Another song that I've been playing to death. It's from Puteri Gunung Ledang's movie soundtrack. For some reason I didn't think that I'd like it because it's such a slowww song, but it quickly grew on me. :)

Btw the reunion concert for the musical has been postponed to March 2015 as Tiara Jacquelina has been stricken with vocal cord nodules. Kinda bummed out about the postponement because I've been so looking forward to it and I've been looping the musical soundtrack the entire month, but I totally understand that she needs the rest. I hope she recovers soon! :)

The last song off the last album of them together as a band. They are on their farewell tour now -- too bad they won't get here. I'll miss them. Thanks for the music, guys! :)

We'll live together, forever, forever...

hello, November.

So we are entering into my most favorite month, no prize for guessing why haha! I think November is the Friday night of month. Like how Friday is the beginning of the weekend, November is the beginning of the end of the year, and like how the whole weekend is still ahead, it feels like there's still time at this point to revisit the year's plan and resolutions and work towards ticking off more items off the bucket/resolution list. Holidays are looming and half the fun is in the anticipation. Christmas will soon be in the air, but it's not quite there yet, no rush for gift buying, no pressure for year end activities. The new year is still kinda far away. I love November. :)

Revisiting a song here. Quoting the bits I like. Leaving out the bits I don't. This is so me, right? :)

I know a girl whose head is in a twirl
She has her own lovely little world
And cause she likes me I get to look inside
And when I do the things that I see
Like trips to Spain and houses in the trees
Makes me wish that my mind was just as free

So baby, I know it's fun to play
And let your thoughts drift away
Dreamer, that's what you are

Mayer Hawthorne :: Fantasy Girl (Cover)

I found this anime through an unexpected route. It started when I was again feeling pretty much despaired at the state the world is in now, i.e. having another weltschmerz episode (first world problem much? sigh).. So I was reading the wikipedia entry for that word, when it explains it as a "psychological pain caused by sadness... caused by the inappropriateness and cruelty of the world and (physical and social) circumstances". It continues to say that weltschmerz "can cause depression, resignation and escapism, and can become a mental problem (compare Hikikomori)". So I clicked on Hikikomori which is what they call "reclusive adolescents or adults who withdraw from social life, often seeking exceptional degrees of isolation and confinement." Now, I am a little of all that resigned depresso escapee thingy and often dream about taking off to some remote corner of the world but this sounded really extreme and depressing! Anyway, somewhere in the page was also a note to how it's portrayed in popular culture, and anime/manga in particular. There was a list of probably 5-7 titles, and I randomly clicked on one of them and ended up on this wiki page. I kinda liked the synopsis, but I wanted some assurance that this is worth it so I asked Dz if he'd watched the show before and what he thought of it. Turned out, he has, and he'd thought of recommending it to me, but because I'd told him earlier that I wasn't super keen on tear-jerkers, he didn't. Glad I still found my way to it - perhaps it's meant to be hehe!

Anyway.... Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。 Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai, lit. "We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day.")(whaat a mouthful!!)(thankfully, it also goes by Anohana for short) is about "a group of six childhood friends who drifted apart after one of them, Meiko "Menma" Honma, dies in an accident. Ten years after the incident, the leader of the group, Jinta Yadomi, has withdrawn from society and lives as a recluse. One summer day, the ghost of an older looking Menma appears before him and asks to have a wish granted, reasoning that she cannot pass on into the afterlife until it is fulfilled. At first, he only tries to help her minimally because he thinks he is hallucinating. But since Menma does not remember what her wish is, Jinta gathers his estranged friends together once again, believing that they are the key to resolving this problem. All of friends join him, though most of them reluctantly. However, things grow increasingly complicated when his friends accuse him of not being able to get over the death of Menma, for Jinta is the only one who can see Menma's ghost and his friends think he is seeing things. But as things progress, it is realized that Jinta is not the only person in the group who is having trouble letting go of the past. It is revealed that a majority of the group members blame themselves for Menma's death and hidden feelings for other members of the group are rekindled. Along with feelings of bitterness from Menma's parents, the group struggles as they grow from trying to help Menma move on, to helping themselves move on, too." (Thanks, Wiki! =)

So, what was the verdict? :) I like it a lot, so much so that I think I love it! (Don't ask..) I'm still feeling the lingering sadness.. but it didn't make me cry... but then again, I'm a tough nut to crack in that department. I guess I'm just wired differently. Okay, I don't think my review will ever give this show justice, so I'm just going to copy+paste the best write-up on the show that I came across:

In terms of peripheries, the show delivers. The character designs are varied and pretty and the music is spot on for what is an emotional show. The animation has no readily noticeable flaws and the detail shown in the interactions between characters is one of the key qualities of the show's overall experience. The basic premise for the show is also a great starting point. The concept of close friends who have drifted apart is an affecting one and one I am sure most people can relate to without much difficulty. The breakdown of relationships, with all the regret and ill feeling that goes with it, is well portrayed and explored over such a short number of episodes. In terms of plotting, Anohana is a show that uses its runtime astonishingly well for the most part (exceptions will be discussed later) - the pacing is excellent and its emotional highs arrive without reservation or a hint of deviance. I never once got the sense that the show was wandering, the makers always seeming to have the plot and its steady progression well in hand.

In the end, with a show that centres on metaphorical burnt bridges, it was always going to be the characters and their relationships that would make or break this show. Jintan, the lead, is a character that it would be easy to hate; he is gloomy, static and prone to self-pitying sulks. The rest of the living friends aren't much better: Anaru is a weak-willed tsundere, Tsuruko is bitchy and snarky, Yukiatsu is hateful and creepy and Poppo tries so hard to be fun and carefree it is almost painful to watch (yet he is still the most likeable). But you said this show was good, I hear you say? It is, it is - that is the beauty of character development. Despite being quite negative characters, each one has at least something positive and emphatic that makes them worthwhile; the sheer volume of well-portrayed unrequited love amongst the cast and the individual ways that each character approaches those feelings and the feelings they have over Menma's death are varied, interesting and relatable. The frustrating aspects of each character never go far enough to be repulsive (not even Yukiatsu, though he certainly pushes it) and in the end I found myself backing each of them despite their more annoying aspects. Where the characterisation does go wrong is in the character of Menma. In a story populated by flawed but interesting characters, she stands out like a cardboard cut-out at a waxworks - coming across completely flat. It's understandable considering her position as a less developed (and less warped) character but even if she were to exist as little more than a plot device (she is more than that but her development over the series is definitely the most limited) then at least they could have made her a little less annoying. Just a little bit. She is certainly not a failure as a character, she is a core part of Jintan's growth, but I have met people who abandoned this series because of the volume of screen time she enjoys, especially at the beginning of the show.

Overall, though, this series achieves what it set out to do. The strong characterisation and solid story pacing allows for those big drama moments to hit hard and it rounds itself off as an enjoyable, beautiful spectacle throughout and especially at the end. If you are looking for a subtle, affecting show then this is not it but it is a well written, beautiful and often moving show and well worth a look for those looking for a little less 'animé' in their animé.

[full review here]

Haha, that was easy! Sorry I took all the shortcuts but I really just wanted to do a quick post about this show.. I thoroughly recommend this series! Stream it here.

One more thing: one of the best things about this show was the ending song. I usually skip the opening and ending songs when I watch anime (except for first episodes, just to check the songs out), but I made an exception for this show. This was the first time I'd listened through the entire opening and ending song every episode. Super love it!



Secret Base
Kayano Ai & Tomatsu Haruka & Hayami Saori
Ending song to the anime Anohana

君と夏の終わり　将来の夢　
Kimi to natsu no owari shourai no yume
大きな希望　忘れない
Ookina kibou wasurenai
10年後の8月
Juu nen go no hachigatsu
また出会えるのを　信じて
Mata deaeru no wo shinjite
最高の思い出を…
Saikou no omoide wo...
The end of the summer with you
Our dreams for the future, the big hopes, I won’t forget them
Believing that I’ll meet you again in August, ten years from now
The best memories…

出会いは　ふっとした　瞬間　帰り道の交差点で　
Deai wa futto shita shunkan kaerimichi no kousaten de
声をかけてくれたね　「一緒に帰ろう」
Koe wo kakete kureta ne "issho ni kaerou"
僕は　照れくさそうに　カバンで顔を隠しながら
Boku wa terekusa sou ni kaban de kao wo kakushi nagara
本当は　とても　とても　嬉しかったよ
Hontou wa totemo totemo ureshikatta yo
Our meeting was that one moment, on the way home at the intersection
You said to me, “Let’s walk home together”
I hid my face behind my bag, but really, I was very very happy

あぁ　花火が夜空　きれいに咲いて　ちょっとセツナク
Aa hanabi ga yozora kirei ni saite chotto setsunaku
あぁ　風が時間とともに　流れる
Aa kaze ga jikan to tomo ni nagareru
嬉しくって　楽しくって　冒険も　いろいろしたね
Ureshiku tte tanoshiku tte bouken mo iroiro shita ne
二人の　秘密の　基地の中
Futari no himitsu no kichi no naka
Ah, the fireworks bloom beautifully in the night sky, a little sad
Ah, the wind blows along with time, being happy, having fun
We went on many adventures too inside our secret base

君と夏の終わり　将来の夢　大きな希望　忘れない
Kimi to natsu no owari shourai no yume Ookina kibou wasurenai
10年後の8月　また出会えるのを　信じて
Juu nen go no hachigatsu mata deaeru no wo shinjite
君が最後まで　心から　「ありがとう」
Kimi ga saigo made kokoro kara "arigatou" Sakendeita koto
叫んでいたこと　知っていたよ
Shiteita yo
涙をこらえて　笑顔でさよなら　せつないよね
Namida wo koraete egao de sayonara setsunai yo ne
最高の思い出を…
Saikou no omoide wo...
The end of the summer with you
Our dreams for the future, the big hopes, I won’t forget them
Believing that I’ll meet you again in August, ten years from now
I know you shouted, “thank you” from your heart, till the end
Holding tears back, smiling a goodbye
It was sad, the best memories…

あぁ　夏休みも　あと少しで　終わっちゃうから
Aa natsuyasumi mo ato sukoshi de owacchau kara
あぁ　太陽と月　仲良くして
Aa taiyou to tsuki nakayoku shite
悲しくって　寂しくって　喧嘩も　いろいろしたね
Kanashiku tte sabishiku tte kenka mo iroiro shita ne
二人の　秘密の　基地の中
Futari no himitsu no kichi no naka
Ah, summer vacation is almost over
So I hope that the sun and moon get along
Being sad, and being lonely
We fought a lot inside our secret base


君が最後まで　心から　「ありがとう」叫んでいたこと　
Kimi ga saigo made kokoro kara "arigatou" sakendeita koto
知っていたよ
Shiteita yo
涙をこらえて　笑顔でさよなら　せつないよね
Namida wo koraete egao de sayonara setsunai yo ne
最高の思い出を…
Saikou no omoide wo...
I know you shouted, “thank you” from your heart, till the end
Holding tears back, smiling a goodbye, it was sad
The best memories…


突然の　転校で　どうしようもなく
Totsuzen no tenkou de dou shiyou mo naku
手紙　書くよ　電話もするよ　忘れないでね　僕のことを
Tegami kaku yo denwa mo suru yo Wasurenaide ne boku no koto wo
いつまでも　二人の　基地の中
itsumademo futari no kichi no naka
I can’t do anything about a sudden transferring to another school
I’ll write letters, I’ll call you, so don’t forget me
Inside our secret base

君と夏の終わり　ずっと話して　
Kimi to natsu no owari zutto hanashite
夕日を見てから星を眺め
Yuuhi wo mite kara hoshi wo nagame
君の頬を　流れた涙は　ずっと忘れない
Kimi no hoho wo nagareta namida wa zutto wasurenai
君が最後まで　大きく手を振ってくれたこと　
Kimi ga saigo made ookikute wo futtekureta koto
きっと忘れない
Kitto wasurenai
だから　こうして　夢の中で　ずっと永遠に…
Dakara kou shite yume no naka de zutto eien ni...
I talked to you at the end of summer
Looking at the sunset and watching the stars
I’ll never forget the tear that rolled down your cheek
I’ll never forget you, waving your hands till the end
So forever, like this, in our dreams…

君と夏の終わり　将来の夢　大きな希望　忘れない
Kimi to natsu no owari shourai no yume Ookina kibou wasurenai
10年後の8月　また出会えるのを　信じて
Juu nen go no hachigatsu mata deaeru no wo shinjite
君が最後まで　心から　「ありがとう」叫んでいたこと
Kimi ga saigo made kokoro kara "arigatou" sakendeita koto
知っていたよ
Shiteita yo
涙をこらえて　笑顔でさよなら　せつないよね
Namida wo koraete egao de sayonara setsunai yo ne
最高の思い出を…
Saikou no omoide wo...
The end of the summer with you
Our dreams for the future, the big hopes, I won’t forget them
Believing that I’ll meet you again in August, ten years from now
I know you shouted, “thank you” from your heart, till the end
Holding tears back, smiling a goodbye, it was sad
The best memories…

最高の思い出を…
Saikou no omoide wo...
The best memories…

You know how I always say I don't like female singers because their voices get to me? Apparently that reason doesn't really hold with Japanese singers. I don't know why. I've been listening to a number of Jap songs these few weeks (including this metal band and of course, this robot), and they are all sung by female singers. Maybe it's the language barrier. Maybe just so happen that I haven't yet come across any nice songs by male singers (except these covers, but maybe I'm biased). Maybe it's a seasonal thing. Let's see.

This song is my current obsession. It's such a happy, laidback song. With the political circus that is the Selangor MB crisis going madder by the moment, this song has been a wonderful respite. ^_^



Our Password 僕らの合言葉 Bokura no Aikotoba 
Natsumi Kiyoura
13th ending song of the anime Keroro Gunso

Sono chiisa na karada de, kimi wa boku o hagemasu
Hora hora hora
Sono ookina hitomi de, kimi ga boku ni warau yo
Hora hora hora
その小さな体で君は僕を励ます
ほらほらほら
その大きな瞳で君が僕に笑うよ
ほらほらほら
With that small body you continued to encourage me
Look, look, look
With two big eyes you continued to smile at me
Look, look, look

Moshimo kurayami no naka kimi ga michi ni mayottara
Boku wa sora no sukima ni hikari o atsumete
Kimi o tsukamae ni yuku yo
Matte ite
もしも暗闇の中　君が道に迷ったら
僕は空のすき間に光を集めて
君をつかまえに行くよ
待っていて
If you were in the dark and you don't know where you are
I'll gather all the lights and bring them to the sky
I'll come and catch up with you
Wait for me

Shinjiteru yo Shinjiteru yo
Bokura no aikotoba
Keshite karenai
Keshite karenai
Kokoro ni saku hana wa
Kimi no egao da yo
信じてるよ信じてるよ
僕らの合言葉
決して枯れない
決して枯れない
心に咲く花は
君の笑顔だよ
I've always believed in, I've always believed in
Our password
Everlasting, never dying
The blooming flowers in my heart
They're in your smile

Sono ryoute ni afureru, yume o sora ni egakou
Hora hora hora
Mita koto no nai hoshi ga, kira kira to kagayaita
Hora hora hora
その両手にあふれる夢を空に描こう
ほらほらほら
見たことのない星がきらきらと輝いた
ほらほらほら
Let's draw the dream that overflows in both of our hands in the sky
Look, look, look
The star you have never seen before sparkles and glitters
Look, look, look

Moshimo tabi no tochuu de, kimi ga nakitaku nattara
Boku wa kaze o norikoe hana o dazusaete
Kimi o nagusame ni yuku yo
Matte ite
※もしも旅の途中で　君が泣きたくなったら
僕は風を乗り越え　花を携えて
君をなぐさめに行くよ
待っていて※
If, in the middle of your journey, you suddenly felt like crying
I'll ride the wind, carrying a flower with me
I'll reach you and confort you
Wait for me

Shinjiteru yo Shinjiteru yo
Bokura no aikotoba
Tooku tooku hanarete te mo
Kokoro wa tada hitotsu
Kimi o shinjiteru
信じてるよ信じてるよ
僕らの合言葉
遠く遠く離れてても
心はただひとつ
君を信じてる
I've always believed in, I've always believed in
Our password
Even if we're separated by a very far distance
Our hearts will always be as one
I'll believe in you

Moshimo tabi no tochuu de, kimi ga nakitaku nattara
Boku wa kaze o norikoe hana o dazusaete
Kimi o nagusame ni yuku yo
Matte ite
※もしも旅の途中で　君が泣きたくなったら
僕は風を乗り越え　花を携えて
君をなぐさめに行くよ
待っていて※
If, in the middle of your journey, you suddenly felt like crying
I'll ride the wind, carrying a flower with me
I'll reach you and confort you
Wait for me

Shinjiteru yo Shinjiteru yo
Bokura no ai kotoba
Tooku tooku hanarete temo
Kokoro wa tada hitotsu
信じてるよ信じてるよ
僕らの合言葉
遠く遠く離れてても
心はただひとつ
I've always believed in, I've always believed in
Our password
Even if we're separated by a very far distance
Our hearts will always be as one

Shinjiteru yo Shinjiteru yo
Bokura no ai kotoba
Keshite karenai
Keshite karenai
Kokoro ni saku hana wa
Kimi no egao da yo
信じてるよ信じてるよ
僕らの合言葉
決して枯れない
決して枯れない
心に咲く花は
君の笑顔だよ
I've always believed in, I've always believed in
Our password
Everlasting, never dying
The blooming flowers in my heart
They're in your smile

[via]

angin bayu membawa diriku, sepintas lalu ku terkenangkanmu...

Angin bayu membawa diriku, sepintas lalu ku terkenangkanmu
Memori silam meresap malam, kenangan bersama tersimpan selamanya
Walaupun kau pergi jauh dari diri ini, cintaku masih bersemadi dihati
Keyakinan kita kan kembali, menghidupkan semula janji bara cinta

Kita bersama mengejar mimpi, terpisah sementara ku pasti
Suatu hari nanti, cinta kita bersemi, kembali menerangi mekar di taman hati
Walau pun jauh pandangan mata, kuyakin kau kan tetap setia
Begitulah ku jua, keikhlasan dijiwa, dan cintaku hanyalah untukmu...

So I've been going a little nutty reminiscing over a boy band from my youth. It all started when I saw my ex-colleague's Raya photo she took with her cousin.. who happens to be a popular Malaysian celebrity and is married to one of the three brothers who make up the band. Yesterday while I was browsing YouTube, I went looking for them, and what a walk down memory lane it was! *grins*

Ah the 90s.. of boybands with coordinated over-sized outfits and cheesy music videos. :) Anyway, they are KRU, comprising Norman, Yusry and Edry Abdul Halim. In the Malay music scene at that time which was dominated by classic rock and ballads, these boys gave us their brand of pop, R&B and hip hop.

I spent some parts of the afternoon watching their 10th anniversary show from 2002.. and now catching clips from their 20th anniversary show. Now 22 years into the game, their dress sense has improved much (haven't all of us?) and their "empire" has extended considerably. Their media and entertainment company, KRU Studios, is a big name in the local entertainment circle and it's produced some major musical talents and also Malay features films. Hats off to the guys for staying strong and not being a one trick pony.

I have only owned one of their albums - KRUmania - the 1997 compilation of their best hits. I'd loved it then but I haven't heard them since forever.. it was a pleasant surprise that as I browse through the videos, many of the tunes sounded familiar. Here are some of my favorites. :)

KRU - Untukmu


KRU - Janji Tinggal Janji


KRU - Apa Saja


KRU - Fanatik


KRU & P Ramlee - Getaran Jiwa

I would like to remember that I stumbled upon this band called MUSH&Co. today while walking in Watsons (thank you Shazam!) and absolutely love these two songs by the band. It's a girl lead (surprise, surprise) and I can't seem to find much info on them in English though -- WHY OH WHY CAN'T I READ JAPANESE? Why did I stop my Nihongo lessons back then!? This is frustrating. Kthxbai. Oh btw I think these songs are from this movie The Liar and His Lover (Kanojo wa Uso o Aishisugiteru) which is from the eponymous manga series which I will totally check out. When I have the time. Ah, so many interests, so few minutes!

Alice.

I love me a serendipitous find, and I love that I found Alice. I love how it sounds ethereal and poignant at the same time, like a beautiful sadness of sort.. and the words evokes a kind of wistfulness that I can't quite put my finger on, so yeah, this has been driving me blithely loopy this whole week.

I'm not sure if the title is based on Alice in Wonderland (there's a footnote in the video description that indicates such, but I don't know if it was just an opinion or if the author meant it that way) but I was drawn to the video by the name alone.. Growing up, AiW was one of my fav books, and even though I pretended to get flustered when people teased me by that name, I've always felt an affinity to it. I don't suppose this song has to do with her though, the lyrics tell of a different story, and based on the author's description about the song, it's something like this:

There are two of them, let's call them A (girl) and B (boy). It's a song from B's point of view, who's keeping an eye on A. I don't know if A realized B's feelings. They are always together, helping or counting on each other when facing troubles, but somehow they are not able to be in love with each other. And B did reckless things, and lost many things.—

Such is the story. I think that there are many people who have experienced this in them. And if you heard a sigh in this song, it means you have an experience which had passed your own happy summer.

Make what you want of that. Btw if you think that the singer sounds like a robot, it's because she is. The singer, Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), according to wiki "is a humanoid persona voiced by a singing synthesizer application developed by Crypton Future Media, headquartered in Sapporo city..." And she is personified as a 16-year-old girl with long turquoise pigtails, like this ----------------------------->

I think she's cute and I could see her appeal and if I had the chance I would like to attend one of her concerts (yes) just for the kick of it. I like robot machine android thingamagic. What's not to like about them? Predictable, efficient, objective, cold as iced cola on a hot sunny day what? Hmm, I think it's the same reasons I like cities. Blocks after blocks of dour, stately facades with a million stories behind their walls. Err what? And I can't explain this, but it's also why I'm for Germany this World Cup. Haha, let's move on before I lose you completely.

S said something yesterday that almost got me saying YES! out loud - "Sometimes I think my heart will burst from having too much feels." That's my exact thought, esp every time I ber-emo and ber-drama. How I wish I were a robot sometimes! I don't trust emotions too much cos I've seen the damage they could inflict and yet I'm brimming to the rim with so much feels I don't know what to do with them! If only it's transferable, I think the hub could use with a good dose =) But how terribly dull life would be without a good shot of zealous passion every now and then kan? I think I'll take leave now, right after I say amen! to Adam's quote below. =)

#WiseOwl Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/6JEkwxoykW
— Owl City (@owlcity) July 2, 2014

Romaji Toi, toi, waraenai hanashi Itsuka, boku ga inakunatta nara Fukai, fukai mori ni ochita Kimi wa hitori de yukundaze Tsunaida te ni wa yawaraka na taion Nigitta yubi ga yururi, hodoketara Kareta neiro no kane ga naru Kimi wa hitori de yukundaze Sono mama futari ayunde hitori Usotsuku koe mo mou taedae ni Utsumuki futari kage ga hitotsu Boku mo hitori de yukundaze? Kimi wa awai koi ni ochita Takai takai gake ni saku hana "Todokanai naa." Wakatteru kuse ni Kondo wa hitori de yukundaze Toi, toi, waraenai hanashi Itsuka, boku ga inakunatta nara Fukai, fukai mori ni ochita Kimi wa hitori de yukundaze Sore kara hitori aruite hitori Usotsuku koto mo mou tsukareta. Utsumuki hitori kogane no heya Kimi to futari de itandaze Boku wa fukai mori ni ochita. Kuroku susukete yogoreta kajitsu Sore de owari sore dake no hanashi Kimi wa hitori de yukundaze

English A long, long time ago, in a tragedy If ever comes a day that I go away Deeper and deeper into the forest I'll fall From that moment on, you’ll go alone Feeling a warm temperature in the hands we hold If ever comes a day they gently unfold A dry bell will sound echoing on its own From that moment on, you’ll go alone For we are two of a kind, when we walk, we are one The sound lies being told disappear like the sun And now we both bow our heads, only a single shadow Didn’t you know that I was also going alone? You fell into love of a gentle kind With a flower on top of a high, high cliff “It’s so hard to reach”, I know you know So this time, you’ll have to go alone A long, long time ago, in a tragedy If ever comes a day that I go away Deeper and deeper into the forest I'll fall From that moment on, you’ll go alone And I am one of a kind, when I walk, I am alone I’ve grown weary of lying to the bone Now I bow my head in this golden room I was here with you, and now it’s gone too soon In a forest deep, I sank and I knew I’m a charred and dirty forsaken fruit And that is the end, there’s nothing more to recount From this moment on, you’ll go alone

my funny friend and me

So last Sunday I met for the first time someone whom I've been chatting with regularly in the past month. He's a work contact but somewhere along the line we became friends.

This person, on the surface, is very, very different from me; just let me count the ways: he's as scrawny as can be (ok, not really, but I'm pretty his body fat % is probably in the low tens) and the kind of book-smart that I dream of being (I believe there's a Math wiz in there).. to these, there's also his faith, race, academic achievements, family background, age bracket, gender (d'oh), hobbies and interests.. if you were to represent us in those categories with Venn diagrams, most if not all of those circles would never touch. The only thing I knew we had in common when we started out was our love for cats, but I suppose that's a good starting point as any.. because cat is love! =^.^=

So how this happened, I don't know.. because life's like that? :) One thing I appreciate is how he makes me laugh! I don't know how he does it or how I stomach them, but he somehow manages to make his irreverent (and sometimes inappropriate) remarks seem innocuous -- I'm not proud to say that I find them amusing *hangs head in shame.. and chuckles :D* -- but I don't mind wearing a constant silly grin on my face. That said, he's a nice kid with a good heart... and commendable work ethics (it's something I really value, we do work together after all).

Anyway, I'm happy to note that our meet up went okay. In fact, it was more than okay. I really enjoyed his company and the time we spent went by quickly. There were some pockets of silence, but I actually welcomed them. Was naturally apprehensive at first because we both aren't the most graceful of social creatures. When I do one-on-ones, I tend to rely on the other person to talk (yay for such friends =) but I knew I couldn't do it here; I kinda felt the responsibility to carry the conversation so I actually prepared a mental list of questions to move our chat along should it get stuck haha. I was also afraid that our online chemistry would fizzle out in real life, making everything awkward -- I really wouldn't know how to save the situation should it arise. But since we both kinda feared the same things, we made it work and it turned out pretty well I'd say.

Given who we are, this friendship is pretty much uncharted territory for me, so I do wonder if it would be a flash in the pan. I'd very much like for it to last a lil longer because I've taken quite a liking to this fella. In spite of all our superficial differences, we're kinda the same personality-wise, so in some ways he does remind me of myself (mm narcissistic much? =), and I feel like I could really relate to him since there an obvious point of reference (me lol). So yeah, we'll see.. And here's to unconventional and unexpected friendship -- cheers! (　^ω^) ヾ(*´∀｀*)ﾉ

I chose this song for its title, and for llama luvin'.. wrong lever, Kronk!

My Funny Friend and Me
Sting
The Emperor's New Groove OST

In the quiet time of evening, when the stars assume their patterns
And the day has made his journey, and we wondered just what happened
To the life we knew before the world changed
When not a thing I held was true, but you were kind to me
And you reminded me, that the world is not my playground
There are other things that matter, what is simple needs protecting
My illusions all would shatter but you stayed in my corner
The only world I know was upside down
And now the world and me, know you carry me

You see the patterns in the big sky, those constellations look like you and I
Just like the patterns in the big sky, we could be lost we could refuse to try
But we made it through in the dark night
Who would those lucky guys turn out to be?
But that unusual blend of my funny friend and me

I'm not as clever as I thought I was, I'm not the boy I used to be because
You showed me something different, you showed me something pure
I always seemed so certain but I was really never sure
But you stayed and you called my name
When others would have walked out on a lousy game
And look who made it through, but your funny friend and me

You see the patterns in the big sky, those constellations look like you and I
That tiny planet and the bigger guy, I don't know whether I should laugh or cry
Just like the patterns in the big sky, we'll be together 'til the end this time
Don't know the answer or the reason why, we'll stick together 'til the day we die
If I had to do this all a second time, I won't complain or make a fuss
Who would the angels send? But that unlikely blend
Of those two funny friends, that's us

because of you, love.

I was listening to the soundtrack from the Puteri Gunung Ledang musical yesterday and it brought back some memories from years back.

WW first mentioned this musical to me wayyy back, when her bff J had a foreign guest in town and J wanted to give him a taste of the local culture, and so happened this musical was screening its first season at Istana Budaya, c. 2006. J was pleasantly surprised how much she really liked it and told WW who in turn shared with me. Although I've always liked musicals (I think coming from a school which held regular musical productions, it's just an interest that was instilled in us somewhat), I couldn't afford to be indulging in such frivolous hobby because they were a pretty pricey affair and I was practically penniless, but I was really curious and remembered her recommendation.

A couple of years later while working in Cyberjaya, the subject cropped up among my musical loving colleagues (there were a number of them!) and HL ended up passing me the MP3s of the soundtrack, and I fell in love immediately with the musical. By then PGL the musical has completed two very successful seasons, so I wasn't sure if I'd ever catch it... but thank God, a year later in 2009, it happened!

I just can't believe how amazingly timely that they did a third season of the musical. I was one of the first few people who bought tickets (I knew because I bought the tickets in the first week it went on sale, and when I got to the seat selection section during my ticket purchase, it was practically empty).. I decided to go with the front row (knowing that the best seats are actually a bit further back, right in the middle) because I've never done that. Bought tickets for Valentine's day performance, and had S and WW as my dates hehe! The night was everything I'd imagined it to be. I wrote a gushy review about it, somewhere in my old blog. :)

Irl when it comes to love, I would like to think that I'm more practical and sensible and therefore I've never bought into romantic stories (trust me to roll my eyes at the mention of them)(but really, I think it's just a defense mechanism against the disappointment of a fairy tale life knowing that it just such but... that's a post for another time), but I really loved this! But mm, there's something about love that are not meant to be that always stirs something in me. I suppose a small part of me wish that everyone gets the happy endings they want but that's nothing if impossible.

Anyway, it's been a good five years since the third season of the musical. Now I'm crossing all my digits hoping for a fourth! I don't mind if they have an entirely new cast, I really just really want to watch it again and sing along to the songs that I know so well. Ahhh.. *dreaming*

Back to what I said earlier, I was listening to the soundtrack and got to looping this song Keranamu Kekasih -- it was featured in the 2004 movie and performed by Vince Chong, and also in this musical inspired by the movie and sung by Stephen Rahman-Hughes (he was pretty amazing, I distinctively remember being impressed by his vocal prowess). So I was singing it the whole day yesterday, and this morning I'd really wanted to sing along to it music... but I couldn't find its chords online! Boohoo!

I think I must have been desperate and delusional enough that I started poking at the keyboard hoping to find it... and I'm pretty surprised that I actually did!! I would like to take a moment to say how proud I am of myself and give myself a pat on the shoulder for working these chords out on my own.. It's definitely an "Achievement Unlocked" moment for me *grins from ear to ear* So yeah, I've been recording myself singing this the whole day. Blergh, my voice really needs some work!

So after that long grandma story which was more for my sake than yours, I present to you the reason for this post... Gonna get ready and wait for my darlin' J to pick me up to go church. Have a great weekend! Xoxo.

Keranamu Kekasih
Vince Chong 
OST Puteri Gunung Ledang (2004)

  G                 D      Em                D
Kekasih jangan berduka, yakin kita 'kan bersama
  G                   D       Bm
Hati ini satu walau jauh di mata
 Em                G       A
Ikatan cinta, luhurnya dijiwa


  D                 A       Bm             G
Hati pujuklah perasaan, jauhi segala keraguan
  D                    A                  Bm
Sayang untukmu kukorbankan, demi satu harapan
                G                 D
Kepangkuan mu kasih, keranamu kekasih
  G                D    Em                D
Hadirmu bagai cahaya, damai resah dan gelora
  G                    D       Bm
Hati kita satu walau lara melanda
  Em            G        A
Asmara cinta tiada hujungnya

  D                 A       Bm               G
Hati pujuklah perasaan, jauhi segala kesangsian
   D                   A                       Bm
Cinta walau pun berjauhan, 'kan ku kenang senyuman
               G                 D
Kerinduan ku masih kepada mu kekasih

                   G                D
Dan keyakinan ku masih kepadamu kekasih

Wholesome Threesome: Penang edition

So we had a blast in Penang (and Alor Setar, where J grew up). S was an excellent guide - I love how adventurous she was on her own, and we reaped so much from that. I don't know how to articulate it, but the trip was.. very balanced. Maybe it's an odd choice of word, but it was. We had a bit of everything, old and new, street to cafe to restaurant food, east and west, quiet moments and loud conversations, man-made architecture and nature's glorious handiwork.. and I left Penang sad, but so enriched, so loved, so accepted. It was a very balanced trip.

Switchfoot - Souvenirs

Here’s to the twilight, here’s to the memories
these are my souvenirs, my mental pictures of everything
Here’s to the late nights, here’s to the firelight
these are my souvenirs, my souvenirs

~

Here’s to your bright eyes, shining like fireflies
these are my souvenirs, the memory of a lifetime
we were wide-eyed with everything
everything around us
we were enlightened by everything
everything

---
I don't know if I should apologise for the brevity of this post. It's not because the trip wasn't great, in fact, it was so overwhelmingly awesome that I struggle for words to describe how I feel. Hence, this post is merely for posterity and date keeping. I think I'll just leave the memories in my heart to keep it warm for all days. :*

He asked why this song resonated with me. I replied with a shrug. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Maybe I just like the tune and how it makes me feel. Which is what? I don't know. Bleh, feeling slightly depressive right now, but do I want to really know why? I don't know.

Who is 23? Michael Jordan. And my mom when she had me. I was already in Standard 6 by the time she was my age now. Does that mean anything to me? How do I tell myself (or them) it's okay not to want the same things?

I'm without a doubt a Gen-Y'er; we the late 70s babies were caught in the transition between the two generations and I so happen to have my lot cast with the Y-ers, though I think I've some of the X-ers' sensibilities. I wonder what if I was born say two years earlier, just as my parents were married. What kind of head would I have on these shoulders? Maybe all these Y-quirks would be so foreign to me. I see some of my X-peers, and they are so.. grounded, so.. straight, and here I am, feeling somewhat lost but okay being so, if it makes sense. I kinda shudder thinking this is how I would feel at 40. I don't want to be an old woman with this mind screwed on. Oops did I just call 40 old? I'll eat my words in about 4 years.

It's so weird to read about people my age in the news, especially if they were incriminated for crimes, or if they died. Whatever could have led them down the road they took? At which point did they choose those roads less traveled? And to feel like I'm at the peak of my life at this point, the idea that it is cut short is quite devastating. But there's nothing one could do when one's number's up.

But hmm, the weekend is upon us! My remaining episodes of Elementary beckon. :D




Jimmy Eat World - 23

I felt for sure last night that once we said goodbye
No one else will know these lonely dreams
No one else will know that part of me
I'm still driving away and I'm sorry every day
I won't always love these selfish things
I won't always live, not stopping

It was my turn to decide, I knew this was our time
No one else will have me like you do, no one else will have me, only you

You'll sit alone forever, if you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready, holding on tight
Don't give away the end, the one thing that stays mine

Amazing still it seems, I'll be 23
I won't always love what I'll never have
I won't always live in my regrets

It's late afternoon on a Friday, and so far it's been a no-frills day of conversations that didn't really hold and a press release waiting to be written. Speaking of which, I should get to it. Here's my song for the day. Ah Jon, you could do no wrong in my eyes. *heart*




Been fighting things that I can't see, like voices coming from the inside of me and
Like doing things I find hard to believe in, am I myself or am I dreaming?
I've been awake for an hour or so, checking for a pulse but I just don't know
Am I a man when I feel like a ghost? The stranger in the mirror is wearing my clothes

No, I'm not alright, I know that I'm not right
A steering wheel don't mean you can drive, a warm body don't mean I'm alive
No, I'm not alright, I know that I'm not right
Feel like I travel but I never arrive, I wanna thrive not just survive

I come alive when I hear you singing, But lately I haven't been hearing a thing and
I get the feeling that I'm in between, a machine and a man who only looks like me
I try and hide it and not let it show, but deep down inside me I just don't know
Am I a man when I feel like a hoax? The stranger in the mirror is wearing my clothes

Switchfoot :: Thrive

of a few boys.

Was discussing some work with my website servicing consultant this morning, when I found out he was down with some nasty cough and that he was going to leave for home soon after the conversation, and so when I saw that he was still online after about half an hour, I buzzed him.

Hey what are you still doing here!

Finishing everything up at the moment. Since today we have quite a lot of urgent tasks at hand, I could only ever go back at 4 pm the earliest today. :(

Aiyo! :( But you're sick!

Yeah, but I'd much rather take it upon myself to stay here and get things done and sorted out first than to cause trouble for everyone here for leaving early. It really doesn't sit with me too well if that were to happen haha xD So no issue for me I guess, as long as I can stop myself from dropping dead suddenly from all this sneezing :P

Haha you're quite an awesome worker. Your attitude is really commendable. :D But please don't drop dead. It would be quite a hassle getting rid of your body. It's crunch time for your colleagues too so don't be inconsiderate. :P

Haha! Now that you mention it, perhaps I should really leave now. xD I truly believe that if you try your hardest for other people, they will return the favour in one way or another! X) Or even if they don't, at least you know you have done the right thing! :) Alright, time for me to get things sorted out as quick as possible before I really do drop dead, while I still can xD Thanks again and enjoy your day!

Srsly, how many people, especially guys, do you know who type in complete, properly punctuated and correctly capitalised sentences? I think I can count the total of everyone I know who's like that on one hand (A, C, M and A, there ya go). But even I don't chat like that, as I feels it looks too formal but I'm warming up to the practice (it looks weird when I don't, so when in Romeee..)

He and one of his seniors are some of my most favorite people I've worked with. Ever polite, efficient and helpful, I find their bright eyed and bushy tailed attitude so refreshing and their youthful exuberance so infectious -- it's always such a joy to talk to them although it does make me wonder what cynical cow I'm turning into. :D

Anyway, on the opposite end of the mood spectrum, I find this sad sounding song rather soothing. Makes me think about stuff. Hat tip to A for the intro. :)

Oh I might as well put this here cos I lazy to start a new post about it. So I watched the Jersey Boys musical with my regular kaki WW. For some reasons I didn't think of checking out their songs prior, so the enjoyment level was less than optimum. Still enjoyed it though. Did you know that the Four Seasons were the biggest rock group there was before the Beatles? I didn't. And I found it strange that I only knew ONE of their songs (the evergreen Can't Take My Eyes Off You). Shame on me! :P The other songs didn't really stick, except for one called My Eyes Adored You. This musical is about the formative years of the group up until when they found fame and their subsequent unraveling. That bit was sad. I always have a soft spot for friendship-themed productions, so yeah, this left me a little bummed out especially knowing that it was based on real life events. Hmm life's sometimes like that.. you win some, you lose a lot. I saw on FB that there would be a new JB movie directed by Clint Eastwood coming out soon -- would love to catch it in the cinema!

Speaking of JB (are you still reading? lol), one of the most unlikeliest things happened yesterday morning. I listened to a sermon (which I rarely if ever do because I don't like listening to audio of people talking)(that's the main reason why I don't like radio, except for BFM89.9 on my morning drive to work, which is about the only time I catch up on business news lol)(ok, I wasn't really listening to the sermon, just whichever bit I managed to catch while doing other things, like actual work heh).. ANYWAY my point is that this sermon was linked from Twitter.. and the strange bit was that of all the 174 accounts I am currently following, it came from one Justin Bieber. Yes, good ol Biebs. Bizzle. (If you wonder what business have I got following him when his music is nowhere in the same universe as what I like, and his propensity for grating public antics and embarrassing gaffes is ridiculous.. I'm not excusing him in anyway, it's just that hmm, I think on some level I am a tiny bit concerned about him, it's not easy being a kid growing up in such spotlight. So this is like err, I don't know.)

Anyway, the sermon I Was Born For This (linked here) was by Ps Carl Lentz, a very hip looking Hillsong NYC pastor and father of three, I could totally see him chilling out with his kids in his V-neck tee lol. It was not a mind-blowing sermon, if anything I'm sure I've heard a few of its other incarnations, but he sounded like he has his heart in the right place, and I think for some people, especially the kids who were listening to this for the first time, it would definitely give them something to think about, and who knows what could happen from there.. so yeah, JB the social media evangelist, who would have thought right. Given that he's the most followers on Twitter for anyone ever, that's really something that he did. :)

We were born for this http://t.co/LSPWjPD8rb
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) April 28, 2014

I just caught up with S02E11 (The Diabolical Kind) of Elementary, and this song by Radical Face played in the episode. It's not the kinda song I usually listen to (not these days), but I found myself repeating it. I'm glad that it came my way and want to note it's my song of the moment. I suppose it would be one of those songs I would forget but for now, I want to remember it as the perfect song for a great episode. :)

Some get dealt simple hands
Some walk the common paths, all nice and worn
But all folks are damaged goods
It ain't a talk of "if," just one of "when" and "how"

So, collect your scars and wear 'em well
Your blood's a good an ink as any
Go scratch your name into the clouds
And pull 'em all... down

Radical Face :: The Crooked Kind

sing me to sleep

Leehom held his annual New Year free show so, so close to home this year... in Singapore! While I knew it was happening, I had like almost zero expectation that I would get hold of a ticket (there were only 210 available this year), so I wasn't really bummed out. That said, I would have jumped on the first bus heading south had I managed to snap one.

His set would usually consist of his own songs and some covers of others. Last year he did Jamie Cullum's All At Sea, one of my all-time favorite songs, but alas, no video (audio only) of the performance popped up on YouTube so I could only imagine how it went. This time around, he performed a cover of Billy Joel's Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), to my absolute delight! David Tao's Lullaby has got to be one of my most played songs, and I think there's always this tenderness to lullabies that makes you feel all warm and contented, plus anything that brings to mind the sweet joy of slumber is tops in my book. :) I haven't really checked out the other songs from the show because I've been looping this one :)

Goodnight, my angel, time to close your eyes and save these questions for another day

I think I know what you've been asking me, I think you know what I've been trying to say

I promised I would never leave you and you should always know

Wherever you may go, no matter where you are, I never will be far away

Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to sleep and still so many things I want to say

Remember all the songs you sang for me, when we went sailing on an emerald bay

And like a boat out on the ocean, I'm rocking you to sleep

The water's dark and deep inside this ancient heart, you'll always be a part of me

Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to dream and dream how wonderful your life will be

Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullabye

Then in your heart there will always be a part of me

Someday we'll all be gone but lullabyes go on and on...

They never die, that's how you and I will be

Wang Leehom (Billy Joel cover) :: Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

Okay, I don't know why I'm doing this (this being singling out another song from MMLP2 and writing about it, because, do I really need to do it? no, I don't.)(...)(oh, how could I not realise it? I'm procrastinating!!), but yeah, I came across another one that I like. It's called Rhyme or Reason, which samples an old song from The Zombies' 1968 Time of the Season. Wow, a 45-year old song... that's o-l-d.

Anyway I like the catchy and almost haunting tune of the original and I like how Eminem has reworked the chorus by changing the words to still rhyme with the original but at the same time turned the meaning of the song the other way around (see comparison below), and how he used the chorus as a Q&A to bring his absent dad into the picture. Even the writer of the song Rod Argent has commented how he "love[s] that it was almost identical in vowel sounds and mirrored the original, but at the same time completely inverted the sentiment of what was being said." Em also did a pretty spot-on impression of Yoda in the song, and oh I learned something from the lyrics: komodo dragons are capable of reproducing asexually, i.e. that the female doesn’t necessarily require a male to lay eggs. You didn't know that, did you? Haha!

excerpt from The Zombies'  original version	excerpt from Eminem's  reworked version
it's the time of the season when the love runs high in this time, give it to me easy and let me try with pleasured hands to take you and the sun to promised lands to show you every one it's the time of the season for loving	it's the time of the season when hate runs high and this time, give it to you easy, when I take back what's mine with pleasured hands, and torture everyone, that is my plan my job here isn't done, cause there's no rhyme or no reason for nothing

probably the only photo of them together

Anyway, it looks like Em tends to write about the same few topics, i.e. the people in his life (or out of it), which are basically himself and how awesome and awful he is, his estranged wife, his beloved kids, his addict mom and his absent dad... maybe it's keeping with the theme of the album (a revisit to the first Marshall Mathers LP), but yeah, he hasn't run very far (except when he creates wacky personas like a serial killer or a deranged fan). So far, I've written about the songs he wrote for his mom and his wife, and now here's this song about his dad.

My first thought was, he's 41, and he's still talking about the dad he never met? But yeah, what do I know about how he feels when I've got my dad around all my life right ? I guess some scars never fade away and time doesn't dish out answers we want. Unfortunately, the missing father figure drove a wedge between his mom and him instead of bringing them closer, and he's said one too many times that he doesn't care about his dad at all or how he's doing and yet, he's referred the old man in as many songs and he still grapples to understand how his dad could just walk out from the family. Actually, I think if I were in his shoes, I'd be as resentful.. I don't know. I'm glad he turned out nothing like his dad. In fact, in a 2010 poll, he was actually voted Best Celebrity Dad, ahead of even Barack Obama. :)

So it seems like I'm approaching Eminem's latest album one song at a time. Today I've been looping and listening to track #11 Stronger Than I Was. It's an atypical song for him -- for one, he sang half the song (kinda like what he did on Hailie's Song). He usually gets a lot of flak for singing, and he's admitted as many times that his singing isn't up to par, but to my untrained ears, it's pretty decent, not great, but.. well, it sounds like him, singing, so yeah, it's cool. Maybe it's just me. I like his voice. Sometimes I play his interviews just to hear him talk. Although he often comes off angry when he sings, I find his talking voice soothing and assuring. Maybe it's just me. Anyway, I love this song from the first listen. There's something to it that I can't put my finger on. It feels familiar and foreign at the same time, and I found comfort in that contradiction. I also think his untrained vocal vibed hints of vulnerability and earnestness, and all that made this work. Maybe it's just me.

Some commenters have said that this song was written from his ex-wife's Kim's POV, especially the first part, but I think it vacillates between the two of them. You know, I do sympathize with him in that the two main women figures in his life were of very volatile personalities. I'm not excusing his misogynistic expressions (I feel like I'm doing that every time I try to justify him, but that's not my intention), but having seen the pattern of his trust being violated over and over again, I feel he deserved a break. And he got it. Should he have risen above that after all these years? It would have made an inspiring tale if he has, but the story isn't over yet, right? Anyway, he has mended his relationship with Kim since, and they are now able to work seamlessly as a team of parents to their kids. He's also apologised to her in the previous album in Going Through Changes so I guess it's all good at this point...

Hailie this one is for you, Whitney and Alaina too,
I still love your mother, that'll never change,
think about her every day, we just could never get it together.
hey, wish there was a better way, for me to say it,
but I swear on everything, I'd do anything for her on any day.
there are just too many things, to explain, when it rains,
guess it pours, yes it does, wish there wasn't any pain.
but I can't pretend there ain't, I ain't placing any blame,
I ain't pointing fingers, heaven knows I've never been a saint.
I know it just feels like we just pissed away our history,
but just today, I looked at your picture, almost if to say,
I miss you self consciously, wish it didn't end this way.
but I just had to get away, don't know why,
I don't know what else to say, I guess I'm.. [going through changes]

eminem :: going through changes

But wait, that's not the song I was talking about. It's this one below - do check it out! :) So far, so good, so hmm, what song should I check out next? A bit apprehensive cos I don't wanna break the streak haha!

and I thank you cause you made me a better person than I was

but I hate you cause you drained me, I gave you all, you gave me none

but if you blame me, you're crazy and after all that's said and done

I'm still angry, yeah, I maybe, I may never trust someone

eminem :: stronger than I was

Mm btw I'm falling ill again (got sick a few days in Taiwan too), and I'm traveling again tomorrow to Miri, so say a prayer for me please.

A final parting thought, I've been thinking about this guy (a friend of some friends) who recently died a hero. He was an outdoor enthusiast and operated his own adventure company. He died saving one of his clients from drowning, and his death was apparently a great loss to many. I've read a few testimonies (this for one) about what an awesome person he was, and the many lives that has touched and helped and saved over the years, in church and wherever else he was. Everyone agreed that he lived his life to the fullest and was a commendable steward of that life he was given. He was only 42 and left behind his wife and two kids and I guess the inevitable question on everyone's mind is why the Lord took him home so soon. He wasn't the first person whose departure warranted this question, but I guess it had to be asked. And as expected, God remains silent. Sigh~

I've often wondered how I would be eulogized at my funeral. I don't dream of greatness at all, but I want my life to count for something. I'll leave it to God to decide what that something is, and I pray that I will be faithful when it's entrusted to me.

Eminem's 8th studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, dropped today! He's said that this was a continuation and a revisit of his critically acclaimed album from 2000, in the sense that "...on the first Marshall Mathers LP there were some personal things that I addressed and on this record there are some chapters that I wanted to close. [..] It’s more about going back to the basics of hip-hop and some fundamentals in that sense." [via]

Perhaps to make it obvious, both albums share a similar cover, that of the house he grew up in in Detroit. But content- and sound-wise at first impression, they vary quite a bit, and I think that's just awesome! I'm all for artists taking different creative and sound directions in their new albums because the last thing I want is for them to give me the same thing over and over again. I mean, I'm all for comfort and familiarity but if you are going to repackage the same stuff, I might as well listen to the old albums right?

Four of the songs have been released as singles previously (Berzerk, Survival, Rap God and Monster feat. Rihanna), and I love them all! Brand me a die-hard fan, but I really do! :P  He's received a lot of criticism for the songs, but really, I think most of the haters are just complaining for the sake of complaining (on the other hand, it is I who probably should stop reading them). But I guess expectations are high because he named the album after his most well-received one, but I don't get why people want him to sound like and come off a replica of himself 13 years ago -- I prefer to see both albums as bookends of his life then and now, and when you listen to everything from then and now, you're elevated to a vantage point where you could see the story of his life panned out and see how far along he has come and understand him better (this goes the same when we evaluate any other artists' body of works).

Anyway, I've pre-ordered the album on iTunes a week ago (yup, while I was traveling in Taiwan -- photos here! =) and was counting down the days for its release, so yeah, am happy it's Nov 5! Well, it leaked onto the Internet on Halloween, but I resisted checking it out until today (I'm stubborn in the most unnecessary way, I know). I got the clean (of course haha!) deluxe version which came with 21 songs. Twenty one! For USD9.99. The prudent chinaman in me is well-pleased at the what a value-for-money this deal was hahah!

Anywayyyy, while I should be checking out all the songs (I really want to!), I haven't been able to because I'm stuck on listening to this one song: Headlights feat. Nate Ruess, a song Em wrote for his estranged mom, apologizing for the past. The two have a turbulent history and she was prominently targeted in many of his earlier songs when he was venting and ranting and screaming about everything in his life. He had said and rapped some really hurtful stuff, justified or not, against her, so I'm glad he's reached the point in his life where he could offer a song like this as a tribute and an apology. I'm really touched at the heartfelt words and I really wish he would be able say this to her face to face one day, and they would reconcile.. Btw Nate Ruess did a wonderful job on his part too. Everything came together so nicely..

So yeah, I'm getting back to the song. I'll probably write again when I get to #21. xoxo.

once you pulled up in our drive one night as we were leaving to get some hamburgers
me, her and Nate, we introduced you, hugged you
and as you left I had this overwhelming sadness come over me
as we pulled off to go our separate paths, and I saw your headlights as I looked back
and I'm mad I didn't get the chance to thank you for being my Mom and my Dad
so Mom, please accept this as a tribute I wrote this on the jet

eminem :: headlights

happy eleven, hubby!

So we're in Taiwan as our steely 11th anniversary rolls around! Nope, don't think we'll be sharing a romantic dinner tonight... because my parents are here, together with five of their friends (two couples and one auntie), and also my aunt, and we'd have met up with my bro and sis-in-law and her parents mid-trip. O_O So yeah. Huge gang. I hope I'm coping well. : \

Anyway, this post is for my hubby who would never read this.. or my blog for that matter. And I'm more than fine about that. No, I wouldn't send a link to him. Yes, I'm strange, and he's not curious, so we're perfect for each other. Haha! We're total opposites but I think that's the reason why God put us together.. so that we could complete each other.. while annoying the heck out of each other haha! Ah, so much LOVE.. ;) Me doth think that the husby is rily teh awesomest! ^_^

Btw I'm lovin' this song fr JT who wrote it for his gorgeous wife Jessica Biel and was inspired by her and also his grandparents' six decade-long marriage. Aww! He's said that, 'One of the most valuable things in a relationship is being able to constantly change and be individual, but look to the other side to the person that you're with and know that they're changing as well individually, but somehow you two can mirror each other and be the other half of that world that you both create.' Yup. I just think that it's such a well-produced track and although it runs for 8 minutes, it doesn't feel like it. Wish it wasn't so difficult to sing along to though, my timing is all messed up and I feel so rusty bleh. But that's what traffic jam is for: car-aoke! :)

'cause with your hand in my hand and a pocket full of soul
I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go
just put your hand on the glass
I'll be tryin' to pull you through
you just gotta be strong

'cause I don't wanna lose you now, I'm lookin' right at the other half of me
the vacancy that sat in my heart is a space and now you're home
show me how to fight for now and I'll tell you, baby
it was easy comin' back into you once I figured it out
you were right here all along

it's like you're my mirror, my mirror staring back at me
I couldn't get any bigger with anyone else beside of me
and now it's clear as this promise that we're making two reflections into one
'cause it's like you're my mirror
my mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

justin timberlake :: mirrors

Read last year's anniversary post here.
Mm nothing from 2011 :P
This is from 2010.