Queen - Live at Wembley Stadium '86

I'm not kidding when I say this: If there is one live concert you have to watch in your life, you MUST catch Queen at Wembley '86. (can buy it here)



Now, I certainly hope thats not something I said that I will regret down the years, but having watched many many concerts, even those that go back in the 70s, I must say, this one is the epitome of rock concerts. Put it simply, they showed all bands in the world how it was like to stage a real, full out, rockin n rollin gig.

Ok, you say I'm exagerrating. Well, go see it for yourself then. If you don't have goose pimples watching it the 1st time, I will gladly refund you the DVD cost. (and for god's sake, don't just get the 2CD version. Yes the singing is fantastic and what not, but without the visuals you are only 10% there.)

Wembley, the UK's biggest stadium, hosting the world's best band at that time. I would say the early 80's was the peak of Queen's career, and in 86, with the band in good shape (and notably before Freddie Mercury got AIDS supposedly), they played to a sell out crowd. When I say sell out I dont mean 20,000. 30,000. 50,000. NONONO. The full capacity of Wembley is about 70,000. the ENTIRE PITCH was filled to the brim with people, bar the stage area. So, by my conservative estimates, possibly 120-150,000 people were watching them live. IT IS AMAZING SEEING THE PEOPLE ALL SWAYING, CLAPPING, SINGING IN HARMONY.

A lil intro of the band members.
Freddie Mercury. Freddie oh Freddie. Is he the world's first gay rockstar ? Ok, that's debatable, (and he's bi by the way), but almost certainly he is the world 1st Indian superstar. Yeah. unbelievable. Freddie actually has roots in India before emigrating to UK. On to his voice, I can safely say without regret, he has absolutely the BEST voice for a rock vocalist EVER. No one can beat him with his tonality n range n emotions. There's a reason for this. Watch out for the part where he took on the crowd acapella, with the crowd following suit. When he sings, he infuses so much energy in each of his songs that its unthinkable not to want to stand up and clap along in your own living room. The genius of Queen is that many of their songs were written to rouse the crowd, to involve the crowd. And that's one reason why so many Queen songs are so anthemic (think We are the Champions played worldwide at every stadium. And of course the iconic, chilling, addictive Bohemian Rhapsody). Freddie's even better when he pouts the same amount of energy into all of his songs, well known or not. He does not reserve his voice for the later songs in the concert (which are more popular), yet his voice does not degenerate like many other singers. He holds the stage as his own, the band listens to his every beckon and call, even stopping the start of a song cos he was drinking ! And most wonderful to behold, was his ability to feed off the energy of the crowd, who were energised by him in the 1st place. He had the crowd at the back of his hand. just think Radio GaGa and We Will Rock You. Costumes, all wonderful except for the Betty t-shirt. His now-famous yellow jacket and mic without mic stand base, his 'crowning' moement at the end ... extremly memorable.

Brian May, guitarist and songwriter for many Queen songs too. I like his 'Too much love will kill you" [not in this concert][this one supposedly written for Freddie]. He is really the unassuming fella, with a very plain face, typical 80's hairstyle, doesnt carry the look of a outstanding guitarist, but boy is he one heck of a player. His solo is pretty good, can watch out for that too. Uses lots of effect to um, good effect. Also backing vocalist.

John Deacon. Bassist. Nothing much to say about him. Kept the band tight, tho I wish he wore less tighter hot pants.

Roger Taylor. Drummer. A good one at it. I think in the entire band, Roger and Freddie had perhaps the best chemistry ... This is just purely my own opinion, that I think Roger's musical styles are similar much more to Freddie. Backing vocalist too [Queen had much to thank their backing vocals for their successes.] Some little known fact: in Bohemian Rhapsody's opera section, Roger sang the top section, and carries his note on further after the rest of the "choir" have stopped singing "Let it Goooooo". picked this up from wikipedia.

The crowd, the stadium, the band. What's next.

Song selection.

Wow.

1. One Vision
2. Tie Your Mother Down
3. In The Lap Of The Gods
4. Seven Seas Of Rhye
5. Tear It Up
6. A Kind Of Magic
7. Under Pressure
8. Another One Bites The Dust
9. Who Wants To Live Forever
10. I Want To Break Free
11. Impromptu
12. Brighton Rock Solo (Brain May's Guitar Solo)
13. Now I'm Here
14. Love Of My Life
15. Is This The World We Created
16. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care [Cover]
17. Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart) [Cover]
18. Tutti Frutti [Cover]
19. Gimme Some Lovin' [Cover]
20. Bohemian Rhapsody
21. Hammer To Fall
22. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
23. Big Spender [Cover]
24. Radio GA GA
25. We Will Rock You
26. Friends Will Be Friends
27. We Are The Champions
28. God Save The Queen

I dont know if you, my dear readers, know all these songs. I also never heard of a couple till this concert. Apparently, Freddie n gang thought for days and nights over the song selection and sequence, to make sure it was the most enjoyable concert the crowd ever watched. Notable songs: "It's a kind of magic" with the inflated Freddies. "Under Pressure" Great song. "I want to Break Free" .. fantastic. "Love of My Life", my fav slow Queen song. The covers, not very good choice IMO. the only letdown if any. songs 20-28 ... I don't know what to say but, its really amazing. Top hit after another.

Perhaps the most beautiful moment in the DVD is during the 2nd part when the evening sun sets and darkness sets in. With the band playing tightly, Freddie singingly brightly, the fans all in chorus and harmony to the most memorable 70s and 80s tunes. And it's really a magnificent, beautiful sight.

I think I said enough. This IS the Godfather of all rock concerts. Get it.





Tags
Queen freddie mercury

youtube - moment of fame - from Han

A Link - from Han

To immediately listen to this music station I've created (named "hAn's old school rock radio")
simply click on this link or copy and paste it into your Internet browser:

http://www.pandora.com/?sc=sh16635246

This station plays on Pandora, a music listening and discovery service. Pandora
enables users to easily create streaming stations that explore their favorite
parts of the music universe.

Enjoy!

The Beatles - Revolver Review - by Damon

"I am alive and well and unconcerned about the rumors of my death. But if I were dead, I would be the last to know."
- Paul McCartney, 1969

taken from : http://www.stevesbeatles.com/quotes/

Wanted

to start with the whole lot of Beatles' album review long time ago but couldn't really start due to academic pressures. Hope i can share my wealth of Beatles knowledge (derived from my Beatles class this semester) with you guys reading this.

Ok. Why Revolver first? No apparant reason. But this is my lecturers' favourite album. He claimed that this is the best Beatles album that can endure hundreds of times of listening.

First off. The album cover. Its a award winning album cover that doesn't really contain any photographs of any Beatles member. And if u notice there wasn't a "Beatles" on the cover, which was something unconventional cos most bands that day would want everybody to know they're buying an album from their band - except the Beatles.

Track listings as follows:

Taxman / Eleanor Rigby / I'm Only Sleeping / Love You To / Here There And Everywhere / Yellow Submarine / She Said She Said / Good Day Sunshine / And Your Bird Can Sing / For No One / Dr Robert / I Want To Tell You / Got To Get You Into My Life /Tomorrow Never Knows



The opening track, a Harrison song, Taxman, sings about the frustration of the Beatles getting sucked dry by the tax they pay. Interestingly, the chorus sounded so much like the Batman theme song. It was not an accident. In my own opinion, the usage of this song as the opening track kinda puzzled me because it has always been George Martin's and Beatles philosophy to put the best tracks on the first and last of each side.

Then the famous Eleanor Rigby. Solely Paul McCartney's effort with strings. The second song with this kind of arrangement after the (again famous) Yesterday. Franz Ferdinand had this song in their 2nd album "Eleanor put your boots on". Inspired by this Beatles song. This poignant song about loneliness was like none other back in the 60s.

Then I'm only sleeping, Lennon's. At this period of time, he was having acid trips daily and watching television. And everytime Paul would visit him to get the songs done and he would still be asleep. Paul would then sit by the pool to work while Lennon slowly wakes up. So aha. Lennon wrote about a song bout sleeping, or waking up from sleep. This song features backwards guitar somewhere in the middle and at the end of the track. Something not heard ever before in the 60s. Not many people use this effect in songs now huh? I personally thot it sounded pretty cool. Prior to attending the Beatles class, I always thought that noise was done electronically. But well. in the 60s, there weren't Garageband or software like that huh.

Love You To. Harrison's. Heavily Indian influenced. I actually know quite some about this song. Something about having an Indian Raga or something. I could go flip my notes and tell you but heck, not really my favourite Beatles song. Skip to the next.

Here There and Everywhere. Omg. Paul wrote this song for his girlfriend and i'm quite sure she must be so touched with this song. I almost cry everytime i listen to this song (not really actually but almost there..). My teacher don't really like Pauls songs cos they sounded cheesy at times and too lovey-dovey but i dun really share his dislikings. I haven't heard any love song from the past 10 years that I think is as good/nice as this. Interesting thing? hmm. none actually but the title of the songs actually only came at the end of the song. Words from the title appear one by one in the verses.

Yellow Submarine. Ringos song! haha. Some random sounds in and out. Lennon making funny sounds. along with this song and many others around this mid-Beatles period, inspired the film Yellow Submarine.

She said She said. At first I thought there easn't anything much special but this song had many hidden nice touches. The song actually goes from 4/4 from the verses into 3/4 right after each. But the way Beatles did it, it sounded so natural, like totally blended into this smooth sound.

Followed by Good Day Sunshine, And your Bird can Sing, nice and in my opinion better than many songs today but I have limited things about these songs to say. Skip.

For No One. Also nothing much to say. But I quite like this song. Had this French Horn solo but was supposedly very hard to play and the person playing it done it superbly. Very soothing song.

ok all the way, to the 2nd last song, Got to get you into my Life. Paul's song i think. And this fast tempo song was kinda catchy and with the nice 'oohs' at before the "say we'll be together everyday" at the bridge and i thought its another nice catchy love song but HELL, i'm so wrong, They were singing bout Pot. Drugs. "did i tell you i need you? every single day of my life"? at first i thought it was for a girl. but well. Suddenly the song sounded different right after i knew what was in their mind when they were writing this song. Hell.

Then closing, my teacher's favourite Beatles song, Tomorrow Never Knows. At first i thought its another Harrison weird songs but it wasn't really. The lyrics were based on the Tibetan Book of Death and its about existentialism[super SP?]. omg. who actually sings about existentialism?!?! And what the hell is existentialism?? from dictionary : A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts. omg. And the song had so many layers, all done with 4-track systems. Not like today where we can easily splice many many layers of sounds together easily. Go enjoy.

Oasis [in Singapore! ]concert review - from Han

Memoirs of a Oasis fan

"I was walking along and this chair came flying past me, and another, and another, and I thought, it's gonna be good tonight."? -- Liam Gallagher

I'm sure, that in everyone's life, there's a list of things that MUST be done before they die. These things, usually of no significance to others, yet so strong, personal to oneself that it has literally become a life goal of sorts.

Yesterday, I struck off one of those things on my list.

I attended an Oasis concert.


OASIS CONCERT 2006
DATE: 23RD FEB
VENUE:SINGAPORE INDOOR STADIUM



We met at 430pm, at the back gate of our hall. Alphonsus and Daniel (aka Abang), 2 A-blkers and fellow oasis fans, set off for the indoor stadium. The concert was slated to start at 8pm but we decided to grab some booze n dinner before the show hence the early meet up time. Besides, the queue would be long so it would probably be better if we reached earlier. Laremy and his cousins and sis would also be there (though unfortunately we didn't get a chance to meet up) Poor Lar, kena gastric pain, so he ended up taking the seats. The 3 of us on the roadtrip, bought the $100 tickets, mosh pit, free standing. Then , we took our 1st cab ride of the day (Merc no less) to Kallang.

Anyways, on the trip there, we were kind of reminiscing about the good old days. Concurring that Oasis were at their peak during our secondary school days, and how songs from Definitely Maybe and Morning Glory have so changed my life, how the songs got us started on playing 6 strings. All wonderful floods of memories past. Of course, inevitably, we whined about how their style has changed and how evergreen their early work still sounds and still having such a profound impact on our everyday lives. Then, the Bali incident too. I still remember that day, when I was stuck in Stagmont Camp during my OCS course, winding endless packs of D10 cables after some silly exercise. In those days, I was always looking forward to booking out and hanging out with my friends. Of course, I had Oasis tickets then, and was supposed to go with Damon. The days were coming with such anticipation and I was literally counting down to watch my idols in action. Then, Bali happened. Oasis cancelled their trip. Patrick (bunkmate) came running to me and said "hey hey they not coming to Singapore!" and I was shocked, disgusted, aghast, devastated. What could I do. Being let down in such a matter was heartbreaking to say the least. Cowards, you say? You decide.

Nearly 4 years have passed since that day. 2 more albums were produced, and they decided to give Singapore another go. So here we are, 3 fans, 9 years in waiting, 2 hours away from realizing our common dream. When we reached, we heard "Don't Look Back in Anger" being sound checked. It was going to be good, we knew. The customary gig-hawker was trying to prey on us, selling some lanyard with laminated picture of Oasis at the front gates. $5 per piece ! I mean. We aren't THAT stupid alright. The picture even had the UK TOTP website on it. So, we walked around a bit, trying to find some food. And who would know (not the 3 of us at least), that Leisurepark was closed... demolished ! Ok. We're quite an uninformed bunch. The nearest food place was the "No Signboard seafood" at the Oasis [place next to indoor stadium. not the band] which was quite out of our budget. So we decided to head towards the fastfood place at Stadium Boulevard. A cab came along conveniently and hence we took our 2nd cab ride of the day.

KFC was less than filling but we didn't want to be bloated. Al had to draw $$ so we asked around and realised the nearest ATM was at Old Airport Rd. So we walked there this time, regretting not eating there earlier, but still ended up at a kopitiam. Downed 3 bottles of Carlsberg, chilled out a while before taking our, yes, 3rd cab ride of the day back to Indoor Stad.

The queue had already started, but thankfully abang and Al saw their friend, Ailin (sp?) and her bf. Anyways so the 5 of us proceeded into the arena. We were about 50m away from the stage, and only about the 4th row of people from the barrier that seperates us and the $160 free standing area. So we thought not bad. Stage was big, with 2 big black banners at the sides (at 1st I had thought they would be used to screen some vids. wishful thinking I guess). Many lights lined the backdrop of the stage. Should be quite a spectacle I thought.

Then along came .... this PRC couple. Ok. To be fair it was pretty weird that PRCs come to watch Oasis. They even conversed in chinese, which was way too weird for me. "Wo di yi chi lai kan yao gun yue tuan" (my 1st time watching a rock band). and so on and so forth. Actually they were quite nice, cos Al and abang went toilet and I had to chope space for them. But being free standing , people still ended up squeezing in. Including this couple. So I asked them to move back and they actually did. Ha. I'm surprised myself. Unlike 3 rather snoobish bitches to my left, who kept
complaining about us moving into their space. abang was quite far behind and I pulled him to join us, and the 3 bitches started to complain. Well.

They better be thankful they were oasis fans, so I didn't get too hard on them. Al just told them to fuck off, which was pretty hilarious. Anyways I told them we're here earlier so we're just coming back and they kept on bitching. Even sms-ing their friends about being pushed and shoved and groped (not by us). Well, this is free standing dear. Don't like? Get some goddamn seats morons. Anyways we went on our own business and ignored them, still building up the anticipation with each passing moment.

Then, the lights went out.

Total frenzy. It was like everyone in the mosh went mad at the same time. It was, orgasmic, the feeling. the rush. wow.

Everyone started pushing and shoving each other, even we were pushed behind to about the 6th row. (the 3 bitches even got on further behind. lost them totally) and this bunch of 2-3 brits came in looking high with their Manc flags and started waving around. When the band appeared on stage, everyone literally did baby screams. It was awesome. All of us, strangers just minutes ago, now embracing one another as if?long lost friends, at this moment linked together by our musical destiny (yes I actually believe in such stuff).

Liam didn't really bother much with his usual stage antics, seems like he just wanted to come on stage and do his songs. All the hits came out one by one. I can't remember the order, but off the top of my head, there was Lyla, Cigs and Alcohol, Morning Glory, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall, Liveforever, Masterplan, DLBIA, Importance of being Idle, Guess god thinks I'm Abel, Rock n Roll Star,?+++ . It was only midway through the gig that Liam felt more at home and started chatting with the crowd. Esp referring to the Bali-cowardice incident. Noel's voice was fantastic during his songs, while Starkey certainly didn't let down his father's name with his hard hitting solid drumming.

As abang and me would concur, when they played those hits, like Wonderwall, CS, and , for me, especially Live Forever, all the nolstagic memories of the last 9 years kept flooding back. I still remember, 9 years ago, this Ah-Beng at German class was singing D'ya know what I Mean, which sounded damn cool to me, back then still a chinese listening geek-nerd (no offence to chin listeners, just that I've found my heart belongs elsewhere today)

I still remember 9 years ago, watching the premier of DYKWIM on MTV. which inspired me to buy their album Be Here Now right away. I still remember Wonderwall, the song that made me pick up a guitar to start strumming.

I still remember Live Forever, the song which made me start learning solo-ing on the 6 string.

I still remember Don't Look Back in Anger, the 1st song me and ek and the lion dance people jamming in our little room with boxes as a pseudo drum and a classical as-if-an-electric guitar.

I still remember Champagne Supernova, a song on constant repeat on my computer for almost a week just because I couldn't get over the Maine Road solo. Countless other treasures and tidbits of flashbacks kept coming at a pace so fast, I actually teared during Live Forever. Tears of joy, nonetheless.

Wonderful, wonderful moments.

When it ended with a rocking rendition of My Generation, many fans were still begging for more. We just can't get enough of them. No doubt, there were some downs in the show, eg many hits missed like Supersonic, Stand by me, Some might Say, Whatever, etc. and they weren't exactly the most electrifying act on earth. Yet, their melodies which till now still resonates in my head and my heart, has really struck a chord deep down within me, as sure as it did to hundreds other in the same space we shared that night.

The gig ended about 10pm, lasting slightly over 90 mins. After that we went for drinks and food down at Old Airport Road, still feeling the concert high, and ended up taking our 4th cab trip of the day, back to KR. The 3 of us ended up exchanging our oasis ringtones and stuff, like some Bengs on MRT playing loud noisy tunes. We couldn't care less to be frank.

24 hours later, still seeing the images of yesternight, still feeling the beat of the snare drum, the chunk of distortion sounding guitars, the nasal voice nd arrogant swagger of Liam, and above all, the couldn't-care-less look on Noel's face, the can't-be-happier-than-this look on our faces during the concerts ..... unforgettable. Damn my education, I can't find the words to say, about the things caught in my mind.

Was it worth it ? 9 years, $100, drenched in sweat , shoved around , sore throat. Was it worth it??you bet.

I do hope that you out there, find a band that touches your heart and soul just like oasis has done so to me. And that one day, like me, you would strike off one of those to-dos on your own personal list.

To Oasis: thank you for making my life more complete.

cheers
hAn

"If you'd written "Live Forever", you'd be walking to a different tune the next day too" -- Noel Gallagher

Funny moments : Han

PLS BLOG
======================

Funny moments during concert

Just wanted to blog about this ..

Date: 25th Jan 2006
Venue: NUS LT13
Event: ExxonMobil Gig.

So there was this band Reverie, of who I know the bassist and drummer. So was there to support. Anyways, the drummer's called Eugene and one of the guitarist is called Shane. Eugene is this really popular guy and is affectionately known as Ah-Leem ... on the other hand Shane ... well never mind.

So when the band came on the crowd were like calling out name like "Jon (vocals)! Ah Leem !" that kinda thing. Then this guy from the back of the crowd shouted a name which sounded like "lane" (imagine a cross between leem and lane) .... it wasnt very clear really. At this moment, Shane thought he was being called so he gave that silly smile of his and waved back n said "hey" or something like that, ya know being happy that someone is actually acknowledging him ....

Then the guy from the back shouted back "Leem. The drummer la"

omg. I thought it was hilarious ....

heh sorry if it was lame.

for the record, the band played well and rocked hard. Sandman ! Bon Jovi ! good stuff.

Looking forward to School of Computing gig next week .... Happy Chinese New Year to everyone !



hAn

"You Could Have it so much Better " - Franz Ferdinand - album review @n0netheless :: Damon

"It's easy to get discouraged sometimes when you listen to American rock radio because everything is so bland, so self-referential."
-- alex , Franz Ferdinand

---

General::

ok. this is a brillant album by any standards. All the reviews I had read gave it at least a 3.5/5 stars. NME RollingStone mag allmusic.com etc etc. But is it better than the previous album? Did they innovate or did they just took out their unused B-sides from the previous album to grind out their sophomore album? How's this album compared to other bands' followup album? Did they crash like Black Motorcycle Club Rebels (did I remember their name correctly?) or like countless other new bands starting with "The"?

In my opinion, this album is as good as their debut. Is there another "Take Me out" smash hit? No. The whole album making you dance from track 1 till the last? No.

This time there are several slow songs, most notable Walk Away. It just reminds me of a breakup during transit, like sitting on the bullet train watching things run by so quickly just after someone left you. "Mascara bleeds a blackened tear, oh\And I am cold, yes, I'm cold\But not as cold as you are" in walk away was in my mind everything i was riding to school... until i lost my bike.

Similarly to their debut album "Franz Ferdinand", every single track is strong. No fillers. Franz Ferdinand is not a single's band. Like i guess.. Garbage? Foo fighters?

This album starts with a bang with The Fallen. The chorus "For the fallen walk among us, Walk among us, Never judge us, Yeah we're all..." sounds really like "for the fallenm what a mugger, what a mugger..." during one of the late nights of mugging. Sounds like he's singing to me. Then comes the first single "Do you want to". Its a pretty nice and tight track haven't the same dancing tempo and 'la la la's.

fyi, some of the tracks are available in their websites in live.


In short, best of 2005 alongside with Gorillaz' Demon Days.