Filipino Indiepop Scene

We just entered 2010 which is the beginning of another decade. I just wonder what kind of music and music formats would be the "in-thing" for this coming decade of "2010-2019". The decade of "2000-2009" was indeed a revolutionary period if we talk about music. YUP!! That was the decade of music files and downloading. Who would thought about that during the 60s,70s,80s and even the 90s? The music industry really had a hard time fighting against the so-called illegal music sharing or better known as music piracy because of several factors. We just said goodbye to original CDs. As a music collector, I still prefer the original materials better than these music files that's why I still buy Vinyls and CDs up to now. So for today's blogpost I'll just give tribute to my KABAYANS who continue their passion to create extraordinary music that's deeper as an underground pop scene. YUP!! It's the FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE!! For the past years, there is an enormous following regarding the FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE both here in the PHILIPPINES and my Kabayans in OTHER COUNTRIES around the globe. That's Pure Pop creation that's crafted in a different way that would make you imagine the reality of good music that's not explored and over exposed. I was able to hear these stuffs and definitely It made me wonder if Pop would be like this, then there are so much room for astonishing musical taste. Btw, the beautiful lady in the photo is Philippine Legendary and Award Winning Actress Miss SUSAN ROCES wife of the late FERNANDO POE JR. who is "The King Of Philippine Movies".

So who are they?




We're Pinoys who love indiepop, twee, shoegaze, dream pop, lo-fi pop, electropop, synth pop, slowcore, sadcore, anorak, shambling, C81, C86, Dorothy pop, slacker pop, bedroom pop, guitar pop, jangle pop, some more p!o!p!, corduroys, cardigans, sweaters, ringer shirts, stripey shirts, courier fonts, bowlie haircuts, barrettes, badges, library cards, pop zines, tape hiss, free mp3 compilations, mixtapes, 3" cds, 7" singles, 10" EPs, 12" EPs, LPs, cassingles, Sarah, Postcard, Creation, Factory, Caff Corporation, Cherry Red, 53rd & 3rd, Rough Trade, Slumberland, Matinee, Shelflife, El, Radio Khartoum, Sunday, Library, Cloudberry, Shinkansen, Siesta, Elefant, Secret Crush, Labrador, Marsh-Marigold, Firestation, K, Clairecords, Apricot, Marina, Candle, Le Grand Magistery, Clarendon, Shoeshine, Minty Fresh, Fabulous Friends, Harriet, Drive-In, Bobsled, Fortuna Pop, Bring On Bull, Benno, Friendly Noise, Fantastic, Popgun, Blackbean And Placenta Tape Club, Flying Nun, Subway, A Turntable Friend, Bus Stop, Vinyl Japan, Twee Kitten, Tricatel, Plastilina, Skipping Stones, Félicité Singles Club, Domino, Happy Robots, Foxyboy, Magic Marker, Kindercore, Happy Happy Birthday To Me, Planting Seeds, Clover, Damaged Goods, Twentyseven, Wiiija, This Happy Feeling, Paris Caramel, Wee Pop!, Yay!, Double Agent, Best Kept Secret, Humblebee, Waaaah, Elephant 6, Apple Crumble, Quince, Lost Sound Tapes, Where It's At Is Where You Are, Series Two, Factory Girl, Subterranean Romance, Mutual Admiration Society, mid-nineties Awakenings and No Zones, late-nineties (even 21st century) Buzz nights, Strange Geometries and namedropping obscure Filipino bands:

Carnival Park. Sodajerk. The Haircuts. The Fantasy Lights. Girl At The Bus Stop. So What?. Sunday Picnic Love Affair. Balloon Derby. TV Guide. Wadaiko. Apple Orchard. Spring Boutique. Under Shooting Stars. Soft Pillow Kisses. Sadstar. Candyaudioline. Populardays. Archaster. Farewell Isobel. Love In Athens. Slumbook. Kid Auto Races At Venice. A Painted September. Envelope And Seabirds. Happy Showers. Citrusphere. Virginia Aeroplane. In Between Blue And Green. Mono Workshop. Outerhope. Blue Stereo. The It Boy. Ciao. Tetsumi Atom. Ear Candy. Sarah Sitting. Her Handwriting. Supergloo. Leslie's Biscuits. Amy Racecar. Eulluvye. Utterly. Smile Plenty. Plaster Caster. Uranus. Aspirin. Go Figure. Shiver Fest. Fingernail Cocktail. Theresa's Hi-Fi. Choking Brownies. Down Boy Down. Aurora Borealis. Lazy Lorelei. Some Gorgeous Accident. Avalyn. Melody Wrench. The Slave Drum. Fairydust. On Petals. Superminty. My Science Project. Through The Lens. Blinded By Love. Skies Of Ember. The Cake Shop Collection. Eliminator Jr. Wentletraps. Melody Style Apartment. Dewdrop Fountain. Camera Shy. Grace Period. Arigato Hato!. Radiomanila. National Express. That Lingering Feeling. Adorable Adorations. Set Ashore. Aurora's Beating Heart. Nocturnal We. Lovely Days And Loud Hurrays. Scattered Pearls. Golden Teardrops. The Jealous Sea. Goodbye Dakota. Phantom Sizemore. Self-Portrait. Slow Hello. The Gentle Isolation. Dress. Your Imaginary Friends... And tons more!

If you're twee as fuck, if you're not scared to get happy, if you think C is the Heavenly option, in the words of Saint Etienne, join our club. And please remember, DON'T STOP INDIEPOP!
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Well, I guess you now know what I'm talking about. I included here in my special blogpost regarding the FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE some great compilations that these KABAYANS have created from 2008 to 2009 courtesy of "FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE MY SPACE" so I do hope you'll like it. Well, some of you might have downloaded the copies already in other websites but to those who doesn't have it yet then you are free to download it. I just like to feature these KABAYANS here in my little blog "The Doctor Is In'' to continue my advocacy of "PROUD TO BE PINOY" which I've been doing since I started my blog back in 2007. I find the songs very interesting with different blends of creativity that highlighted every Artists/Bands own originality which were perfected in every details. So here it goes...... Music from The "FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE"!! YUP!! It's "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" of giving tribute to these KABAYANS!! For your listening pleasure and for sharing purposes!!



SUMMER ESCAPE

TRACKLIST
Hello Misery by Blue Stereo
Constellation Of My Heart by Archaster
Clouds Upon Clouds by Under Shooting Stars
Moonlight Darling by Carnival Park
Winter Over Summer [Live] by Melody Style Apartment
The Rain Knows by The Wentletraps
Pillows And Blankets by Kid Auto Races At Venice
Until Goodbye by A Painted September
Last Summer's Love Affair by Apple Orchard
Why Are You So Lovely? by National Express
Sunday Picnic Love Affair [Live] by Sunday Picnic Love Affair
The Things You Say by Sodajerk
Just Like The Sky by Soft Pillow Kisses
Everything She Had by Citrusphere
Before Anything Else by Fantasy Lights
Untitled #1 by In Between Blue and Green
A Summer Escape by Golden Teardrops
Division by Envelope And Seabirds
Pretending That We're Smart by Candyaudioline

Here are some Photos of the Artists/Bands:


APPLE ORCHARD


CARNIVAL PARK


SOFT PILLOW KISSES


MELODY STYLE APARTMENT


SODA JERK


DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC HERE:


THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE ORIGINAL UPLOADER!!



STRANGE CAROUSELS

TRACKLIST:
Daylight Punch by On Petals
First Time by Grace Period
Ann by Slumbook
Miss Photogenic by Camera Shy
Kissus by Arigato, Hato!
Strange Carousels by Radiomanila
Sink Into Something by Superminty
Neither One [Live] by Eulluvye
The Games We Play by The Jealous Sea
With You by Farewell Isobel
Never Meant To Last by Lovely Days And Loud Hurrays
Pop Song (Can't Figure Out) by Lazy Lorelei
I Left My Heart In San Pedro by Spazzkid
Be My Lorraine by Balloon Derby
Summer's Somber by Dewdrop Fountain
A Story About What by Adorable Adorations
We Have To Find A Reason by Aurora's Beating Heart
Blood On The Mat [Live] by Nocturnal We
Moving Up by Aspirin
Evergreen Days by Some Gorgeous Accident
Ananda [Instrumental] by Set Ashore


Here are some Photos of the Artists/Bands:


SOME GORGEOUS ACCIDENT


SPAZZKID


RADIOMANILA


ON PETALS


CAMERA SHY


DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC HERE:


THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE ORIGINAL UPLOADER!!



UNDER THE COVERS

TRACKLIST
Nocturnal We - Femme Fatale (Velvet Underground)
Golden Teardrops - If I Needed Someone (The Beatles)
Carnival Park - Portland, Oregon (The Cat's Miaow)
Scattered Pearls - The Lucky One (Au Revoir Simone)
That Lingering Feeling - Abandon Ship (April Showers)
The Fantasy Lights - Loveless (New Order)
Superminty - Time Thief (Pale Saints)
Some Gorgeous Accident - Brighter (The Railway Children)
Lovely Days And Loud Hurrays - Before We Begin (Broadcast)
So The Jerk - Hole In My Heart (BMX Bandits)
Farewell Isobel - Keep Your Love (The Loveninjas)
The Jealous Sea - Toy Tambourine (Aberdeen)
Soft Pillow Kisses - Over The Rainbow (The Crooner)
The Wentletraps - Just Like Honey (The Jesus And Mary Chain)
Apple Orchard - Appetite (Prefab Sprout)
Camera Shy - Afterhours (Velvet Underground)
Radiomanila - Saving All My Love For You (Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr./ Whitney Houston)
Candyaudioline - Nothing Much To Lose (My Bloody Valentine)
Sonnet lviii - Skyscrapers Of St. Mirin [Live] (The Close Lobsters)
Sarah Sitting - Why Baby [Live] (Aislers Set)
Lazy Lorelei - Know Who You Are At Every Age [Live] (Cocteau Twins)

Here are some Photos of the Artists/Bands:


LAZY LORELEI


SONNET LVIII


SCATTERED PEARLS


THE WENTLETRAPS


THE FANTASY LIGHTS


DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC HERE:


THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE ORIGINAL UPLOADER!!



KISSING BALLADE

TRACKLIST
Can't Really Forget About Everything by National Express
Serenity Serenade by Skywritings
Longer by Archway Close
Daisy Tune by Farewell Isobel
Candy Blue Skies by Spring Boutique
Lost In Numbers by Outerhope
Happy Lonely Day by Sunday Picnic Love Affair
Kissing Ballade by Archaster
3.5 Blusher by Avalyn
Through You by The Wentletraps
Your Daily Routine by Slumbook
Little Chains by Love In Athens
Falling Fast by Some Gorgeous Accident
Can't Get Away From You by Grace Period
Lazy Sunday Afternoon by Dewdrop Fountain
Moonstruck by Balloon Derby
Secret Sunset by Slow Hello
Where The Fallen Leaves Were by That Lingering Feeling
Our Wakeful Dreams by Dress
The Unrequited Love Song by Self Portrait
This One Decided To Stay (features lyrics derived from One by Jill Bliss) by Goodbye Dakota

Here are some Photos of the Artists/Bands:


SELF PORTRAIT


ARCHASTER


SLOW HELLO


SLUM BOOK


DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC HERE:


THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE ORIGINAL UPLOADER!!



MUSIC TO HOLD HANDS TO
(A Tribute To The Lucksmiths)

TRACKLIST:
The Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco by The Jealous Sea
I Prefer The Twentieth Century by Fantasy Lights
Caravanna by Grace Period
The Great Dividing Range by Apple Orchard
Untidy Towns by Under Shooting Stars
Guess How Much I Love You by Archaster
The Shipwreck Coast by Candyaudioline
Successlessness by Gustav Hz
Little Athletics by That Lingering Feeling
Sunlight In A Jar by Slumbook
Midweek Midmorning by Archway Close
There Is A Boy That Never Goes Out by Slow Hello
Honey Honey Honey by Golden Teardrops
Young And Dumb by Her Boychart
The Art Of Cooking For Two by Scattered Pearls
The Sandringham Line by The Wentletraps
California In Popular Song by Land Of Ill Earthquakes
Take This Lying Down by Soft Pillow Kisses
Pin Cushion by Self Portrait
Music To Hold Hands To by Dewdrop Fountain
Synchronised Sinking by The Impossible Kid



THE LUCKSMITHS


DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC HERE:


THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE ORIGINAL UPLOADER!!

Wheeeew!! Finally I got to finish this blogpost!! It's really difficult arranging the text and photos and put them in order to create a relatively nice outlook. WoW!! Of course, getting the Aritists/Bands pictures from their corresponding websites adds up to the challenge. Personally, I'm pretty much satisfied with the end result. Hopefully I don't get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after this. He He He!! I hope you guys like my own tribute to the FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE. Definitely, I enjoyed listening to the tracks. I just wanna THANK DALE MARQUEZ of APPLE ORCHARD for the great contributions he has given in this Music Scene and for exposing the talents of these PINOY ARTISTS/BANDS and of course supporting them. Btw, I already featured Dale's TweeNet Entry entitled "A Short And Incomplete History Of Filipino Indiepop" here in my little blog wayback February 2008 so check it out on my Labels. Well, I guess we will be expecting more stuff from these guys this year 2010 and beyond. MABUHAY ANG PINOY!! THANKS AGAIN GUYS FOR DROPPING BY!!

CHECK OUT THE "Filipino Indiepop Scene MY SPACE" by clicking my DIY LOGO:


This Is The
FILIPINO INDIEPOP SCENE!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

Flight Of Fantasy

FLIGHT OF FANTASY is an INDIE CD compilation released back in year 2000. For my first blogpost this year 2010 may I present you this one of a kind CD compilation of Indie Pop that will make you relax to start the year. Personally, I find this compilation very smooth and it fits the after hours of work thing. My CD booklet contains a description of the concept coming from MIKE ALWAY that I wanna share and include in this blogpost of mine.

Here's what Mike has to say about the compilation:



"FLIGHT OF FANTASY is surrealist fantasy-pop as artifact. Neither "Real" or "Unreal". We use the recording studio as a time machine and everything is possible. Funny Bossa Nova Mediterranean Psychedelia, The Italian Shadows On Acid, Two Savage Waitresses, A Flowerpower David Cassidy."

"There's a cinematic feel, a sensous atmosphere and a sense of play. The only limits are those of the imagination."

"It's a glimpse of the future because before long, If I have anything to do with it, all Pop Records will be made this way".


Well, I guess by reading Mike Alway's take on this CD maybe you can at least digest what's really the content of this INDIE POP compilation CD. In Psychiatry we have this so-called "Flight Of Ideas", definitely this CD title of "Flight Of Fantasy" might as well be full of Ideas and Fantasies because there's a cool and soothing ambiance when you try to listen to each songs from these great Indie bands which for me are all well crafted. The band who call themselves "LOVELETTER" is my favorite in this compilation having three cute pop songs namely "We Can Fly", "Barbarella", and "Sun". There are a couple of instrumentals also in the set. I also love the first track from "TOMORROW'S WORLD" entitled "El Graphic" which reminded me of THE FARMERS BOYS cover version of a Cliff Richard classic "In The Country" song. I uploaded the entire CD just in case you wanna have a copy of it. It's highly recommended guys okay, but of course I still encourage you to buy the original "FLIGHT OF FANTASY" CD. I just took a photo of the TRACKLIST from the CD booklet since I can't find one available on the Net. Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to indicate the Song Titles and the Artists/Bands on each MP3 Files so just use the Photo Tracklist to guide you. Definitely you will not be disappointed listening to the entire CD. I assure you that!! All tracks are good for your listening pleasure.


I uploaded three tracks for you to listen to before downloading the CD. Btw, I included the song from a band called "FANTASTIC EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPER" for you to listen because somewhere in the tune there is a similarity to the Theme Song of the classic "THE CHILDREN'S HOUR" television show hosted by Edsa People Power Broadcaster JUNE KEITHLEY back in the 80s. ENJOY THE MUZIC!!

LISTEN TO "El Graphic" by "TOMORROW'S WORLD" HERE:


LISTEN TO "Barbarella" by "LOVELETTER" HERE:


LISTEN TO
"I Am A Kitten" by "FANTASTIC EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPER" HERE:



FLIGHT OF FANTASY
TRACKLIST:


DOWNLOAD MY CD HERE:

PASSWORD: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/

I hope you guys liked and enjoyed my Blogpost regarding this great Indie Pop CD compilation entitled "FLIGHT OF FANTASY". Did it make you travel to FANTASY ISLAND? Hmmmp!! I guess that cosmic essence of the tracks here can make you travel don't you think? Just don't make it a sexual fantasy okay. He He He!! So get ready to fly first class with the music of a different perspective. This Airline will take you...up..up....and away!! THANKS again for dropping by!!


IT'S JUST A
"Flight Of FANTASY"
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

HAPPY NEW WAVE YEAR 2010!!

HAPPY NEW WAVE YEAR 2010 EVERYONE!!

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"!!


- Barenaked Ladies Lyrics


PEACE EVERYONE!!
GOD BLESS!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

THE BEST OF 415 RECORDS

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 Records was 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

"Christmas In Our Hearts" album of JOSE MARI CHAN was released by UNIVERSAL RECORDS back in 1990. 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/


LISTEN TO "Christmas In Our Hearts" HERE:


- Jose Mari Chan Lyrics


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 DEATH

HALF LIFE HALF DEATH aka. 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 already a 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]

LISTEN TO "Alimango" HERE:



DOWNLOAD HLHD "L.A. Sessions" HERE:

PASSWORD: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/


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.

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Epilogue

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.

-Alfie
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Since CHRISTMAS 2009 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

VINYL RULES!!

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".

The Archive from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

Well, I hope you like my own little tribute to the VINYL RECORD. THANKS AGAIN guys for dropping by!!

VINYL RULES!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD