10/31/10

Six HALLOWEEN Songs

I guess it's this time of the year again when the creatures from the black lagoon will rise up together with the zombies. It's HALLOWEEN 2010 and my little blog "The Doctor Is In" is presenting to you Six Halloween Songs entitled "HALLOWEEN". YUP!! You got it right!! For my special blogpost today I'll be giving you six songs from my "JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH : NEW WAVE HALLOWEEN" compilation CD which I have featured last year HALLOWEEN 2009 wherein I also made the whole CD available for download. This compilation CD contains 15 tracks and 6 of it are entitled "HALLOWEEN" thus this blogpost of mine was born from the ashes of that CD. He He He!! I uploaded all six songs for you to listen and download just in case you are interested. You can DOWNLOAD the INDIVIDUAL TRACKS or you can DOWNLOAD the whole CD wherein the link will bring you to my 2009 blogpost. PRESS PLAY to LISTEN and PUSH DOWNLOAD BUTTON to DOWNLOAD. Well, the choice is yours and this is definitely 80s music. For my KABAYANS, have a safe UNDAS holidays okay!! So brace yourself guys for another "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" of bringing to you a HALLOWEEN special blogpost!! ENJOY EVERYONE!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

SIX HALLOWEEN SONGS!!

1) HALLOWEEN- by SONIC YOUTH







2) HALLOWEEN - SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES







3) HALLOWEEN- THE MISFITS







4) HALLOWEEN- THE DREAM SYNDICATE







5) HALLOWEEN- DEAD KENNEDYS







6) HALLOWEEN - MUDHONEY







CLICK my NEW WAVE HALLOWEEN CD Photo to enter my 2009 blogpost and DOWNLOAD the entire CD:


I hope you enjoyed this exclusive HALLOWEEN blogpost special of mine. THANKS for dropping by again my little blog!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2010
EVERYONE!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

10/24/10

Eight Seconds

EIGHT SECONDS was a Canadian New Wave band formed back in 1982 in Ottawa, Canada composed of ANDRES DEL CASTILLO on lead vocals/guitar, MARK PARENT on guitars, FRANK LEVIN on keyboards, MARCH CESARE on bass, and SCOTT MILKS on drums. Well as the band name suggest, EIGHT SECONDS get's it done in a hurry. I'm glad to present you EIGHT SECONDS here in my little blog "The Doctor Is In"!! EIGHT SECONDS was first introduced here in MANILA back in 1986 by POWER 105 DZBM by playing the classic song "KISS YOU (WHEN IT'S DANGEROUS)". If you'll talk about the band here for deep PINOY NEW WAVERS then this gotta be the song that should be in their minds. It also invaded the 99.5 RT playlist too on 1987. POWER 105 DZBM then also introduced the next EIGHT SECONDS song on MANILA airwaves in 1988 with "WHERE'S BULA" but It didn't really made any impact for PINOY NEW WAVERS back then. The song just disappeared into thin air which is in Pilipino " Nawala siya parang BULA." He He He!! Although EIGHT SECONDS hit the airwaves in Canada back in 1983 with this "Where's Bula" song via CHEZ 106 Sharechez '83 Homegrown contest, It never really got the needed song recall for the youngsters who loves listening to New Wave Music here in the Philippines back then. The band released three albums namely Ottava Rima (1985), Almacantar (1986), and Big Houses (1990).


EIGHT SECONDS' second album "ALMACANTAR" was released back in 1986. It was a 10 track album released on Polydor , a label now owned by Universal Music Canada, which included both POWER 105 DZBM classic "KISS YOU (WHEN IT'S DANGEROUS)" and "WHERE'S BULA". Although the band released three albums, "ALMACANTAR" would definitely be the album that every PINOY NEW WAVE collector should have in their music collection. I first bought the locally released Philippine Pressing of "Almacantar" Vinyl Record back then but decided to swap it for an Imported Pressing since the imported one has an inner sleeve which most local releases doesn't have. YUP!! That's my EIGHT SECONDS Vinyl Record on the photo still very well taken care of. This RUPERT HINE produced-album was the band's first full length album and their first international release billowing with rich textures yet streamlined by rhythmic toughness. Lead Vocalist ANDRES DEL CASTILLO was surprised, dazed, and blown away with the band's success in their homeland during those times. The band even won a Best Video Award from the Canadian Film And Television Association for "Where's Bula" in 1984 and a PROCAN Award for " Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)" in 1987 wherein both songs are included in this "Almacantar" album. Just to give credits on the great cover art on the album I decided to include the names of these people for my special EIGHT SECONDS blogpost which were written on the sleeves of my record. The great cover and sleeve design was done by STEWART DUDLEY while PETER DE GANNES was in charged of illustration and layout. Photography was done by RICHARD DESMARAIS. If you were to look deeply into the album then you'll notice It's like a compilation of songs which the band decided to compile just to finally come up with their first full length album which I think was really successful for them. Well, I'm talking about their country Canada and also here in the Philippines. Who would ever thought that bands like EIGHT SECONDS and the other bands XB, BM , and NU introduced would ever invade this part of ASIA, specifically my country the Philippines.


ALMACANTAR (1987)
Tracklist

SIDE A
1) Sincere
2) Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)
3) Call And A Cry
4) Just Pretend
5) Commissioner St.

SIDE B
1) Where's Bula
2) Zoe
3) Wings
4) Listen
5) Land Of The Monster

WATCH the music video of "WHERE'S BULA" here:



So where are the band members these days ? Andrés del Castillo is part owner of R+D Creative which is an audio/video production and multimedia company in Ottawa. Frank Levin was previously involved in the production of Alanis Morrisette's 1991 debut on MCA Records and manages his own studio in Toronto. Scott Milks is still active in Ottawa's music scene with Bigger Than John and is currently an IT manager for the Canadian Government. Mark Parent founded a rock r&b band named Wang Dang Doodle in Montreal in the late 80's and remains active in the Quebec music industry.

I uploaded the Extended Version of "Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)" for you to listen to. This is a Vinyl Rip done by WAVE MASTER of BEE BOP RECORDS for me for my Vinyl Rip collection back in year 2000. Hmmp? Ten years ago!! This version was also included in RETROACTIVE MIXES CD series. I also included the Lyrics just in case you wanna sing.

LISTEN TO "KISS YOU (WHEN IT'S DANGEROUS)" Extended version here:


Lyrics | Eight Seconds lyrics - Kiss You (When It's Dangerous) lyrics


WATCH the MTV of "KISS YOU (WHEN IT'S DANGEROUS)" here:


I hope you like my very special EIGHT SECONDS blogpost!! YUP!! It's "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" again of giving tribute to the band. THANKS for dropping by again!!

This blogpost will self-destruct in
EIGHT SECONDS!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

10/20/10

Roaring Boys

ROARING BOYS was an Oxbridge educated band from England formed back in 1984 and composed of PAUL MITCHELL on Lead Vocals, NEILL MacCOLL on Guitars/Vocals, CHRIS JONES on Bass, STEFAN OSADZINSKI on Keyboards, TIM MAY on Saxophones/Guitars, and DAVE LARCOMBE on Drums. They all came from Cambridge University. I haven't seen yet an in-depth feature about the ROARING BOYS in the web so here's "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" of giving tribute to the ROARING BOYS which I consider as a Lost New Wave band of the 80s but with great talent and musicality that needs to be recognized again. ROARING BOYS were first introduced here in MANILA by WXB 102 by playing the Roxy Music sounding "HOUSE OF STONE" back in 1986. Personally, the song reminds me of a POWER 105 DZBM classic from ROXY MUSIC entitled "More Than This". Although considered as an XB classic, It was NU 107 which really made "House Of Stone" a household song for deep PINOY NEW WAVERS. YUP!! An overplayed song during late 1987 and early 1988 on NU 107's early broadcast. Just to quote Mike Sutton on his All Music Guide entry "House of Stone is a burst of inspiration that must have left the band creatively drained, or perhaps they were rushed into the recording studio before they were able to compose equally memorable songs." Well, what can I say? It's definitely the song that made a mark for ROARING BOYS here in MANILA back then. POWER 105 DZBM then introduced the second ROARING BOYS song here in MANILA by playing "EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY" back in early 1988. I first heard this song back in 1987 through a Mix Tape lend to us by my brother's friend back then and I found it very different in style if you'll compare it to "House Of Stone" but It has this fast and catchy melody.



The ROARING BOYS' one and only self titled album "ROARING BOYS" was released back in 1986 and contained 11 tracks. Of course, I didn't missed buying the Vinyl Record which I also consider as a "Must Have" for every PINOY NEW WAVE collectors just to bring back those memories of XB, BM, and NU. Well just like some New Wave albums, this record was not released locally here in MANILA back in those days so PINOY NEW WAVERS like me got our own Imported copies. YUP!! That's my Vinyl Record on the photo!! This album includes both MANILA hits "HOUSE OF STONE" and "EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY". The album showed the musicality of the band using synthesizers, piano, guitars, and the soothing saxophone. The song "House Of Stone" was even included on the Legendary Philippine New Wave Bootleg compilation CD entitled "NEW WAVE DIARY" which I bought back in 1995. YUP!! The very First Volume of the NEW WAVE DIARY series which I will also feature here in my little blog in the future. That was my very first crystal clear CD copy of the song which was really overplayed on my CD player back then. For me, it was the prize catch on the CD. He He He!! I uploaded "Every Second Of The Day" and the LP version of "House Of Stone "for you to listen to. I also included the MTV of "House Of Stone" in this blogpost which is a much shorter version.



ROARING BOYS self-titled LP 1986

SIDE A
1. Every Second of the Day
2. House of Stone
3. Easier Said Than Done
4. Strange Girl
5. Dancing In Your Sleep

SIDE B
1. How
2. All The Time In The World
3. Wilder For You
4. Again and Again
5. Persuasion
6. Call The Tune


LISTEN to "EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY" here:



The ROARING BOYS was looked after by Billy Gaff who was incidentally the founder of Riva Records and manager of Rod Stewart. Signed in with huge advance by Epic Records, ROARING BOYS were an example of a corporate experiment that went berserk. Sadly, the band's single and the MTV which promoted it did not even reach the expected chart success that the people behind the record label was really relying on. I guess it was never meant to happen anyway. The band had even the benefit of the music business' most expensive producers, video directors , and stylists. A perfect example of a Major Folly by the Major Labels. As Miss Philippines and 4th Runner Up Miss Universe 2010 Venus Raj would say "Major Major". He he he!! Whatever the faith of the band got through, their music will always live on for PINOY NEW WAVERS.


So where are the band members these days? Supremely talented Mercury prize nominee Kathryn Williams has collaborated with former ROARING BOYS guitarist Neill Maccoll and other Artists in an album entitled "TWO" back in 2008. Kathryn and Neil co-wrote most of the songs on the album. Well, I would like to quote BBC "A disc that is to be cherished from first note to last." Personally I really love the Song and Music Video of "Before It Goes" which was included on the "Two" album. No other news or infos on the whereabouts of the other members.

I guess that's my little tribute to the ROARING BOYS here on "The Doctor Is In" . I hope you like it!! I'll leave you with the MTV of "HOUSE OF STONE" which is much shorter than the LP version. I also included the lyrics of the LP version ! THANKS for dropping by again!!


WATCH the Music Video of "HOUSE OF STONE" here:



LISTEN TO THE LP VERSION of "HOUSE OF STONE" here:

HOUSE OF STONE Lyrics

I was waiting for so long
Took my chances but they had all already gone
But there is nothing I can do
Nothing I can find to prove my love to you

Now that song comes again
And I still remember you saying
Young boy afraid to risk for love
To take a chance
No light,no love will ever grow
Inside your house of stone

Walking in the streets I go
Where you've been I'll never know
Let the music fill this room
Can't you see that I still depend on you

Now that song comes again
And I still remember you saying
Young boy afraid to risk for love
Your chance will pass
No light, no love will ever grow
Inside your house of stone

Now that song comes again (oh, no, no)
I will still remember you saying
Young boy who could not ask for love
Your chance has passed
No light, no love will ever grow
I will build a house of stone

Let's ROAR for the
...ROARING BOYS!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

10/10/10

TEN TEN

TEN TEN was an American NEW WAVE Band hailing from Richmond Virginia that was formed back in 1984 and composed of MARK LEWIS on Lead Vocals/Guitar, PETER BELL on Bass, LEE JOHNSON on Drums/ Percussion, and DON RUZEK on Keyboards /Guitar. Today is 10/10/10 so I decided to feature TEN TEN here on "The Doctor Is In" and It's also 10:10 pm so let's start the clock ticking again for another blogpost. TEN TEN was introduced here in MANILA by WXB102 back in 1986 by playing the song "WHEN IT RAINS". YUP!! It is considered as an XB Classic and a favorite among PINOY NEW WAVERS. This song was also played on NU107 and had massive airplay on POWER 105 DZBM era 1988-1990 when XB said goodbye back in 1987. Definitely one song that made a mark for the band here in MANILA back then if you're talking about deep New Wave since the popularity of the song nor the band didn't made it in the line of mainstream. Coming from a region where Power Pop was the in-thing, these guys has their own repertoire that can produce good melodic music. The Lead Vocalist Mark Lewis had a band called "The Dads" before forming TEN TEN. It was 1984 when TEN TEN released their very first LP entitled "Ordinary Thinking" which landed them on a Major Label Record deal with CHRYSALIS RECORDS few months after It's release.



CHRYSALIS RECORDS would then break TEN TEN into the GERMAN MARKET with the released of their 1986 "WALK ON" LP that was produced by Stephen Street and recorded in Holland that included the single "WHEN IT RAINS". When I first heard this song on WXB102 back in 1986, I hunted down the Vinyl Record on the nearest record bar to my disappointment the Cassette Tape was the first one released here in MANILA back then so I just have to buy first the tape. Of course, I was able to buy the "WALK ON" Vinyl Record too. YUP!! The photo above are my Cassette Tape and Vinyl Record of TEN TEN's "WALK ON" which are still both intact. A must have for PINOY NEW WAVE Collectors indeed just to bring back the good old days. CHRYSALIS RECORDS even tried to sell TEN TEN as the American U2 but didn't materialized. The Music Video of "WHEN IT RAINS" was aired on MTV on 1986, but the entire "WALK ON" album didn't go anywhere the charts even though there are great songs on it. DZBM POWER 105 then introduced the second TEN TEN song on MANILA's airwaves back in 1988 with "RAGS" which was incidentally a favorite of the Late POWER 105 DJ TAZMANIAN DEVIL. Btw, TAZ passed away last MAY 2010. "RAGS" had also massive airplay on POWER 105 back then. Two more songs from this classic album made it to the POWER 105 playlist but really didn't made any impact and these were "THERE GOES EVERYTHING" and "BEYOND ME". Although there was a revival song in the album entitled "MILLION MILES WAY", It never made it to these MANILA New Wave Radio Stations back in the 80s. TEN TEN's "MILLION MILES AWAY" was originally done by "THE PLIMSOULS" back in 1983. I just noticed that the title of THE PLIMSOULS' song was "A MILLION MILES AWAY" while TEN TEN's was "MILLION MILES AWAY" removing the "A". Btw, the song of THE PLIMSOULS was included on the classic 80s VALLEY GIRL original motion picture soundtrack. TEN TEN had also toured with Pete Shelley, The Waterboys, and Simply Red around 1985-1986.

WALK ON
Tracklist

SIDE A
1) When It Rains
2) There Goes Everything
3) Rags
4) The One In You
5) Where The Flowers Grow

SIDE B
1) One Life
2) Beyond Me
3) Walk On
4) Million Miles Away
5)Silver Heaven


Sorry guys but due to the DMCA thing I can't upload the album for you. I really love this album and aside from the songs I've already mentioned, the rest are pretty good and catchy too.



Sadly, the band just disappeared from the world of music. Well, there were news that there might be a One Gig TEN TEN Reunion in their hometown in Virginia since Mark Lewis currently works as a producer/engineer based in New York. But we still don't know if this would push through.

LISTEN to "RAGS" here:
courtesy of JAMR1977



Here's the MTV of "WHEN IT RAINS":
courtesy of Dexbam




Btw, speaking of TEN TEN, did you ever noticed that when you buy a watch or a wall clock the time indicated on the display is 10:10? That's a photo of a Pediatric Clock we have. It has been suggested that the 10:10 time position is used because it resembles a smile thus the so-called "SMILE THEORY" evolved. On the otherhand, according to Thomas A. Frank most manufacturers trademarks are just above the center pipe, and having the hands at 10:10 causes your eye to naturally follow to the trough, thus bringing your view right to the Model name or the trademark which is often centered under the center pipe, ruling out any hand more or less straight down (between 5 and 7). Usually the Date Windows are located at 9 or 3, and subsidiary seconds usually at 6. For aesthetic reasons you want the two hands neither nearly covering each other nor nearly in a straight line. Interesting info for today's 10/10/10 blogpost. YUP!! It's "The Dr Stirring Rhod Way" of featuring 10/10/10 because this does not happen frequently right? Well by default, 10:10 looks better and pretty good.


This morning there was a major event here in MANILA called "A Run For The Pasig River 10.10.10" which is a drive to save Pasig River and restore It's Beauty which was described by Philippine National Hero DR. JOSE RIZAL in his novels. As of now, Pasig River is really polluted. Hopefully, something will change after this event.

I guess, that's all for today my dear readers and supporters. It's about a band called TEN TEN posted on 10:10 pm on 10/10/10. Interesting Isn't it? I hope you enjoyed your stay. THANKS AGAIN for dropping by!!

Today is 10/10/10
It's 10:10 pm
Walk On TEN TEN!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD