Festival Festival Festival!

Watching the documentary is probably the closest I can get to the Glastonbury festival. It was not an easy watch as random clips from different years were thrown in as oppossed to running in chronological sequence. Also, no names of interviewees or performers, so I had to keep myself very focused throughout the show. Judging from the screening I was in, a number of patrons seemed to struggle. Nevertheless, it was a great discovery on the King of all music festivals, the religious history of Glastonbury, the early years, the Hippie spirit, the locals' reactions, the solid fence and the muddy year. And of course there were the inevitable use of drugs, druken antics, mad dancing, silly costumes, and naked hairy hippies. One of the most memorable characters would be the father and sons who clean the loos in early morning, imagine how much shit and piss hundred thousands of festival goers produced in a day. The documentary gives an overview of every little thing of the festival, other than the people, it is also about the music. It feature performances from the world music (Tinariwen) to electronica (Chemical Brothers, Faithless), from Britpop (Pulp, Blur) to Reggae (Toots & The Maytals). Overall, it was a rather enjoyable watch, especially since it was free. And it triggers my desire to attend a music festival, hopefully the day will come.

Featured music,
Pulp - Common People
David Bowie - Heroes

Lord Don't Slow Me Down

Last Wednesday, I waited for my sisters who left work at seven o'clock, then drove through the heavy traffic to Mid Valley to catch a screening of Oasis's tour documentary "Lord Don't Slow Me Down". The screening was free in conjuction with Junk's Fortnight 2006.

We went straight to the Junk's booth to collect the tickets after grabbing a quick dinner. The screening time was 9pm, we went into the hall and found ourselves amidst the screening of a local movie, no sight of Oasis yet. Well, I guess we just entered the hall a tad too early. I caught a glimpse of the ending, if I was not mistaken, it was a local indie flick called "Ciplak". Anyway, in a short while, after the ending credits finished running, I realized no one was leaving the hall, all the patrons were there for the documentary. Erm, did that mean the aforementioned local film was played to an empty hall before we bumped into it?

Finally, "Lord Don't Slow Me Down" came into the screen. The show was being every worthwhile, especially since the tickets were free. The show featured footages from the band's Don't Believe The Truth world tour. It was fun to follow the band to places like NYC, Dallas, Denver, LA, Japan, Europe, and Australia, see how the one of the world's biggest rock 'n roll bands is like on the road. Noel was being typically snobbish all the way, talking about how cool he is and how everyone else sucks (those mentioned include Scissor Sisters, Bloc Party). There were many memorable scenes and quotes from the documentary, for instance, the conversation on Tom Cruise and Michael Owen, Liam's birthday celebration, the Gallagher brothers' feud for Liam agreed to pose for NME cover, and etc. It was also good to see the unique relationship between the Gallagher brothers where they constantly mocked each other, but claimed they love each other in interviews.

Thanks to Junk for organzing the free screening, and I will definitely go catch the next free show "Glastonbury".

A new track of same title featured on the film,
Oasis - Lord Don't Slow Me Down (not the best quality)

Spinning Monkey Kick

This is taken from the 49th Grammy Awards Nominee List.

It wasn't a surprise to me that the boys got nominated for the Best Alternative Album category, but Best Rock Instrumental Performance? What the heck?! This track is just a b-side and their one and only instrumental track, and they are already being put up against the other nominees who are more than 25 years older than themselves. These kids are plain genius.

Just thought of bringing this up, Patrick's favourite, Joe Satriani is also nominated. The rest of the nominees are also some widely recognized musicians who have been doing this for many years. So I don't really expect Arctic Monkeys to win, if they really do, surely I am gonna laugh hard.

Arctic Monkeys - Chun Li's Spinning Bird Kick

Top 10 Tracks Of 2006

I've came across so many great music this year, it's definitely tough to make a list of my ten favourite tracks. These ten songs are not some groundbreaking masterpieces, I handpicked them simply because they are sweet treats fo my soar ears throughout the year. I wrote a sentence or two about each song, but it seemed that I have just been recycling the words 'catchy', 'addictive', and 'melodious' and 'beautiful', due to my lack in vocabulary. If you find the repetition of description words does not translate well of how good are those songs, just download them and listen for yourself.

Long Distance Call - Phoenix
"It's Never Been Like That" is probably one of the best albums of the year. "Long Distance Call" is my favourite song, filled with melodious chord, breezy vocal and addictive chorus. A beautiful groovey pop gem that I can't stop listening.

Boy From School - Hot Chip
A catchy electro song, but the achingly gorgeous vocal harmonies that go on here are what really propel this number. Who other than Hot Chip can work so fabulously right a mix between melancholy pop and electroloops? Completely addictive.

The Funeral - Band Of Horses
This dreamy, well crafted indie pop song grabbed me by ears right off the bat. A beautifully moving tune that resonates long after I first heard it that I played it on repeat for zillion times.

Steady As She Goes - The Raconteurs
One can just count on Jack White for some quality music, let alone teaming up with Brendan Benson and 2/3 of The Greenhornes. I like the the opening bass riff before the song blossoms into a bluesy, catchy tune. Lovely.

Hospital Bed - Cold War Kids
Everyone seems to like Cold War Kids, perhaps with the exception of Pitchfork. And I absolutely understand what the buzz was all about. A stripped down song with authentic emotion and soul. I just like the beautiful cacophony and pianos clink in this song.

Nature Of The Experiment - Tokyo Police Club
This young Canadian band is making some hell good post punk. The blasting energy, Casablancas-like vocal, quirky lyrics, coupled with some handclaps, this short track is one of those perfect indie pop singles. Definitely can't wait for their debut album.

We Are Your Friends - Justice Vs Simian
I can't never refrain myself from hearing it again and again. "We are your friends, you will never be alone again", this shouty chorus is ridiculously addictive. Did I mention it is very danceable too?

The Cynic - Kashmir (feat. David Bowie)
This phenomenal song really blows my mind. Dark and atmospheric, plus the deep unique voice of David Bowie, this song sounds just odd yet it works. How fame eludes this awesome Danish band beyond their home country just baffles me.

The Blues Are Still Blue - Belle & Sebastian
Belle & Sebastian is just so damn fine. This ethereal track is immensely likeable on first listen and it does not fade, I am just compelled to repeat it. It is carefree, infectious and easy listening. Don't say I didn't warn you, it makes you tap your foot and sing-along uncontrollably.

Trains to Brazil - Guillemots
Sometimes you gotta believe the hype. This is a simply stunning track, it grows on me with each listen. Everything just work so well together, the horns and whistles, the sound of children, the poetic lyrics, Fyfe's beautiful vocal and a big chorus.

Honourable mentions,

Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
No surprise it tops many year-end lists.

Knights of Cydonia - Muse
Simply epic. Heck, no Malaysia again.

Naive - The Kooks
Miss the cut for I first heard it in 2005, but released in 2006. (Also Weny's favourite)

Chealsea Dagger - The Fratellis
Catchy. Doo doo doo doo...

Song For Clay (Dissapear Here) - Bloc Party
This one actually won't be released until 2007, best track from the album.

Initially wanted to throw in a song or two by Arctic Monkeys, but most of their songs have been floating around the net since last year's summer. Anyway still my favourite album of the year!