing but a small-fry.

In memory of the Winehouse..

People may remember her for her mistakes and strange ways, but Amy Winehouse will always stand out as one of the best voices the industry has ever had. I woke up today reading more about her and listening to her music. There’s more to Rehab.

Listen to this song:

R.I.P. Amy

The 9089 Project

Hello guys! It’s the 30th of June. Yey! And this is my 100th blog post. *Applauds self for staying this long in blogging*

As promised, I’m gonna share something new in this blog. I would like to introduce everybody to The 9089 Project.

This blog is about music; sounds that are a disconnect from mainstream or pop.  We listen to the song, and if we like it, we share it.

Anyway, just go to the site, and enjoy. Music will be uploaded from time to time. Hopefully, we get to come up with a very good music library.

LINK: http://the9089project.tumblr.com/

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Questions:

1. Why the 9089 Project?

9089 stands for the year of birth’s of the men behind this project, 1990 and 1989. We decided to call it a project because of the goal to share music and to make a library. Hopefully, it challenges mindsets and makes people more open to the kind of music we share.

2. What is the 9089 Project?

The 9089 Project is a music blog that compiles really good music, most likely, on the alternative-indie side. Moreover, this blog will also show pictures from time to time.

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Sorry about the contest, but, I wasn’t able to choose a good entry. BUT! You can keep on sending them and if ever I like one, then I’m going to send you your goodies. Those who have sent entries may try again. Come on, guys! You can do better.

Bon Iver doesn’t exist in the Philippines!

Hi! How is your week so far?

I have to tell you something.

The Philippines is missing out on a lot of good music, and one of them is Bon Iver’s music. I am saddened by this. Apparently, they don’t exist in the Philippines.

Before anything else, let me introduce you to their sound.

Perth – Bon Iver [Bon Iver, 2011]

Isn’t this a good one?

I’m looking for this self-titled album of Bon Iver (bone ee-VAIR), but I couldn’t find it in 5 music stores. It’s not on the shelves [yet]! (But I’m keeping my fingers crossed).

And I am so sad that whenever I ask for Bon Iver, the ladies would immediately lead me to KPOP. Does Bon Iver sound Korean? Moreover, it hurts me when I’m heard wrongly even when I know I’ve said it clearly.

Sergei: ”Ate, may Bon Iver ba kayo?”

Ate: “Bonnie Iver, sir?”

Sergei: “Bon Iver po.”

Ate: “Bonnie Iver…”

Sergei: “BON IVER!!”

Seriously, the Philipppines is missing out on a lot of good music. It hurts my ears whenever I hear songs that rot your brain to the core. I understand that when it’s catchy, it gives you the LSS. And there would be times that you want to hear them over and over again.

But then look at the most prevalent type of music in the country. Somehow, it reflects the kind of society we have. Even the types of people these listeners want to become. Do we really want that? (Sluts, drunkcards, emotional/ suicidal, etc.) Maybe if we listened to good ones, we can turn the society around? Maybe.

There were days when OPM was really good. Back when music was really music in the country, and every Filipino seemed to have identified with the sound because it spoke to them. Today, the likes of Gaga, 2ne1, Ke$ha, and et cetera talk to people to become… nvm.

I’m just saying that maybe if we changed the stuff we listen to, we could grow intellectually. And live in a society that wants to progress and see beauty in life. Let’s stop pretending we wake up feeling like P. Diddy because it will never happen. You can never be a hermaphrodite like Gaga. And it’s never cool to be like them.

But oh well. Bon Iver still does not exist in the Philippines! And many other good artists and bands! If anyone of you has found Bon Iver in the Philippines, I beg you to e-mail me. I wanna smell the CD and leaf through the album . It’s something torrent does not give.

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Egay is out, and Falcon… well, he’s still here. I think the Philippines has run out of names for Philippine typhoons. I wonder if they can get more creative. Personally, I would want to hear something like Typhoon Berting Labrador, or something like that. But then again, the name has to sound… destructive. (‘Sif Egay is!)

I apologize for the lack of updates. I’ve just been very busy the past days, and the unexpected damage of my pc and the cut Internet have made it hard for me to blog. BUT, not to worry. I’m still positive that I would be able to publish the 100th post this month. I still have 2 more to go, and a few more days to update! So continue checking out the blog. Moreover, check out this blog on the 30th. I have something new.

Aftermath

Hillsong United was in Manila a few weeks ago. I wasn’t able to go (yeah, I do feel bad. I should have gone… but… next time!)

Same photo they have on the billboard going to Araneta if you're coming from the South

Anyhow, I want to share with you today three songs I play most from their newest album, Aftermath.

I’m sure these will inspire you too to keep pressing on with faith.

Reflect on Matthew 14:24-32.

You might want to buy the album! It’s a good purchase. I love the artwork they did here, lyrics included, AND the amazing scent that CD’s have. Always a plus!

Take Heart

 

 

 

 

Joel Houston talks about the Album:

 

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3 posts til 100th blog post! Something new soon. Woohoo!

Let’s Go to Banchetto-Pioneer!

Tattooed Tears – Ice Cream Shout

Kalesa Ride : Intramuros

Rain Rain (Henning Furst Remix)- Loredana

Music! Music!

Hey! I was out to focus on graduation preparations the past days and so I am sorry for not having updated the blog lately. I’m too sick right now to even think of a good comeback post, but then I thought of sharing some good music I’ve been listening to today.

Radiohead

Lee Marvin

Jon Hopkins

and etc.

I’m leaving Davao in a few days (right after Graduation Day) and I’ll be leaving my hometown (General Santos) as well in exchange for an adventure up north. And these are the songs I keep playing today that helped me think clearly about all the things I have do to before the big move. It’s time to list all of them.

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I’ll be back as soon as I am home. That would probably the day after my graduation. Wooo! A degree, finally. And…. Happy graduation, UP! See you next week.

Saturday Music

Hello! I’m trying to update the blog as frequently as I did before, but I’m still catching up on sleep so I hope you understand. Anyway, today’s post is music suggestions for a relaxing Saturday. I am currently at home just spending time with relatives. What about you? Any plans for the weekend?

The five suggestions:

1. Death Cab for Cutie’s new single: You’re A Tourist

I like this track because of the lyrics. Good lyrics can relax the soul. [Check it out here: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858864560/]

 

 

2. Tycho’s Disconnect

 

 

 

 

3. The Stroke’s Gratisfaction

 

 

 

 

4. Wildbirds and Peacedrums’ The Course

This track has an interesting story to tell. It pays trying to figure it out. [Lyrics: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858863555/]

 

5. Jon Hopkins’ Light Through the Veins

You probably heard this track before. Coldplay.

 

 

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Also, you might also want to read this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/apr/08/nick-clegg-songs-make-writers-cry?CMP=NECNETTXT766%29

What are the tracks that make you weep?