Hello guys!! Another year is about to end or I may say another decade is about to end. YUP!! The years 2000-2009 is considered a decade. I wonder what decade do we call it? Well, we have the 60s,70s,80's and 90s right? So what do we call the decade of 2000-2009? Or even the incoming decade of 2010-2019? New Year's Eve here in the Philippines really goes on a BIG BANG. YUP!! Those Firecrackers (Paputok in Pilipino) never missed the agenda on every PINOY New Year's Celebration. Though, comparing to the past decades, I've noticed that there is indeed a much decrease in the usage of firecrackers nowadays. I remember during the 80s, as early as 8pm and up until the clock strikes 12midnyt the blasting effect of these firecrackers are very much alive and It can still be heard up to 2 a.m. and that's Non-stop. Wheew!! Well this time around, when It's 1 a.m .you couldn't hear that much anymore. Remember Five Star, Pla Pla, Judas Belt, Crying Cow and more of these stuffs. So becareful Kabayans and be safe okay. Be sure your ANATOMY is still complete!! I can still remember those patients of mine which were blasted by these dangerous firecrackers especially those parts of their body needed to be amputated. KEEP SAFE OKAY!! A lot of things have happened around us this year 2009 and I'm still very greatful for all my blessings and hopefully It continues. Of course, good health is always included on my list. Kabayans, get your different types of ROUNDED FRUITS ready for MEDIA NOCHE. So GOODBYE 2009 and HELLO 2010!! THANKS EVERYONE for the continuing blog support because without you guys this blog will not last this long. I'll still try my best to make every blogpost of mine here on "The Doctor Is In" very unique, interesting, alive and kicking. YUP!! That's on my spare time if my schedules permit. This would be my very last blogpost for the year 2009. I've uploaded two songs for you to listen to and I hope you'll like it. GOD BLESS US EVERYONE for the year 2010!! PEACE ON EARTH and GOODWILL TO MANKIND!! Take Care!!
LISTEN TO "New Year's Day" by U2
I'll leave you with a SCOTTISH POEM turned TRADITIONAL FOLK SONG which is usually sang on NEW YEAR'S EVE. This is none other than "AULD LANG SYNE"!! I used to play this tune on the piano on New Year's Eve back on those days. Well, I'll be giving you the Jazzy Bossa Nova Version of the song from my Bossa Christmas CD. I hope you'll like it too. Btw. I used the Barenaked Ladies Lyrics for us to sing to the tune.ENJOY!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! LET'S SING TOGETHER "Auld Lang Syne"!!
It was 1988 when I first read about 415 Records on a foreign music magazine my friend bought back then. I found out that some of the great NEW WAVE acts I love were under this record label.415 Recordswas the first North American Record Label devoted to New Wave which was founded by Howie Klein, Chris Knab and Butch Bridges in SAN FRANCISCO back in 1978. YUP!! It's AMERICAN New Wave!! I was able to buy this 1994 compilation CD entitled "THE BEST OF 415 RECORDS" which showcased Five of the Bands under the label namely WIRE TRAIN, ROMEO VOID, RED ROCKERS. TRANSLATOR, and UNTIL DECEMBER. Well, I have to feature this CD Until December if you get my drift. He He He!! As written on the back cover of my CD "Started on a lark, for fun, as a public service, 415 Records was named after the police code for disturbing the peace". Hmmmp? Very interesting don't you think? The label primarily featured punk and new wave music from San Francisco bands although as the label grew they signed bands from other cities as well. There were also a lot of Artists/Bands that were signed by 415 but we will just concentrate only on those who are featured here in this compilation CD. Four of the Five bands in this CD namely Wire Train, Romeo Void, Red Rockers, and Translator were all introduced here in MANILA by WXB 102 back in the 80s which became popular for PINOY NEW WAVERS and PUNKS as well. It's just unfortunate that the band "Until December" didn't made it big here in MANILA back on those days. According to founders Howie and Chris, the simple reason that these bands were signed under 415 Records is simply that both of them loved the band's music.
Here's a photo of my "THE BEST OF 415 RECORDS" CD.
Another "The Best Of The Greatest" blogpost as I promised before. 415 was also hindered by the same factors that affect most independent labels which is the difficulty of reaching a national audience. The 1982 Columbia affiliation changed the situation dramatically because Columbia used their marketing knowledge and established relationships with the media like radio and television which was a great medium of spreading the awareness regarding the record label itself and to bring forth 415 records to a much wider audience. Romeo Void has been singled out by critics and musicians as one of the seminal groups of the New Wave movement. Klein has quipped, referring to some of the less successful ventures, "Before the Columbia deal, we made records that cost $5,000 and sold 50,000 copies. After the Columbia deal, we made records that cost $50,000 and sold 5,000 copies." While reading through the inner sleeves of my CD, I was surprised that PINOY punk club "The Mabuhay Gardens" based on San Francisco was mentioned by Howie Klein in his story. YUP!! Howie saw "Romeo Void" performed live in "The Mabuhay Gardens" back on those days where the Pinoy Owner NESS AQUINO was auditioning new bands for the club. Wow!! PROUD TO BE PINOY!! I have mentioned "The Mabuhay Gardens" before on my special "DEAD KENNEDYS" blogpost here on my little blog wherein the band also performed on the club back then. Kabayans, I guess you better say "1-4-3-4-4". He He He!! Here in the Philippines "14344" correspond to the number of the letters on each word of "I Love You Very Much". Huh? Why did I include that in this 415 blogpost of mine? Ha ha ha!! Well, It's better than the classic "214" song of Rivermaya don't you think? Btw, this CD contains 17 tracks wherein 3 songs each from Wire Train, Romeo Void, and Red Rockers while 4 songs each from Translator and Until December. Another great compilation indeed!! So here it goes "The Best Of 415 Records"!!
I uploaded my CD just in case you wanna have a copy of this compilation. I also took photos of the inner booklet that included the pictures of the Five Bands featured in the CD. I also uploaded one song each from the band for you to listen to. ENJOY guys!! THE BEST OF 415 RECORDS TRACKLISTING:
WIRE TRAIN 1. Chamber of Hellos 2. With God on Our Side 3. She Comes On
LISTEN TO "She Comes On" by WIRE TRAIN:
ROMEO VOID 4. A Girl in Trouble 5. Never Say Never 6. Not Safe
RED ROCKERS 7. China 8. Guns of Revolution 9. Dead Heroes
LISTEN TO "Never Say Never" by ROMEO VOID:
LISTEN TO "Guns Of Revolution" by RED ROCKERS:
TRANSLATOR 10. Everywhere That I'm Not 11. When I Am with You 12. Everywhere 13. I Need You to Love
UNTIL DECEMBER 14. We Are the Boys 15. Until December 16. Geisha 17. Heaven
LISTEN TO "Everywhere That I'm Not" by TRANSLATOR:
LISTEN TO "We Are The Boys" by UNTIL DECEMBER:
DOWNLOAD "The Best Of 415 Records" CD Here: PASSWORD: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/
Here are some added Infos about the CD which is also included on my CD inner booklet that I wanna include here in my blogpost. I just wanna give credit to these guys too.
Compilation Producer: Don DeVito Digitally Mastered by: Vic Anesini, Sony Music Studios, New York Product Manager: Rita Cox Design: Lisa Sparagano Packaging Manager: Gina Campanaro Cover Illustration: Frank Zincavage
Well, I hope you guys enjoyed my 415 Record Label blogpost. I'll be featuring all five bands here on "The Doctor Is In" in the future in my own spare time so do watch out for it. This 415 CD collection pays tribute to the vision and attitude which took alternative rock to the forefront of popular music. THANKS AGAIN guys for dropping by!!
This Is The Best Of 415 Records!! -DR. STIRRING RHOD
"Christmas In Our Hearts" album of JOSE MARI CHAN was released by UNIVERSAL RECORDS back in1990. It is still the ONLY OPM Christmas album that has reached Double Diamond Record status as of December 2006. Well, I still remember this term "Double Diamond Record Award" which became very controversial because PINOY Folk Legend Freddie Aguilar questioned this type of award back on those days. The album is considered as "The Best-Selling OPM Christmas Album Of All Time"! This is the equivalent of 20 times platinum or 800,000 copies sold! Wow!! That's a lot I may say!! Jose Mari Chan holds the distinction of achieving not one, but Two Double Diamond Records in the local recording industry with"Christmas In Our Hearts" and "Constant Change". Jose Mari Chan has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Recording Industry better known as P.A.R.I. and The Metro Pop Foundation. He was also the recipient of the first ever ABS-CBN "ELITE Platinum Award" in 2005 and of the 2006 Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence. Jose Mari Chan also made it big with the song "Beautiful Girl" back in 1989 from his "Constant Change" album. I uploaded the whole "Christmas In Our Hearts" CD just in case you wanna have a copy and I still encourage you to buy the original. The CD Cover was conceptualized and designed by Aperture 32 Inc. and Photography by Teddy Tan. This CD contains 16 great tracks with a combination of original Christmas compositions and some traditional Christmas Carols. Like what I've mentioned before, nothing beats the Pinoy Christmas celebration and definitely whenever I hear "Christmas In Our Hearts" duet of Jose Mari Chan and Liza Chan I really feel the spirit of Christmas which will always be in my heart. Huh? Sounds like the song lyrics right? It has been a very busy Christmas Week for me attending Christmas Parties here and there. Those food trippings definitely will add up weight again so I guess I have to watch it out. He He He!! Well, that Christmas Shopping fever will never run out of style and I will never forget another touching experience of sharing some blessings to the needy when I was able to help out giving gifts to the less fortunate ones. Of course, attending masses whether It's the Simbang Gabi or the ordinary mass.The spirit of Christmas should always be in our hearts!!
LISTEN TO "A Perfect Christmas" HERE:
Christmas In Our Hearts TRACKLIST:
1.A Wish On Christmas Night 2.Do You Hear What I Hear? 3.Mary's Boy Child 4.Christmas In Our Hearts 5.A Christmas Carol 6.A Perfect Christmas 7.Give Me Your Heart For Christmas 8.This Beautiful Day 9.The Sound Of Life 10.Christmas Children 11.Little Christmas Tree 12.When A Child Is Born 13.It Is The Lord 14.The Lord's Prayer 15.Count Your Blessings (Instead Of Sheep) 16.May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You
DOWNLOAD MY CD HERE: PASSWORD: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/
Since the past two Christmas 2007 and 2008 I've been including Christmas Trees on my blogpost, then I'll continue the tradition this Christmas 2009 but I wasn't able to take that much photos this time. Well, just a few pictures would do just to show you guys the Christmas Trees around the Malls here in MANILA. PASKO NA TALAGA!!
I hope you've enjoyed another Christmas blogpost of mine. Have a blessed CHRISTMAS everyone!! THANKS AGAIN for the blog support!! I'll leave you with an OPTICAL ILLUSION that will remind us of the TRUE MEANING of CHRISTMAS. Just follow the instructions guys. MALIGAYANG PASKO MGA KABAYANS!! THANKS for droppping by again my lttle blog "The Doctor Is In"!! Take Care!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! May the spirit of Christmas Be always in our hearts!! -DR. STIRRING RHOD
HALF LIFE HALF DEATHaka. HLHD was a FILIPINO NEW WAVE BAND which was officially formed back in 1988 by five highschool students of Sta. Clara Parish School in Pasay City composed of Alfie Vera Mella (vocals), Jonathan Mejino (drums), Edmund Villafuerte (keyboards), Rainald Paggao (guitar), and Joel Reyes (bass). Carol Pobre (female vocals) and Pet de Jesus (rhythm guitars) joined the line-up soon after. I'm fortunate that I was able to contact HALF LIFE HALF DEATH's lead vocalist ALFIE MELLA and asked him If I could feature the band here in my little blog "The Doctor Is In" and he was glad about it. There were alreadya couple of write-ups about HALF LIFE HALF DEATH in the net mostly written by Alfie himself so I tried my very best to make this blogpost of mine very different in a way. Well, It's"The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" again of making a blogpost tribute to this great Filipino Band called HALF LIFE HALF DEATH. Although the band debuted as Half Life Half Death in August 1988, the yet-to-be-named band actually was formed earlier back in December 1987. According to Alfie aka."ELF", who incidentally was the brainchild of the band, HLHD in between the "nameless" period moonlighted playing birthday gigs with names like Fancy Weredoes, Strikingly Out of the Ordinary, The Ashtrays, and finally plain Half Life. Wheeew!! Nice names don't you think? The band's very first gig took place back in March 1988 at the birthday party of Alfie's Aunt Eliza which was held at Better Living Subdivision in Bicutan, Paranaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. They played stuff from Modern English, X-mal Deutschland, The Dead Milkmen, Ramones, The Adventures, A Flock of Seagulls, WUDS, The Cure, and The Clash. Definitely these guys were WXB102 fanatic I may say!!
A few days before HLHD's first ever official "underground scene" gig entitled "Seed of Paranoia" back in August 1988 at the Makati Sports Club, the event organizer contacted the band to inform them that they were about to make the gig poster and that they found the band name "Half Life", to be plain and not catchy so the organizers suggested that if It's possible to change the name of the band. That was when the guys contemplated into reverting into any of the various names that they used already because the name "Half Life" had been relatively popular in the band's circle due to the numerous birthday and fiesta gigs that they have performed at using the name. Alfie then suggested to his fellow bandmates to keep "Half Life" then just add the "counterbalance" term "Half Death" through Alfie's direct inspiration which was the name Half Man Half Biscuit with whom he got fascinated with mainly because of their name. Thus, the band "Half Life" became "HALF LIFE HALF DEATH"!! There were a lot of line-up changes through the years of the band's existence and everyone in the group had their own contribution during those times one way or the other. Definitely, one PINOY band that's worth remembering again.
Here are the other questions I asked Alfie and his replies are very well indicated.
Why do people call you "ELF"?
ALFIE: The '70s-produced Lord of the Rings animated film was one of the very first movies that I watched in life, courtesy of my dad who used to tell us his children fantasy stories. When my dad took me and my sisters to the theater sometime in the late '70s to watch the movie, the memory stuck with me. I remembered how my dad always called me his little elf because I have big ears and thin, oval-shaped face like Tolkien's Elves. So even as a child my dad already called me little elf.I also grew up loving books--particularly the Fantasy Fiction genre--so I began to make researches about Elves, and I started to love their character.When I started writing articles and short Fantasy stories sometime in early '90s, I decided to start distributing a newsletter amongst my friends and officemates. I called the newsletter eLf ideas. Since then I have been using eLf ideas to sort of "brandname" all the articles and works that I've been making.Some people think that I got the Elf moniker from the recent LOTR movies. I always tell them that even before the popularity of Orlando Bloom's Legolas character in the recent film trilogy, I was already referring to myself as eLf.Also, when I researched the etymology of my name--Alfie--it has an origin related to the name Elf--which came from Norse, Old German, and Scandinavian literature. Why "eLf," not simply Elf? Well, that's just for effect and originality--as influenced by how many people refer to Cummings as e.e. cummings. Besides, my maternal grandfather's middle name is Lanuza, my dad's is Lorenzana, so setting the "L" in my name in capital is a sort of a tribute to both my lolo and daddy--who have been great influences to me in terms of my love for stories, writing, and books. Both have instilled in me the love for literature at a very early age. I was five when my dad gave me my first book--a picture dictionary. Lolo loved to tell me his personal stories during WW2 and his own childhood--so my love for storytelling partially came from him. Ang haba na naman! Hahaha! Anyway, mas maganda na yan para talagang definitive.
What can you say about the band scene in the 80s comparing to the 90s?
ALFIE:
'80s: I love the '80s because it was my musical awakening. I was like a child discovering something new and marvelous. Even back in the very early '80s I already had an ear for non-commercial music--those that I used to hear from my uncles and older cousins. So when I was introduced to Punk Rock and New Wave proper, I was hooked at once. In the '80s, band music was not yet accepted by the masses, so when you were among the few who were into it, you felt really special and much cooler than others. I remember back in 1986, I was about 15 y/o and I was sporting the Jeremy Kelly / Lotus Eaters, and I was the coolest kid in the neigborhood. Getting a gig at concerts was very difficult, so when we finally got gigs, we felt lucky and special.
ALFIE: The '90s: I liked it because it was the time when HLHD was finally given the chance to shine. It was the decade when we finally realized that our band had something different to offer, and that there were actually lots of people---including members of more popular bands--who admire us--like Paco Arespacochaga of Introvoys, Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Ely Buendia of Eraserheads (he once told me at a gig that he loved our "Butterflies," Noel Mendez of Hayp, Mike Villegas of Rizal Underground, Dodong Reyes of The Youth, and a whole lot more. However, being in a band in the '90s became more commercialized...like, almost every kid who loved music was forming his/her own band--this took way the mystery and mysticism of being in a band. On the other hand, the '90s showed the world that Rock bands were not always druggies, good-for-nothing kids, and no-brain out-of-school-youth...that even the smartest kid in class could be in a band and remain smart.Lastly, it was in the '90s when we finally released an album and when we had the chance to guest on radios, TVs, and play at various concerts and clubs including the legendary and important clubs such as Club Dredd (Timog) and Mayric's.
What were your fondest memories of HLHD of the 80s?
ALFIE: Seed of Paranoia and Creepy Night concerts.
What were your fondest memories of HLHD of the 90s?
ALFIE:Our first gig at Club Dredd Timog (actually, this was our first ever gig at a club), in April 1990. We realized that HLHD had really what it took for a band, because the performance was a blast. You can ask Patrick Reidenbach and Jing Garcia, who were there of course. Jing was the soundtech of Club Dredd during that time. He said we were awesome. He liked especially our performance of "The Pan Within" (The Waterboys) and "Tania" (Camper van Beethoven). Patrick booked us at once for more gigs at his club. Other songs we performed were "In Your Eyes" (The Reivers), "High Enough" (Damn Yankees), and our own transcription of the classical piece Beethoven's Symphony no. 5, First Movement.
What inspired you to form a band during those times?
ALFIE: My love for music. As I said I started as a member of a NewWave mobile, then began sporting hairstyles and attires by the Likes of DM's Dave Gahan, The Cure's Robert Smith, and TLE's Jem Kelly. Then my friends kept on telling me I could pass as a rockstar, so that gave me the initial inspiration. We at school formed a band and performed at a Teachers' Recognition Day. We began to get invited to birthday parties. Then a friend, Jacob Gonzales hooked me up with Dante of Mobile One, who gave us our first real gig (Seed of Paranoia).We just played cover songs but we were already composing and playing our original version of "High Scool (Life)." I said original version because we were the first one to devirginize that George Canseco / Sharon Cuneta song. Then I heard The Dawn on WXB, "Enveloped Ideas." That was it! I said that recording our songs and getting these played on the radio was possible, as proven by The Dawn.
I've read somewhere in your blog regarding an unreleased Twisted Red Cross materials back then, so what did really happened?
ALFIE: Actually, we recorded some originals + our version of "HS Life" (using only a cassette tape recorder) and then submitted the demotape to TRC office at Marina Bldg somewhere on Roxas Blvd. The A&R back then said that he was interested in our music but the problem was, TRC was already closing business. So, that was just it. We could have been the last TRC release. I was able to keep a copy of the contents of the TRC demotape. Of course, it was rough but still, I regard it as a treasure. These were only direct cassette-tape recordings; like we played live altogether in our practice room while the cassette tape recorder was on.
Do you still remember your very first composition as a band?
ALFIE: "A Wish," "Bike Ride," "Chores," "Lorain," and "We Are the Saints." Rough versions of all these songs are included in the said TRC demotape. Only "We Are the Saints" found its way into getting arranged and included in our only album, Pymyth Prahn. Ex-HLHD bassist Ramil Aznar is now the frontman of another band, Dream Kitchen. They recorded their version of "Bike Ride."
What's your Most Memorable gig?
ALFIE: In January 1989, Creepy Night, Ali Mall Skatetown, Cubao. This was the gig when we realized that HLHD was something different and had the potential to be a crowd favorite. We went to the concert--the band and many of our friends--wearing our full New Wave regalia, and the crowd there really gawked at us, curious as to who we were. When the organizer Duke of Charlez introduced us and we entered the stage, the crowd stood up and cheered at us. Songs we played included "Damaged Goods," "The Beach Song," "A Wish," "Lorain," Christmas original "Happy Night," and "High School (Life)." Even drummer Brutus of Tropical Depression remembered what we were wearing during that gig. He told me that he was there.
Worst gig if there was any?
ALFIE: Sometime in 1995, school PUP, we were supposed to play before Wolfgang; then when we were about to go to the stage, our lead guitarist realized his guitar effect gears were missing. No one wanted to lend theirs. We couldn't play without those, so we ended up backing out. There were lots of people waiting for us that night, so we felt really bad and disappointed.
What can you say about the NEW WAVE/PUNK scene here in the PHILIPPINES during those times?
ALFIE: In the '80s, the scene was still pure, in the sense that only those who were really into New Wave and Punk Rock had the courage to attend gigs in full makeup and attire. Not many poseurs yet. In the '90s, the scene was becoming more diluted. Poseurs proliferated.
Well, I guess we have learn a lot from HALF LIFE HALF DEATH's humble beginnings so let's move on to their one and only album. YUP!! Finally, after seven years of struggling on and off, HLHD was signed by VIVA RECORDS and the band recorded and released their 1995 only album entitled "PYMYTH PRAHN". Before the release of this much anticipated HLHD album, Alfie and the rest of guys were featured in a lot of PINOY ALTERNATIVE COMPILATIONS like "A DOZEN ALTERNATIVES", "MGA HIMIG NATIN Volume Two", "OKAY SI MA'AM(Original MovieSoundtrack)", and a Pinoy Alternative Christmas CD that I have featured here in my little blog last CHRISTMAS 2008 Season entitled "CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS". Just check out my Labels Section to read my "Christmas On The Rocks" blogpost. I love the songs "BUTTERFLIES" and "ALIMANGO" in this "PYMYTH PRAHN" album which had massive airplays on both LA105 and DM95.5 back in the 90s. The album contains also great songs like "KAPIT TUKO", "BROTHER's PEN", "WE ARE THE SAINTS" and their Classic Rendition of a George Canseco/Sharon Cuneta hit "HIGH SCHOOL LIFE". THE MEGASTAR Miss Sharon Cuneta actually commented that the band did a mockery of the song. Although, the songs in the album are quite good, it only made an impact in the underground people and didn't really got into PopRock status on the FM airwaves. According to Alfie, the guys never really pursued their band career, the album faded into seeming oblivion and have long since been deleted in the market and many of his friends have long been urging him to reproduce the album. Half Life Half Death reformed and resumed activity back in 2000 especially at Mayric's, a long-running club which served as a breeding ground for many important PINOY ROCK BANDS. HALF LIFE HALF DEATH also began arranging new materials for a possible second album, but the plans were shelved when Alfie went to CANADA in 2003 and have been residing there up to now. In 2007, Alfie repackaged the band's studio recordings and had them professionally replicated and named it "THE HALVEN PACKAGE" wherein he shouldered all the cost with just a little budget from his own pocket. It was called The Halven Package and It was composed of 5 CDs that contained not only the studio recordings of Half Life Half Death but also those recorded by the splinter groups haLf man haLf eLf (Alfie's project band in Canada), The Rain (duo of HLHD guitarist Rain Paggao and his brother, Jb Paggao), and Dream Kitchen (HLHD bassist Ramil Aznar with other HLHD alumni Aldrin Cardona and Gilbert Tiongson). Well, Alfie was glad that the 50 sets he have repackaged were all sold out. I asked Alfie if It's okay to make "PYMYTH PRAHN" CD available here in my blog for downloading and sharing purposes and he gladly will like to share it to you guys. Maybe some of you have already downloaded this CD in other website but just in case to those who still don't have a copy then feel free to download it here. I also included for sharing purposes the Lost HLHD Tape for TWISTED RED CROSS Label which didn't push through back in 1989 and their L.A.105 Radio sessions back in the Mid-90s when the Pinoy Alternative Rock Scene was still at It's peak here in MANILA. Btw, I have already featured "TWISTED RED CROSS" here in my blog before just check out my Labels for those who haven't read it yet. THANKS ALFIE for sharing these stuffs and of course for giving me the opportunity to feature HALF LIFE HALF DEATH here in "The Doctor Is In". I also requested Alfie if he could take a photo of the CDs of HLHD just to spice up this blogpost of mine which he readily did.
I also asked Alfie how was it to finally have an album released and here is his reply.
ALFIE:A relief. We were already tired of the scene. Besides, each of us was busy with his professional career. So, we were glad that, despite our careers, we were still able to pull it off-releasing an album without the meddling of other people. Even our album's record producers Jett Pangan and Francis Reyes didn't meddle in the musical concept of the album.
Here's a photos of Alfie's HALF LIFE HALF DEATH music materials:
PYMYTH PRAHN TRACKLIST:
1) A Feast in Pastel Castle 2) Alimango 3) Butterflies 4) Kapalarang K'wago 5) If All Sleep Tonight 6) Brother's Pen (with Summer's Rain) 7) Radio Madness 8) Sarimanok 9) We Are the Saints 10)Nosi Ba Lasi (Lala's mix) 11)Aligue 12)Unfated Love 13)Engkanto 14)Cariñosa 15)Kapit-Tukô
I've uploaded two songs from the album so that you could listen to and made available the entire album for download If you still don't have a copy of it. THANKS ALFIE for sharing the album
LISTEN TO "Butterflies" HERE:
LISTEN TO "We Are The Saints" HERE:
WATCH HLHD lipsynched their rendition of the song "Nosi Ba Lasi?" by the Filipino singer Sampaguita. "Nosi Ba Lasi (Lala Mix)" on RPN 9 Noontime Show "CHIBUGAN NA" wayback 1995 HERE:
DOWNLOAD THE CD HERE: PASSWORD: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/
Since, this is my little blogpost tribute to HLHD, I decided to include the list of all band members that have been a part of this great Filipino New Wave Band through the years of their existence in the Philippine Music Scene.
Original members aLfie vera mella (vocals, sound effects), 1988–2003 Rainald "Rain" C. Paggao (lead guitars, keyboards), 1988–2003 Joel Padilla Reyes (bass), 1988–1990 Nestor Edmund "Doods" G. Villafuerte (keyboards), 1988–1990, 2000 Jonathan "Jon" Villaraza Mejino (drums), 1988–1991 Caroline "Carol" O. Pobre (female vocals), 1988–1990
Ensuing members Ruperto "Pet" Pura de Jesus (guitars, backing vocals), 1989–2000 Ramil Cruz Aznar (bass), 1990–2003 Lamberto "Ambet" Taylo (violins, keyboards), 1990–1991, 2000 Rozylyn Limtuaco Torres (female vocals), 1990–1992 Robert "Bimbo" Ballesteros (drums), 1991–2001 Juan "Johnny" Miranda (drums), 1991–1992 Aldrin Cardona (guitars), 2002–2003 Gilbert "Bebet" Tiongson (drums), 2002–2003 Rodel Gremar Bernil (guitars), 2002
I also uploaded HALF LIFE HALF DEATH's Demos which they submitted to Legendary 80s Pinoy Underground Label TWISTED RED CROSS which the band made back in the late 80s but unfortunately was not released.
HALF LIFE HALF DEATH TWISTED RED CROSS DEMOS TRACKLIST:
A Wish Chores If All Sleep Tonight Lorain Mosh Dance Play Wild (Six Little Jerks) Rhapsody Opus 69 Unfated Love A Place Happy Night High School (Life)
DOWNLOAD HALL LIFE HALF DEATH Twisted Red Cross Demos HERE: PASSWORD:http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/
Listen to three songs from this selection which I uploaded for you guys.
LISTEN TO "High School (Life)" HERE:
LISTEN TO "Lorain" HERE:
LISTEN TO "A Wish" HERE:
LA ROCK 105.9 was responsible in making the PINOY ALTERNATIVE ROCK scene boom back in the 90s and we are also fortunate that we have also the HLHD LA Radio Sessions here in my blog for Downloading courtesy again of Alfie.
HALF LIFE HALF DEATH L.A. 105 Sessions TRACKLIST: A Feast in Pastel Castle Alimango Butterflies [single edit] Butterflies [unedited]
While doing this HLHD blogpost I remembered my very own ROCK & RHYTHM Music Magazine back in the 90s wherein the band was featured. I started digging up my vaults and finally I was able to find my ROCK & RHYTHM 1994 Issue having the HLHD article. Wheew!! I can't believe it!! This magazine is almost 16 years old. It was a Four-Page feature which was entitled "HALF LIFE HALF DEATH Talk about resurrection... talk bout resurrection..." with a little bit of information regarding the band and of course some lyrics and chords of their songs on their one and only album PYMYTH PRAHN. YUP!! Another "The Doctor Is In" exclusive for my very special HLHD tribute blogpost. CLASSIC INDEED!!
Even though HLHD didn't really took off if you're talking about popularity or even Pop status on the Pinoy Rock Scene, I consider these guys as cream of their crop back on those days since they know their stuffs. Although I saw them performed live only once back in 1995, I have to say that HALF LIFE HALF DEATH is indeed one great Pinoy New Wave Band!! The guys were having other priorities aside from being in the band scene. According to Alfie, if not for these priorities of studies and finding good first jobs then the band would have been more successful.
I hope you guys have enjoyed my very special blogpost about HALF LIFE HALF DEATH and for the finale here's what Alfie has to say.
I'm really thankful for the Internet because through this technology I was able to make people rediscover our band, music, and who we truly are. I also thank that I have always been a writer and a camera-freak, for because of this, I am able to document into photographs and put into writing many of my experiences especially those concerning my being a member of a band. Now I can share all those lovely memories--many happy, some sad--to people who I didn't even know admired us and continue to appreciate our music.Thank you to many people. Thank you especially to Dr. Stirring Rhod, for taking the time to interview me with his questions. Your interest in Half Life Half Death is a warm feeling in my heart (and for the hearts of my bandmates too, for sure).It took me a long while to finish this so-called Half Life Half Death story, not simply because I lacked the time and I was busy with my job and family but more so because I always find it hard to write all the stories because there were so many stories to tell that when I begin to write them I just don't know where to start. All I can say is, Half Life Half Death is very apart from many of our contemporaries and even from many of the current bands because of these...-- when New wave music was out in the shadows and was not the "in" thing back in the '90s, HLHD soldiered on and we remained the carrier of the New Wave flag-- we never denied that we also covered songs by many Metal and Glam bands like GnR, Metallica, Poison, Van Halen, and Damn Yankees. I don't deny that, on behalf of my bandmates, we also love this kind of music.-- when Identity Crisis stopped wearing the New Wave attire, HLHD remained gigging in full regalia--being the frontman and the usual instigators of our musical and image concepts, I remain the same New Wave-loving guy the way I was about 25 years ago.
Since CHRISTMAS2009 is only few days away I'll leave you with another Video Performance of HALF LIFE HALF DEATH on the Legendary GMA SUPERSHOW back in 1994 singing their version of a Classic Philippine Christmas Carol entitled "Sa Paskong Darating" which was featured on the 1994 PINOY ALTERNATIVE Christmas Compilation " CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS" which I have also featured before. The HLHD Videos I included here are all uploaded by HLHD guitarist RAIN PAGGAO on You Tube. I guess Alfie aka "ELF" will have to report to SANTA CLAUS in a few days. He He He!! What do you think guys? Btw, ALFIE's current band haLf man haLf eLf has begun recording its debut album, planned to be released next year 2010. Alfie entitled the album "Stories Unearthed from a Half Fortgotten Era". This will include another version of "High School (Life)", which he have called 'Turca mode' in tribute to one of Alfie's favorite Classical composer, W.A. Mozart, and a version of Lea Salonga's "I Am but (a Small Voice)," which he retitled into "I Am Not a Small Voice." The influences that Alfie will showcase on this CD will be The Waterboys, The Pale Fountains, The Lotus Eaters, China Crisis, Belle & Sebastian, and Classical music. THANKS for dropping by!! THANKS also ALFE of HALF LIFE HALF DEATH for helping me out on this blogpost of mine.
WATCH "SA PASKONG DARATING" HERE:
They are HALF LIFE HALF DEATH!! -DR. STIRRING RHOD
I've been collecting Vinyl Records since 1983 and by the 90s I slowed down a bit and started buying again after the second millennium began. Although, I only have a modest collection, I still consider the sound of Vinyl Records better than the CDs. Lately, I've noticed a comeback of this large round disk that plays good music on the turntable. Well, just my little tribute to this classic groove thing, I decided to feature some interesting Videos about Vinyl Records here in my little blog "The Doctor Is In". Some of you guys might have seen these videos already, but still It's worth watching It again. For those who haven't watch these stuffs yet, then get ready for a trip down memory lane. A Vinyl Record is a disk made of vinyl plastic wherein the sound is recorded on a very fine line or groove which goes around and around in a spiral rotation from the outside edge of the disk to the center. It is usually played on a phonograph which plays the sound with a needle that touches the groove. A record usually has different music on each side. Thomas Edison made early phonographs in the 1870s. He originally used wax cylinders to record the sound, but vinyl disks were soon used instead.
So here it goes guys!! I hope you'll enjoy watching these stuffs.
Here's how Vinyl Records are made:
Here's a touching story of the man who owns "THE GREATEST RECORD COLLECTION IN THE WORLD".
Today is December 8,2009 and It's the "FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION". After hearing mass today and hearing those Christmas Carols during mass and at the shopping malls recently, I realized that Christmas Spirit is in the air and the "Simbang Gabi" or "Misa De Gallo" would start next week. Btw, I just ate Puto Bumbong and Bibingka after the mass. KABAYANS, I guess with the recent tremendous political anxiety happening around our country, we still have to continue the PINOY CHRISTMAS SPIRIT okay. So may I present you a Christmas CD entitled "HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Timeless Christmas Carols" sang by RAY MONTGOMERY SINGERS which will brighten up your Yuletide Season. YUP!! Christmas Decorations, Lights, and anything associated with Christmas is all over the metropolis already reminding us of the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. So to celebrate it, I'm featuring these great tunes for you regular visitors of my little blog "The Doctor Is In" . Well, this would be my 3rd Christmas in the blogosphere which started wayback Christmas 2007, then going to 2008, and now 2009, then 2010 to 2011 and 12/2012....and more years hopefully. Wheeew!! That "2012" movie is really scary don't you think? Time flies so fast indeed and you just don't know what hit you. I just wanna thank all of you guys who visits my blog and especially those who have supported it for the past years. CHRISTMAS is in the air so let's sing these tunes!!
"HAPPY HOLIDAYS! : Timeless Christmas Carols" contains 10 tracks wherein 5 tracks are in Medley format and the other 5 tracks are single song tracks which will really remind you of the songs usually being played on radio or even the shopping malls and even the famous carnivals here in the Philippines. Speaking of carnivals, I just remembered the Legendary "BIG BANG SA ALABANG" and "PAYANIG SA PASIG" which were both very famous during Christmas Seasons here in MANILA back in the mid to late 80s. Wheeew!! I guess, that's the good old days of the Giant Slide which I think was about 20 storeys high and was the main attraction back then. Wow!! MEMORIES INDEED!! Well, the CD content are Traditional Foreign Christmas Carols that I think all of you are also familiar too. This Christmas CD is distributed by VICOR MUSIC CORPORATION via PEAK MUSIC and if you're interested to have a copy then I uploaded my entire CD for you to enjoy the music of classic Christmas Carols here on my little blog. Songs like "O HOLY NIGHT", "WINTER WONDERLAND", "DECK THE HALLS", and "HARK THE ANGELS" are some of the Christmas carols that will make you sing while listening to the entire CD. The song "LITTLE DRUMMER BOY" which I made a blogpost three months ago is also included here. Well, I didn't anymore include the TRACKLIST here in my blogpost since I know that you're very familiar with all the songs here. As the title itself says.... It's Timeless Christmas Carols. I uploaded two of my favorite Christmas Medleys in the CD for you to listen to. I do hope you'll enjoy listening to these songs!! Nothing beats the PINOY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION how simple it may be to different families, the spirit is really alive. Of course It's really nice listening to these classic tunes.THANKS AGAIN for dropping by!! Just ENJOY THE MUZIC!! PASKO NA KABAYANS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
LISTEN TO MEDLEY TRACK #3 HERE:
LISTEN TO MEDLEY TRACK #7 HERE:
DOWNLOAD MY CD HERE: Password:http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/
NEW WAVE/ POST-PUNK/ PUNK ROCKwere considered very influencial musical genres in the underground here in MANILA back in the 80s. There were basically three major radio stations that spread these kind of genres like a fire in the sky. I'm talking about WXB102, POWER 105 DZBMFM, and NU107. Though 99.5RT has also It's share to the success of this kind of music, PINOY NEW WAVERS/PUNKS have still considered XB, BM, and NU as those that really opened up the musical tastes of the youngsters back then regarding this musical genre. The year 1987 was a memorable year on MANILA's FM Dial and I made a special blogpost entitled "1987" before so do check it out for those who haven't read it. So why am I talking about 1987? Well, this was the year that WEA RECORDS and WARNER BROTHERS released this PHILIPPINE New Wave Vinyl Compilation Album entitled "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC". YUP!! PINOY NEW WAVERS/PUNKS would definitely remember this great Philippine Compilation which was made into THREE VOLUMES. KABAYANS, "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC"is finally here on "The Doctor Is In". Personally, I still consider these series as the BEST PHILIPPINE VINYL NEW WAVE COMPILATION SERIES ever conceptualized back in the 80s here in my country. This part of the WORLD and specifically this part of ASIA. Definitely, PINOY NEW WAVERS should have this set on their collection whether it be the complete Triple Volume Series or just any of the three just to be reminded that there did come a time that "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC" invaded MANILA.
I was lucky to be able to complete the set because I still consider it the best New Wave Compilation Vinyl series to be pressed here in the Philippines back in the 80s. When I saw the very first volume on the record bar back in 1987, I didn't hesitate to buy it at once because the compilation cover blew me off and the tracklist was indeed a winner.
The first "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC" compilation contains TEN GREAT BANDS with TEN GREAT TRACKS that would satisfy any PINOY WAVER'S cravings back then. This was released few weeks after WXB102 bid farewell on MANILA's FM Dial back in JUNE 1987. MEMORIES INDEED!! The highlight of "THE BEST OF MUSIC" was It's content and how It shaped up the landscape of NEW WAVE MUSIC here in MANILA back then. Usually the term "NEW MUSIC" back in the 80s here in MANILA was used to describe "NEW WAVE MUSIC" as It was used also on the two classic Philippine New Wave Vinyl Compilations that I have featured here in my little blog wayback 2007 namely "It's Called New Music" and "New Music, Perfect Rhythm". Well, for those who haven't read my corresponding blogposts on these two Philippine New Wave Vinyl Compilations just check out my LABELS(Information Society) on the middle right corner of my blog. The price catch on this Vinyl would be THE CHAMELEONS U.K. 's XB classic "TEARS". This set also includes nine more songs from nine artists on the genre that made it big on NU107 and POWER105 DZBMFM since WXB102 already disappeared on the airwaves when this was locally released. YUP!! TEN SONGS from TEN ARTISTS!! The compilation includes music from AZTEC CAMERA, JESUS & MARY CHAIN, ALPHAVILLE, LONE JUSTICE, WEATHER PROPHETS, PRIMAL SCREAM, ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, SISTERS OF MERCY, and CHARM SCHOOL. Definitely one great NEW WAVE compilation for PINOY WAVERS to remember the good old days. The Cover Design which was very impressive was created by Ella Chico.What can I say? It's perfect!!
Here are the photos of some of the Artists/Bands:
THE CHAMELEONS U.K.
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN
ALPHAVILLE
THE WEATHER PROPHETS
LONE JUSTICE
Due to the success of the "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC", WEA RECORDS and WARNER BROTHERS decided to release "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC 2" the following year 1988 and the line-up was as impressive and great as the first one. Of course, I also bought the Vinyl Record at once when I saw It available on the record bars back in 1988. I love the compilation that after a month I bought the cassette tape version of It so that I can listen to it on my SONY WALKMAN. He He He!! "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC 2" this time has more Artists and Songs in the Tracklist. YUP!! It's TWELVE SONGS from TWELVE ARTISTS!! Most of the songs here were not played on WXB102 except PROPANGANDA's version of "FEMME FATALE"which incidentally was a favorite on MORNING MAN'S REQUEST ROUND-UP back in 1987. I even remember the song making it to the Legendary WXB102 TOP TEN MOST SEQUESTERED SONGS also back in 1987. Wheeew!! MEMORIES INDEED!! Majority of the songs were made popular by both NU107 and POWER105 since 1988 was the year that these two Philippine New Wave Radio Stations were on It's peak of FM competition if you're talking about the PINOY Music enthusiasts back then regarding the genre called NEW WAVE. I have to say that the price catch of this Vinyl Compilation would be WHITE CHINA's "SMILES AND JOKES" which was considered a POWER 105 EXCLUSIVE and so with the release of this compilation finally PINOY WAVERS could have a true original copy of the song on their respective collections back in 1988. PINOY WAVERS wouldn't forget music here from THE WILD SWANS, THE SCREAMING BLUE MESSIAHS, 10,000 MANIACS, MARTINI RANCH, UNDERWORLD, FUZZ BOX, and THE PAINTED WORD wherein all of these bands were introduced by both POWER105 and NU107. Of course, this compilation also includes some WXB102 bands like THE ADVENTURES, THE SISTERS OF MERCY, and THE SOUND even though their respective songs in this compilation were not played on WXB102 as I have mentioned a while ago. So what do you think KABAYANS? Nice line-up right? This time the Sleeve Design was created by Matt Joson which has a resemblance from the first volume wherein the main difference was that the Front Cover this time has also the Artist names and songs included in the compilation. The cassette tape version have a different packaging because It included a folded inner/outer sleeve that contained photos of all Ten Artists which were featured in this classic New Wave Philippine compilation as you can see on the cassette tape photos I included here in my blogpost.
Here's my classic cassette tape of "The Best Of New Music 2"
Inner:
Outer:
Here are the photos of some of the Artists/Bands:
WHITE CHINA
PROPAGANDA
THE WILD SWANS
10,000 MANIACS
Well, to end up the successful Decade of the Eighties, "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC Volume Three" was released late 1989. Like It's two predecessors, this Vinyl Compilation has another impressive line-up of Artists and Songs from the NEW WAVE GENRE with PINOY FLAVOR and It's back again to 10 Artists/Songs. There are two songs here which were considered "102 Music" and they were "I Wanna Be Sedated" by RAMONES and "The Bridge" by CACTUS WORLD NEWS which incidentally was the only CACTUS WORLD NEWS material that was released in Vinyl here in the Philippines. YUP!! PINOY WAVERS back in the 80s have to get their CACTUS WORLD NEWS materials as import back then. The rest of the TRACKLIST made it big on both POWER105 and NU107 and these were music from THREE O' CLOCK, BOOK OF LOVE, TANITA TIKARAM, THE SOUP DRAGONS, FIGURES ON A BEACH, GRACEPOOL, JAMES, PM, and another song from ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN which is "Lips Like Sugar" since Volume One contains their song entitled "The Game". Definitely another PINOY NEW WAVER Blockbuster!! This is indeed a cherished compilation that will be remembered. This time, the cover and sleeve was designed by both Ella Chico (Volume One) and Matt Joson (Volume Two) which brought to a close the decade of the 80s here in MANILA. Hmmmp!! Join forces for the sleeve design I may say!! The cover which stated "Musique Nouveau Par Excellence" definitely describe the real score for this last of the series.The cover is also a collage of magazine clippings that gave some bits of infos regarding the bands and some songs which were featured here on Volume Three.
Here are the photos of some of the Artists/Bands:
CACTUS WORLD NEWS
FIGURES ON A BEACH
BOOK OF LOVE
THREE O' CLOCK
Well, I do hope you guys and especially my KABABAYANS enjoyed another trip down memory lane with this blogpost of mine to remember NEW WAVE at It's finest here in MANILA back in the 80s. That was indeed the good old days of XB, BM, and NU which opened the musical taste for Filipinos in one of the most memorable decade.... "The 80s!!". Why am I buying these Philippine Pressed Vinyl compilations and featuring it here on my little blog? Well, my simple answer would be "It was Conceptualized and MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES"!! YUP!! It's PROUDLY PHILIPPINE MADE!! Hopefully in my free time, I'll feature all of the bands in these compilations in the future. I was just lucky to have completed the entire series coming from my pocket on my saved allowances during those times. He He He!! Those were the days indeed!! Nice to recall and remember!! THANKS again for dropping by "The Doctor Is In"!! That's just my fondest memories on these great series!! It's the Philippine Released New Wave Vinyl Compilations entitled"THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC", "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC 2", and "THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC Volume Three".It's another "THE BEST OF THE GREATEST!!"I hope you liked it!!
This is indeed THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC!! -DR. STIRRING RHOD
HAPPY NEW WAVE YEAR 2010 EVERYONE!!
