The Boy With No Name

Finally…their 5th album is out in stores. Its been a long wait though…their last studio release was back in 2003…12 Memories. The new album is named after Healy’s son, Clay, whom Healy and partner Nora were unable to name until some weeks after the birth.

I’m pretty sure this is an album that will slowly grow on me. Their first single Closer is already a big hit with me. The music video for the single features a cameo role from actor and friend of the band…Ben Stiller. But don’t be mistaken by the slow ballad…Closer…for the songs in the album are more upbeat compared to their previous works…especially their last offering…dark mood surrounding 12 Memories…some might say lackluster…this is arguably their most eclectic album to date.

11 tracks on the album…I’m already listening and liking most of it. Some promising hits I think would be…Big Chair…Colder…Selfish Jean…Battleship. There were albums you wait for the release but in the end…highly disappointed after listening…this one is surely worth the wait…don’t just take my word for it…listen and you will know. Chris Martin once said that Travis was the band that invented Coldplay and many others…wonder if he is being nice…but Travis have twice been awarded the British Album of The Year and paved the way for bands like Coldplay and Keane that’s for sure…not only that…Healy made the haircut “Hoxton Fin” famous.

Killing Me Softly

Yes…1 week after the declaration…I still have not get over the fact that they will be getting a pay raise of that much percentage. The saga closes with him saying he will donate his pay hike to charity for the next 5 years…well done…I salute you. Err…how about no pay hike at all and donate more to the charity…and some to me. Of course you and the bunch will not hear or read what I’m saying…what I say or write doesn’t really bother anyone of you does it…for the decision has long been made…you guys are just announcing…not wanting our consent.

There isn’t a need for explanations or justification for it does not surf any purpose…maybe to some targeted audience…but not the majority. Debating on the issue is a waste of time…just lay it all down once and for all…what are the plans for the next 3 years…gst…more pay hike…means testing…what else? Please don’t kill me softly…just kill me.

What More Can I Say

Do you think they deserve the pay adjustment? Not pay adjustment…more appropriately pay rise. They benchmark the pay to that of the private sector. What are the risks they take compare to the private sector? Risks taken will be at our expense…while the risks taken by the private sector will be that of the company…such vast difference. You want to know about my pay rise? My previous company…zilch for 1 year…$50 for my last year of service…my last year’s pay rise at the current company…2.5%…will I be getting a pay rise at an average of 25% this year?

I think there is nothing more to be said because whatever I say or we say will not make any difference. If you can’t beat them…join them. Hmm…maybe I should start to browse every Saturday’s classified or check whatever websites they have for an opening.

Holidays Over

Time flies…3 days of rest is coming to an end…only a couple of hours left and its back to you know what tomorrow. How was your holiday? Hope it has been good…hope it has been enjoyable and fun…looking forward to the next holiday I suppose…so do I. Bear with it…for Labour Day will be coming soon in a couple of weeks time.

My holidays would have been better…but still its good. Started with a game of soccer on Thursday night…witness couples fight on Friday…feasting and shopping on Saturday…plenty of TV and rest on Sunday. What more could I have asked for…well maybe just a little thing that I have hoped for this holiday…but I don’t want to dwell into that. Sure wished the holiday is longer now that the clock is ticking fast…but then again…it would be boring if there weren’t much to be done…when its over…its over.

Music

Music has always been a part of me. I started out listening to Tommy Page and Debbie Gibson…I couldn’t believe it myself…well I’ve come along way haven’t I. Till this day…I’m still exploring. I listen to all genres of songs…folk…rock…indie…pop…adult contemporary…dance & electronics…reggae…r&b…oldies…a little hip hop and rap sometimes…jazz…and some I don’t even know how to classify them.

Music should be shared by one and all…especially good ones. I was introduced to rock by a secondary school mate 20 years ago…it made me open my ears to all sorts of rock songs. I was introduced to dance music 7 years ago by a part-time DJ friend…and I haven’t stop there. There are others who recommended me to bands…singers…albums…songs…I am grateful to all these people who made a minor contribution which later become a big part of my life.

Music is a universal language…can and should be enjoyed by one and all of any age…any time. That is why I seldom listen to the local radio station…I will never get the pleasure listening to them…I should enjoy listening but I don’t. Other than Lush 99.5…that I listen to occasionally…I hardly switch the dial on my tuner. Too much talking…too much commercials…too much US top 40s hits…I wonder if they have changed…when was the last time I switch to 98.7…or 95…must have been ages ago…hmm maybe the stations are not broadcasting anymore…NOT!!!

Qing Ming II

Last year…1st of April I started my blog…after I went to Muar to visit my dad. As I’ve promised…this year I was there…the least a filial son can do for his beloved dad.

Most road trips to Malaysia…I would usually be the passenger…that is the one thing I missed this time. For this time I drove there…started off early morning from my place…before the sun wakes up…and reached home at bout six…before the sun sets…a total of about 5 to 6 hours of driving. When driving…you don’t have much freedom…you have to concentrate as the speed you’re traveling ranges from 110km/hr to 130km/hr. So no sightseeing…no plum tree gazing…no tidbits munching…or occasional napping along the way. Yes a tiring and restricted journey but a worthwhile driving experience. I find my driving skill went up a notch.

Next year I’m quite sure I’ll make the trip again…probably next year I will spend one or two days in Muar…take it as a short break…hmm how about that.