"You're My September"

Hello,

It's been raining...At least for now i do hope as things go bright it seems...I woke up late due to back pains i sustained listening to this group which remind me of a minty afternoon,dreaming up the perfect P!O!P!.It was fantastic which is what i say to this much missed band called The Fantasy Lights.

Formed in 2000 in a small bedroom by concept of Patrik Durmiendo (keyboards/guitars/voice)which give birth to the soothing and tearful music by The Fantasy Lights.It reminds me of The Field Mice,Trembling Blue Stars,Harper Lee,Silver Screen and a bit of Sarah Records.He has released & contributed to many compilations including "Mutual Admiration Society" (Definition Records 2001),"Hit Music Only - A Heavenly Pop Hits Compilation" (Heavenly Pop Hits 2002),"We Are Not Alone:Songs For The Lo-Fi Generation Vol. 6" (Best Kept Secret 2002) and "Dashboard Teddy Version 1.0" (Dorothy Records 2003).Also he played gigs around 2001 up to 2002 with the help of Chax and Lawrence in live sets.Afterwhich a hiatus followed...

But not for long as 2006 see's the return into new fold as Patrik recorded new songs which gives life to music fans who missed his lovelorn music (including me).He started to play live again (on the last Girlboy gig which sadly i missed his set) and recorded a new lovely song titled "Cinema At Seven" (my fave nowadays!) and im looking for more which i think will follow in the coming month's.

You can hear/download more of The Fantasy Lights music on their Myspace Page

"I Killed A Party"

Hello,

How's everyone?It's been a while now and i haved miss so many things...Im glad to be back and what a way to start as i just got in from a gig last night and it was a bash!The event was called "I Killed A Party" which was actually the 5th installment of the burgeoning Girlboy series.It was 11:25 PM already when i got in the very cool place amidst from the old concept of a bar and this one was like throwing a party for all combined with great music and old faces and some new ones gathered when i came in just in time for the set of the chiming Soul Connection (i have missed The Fantasy Lights set which was staggering according to my friend Sherwin which includes a cover of The Field Mice song "Willow" and the swinging Balloon Derby who popped the crowd out!).

Soul Connection brought down some materials of their own which reminisce the good ol sounds of 60's soul accompanied with Pancho's chimy keyboards.The band even do a cover of a Small Faces song which the title escape me to the delight of the crowd.Noise harbingers TV Guide soon followed which feels like it was early 90's again with their shimmering guitar lines coming out of Baron's guitar effects.It was like Yo La Tengo or Versus whenever i hear this band plays,Indierock or shoegaze,put them on!Dreamy!

Now it's time for quiet approval,a time to hear some fresh tunes from the widely missed Jojo Sarmiento (Dorian Of Juniper Bells/She Came To Stay/Moscow Olympics) who played along with his new monicker Joaquin Esquivel.Armed with a guitar & his witty lyrics,The crowd gathered around him listening to his songs like it was a storytelling.The highlight of his set was when he covered a Serge Gainsbourg song which receives an applause from the crowd including a smiling Peter Hahndorf which serves as a guest.

After Jojo's set came Aurora Borealis.With it's pummeling noise showered in all it's shoegaze glory,The band jettisoned quickly to their own brand of noisemaking then afterwards i was shock when they covered a familiar tune which bop to my head...That was a Candyaudioline song i whispered!Titled "Flaming Walls" the band do quite well giving the song it's own purity.Gaze on!

I go out to get some beer when i chanced upon Peter & we had a little chit chat about some new indiepop and old UK bands,travelling around the world,new releases from his label Clarendon Records and some Filipino tunes which he download on his Ipod which has a lot of Belle & Sebastian songs on it.We got back in time for the post punk aesthetics of Through The Lens.They started off with their instrumental tune with a tribal sound which reminds me of Factory label bands like Kalima & The Durutti Column.On to their set they played their brand of ESGsque tunes accompanied by the dancing crowd.

Then came the mighty Moscow Olympics headed by a superb line-up and the fact that these guys are vastly becoming finest everytime i see them play!Very lovely guitar lines & melodies...I really loved "Second Trace",What more can i say?The crowd began to dance as one on these part as even Peter Hahndorf raises his cheerful hand on this band.

It was a night full of worth and great music,How'd i'd wish it was always like this but thanks it was done in a tremendous preparation and It was time for my friend Sherwin to part companies as im still going to Malate for a meeting & my other friends are already having an affair with their daydreams and im looking forward in seeing everyone on the next Girlboy gig...It's a must!

Thanks to Sherwin for the pics. Thank you mate!

"Her Kindercrush"

Hello,

It's the last day of the month & waaahhh!!!How quickly time passes by...Tomorrow is holiday and the 1st day of the coming month is gonna be a bit busy for some political rallies set to take in...Have to find some alternate routes...

It's a bit HOT nowadays but thanks to some cool music to lighten up the fiery mood & I've miss this band for it has the music that properly fit in this kind of weather,Setting up half-smiles and frowns the 1st time i've heard them one afternoon,It was early 2004 when i was attending my summer class...Walking along the bristle lanes of Intramuros up to the time i got home humming the melodies of "Dorothy" singing along with it's "do rot do roo" chorus lines...I have always loved Carnival Park.

Formed in the nothern city of Valenzuela,Philippines in 1999 armed with their pop antics,The 1st line-up is composed of Khristian Emas (guitars),Evan Gallo (guitars,vocals),Madz Dilabakun (drums) & Ryan Marquez (see:Apple Orchard/Sodajerk/The Haircuts/Dorian Of Juniper Bells) (bass),Cez Silva (vocals) & Mike Dy (Toy Keyboard) who would later launch the Dorothy label.Listening to them is like dipping ice cream on a hot summer afternoon without even melting it,The music soothes along with it's toy keyboard roaring along the lines of pop perfection reminding of the music of Moving Pictures,Club 8,Shoestrings,800 Cherries and any Twee that comes to your Twee mind.

They have released a CD-R EP titled "Her Kindercrush" on Shelflife Records in 2001 which brought attention not only in the local community but also outside the world.They also released a split CD-EP with Sodajerk titled "That Happy Glow" on Dorothy Records in 2002.Just when things are shaping up the 2nd line-up changed came as soon as the band is already circulating the local indie community back in 2002,Ryan left for the US as a new voice came on board in the form of Chai Enriquez (vocals/guitars) which is a hands down choice for the band.They are also included in "Dashboard Teddy Version 1.0" released by Dorothy Records in 2003 contributing a cool cover of "Portland,Oregon" by The Cat's Miaow but it was not ending there as they also done a very pretty cover of The Autocollants song "Candy Coated Kisses" which was on the "You're Still Young At Heart" compilation also released by Shelflife Records in 2003.

Still tensions on the band continue but it didn't stop them producing great song after another as a proof of this was they became part of the fine compilation titled "Guitar Sketch" released internationally by Quince Records of Japan which featured other great bands.An even growing tension resulted on Mike forcing himself out of the band & He was replaced by Joy to play the keyboards...The last time i've seen the band was @ the Girlboy Gig happened on Big Sky Mind a couple of years ago...I've miss them...from the time i've met Mike & Chai on LRT Blumentritt Station back in early 2004,Ryan on a Buzznite one Saturday night in 2004 up to seeing the whole gang one Girlboy gig also that same year...When can i hum those lines again...?

Feel free to visit their Myspace to hear/download some of their wonderful miss tunes!!!

You can also view a couple of their live videos Here

Buy their releases Here

"I Don't See You As A Dead Blog"

Hello,

It's been a while since i posted & Glad to be back as im a bit busy on life lately but it's fun & lovely!Sorry for the e-mails i responded a bit late but you've got all the answers and It's a bit sunny and hot but thanks for the great news that arrived in my ears in this month,A bit of sunshine P!O!P!.First was a brand new release from lovelorn duo,The Haircuts (who i featured Here) which marked their LP debut titled "Sorrow Is The Way To Love" on Yellow Mica Recordings.It features 10 new songs recorded last year and you can buy the CD direct from Yellow Mica Recordings or if you are in the US,It is now distributed by Asaurus Records.Lovey dovey!

Now back on tip top shape but lately i've been having a hard time listening on most stuff that is new because time is not on my side but whenever im home i still manage to bring on some tunes to bop on my head...Just like the past days,Im very hook on this spunky yet bubbly girl group from Glasgow,Scotland called Tibi Lubin.

Formed by Katie Stewart (vocals/guitar) in 2002.Several line-up changes followed which at present was composed of Anji-Jane Kelly (bass/vocals) and Rowan Smith (drums).The band plays music that rings comparisons to The Shangri-Las,Marine Girls,Claudine Longet,Astrud Gilberto.They have released their debut LP "I Don't See You As A Dead Girl" on Rev-Ola label consecutively produced by Joe Foster.It includes the cool "Electric Blanket" & my personal fave "Miss Myopia".They are currently working on a new full length which hopefully be released soon!

Here are a couple of their bubblegum splash pop songs to stumble upon:

Tibi Lubin - "Assasination no. 96"
Tibi Lubin - "Miss Myopia"

You can also download the remix version of "Electric Blanket" (which is not included in the LP)done by Norman Blake & Joe Foster Here

You can buy their release Here or direct from Rev-Ola

"Turn To The Sky"

Hello,

A bit furnishing some post that i should have posted in the past days but suddenly i didn't because of some problems regarding the time & schedule in school and in everyday life...Sorry if i had not posted a lot in this month due severely to the happenings around the country and now im back on track and bounce back to the world of P!O!P!dome.Do you remember the first time...?

A while back when i was searching (googling i mean),I had found about these great and charming kababayans up on their heels making catchy & fun pop songs on the other side of the globe,Hearing influences from a wide arrayed of great artists and recalling the cuteness of TWEE,The Skyflakes are more than just a band playing great indiepop tunes.Based in Northern California with a heart of a Filipino and consist of Tricia Saria Ramos (vocals),Ron Ramos (guitars),Jericho Saria (guitars),Oliver Saria (drums) and Jesse Gonzales (bass guitar).The band (who are truly living up to the term DIY) have self released their output on their own with their debut LP "Calling In Sick" being released in 2001.They also contributed to various compilations which resulted in gaining a cult following which includes appearances in "Casino & Fine Dining Vol.1" on F.U. Records in 2002,"Neighbourhood Watch" in 2003,"Underground Screams" also in 2003 on Asian Man Records and currently "7 Years Of APAture" and "The Bindlestiff Compilation".

The band is setting up their new recordings & a new member is expected to join the band this year & We're yearning for more crunchy & flakey tunes from this low profile group...

Here are a couple of their songs for you to taste:

The Skyflakes - "Bad Thoughts"
The Skyflakes - "Talk About Today"

For more on their sound/news/info and merchandise,Visit them Here

Thanks to Ron Ramos for the info and much needed help

"Everybeat Of The Heart"

Hello,

Pretty back on hiatus after that stormy political destabilization at the start of the month and a great gig last Tuesday at 6 Underground in Makati.So many things had happened in the past days and I'm very happy that my life now has it's joy of living!Now going up on the direction of happiness and i wish it will push through as times (and tears?) goes by...

I kindly rekindled listening back to those tunes that i miss...Back in 1998 when i first encountered this band through the record collection of my cousin,Noel.He was playing a very upbeat song that i had to listen even for a glance just to hear those lovely melodies coming out of the stereo...Hurrah!At last,Ive heard The Railway Children.

Formed in Wigan,UK in 1984 and composed of Gary Newby,Brian Bateman,Guy Keegan & Stephen Hull.Playing with their brand of sweet & chimy guitarpop,The band found minimal success by signing to the influential indie label,Factory Records wherein they released their debut mini-LP "Reunion Wilderness" to much critical acclaim in 1987.This includes their debut single "A Gentle Sound" & the much lauded "Brighter"which later became hits.Their cult following began to uphold as they soon landed a major deal with Virgin Records resulting in their sophomore effort,"Recurrence" in 1988 featuring a much more guitar oriented tunes like "Over And Over" (my fave!) and "Monicas' Light".

In the fold of the late 80's where the music scene in the UK are widely based on dance music & the band soon incorporates dance beats on their sound releasing their third effort,"Native Place" was released in 1990.A very tight & interesting LP which includes "Everybeat Of The Heart","Collide","Because" and a lot more great tunes to unravished.A hiatus followed after the release of this LP...A Radio One Evening Sessions was released in 1993.Another blow was suffered when Bateman and Hull leave the band in 1994.In between this time,A compilation was released highlighting their best years on Virgin Records titled "Listen On" released in 1995 contains some b-sides & a different outtake on the title track.

A new hope was seen after a few years as the band (mainly composed of Newby) carried the torch as the should be 4th LP submerged in 1997 called "Dream Arcade" which includes the airy single "Skinship" on their own label Ether Records (after having a much dispute on March Records).A couple of years have followed before a compilation of acoustic & new songs were released titled "Gentle Sound" in 2003.A new stuff was set to released this year but still doesn't know if it will carry by name of The Railway Children or simply by Gary Newby...We'll never know so we better keep our fingers crossed...

Here are a couple of their songs to make you reminisce how good those ol' days are:

The Railway Children - "Like No Other" (demo 1989 unreleased)
The Railway Children - "Sunflower Room" (from the compilation tape "North Of England" 1988)

For more news/info,Visit them Here where you can also stream some of their videos

Buy TRC releases Here or at Amazon

"Charlotte Sometimes"

Hello,

Just got back in...What a week that was!A great timing as it was raining outside after a very warm day last week,Truly summer is on it's way and a few minutes later on...BOM BOM BOM...An earthquake occur!Holy gosh...Shaking down my head!But thank God it was just in a lower scale and i don't know...But im OK and trekking down the flooded area of a nearby community is a must,I did it...Yeah,yeah,yeah!!!

So back on a higher note,I received an e-mail from Nick Fuller & another great news to fonder with!Nick was in a band called Almost Charlotte (remember those Leamington Spa Series?).The band was formed way back in 1987 in Brighton,UK featuring Ian Phillipson,Anthony Squires,Bill Russell and a drum machine!The band was soon to be joined by Matthew Griffin and later Nick.

1989 saw the band garnering some rave reviews both on local radio with their brand of guitar pop inline with the twangy C86 style of playing.A release of material followed with their single "Sleep" being already released on their own Moments Of Pleasure label.The released catapulted them with a following & a chance to play with other great acts like Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie & The Band Of Holy Joy...Sadly,things were not on their way...As the band progressed,Bill Russel left and a replacement followed in the form of Gwyn Carwardine and Bill Tolputt briefly came but the sound of the band at that time was at far different from the original one that when founder & chief songwriter Ian Phillipson left,The band was put on a hiatus in 1990.

The band had already had their share in the P!O!P! world but it is not gonna end there...Much interest was found when copies of their release "Sleep" landed on different parts of the globe!Firestation Records included them in the 5th series of "The Sound Of Leamington Spa" which includes their song "Frustration" (taken from the "Sleep" release) garnering not only old fans but also fans across the world (including me!).

After the demise of Almost Charlotte the band was soon to give birth to other lovely bands called Bluff and presently,Rogue Beauty.Check them out & another cool news is that they have rejuvanated their own label,Moments Of Pleasure back on track again & they have a new compilation released just last December of last year titled "I Think Of The Sea" which includes old songs from Almost Charlotte & the label.

You can stream a couple of the tracks from release Here

Visit them Here for news/info

Buy their releases Here

Thanks to Nick Fuller for the pic & info

"Just Like Honey"

Hello,

After a bit of struggle on the forefronts of some rumours revolving around the state of the country the past weekend,I had already gone by pass those bad news about the political issue concerning the Philippine government & supremacy...Anyone was right isn't it?

But back on the regular basis,I had a very beautiful weekend night travelling along the coastal lanes of Cavite to Manila seeing citizens walking by,passing along without even noticing the problems of everyday life...Still with smile across those round faces...It was past 12 already when i got home & before i go to sleep i soundcheck a little bit with these refreshing band from (again and again...) Sweden,Where else do i expect for?Summer is on it's way already and it's a perfect blend to introduce the band called Like Honey.

Formed in late 2003 in Malmö,Like Honey are composed of Johanna Cromnow (vocals),Joakim Karlsson (guitars),Klas Sjöberg (bass, guitar,vocals),Sandra Svensson (organ,synthesizer) and Therese Åsberg (drums).Their music encompasses such Swedish bands like early The Cardigans but with more guitar oriented sound and Sonic Youth minus the angst but replaced it with girlinky voice of Johanna & the anthemic synths.After performing in their native homeland which gained them a loyal following not only in Malmö but with other parts of Sweden in which they are signed by independent label Hybris (home of other great Swedish pop stalwarts including El Perro Del Mar,Vapnet,Etc.).

They already achieved a cult following abroad with the release of their debut EP "So Silent" in 2004 which prove how capable the band are as a pop group.Late 2005 see's the release of the highly acclaimed EP "Airport" which blend pop with amalgalm guitars drowned in synthesizer beats.The title track (which is my fave song) proves how much the band evolve in recent years & im inloved with the Stereolab meets Sonic Youth track "Let It Pass" with bubbly chorus fading along,Great!!!

Im looking forward in seeing a full length from the group & as of now you can hear a couple of soaring sounds from the band to start your summer:

Like Honey - "November"
Like Honey - "Airport"

You can hear more Here plus you can download their video for "Airport"

Visit them Here for news/updates

Buy their releases at Hybris or Here

"Tell Me You Love Me"

Hello,

How's everyone?A bit busy this month following some buzzing news occuring around the country...What's going on?Whew...It's those hazy days again...

Im just making fun inside the house while commotions in other places are happenin' at the same time...Just playing some playful tunes from these wonderful Swedes who hails from the west coast,In a town called Halmstad.They or He is called Eisenhower playing nice music with an anorak feel in a twee way!With guitars,drummachines mix with nice vocals it surely sums up the great music it produce which will remind you of sunshine & spring coming in the air...So lovely,Oh lovely...

Eisenhower is form through the brainchild of chief songwriter Henrik Påhle (who says this projects is just for fun).Playing songs full of fun & cuteness,There is no way for sadness in his music but it will be filled with songs of love & relationships in a very happy mood.Releasing his music on his own with 5 Cdr-s full of demos (including his renditions of classic hits from Joy Division,The Smiths,Nixon & Gordon Lightfoot),A compilation Cdr & An appearance on the compilation "Hit Music Only" on Heavenly Pop Hits label.Six live gigs are already accomplished eversince his formation of the band including "Mitt Bästa Liv" festival (where various members of Handsome Train & The Gentle Smiles back him up playing live tunes),Starke Adolf Popklubb (where in they are joined by another tweepop stalwarts,Pipas) and Delicious Goldfish Brunchpop.

Any labels from Sweden...are you listening?Or is it around the world?

Here are a couple of his tunes to dance with:

Eisenhower - "You Are My Number One"
Eisenhower - "Tell Me You Love Me"

More from Here

For news/info on the band you can pay a visit on Eisenhower Estate Here

Buy his stuff Here or at Delicious Goldfish Records

"You Can't Hide Your Love Forever"

Hello,

Whoa!!!I've been surfing the net listening along the lovely chimes of "Lachrymose" (is it a coincidence?) when i received a very wonderful mail from Ryan of Apple Orchard announcing a good news that the "7 "A Hiding Smile" is already released & can be purchased from Humblebee Recordings.Great lovely tunes reminiscent of Brighter,Bouquet,Harper Lee,Pinkie,Sarah Records,Etc.More info Here.

I've been so much happy in the past few days on what has been happenin' on the music scene (in local or around the globe) as for the past couple of years has been a declaration of good things to come...It's already the 2nd month of the year & it see's another series of great releases as started by my post on the new release by Apple Orchard.Next was another fine gem from the past (again & again) and this time it will be from The Servants.

Feburary sees the Cherry Red label release an album called "Reserved" by The Servants (CDMRED 297).The Servants were formed in London in 1985 and were based around the carefully crafted guitar work of David Westlake.Phil King who went onto play with Felt and Biff Bang Pow,Lush,Etc was also in the band.Their first two singles,"She's Always Hiding" and "The Sun, A Small Star" both on the Head Records label attracted good press interest and both made the independent singles chart.Westlake then went on to a solo deal with Creation Records while The Servants reformed around future The Auteurs and Black Box Recorder man,Luke

Haines.Also involved in the new line up was Hugh Whitaker who had previously been with The Housemartins wherein they released an LP,"Disinterest" in 1990 on the Fire Records subsidiary,Paperhouse.Luke Haines wrote the sleeve notes for this release which is quite a good one specially for fans of early Go-Betweens,Postcard Records,C-86 in general.

Here's the tracklisting:

The Sun, A Small Star?A Fleeting Visit/You'd Do Me Good/Afterglow/She Whom Once I Dreamt Of/It Takes No Gentleman/It's My Turn/Rings On Her Fingers/Meredith/ She's Always Hiding?Do Or Be Done /Transparent/Faithful To 3 Lovers/Funny Business/Loggerheads/Search Under Stones/Water Baby Blonde/Who's Calling You Baby Now?/Hey, Mrs John/I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

Pre-order/Buy these release on Cherry Red

Also a round of re-releases are gonna be released this month by Dislocation Dance (see my post on them September of last year) which are set to be released by LTM this month.Their first LP,"Music Music Music" accompanied by the mini-LP,"Slip That Disc" on 1 CD!

Here's the tracklisting:

Stand Me Up, Don't Knock Me Down, YOPS Course, Meeting Mum & Dad, Friendship, Take a Chance (On Romance), ...Have a Dance, Roof is Leaking, With a Smile on Your Face & A Frown in Your Heart, Vendetta (Theme), Narrow Laughs, Footloose, Can't Race Time... and the Mad Killer (Coda), Wonder What I'll Do Tomorrow, Rosemary, Shake, Can't Race Time... and the Mad Killer (Version), You'll Never Know, You Can Tell, Spare Concern, I'll See It, It's All True... Panic!, We Can Work It Out, So Much Fault, This Problem, Clarinet Source, Under One & Over

Also their sophomore released will be issued by LTM,"Midnight Shift" which was originally released by the Rough Trade label in 1983.The new digital remastered CD includes the 1983 Rough Trade album "Midnight Shift" with 5 bonus tracks from the satellite singles "Show Me" and "Violette" as well as the original version of "St Michelle" originally released on the Hours/Heures Sans Soleil compilation.New artwork composed of 17 tracks in 74 minutes of music.

Here's the tracklisting:

Show Me, I'm Doing Fine, Here Comes Love, Remind Me, Tyrannies of Fun, Open Cages, Baby Blue, With a Reason, Mr Zak, Bottle of Red Wine, Midnight Shift, San Michelle, Violette (7") , Remind Me (instrumental), Show Me (12" version), Show Me (Dennis Bovell dub mix), (The Next Year I Returned to) San Michelle (But Marie Had Gone & With Her My Childhood)

Lastly to summed it up was a released from the binocular jangly in a psychedelic feel Liverpudlians,Benny Profane.Formed by Dave Jackson and Becky Stringer from the ashes of lauded Liverpool indie-popsters The Room,Benny Profane went on to explore darker musical territory over the two albums released in 1989 and 1990 both of which are included on this expanded CD.They became Dead Cowboys after they had split up.Carefully remastered by drummer/guitarist Joe McKechnie (who also played in The Passage) the set also features two tracks from the first BP demo in 1985 featuring guest Will Sergeant of Echo and the Bunnymen on guitar.Enhanced artwork with band images and text by Dave Jackson worth of 22 tracks in 75 minutes of music.

Here's the tracklisting:

Man on the Sauce, Skateboard to Oblivion, Pink Snow, Quickdraw McGraw Meets Deadeye Dick, A Handful of Nothing, Rob a Bank, Tear the Web, Wall to Wall, Stitch That, Here Comes the Floor, Time Bomb, Hey Waste of Space, Maureen, Beam Me Up, Devil Laughing, Walk Away Macbeth, Ghoul Friend, Perfect Girl, SHC, Everything, Vain Profane, Credulous as Hell

Whew...so many great releases!So pick your wants to enjoy the coming Heart's Day!

Buy these releases on LTM or Here

"The Days Of Wine And Roses"

Hello,

It's been a rainy weekend and tomorrow will be a busy day,A special day for me i must say...Im gonna be turning a year older (It's my B-day!) & also im going to the Terno Au Go Go gig happening at the Marikina Shoe Expo in Araneta Center Cubao with some of my friends & i want to catch Soul Connection there along with Juan Pablo Dream!But now im listening to the lovely melodies of "Sunshine Smile" by these adorable bunch of dreamy lads who are playing great music eversince i heard them,Populardays.

The band is composed of Charles Manjares (see:Soft Pillow Kisses/Superminty) (vocals/lead guitars),Erick Lucas (vocals/rhythm guitars),Ian Gacutan (bass guitars) and Jan Paul Tatad (see:Soft Pillow Kisses) (drums).They have been playing music which is comparable to the music of Adorable,Popsicle,Slowdive,The Ocean Blue & other dreamy acts.Regulars of the Buzznights production and still unearthing their lovely demos to their cult following and i really must say that they are on their track as they win the In The Raw award given by radio station NU 107 back in 2002.

As of now they are still playing regularly & creating new songs of passion and some call it "indiepop" but other's says "it was shoegaze?"... but in my own it was just a splendid and great music...

You can listen to them Here or download their songs Here

I will enclosed the day with a smile in my face as i just learned that the debut LP of Freeheat will finally see the light of the day...The debut LP "Back On The Water" is scheduled to be released on March 28 and for more news & info on the release you can check the full info Here

See/Buy some of their releases Here

"The Best Is Yet To Come"

Hello,

Whew!I've been caught up by the sudden flush of rain along with my friend Joey when we met our other friend,Kaloy near the ABS-CBN compound...Im totally freakin wet!But it's ok as i got home already & Im happy to hear some great music...In a way that i was like in the early part of the 90's UK scene (i miss that!) & hearing these great band is a dream come true which i felt how come that those new bands does not sound like these instead of...Ahhh!!!

I was quickly jumping up and down again,feeling old again and hearing those great songs again...blue skies...come down on me?Well,i was impressed on how these band has been playin' those dreamy guitar lines & i just said to myself that i want more!All these shamblingness is caused by a band named Cerulean.

Yup,it sounds familiar (as it was also a titled of an LP of another great band,The Ocean Blue) but hey they really are great!Formed by Rick Bolander (vox/guitar),Noel Kelly (guitar) & Dave Cerwonka (drums) in Los Angeles.They are joined by studio bassist Will Bongianni in making those etherial pop gems.Often compared to post-punk graduates The Chameleons,The Comsat Angels,Echo & The Bunnymen,The House Of Love up to early 90's dreampop makers Ride,Swervedriver,Adorable,early Catherine Wheel,Pale Saints,Etc. which is a willing testament to their defining sound.Add to that,Their current new & lovely LP "No Sense In Waiting" was produced by the great & former Mighty Lemon Drop kid,Dave Newton.

They have released their debut LP "Skylight" back in 1999 then followed shortly by their sophomore,"Brighter/Still" in 2002.A couple of years followed before their groundbreaking EP,"Fractions" shows up in 2004 which received a lot of praise from their followings along with music critics worldwide.

"No Sense In Waiting" was released last year in the much lauded music press & followed by a massive tour.It features the band at it's finest which i really loved from the busting & ringing guitar of opening track "Quiet Release" which was actually a louder song match with Bolander's antic lyrics.I also loved "Like Fading Stars" with it's very dreamy keyboards swerving along the rhythmic guitars then followed by my fave track "Here Is Hoping" with it's drum beating to my heart!This 3rd LP of them is one of the highlight of these US based band with UK leanings on their mighty sound,lovely & entertaining i must say!.More!More!More!.

So sit down & relax...

Cerulean - "Rings Of Light"
Cerulean - "Very Happy With"
Cerulean - "Quiet Release"
Cerulean - "Here Is Hoping"

Buy their music/products Here

Also i just known that the coming new LP (as said in the current newsletter) by these great pop stalwarts,The Charade will be released this year with a tentatively titled "A Real Life Drama".Here's the tracklisting:

A Tough Decision
My Song To You
Music Makes Me Sick (sometimes)
September
Dressed In Yellow And Blue (unofficial Germany 2006 Swedish World Cup Soccer song)
Faith
Love Always Happens So Fast (Real Life Drama)
Sunny Winter Afternoon
Impatience Blank
Love Trap
Stockholm July 2005
Rain On Your Parade

Looking forward in hearing & seeing these great release & more info Here

"You'll Never Be That Young Again"

Hello,

Been back after a busy week & a hectic one though...In a week im gonna turn a year older (ah!!!those were the days...im getting old...) while the whole nation is rejoicing!Thanks to Manny Pacquiao who just went away with the boxing crown,You can read the whole story Here.

Also, Im surprised to hear that David Byrne had came to pay a visit (or he has a project going on?) in the country last month.You can read the adventures & escapades he encountered in the Philippines Here.By the way...I am busy uploading some links & I'll be adding some stuff in the coming month's plus a preview of some bands & brand new faves!.In the past days i am serving my taste on a lot of Swedish pop & acts (some are already mentioned on other sites & blogs) which really got me tinkling to my brain..."In every minute of every day,They are (Swedes) producing some of the best nor brightest ideas ever made in an art called music".A lot of acts have been sprouting on their native P!O!P! land which is quite impressive!.

I want to list down some new Swedish acts which caught my attention & im gonna start up the hit list with the band who hails from Gothenburg,My Enemy.Formed during the peak hours of 2004 with it's guilty parties consisting of Helena, Samira and Leonel.They play groovy laptop based pop with a twist of lo-fi mentality,A bit of Saint Etienne on tweezers.As of press time...They have just released a music video for "Khreis" which is also released as a single.Check them out if you had a slow time wishing that your day would be on a hilltop...Maybe you want to go with the flow of chiming synths & laptops?Check them out:

My Enemy - "Khreis"
My Enemy - "My Time Coming"

How many times can you be on a portal?I wish that portal can go directly to my own fave band or interest...or maybe i just need Thirdimension.They were formed way back 1995 but still kicking great guitar pop mix with melancholic vocals reminiscent of Ian McCulloch,Chris Martin (i need to say this...at some point they are monotomous) at present.Composed of BJÖRN STEGMANN (songwriter/lead vocals/acoustic guitar/conjurer of hi-fi),MARKUS SLIVKA (electric guitar/backing vox/keyboards/misc instruments),MARTIN ROSENGREN (electric bass/backing vox) & BJÖRN WICKENBERG (drums/backing vox/percussion).Signed to Hidden Agenda/Parasol & with 2 LP's on their belt back it up with a wide arrayed appearances on various compilations,Thirdimension is on their way to another future...bright i might guess.

Thirdimension - "Between Us"
Thirdimension - "Hundred Miles An Hour"

Setting up the climax was a band led by Isak Klasson,The dissonant but charming Speedmarket Avenue.It all started when i heard "He's A Rebel" which strike me like a neon ball that bump to my head.With it's jangly guitars and upbeat chorus (no wonder as the producer of the LP,Fredrik Norberg is a member of jangle popsters,Popsicle).Their debut LP,"I'm Going To Let My New Swiss Army Knife Answer To That" is one of those records which buggles with pure pop mannerism filled with songs that happens in every day life like "Leave.Now." & "Here To Folow" which i find myself quite relating to the subtle lyrics it provides...An LP full of surprises & if you want a balance sound then go reflenished your ears along Speedmarket Avenue!

Speedmarket Avenue - "He's A Rebel"
Speedmarket Avenue - "I Can Tell By Her Eyes"

In the meantime,I'll take a nap...Maybe...a sleep...

Buy Swedish releases/records @ Popkonst/Labrador/Poppolar/Hello! Surprise!

"A Hundred Words"

Hello,

A busy weekend is at face as fiesta in our town is underway...Inviting old friends & high school sweethearts is a must but im sure music is the main concern and im planning on what songs am i gonna play on that coming special day,Wooosh!!!

Getting back on the normal high note of putting up those stuff & I wanna say thanks to all the guys who write to me on the article "Filipino Blood,English Heart" and for letting me know some of the forgotten bands & i will update it in a couple of days.I may have stressed myself a bit cause i was suffering from a stomache ache a couple of days ago & thank God i was OK now as i listen to these madly missed band,The Beloved.

Originally a quartet whose sound drew inspiration from psychedelia & guitar pop and at some point,C86.Throughout its fluid existence,The guiding force behind the group remained vocalist Jon Marsh who formed the band The Journey Through (which was very New Order'ish) at Cambridge University with Steve Waddington and Tim Havard with the addition of Guy Gausden in November 1984 after which the group renamed itself The Beloved and gradually evolved into a moody dance outfit not dissimilar to New Order.

In 1986 the band issued their first single,The guitar inflicted gem,"A Hundred Words".After the single was released a series of releases followed including the EP "Happy Now" and the double A-sided single "Surprise Me"/"Forever Dancing" and the 1987 compliation "Where It Is" on the Flim Flam label but none garnered any significant critical or commercial success.Consequently, Gousden and Havard exited in 1987 at much the same time Marsh and Waddington were falling under the sway of London's burgeoning rave community which was sweeping England back then.After first re-emerging with the ambient-styled single "The Sun Rising" the band then scored an international hit with "Hello",A bubbling techno exercise which name-checked many of the group's influences.In 1990 the duo issued a pair of albums,"Happiness" and "Blissed Out" (a remix of its sister release) which achieved significant success both in and out of clubs. A long layoff followed...

And when the Beloved returned in 1993 with the energetic LP,"Conscience",Waddington had been ousted in favor of Marsh's wife Helena resulting in a more pop-oriented flavor.After another three-year absence they released "X",A foray back into club culture.In 1997 they released "Single File" which was a compilation album and a bunch of new remixes of "The Sun Rising".

Here are a some of their tunes back on those heydays:

The Journey Through - "A Search" (demo December 1983)
The Beloved - "A Hundred Words" (Peel Session January 1985)
The Beloved - "Jennifer Smiles" (demo late 1988)
The Beloved - "Franny" (from the unreleased LP on Flim Flam)
The Beloved - "A Happy Man" (from the unreleased LP on Flim Flam)

More on Here including some remixes/demos/Peel Sessions and the unreleased LP on Flim Flam label (which is very GOOD!!!)

For more info check them out Here

Buy their releases Here

"Silent Sigh City"

Hello,

It's another sunny day as me & my friend were walking down the stretch of a shopping mall and another fine day to watch a movie but my time would not permit me as i still have to rushed to my friend's place to bring him some rough Cd-r's & a lay-out of compilation that we are planning to release in the middle of the year (hopefully...).

When i dropped already to his crib,I put some music on the stereo by this very cinematic but quite ambivalent band which brought to mind some music from those classic musicals of the 40's up to the 60's,With it's pop leanings mix with cabaret & film scores...A band named Heist.

Formed in 1998 by Mike Targett (vocals/guitar),Allison Thomson (vocals/trumpet) (she also plays in The Actionettes),Hannah Sless (vocals/violins),Tony Oudot (drums) and Tricia Reid (bass) in London at the dawn of Britpop's downfall.With it's swinging 60's psychedelic sound,The band debuted with the 4 track EP,"Defectors" on Super 8 Recordings.It was followed by their proper LP,"Friday Night At The Trabi Races" which garnered excellent reviews in the UK & across Europe.Their latest release was "A Shopkeeper Will Not Appear" which is a bit poppier than their previous effort to date with it's melancholic vocals mix with harmonic violins & guitar drama.Here are a couple of their songs to chill on:

Heist - "If"
Heist - "Weekend"

More info/news on them Here

Buy their releases on Amazon or direct Here

Remember the jangly days of Postcard Records,Creation,C86,Sarah & whole lot more?Just mix it with the new world order of indie-pop and you'll get these great but hard to see band called The Silent Boys (remember them?).They have been playing cool music in the past decades & have been on various compilations ("Seven Summers" on Tweenet Communications/Kindercore,"Will There Be Time For Tea?" on Morgan Leah and "You Thought It Was The End Of The World When The Rain Ruined Your Hair" on Firestation Records) and they have released their highly acclaimed debut,"Beauty Tips" back in 2004 to the janglepop hungry fans all over the globe.

If you loved Felt,McCarthy,Mighty Mighty,Brideshead,Den Baron,The Go-Betweens,Adorable,New Order,Echo & The Bunnymen and other fine acts,You'll loved them!But hey wait!It's not endin' there as the long wait is over,The band has just released a new LP!Yes,not a single song nor a best of but a NEW LP full of jangly P!O!P! tunes titled "Wishing Well Eyes" still on Walrus Records.With it's founder and leader Wallace Dietz leading the way & the two other permanent members of the band still on board (bassist and lead guitarist) John Suchocki and (drummer) John Morand,The Silent Boys will be ringing our heads with their guitar oriented pop songs!

For more info & To hear some snippets of their works,Visit them Here

Buy their releases at Tweekitten or Tonevendor mailorder or Direct from Here

"Completely And Utterly"

Hello,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!It's been a busy year & I am hoping these time it will be a fruitful one...And my hopes were heard...In celebration of the great C86 tape (whoa!It's been 20 years!) Cherry Red is releasing a compy by one of the great and sadly missed band of that music scene,The Chesterfields titled "Electric Guitars In Their Hearts" which will be released this month & a great stuff to kick the year off...

Formed in Yeovil,Somerset,England back in 1984 & signed to the legendary Subway Organisation label.This 27 track compilation is the first to cover the whole of the band's career.After having 4 Independent chart hit singles, including the highly rated "Ask Johnny Dee",Their debut album "Kettle" was released in 1987 and reached No 5 in the Indie Charts - two more albums,"Westward Ho!" and "Crocodile Tears" followed over the next two years."Flood",their 2nd LP appeared in 1994 on the Viny Japan label."Electric Guitars In Their Hearts" also features a previously unreleased version of "Glad For You",with Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey),Clare Mactaggart (Portishead) and Andy Strickland (The Loft).Here's the tracklisting:

Shame About The Rain / Completely And Utterly / Ask Johnny Dee / Sweet Revenge / Best Of Friends / Two Girls And A Treehouse / Nose Out Of Joint / Love Mountain / Oh Mr Wilson / What's Your Perversion / Pop Anarchy / Sob Sob Story / Everything A Boy Could Ever Need / Goodbye Goodbye / Last Train To Yeovil / Let It Go / Lunchtime For The Wild Youth / Alison Wait / Blame / Male Bimbo / Fool Is A Man / Down By The Wishing Pool / Glad For You / Fountain Of Youth / Hangover Eve / Something Happening /The Berlin Walk

More info on them Here

It seems that a lot of interest has been garnered on the whole C86 scene as the previous re-issues of The Loft,The Dentists,The June Brides,The Flatmates,Etc and now The Charlottes.Cherry Red is having a full blasts as it brings one of the classic pioneers of long gone era,Another compilation titled "Liar:The Best Of" will also be released this month.The
Charlottes were formed in Huntington in Cambridgeshire in 1988 and were usually tagged alongside the likes of The Primitives and The Darling Buds of the post C86 era but sonically were more attuned to the fx driven wall of sound pioneered by My Bloody Valentine.Their debut single "Are You Happy Now?" received much support from the fanzines of the time (House of Dolls,Pop Eats Apathy) and was said to be a twee classic by Dave Simpson of Melody Maker.

They were signed to Subway Organisation label in February 1989 and this resulted in the mini album "Lovehappy".Steve Lamacq of the NME gave the album 9 out 10 and declared The Charlottes to be "altogether more sexy than Kylie".Just as impressed John Peel interviewed the band for his Cambridgeshire show and they later recorded a 4 track session for him at Radio 1 which was repeated.The band split from Subway and signed a deal with Cherry Red their first release being the EP "Liar".This was promoted by a short tour and the making of a video which received exposure from MTV’s more alternative shows.In December 1990 Simon Scott left the band to join Slowdive who were on the Creation label.Cherry Red then released the existing tracks the band had recorded under the title "Things Come Apart" in 1991.The Charlottes left behind a small but impressive legacy... This release includes all their studio recordings.Here are the tracklisting:

Are You Happy Now / Cold / Stubborn / See The Danger Shine / Everything To Me / In My Hair / Love Happy / Love In The Emptiness / Be My Release / Could There Ever Be / Liar / Prayer Song / See Me Feel / By My Side / Mad Girls Love Song / Beautify / Love In The Emptiness (alt version) / Were Going Wrong / Blue / Venus

More info on them Here

Im looking forward in many re-releases this year & bring back those shambling days again!!!

Buy those releases Here