The Music Or The Misery...

Another great day,SavingSomeone spent today at *Scape Studios recording two of our newest songs Balcony and Lights, Cameras, Questions.What can I say?It's so well done,I couldn't be more proud of the recordings.We let Dex sample a bit of it and said "ok it was better then what i would expect from new bands" and requested for our demo which is still in the making.Or rather,not yet in the making since we're still using our laptop recordings.It's of decent enough quality if you ask me since Ryan has finally found a good spot to put the microphone that ensures that the songs we recorded won't have the irritating buzzing sounds caused mostly by my bass amplifier having too much gain.Please do check them out if you're free,it's only 10 minutes of your life wasted at the maximum.

Also during our jamming session,another band coming to jam at the studio actually know us.One of them said,"Hey,you guys are from SavingSomeone right?I think I've been to your myspace."That kind of perks me up for a while and took time to actually listen to them while JiaLin,Ryan and Eugene took turns to record the vocals part of the songs.I swear,you can never put JiaLin and Eugene in the same recording room doing the vocals,they'll never get it done because they'll just start laughing about stupid things and they have to keep re-doing the song over and over again.It's damn retarded because we sort of spent more time just recording the vocals than recording the music.But the final product is worth all the hassle I guess.


Which came first the music or the misery,the answer is pretty obvious to me...


I got my stitches stitched, I got my fixes fixed
In my aching heads I got my kisses slipped
Our gossip lips stuttered every word I said, I said
I got your love letters, corrected the grammar
And sent them back
It's true romance is dead
I shot it in the chest
Then in the head

And if you wanna go down in history then I'm your prince
Because they've got me in a band where I've never seen a heart I couldn't break
It was never about the songs, it was competition
Make the biggest scene, make the biggest

Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances
Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances

I'm casualty-obsessed and I've forgiven death
I am indifferent yet (I am a total wreck)
I'm every cliche
But I simply do it best

And if you wanna go down in history then I'm your prince
Because they've got me in a band where I've never seen a heart I couldn't break
It was never about the songs, it was competition
Make the biggest scene, make the biggest

Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances
Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances

(Go)

I went to sleep a poet and I woke up a fraud
To calm your nerves I'm feeling for my clothes in the dark

Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances

Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances
Which came first, the music or the misery?
We're high-fashioned, we're last chances...


The Music Or The Misery by Fall Out Boy.

Smile For The Cameras...

So here's the latest announcement from me,after appealing I've got into my second choice which is media and communication at Singapore Poly.So much for preaching about the pros and cons of creative media design yesterday.I didn't even get to blog a post with Escape Artists Never Die now since I'm no longer an artist,not that I was even worthy to be called one yesterday but you get the point.And how appropriate is this day,the day when we first jammed our new song Lights, Cameras, Questions.I'll say this song came about pretty weirdly at first.I was watching football at 1 a.m when I started playing the guitar and coming up with some random chords that sounds pretty sexy.And then I try to fit it into my half-done lyrics and they seem to be fated.

That was the moment of enlightenment and I was like,"oh man,this could be the next big thing from me" which is why I brought the attention of Ryan the very next day when I finally think it's good enough.I stayed up until the early morning trying to complete the lyrics and basically the song structure.The end result is one hell of a song that's the hybrid of Armchair Critic, Electrico, The Fire Fight and Postbox.Now that's something to be certainly be proud of.I hope the guys enjoyed it as much as I did because I think the song is pretty well done and I can't wait to let the public hear it.Of course the lyrical origins will be something only I know,or at least Eugene will know a little about how it came to be.Let's just say it was taken from two people and their actions,and negative ones to be precise that sort of caught my attention.

Anyway,I had a bad blister on my left index finger which just hurts damn bad and we all know that the index finger is the most important finger on the fretboard.To make things worse,my right hand's index finger hurts even more at the joint area.It only hurts when force is applied and strumming with my pick is one of them.Double ouch for me.The icing on the cake will be the fact that we'll be jamming again tomorrow which means I'm probably going to need ice on from saturday onwards.Let's just hope it won't get worse tomorrow because I'll be putting on plenty of plasters to make sure I come home tomorrow in one piece and with no broken bones.


I better start smiling for the cameras...


What if you find out
Everyone that's in your life
Is only being paid off
By a T.V. studio
And every conversation
Everyone's had with you
Was scripted by the writers
Living in Los Angeles

Smile for the camera
Put on a show for the viewers back home
Hide the truth so they'll never know
You hate what you got
Can't you love what you got
So smile for the cameras that keep rolling
(Smile for the cameras that keep rolling)
Smile for the cameras that keep rolling

What if you find out
Everything that's in your life
Was only put in front of you
By people waiting for you to fall
And every time you trip up
Is all just a game
Nothing really matter
Nothing was as bad as you thought it was

Smile for the camera
Put on a show for the viewers back home
Hide the truth so they'll never know
You hate what you got
Can't you love what you got
So smile for the cameras that keep rolling
(Smile for the cameras that keep rolling)
Smile for the cameras that keep rolling

The banquet, the reception, it was all for you
Affectionate obsession from the masses grew
But little do they all know
You're just scared
You're just scared
You're just scared of when they'll write you off your own show

Put on a show for the viewers back home
Hide the truth so they'll never know
You hate what you got
Can't you love what you got
So smile for the cameras that keep rolling
(Smile for the cameras that keep rolling)
Smile for the cameras that keep rolling
(Smile for them)

Love what you got
Can't you love what you got
Love what you got
Can't you love what you got
Love what you got
Can't you love what you got
(Sime for them)

Love what you got
Can't you love what you got
Love what you got
Can't you love what you got
Love what you got
Can't you love what you got...


Smile For The Cameras by Armor For Sleep.

The Artist In The Ambulance...

Spent Monday figuring out the drumbeat for my new song called Lights, Cameras, Questions with Eugene.I think it's going to sound pretty catchy and it's got this beat that the crowd can clap along to,that's if there's even a crowd to begin with.Jammed the acoustic version of Fightstar's Paint Your Target which to me is decently done.Pooled over at Parkway where I ran riot and was leading 6-4.I was spouting nonsense every now and then which got him,and me distracted and I eventually lost 7-6.Then he came back to my place where we jammed some more before having Pizza Hut's at Siglap for dinner.

Came over to Ryan's place on Tuesday to try out Lights, Cameras, Questions and I think they are ok with it.We're going to try out at the studio tomorrow,can barely contain my excitement.I have a feeling it's going to sound great,but that's just me.We Youtubed Taking Back Sunday, Saosin and this retarded video which shows this guy stalking some people,saying "Can I getchour number?Can I have it?Can I?Can I havour number?"It just goes on and on and it got really irritating at some point but it's still funny.Then there's this guy re-mixing R. Kelly's song Trapped In The Closet into Trapped In The Cupboard.The content is totally changed to fit into a song about of all things in the world,cereal.Type Mad Tv at Youtube and laugh your butts off.Dinner at this place called Istanbul's which sells delish kebabs.Discovery worthy of a Nobel,I can't take chili.Had YF in the evening and reached home around 10-ish.Felt really shagged and gave up playing Minesweeper,again and off to my slumber.

Shan't talk about today because there's practically nothing that's worth writing down here.Anyway,tomorrow I'm going to know the results of my appeal to my desired Music And Audio Technology at Singapore Poly and my second choice is Media And Communication also at Singapore Poly.As everyone has known,I'm posted to Creative Media Design which is (man,I'm getting tired of writing this down) Singapore Poly.When I first received the news that I got posted there,I was pretty unsure if I wanted to take the course hence my decision to put my second choice.But after much thought,I realised that I think doing this design thing isn't as bad as I initally thought.

Firstly,I get to doodle as much as I want and noone especially my mom can scold me or anything since it's what I'm supposed to learn in school.Every creation is considered a masterpiece in their own right so there's no way my parents can tell me off to stop doodling.Secondly,photography is in one of the module.That will mean envious stares by my bro,maybe I can teach him a thing or two in handling the camera.Thirdly,there's a possibility that we might get attached to some advertising companies which I find pretty cool and I mean those tv commercials kind.It's definitely going to get our,pardon the pun,creative juices flowing.Fourth,I'm going to like this totally different subject considering secondary school subjects is so memory-based thing that we memorise for the sake of exams.It's art hello,we can be free from those fixed point of views.It's like we can interpret the topic anyway we want and there's this so-called freedom of art.

Of course,there's got to be the downsides and the first one probably defeats the purpose of even taking this course.I can't draw for nuts and it's proven.Whatever I try to draw never looked like the ones that's pictured.And say I'm drawing a horse,people will say it looks like some other animal.That's how much I suck in drawing.Second con,yes I've doodled before.I spent most of my time in class especially Poa and during the 6 weeks in MI doodling.But whatever I doodle are words.They are either song titles,lines from songs and band names which is absolutely zero with reference to designing stuff.Of course there'll be times when I can relate certain songs into the topic but it'll difficult to paint the scene that's originally written in ABC.I just realised it's a double-edged sword,knowing the songs inside out might actually work for or against me because if I do it well then it's victory for me.But if it's not then the v is for vendetta.


I feel like the artist in the ambulance,the one that's going to need lots of help from somewhere...


Late night, brakes lock
Hear the tires squeal
Red light, can't stop
So I spin the wheel
My world goes black before I
Feel an angel lift me up
And I open bloodshot eyes
Into fluorescent white
They flip the siren, hit the lights
Close the doors and I am gone

Now I lay here owing my life
To a stranger and I realize that
Empty words are not enough
I'm left here with the question of just
What have I to show except
The promises I never kept
I lie here shaking on this bed
Under the weight of my regrets

I hope
That I will never let you down
I know
That this can be more than just flashing lights and sound

Look around and you'll see that
At times it feels like no one really cares
It gets me down but I'm still
Gonna try to do what's right
I know that there's a difference between sleight of hand
And giving everything you have
There's a line drawn in the sand
I'm working up the will to cross it

I hope
That I will never let you down
I know
That this can be more than just flashing lights and sound

Rhetoric can't raise the dead
I'm sick of always talking
When there's no change
Rhetoric can't raise the dead
I'm sick of empty words
Let's lead and not follow

Late night, brakes lock
Hear the tires squeal
Red light, can't stop
So I spin the wheel
My world goes black before I
Feel an angel steal me from the
Greedy jaws of death and chance
And pull me in with steady hands
They've given me a second chance
The artist in the ambulance

I hope
That I will never let you down
I know
That this can be more than just flashing lights and sound
Can we pick you off the ground
More than flashing lights and sound...


The Artist In The Ambulance by Thrice.

Say This Sooner...

Today was alright,I guess.Headed to church in the late morning with Kathleen,Aaron,Priscilla,Steven and Russell.I might just make it a point to make this a habit so I can sort of catch up with what's new in their lives.I don't think you're reading this but thanks anyway Kathleen for your belated birthday present,loved it.Headed to parkway as usual for some breathing space and walked around a bit before discovering Mae's The Everglow at Gramophone.I have a copy of it already but the thing is,this one comes with bonus tracks,dvd and new illustrations in the album booklet.It's the same pictures as the one taken in the normal edition but with a new twist.They characters and the scenes are actually in real-life form so it's no longer just an art,it's a living art.Boy,does it look good and I spent the evening watching the dvd which features interviews,live performances and the making of the album.Worth every cent I took out from my wallet,I must say.

I spent the afternoon sleeping and being a liability to the household while my bro is out on his so-called big date,not.He's out with his friend from primary school who goes by the initials of CK.Not Calvin Klein but Cynthia Khoo.He hasn't caught up with her for a long time and I know he still has feelings for her after all these years,6 to be exact.Well,what can I say love is truly unexplainable.He came back with a big smile on his face and spent his last few hours playing Sims before he has to head back to Pulau Tekong which is ending in 2-3 weeks time.From what everyone sayd,the basic military training is what's the most tiring and I have to agree because I've seen my bro's blisters and injuries and it sure doesn't look like much fun.I hope the Indonesian foreign minister manages to convince the Singapore government to disallow Indonesian permanent residents from national service.Of course,it's obvious who will benefit if indeed it really happens and my bro will start kicking and screaming for working his butts out the past 2 months.

Spent the past few weeks at the computer mainly watching movies online and youtube clips of music videos and live performances.I must say the new song by Fightstar is pretty good.We Apologise For Nothing and then there's also the upcoming one called Flood that's used as their singles.I can't wait to get my hands on their latest album which was released last year but the thing is,I can't seem to get it from anywhere.I hope Eugene gets it from his sister when she returns back from Australia.And then there's Secondhand Serenade's second album which I'm going to order one my The Graduate order comes in.It sounds amazing and I'll hold my breath for it's arrival.Too many albums,too little time and cash.Everytime I purchase an album,I'll come up with two more to add into the list.It's no wonder I can never strike out every single cd written on the piece of paper.

To all Arsenal fans and Croatians cursing their luck at Eduardo's broken ankle,I'll have to say that I feel your pain.I may belong to either of the category mentioned above and neither have I broken a leg,hopefully I won't have to suffer any broken bones in my life but I have to give my most sincere sympathy to Eduardo Da Silva.He's been a revelation this season and it's sad to see him getting injured so early in his career even though the title is swinging toward's Manchester United's hands.It's a freak accident and I do hope he'll be back.Such career threatening injuries shouldn't be suffered to the poor lad who's had a decent debut season with the Gunners.Mind over body,if Djibril Cisse can resurrect his career,so can you.Get well soon Eduardo.


Someone told me,"if only you said this sooner,I could've said my piece and it could all have been avoided."


(Whoa, whoa)
I can't believe I didn't say this sooner
I'll just believe that I was all displaced
I'll get to speaking, let you know how I feel
I'll get to judging, make you see my appeal
Oh, oh, oh, oh

No one will ever see things the way I do
No one will try
All my friends think that I'm gone
But I swear
I swear I'm not
(I swear I'm not)

This make me feel that I'll never be quite normal
This makes me act like I'll never get out alive
I'll get to acting, makes you all believe me
I'll get to faking, shows you all how to grieve

No one will ever see things the way I do
No one will try
All my friends think that I'm gone
But I swear
I swear I'm not
I swear I'm not

In and out is where it gets back to the place, it does
Make me feel like I just want to feel just like its touch

No one will ever see things the way I do
No one will try
All your friends think that you're gone
But you swear
I swear I'm not

No one will ever see things the way I do
No one will try
All my friends think that I'm gone
But I swear
I swear I'm not
I swear I'm not...


Say This Sooner by The Almost.

Better That We Break...

After all that's been said and done,it's safe to say that it's better that we break...


I never knew perfection til
I heard you speak and now it kills me
Just to hear you say the simple things

Now waking up is hard to do
And sleeping's impossible too
Everything is reminding me of you
What can I do?

It's not right, not okay
Say the word that you'll say
Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break

A fool to let you slip away
I chase you just to hear you say
You're scared and that you think that I'm insane

The city looks so nice from here
Pity I can't see it clearly
While you're standing there, it disappears
It disappears

It's not right, not okay
Say the word that you'll say
Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break, oh

Saw you sitting all alone
You're fragile and you're cold but that's all right
Life these days is getting rough
They've knocked you down and beat you up
But it's just a rollercoaster anyway, yeah

It's not right, not okay
Say the word that you'll say
Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break

I'm not fine, not okay
Say the word that you'll say
Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break, baby...


Better That We Break by Maroon 5.

Shadows And Regrets...

Yes,it's that time again whereby I look at what I did or rather,did not do and start to regret about them.And to think I'm putting the blame on Eugene for the *Scape video shoot,I've got myself to blame for the next one.One fine day,someone informed Ryan and JiaLin that they want SavingSomeone to come for the video shoot to help promote *Scape Studios.It's held on a wednesday at 5.30pm which means it's way beyond Eugene's so-called time of freedom.And on friday when we went there to jam,the world came crashing down.Apparently Electrico,Caracal and Etc played their part in the makings of the video shoot.I was extremely so disappointed that I was on the brink of tying up Eugene's mom and throwing her into the Singapore river.Of course,I didn't but I just came home with a heavy frown.The chance to break out,ok maybe not exactly break out in a big way.Just maybe level up and we missed it.

And then came the second under the belt manouvre.I saw an advertisement online about a few months back that said that they're looking out for bands of any genre to send them a song demo.It's a way for bands to sort of get exposure to the public audience and the requirements was just a song demo of decent quality.The moment I saw that,I quickly brushed the advertisement aside also thinking it was nothing big.How wrong was I.It turns out that the compilation of 30 songs by 30 different bands was released by Lime magazine and it's definitely a good way for the public to take a dig at the local music scene since it's so easily purchased at almost anywhere.And I have to say that some of our recordings are of a better quality and our music would have fitted in pretty nicely in between the long list of tracks.And not forgetting our photos taken for promo purposes.I wouldn't say that we'll surely get in if we send our recordings but the thing is,we could have at least said that we tried.

Man,I feel damn stupid right now,so much so that I feel like tying myself up and throwing myself into Singapore river.If only I even make the effort to tell Ryan,it could have all been a different story and all of you reading this might spend 3 bucks of your allowance to at least give our music a shot.Even if its not your kind of music,you get to at elast enjoy the other more established bands like West Grand Boulevard,Allura,Caracal,Astroninja,B-Quartet and Summer's Over.Not forgetting Armchair Critic featuring Boon the drummer.I only knew him through Camp Incredible and boy,was I not an inch disappointed.Now if only I had been more wise in making such decision,SavingSomeone could have leveled up even if it's only a tiny bit.I mean,who wouldn't want to see their band name in an album compilation sharing the limelight with other more established bands.I guess it's another lesson learnt for me.

Eugene and I came to a conclusion that we sort of missed playing in front of audiences.The thrill,the pressure,the nerve-wrecking moments and not forgetting all the fun.But for now,we're going to work on our sound andcurrently in process of writing new materials in the form of two songs.At least that's what Ryan and I exchanged through sms.Anyway,I just hope that another door opens for us in the future and this time,take it with open arms.We won't be hungry and desperate for attention but we do want to break out the music scene pretty badly because I think the time is right.

Could it all be nothing but a dream?Something that wasn't meant to be but yet,we tried to make things work and eventually give up upon.Were we doomed to fail from the start?Something we tried to disclose from the beginning and only came to see now.I still believe things could've been better but then again,I'm powerless.


Shadows and regrets,that's all that's left...


I'm back, back in town
And everything has changed
I feel, feel let down
The faces stay the same
I see, see shadows
Of who we used to be
And I drive, drive so slow
Through this memory

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest

I heard, heard myself
Say things I'd take back
If I could, could retell
And make these stories last
I see, see shadows
Of who we'll always be
I drive, drive these roads
That made our memories

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest
Shadows and regrets
Let go of the rest

Everything has changed
(Everything has changed)
The faces stayed the same
(The faces stayed the same)
Everything has changed
(Everything has changed)
The faces stayed the same
(The faces stayed the same)

When we were only kids
And our time couldn't end
And how tall did we stand
With the world in our hands

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest
Shadows and regrets
We let go of the rest
Shadows and regrets
We let go of the rest...


Shadows And Regrets by Yellowcard.

On The Floor...

Please tell me you're not putting me back on the floor...


Just one last aspiration
Let's sit right down and watch it fade
Tonight, is going nowhere
Lift me off the concrete, save me

Please, put me back down on the floor
And run me right over
Take this, explain it
Nothing seems to make sense anymore
Anymore

I am dying for a sign
What's been running through your mind?
Don't just smile at me and act like it's ok
Why can't we be never-ending?

Please, put me back down on the floor
And run me right over
Take this, explain it
Nothing seems to make sense anymore
Anymore

Just tell me where it is you want to go
And if I let down then I won't let it show
And if it's over then why can't you say so?

Please, put me back down on the floor
And run me right over
Take this, explain it
Nothing seems to make sense anymore
Anymore...


On The Floor by Spitalfield.

You Be The Anchor That Keeps My Feet On The Ground, I'll Be The Wings That Keeps Your Heart In The Clouds...

He felt different today.A little insecure but at the same time,he felt at ease.Maybe it's because of the fact that he decided to take a break from reality again.He guessed that for some reason,there's a need to even though he didn't think that there were too many unanswered questions.It was more of a little time to think about how much he has changed as a person,in particular the past few weeks and a few more personal ones.It's that time of the year again whereby self-discovery is vital to decisions that are going to be made.It might cushion the blow for the negative happenings but the same time,appreciate the positive ones more.

What he is concerned about was looking at unfamiliar faces.It wasn't because he hasn't seen them before,it was more like the fact that there was this aura that made these people seem different.it may not necessarily be a bad thing.He just finds it weird to be seeing them looking unlike themselves or how they used to.He doesn't blame them because nobody ever said that life is easy.He has had his moments too and he can truly understand their position.He felt helpless and at some point,a liability.Instead of making these people feel better,he's rubbing it on their faces even if he didn't mean to."It just happens," he told himself in a defensive tone.And then he got reminded of some of the events over the weeks.He realised how stupid he was.He should have been more realistic yet he had his hopes up too early.He should have learnt that life has a funny way of taking away all we ever expected to receive.That was a gentle reminder and he's sure he'll remember that for the rest of his life.


I hope you'll still be the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground because I know I'll be the wings that keeps your heart in the clouds...


And honestly, I have been begging for answers
That you and only you can give to me
A voice crying loud, I've been crying for days now
And as I start to run, I stop to breathe
(And I was nearly scared to death)
And I was nearly scared to death
(By what you left in paragraphs)
By what you left in paragraphs
(The words were nearly over us)
The words were nearly over as
You stop and turn and grab your bags

And I'll be here by the ocean
Just waiting for proof that there's sunsets and silhouette dreams
All my sand castles fall like the ashes of cigarettes
And every waves drags me to sea
I could stand here for hours
Just to ask God the question, "Is everyone here make-believe?"
With a tear in His voice, He said, "Son, that's the question
Does this deafening silence mean nothing to no one but me?"

As hours move to minutes
And minutes take longer to break
I will be desperately awaiting
But my tongue won't fall apart
And we've been sitting here for hours
All alone and in the dark
So let me think of how to word it
Is it too soon to say 'perfect'?
If I could find another thirty minutes somewhere
I'm sure everything would find me
All that's left is just to sing

And I'll be here by the ocean
Just waiting for proof that there's sunsets and silhouette dreams
All my sand castles fall like the ashes of cigarettes
And every waves drags me to sea
I could stand here for hours
Just to ask God the question, "Is everyone here make-believe?"
With a tear in His voice, He said, "Son, that's the question
Does this deafening silence mean nothing to no one but me?"

And if you sing to me sweet words until then
I may never sail Virginia again
And as this current moves slow for me
This much you must know of me again, we'll mee again
And I'll have you know I'm scared to death
Tell me once again that you'll love me to the death
And should I die, you swear that you will come for me
As I fade away, you reach out your hand
(And please don't let me go)
And please don't let me go
(And please don't let me go)
And please don't let me go

And I'll be here by the ocean
Just waiting for proof that there's sunsets and silhouette dreams
All my sand castles fall like the ashes of cigarettes
And every waves drags me to sea
I could stand here for hours
Just to ask God the question, "Is everyone here make-believe?"
With a tear in His voice, He said, "Son, that's the question
Does this deafening silence mean nothing to no one but me?"


You Be The Anchor That Keeps My Feet On The Ground, I'll Be The Wings That Keeps Your Heart In The Clouds by Mayday Parade.

The Road To Jericho Is Lined With Starving People...

He was walking alone on the busy street when he noticed a face in the crowd.It wasn't because the lady looked familiar,he has never seen her before.Instead,it was the way she dressed that caught his attention.In the middle of one of the busiest areas of the country,yet you can tell she was having a big problem coping with the financial needs to survive.And there she was trying hard to make a living as many ignored her pleas.She has already given up her pride,what else does the people expect her to do?What does society even expects of everyone?

The answer is found in Pay It Forward.The hero of the story answered the question with a blunt "nothing" but yet if you think deep enough,the hero is absolutely spot on.The story is about how the hero wants to change the world by starting this movement called Paying It Forward.What started off as a social studies project turned into a major thing that sparked a nation.It was based on a rather simplistic idea,the hero does a good deed to three people.In return,these three have to return the favour by helping out three other people and the cycle never ends.It seems too easy a task but he knows that the world isn't so perfect as the story suggests.He also knows that unlike the story,the people aren't even willing to do a small favor,let alone the big ones like in the story.Is the system flawed right from the very start?Maybe.But it's enough to leave an inspirational mark on his heart.Besides there is nothing wrong in dreaming of something big to happen.

Judging from what he's seen on the streets however,it's not that it's impossible to do but rather it is difficult.People aren't willing to change the way they lead their life to let others fit into theirs.At the same time,they're afraid that what they're doing is seen as more of a weakness that others could easily exploit.After all,it takes two hands to clap.And a positive gesture should be taken in positively and common sense will tell us that we have to return it in a positive way.It's almost basic human nature but apparently,that's what is lacking.He doesn't expect people to change overnight or people coming up with this big idea to reform and quitting halfway through.At times we find ourselves forgetting that the simplest of actions is what is worth more than this revolution to change the world directly.Start small,you'll never know how much that small deed means to the individual and to many others.For a start,why not make someone else's day better?It's about time he starts to actually put his words into action.


If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love.
The road to Jericho is lined with starving people...


There's a man on the side of the road
Left for dead
People passing by turn their head
There's a man on the side of the road to Jericho
Needs a friend
Oh, we all could use a little more loving
Couldn't we?
So come on love
Give your love away with me

Hold nothing back
Like you've nothing to lose
Love with all you have
Like you don't have a clue
What it's costing you

There's a man on his way to a church
Avoids the eyes of a dying soul
Turns his head
There's a child on the side of the road to Jericho
Needs a friend
Oh we all could do a little more loving
Wouldn't you agree?
So come on love
Give your love away with me

Hold nothing back
Like you've nothing to lose
Love with all you have
Like you don't have a clue
What it's costing you

If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love
If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love
If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love
Oh, will you give your love away?

If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love
If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love
If loving were easy, it wouldn't be love
I'm gonna give away love
(Oh, love with all you have
Hold nothing back)
I'm gonna give away love
(Love with all you have)
Will you give your love away?


The Road To Jericho Is Lined With Starving People by This Providence.

Yes, Even Stars Break...

"Lesson number 1 from the first day of the pursuit" he wrote in his little notebook.He started questioning himself with every little doubts in his mind.

"What is it that we all want in life?Why are we working so hard when we don't even know what we're working for?Why do we choose to sacrifice so much for the supposed future that we don't even know exist?"

He's been through pain,lots of it.He has seen himself break down physically,mentally and emotionally.Yet,he could only sit there and look with envy as to how other people could endure so much in life without much complaining.He noticed that the people around him were far more intelligent than he is in every way,yet they themselves don't seem to know what's good for them.Through the physical torture,they still make the effort to contribute to their surrounding because they know that they are needed.They could simply have taken the easy way out and just back out.They know they need the rest but yet,they won't do it.It's like as if people just want to continue their mission and make sure they finish what they've started.He's seen a few with that burning desire and ambition in their flesh and blood.That's the kind of passion that drives people on to succeed in life.

Usually,he would call these bunch of people downright stupid for risking their health and to some extent,even their life to do what they set their heart out to do.It's like as if they don't know just how much harm they're doing to themselves in not getting enough rest.There's only so much one's body can take before we realise that we're done with it.But why risk it,he caught himself wondering.And there he was thinking about every single minute of his life and making a meal out of how hard he has worked when in truth,what he has done is nothing compared to some others.Then he remembered a little story which he read a few weeks ago,it's about how the lifestyle has changed and how being a workaholic was viewed rather positively.

There's nothing wrong in working hard because they get to reap the benefits at the end of it all.But to some extent,they're missing out on many other good things in life.of course there will always be setbacks every now and then but it shouldn't hinder and them from their personal life.He realised just how much he wants to see this group of people who overworked themselves to take a break from everything to just take a look around them.See the world as it was meant to be seen and take a breather from everything that's bothering them.Cause he knows that even stars break...


Alone at last
Sleeping to help ease my pain
And I take it back
You'll never be this close to me
And I breathe in deep
It helps me to avoid this state
You've put me in
You've put me in
And now that I can deal
With everything you've thrown at me
And how does it feel
To know that you could never fix the way we see
The way you left us without any reasoning
Without reasoning

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

Look at how I've grown, just see
The burdens you put on us help
Guide me to be
The man I was supposed to be
He breathes in deep
It helps him realize how everything
In his whole life progressed
He's fine I swear
And he'll confess to you because
Tonight he'll find his way back home
Forget about the plans we made
I'll never let this go
Confess to you cause
Tonight he'll find his way back home
Forget about the plans we made
I'll never let this go

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

Broken faith and wasted breath
Photographs are all that's left
Broken faith and wasted breath
Photographs are all that's left
Broken faith and wasted breath
Photographs are all that's left
Of you, of you

Broken faith and wasted breath
Photographs are all that's left
(We've come a long way to come back on you right now)
Broken faith and wasted breath
Photographs are all that's left
(We've spent too many days trying to find you out)
Broken faith and wasted breath
Photographs are all that's left
(We still hold close to us on memories of you)
Of you, of you

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories

I lay you to rest
In my head stored away to never return
I'll forget everything you left back at home
Please know I'm always looking back on our scripted memories...


Yes, Even Stars Break by The Scene Aesthetic.

The Pursuit Of Happiness: The 1st Movement...

It didn't take long before the truth hits him right in the face.Was this what he wanted all along?Was all these just a cover up from everything that's been hidden underneath the mask?After all,he gave up the world in the pursuit of happiness.And he was rewarded with everything that he could have ever wished for that made him happy,or at least happier than he was.It was't long before the reality sank in,hard.It was like watching everything he built crumble to the ground at a world record speed.

Just a conversation with his friend made him think twice about his perspective in life.But he knows that for now,he's happy with whatever he has and he will never betray every single promise he made,either to the people around him or even himself.But he wonders if he was trying to hard to please everyone around him.Obviously,he knows that he is facing an uphill and to some extent,impossible task.Yet he's trying to make history by being the first to actually achieve that status.

He turned around for one last look.Noone was there trying to pin him down and hold him back."I guess I've made up my mind," he said to himself as he tries to calm himself down.In a way,it re-assures him.Deep down,he knows that he doesn't have much choice even if it means risking everything that he's got in exchange for something else.Problem was,he doesn't know what he's getting.It could be for something better but there's always a possibility that it isn't and he's throwing his life away with a silly action."No turning back now," he looks across the horizon.Only time will tell if his pursuit of happiness is worth all the sacrifices...


In the heat of another busy day he said
"What on earth am I doing here anyway?
I've spent all my attention
On the world and its distractions
I've no time for reflection
No, I just go, go, go
It's just go, go, go"

In the heat of a conversation it was said
"I've got all these good intentions
I just don't have the time"
We all wish for more
And more hours in a day
But I think it's safe to say
We just need to breathe and slow down

Slow down, slow down
Slow down and ask yourself right now
Slow down (you're falling asleep in traffic)
Slow down (you're losing your soul)
Slow down, where are you taking yourself now?

I just wanna be happy
But I can't quench my thirst
I'm always missing something
Maybe I just need more
Or maybe I should breathe and slow down

Slow down, slow down
Slow down and ask yourself right now
Slow down (you're falling asleep in traffic)
Slow down (you're losing your soul)
Slow down, where are you taking yourself now?

When I fall asleep I dream of happiness
In numbers and dollar signs
And when I awake, it's only one prize away
I've never known anything else

Slow down, slow down
Slow down, where are you taking yourself now?


The Pursuit Of Happiness: The 1st Movement by This Providence.

Secret Valentine...

It's been a while since I last blogged and I must say that there's plenty that deserved to be posted up here but I just don't have the time or the energy,whichever comes first whenever I get home.This week has been spent rather wasted-ly,if there's even such a word.School in the morning as always and everytime I reached home,I'll just feel so darn tired that I'll fall asleep in no time after a nice bath.To the extent that I'll skip dinner and wake up for supper instead.Like today,I didn't have time for lunch before jamming and I had no energy to get in the high mood while playing the songs.Furthermore,I think I injured my right index finger from all that strumming.Man,am I getting rusty or what?No wait,I think it's due to the old age thing.Damn I hate to turn 17 if it means more vulnerability to injuries.I'll have to like,not do anything too hardcore with my index finger now,hopefully it'll be okay by the next jamming session.

Oh yes,how can I forget Valentine's Day.Big congrats from me to those who got hooked on the special day or showered with tonnes of gifts by their loved ones and friends or get to spend quality time with your loved one.It shows how much they care for you or that you've made an impact in their life in whatever ways no matter how small it is.But then again,it doesn't just have to be because of Valentine's that you guys get each other gifts because everyday that comes is the present so you should actually take time to enjoy that present and make your loved one happier than they were.Anyway it's quite cool actually to see everyone's smiley faces as they are holding on to their gifts may it be a balloons,chocs and even dehydrated flowers.It's got some people showing their creativity by coming up with the most unique gift like the Rubik's Cube which has photos of the couple on each face instead of the usual 6 colours.I think that's a pretty cool idea since everyone's into the Rubik's Cube mood.My class have Kelly and Jolene to thank for for the blood red towels that looks too nice to be used.

Here's what you people missed out last Sunday.




















JiaLin alias Shatre.




















Mao Zedong's disciple at gambling.















Ryan,Eugene and JiaLin.















Clockwise from top left: YongSiang,me,Jeremy,FOOD!















Sayuri and Peter.I owed them a hell lot for Maths and Chemistry tuition respectively.















From the nearest to camera to the furthest: JiaLin,Eugene,Jeremy.















Charmaine and Kathleen.















Steven,Me,Kathleen,Kimberly and Charmaine,the church people.















Eugene,you moved!















Final photo before the music begins.















What You Want Is Not What You Need.















Getting ready for 12 Used To Be My Lucky Number.














Lyrical Lies by Cute Is What We Aim For.














Speed To Break Down.Oops,no picture for Balcony.















Steven,Kathleen,Kimberly,Charmaine.















Jeremy and YongSiang.















Finale,Sweep.




















Eugene during Sweep.















Ryan busy papparazzi-ing and my grandma.














Shot by Ryan during Sweep.


You're my secret valentine...


Soft kiss and wine
What a pretty friend of mine
We're finally intertwined
Nervous and shy
For the moment we will come
Alive tonight

Secret valentine
We'll write a song
That turns out the lights
When both boy and girl start suddenly shaking inside
Don't waste your time
Speed up your breathing
Just close your eyes
We'll hope it's not for nothing at all

Lay down be still
Don't worry talk they will
I'll be loving you until
Morning's first light
Breaks tomorrow I'll take care
Of you tonight

Secret valentine
We'll write a song
That turns out the lights
When both boy and girl start suddenly shaking inside
Don't waste your time
Speed up your breathing
Just close your eyes
We'll hope it's not for nothing at all

When guilt fills your head
Brush off, rise up from the dead
This is the moment that we
Will come alive
Brace yourself for love
Sweet love, secret love

We'll write a song
That turns out the lights
When both boy and girl start suddenly shaking inside
Don't waste your time
Speed up your breathing
Just close your eyes
We'll hope it's not for nothing at all...


Secret Valentine by We The Kings.

I'm Ready...

Another loser day,rotted at home and stoned for most periods of the day.I watched Spongebob Squarepants on Nickelodeon among many other shows like Avatar,Amazing Race Asia,etc etc.Gah,television is becoming more boring by the minute and I'm not even complaining about that Hollywood writers guild strike thing.Sadly,I can't be bothered with watching those season shows like Heroes,Lost,Prison Break and CSI amongs many others.I haven't been a loyal watcher of Lost and Prison Break before this Heroes fever hits Singapore.Judging from my intelligence,or lack thereof,I conclude that the two shows are to me plain dumb.I mean no offence to the men behind it because the idea is there and there are some hot casts but the thing is after God knows how many seasons,nothing much has changed.

The people in Lost are still lost and the plot is getting lame-r by the season as they keep meeting new people from the supposed other side and yet,there's still no way for them to get back home to where they originally belonged.I mean,continuing the show season after season makes it kind of boring.And yes,the people in Prison Break are still planning to break out from prison after failing gazillion times.If you fail,try and try again.But once the viewers ratings drop,you know it's time to pack your bags and move on with life.Which in Hollywood terms means that they should get one last buzz from viewers by highlighting that it'll be their final season,this will in fact generate some publicity especially those with a weak mind or really 'enthu' people to try and catch the remaining episodes.It's time for a change guys,how many more men are Eva Longoria and gang going to sleep with in Desperate Housewives anyway?But before you have that season finale thing,please make sure Tony Parker appear in one of those Desperate Houeswives episodes so that at least everyone knows who's boss in the real world.


I'm ready for the big surprise tomorrow...


And today was a day just like any other

I'm on the verge, I'm on the verge
Unraveling with every word
With every word you say, make me believe
That I won't feel your tires on the street
As I'm finding the words, you're getting away

I come undone, oh yes I do
Just think of all the thoughts wasted on you
And every word you say, say something sweet
Cause all I taste is blood between my teeth
As I'm finding the words, you're getting away

Well, I'm ready
I'm ready to drop
Oh, I'm ready
I'm ready so don't stop
I'm ready so don't stop
Keep pushing (don't stop me, I'm ready)
I'm ready to fall (don't stop me)
Oh, I'm ready (don't stop me, I'm ready)
I'm ready so don't call
I'm ready so don't call

I am aware, I've been misled
I disconnect my heart, my head
Don't wanna recognize when things go bad
The things that you'll accept
Except that I am finding the words, to say

I'm ready
I'm ready to drop
Oh, I'm ready
I'm ready so don't stop
I'm ready so don't stop
Keep pushing (don't stop me, I'm ready)
I'm ready to fall (don't stop me)
Oh, I'm ready (don't stop me, I'm ready)
I'm ready so don't call
I'm ready so don't call

I wake up to find it's another
Four aspirin morning and I dive in
I put on the same clothes I wore yesterday
When did society decide that we have to change
And wash a tee shirt after every individual use
If it's not dirty, I'm gonna wear it
I take the stairs to the car
And there's fog on the windows
(And I'm finding the words)
I need caffeine in my blood stream
I take caffeine to my blood stream
I grip the wheel
And all at once I realize
(And you're getting away)
My life has become a boring pop song
And everyone's singing along

Well, I'm ready (well, I'm ready)
To drop
Well, I'm ready
I'm ready so don't stop
Oh, keep pushing
I'm ready to fall


Well, I'm ready (don't stop me, I'm ready)
I'm ready so don't call (don't stop I've already let go)
I'm ready so don't call
Oh (don't stop me, I'm ready)
Oh (don't stop I've already let go)
Oh, I've already let go...


I'm Ready by Jack's Mannequin.

Something's Missing...

When your life gets dull due to the lack of entertainment like mine,even games at miniclip.com amuses me.That just shows how desperate I am because I've been hooked to the table tennis game for two days non-stop because I keep losing at the semi-final.I have this habit of not quitting until I finally win the game just like what I did to Minesweeper.I ended it after countless tries and now,I can't be bothered to even think of playing it ever again.There's this Raft Wars game at miniclip that's played very similar to Worms just that it's for the young at heart with really child-friendly characters that's referred to as really cute.Just two days at home and not doing anything kills me but then again,getting busy everyday is tiring too.Conclusion,we mere mortals can never be satisfied.When we're busy working,we wish we have long holidays and strangely vice-versa.It's like as though there's no such thing as perfect and that life's always incomplete.


Something's missing the past few days and I know what it is...


I'm not alone
I wish I was
Cause then I'd know
I was down because
I couldn't find
A friend around
To love me like they do right now
They do right now

I'm dizzy from
The shopping mall
I searched for joy
But I bought it all
It doesn't help
The hunger pains
And a thirst I'd have to drown first
To ever satiate

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is
At all

When autumn comes
It doesn't ask
It just walks in
Where it left you last
You never know
When it starts
Until there's fog inside the glass around
Your summer heart

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is
At all

I can't be sure that this state of mind
Is not of my own design
I wish there was an over-the-counter test
For loneliness
For loneliness like this

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is
No, I don't know what it is
Something's different
And I don't know what it is
No, I don't know what it is

Friends
(Check)
Money
(Check)
A well slept
(Check)
Opposite sex
(Check)
Guitar
(Check)
Microphone
(Check)
Messages waiting on me
When I come home
(Check)

How come everything I think I need
Always comes with batteries
What do you think it means?


Something's Missing by John Mayer.

Seventeen Ain't So Sweet...

Seventeen ain't just sweet,it's the best feeling in the world if you're in my shoes right now...


Well she never was the best
Yeah, at following the trends
Stayed one step above the rest
And even though it seemed

Like the world was crashing on her
Didn't let it hold her down
Didn't hold her back, oh no whoa oh
Don't worry, you'll show them

There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
There's a scream in your voice
And I hope you will be heard
There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
Until you're heard, you're heard

Seventeen is just a test
Yeah, and I would recommend
That you live with no regrets
And even if it seems

Like the world is crashing on you
You shouldn't let it hold you down
Shouldn't hold you back, oh no whoa oh
Don't worry, you'll show them

There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
There's a scream in your voice
And I hope you will be heard
There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
Until you're heard, you're heard

Relax girl, turn down the lights
No one can see you shining
Relax girl, it'll be alright
No one can stop you if you try
Point of rhythm is to follow it in time
To listen to the beating in your mind
Remember if you seek then you shall find
Woah oh

There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
There's a scream in your voice
And I hope you will be heard
There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
Until you're heard, you're heard

There's a fire in your eyes (your eyes)
And I hope you'll let it burn
There's a scream in your voice (your voice)
And I hope you will be heard
There's a fire in your eyes
And I hope you'll let it burn
Until you're heard...


Seventeen Ain't So Sweet by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

When I'm With You...

Happy Chinese New Year to all celebrating and happy holidays to those who aren't including me although I am a Chinese myself.Thing is,I don't have any relatives to visit and my family isn't so gung ho on those reunion dinner and stuff like tossing the food in the air and watching them drop to the floor and in the process wasting precious food.Well,I've got a solution for that.Just stay at home and take a breather and enjoy yourself at home without all those privacy intrusion that some of your uncles and aunts might do like bombarding you with the same questions that they already did last year.This way,you can save your breath and at the same time,make your day less annoying in a way.It's like an interrogation if you ask me so I prefer staying at home and play some tunes on my guitar no matter how much I suck at it.Besides I've got to practise for Sunday's acoustic gig and my fingers are still not accustomised to playing acoustics.I realised that the thick acoustic is too much for my poor little fragile fingers but I'll be ready for Sunday.


You're the best thing ever you know that.I'll wear your heart on my sleeve, literally.Shouldn't reveal anything more than that.Only God knows how you can read my mind and give me something I've always wanted for the longest time ever.And a quiet evening at the playground was the perfect setting.It won't be appropriate for me to put how I feel in words now because it totally exceeds what words can express.Even pictures too even if it can speak a thousand words.I need something that can speak a zillion words without actually having to do it by hand.Nothing else in the world matters when I'm with you...



Saw you walk in to the room
Thought I'd try to talk to you
Babe, am I ever glad you wanted me too
It's been two years to the day
Half the time I've been away
I know I'm not there enough
But that's gonna change
Cause I'm coming back to show you that
I'm keeping the promise that I made

When I'm with you
I'll make every second count
Cause I miss you
Whenever you're not around
When I kiss you
I still get butterflies years from now
I'll make every second count
When I'm with you

(Na na na na na nananananana)
(Na na na na na nananananana)

Yeah, we've had our ups and downs
But we've always worked them out
Babe, am I ever glad we got this far now
Still I'm lying here tonight
Wishing I was by your side
Cause when i'm not there enough
Nothing feels right
So I'm coming back to show you that
I'll love you the rest of my life

When I'm with you
I'll make every second count
Cause I miss you
Whenever you're not around
When I kiss you
I still get butterflies years from now
I'll make every second count
When I'm with you

Whatever it takes
I'm not gonna break
The promise I made

When I'm with you
I'll make every second count
Cause I miss you (miss you, miss you)
Yeah

When I'm with you
I'll make every second count
Cause I miss you
Whenever you're not around
When I kiss you
I still get butterflies years from now
I'll make every second count
(Every second count)
When I'm with you (na na na na na nananananana)
When I'm with you (na na na na na nananananana)
When I'm with you (na na na na na nananananana)
When I'm with you (na na na na na nananananana)
(Nananananana)
(Nananananana)


When I'm With You by Faber Drive.

Built To Last...

Today was great,had quite a fun time in school.Was enjoying music during history lesson while doing the essay which I did very sloppily because I have absolutely zero interest in South East Asian history since it's very dry and the teacher makes it worse.No offence to him,he's a real funny guy whether he realised it or not but the way he speaks is like a knock out blow that'll make staying awake impossible.Played mass catching during break and I really didn't know the rules.I was expecting it to be like the normal catching whereby you catch and the person becomes the catcher but apparently,this version is like if you got caught,you also become the catcher so it's like a widespread thing.I had quite a nice spot to hide actually but I got bored after like 10 minutes of just sitting at one corner and doing nothing so I decided to wander about.Big mistake,I should've just stayed at where I was and noone would've caught me because it's like a really secluded area of the school.The next time we're playing mass catching,I swear I'll just camp at that spot until time is up.

Next up was home tutor period,pretty much what you would call pastoral care lesson during secondary days and we were free to do what we want.I decided to get some shut eye because I have no idea on how to start working on new material as yet so I'm not forcing it out of me.Watched Mind Your Language during Management of Business periods,it was pretty funny but I can't stand too much British accent because half the time,I caught no balls.Some parts were just plain lame but other than that,I think the show's not too bad.Went home after that.Caught another short nap before going to church for YF meeting.Met Kim early because we didn't want to pay another fine for being late,those latecomers today were lucky to get away scot-free.If only that was the case two weeks ago,I would've another 4 bucks to spare.Yes,I'm a cheapskate and I can foresee Francis laughing all the way to the bank with the money that was collected from latecomers thus far.Went home with Kim after that and ta-da,another great day well-spent.


Most of all, it's built to last...


I've looked for love
In stranger places
But never found someone like you
Someone who's smart
Makes me feel I've been holding back
An now there's nothing I can do

Cause this is real and this is good
It warms the inside just like it should
But most of all
Most of all, it's built to last
It's built to last
(It's built to last)

All of our friends
Saw from the star
So why didn't we believe it too
Now look where we are
You're in my heart now
And there's no escaping it for you

Cause this is real and this is good
It warms the inside just like it should
But most of all
Most of all, it's built to last

Walking on the hills at night
With those fire works and candle light
You and I were meant to get love right

Cause this is real and this is good
It warms the inside just like it should
But most of all
Most of all, it's built to last
(It's built to last)

Cause you are the sun in my universe
Considered the best when we felt the worst
But most of all
Most of all
Most of all
Most of all
Most of all
Most of all, it's built to last...


Built To Last by Mêlée.

Stereo...

So after watching a couple of live and official videos of The Rocket Summer,The Spill Canvas,30 Seconds To Mars,Mayday Parade,Jack's Mannequin and Taking Back Sunday,I have to write something about my opinions about them.I have to say that watching Taking Back Sunday's live videos gave me goosebumps,especially when they were playing MakeDamnSure with Aaron Gillespie of Underoath and The Almost singing alongside them.They were amazing on stage,I guess I really have to take back about whatever I said about Taking Back Sunday a long time ago.I actually think they sound way better live than in the album especially with the vocalist swinging his microphone all over the place like some psychotic maniac but in a positive way because it captivates the people catching them.Now if only Jialin can learn the art of swinging the vox,wouldn't that be one level up for SavingSomeone.

Watching The Rocket Summer and Jack's Mannequin made want to shoot myself for making me look like a bloody idiot trying to play keyboards.I really like Bryce Avary's of The Rocket Summer unique voice.It almost sounds whiny but it's packed with a sexy punch,no matter how stupid that sounds,I can't help saying it.Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin,previously of Something Corporate,has got a certain style like having two microphones.One directly on the piano,the other 90 degrees anti-clockwise so that he can actually make eye-contact with the crowd which is a good thing.And his energy is electric,I can certainly feel it spreading like bonfires.It makes me feel like dancing along to the music and sing out loud especially in the showers since they're so radio-friendly.I can't wait for their second album to be released sometime this year,I'm going to be the first in line when it finally hit the shores.

Watched 30 Second To Mars' latest video A Beautiful Lie shot entirely in Greenland which is mostly icy white.What I really like about 30 Second To Mars is how their videos are always so different from the others.Remember From Yesterday?It was shot in China and boy does it look really cool.There's a storyline behind it and though I still can't quite figure it out yet,it's what keeps us viewers wanting to see more of them.Maybe it's because of Jared Leto's experience as an actor that gave him these really wicked ideas about creating many cool videos.The Kill too had a certain theme revolving around it.Attack is just a special effect masterpiece.I think having really cool music videos is what keeps bands fresh and captures the imagination of both the first-time viewers and the fans.

Mayday Parade's When I Get Home,You're So Dead is a good example of straight in your face and easy to understand storyline that tells the tale of the song.It's like watching a 3-5 minutes long film that uses the lyrics as dialogues.It's the tried and tested formula that's commonly seen in Mtv.Like using crowds to watch them play their song and headbanging or singing along to it while the band is enjoying themselves rocking on stage.It's by far the easiest way to make a music video.The Spill Canvas' The Tide is slightly more towards giving a message to those watching.The video is trying to influence the viewers to take a more positive outlook of life and that's definitely a good thing.It makes things more personal as if trying to make direct contact with the viewers through the lyrics and the music as a way to attract their attention.


Stereo has definitely changed the way we see things in life...


We're all part of it
This thoughtless world
A generation bought and sold
By our weak but through story copy-cat years
We've been taught to love this robotic formula
Built to please ignorant minds and culture masses
We know the artists have failed us now

Stereo, stereo
Tired bullshit dressed in gold
Scan the youth, find the pieces
(Artists have failed us now)
Stereo, stereo
Hear the world that you've created
Fall to pieces
We're all bought and sold

Radio waves
Still transmit the same
Replica that wreaks of staleness and decay
Unless we resist
And open our eyes to this
Uniform and standard model they insist we consume
But our hearts have failed us now

Stereo, stereo
Tired bullshit dressed in gold
Scan the youth, find the pieces
(Our hearts have failed us now)
Stereo, stereo
Hear the world that you've created
Fall to pieces

But do we know
We've all been bought and sold
Yeah, bought and sold
We've all been bought and sold
Yeah, bought and sold
We've all been sold
To a world that failed us

Stereo, stereo
Tired bullshit dressed in gold
Scan the youth, find the pieces
(Our hearts have failed us now)
Stereo, stereo
Hear the world that you've created
Fall to pieces

Stereo, stereo
Tired bullshit dressed in gold
Scan the youth, find the pieces
Stereo, stereo
Hear the world that you've created
Fall to pieces

We're all bought and sold
We're all bought and sold
We've been bought...


Stereo by Story Of The Year.

MFEO: Part 1- Made For Each Other...

I can't believe a month has flown past me just like that and we've now reached the second month of the year.January has been rather interesting,many highs but there's still a few lows that's for sure.Whatever the case,what's done is done so just let bygones be bygones but for the good ones,keep them close to heart.Went for Viva La Musica III on Tuesday after getting last minute chocolates for Kimberly at Parkway.We waited for bus 32 for slightly more than 30 minutes and took bus 40 instead because we gave up playing the waiting game.It was pretty good actually,I enjoyed it.The concert started off pretty slowly but once it gained momentum,I was tapping my foot and fingers to the rhythm.The last few songs during the encore were far more engaging,how I wish Copa Cabana was inside because I really like the song.Oh well,at least the concert didn't disappoint me one bit.

Didn't go school yesterday because I was tired out from soccer on Wednesday although all I did was freekicks and being the goalie.Woke up pretty late and headed to the studio after lunch.Tried out Ryan's new song which to me wasn't as good as I expected.Maybe because I was asking too much after seeing how Balcony and Speed To Break Down turned out.I just couldn't get the feel of the song and the parts were almost too disconnected to be connected to each other.Went back after that and something started to bother me.The whole journey was spent talking to Eugene about something that bothered me but yet I have the slightest of clue as to what is actually bothering me.It came to the point that I was bothered about what was bothering me and it nearly drove me to insanity.Luckily I was saved in the nick of time when I decided to drop by Siglap for 2 minutes,yes I counted,with Kim.Didn't talk much actually,like I said I only spent a mere 2 minutes so what do you expect me to do?Headed home feeling lighter and breathing much more easily for some reason.

Went to school today despite Eugene's absence yet again,he was absent on Wednesday too that lazybum.Only half the class came and I can't believe that I'm actually enjoying class.I mean,I actually worked my brain cells trying to recall facts for history,watch people playing in class while listening to my iPod during Management of Business and laughed out loud for General Paper when it came to the Answer In Your Own Words As Far As Possible,also known an AIYOWAFAP.I use it on some occasions to replace the four letter word because to me,AIYOWAFAP sounds good enough to be a vulgarity.Left Nevin because he wanted to lunch with his class people while I headed to town to order Secondhand Serenade's second album or so I think.Last minute decision to change my order to The Graduate's Anhedonia because I remembered Andrew McMahon's (Something Corporate,Jack's Mannequin) review on it.Lunched at Subway before taking a bus down to City Hall to meet Kim.Apparently her touch rugby training is cancelled due to bad weather,wickedly bad weather I must say.I was quite surprised I wasn't drenched when my feet touched the station.Window shopped and went home early.

Upon my arrival,my mom told me that Jakarta is starting to flood again.That shook me up quite a bit,I hope it won't be as bad as last year and that it's nothing more than just a one-off thing.I want my dad to drop by soon so that we can celebrate the two occasions,Chinese New Year and my birthday.I don't I have ever celebrated my birthday with my dad around as in,on the actualy day itself which is pretty sad.I hope everything's going according to plan and he might actually pay us a visit this year,that'll be really cool.The band's coming over to my place this Sunday for a rehearsal on what's going to happen on the 10th of February.It's my belated birthday party cum acoustic gig right under my roof and should I say,right below my bedroom.I've decided to only invite a few people for it because I want to celebrate my birthday and let the privileged few to enjoy a special evening with our very first acoustic showcase setting.It's going to be a really special evening so those whom I've invited know what they're going to miss out if they didn't turn up.For those whom I didn't invite,do not fret because if you bribe me well enough with presents,I might actually let you guys in to enjoy the set.Nah,I'm kidding.I'm not corrupted.

Oh I saw a newspaper clipping yesterday that says that Maroon 5 is coming to Singapore on late March.Something's urging me to go for it because I've seen their Friday the 13th live show on dvd and at one of Mtv's special live show event thing and they sound really tight.Adam Levine isn't faking his voice on the records and the songs were rocking even though not every song were meant to rock.Seeing them live is definitely going to be an eye-opener and not only that,I won't any problem about people moshing because well,I don't think moshers listens to Maroon 5.Nice one Edwin,give yourself a pat on the back.Ok,I think I'm taking in or inhaling too much of Eugene's nonsense also known as dragons which is why my brain gets haywired every now and then.I'm going to miss the long train rides to and from school with the three of them especially all our nonsense,sick,dirty,highly-creative,mind-bending jokes every single day.I promise that I will enjoy the next two weeks as much as I can.


It's been only a few days now but it's quite amazing how far things went from when I first knew you.Never in my mind have I thought that our friendship will blossom into something more than that.Funny how a few weeks ago we were still feeling rather awkward in talking to one another on our first day to school.I guess love works in the weirdest of ways and in the strangest of places.Not forgetting everything worked out through the weirdest of technological devices,an iPod.I definitely will not throw my iPod away since it's of a historical significance and it's value is beyond it's weight in gold.Yes Kim,we were made for each other...


I swim across an ocean
It's my matress in the basement
I'm sweating out excuses
That would make your stomach turn
The road we drove last night
Stretched from the desert to Las Vegas
We filled our cups and lit one up
The snow began to burn

Oh, oh maybe
We were made
We were made for each other
Ah, is it possible
For the world
To look this way forever?
Ah, ah

I talked so much
I'm sure I didn't realise I'd gone crazy
Didn't catch my bloody nose
Or that my heart tried to explode
I still live with my high school friends
Some people never change at all
We're still the same compulsive drunks
We were when we were small
(Someone get this man to a hospital)

Oh maybe
We were made
We were made for each other
Ah, is it possible
For the world
To look this way forever?
Ah, ah

And I'm a long way (a long way)
From a firework daze
But I still like to burn, burn, burn
I'm always (I'm always)
In the haze of a car crash
The orange airbag dust covers everything
Oh, everything

And maybe
We were made
We were made for each other
Ah, is it possible
For the world
To look this way forever?
Ah, ah...


MFEO: Part 1- Made For Each Other by Jack's Mannequin.