PETER PAN FROM INDONESIA

I was never into Malay or Indonesia music. For 30 years or more I have steered clear of them. I know not why but Malay / Indonesia music just doesn't seems to gel with me. All these changed when I was sent to Kalimantan, Indonesia for a month long project in the year 2008. It was only a few hours ride by air plane  from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Jakarta Airport but the journey from Jakarta Airport to our final destination in Kalimantan took thirteen hours by road. The road was long, winding and bumpy. The driver was quite a character without an ounch of discipline in him. He would rave off by himself singing and taping on the desh board with the Cd player going at full blast as if we were oblivious. And all through the sixteen hours to and fro from the airport to Kalimantan, he only have one Cd playing. It was by a local band called Peterpan and at the end of the Cd, there were a few songs by Andy Williams. Before this I have never ever heard of Peterpan but having it drummed right into my consciousness for 16 hours, I must be brain dead to not absorb some of the music.Initially it was just noise to me as the driver was playing it at full blast, but as the hours passed, and having listened to the Cd for close to a hundred times, I begin to hear through the noise and grudgedly admit they was quite good. I was thankful that I asked the driver the name of the group. It took me a year to scout the songs out through my recollection of the songs from my memories.

SEBUAH NAMA, SEBUAH CHERITA : After a year, after I was captivated by a few songs from Peterpan I found this double Cd. It was the first time I've actually spend good  money on an Indonesia Cd at the given price. No discount here. Through recollections, I only managed to remember six of the tracks out of 30 tracks. Peterpan is make up of the charisma lead singer Ariel ( Nazril Irham ), Uki ( Mohammad Kautsar Hikmat ) and Lukman ( Lukman Hakim ) on guitar and Reza ( Iisah Ryan Reza ) on drum. Now I wouldn't call Ariel a great singer and he does know his limit for he doesn't stretch his vocal chord. He keeps his vocal low admit the loud arresting musical background. Those tunes that lingered in my mind are 'Mungkin Nanti', 'Ada Apa Denganmu', 'Ku Katakan Dengan Indah', 'Mimpi Yang Sempurna', 'Aku Dan Bintang' and ' Hari Yang Cerah Untuk Jiwa Yang Segi.' I am only interested in recollecting those hard but memorable times in Kalimantan so the other tracks I really have no interest in. DOP : 7th February 2009

Ariel

HARI YANG CERAH...I got this for $5.00. This guys have really grown on me. I have been looking for their past Cd on the discount bin. I was hoping to discover some other gems from their Cd but I haven't really been paying attention. ' Menghapus Jejakmu'  sounds like they are murmuring to themselves but still you can't deny their charm although I wouldn't recommend this to be the first cut on the album. 'Hati Yang Cerah Untuk Jiwa Yang Segi' is the only tune that I am familiar from their greatest hits Cd. 'Di Balik awan Kota Mati'  offered much of the same. The fourth song ' Melawan Dunia' in the same mould is beginning to sound weary. 'Sally Sendiri'  is slightly uptempo and was on the Greatest Hits Cd too.'Lihat Langkahku' continued the same mode but it's still catchy pop. 'Bebas' is slightly different 'cos I guess the vocalist is different but the mood is the same. 'Cobalah Mengerti' and 'Dunia Yang Terlupa' are basically the same song with a slightly melody. All in all this is rather an acoustic album with a few hooks here and there. Made a good listen.  DOP : 15th November 2012.

PETER PAN PRESENTS ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK " ALEXANDRIA"
This will probably be the last Peter Pan album that I will buy. I have been searching for this and finally found it at $5.00 a piece. All the ten songs here are culled from their past albums and all are included on their Greatest Hits Cd. Starting out with 'Tak Bisakah' which was a song that I've originally heard while in Indonesia The tracks that follows are 'Juah Mimpiku', 'Membebaniku.' ,'Menunggu Pagi.' and 'Kukatakan Dengan Indah' which serves as a reminder that Peter Pan could be real good at the ballads. The reminding tracks are 'Sahabat', ' and Aku & Bintang' which deserve special mention due to it's bountiful melody which reminds me of a similar sounding track on their Greatest Hits Cd.  'Mungkin Nanti', is another winning ballad. 'Dibelakangku' and 'Langkit Tak Mendengar.' DOP : 8th September 2013

INHOUSE MIX : Another Cd I picked off the bargain bin for $5.00. This one is the least interesting of the lots. What makes Peter Pan interesting was their acoustic style of playing and what this mix did was take away the very essence that made Peter Pan interesting in the first place. Eleven tracks and all were commonly treated with the totally unnecessary constant thumbing of a disco beat. If I have not look at the player I wouldn't have notice the different songs at all and if the driver who introduced Peter Pan to me had played this Cd all through the journey, I would probably have jumped out of the car, rather than endure more than 13 hours of this torture. DOP : 4th August 2012.

IKAN KEKEK : This children's Cd was a prize that I've won from a radio contest.  Anyway, what this Cd have was three songs that was embedded in my mind as a child from those days of long ago. 'Rasa Sayang', a song that was as old as the hill, 'Burung Kakak Tua', an ancient Indonesia folk song which I've taught my two colleagues from China to sing when they told me that they wanted to bring something memorable back home. This version was modernized with additional lyric added. It's listenable but I would much rather prefer the traditional version. ' Mama Sayang Papa', is the English version of 'Papa Loves Mama', which I have been searching for since my father played this song  when I was probably still a toddle. I have since found the English version. For this three tracks alone, I guess this Cd have earned its place in my collection. Other songs that I quite liked are 'Jong Jomg Inai', 'Suriram'. 'Ikan  Kekek' and 'Kain Pelikat.' Artists as varies as Sheila Majid, Dato' S. M. Salim and Jamal Adbillah are involved in this project. DOP : A prize from a radio show 24th November 2000.

READER'S DIGEST'S FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF MUSIC

As a kid growing up, I am not totally unfamiliar with Reader's Digest and it's various titles 'cos now and then I do come across a copy of it left lying around by my brothers. It wasn't long before they ventured into the music business and to most it was a good thing. There were Reader's Digest set of records of course and they usually comes in a set of 10 vinyls which was too pricey for me. Most music lovers would welcome these releases but it wasn't so for me 'cos I have most of the music. It was during these trying times for Cds, that the Reader's Digest Cd came to be sold so cheap that it's almost a steal. I came across these few Cds at a fleas market and not surprisingly I grabbed it up even thought I have most of the songs. These are new Cds, mind you and not used.

 WE LOVE PIRATE RADIO - 60'S FAVOURITES : CD 1 : TURNING INTO THE HITS : started of with one of Dusty Springfield's or one of the all time best ballad 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me'. It's one of those songs that I can never get tired of. Next to follow is The Toys' equally captivating 'A Lover's Concerto.'For any collectors who don't have these two songs, these two songs along are worth the price of this Cd set. Aretha Franklin's 'Respect' may be great to most but I'm afraid I don't have much respect for it. Just not my cup of tea. The Foundation's 'Baby, Now That I've Found You' is more up my street. A typical 60's style pop. My first encounter with 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' was through Creedence Clearwater Revival who made it into a 13 minutes opus. Marvin Gaye's version is not too bad but I rather prefer CCR's version. Another CCR covered track 'I Put A Spell On You' by Alan Price Set here is given a more soulful reading. Chris Montez's 'The More I See You' is a slightly uptempo track that is quite enjoyable. '1,2,3' by Len Barry is an easy sounding song with simply lyric that's aimed for the kids or the kids in us.Donovan may be big in the 60's but I am not very familiar with his songs. His 'Sunshine Superman' here is quite pleasant to the ears.

Dusty Springfield

 'Excerpt From A Teenage Opera' by Keith West is the kind
of songs that is instantly likable. I have this song on vinyl and this is it's first showing on Cd. 'Good Timin' by Jimmy Jones is a novelty song that will probably bring a smile on your face. 'Michelle' by The Overlanders is of course the Lennon / McCartney's song that The Beatles didn't release as a single. 'Marie' by P.J. Proby is the much covered song from the "West Side Story' soundtrack. I first heard this song ' Bang Bang

Marvin Gaye

[ My Baby Shot Me Down ] in the "Kill Bill" movie. Here it was presented by Cher. Barry McGuire's 'Eve Of Destruction' is a fine track. Scott McKenzie 's 60's hippy anthem 'San Francisco [ Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair ]' closes this first Cd.

Diana Ross & The Supremes

Simon & Garfunkel

CD 2 : GREAT GROUPS FROM A GOLDEN ERA : CD 2 :  'Foot Tapper's is just one of the many hits that The Shadows have after their classic 'Apache.' Diana Ross & The Supremes' 'You Can't Hurry Love' was of course remake by Phil Collins in the 80's which deservedly become a hit all over again. There are not really that many Beach Boys' songs that I like but 'Sloop John B' are is one of them. I used to play and sing this with my guitar with my Hash House Gathering mates. I've always like and wanted The Four Tops' 'Reach Out I'll Be There' and now suddenly I have two. One here and one on another Cd. Same goes with The Box Tops' 'The Letter.' Simon & Garfunkel's The Sound Of Silence' needs no introduction. The Lovin' Spoonful were big in the 60's and I am not really familiar with their music and their 'Do You Believe In Magic' is a good introduction here. 'Monday, Monday' is another iconic hit by The Mamas & The Papas that will stick to your head. 'Green Tamborine' by The Green Tambourine was a song I use to heard way back being sung by a local female singer. 'Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me' by Gladys Knights & The Pips are new to me. I first heard The Temptation's 'The Way You Do The Things You Do' by Rita Coolidge and I don't see any different in tempo or arrangement. 'Crimson & Clover' by Tommy James & The Shondells I'm ashamed to say I only became aware

Tommy James & The Shondells

 of when Joan Jett & The Blackhearts covered it. A groundbreaking song to me. The Troggs' Wild Thing' is a song that always cropped up during song quiz and this is my first ownership of this song but frankly I am not too fond of the song. 'Mr. Tamborine Man' by The Byrds is of course one of the best Bob Dylan's covered song albeit a bit short as compared to the original. 'Hang  On Sloopy' by The McCoys is one of the best representative of the A Go Go era during the 60's. The Kingmen's 'Louis, Louis' is typical 60's stuffs while The Animals' classic 'The House Of The Rising Sun' is a new version here different from the one I've first heard as a youth in the swinging and turbulent 60's.

Petula Clark

CD 3 : BRITISH BEAT BOOM : Would you believe that the first time I heard The Spencer Davis Group's 'Gimme Some Lovin' was a version by Olivia Newton John, the singing milkshake of the 70's who metamorphosed into a red hot diva in the 80's after the smash hit "Grease." Maybe it's the sentimentality in me but I still preferred Olivia's version. 'High Time' by Paul Jones is not too bad while The Small Faces' 'Sha La La La Lee' sure brings the good old times of the 60's. 'Got To Get You Into My Life' by Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers is a reminder that you just don't mess around with The Beatles. This is almost a note to note version of the original but somehow doesn't even come close to The Fab Four. 'Do You Love Me' is a commendable version by Brian Poole & The Tremeloes but this song really belongs to The Contours. like 'Don
The soul just wasn't there. I never really

The Small Faces

Brian Poole & The Tremeloes

n't Move Me Over' by this version by The Swinging Blue Jeans renew my interest in this song. I have several version of 'A Groovy Kind Of Love' by The Mindbenders but I just can't get tired of this song. 'I Couldn't Live Without Your Love' is the kind of big ballad that is well suited for Petula Clark and this was the first time I heard this and I like it. 'Get Away' by Georgie Fame is fine and so is 'Mama' by Dave Berry but somehow hearing a full grown man crying for his mama can be quite unnerving to some. 'Stop, Stop, Stop' by The Hollies is a joy to listen to anytime even though I've already have the song. Money [ That's What I Want ]' by The Searchers is quite a different version than The Beatles which I am more familiar with. The Searchers sounded more pop while The Beatles more rock oriented. 'Do You Want To Know A Secret' by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas suffered the same fate as the earlier Beatles cover. First time I've ever heard Sadie Shaw's 'Love Live Love' and I like it immediately. I've always have a thing for girl names' song and 'Caroline' by The Fortunes is a nice addition to my list of name songs.This disc closed with the Gerry & The Pacemakers' 'Ferry Cross The Mersey.'

The Drifters

CD 4 : ROCKIN' THE BOAT : I first heard 'Harlem Shuffle' by The Rolling Stones and this original by Bob And Earl paled in comparision. 'The Clapping Song' by Shirley Ellis is a fun song that is sure to be loved by kids. I love it too. 'I Got You [ I Feel Good ]' by James Brown needs no introduction. I was just surprised that it was from the 60's. 'Sweet Soul Music' by Arthur Conley started with an intro like 'The Magnificent Seven' but it will nevertheless get you rocking and grooving on the floor. Wilson Pickett goes soulful in 'In The Midnight Hour.' It's a nice change to hear Otis Redding singing The Rolling Stones' classic [ I Can't Get No ] 'Satisfaction' but unsurprisingly it doesn't hold a candle to the original. 'Show Me' by Joe Tex is tolerable I guess. 

 'Come On Over To My Place' by The Drifters is kind of cute. The Capitols' Cool Jerk

Otis Redding

' is a forgettable track that you can dance to. 'Sweet Talkin Guy' by The Cliffons is plesant to the ears though forgettable. Dobie Gray's 'Out On The Floor' may not be able to do that but it is nevertheless good for a listen. The intro of 'Land Of 1,000 Dances' by Cannibal and The Headhunters have been in my mind for a few decades with me knowing where it came from and now only I know. 'Five O' Clock World' by The Vogues is a worthwhile track. 'Baby, I'm Yours' by Barbara Lewis is a sweet song of devotion that I first heard sung by Debbie Boone. Unlike the previous three discs, this one closes 'Stay With Me Baby' by Lorraine Ellison which is simply not on par with the previous three closing numbers.


 

Dionne Warwick

Cilla Black

CD 5 : POP GO TO THE PIRATE : There are a numbers of songs by Lulu that I like but unfortunaly 'Shout' which they chooses to start off this disc is not one of them. 'My Guy' by Mary Wells is more the kind of ballads that I like. 'That's Nice' by Neil Christian is a nice bouncy number. ' Winchester Cathedral' by The Vaudeville Band is again one of those songs that you just can't not like. Sonny & Cher is represented here by arguably their most popular hit 'I Got You, Babe.' Personally I am not too crazy about this song. They have better songs than this. The Seekers is covered here by their most enduring hit 'I'll Never Find Another You' which is right up there among the best from the 60's. 'Walk On By' by Dionne Warwick is yet another one that is up there 'You're My World [ Ll Miowas one of the song that made me fall in love with Cilla Black in the 60's. 'A World Without Love' is a Paul McCartney's song featuring Peter & Gordon. 'Yesterday Man' by Chris Andrews sounds so familiar but I can't put my fingers on it. The following three songs need no introduction and the Cd closes with the appropriately titled 'The Party's Over' by Shirley Bassey. DOP : 21st July 2013.

The Seekers

'

Patsy Cline

ALL - TIME COUNTRY FAVOURITES KINGS AND QUEENS : CD 1 : THE FIRST LADIES :  have 24 tracks. Loretta Lynn's joyful 'To Make A Man [ Feel Like A Man ]' starts off the Cd splendidly setting the mood. Patsy Cline followed with the classic 'Crazy Dreams' and 'Honky Tonk Merry Go Round.'  Donna Fargo's 'Daddy' is not too bad. The rest of the packs are use your usual run of the mill country songs. Lynn Anderson's 'How Can I Unlove You' is not too bad either but somehow I can't go pass her monster hit 'Rose Garden' and it's flip side 'Hello Darling' which unfortunately are not included here although I've have them on other Cd. Kitty Well's 'Amigo's Guitar' is a cute little number as was Loretta Lynn's 'One's On The Way.' I like Tanya Tucker's San Antonio Stroll' and 'What's Your Mama's Name.' It's nice to hear another version of the monster Rod Stewart's hit 'I Don't Want To Talk About It' but this version by Billie Jo Spears is devoid of any emotion as sung so beautifully by Rod Stewart. I've always like Bobbie Gentry's version of 'Raindrops Keeps Falling On My Head' so the inclusion of this track was a real treat for me. Brenda Lee served us two find tear jerkers in 'As Usual' and 'Nobody Wins.' Tammy Wynette followed suite with the equally fine but heart breaking 'Bedtime Story.'

Johnny Cash & June Carter

CD 2 : CLASSIC DUETS :  Kenny Rogers seems real popular here with quite many songs here. His winning duet with Dottie West , ' Every Time Two World Collide'  set the mood for the rest of the Cd. Thought it's a parting song, George Jones & Melba Montgomery made 'We Must Have Been Out Of Our Mind' sounds so charming. I have Glen Campbell & Bobbie Gentry's 'All I Have To Do Is Dream' on vinyl. Matter of fact this was the first time I've heard this song. Wonder why they called it a duet, you can't hear Bobbie Gentry here at all. I like Tammy Wynette & David Houston's version of 'My Elusive Dreams.' I first heard this sung by Glen Campbell & Bobbie Gentry from the same EP but this was still a nice version.'Long Legged Guitar Pickin' Man' is a playful song playfully sang by Johnny Cash & June Carter. 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee' was a popular hymn that was recorded separated by Willie Nelson & Patsy Cline but was mingled by the wonder of modern technology after the tragic death of the latter. 'Your Husband, My Wife's is a tale of forbidden love sung by Bobby Bare & Skeeter Davis. 'You And I' was a song by Eddie Rabbit & Crystal Gayle that I recalled from my teenage years. This is the modern country songs that i like. Sure brings back some pleasant memories. 'I Don't Want To Have To Marry You' by Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius sure give it to you straight in the eyes. A nice one to dedicate to a clinging boy or girlfriend. 'Who's Gonna Take Your Garbage Out' is a delightful change of words between Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn. 'Have You Ever Been Lonely [ Have You Ever Been Blue ] by the evergreen Jim Reeves & Patsy Cline have a lonesome feel to it. Kenny Rogers's duets with Kim Carnes, ' Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer' and with Sheena Easton, 'We've Got Tonight' are both songs from the eighties. Johnny Duncan & Janie Fricke did a strange version of 'She's Out Of My Life', the same song that Michael Jackson did. Stranger still, I think I like this version more than The Gloved One's version.

George Jones

Waylon Jennings

CD 3 : KINGS OF COUNTRY : The last Cd have lots of Kenny Rogers who started off with the classic 'The Gambler' which was made into a TV mini movie with the same name. Hot on the heel is an old Glen Campbell favourite 'Country Boy [ You Got Your Feet In LA ]. 'Blue Skies' by Willie Nelson kept the steam going. An interesting track here was Jim Reeves' 'I Won't Come In While He's There' which is a sequence of sort to the smash 'He Have To Go.' Have to admit this is the first time I've heard Charley Pride sings and his ' I'd Rather Love You' is not bad at all. May even get me digging out his other recordings. I have always like Conway Twitty but I've never really got round to getting any of his Cd 'cos they doesn't have the one song that I love tremendously, 'Sound Of An Angel's Wings' which is a lovely but sad forlorn love song. I will get the Cd if it contain this song.Till then 'Next In Line' will have to do till then. 'Thanks A Lot' by Ernest Tubb And His Texas Troubadours is a goodbye song that is sang in jest and is really enjoyable in spite of it's content matter. 'The All-American Boy' by Bobby Bare should get those rebellious youths on the floor in those drug free days of innocent. 'Begging To You' by Marty Robbins will have you begging with him. Waylon Jennings is another artist that I've never got around to listen to and his 'Rainy Day Woman' does suggest that I may be missing out on a good thing. I like country music with a bit of rebellious in it and he just fits the bill. I just love this comedy piece 'One Piece At A Time' by Johnny Cash. Carl Smith's 'Are You Teasing Me' is those usually love gone wrong country song but this one does have that slight edge that grabs your attention, well at least my attention. Ditto with George Jones' Still Doin' Time. Merle Haggard's If We Make It Through December' may tug at those heart string of those sentimental fools but not me, I am more hardened. The song's about a man who lost his job around te time of Christmas and couldn't get a present for his little girl. Sure is nice to hear a country version of this very popular pop hit 'You've Got A Friend' by Don Williams. It's been quite a while since I've heard Mickey Gilley's version of 'Stand By Me' that I almost forgot about it but it sure is a good blast from the past. B.J. Thomas made quite a few good recordings in his career but 'Hooked On A Feeling' although first came into prominence through him was not the definite version. The definite and the best version came Blue Swede. Period. Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson have that whole twangy county feel that is a fine closer to this fine collection. DOP : 21st July 2013.

Willie Nelson

UNFORGETTABLE SINGERS, UNFORGETTABLE SONGS : THE TWO OF US : I've always have a fondness for the male / female genre songs so this triple CD is a heaven sent for me. Consisting of 3 discs, this is also a steal for me.

 

DISC 1 : YOU AND I : Starting with the firm favourite, the beautiful 'Reunited' by Peaches & Herb, followed by the Grammy winning Billy Preston & Syreeta's pairing of 'With You I'm Born Again.' Not really my favourite but it does evoked memories of my days in college when I use to listen to this song while sleeping. The rest that followed needs no introduction. 'Endless Love,' 'Tonight, I Celebrate My Love', 'We've Got Tonight', and the title track 'You And I.' which also hacked back to those carefree days of colledge lives. 'How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye' by Dionne Warwick & Luther Vandross, thought not necessary a bad track was essentially eclipsed by the more familiar songs it was sandwiched in. 'Summer Wine' by Nancy Boyd & Demi Roussos is a real surprise here for I've only ever heard the original version by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood. Poor Dionne Warwick did another lesser duet here with Barry Manilow with The Bee Gees 'Run To Me.' She should have been represented here with 'That's What Friends Are For' that should blow the rest away. 'Real Love' by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers is a pleasant enough song that may grow on you in time. ' ( I've Had ) The Time Of My Life' of course if the award winning song from "Dirty Dancing" by Bill Merdley & Jennifer Warnes. I wasn't exacted crazy about 'Solid' by Ashford & Simpson  but it does have a killer chorus. Don't like 'Watching The Hands Of Time At All.' Vincenzo La Scola featuring Cliff Richard's collective effort 'My Love'  is the definite highlight for me here. It's the kind of songs that hit you right smack in the face and stays in your head for days. 'The Last Nigh Of The World' which is also the last track here have the weird pairing of Placido Domingo & Carly Simon. Though not particularity bad, it's not terribly exciting either.

 

Donna Summer

SOUNDS OF THE SEVENTIES :. CD 1 - SO YOU WIN AGAIN - THE HITS OF 1977 : This is more up my street for the music here are certainly more contemporary. Disc 1 have ' I Feel Love' by Donna Summer, 'Easy' by The Commodores, 'Silver Lady by David Soul and a surprise showing of Paul McCartney & Wings monster hit of 1977, 'Mull Of Kintyre.'  All these I've already have. The interesting ones that I don't have are Baccara's 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' which is an interesting song with their German accent. Hot Chocolate's 'So You Win Again' is a good sound from the past. It must have been buried deep down in my mind. Dido with 'Whodunit' by Tavares whom I've only ever heard of doing The Bee Gees number from the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. 'Oh Lori' an acoustic by Alessi could grow on you. 'Baby I Know'  a slow number by Rubettes is definitely a firm favourite. 'Egyptian Reggae' an instrumental from Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers will definitely have you swaying your hips. 'Year Of The Cat' by Al Stewart is a welcome addition to my collection. I have this on vinyl and this is the first time I have it on Cd. Now if I can only find 'Time Passage.'

The New Seekers

David Soul

CD 2 - I WANNA GO : Disc 2 starts of with the awesome and beautiful 'Don't Cry For Me, Argentina' by Julie Covington, a song so beautiful that I could never get tired of listening even thought I've already have it on other Cd. 'Star Wars Theme' by London Cinema Orchestra really does brings back those memories of great cinema moments from this particular movie. The Drifters' 'You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Book' lifted the tempo on this playful number. 'L'Oiseau Et L'Enfant' by Marie Myriam is actually the French version of 'The Bird And The Child' which was one of my favourite female song of the 70's. 'Crazy Water' is one of those forgettable number by Elton John. 'Ain't Gonna Bump No More [ With No Fat Woman ] by Joe Tex is a better number. At least it will keep your feet moving. 'Every Little Teardrop' by Gallagher and Lyle is quite a nice tune. Meri Wilson's 'Telephone Man' is a fun number that sounds like she is taking the mickey out of the man but hey we are not complaining. 'I Don't Want To Put A Hold On You' by Berni Flint reminds me of James Taylor and a good track too. 'Georgina Bailey' by Noosha Fox is the kind of novelty number that is charming in it's own way. ' I Wanna Go Back' by The New Seekers was when they were pass their prime but this is still a very listenable song. 'The Floral Dance' by Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band is a lively instrumental that have u smiling agreedingly while you are listening to it. 'Calender Song [ January, February, March ] by The Trinidad Oil Company is a real rarity 'cos I've only heard the Boney M version of this song before. This is a valuable song 'cos I can teach my children the months of the year.Now this is a great fun track. 'Live In Trouble' by The Barron Knights singing Leo Sayer's ' You Made Me Feel Like Dancing' and Brotherhood Of Man's 'Angelo' with different lyrics, among others.

Status Quo

CD 3 - DO ANYTHING YOU WANNA DO - THE ROCK OF 1977 : This disc started with one of my recent discovery which remains one of my all time favourite song. I first heard Status Quo's 'Rockin' All Over The World' on the Live Aid DVD and it grabbed onto me and never let go. Even John Forgety's original pale in comparison to this Status Quo's kick ass version. '2 2-4-6-8 Motorway' by Tom Robinson Band is another good track.The Stranglers's 'No More Heroes' up the tempo splendidly. Ditto with 'Looking After Number One' by The Boomtown Rats whose only other song that I know was admittedly ' I Don't Like Monday.' Ditto with Dr. Feelgood's 'She's A Wind Up' which was a no frill rock and roll number. 'In The Jam' by The Jam was more New Wave to me than Rock but listenable nevertheless. 'Do Anything You Wanna Do' by Eddie and The Hot Rods is good while Mink De Ville's 'Spanish Stroll' is pure joy. Tommy James & The Shoudells's 'I Think We're  Along Now' get yet another cover this time by The Rubinoos which is not much different from the original or Tiffany's version. 'Lido Shuffle' by Boz Scaggs is one of those songs that sounds instantly familiar even though you've only heard them for the first time, especially the chorus. Never heard of Grey Kihn but he gave a good acoustic track with 'For You.' The album ended with probably the oldest track here, a live version of Deep Purple's monster hit 'Smoke On The Water.' DOP : Unknown.

Deep Purple

THE TRAGIC DIVA - WHITNEY HOUSTON

I have always like Whitney Houston and her big ballad hits. She doesn't have many uptempo hits but the few that she have really up the scales considerably. While Madonna may have more uptempo hits then her, it is on the ballads that Whitney Houston proves who is the true Queen of the two. Her unfortunate early demise really leaves a gap in the music world that will be hard to fill, much like that of Karen Carpenter a few decades before whose void have still not being filled. Now if I can only find her second album "Whitney"...

WHITNEY HOUSTON : THE DELUXE ANNIVERSARY EDITION : I can't believe that I found this Cd coupled with a DVD at so cheap a price. Selling at $5.00 a piece. This was the biggest selling debut album for a female singer and it heralded a new talent to the world. Ten tracks in all and almost half of them are big hits. There are an additional five tracks of the featured songs in various states of remix. The first single 'You Gave Good Love' doesn't really click with me until the second which was a monster hit that made the world sit up and take notice. I was talking about 'Saving All My Love For You' of course. The other that follows were the fast tempo 'How Will I Know', 'All At Once' and 'The Greatest Love Of All' one of the greatest inspirational song of all time. This was originally recorded by George Benson but Whitney's version was so heartfelt and so intense that we just plain forgot about poor George Benson's version. Usually I don't care much for remixes but 'Thinking About You [ 12 - inch Dance Remix ] and 'Someone For Me [ 12-inch Dance Remix ] is good for the dance floor as well as for the ear. There are two version of 'How Will I Know.' One's an Acapella which showcased only her remarkable vocal and nothing else while the other is a 12- inch Dance Remix. The last track is a live recording of her mammoth hit 'The Greatest Love Of All' recorded live from Radio City Hall in 1990. Unfortunately this version doesn't work for me. I prefer the recorded version anytime.

Disc 2 : DVD :

WHITNEY HOUSTON : THE ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION : CONVERSATION WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON AND CLIVE DAVIS : As the titled suggested, this is a conversation with Whitney Houston and Clive Davis, the man who discovered and believed in her. In between conversations we are shown snippets of Whitney's various music videos and the history behind the recording.

HOME - 1983 PREMIERE TV PERFORMANCE FROM THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW : Show Whitney in her initially stage singing before a live audience.. Although simple in her appearance, she make up in her soaring and powerful vocal that shows her wooing the audiences.

I AM CHANGING - LIVE FROM THE ARISTA RECORDS 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, 1985 : Whitney is much more confidence in this performance than in her first performance. I don't quite like the song though.

YOU GIVE GOOD LOVE - LIVE FROM THE 1st ANNUAL SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, 1987 : Belting her first hit with confidence and style.

YOU GIVE GOOD LOVE - PROMO MUSIC VIDEO

SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU - PROMO MUSIC VIDEO

HOW WILL I KNOW - PROMO MUSIC VIDEO

GREATEST LOVE OF ALL - PROMO MUSIC VIDEO

DOP : 4th August 2013.

THE BODYGUARD : ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK :  I got this purely due to it's reputation as one of the best selling soundtrack of all time and also for it's price which is just for a miserable $5.00. The main theme 'I'll Always Love You' alone is worth the price of the whole Cd. This song is so beautifully sung with such heartfelt intensity that all the other songs that came before it was unfairly eclipsed by it. I was guilty of ignoring the rest of the songs here too. Still, listening to these songs again, I find 'I Have Nothing', 'I'm Every Woman' and 'Run To You' slightly close to her previous classics. The rest of the Whitney's songs are mere filters I hate to say. Kenny G & Aaron Neville gave us a much needed breath of fresh air after two other uninspiring Whitney Houston's songs with their beautiful 'Even If My Heart Would Break.' Lisa Stansfield's 'Someday [ I'm Coming Back ]' is an easy going track that is not bad at all. The S.O.U.L S.Y.S.T.E.M.'s 'It's Gonna Be A Lovely Day' will get your hips swaying but it's Curtis Stigers' [ What's So Funny 'Bout ] Peace, Love And Understand' that will have you grooving. After this it's Kenny G's back to serenade us with 'Waiting For You' which is oh so soothing to the ears. Old time rocker Joe Cocker delivered too with 'Trust In Me' featuring  Sass Jordan. The Cd closed with the instrumental 'Theme From The Bodyguard.' DOP : 9th August 2013. 

WAITING TO EXHALE : BANDA SONORA ORIGINAL : I got this again at the ridiculous price of $5.00. I've come across this Cd many times but I've let it pass even at that price without buying it until I finally got it at the spur of the moment. This could hardly be called a Whitney Houston album 'cos of the 16 tracks here, she was only featured on three of the tracks with one a duet with Cece Winana. This is more of a showcase for Babyface who wrote or co wrote all but one of the tracks here. You may have heard 'Exhale [ Shoop Shoop ] on the radio but this is hardly the stuffs that we've came to expect from the great Whitney Houston, whom I regret to say have reached her artistic peak with 'I'll Always Love You.' She regretfully was never to reach that height again until her untimely demise. 'Why Does It Hurt So Bad'  though listenable doesn't even come close to her big ballad hits. Toni Braxton's 'Let It Flow' is a breath of fresh air. Soul legend Aretha Franklin is wasted here with 'It Hurts Like Hell' while Brandy's 'Sittin' Up In My Room' and TLC's 'This Is How It Works' while pleasant sounded so similar that if not for the pauses, I wouldn't have realised it was two different songs. Mary J. Blige flared slightly better with 'Not Gon' Cry.' Chaka Khan sang 'My Funny Valentine', the only non original song here but it's not much different from the rest of the tracks here. Sonja Marie's And I Gave My Love To You' is more narrative than singing. 'All Night Long' by SWV slightly awoken me from slumber land. Chante Moore's 'Wey U' continues the sleep inducing mood. Patti LaBelle truly saved me from falling asleep again with her crystal clear singing on 'My Love, Sweet Love.'  Clearly I wouldn't be feeling much better even if I were the subject of Faith Evans' 'Kissing You.'  I really couldn't for the life of me tell the different between For Real's 'Love Will Be Waiting At Home' and Shanna's 'How Could You Call Her Baby.' Whitney Houston & Cece Winans's final track 'Count On Me.' did slightly, just slightly better but don't count on me playing this anytime again soon. DOP : 11th August 2013.

THE PREACHER'S WIFE : ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK ALBUM : Yet another $5.00 Cd that I found at the shop. This album actually got nominated for best music, original musical or comedy score 1n 1966. Whitney Houston won an award for best actress. I haven't seen the movie but I sure must be missing something on the music 'cos it's not that sensational for me at all. Like the soundtrack before this, it lack the presence of a definite track. The one track that will eclipsed the others like 'I Will Always Love You.' Whitney's vocal is in fine form but it's the materials that's letting her down. There are two version of 'I Believe In You And Me' and 'Step By Step.' which I don't really feel is necessary. Of the two I find 'Step By Step' more enjoyable. Started out slow and then progressed onto disco mode. Whitney sang six songs with The Georgia Mass Choir. It would have been nice if the numbers have been reduced to two. As it is, it sounds kinda stale after a while. 'Joy' is fine without being spectacular while 'Hold On, Help Is On The Way's is slightly better. 'I Go The Rock' actually sounds better after a few listen. 'I Love The Lord' is the most gospel sounding of the 4 tracks but alas the tune is not so enticing. The rapping 'Somebody Is Bigger Than You Or I' is a welcome change of pace. 'My Heart Is Calling' is the Whitney Houston that we love which is fun and bouncy. 'Who Would Imagine A King' could have been great had the melody been nicer. In the end it's a great vocal but with a not so good melody. A missed opportunity.'He's All Over Me' and 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' are gospel songs through and through with my preference being the latter one. The closer of course is a Christmas song 'Joy To The World' which ironically this Cd didn't bring me any at all. DOP : 11th August 2013.

 WHITNEY HOUSTON : THE GREATEST HITS : I got this on discount in Singapore. All the hits that matters are here. The two discs are placed with ballads on one disc and  the uptempo on the other. On the fast track, she have 'How Will I Know' and 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody Who Loves Me' but annoyingly the latter song here was a remixed version. I don't like my songs tampered with. I like them the first time I heard it. So this was a damper for me. As for her ballads, it is flawless and as nice and tender as it get. The heartbreaking 'Saving All My Love For You', the inspiring 'Greatest Love Of All', the lovelorn 'All At Once', 'Didn't We Have It All' and 'Where Do Broken Hearts Goes'. And of course her signature song 'I Will Always Love You' together with the beautiful 'One Moment In Time'. This double CD was really not necessary. Apart from the singles, the rest of the disc was made up of remixed versions of her hits which was really a waste of time. They should leave her pure and untempered with. DOP : 4th November 2005.

ONE WISH : THE HOLIDAY ALBUM : I've always wanted to get this album but the steep price puts me off. When I found this at $5.00, I grabbed it of course. On hearing it, I was glad that I waited to buy it on discount. With her soaring and magical vocal, this album shouldn't have fail but it did. I guess during this time Whitney Houston was just too big a star for any producer to tell her what she should or should not sing. Improvising a standard during a live setting is fine but not on a studio recording. Most of these Christmas songs are well known standards and changing the melody is a definite no no. 'The First Noel' and ' The Christmas Song [ Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire]" are commendable and 'Little Drummer Boy' sung with her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown is interesting enough although the tune is rendered almost unrecognisable towards the end through unnecessary improvising. 'One Wish' [ For Christmas ], an original song was not the memorable hit it was supposed to be although it did hit the chart.I can tolerate I supposed. 'Deck The Halls / Silent Night', a delightful yuletide favorite has been rendered to a light hearted ditty. 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' is the only other track here that I genuinely like. The rest I just don't have any connection to.'Joy To The World' is totally unrecognisable. Clive Davies, where were you when you were needed. DOP : 4th August 2013.

THE JAZZ CONNECTION

I was never much into jazz music. Jazz music sounds to me a continuous displace of musical sound that goes all over the place but never really ends up anywhere. I know I may be insulting real jazz enthusiasms and lover of the gene but that's just me. I can accept modified jazz like Kenny G but real bona file jazz, sorry., it's just not for me. Anyway recently I've still managed to get my hand on a few jazzy Cds.


THE BLUES AND JAZZ COLLECTION ( 3 CD SET ) : I got this Cd unexpectedly and in the most ridiculous of situation. I saw this Cd but decided on a Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Cd which cost $15.00. While paying, the seller told me a Cd will cost $15.00 but if I were to choose another one, it'll cost only $10.00, so I choose this. I would never have bought it at the normal price 'cos I'll probably dozed off before I get to the third track.  All the three Cd have 16 tracks. CD 1 includes songs at diverse as Ray Charles ' What I Said', 'She Acts Like A Woman Should' by Marilyn Monroe, 'Fly Me To The Moon' by Frank Sinatra and 'Black And Blue' by Louis Armstrong. There's also' This Masquerade', titled here as ' Masquerade 'by Carman Mcrae. This song, however, belongs to The Carpenters whose version can never be beat. Still, it's nice to hear another version to the overly familiar one. CD 2 have 'Hit The Road, Jack' by Ray Charles, 'Sunshine Of My Life' by Carman Mcrae which was actually the Stevie Wonder classic. Elsewhere there are ' Mack The Knife' by Bobby Darin, 'Till The End Of Time' by Doris Day. 'Alfie' by Sarah Vaughan and 'A Man And A Woman' by Ella Fitzgerald. However it was Louis Armstrong's La Vie En Rose' that sealed the deal for me. I first came across this song on a pirate Cd and now I have it legitimately. It's one of those songs that even though you've heard it for the first time, you'll feel you've known it all your life. CD 3 have 'Straighten Up And Fly Right' by Nat King Cole, a rather strange version of 'Cabarat' by Louis Armstrong, 'Your Cheating Heart' by Ray Charles and ' Misty' sung unbelievably boring by Sarah Vaughan. There's even a number by Quincy Jones called 'Take Five.' which is possibly the best track on this disc.Given the diversity and various artists featured here, this would indeed be a jazzy heaven  for any jazz lovers but for me, it's draggingly deary. I can safety say that it won't be sitting on my Cd player for a while except for the Louis Armstrong classic ' La Vie En Rose' which to me is worth the price of the three Cd.  DOP : 28th July 2013.


POP CHILL 2 : This too I got at a ridiculously low price but this was a jazz album with a different. There are not original jazz music but actually disco classics reinterpreted in a jazzy lounge style. What was once raging dance music that makes you want to rock the floor are not transformed into easy listening elevator music. I don't know about jazz enthusiasms but it doesn't really work for me. What it managed to do is to transformed some of my favourite songs into uninspired so called jazz music. 'Hot Stuff', 'Lady Marmalade' , Le Freak' and even 'That's The Way I Like It' are all being tamed here. 'Oh Mammy Blue' is one of my all time favourite song and I can't forgive the way Trombo Combo or whoever it is murdered this song. It's almost unrecognisable. 'Killing Me Softly' so far is the only song that fits like glove into the genre, while 'Funky Town' is not too bad either. Somehow, the slower song works better in jazz as was 'Hooked On A Feeling.'  Surprisingly I quite enjoy 'Never Can Say Goodbye' the original of which I was never too fond of.  CD 2 have yet another nice version of ' I Will Survive' The other tracks that I like are 'Love To Love You, Baby' and ' I Can't Stand The Rain.' The rest of the tracks just doesn't work for me I'm afraid. DOP : 20th April 2013.