Life is a Journey

B&O A8 Earphones...

2011-11-13T22:35:00.000+08:00

I just got this pair recently to replace my hi-end Sony in-ear earphones. By comparison between these two, the B&O doesn't have the deepest bass but it just produced the right amount of bass with every detail in recordings, sense of space. For an earphone, this one will provide a long listening session as the lows, mids & highs are so integrated and not like most heavy bass headphones. The looks...it's gorgeous! and the best thing sometime you'll forget that you're on earphone..it's light and easy on ears!...highly recommended to replaced you ripped off thrown-in Ipod headphone..

Zu Druids MKIV....to answer some questions.

2011-03-25T00:27:00.009+08:00

Some of my friends keep asking about Zu Druids performances and I told them it's all depends on individuals. Some comparing with LS3/5A, Pro Ac or PMC...but here's some text for you to read...

"Zu Audio is a group of young music lovers dedicated to finding answers to questions most people don’t want to ask -- questions that challenge the status quo, tweak old-timers’ most cherished beliefs, and rock the foundations of what are supposed to be audio verities: Why can’t we have a full-range cone driver? Don’t we need big drivers to make realistic bass? Can a 12" cube reproduce the deep, rocking bass you hear live?

They’ve answered the first question brilliantly with the Zu Druid loudspeaker ($3400 USD per pair), which has lately been showing up in recording studios. The reason: real dynamic range. The Druid has claimed 101dB efficiency, is rated to play to 125dB in a room, has low frequencies that extend below the lowest note of a standup bass, and has the coherence of full-range drivers. I corresponded with the owner of a recording studio who’d replaced his very-high-end monitors, made by the British firm PMC, with Zu Druids because his clients could feel the music’s impact through the Druids, whether a softly plucked guitar string or a slamming bass drum. He loved the fact that a single driver could reproduce 98% of the music, augmented by only a single super tweeter, for the ultra-high-frequency response. No 6dB crossover is needed to try to emulate point-source coherence. The Druid is a point source".

http://www.soundstageav.com/onhometheater/20071001.htm

People at Zu are music lovers /musicians too and if you can read on "reviewing own system", my finding are the same as described on the above. To review, to rate music / equipments...IMHO knowledge in music is essential, not by only listening to various setup...so what's the benchmark or reference?...again, you can read "stereotype audiophile" in earlier post.

Computer Audio System anyone?....

2011-03-18T23:27:00.001+08:00

Digital edge has really taking us in the fast lane in every aspects of our life and this also has an effect to our hobby, listening to music.

There are various format of hi-res audio and they are all look promising and for me to venture into CAS is alright...but, I'd like so see the stability of the format and availability of recorded hi-res music.

I don't like the idea of getting the material from cds to HDD/SSD and if that the case, I'd rather stick to cds...period. No doubt there is an improvement over upsampling etc. But I just don't buy the idea, it just like copy a vinyl into a cd for convenient reason. I have to agree that less moving parts in player will further enhance the playback and I 'll say SSD is the best.

In future I hope to see shops selling maybe a code (download over internet), or maybe a flash drive contain music material which you can transfer to music server/SSD. Buying online is more likely for digital music and in the future we can see closing down of music shops...

The CAS is okay in technology advancement...but I'd rather wait or perhaps enjoy this archaic format while I can...

New York, New York!...as I see it.

2011-02-12T12:49:00.005+08:00

This post haven't been published and I thought it was (still in draft mode)...anyway, old story if you care to read.

Today 4th September 2009, I'm once again here at the big apple...New York!. Having been here for few times but I'd like to make a short story of my latest visit. Many people would like to experience the life in New York city..it's busy, hectic but full of life. If you were to stand at one place for an hour, you'll be able to see all the races in world....well, almost.

While the whole world is the scares of H1N1 and back here in Malaysia we can see people wearing face mask, but not here in New York. Malaysian are misunderstood of the way the virus spreading and thought by covering mouth and nose is good enough. Well, the most important is to take care of you hands hygiene as the virus mostly spreads through what you've touched then transmitting by your hands through your eyes, nose or mouth. You should take care when touching any public utility, transport..etc. Escalator hands rail, Ketchup dispenser at McDonalds and the most unhygienic for me are the ketchup bottles in KFC. Everybody shares the same bottle on the tables and by right at this stage of H1N1 in our country, all those should be substituted with individual sachet of ketchup.

While this city is busy but respect and courtesy is highly put at the utmost value and I can say much and lots more better than in Malaysia. We only being nice to foreigner and not to our own people...shame!. We do not have the sensitivity towards others and imagine in public transports in New York that no radios are allowed. This really make sense as you may like the song and I may not....you may understand the language but I may not. Have you experience a bus or taxi drivers in Malaysia tuning into their favorites channel?.

In New York city, there are massive traffic on the road but I can't barely smell the carbon emissions from the vehicles. Main reason that you could think of is the vehicles up to the standard specs of operation and high quality fuel. Instead, I can smell cigarettes smokes more often and bare in mind in Malaysia the numbers of smokers is much greater than in New York but the smoke emissions in KL for instance is at killing stage.

Musical Fidelity A5 CDP....solid, handsome with brain.

2011-02-04T22:51:00.010+08:00

After long due from my previous post (been busy really...err..lack of idea, maybe), here is another update on my system.

From my previous post I've mentioned on intention to fully setup my TT. Well, I have to say that my plan was postponed to indefinite time. I've sold my TT!...will make a come back with a better one, but not so soon.

Due to that, I was searching for better cd player to compensate my "lost in translation" in music reproduction. Few players was being considered like Naim CD5x, Rega Apollo, Cyrus..(I'm still in budget/beginner territory) until I came to this beautifully built, in excellent condition, with minimal used of Musical Fidelity A5 belong to a Doctor.

Before I take the plunged (not too deep to many audio enthusiast), I've read comments and reviews about this player and all are glowing. I know "trust your ears" but I can't do that as the player were up north of peninsular Malaysia and bringing down to KL is considered a confirmed deal. I have to be fair to the seller as well.

So, how does it sounds in my system?. Well...definitely better than my budget player and my research on info, reading on opinions, reviews are all matched on positive side. It was made for only 1500 units world wide on limited edition and it was being awarded the best CD player under USD5000 by Absolute Sound. It uses 6112 tubes at output stage for nice, valve quality of sounds and it can runs up to 100,000 hours and I already got a pair of them for backup.

Base on my regular music that I have listen to, it shows improvements at its best and now I can put a smile back on my face...:).

p/s: pic taken from google and I picked particularly this one as it has Dire Straits cd on the tray....hahahaha.

Reviewing own system...

2010-07-02T23:12:00.032+08:00

After years in listening to music through high fidelity system (if I may call my system a hi-fi), there was lots of changes in my setup through my entire journey. Amplifier, speakers, cdp,TT and not to forgets..the cables!. Previously my system was reviewed by Panzer aka Big E in one of the blogging site (please find the review by clicking at hifi review section) and at the point of time my VTL MB250 monoblocks was the star of the system. Having valves system was great but I need something simpler but still deliver what I want, and that makes me hunting for McCormack series of amplifier (DNA225). Why McCormack amplifier?, ok, previously I've had used DNA 0.5 and DNA 1 Deluxe and the performance of these amps are well above their price tags and with my previous setup, no complaints. From Harman Kardon HK6100 - Marantz PM80 - John Shearne phase 2 Ref - DNA 0.5 - DNA 1 - Krell KSA 80B - down graded to Primare I30 - Naim 120x/150x - Naim 202/200 - VTL & McCormack DNA 225 and DNA stays. Steve, the designer are humble too in answering every questions you asked.

In sound reproduction in my opinion, the speakers are the most easily- to- detect change of sounds or presentation after the source. One have to remember garbage in garbage out is the key/rules in every setup. From JBL LX-22 - Mordaunt Short MS35Ti - B&W 602 S2- Mission 752 - Snell type J mk4 (this is lovely) - Dynaudio Audience 50 - Von Schweikert VR1 Ref ( the best monitor so far, big sound) - Usher BE718 - ZU Druids MK4 (08 mod kit). Yes ZU Druids mk4 which has high sensitivity to drive 225wpc McCormack. I've emailed Steve asking his opinion on this pair, he told me that many of his customers are using ZU but with 100 steps volume port for channel accuracy. Since I'm having my DIY passive buffer pre with 2pcs 6922, Elma steps pot, Nichicon gold tunes & Mundorf Silver/Oil Caps and all MIT wires, I decided to give it a try.

At this point, this is my best setup so far. Every detail of recording is heard through. The venue, style of recording, every nuance, clicks, licks of strings is made heard by ZU. Separations of each instruments are great and the depth is believable. I love this speakers very much and I guess this the advantage of having full range speakers...it just different!. Since I'm into music for a very long time, jamming, performing, guitars, drums (well, it stopped for quite sometime...hmm actually long enough)..this systems has musical accuracy which will leads you into air guitar and drumming..even becoming a conductor for an orchestra.

Close your eyes and the speakers are gone, only you and the music...errkk. I don't need to do that, it disappear even eyes wide open!. Double bass is the hardest instrument for sound reproduction, often the lowest frequency booming which translate into unmusical sound. The lowest note of a double bass is an E1 (on standard four-string basses) at approximately 41 Hz , on 5 strings bass the note Bo can go as low as 31hz and this setup deliver without bloating out its sound. Contrabass player, Garcia-Fons: Ghazali was performed on this. On Marla Glen - The cost of freedom, the rumble of definitely not from 4 strings basses (could be 5 or 6 strings played by Pat Senatore) is very well presented, resonates even at lowest frequency of the song. This is bass!

The piano is one of the most complex instrument for its tonality for sound reproduction. It's not only key sound but has string vibration, hammer, body/scale of the piano, pitch/harmonic accuracy and paddles ups/downs. Chie Ayado the best live album has given me the new dimension in piano tonality through this session. Comparable to my Yamaha downstairs...so alive!.

The differences that you can spot not only on different album or artiste, but on every track in single disc. Well, it's depends on how the recording was made..it just shows. The LAT International SS-1000 mkII speaker cables which received great review by users are the linking pair from DNA. This cable does make the different..it does seriously. From my preamp to DNA, The Stout silver interconnect does the job.

This system not reaching to the optimum level yet as I'm only using an old humble marantz cd63 (mod) and this CD63 smoked T.S Lim's marantz moded player anytime! and I was thinking if I were not to sell my Esoteric P30/Victor Lab K2 Dac, this system would shine through even better!. Why did I sold my Esoteric/K2?...down sizing as I'm looking for simple cd playback and focus on my TT, the Clearaudio Champion. But until to date I haven't set it up properly due space constraints.

Ok guys, I'm not saying mine is the absolute in hi-fidelity, don't compare to mega system that costs a bomb. This is not my best system if to compare from my previous but for a modest and as my reference from my previous setup, this is my best sound...so far.

Music on this review: Ryan Adams - Love is Hell. On last track you can really feel like the band performing in an empty pub at closing time and you're sitting at the bar stool enjoying the atmosphere. I thought it's real enough before this....this superseded my experience.

Dire Straits, Yuri Honing Trio, Eva Cassidy, Chie Ayado, Marla Glen, Arya Setyadi - the bass player etc.

p/s: I wanted to add a subwoofer from ZU if possible after read about it. Click here to read

Band of Horses...

2010-06-09T00:41:00.005+08:00

The 3rd album from these gentlemen are so addictive. Check out "Laredo" from their "Infinite Arms" album. Formed in 2004 from Seattle fronted by Ben Bridwell also performed in many opening concerts..like Pearl Jam, Snow Patrol..etc..

This Alt-Country band loaded with melodic, fine tuned harmonies...

A Denial Obscurantism Collision In The Outerspace

2010-04-16T20:24:00.001+08:00

A 75 years old Poet, A National Icon, A Veteran & A Visionary Musicians a-la Gunslingers(due to their profesionally boldness-not guns) finally collides..resulting another 2 latest, musically vogue tracks, that should not be missed by most of human that already open up their eyes..& ears, who then..finally come to believed, the emerging soundscapes of Space Gambus Experiment led by Kamal Sabran(Electro-Acoustic), alongside his most loyal collaborator Zulkifli Ramli(Oud@Gambus), together with the full support, from their creative comrades.

'Suara Dari Dinding Dewan' is 1 of 2 current songs from SGE. It's an opulent results from a collaboration between Dato' A Samad Said@Pak Samad & SGE. It reminds me of the song from The Doors- 'The End' due to it's lenght that took more than 10 minutes plus. Without exageration..bold I may say..The track was delivered by Dato' A Samad Said..as if, he'd blown a soul into the track..resulting what I believed to be The Voiced Of 'Sakti!'. The chimes, although minimal, yet delicate ambient sounds alongside he's angelic reading blends perfectly, the improvision clicks so well..that ones can sense a sudden change of feeling after listening to the words...bits by bits. It's a howl of SAKTI colliding in the outerspace, a stand-out, project by Kamal Sabran with SGE & Pak Samad. It's an abstract vague collaboration that led to a sweat success that should not be ignored if you're one of the 'Space Family' like me. I defined it, as a 'caviar', a bold fusion of State Of Art Sounds & Poetry. 'Suara Dari Dinding Dewan' was a brilliant picked, since it's filled with posh words of abstractionism & heart penetrating rhymes. It made me believed- this words was written full hearted..in order to penetrates ones emotions...& you may feels it's effects instantly.

'Di Bawah Bintang Mengerdip'- is a slight punchier, dreamy like track musically & vocally(Poem readings). The reading was slightly fast..vividly proclaimed a definate answer from a methaporic question- As if it's from Adam & Hawa. Urging listeners to think along side the enchanted poetry written by Pak Samad.

I've come to my conclusion!

SGE- has leaps trumendously from the hidden corner somewhere, from this vast world called Earth. SGE are loading their guns(direction & goals)- maturing progresively..gaining a cult fame..& doing what they believed to be the work of ART- through their cosmic language. I'll give them a both thumbs-ups!-I'll give them an immensed apploused for the efforts..that they have poured to make this dream of cosmic journey to finally...come true!

*The 2 Tracks- Downloads are now available on 'kamalsabran.blogspot.com'

"A DENIAL OBSCURANTISM COLLISION IN THE OUTERSPACE"- the titled-strictly for 'gimmick' purposes;)

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Scratch My Back by Peter Gabriel

2010-04-16T19:05:00.000+08:00

Let's us be honest to each other, let me whisper clearly in your ears with this simple words of mine..I'm a stranger to Peter Gabriel. I've never bought any of his album, & that's make this one here, is my very first ever!

I did stumble upon his work collarborating with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on Scorsese-'Temptation Of Christ' the OST, 'Rabbit Proof Fence' OST, a song feature of him in Cameron Crowe's version of 'Vanilla Sky' & his latest OST composition for 'Wall-E'. Yet, none of the above, had tempt me..to buy one of his album..until this one landed in our shore. It's his brand new album, offering varies of cover songs that specially hand picked by Gabriel himself. - Like what 'Johnny Cash' onced qoute- 'A great song will remained A 'Great Song' no matter how you present it!'

Scratch My Back-

It's a DRUM free album. It's an orchestrial composition, with a blend mix of soothing baroque-pop sounds, that will instantly capture your ears..& best to be played late at nite. It's a cover album..yes!- But it's also a twist of posh covers. Peter Gabriel proves- he's the master of Electro/Soundtracks like- Dreamer Savant..that at the top of his games. Peter Gabriel- now visible pose similar look a-like, same as 'Travolta' latest potrayal in 'From Paris With Love', has embark a new journey of pure elegant & in form of classy rejuvanation. The MAN is back!

With selection..including an impressively stunning cover version of David Bowie, Bon Iver, Arcade Of Fire, Radiohead, Regina Spektor & so fourth..this album is a must have! It's a tribute & an experimental vibes offered by this extraodiniary genius here. The strenght of the album also lies in the overall product of this album. Don't talk about the sound alone- it's Awesome! Even the album cover is minimal & poppingly eye catching! A pic of a Blood Cell!

My verdict- As a beginner..a new follower, a quite late so called discovery..I sincerely- Hailed SCRATCH MY BACK BY PETER GABRIEL- as one of my important discovery this year after Bon Iver! On my scales- it's a defenite 9/10! I can't give it a 10/10- since it remains as a drum free album..which I rarely buy without thinking twice. If it's an acoustic guitar album..then it's in an alternate catagories- whereby it will fall in my most often purchased kind of albums same as Cash, Dylan, Jose' Gonzalez, Cat Power, Damien Rice, Seu Jorge or Kathryn Williams..but as I've written earlier..'Scrath My Back by Peter Gabriel is an orchestrial drum free album..& it's very, very new for my listening preferences!

GREAT COMEBACK- an excelent introduction for a person like me- & I hope it does the same to you...lastly...

'Can you please scratch my back?'

Available At Rock Corner, Subang Parade!

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Midnight Boom By The Kills

2010-03-22T00:01:00.001+08:00

It's always an absolute experience to listened to this Band of Duo- THE KILLS. As for me..it's my third album of this band that I've own. Both, the earlier album is in CD format, while my current buy is a Vinyl.

Midnight Boom is the band latest released & it offers a slight diversion of maturity by maintaining the Art Of Garage Sounds. The duo kinda.. leaping through from their minimal sounds to another form of something that can be recognized as an ear-friendly Sonic groove with a dash of Electro Beat to lighten up..their original electricfying raw sounds. Honestly, this album is worth a catch if you're a fan of White Stripes or anything that's represent the same atmospheric rhythm.. This album is recomended as definate pick.

U.R.A FEVER- is the opening track & the most out-standing track in this released. Not only that- it's the most chill-out track, that in a way make u feels like a cool 'Rockstar' while you're playing it on air! The guitar, & the chill bass line, along side the chic vocal seems to blend perfectly. It make me play it on repeat mode, due to it's cool awesome sonic grooves! It's a laid back neo-garage that sometimes will turn out quite mean..but hey..it's The Kills- it's their signature!

The vinyl cost me around USD$24-including Tax & delivery charges. You will get a password- excess to download the whole album in MP3 format. The sound quality is excellent..& the tracks selection is varies from the laid back tunes, to so called more punchier tracks.

The vinyl- Midnight Boom by The Kills on my scales, hits 9/10 easily..due to it's sacred signature of sounds. So..grab it from amazon.com with a great deal of price! CATCHY & BOOMING!

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VINYL: PARANOID BY BLACK SABBATH

2010-02-11T17:22:00.001+08:00

If you're a vinyl enthusiast..then you gotta have this! It's a BLACK SABBATH most Iconic album..yes it does! It contains The Evergreen metal tracks such as the Iron Man, War Pigs, Paranoid(Album Titled) & of course.. it's cosmic ballads- Planet Caravan! It's so iconic because it's represent the past & present sounds of a great indestructible Metal Heads that lived long enough, for us to call them our grand dad..but musically it never fails to tuned our mind towards the band's creative, explosive sounds. They are amazing in what their created, & that's a fact!

PARANOID- is the work of 70's metal genius..although it has been in the market ages ago..but it never fails to captures the younger generation to listen to it..before asking..'Is This New?' -Why? -Because the album..without exaggeration..it sounded so ahead of it's era, awesome & the metal riff itself, will leaved ones banging their heads, & thumbing their feets, while playing it on air. One thing..that I loved about this band is..firstly..Black Sabbath have a great taste for their album's cover- which always turn-out STUNNINGLY-COOL especially..on vinyl's sleeve, & of course the songs itself. I agreed..it's a metal grooves we are reviewing here..but Sabbath's always, I mean, frequently start out the heavier tracks with a mellow, beautiful acoustic@electric guitar solo..before it suddenly turns WHAMM!!! The song..then just.. finally blast it's way through..& rampaging..before end-up again..with Tommi's brilliant final core, in the end, they sums-up the whole song with an epic executioned. Ozzy- the lead singer..had never sounded different from himself since their debut album..until more than 30 years later. Black Sabbath will never sounded as good, as brute, while Ozzy is still with them. My sincere POV,- even Ronnie James Dio..fails to trend set the holy metal sound of Black Sabbath. I know- Some may have vice versa POV..

You may buy this album from www.amazon.com. It will cost you less than USD$20- New pressing. If you're not particular about the vintage analog sounding, than..PARANOID is damm..very, very worth a pick! If we are referring to the price tag of this collectibles vinyl. At Amcorp Malls on Sat & Sun, during Flea Market,- the cheapest I've encounter will fetch buyer to spend around RM$150-above for the year released vinyl. It's certainly not cheap & the seller, I strongly believed will not..give you a single cent discount on this album I'm reviewing here. So..you make your own judgement.. whether to buy or not to buy.

SOUND & RATINGS- on my personal scales, PARANOID easily hits 10/10! The sound- Let me tell you this..if Led Zep sounded so Awesome on vinyl, especially with it's LED ZEPPELIN II the album, then PARANOID just a step behind. If Jimmy Page can strive with it's bluesy guitar riff, then Tommy Iommi also will blast off with it's metal guitar riff, & acoustics-classicals influenced.. guitar solo! While Ozzy..he never failed to stunned listeners, with his stomach crunching vocal techniques! It's not a rareties.. but it seems to be forgotten-PARANOID-THE ALBUM. So..that's why I'm writing this down..to urged most of the vinyl collectors to induct this great masterpiece into your precious collections! Two words..VINTAGE METAL!

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Best Love Song of the Decade...

2010-02-06T02:42:00.006+08:00

My vote would be, "you're beautiful" by James Blunt. This songs has gained its reputation massively from Mr Blunt debut album back in 2004 (Back to Bedlam). It was written beautifully from self experienced moment which all can be found in the lyrics.

Several versions of the song exist. One lyrical version has an explicit word in it ("She could see from my face that I was fucking high") especially on US/Canada pressing and its single. The radio edit of the song replaces the explicit lyric, changing it to "She could see from my face that I was flying high".

In a poll conducted by Rolling Stone to identify the 10 most annoying songs, this song was ranked seven. In another poll by the British tabloid The Sun it was voted the most irritating song of all time. It's all because of the ON AIR frequency or frequent repetitions...just that!

In 2007 MTV awards, the music video of "you're beautiful" has won 2 categories, best male video and best cinematography. I have to agree that the cinematography was simple yet so effectively mind haunting view. The video is about Mr Blunt committing suicide by removing his belongings one by one and jump off the cliff into icy water at the end of the scene.

"But it's time to face the truth, I will never be with you"..this particular part of lyrics really gives an impact to the song..IMHO

ESSENTIAL LISTENING: SPACE GAMBUS EXPERIMENT

2010-01-25T00:01:00.001+08:00

SPACE GAMBUS EXPERIMENT IS....

KAMAL SABRAN- ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC

ZULKIFLI RAMLI- GAMBUS@OUD

SPACE GAMBUS EXPRIMENT-not only it's a COOL titled but it's also a COOL Experimental, instrumental electro-'ambient' album that will make us believes, this is the sounds coming from the outerspace. Electro-Acoustic is the SPACE! & Gambus is the EARTH! That's the way I look at it. A brilliant 'metamorphism' for the both subjects, & now Kamal Sabran, finally presenting his ELEGANT SCI-FI AMBIENT SOUNDS TO US! It's not an easy task..it's also a bold moves..but when it comes to deep passion, everything turns to JOY!

RADIOHEAD, PORTISHED, AIR, NINE INCH NAILS, SUICIDE, DAVID SYLVIAN, GARY NUMAN, THE FLAMING LIPS, TOM WAITS, BRIAN ENO, RACHID TAHA, KHALED, PETER GABRIEL, NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN, ETC.. you list it, you name it, maybe SGE has a bit of this & that, a dash of him or theirs, but DARE I MUST SAY- SPACE GAMBUS EXPERIMENT IS HONEST & ORIGINAL. Not only that, it is the very owned, genuine sounds of Kamal Sabran & Zulkifli Ramli. This Duo certainly had 'Blown' me away by this released.

The SGE Album only cost RM$20. It contains 10 instrumental ambient tracks, that will insure, your listening session to be an unexpected exploration of Unique Soundscape based on Kamal's obsession on the mysterious sounds in the outerspace. The SGE Album lenght less than 30 minutes, but honestly- it will satisfy listeners & it has this 'Gem', that will make ones to be addicted to it. Kamal is the ELECTRO GENIUS, behind all this fusion of cosmic sound,- & indeed, without doubt, he rendered SPACE GAMBUS EXPERIMENT towards it's own CULT FAME!

Best to be played while you're in the verge to start-out your day, or while lounging at home, I mean relaxing. As for me,- I listen to it, late at nite while updating my Blog, or waiting for 'In The Mood For Sleeping'. Very inviting, calming & warmth atmosphere to listen at, with a fairly, not so bad sounding quality of a $20 CD,- A Product Made from Ipoh, Malaysia. On the iPod-Standard stock Ear-phones, it may sound fairly fair, but on standard car audio, or a decent priced Hi-Fi, it will resonates SUPERBLY! Trust me on this!

SGE CD comes with an interesting minimal cover, Booklet design by Kamal Sabran(himself) & team, themselves. A BRAVO again.

MY SCALE ON SGE IS 10/10!

AN ESSENTIAL FROM A VISIONARY MALAYSIAN ELECTRONICA DUDE! AWESOME BRO! A MUST HAVE!

TO PURCHASE:- SPACE GAMBUS EXPERIMENT- kamalsabran@gmail.com

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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

2010-01-06T11:16:00.000+08:00

He he he.... Whose there? Syyyyyyhhhhh.....

Peek -a- Boo! I've watch this movie last nite. At first glanced, it seems, like nothing is gearing up for excitement. Then.... It finally hit me!

An adaptation from a kiddie book writen by Maurice Sendak. It was given an adrenalin boost!-to project this 10 pages sweet charming child tales to something that is so moved too watch, as an adult.

I'm moved by the simple wicked, fun, easy tales of troubled estranged young MAX in the Company Of MONSTERS, led by mixed emotions- CAROL THE MONSTER!

Yes! It's an adaptation, but Spike Jonze had develop this short tales to an inspiring fantasy. Too me, this film
Kinda leap through a metaphor of a kid imaging himself solving a great problem of an adult world, that in the end appears to be, too confusing, & the best result is too back up, & let them(adult) move on to solves what ever need to be done. The Monsters, yes is a brilliant 'Hint' of an 'adulthood' that full of conflicts & apart from all the turmoil, lies the huge amount of spechless beauty! The scenary in this film was shot beautifully in Australia, & it kept me, feeling amazed just by watching the vast enchanted landscapes. Simply Breathtaking to look at!

It's a fun rides, I must say while viewing this film. But the MOST STELLAR SCENES:- I strongly believes(final chapter) is when MAX THE KING, KID was bidding his farewell to his fellow monsters, & Carol the monsters just made it on time to bid him the same, -LAST GOODBYE!

It's a simple scene,- yet I'm moved by the sentimental atmosphere. The sad howls by all the characters during that finale scene, had simply touched me, emotionally. I guees thanks to the melancholy soundtracks produced by Karen O- from Yeah Yeah Yeah.

A simplest thought!

***** CHARMING!

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TAXI DRIVER - A CULT CLASSICS OF 1976

2009-11-02T09:25:00.005+08:00

It's a work of the young Martin Scorsese. It's was released shortly after the American Government decided to flew back all their armies back home from Vietnam. The year was 1976, it's the mark of the end of the Vietnam War. This film is the beginning of Scorsese's Genius as a filmmaker.

THE STORY:- Was told through the eye of a late nite taxi driver -Travis Bickle(Robert De Niro); who leaves in New York City. He's a Vietnam Veteran, who regularly writes a letter to his parent, lying to them that he'd doing well in the big city, but actually Bickle suffered a chronic imsomia & a lonely American male in search for love. Freakily went to watch a stags movie on his first date, & he buys guns, & talks to himself in front of the mirror, preparing himself for a showdown in the Big Apple! This is a deadly tales of a lost dead loner in the late nite urban scape driven himself to insanity, poor ol' guy!

THE WIERD IDEA:- Hey, he has this weird idea in his head but nobody wants to listen especially the mayor. New York in the 1976, portrayed by Scorcese filled with it's own version of red light district, where stag shows cinemas, can be found all over the placed. The hookers ranging as young as the sweet innocent teen Jodie Foster, to who knows how old this grandma? He carefully planned his weird idea after he met the exploited teenage hooker.

COMEO:- I personally love this scenes! Both of them Bickle- Robert De Niro was sitting in a taxi. His customer are spying on an apartment, spying on his cheating wife. Then the guy said,-' There! My wife is in that building! Cheating on me! You wan to know whose apartment she's in? Yeah.. It's own by a black-man, a black-man! You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to kill both of them with this magnum! You know what a magnum could do?'- Be imaginative, you guess? The cheated husband was played by Scorsese himself. A quick brilliant sequence!

SOUNDTRACK:- Are compliment of manhattan style late nite jazz that perfectly suits the movie!

BEST BIT:- None other than an award winning in front the mirror speech. The hilarious yet provoking; 'Are you talking to me?! What? Are you talking to me?!' No, You must be talking to me caused there'sno one here'- scene acted by De Niro is a timeless classic movie moment. The guns dealer scene & finally with a Punk haircuts, De Niro aka Travis Bickle- stormed the hookers motel & in order to save the under age hooker, & at the same time wrapped the movie with a twisted Bloodbath shooting spree finale! It's really an unexpected ending, but it's a good one, & it made the movie won the academy award for the Best Picture.

So, what else I can write? It's a great film, it's original, a trendsetter, very visionary & it's one of my most fav. Best to be viewed late at nite, similar to the mood suggested by the movie!

Recommended!

GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY BY DIAMANDA GALAS

2009-10-23T00:09:00.003+08:00

A live piano/vocal session album by the goth queen Diamanda Galas. I dig it because of it's simplicity & of course the minimal approach. I love it when it's all strips! Yet it is an absolute product of horror elegance.

VOICE:- To me, she have a magnificent voice. But to someone else, she may sounds scary! Her howling is similar to the lady vampire as describe in Ann Rice vampire tales. Believe me, if you're listening to it in the dark on high volume, this album has the ability of making your hairs stands or 'meremang bulu roma'. The high pitched, husky powerful falsetto is outstanding. So with that, I bought this album with an open mind, hoping it's worth the cash I've spend, & indeed it does!

SONGS:- Filled with personally picked song by her, doing a cover of few of iconic tracks, such as 'Autumn Leaves' & 'Long Black Veil'. I'm surprised & feeling shocked at the same time, hearing to the makeover that she had done to the songs. It's unique, dark, damaging, bleeds, haunting, eerie, suspense, yet it's entertaining! A rare sound stage that I find it one of a kind, & it's worth checking out. If she's brave enough to stick with this dark genre, than it's fair enough to us, listeners to be brave as what she did, to give a few playback exploring this work of hers.

To be franked, I only listen to this album on my Tivoli only when I'm alone at home. It's too brute, sadistic, dark macabre atmospheric album, if ones wants to played it, when your loved one is at home. By listening to her howls, I believe, it may lead to a heart attack;- that is just my naughty POV. How's the album like? - To me, yes it's entertaining! Imagine an aging Tina Turner singing a cover songs, injecting the deep dark sadistic goth macabre, blues, jazz, ballads, along side an avant piano playing & the mesmerizing powerful vocal, no doubt it had infected me with a strong feeling of addiction & longing for more! Like an ecstasy, I felt drugged, & stoned; - The result, a constant repetitive listening towards this album continuously on the iPod, whenever I'm outstation before I went to zzzzzzzz...

I've never heard such a work similar to this. So that's why I eagerly wrote this post, in order to share my thought about Diamanda Galas. On scales from 1 to 10, I'll give it a 7. But in the same genre (Goth), it's a classics! Guilty Guilty Guilty hits a 10/10 on my scales chart! My humble advised, do not play it on air during you're open house session. Why? It will make your guest wondering, what're you're a human or a 'Vampire Lestat'! My most fav track on this released is a cover originally sang by the great, late Nat King Cole,- 'Autumn Leaves'. An analog quality live session album, only for experimentalist listeners! Totally not for commercial music followers!

AN ASTONISHING & TALENTED DARK MACABRE SOULFUL SINGER!

AMERICAN RECORDINGS IV BY CASH

2009-10-09T11:15:00.002+08:00

A collaboration album. It's a serious project between the great late country folk legend, - Johnny Cash & the founder of Def-Jam Records, who are also a big boss of American Recordings Music Company. The Guru Ichi's similar look, with the earth & sky unsimilarity kind of personality. He is none other than music producer Rick Rubin.

This album is one of the series of American Recordings. It's a series of covers, did by Cash before his permanent departures. Simply a strip, minimal, elegant acoustic album that revamp his career. American Recordings IV, consist a carefully selected tracks, by Cash himself, whereby he concluded that the numbers chosen are mostly, he believed as a great work of song writing.

Profoundly, expressing a deep, dark aging masculine voiced to songs such as NIN's Hurt, Depache Mode's Personal Jesus & reinventing his lost buried song's Gives My Love To Rose, Cash proves, he still have a lot more left in him. Ones should be moved, by this startlely haunting album.

The album, although a result of Country Folk Acoustic, but it shouldn't be waived by the grungers, rockers, nor the younger listeners, since it's a great influancetual album that worth referring at. The arrangement is simple, yet the sounding of this album is a sheer production of a high end quality. It will resonate incredibly cool through your audio system & your iPod as well.

the cover songs may varies, ranging from essential tracks ditched from Sting, Simon & Garfunkel, Eagles, & The Great Late Nat King Cole! As what I've written earlier, this album is calm, & haunting. The life span is guaranteed to last a bit longer. Also includes a guest appearances by Nick Cave, Will Oldham, & accompanied with selected top notched sessionist.

Best to be enjoyed at a respected volume, while you're relaxing at home during a wet unsunny day along sides the dribbles raindrops. It's a CLASSIC! A 5/5 stars ratings! Acoustic it may appears, but with it's magic, ones may find it's an addictive album to be heard continuously. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Hunt it down! Buy It! & Cherished it! As same as what i did! TQ

Essential Listening: SONGS OF LOVE & HATE BY LEONARD COHEN

2009-09-13T17:20:00.004+08:00

Leonard Cohen, a talented poet, his an artist, author, a singer, song writer & also a musician. Leonard Cohen is totally the opposite side of Dylan, if ones wanted to compared this both singer. The diversity between this two is absolutely the depth of the topic or massages that can be found in both of their songs.

Now, what made me to become one of Cohen's fan, lies on Cohen's masculinity voiced. Deep & captivating. In this album for example, in my POV was remarkably performed only by an acoustic guitar & chimes along side Cohen's poetical, spiritual, cosmic & soulful lyrics. I admired him, because he don't sang stupid worship songs about getting high, but he sang things that reflects our life, & that is serious sh*t!

MINIMAL! Yes it's another simple product that seems to grab my sense of interest. I find it, the simplicity of the whole album is so truthful & it seems a great amount of effort had been poured by the singer to album are more visible. When it's minimal, - The vocal & the instrument is a vital exposure that need to be executed at the best shape in order to avoid any detection of weaknesses from the album. That is my personal POV, some may have different idea, isn't it?

This album had been released for ages ago. It doesn't equips with what we defined as the - 'State Of Art' sound system or any equipment or systems that reflects this album sound quality, but guys this album have it own Charmed! Trust me on this. As an acoustic album, it will certainly sounds pretty darn good on an average audio system & through your factory stocks iPod speakers. For those who had spend the immense amount upgrading their Super Audio System, Then it's fair they will enjoy every strums, plucks, & Cohen's dried baritone voiced. You'll be moved by this album calmness & it's melancholic tracks. I normally play this album-while cruising on an empty highway in the middle of the night. Play it at a decent volume & focus!

I'll give a whopping 5 stars killer folk album! Sorry Bob I guess Cohen did it much better then you. A classic timeless album that often being ignored by listeners. Not because it's dull cover but is another essentials rare gem that only can be found on the web, I believed.

Did you know the song Hallelujah Sang by Jeff Buckley originally written by Leonard Cohen. But Jeff did the cover version which was performed by John Cale on the tribute album 'I'm Your Fan'. Nick Cave sang Cohen's - 'Avalanche' in The Bad Seeds album's 'From Her To Eternity'.

Mark Mathis free download pre-release EP

2009-09-07T21:24:00.003+08:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://markmathis.bandcamp.com/album/secret-in-this-town-free-pre-release-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;secret in this town by mark mathis&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Essential Listening: WANT ONE BY RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

2009-08-20T14:54:00.004+08:00

A Canadian - American singer-songwriter. He is the son of Folk Singer Loudon Wainwright III & Kate McGarringle, brother of raising singer Martha Wainwright, & half brother of Lucy Wainwright Roche.

Dressed up in a Knight Shining Armor for the front cover of his 3rd complete studio album, he seems to give a transparent metaphor suggesting a bold statement that he meant a serious attention by the listeners & new followers on his Want One album. The genre known as Opera Pop or mostly labeled as Baroque Pop. It's a charming album. It's a sound of a more matured version of Rufus, & so delightful to listen at. As gay it may sounds, Want One delivers the absolute sheer melancholy, & it is an entertaining album that ones noted on. The richness of the operatic instruments & arrangement had fumes this album with an elegant touch. Rufus song writing skilled had blossoms perfectly. You may sense a different approach of presentation by this talented singer, thanks to both his parents who are well versed with lifestyles that fueled with musician & singers.

What I love about this album is, it will make listeners floats with it harmonious rhythm once you play it on your audio system. The classical concept of arrangement had been delivered brilliantly in order to achieve the opera mood effects. That is the sounds & can be considered a Trademark that made him popular among the music fans.

My Phone On Vibrate is my best pick for this album. A slow paced song, but due to the intensity of Rufus unique vocal styling; the tracks was an Elegantly Presented! Simply love it because of it sweet lyrics & originality. A crossover between Elton John + Maxim + Judy Garland + Ludwig Van! I must say Want One does channeled a rare melody that is not easy to be ignored. We seldom get to listen a unique performance such as his.

Although he was not gifted with an angelic voiced, but he will certainly blow a piece of your mind. Armed by his piano & sometimes acoustic guitar, Want One will not harm your cash spending. The sound quality,- overall is splendid! A top notched production indeed, since it is a production by Geffen who used to Lead in record selling with their most famous band Nirvana. Do not turn your back, also due to the catchy tracks included in this album. Most songs is a gem & a Unique one too! The life spans will last longer, thanks to it simple twist of sounds & it's a two thumbs up album from me. Highly Recommended! A brilliant masterpiece that worth a 4/5 Stars rating from moloko. Remember the point listening to the album is Elton John + Maxim + Judy Garland + Ludwig Van! TQ Guys!

Dire Straits..revisited

2009-08-03T15:55:00.004+08:00

There are quite of number of "the best of" releases from Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler including highly acquire by many, Sultan of Swing. I've been a fan of Dire Straits since many years but I'm not in favor of Mark Knopfler by himself as a solo artist. The best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler was released in 2005. Mr Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarist as I can remember and he is no less than Eric Clapton. His sound, style of playing is unique and one of a kind...no guitarist compares to him in this regard.

These double CDs released, but to tell you the truth that I'm only listen to Disc 1 more often than CD 2 as more of my favorites are on Disc 1. I guess many may have the same opinion or taste like me..it's obvious!. On this compilation all songs has been re-mastered. I have all the Dire Straits's album and mostly in vinyl original released.

On the opening track of Telegraph Road, a distant sound of thundering effect creating very nice soundstage. Then came in the airy guitar plucks, the bouncy and bass strings rumble. one of the best guitar solo can be found in this track.

Sultans of Swing is the track that full of energy from start to finish. Opening snare, drums rolling, catchy guitar strumming, solid bass lines and airy cymbals riding along the song was all mixed but in high end playback system, these instruments separated excellently and you would not realise that you're on air guitar until the track ends. Did you hear Mark Knopfler say bum, bum....

There are few more favorites in this compilations but I enjoyed most was Private Investigations. The music, sound effects creating a story by itself and you can feel the stages of the story..beginning, climax and the ending. The drums in the mid section of the song was really fast, dynamic and taut.

In Money for Nothing, with my Idol singer/musician as a guess artist (Sting) in the opening track and in between songs, it's a must for me to add as favorites....woo hoo!

If you distill the very best of Mark Knopfler's 25+ year career down to 140 minutes, it's amazing how good it all sounds. As it should be, the emphasis is on the Dire Straits hits, but when you pick and choose in his solo output, there are some beautiful tracks there as well. This compilation was released without much fanfare, but I highly recommend it!

Essential Listening: 'I Am A Bird Now' By Antony & The Johnsons

2009-07-13T13:35:00.007+08:00

The iconic album cover is considered famous photo shots by Peter Hujar entitled Candy Darling on her Deathbed!( A Transsexual diva whose later died of AIDS). A New York based group who finally earned recognition by fans all over the world with Antony Hagerty second album;- 'I AM A Bird Now'. he may have a slight complexity in under standing his own gender, but i must admit he is an out standing singer & song writer. The genre his offering is 'Easy Listening' as what iTunes labeled it. But there's a hidden twist! ones may only noticed when Antony starts singing. Hmm.. You may wondering is it a dude or a chic on vocal here? A shaking vibratos, a lingua cabaret styled voiced, that surely will fill up your late night music lounging routine. The sound arrangement is a grande, classy type of album your looking at here. Most songs written by Antony himself. the songs talks about personal characteristic, self rage or complexity on genders that stunningly delivered in hamorniuos & dramatic kind of way.

Wraps with Antony's minimal piano playing, supported by strings, cello, double bass, violin delivered in orchestral forms & arrangement, this album is a blast! Not to be missed by high end audio owner out there. A delicate, soft & the sound emerge with semi core tunes. A vivid ride that wont let listeners down. Guest appearance from legendary 'The Velvets' ex-front-man; Lou Reed in 'Fist-full Of Love' & by long time comrade @ follower none other than Rufus Wainwright in 'What Can I Do?'. with this outstanding album, no wonder Lou Reed had personally regards Antony as an outstanding new song writer. While Rufus expressing his joy for the achievement that Antony finally received from publics.

The album vaguely won a 'Mercury Prize' award the same year it was launched. A fantastic journey for both Mr. Hagerty & listeners. The album is now vacant for us to enjoy this lovely, dark charming tales of his. Not forgetting this album also offers an analog kind of sound which is awesome, but the total playtime is rather short. My most alluring tracks is 'Bird Gherl' which was featured in the movie ' V For Vendetta' starring Hugo Weaving & Natalie Portman. You may hear the song played in the background during 'V's' performing his final slow danced with the girl before his ending battle with parliament. Highly recommended for everybody. Two thumbs up! a 5/5 stars killer album. A bit of advised here; a bit of 'gayness' wont harm you. One Word; ICONIC!

Lovely Bee...Zee Avi

2009-07-01T15:27:00.008+08:00

I discovered her music through youtube few months ago and then reading her article in inflight entertainment magazines makes me so enthusiast to find more about her. First of all, she's Malaysian staying in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and was born in Sarawak. She's also the firts female singer signed under Brushfire records (owned by Jack Johnson). I bought the cd from Amazon.com (I'm particular about cd pressing) and got delivered in 10 days time.

This album is really good that you can listen to all the songs without need to use "fwd" button on your remote control. It reminds me of Katie Melua's quality of album which I can just follow the drift till the end of tracks.

Zee voice are so beautiful, classic and yet also new & modern. Almost like Joanna Wang's voice but the texture of Zee's voice is raw, soothing & honest. Zee has an innocent, angelic quality to her voice that is uniquely her own, soulful yet somber Zee strikes just the right resonance in between those two.

As mentioned all the songs are excellent eventhough kantoi Malay song which I found the lyrics a little off in rhyming, but it was ok and fun. I'd prefer the youtube version with full band on kantoi to be featured in the album. Honey Bee with story telling lyrics, haunting voices are just so cool even better if you've seen the video clip (effect) as it connects really well when you listen to it.

On Monte, the guitar works are so good to be true from this young lady with harmonic plucks added to the song. Darlin' it ain't easy was in full band form and the bass line was catchy with nice "running" improvision and I didn't realized that I was foot tapping. Let me in with Zee on piano feels like in a large venue were captured very well with every note decays vanished in the large dark room.

Well, too many too mention in this album and she deserved all the praises but for sure my evening is not going to be with the same girl again. Katie, I'm sorry...I'd love to have Teh Tarik than Chamomile tea for now.

Recommended!

Essential Listening; 'Kind Of Blue' By Miles Davis

2009-07-01T09:04:00.003+08:00

To be honest to all dear readers, 'Kind Of Blue' is the 1st jazz album that I ever bought. Being introduced by my ex-housemates to Miles's 'Sketches Of Spain' album. After a few spins I became addicted, longing for more. Suddenly this album captured my attention. A great album for an introduction to Miles Davis. It is still the best selling jazz album of all times. Facts can be retrieves from Colombia's record jazz album sleeve notes. Kind Of Blue may be considered the coolest jazz masterpiece. It is a trend-setter on how jazz album should sound like. With the released of the re-mastered edition album, it sounded perfectly due to the clarity of the treble & it's bass line. This new version also equips with 360' degrees surround sound experienced. The high pitched from Miles's trumpet also has been toned down for a better listening pleasure. Best to be heard on high end audio system. You'll get a feeling of being in a jazz lounge. This album will make you tapping your feet while playing it on air. A timeless value, a sheer work of genius from Miles & friends. Never failed to sound ahead of it's time. It will took some-times before you really get bored playing it on your system. Highly recommended for jazz starters & pro's. A Killer album from Miles Davis. Here's a 5/5 ratings on this one! A must buy album if you want to be in the same league with most of jazz enthusiast! Best to be played while sitting down & updating your blogs or while browsing on the web! TQ

Essential Readings; 'Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas' by Hunter S. Thompson

2009-06-16T16:00:00.006+08:00

Lets talk about some other stuff. Books? Why not, here's one hell of reading experienced! Great book should comes with great cover. This one here is a work of true genius & art savant 'Hunter S. Thompson & Ralph Stedman'. Both became legend due to the released of this timeless work. Ralph Stedman was personally picked by Thompson AKA Dr. Gonzo to illustrates for the cover & inner layout. Suprissingly, this collaboration works really well though!

The book was published in the 70's, yet after a decade later it is still relevant & being published along side the vast selection of books to this day. It still a tempt to just grab it from the bookshelves & peeks few words in it before you end up buying it. What make it interesting-lies in it abnormality of books you've been reading before this one gets your attentions. Thompson or they(most critics) called it 'Gonzo' style of writing. What is 'Gonzo'? Dr. Gonzo - as what he came to conclude is 'then, was about getting at the truth, even if it meant technically lying'!

lets forget all the 'bombastic' words, Dr. Gonzo here wrote down his words like a machine gun being fired at Vietnam's War Field! Painful yet entertaining, some weird stuff isn't it.

Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas (A Savage Journey To The Heart Of American Dreams)embarks a tales of the author & his 300-pound attorney(a samoan) driving through the desert heading to Las Vegas. The creepy side of the tales is they are equip with loads, loads of drugs,enough they can supply it to a group of army. Chaos! Mayhem is what is their brained works during this crazy trip. The american dreams both of them went for searching in Las Vegas was done with 90% high headed! I mean, dead Stoned man! So all the perception about Vietnam's War, the turnaround politics, culture the revolutions, America facing during that era is kinda lunatic the way Thompson look at it. All this insanity of this both drug junkies finally creates this brilliant & outrages memoir! In year 2005 Hunter S. Thompson committed suicides. Dr. gonzo shot himself to fame again. Like his younger days, he continues to shocks fan till the end of his life. Dr. Gonzo! We Salute You!!

'Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas has been made into a major film, directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Johnny Depp'.

Essential Listening; 'The Downward Spiral' by Nine Inch Nails

2009-06-16T13:04:00.008+08:00

One of the coolest album cover I've seen so far since Andy Warhol's 'Banana Sleeve' cover for Velvet Underground album. The album genres is electronica/industrial what most rock mag labelled it. This is a serious album. Strictly not for everybody. Only for mature listening who wants a totally different edge of sounds. It's for those who wants to really test their audio system to a certain limits, now this album is worth getting. 'The Downward Spiral' is sort of roller- coster ride when you played it on air. The album offers a sonic sharp edge electronica beat & it will get really slow & quite, to it's another side of dark mysterious gloomy tunes that worth listening at.

Trent Reznor is the Guru behind this one man band 'Nine Inch Nails @ NIN. My fellow friends this is not NIN debut album. Never the less this is the album that boasted Mr. Reznor to his famed & superstardom. Not only that, this album also put him through self tortured of drug abused & his road to recovery (Reznor Quoted in Mojo Mag July 2009). It's a sound of Reznor entering Hell & back I must say. 'The Downward Spiral' is Reznor interpretations of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' album. it's a progressive kind of album. You can feel the track is connected to one another, from the opening to the end of the album. It's so ahead of it times in various terms, from the sound or even the album graphics & packaging. In my opinion nobody(artist in same genre) has ever come this excellent as Reznor. The sound of the album is excellent! Reznor's drum machine, synth, digital recording & all the instrument featured in this album can be heard clearly especially if you using a noised cancelation ear or headphones. Of coursed, it really sounds superb on your Hi-Fi systems!
Without a doubt it's a' 5 star!!' rating from me. A classics! That one should have & keep it, as one of treasured collection. The best track in the album is 'Hurt', NIN most noticeable song, which also was covered by Johnny Cash in his full acoustic album 'American Recordings iv' produced by 'Rick Rubin'. Another track that should not be missed is 'Closer'. With it explicit lyrics it is another definite killer tunes. NIN-'The Downward Spiral has been on my Ipod listed for the past 4 years & that's a fact! Before I end up this review here's a piece of my advised to all my dear readers out there. Please make a judgement towards an album after playing it few times. Some great tunes won't really shine if we don't buffed it a few times. Here's one good exampled 'The Wall' by Pink Floyd- I bet you guys agreed with me!

Essential Listening; The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions Featuring Seu Jorge

2009-06-13T09:47:00.003+08:00

Firstly I would like thank to Mr. Sting for giving me a chance to share some of my interest in various genre of music, film, books or anything related to arts. Today I would like to introduce another rare breed of singer whom is apart of my collection which is really good in what they doing. The saddest part of it you won't find this album easily in a music store. Not to worry, with the power of the internet nothing is impossible. There's always a way to buy it online with a hell of a good price!

Seu Jorge's Studio sessions is actually a partial soundtrack album from the movie
'The Life Aquatic' directed by Wes Anderson (Darjeeling limited). In this film Sue Jorge was a part of the cast-acted as one of Zissou's team members. he don't have a lot of lines, but every end chapter of the movie he will sang a short tunes before entering the next plot. Armed with only an acoustic guitar & gutsy voiced Sue strumming,plucking and picking his way through beautifully. The album is a cover album that featured most of David Bowie best song from his Ziggy Stardust Era(Glam Rock in the 70's). Yes it's a cover album, but all bowie's songs was sang by Sue in Portuguese, since he is a brazilian born singer & actor. the end result, a copy that sounded so original & it listening to bowie's tunes will never be the same again. what is so catchy about Sue's voice, is it filled with emotions. he really let the his gutsy vocal out. If you listen to Bowie's his more carefully singing the tunes and holding his pitching, & only let it out at a certain peak of the song.
Track Listing:-

Rebel Rebel
Life On Mars
O Astronauta De Marmore
Ziggy Stardust
Lady Stardust
Changes
Oh! You Pretty Things
Rock N' Roll Suicide
Suffragatte City
Five Years
Queen Bitch
When I Live My Dream
Quicksand
Team Zissou

What make this album so great is Seu succesfully makes it sounds so fresh like a brand new song written in this decade. 'Life Aquatic' made me went to the music store and starts collecting somes Bowie's early & later works after spinning 'Life Aquatic' on stereo for days. My killer track will be Rock N' Roll Suicide, Ziggy Stardust, Lady Stardust, When I Live My Dream & Five Years. As I wrote earlier it filled with emotions,which is good for an album that don't speaks the universal language. The production is great since it is a studio album & a partial OST for a film with an inmese B
budgets. The sound of the acoustic guitar is so clear even you played it using an Ipod or a decent systems (example micro Hi-Fi or standard car audio. The album is so minimal,with just a guitar & Seu's voice, yet it still sounded like a live sessions with a top notch recording. Highly recommended for individual whose into acoustic vibe such as Dylan, Cash, or Gypsy Kings. Best to be played early in the morning on the weekend when you just about to started your beautiful day or during a coffee & tea sessions with friends or family. An absolute 'Starbucks' atmosphere. It's a 4/5 star rating for Seu Jorge; Life Aquatic Studio Sessions. before i end up my reviews here's a piece of remark of David Bowie remark towards this album that was printed inside the album sleeve cover

"Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs acoustically in Portuguese, i would never have heard this new level of beauty which has imbued them with'

-David Bowie-

Welcome Moloko...

2009-06-12T20:32:00.000+08:00

Moloko is a new contributor in life is a journey blog. He is friend of mine which has a great taste of music and movies!. So, watch out for movie review as well in the future but I believe he's more keen on yesteryears music...I mean real music.

Welcome my friend!

Essential Listening; 'G R A C E' by Jeff Buckley

2009-06-12T10:43:00.003+08:00

'Grace' the album is the first and the last complete studio album from Jeff Buckley. He is one of my personal favorite singer (a kind of hero), songwriter, musician, artist that i truly admired. Grace the album was a creation of excessive training, jamming and performing in pubs & clubs in New York City, which what Jeff did before he end up in a small cozy placed called Sin-e. It is here Jeff began to create his own sound and style. The year was 1993 when the album 'Grace' was made. It's a year of grunge explosion or i may call it a year of Nirvana. Most everybody at that time teens or adult are hooked to the sound of Kurt Cobain. Meanwhile, this rising star had just finish this album that he wanted to sound like Jeff Buckley himself. it's not a grunge album nor a rock album, but it does fell into alternative genre. I can agree with that, but not forgetting it does carry the one & only trademark of Jeff Buckley. It has this balanced of joy and a hidden sadness from the track list of this album. 'Grace has it riff and mellow that just balanced enough in creating a great album such as this.

'GRACE' Track List:

Mojo Pin
G r a ce
Last Goodbye
Lilac Wine
So Real
Hal lel uja h
Lover, You Should Come Over
Corpus Christi Carol
Eternal Life
Dream Brother
Forget Her

The opening track of the album will give listener a catchy promising that this album will sound great. Mojo Pin starts with Jeff hymn from the background before bursting with this number. The song that really shakes & showed an edgier side of Jeff is the killer song's 'Grace', Mojo Pin, Dream Brother & Eternal Life, But the true gem here is, 'Grace' itself. The way this song was written by Jeff himself is kinda' a Dee ja vu. Jeff seems to know that he might not live long enough to glorify his success. Grace talks about ones who is felt of dying & not worrying it, he bravely saying goodbye to the closest friends, praising god & welcoming him to come & take him back gracefully. Believe it or not, dear friend this metaphor did really happened to our dear Jeff whereby he was drowned in Mississippi-river on may 29 1997 & his body was only to be found on June 4, 1997. He was at his peak and a legend in-make. Sadly it never happened, but with all this mainstreams and loyal fan that kept him alive in his music until today.
Now the true killer songs on this album lies in the melancholy tunes such as Lover, you should come over, So Real, Forget Her, Corpus Christi Carol,and a Leonard Cohen cover Hallelujah, & the not so melancholy 'Last Goodbye'. The song was featured in Cameron Crowe's Version of ' Vanilla Sky' starred by Tom Cruise & Penelope Cruz. Every time when i listened to 'Last Goodbye' it sort of bringing this joyful feeling, but this song is actually talks about biting farewell to your loves ones. the strength of the album is a result from Jeff Unique voices & his ability as a guitar player. His voices is really one of a kind & can be mimic easily. hearing his voice sometimes make me wonder this is a voice of angel & because of that god wont let him stay long with us because we might be astonished by him so much. You will not get bored with his style of singing caused his a great singer gifted with this tremendous voice. The lyrics and the tunes floats so well that you don't realized that after first times listening to the album that you already reach the last number on the album.

My personal favorite will be Hall elu jah, Last Goodbye, Lover,you should come Over, Grace and Lilac Wine. The song was also sang by Katie Melua in her debut album. Grace truly deserved a 5 star classics rating from me after repeats listening. Its an album that ones won't really get tired playing it on a stereo system on and on, & that i promised you.
Jeff Buckley band actually supported by Mick Grondahl; Bass, Matt Johnson; Drums And Micheal Tighe; Guitar. The sound quality of this album is superb. another product Form Sony Colombia Records. It's also comes with interactive track tittle notification. 'Grace' was produced, engineered & mix by Andy Wallace and Jeff himself wants this album to be absolute perfect & in my personal point of view, he just did it in his on way. The album sound rich and when start to kicking with harder tunes it strength just right to rock listener without letting you to turn down a volume a little bit when it get really louder on a certain track. It is worth men's every penny to buy this album without considering what er you a blues man or a jazz man or a rockers, it just sheer beauty that everyone should listen &enjoy to this masterpiece created by this hero of mine 'Jeff Buckley'.
5 stars!!! Sheer Beauty with evergreen Quality! Magnifique & Astounding! Ladies & Gentlemen now go & grab yourselves one of this. Highly Recommended for everybody!

Refresher...

2009-06-09T16:12:00.000+08:00

No, it's not about the acoustic version of I'll be or I couldn't ask for more, the hit songs of the album. This is one of my favorite pop rock album that produces high degree of musicality of a composer and a singer. Great recording (some may say noisy) with thundering drumming and bass lines. Edwin McCain is not a bassist, he's a singer, but I like his heavy/husky voice. Messenger was his 3rd released album (1999). For me the highlight of this album beside McCain's voice is every bass notes and sounds played by Scott Bannevich. His bass sound really clean, well resonates and these is how should a bass sound in a song. His bass lines was outstanding, solid and strong, keep the song's groove with a bit naughty improvisation.

In sign on the door, the opening drumming follow by Mr Bannevich's 5 strings bass was very prominent. Every low notes was audible with great clarity and this will put your speakers to a real test of producing quality low notes.

This album is great for an introduction to Edwin McCain's music and by far the best by Mr. McCain.

Toys update

2009-05-27T12:00:00.000+08:00

Esoteric transport with Victor Laboratory K2 DAC (those XRCD tech)
Sony BDP-S1E - bluray

Usher BE-718 Beryllium with dedicated stands

Clearaudio Champion with Micheal Techo arm's weight/RB250
/Audio Technica OC9ML. I've got this for quite long time but it
doesn't featured in recent review.

Listening area & some room tweaks with 46inches Hi-def Bravia

With drapes for listening session...Note the anti cable speaker cables

Starkers: unclothed; undressed; naked; in puris naturalibus

2009-04-20T13:04:00.003+08:00

Starkers in Tokyo by David Coverdale & Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake) are truly remarkable intimate session by both musicians and suits the title of the album. They were no drums, keyboards..nothing!. Just one singer, one guitar and this is the REAL unplugged of any version.

It was recorded at EMI-Toshiba in Tokyo (1997) in front of very few lucky peoples in commemorative of their 20th year in music industry.

Coverdale's English accent communicate with audiences in between songs were "polite" with full of resonance. In opening track Sailing Ships you will and already feels the sense of being in front of them. I've listen to this cd before at guru's system as I mentioned in "stereotype audiophiles" notes and I liked them. In my system the ambiance are greatly captured with vocal / guitar reverberation.

Coverdale's voice is still the same and I think he's still great as to perform acoustically with bare or minimum instruments are a real challenge.... and he did excellently. Vandenberg, the 80's rock guitar virtuoso played peacefully with graceful skills...no doubt about that. The guitar image was "pictured" as life size, the strings and body of the guitar resonates and projected in realistic manner. The air or space between strings are very well and clearly defined and this what I call less is more. I can truly enjoy this session as if I was there...

The last three songs are the most I enjoyed..Is this Love, Here I Go Again and Soldier of Fortune. Great guitar works on Is this love with soft strings harmonic in the end of song and Soldier of fortune was delivered flawlessly.

Dim your lights and you are there...

Beautiful face = beautiful voice?

2009-04-01T13:45:00.000+08:00

Yes indeed, Georgian born singer Katie Melua has it all. Her third album pictures (Dramatico 2007) is her another successful released as a singer, song writer and as a musician. This album has quality of one button does it all, means just press "play" and follow the drifts till the end of the album. A very listenable album in arranging, composing and recording quality and the list of musicians are all great. Being familiar with her second album Piece by Piece which features Nine million bicycles and just like heaven, I just grab this cd without second thought while in London late last year. A little late since it was released in Oct 2007.

Released October 1st 2007.

1. Mary Pickford (Used To Eat Roses)

2. All In My Head

3. If The Lights Go Out

4. What I Miss About You

5. Spellbound

6. What It Says On The Tin

7. Scary Films

8. Perfect Circle

9. Ghost Town

10. If You Were A Sailboat

11. Dirty Dice

12. In My Secret Life

A very brief info about this album which I think not really necessary, for once you'll forget the hifi/music review's jargon. What I like most are the sweetest vocals on track four with distance drums set back in the studio. Track 7 has mild a touch blues/rock, which in my opinion a refreshing and added variety to this new album. Track 8, reggae/brass beat that can attest your system ability in producing kick drum's sound, not just bass but real "kick bass". Track 10, with deep meaningful lyrics ....how I wish she's my lover, I can't get those words and emotional out of my head....day dreaming!.

Overall this album has great sense of space into the recording and the bass/drums has bouncy and organic quality to it. Her voice has matured and is more assured, lyrics that has "story telling" feelings delivered with dulcet tone of voices are just so GOOD!. This album deserves all the praises musically and replaces my chamomile blend tea for a calming effect on every evening.

Katie, I'm in love....

Rock Swings anyone?...

2009-03-28T01:42:00.000+08:00

Paul Anka?, yes! and this album was released in Jun 2005. It was recorded at Capitol Studio "A" with live big band recording, awesome!. I can really feel the sense of being in front of the performers. The ambiance of the venue was greatly captured into the recording and I feel like conducting the band. Paul Anka's unmistakeable voice takes on some of the greatest songs giving new and original interpretations to it.

Full tracks listing as follows:

It's my life
True
Eye of the tiger
Everybody hurts
Wonderwall
Black hole sun
It's a sin
jump
Smells like teen spirit
Hello
Eyes without a face
The Lovecats
The way you make me feel
Tears in heaven

The opening track of it's my life with catchy drum beats can really reveals the quality of the recording. The trombones and trumpets at the right side with Sax (Alto/Tenor) on the left side can be greatly defined. My favorite track is Jump originally by Van Halen, I can't stop foot tapping till the song ends. Total contrast on Everybody hurts, Paul Anka's voices are so soothing, and relax with finest clarity of resonance.

On Black hole sun, the new arrangement was beautifully executed and as a whole of this album I can now really understand or comprehend the lyrics.

This is great recording, brilliantly performed, and Anka sings & swings his heart out. Sonically amazing, musically impeccable, vocally superb, this album swings hard from start to finish. He deserves these accolades...

Recommended!

My life and music in me

2009-03-26T00:38:00.001+08:00

I was born in a family that suffered a real struggle for living way back in early 70's, but we're not a broken family for sure. At the age of three, my mother took me and my younger sister travel from Kedah, Malaysia to down south, Singapore with all basic needs to start a new life in Singapore. This was my mother's first ever longest journey with little money to spare. My father working as a care taker in Singapore local construction's site office at that time was earning too little for us to rent a house and you know what?...we lived in a construction area in a wooden long house which has few rooms like motel but 0 star rated with one family for one room. They called it "Kotai"

I did my early kindergarten class at the age of four and that was the first time I've been introduced into music with nursery rhymes with teacher on piano playing the songs. I was so happy and excited and that was the only time for me to enjoy music as my family can't afford to send me to any music classes. Me and my sister started to sing a songs from radio..she'll be the singer and I'll make all the sounds of music vocally and banging the small empty biscuit tin, It was fun though. To earn extra money my mother had to find way to help my farther and she made an effort to prepare local hot savoury like curry puff etc.. to be sold at nearby workers canteen, I was the curry puff delivery boy back then.

Age five, we moved to Kuala Lumpur while my farther still working in Singapore. We rented a small house attached to owner's main house in suburban area. Time back then was very basic, I can't afford to have new toys like any other kids. So building a kites and to see them fly was so great and sometime we do play combat game with self-made wooden rifle with rubber band along the barrel as a bullet (wild cherry) launcher...quite painful!. I reckon people that have same age with me and living in the suburban area will familiar with those games...Milo tin with full of sand made as a roller (can be multiple stacked), Bola chop and Kara Kondi to name a few.

I still remember when my mother told me that the owner of the house is very nice couple. They sometime peeped through the wall to see what we having for lunch or dinner and she will share her cooked dishes. My mother doesn't know this until she noticed an eye watching over us through a small hole only after few months. We can't thank her enough...she's been very generous.

When I about to start going to school we moved once again to another suburban area and still renting. Time still bad for our family and we couldn't spend on anything else other than to put food on the table. I didn't remember this but my mother told us about one day that really made her cried. One evening while playing with friends, an ice cream man came as usual. All friends rush for home to get some money to buy an ice cream. While they enjoying that, my mother call us into the house and released back only after they finished the ice cream. She did that because she can't look at us looking others enjoying the ice cream as she didn't have any money to buy for us, not even 5 cents and that's really breaks her heart.

After a year our family managed to buy a house in that area and it was not big but cheap & good enough. 1979 my youngest sister was born, the last siblings in family. I was in standard one in primary school and again music lesson is the most favorite one. Mrs Ho was my music teacher and she taught us new song on every lesson and she's really good on piano. There are lots of percussion instruments but the drum (single tom with plastic stick) was always mine!...you can't touch that. Mrs Ho will hand over the drum to me on every time percussionist is needed...am I good at timing and beat?, I don't know. At home I love air drumming and sometime will use my mom's shopping bag sticks to bang the table, pot cover (cymbals) or anything around me.

It's until 1987 when I was in form three and the seniors are looking for a drummer for them to form a band. In a classroom when teachers was not around or in between change of teacher for different subjects, I'll be drumming at my desk and my friend will sing. He thought that I can really play drums and he approached the seniors and gives my name. I take this as an opportunity even though I haven't touch a real drums or even the sticks! and all these while is my imaginations of drumming. The seniors list down a few songs for me to practice for the weekend session. They were from Rusty Blade, Lefthanded, Search (all rock bands) and one to kill time song lambada...ha..ha.

One day, me and seniors (Jeff, Ard & Nizam) went to the jamming studio (Wilayah Complex) I was nervous but cool..I have to, it's do or die mission. From the first until the last songs, I played flawlessly without any glitch and they didn't noticed that was my first time ever on drums. What make me feel good more when another band's drummer (Raja) ask me the beat for the opening song of Rusty Blade. We were jamming few times until they left the school as it was their final year.

Then I started to learn guitar from friend (Vicky) and that was in 1988 when my family lived in Bandar Tun Razak (Sri Kota). After few month I met one guitar genius, his name Lan. We started jamming at staircase area almost everyday after school. We met few friends and formed a band with my friend Rizal as a drummer. We still jamming on rock genre songs as it was the time when new rock bands coming out with new album almost every few weeks. All these happen until mid 1989. In late 1989 I take the drums again and we managed to performed for one night session at Metallica Pub in Pertama Kompleks. Roger, a white American guy was the manager and keen to have us to perform that night right after early evening session from Blues Gang's former band members but Julian Mokhtar was not there...damn what a shame. We were playing songs from Loudness (Japanese rock band) and songs from local rock bands like May, Search, Wings..etc. After the show Gary the Pub cum DJ person in charge told us that we are very good..yeah!!! and he wanted to have us to perform at the pub nightly. Wow, that was hard to refuse but we rejected as few others are still in school.

Mid of 1990 was the time that I met old friends from school (another band members - Charlie & Din) and we hang out occasionally at Central Market..the place for meeting point at that time. They were looking for a drummer and ask me if I interested but with an audition . Yes, why not and few days later we booked the studio and start the audition. "Classmate" the band which already have their new album come to join us as they are Charlie's friends. They accepted me as a drummer and list out the songs for next jamming session. This band are almost Stryper cloned band, a rock band from US which has good heavy metal and weeping ballad songs. This is the peak of my time as a drummer and as a band member. We've been sponsored and coached during jamming from one band manager...and this is a serious shit.

During this time I feel a little bit different than normal people as I sleep in day time and alive & kicking at night time. This couldn't be me, my mother concern about my future and this not going to be my way of life..making money through music. This is the wake up call and since then, I continue my studies and start working few years later. I still enthusiastic about playing music and sometime I did performed during annual dinner of company and that's it, 1996 is the end.

3 years back , my old friends from former company called me for a jamming session, but this time as a bassist. Deep Purple, Bad Co, Whitesnake, Iron Maiden, Jimmy Hendrix, Sweet Charity, Led Zeppelin are the numbers. Well, for music sake I'm game for it but not as serious as before due to time constraints. Here I go again...whitesnake
Thanks for your time...

My Very Own Fender Bass Guitar

Stereotype audiophiles...

2009-03-03T12:51:00.003+08:00

In many years into this hobby - listening music through hi-fidelity system, has taught me a lot in this great journey of audiophile/music lover. Some people are to obsessed as if nothing in this world is more important than..so called being an "audiophile or hifi lover", but this hobby is very much better than many others as this make you stay at home...woo hoo!.

Many audiophiles venture into this hobby are mostly because of good sound reproduction in certain system at the hifi show or perhaps friend's home system. Not many who are really music lover or real enthusiast in music, which means knowledge in music, love music since younger age or can play any musical instrument ( a very brief knowledge/skills is good enough). You can tell this by browsing through their music collections and those who are really love the "sounds" of hifi will have lots of test reference disc or cover version of songs from audiophile artist recorded in "enhanced" resolution. There's a fine line between music lover and hi-fidelity sound lover but these elements can be brought together in order to enjoy the utmost of music to the highest peak.

Definition about music from thefreedictionary.com:

mu·sic (myzk)

1. The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.

2. Vocal or instrumental sounds possessing a degree of melody, harmony, or rhythm.

So, banging of drums intermittently from loud to the softest passage, to listen to shakers from left to right of the speakers or getting sucked into acres of depth in sound resolution, isn't about music. The blueman show making music from non musical instrument like plastic pipes..is more musical!.

No experience or knowledge in music will make them to find a mentor or guru as to seek guidance and reference to achieve the best sound. Thus, will make their view and sound reproduction a little stereotype because of too dependent on someone's knowledge which is right or wrong is an another issue. Not only that, they will try to make their system sounds closest possible from listening session or home visit. This is a very subjective issue on music reproduction and no one can be very right. If recording engineers or an artists produced a reference note on how the music should be heard, that would be a little help but not 100% as our perception, understanding & system response towards music are varies.

For instance, recently there is one journal or magazine about music/hifi in the local scene and it features lots of informative tips. It has few topics and the one that interest me most was the "listen critically" section from one of the most highly regarded hifi guru in Malaysia. ( joseph ki [listen critically] - audiophile guru joseph talking about 5 audiophile albums that impress him) . In one topic about "first we take Manhattan" by Jennifer Warnes, he mentioned about the singer, Ms. Warnes had cleared her throat "herk" and "hHem"at 15th - 16th seconds into the song and many audiophiles surely will dig out this cd or rush to the store to buy one as to listen and to find whether the system can reveal the "extras". In one review about this guru system, the reviewer couldn't find the "herk" back in his system and that surely a very unwelcome findings!. This guru are using LS3/5a speakers which has midbass (could be upper bass region) boom, hump or bloom in its design as to gives more on clear vocals as being used by BBC sound engineers. It has been used in a van as a mobile studio to monitor recording/transmission such as live telecast. Anything that falls in that spectrum will be prominently audible.

One has to really understand few aspects of recordings, perfect/typical studio recording, live studio recording or live event recording. These effects (herk, ahem, inhale, exhale) can be incorporated into the song as part of emotion of the singer or musician but here we're talking about this specific song by Ms Warnes. At least, we should consider in this recording that Ms. Warnes only came into vocal on 24th seconds of the song...if you know what I mean.

This affected me as well and my finding is different!. From my observation , it was not "herk" as clearing throat but a muted guitar strings and later follow slide along the frets. I called my friend to tell him about my finding and without listen to the track he already assumed that the guru is correct. He is right and I don't blame him as to put myself in his position, to believe a guru or an amateur audiophile with little knowledge in music like me.

It's hard to argue on this and differ from guru's statement as he is highly respected audiophile, so I better get things right. I decided to get better clarification from the "ultimate" source of info and spot on, I'm dead right.

The quotes:

* "I forwarded your message when I received it.....probably won't hear until tomorrow. She has physically been present for all the re-mastering from original tapes....so I know she wouldn't let a "pin drop" escape...much less an "ahem"....but I may be incorrect. I'll try to get a definitive answer for you...when she has time out of her schedule"

*"Well....thanks for thinking I'm fast...you just happened to catch me at a time when we had some time to do this....sometimes we don't answer people's notes for a few months...

But in your case..here is a rare personal response from Ms. Warnes. This must be only for your use and not to be quoted in anything...even an audiophile blog on the web....anything you intend to put "out there"...you need to get her permission as what she writes is copyrighted automatically. Dee

That’s Stevie absolutely. In musicians’ aesthetic parlance, any sound which happens by accident or on purpose during the physical act of getting the instrument to respond properly, ( finger noise, resin on a bow, feedback from an amp, strings squeaking) prove that playing a musical instrument is really hard work. (Analogy: the breath before a note can’t be separated from the following note, they are one thing.... a plie’ is the first half of a leap. The organic farmer is half of a healthy meal.
In the old days we hid the trickery and the work involved. We slept in our curlers.
Not only the final result is important. Musicians work with resistant material (bodies, bronchitis, guitars with unpliable strings, machines with bad batteries) to create sound.
Reality is in fashion now." international copyright of Jennifer Warnes 2009

The above quotes from Ms Warnes shouldn't be produced in any other forms, it's copyright protected. I've obtained this right personally through emails and I've tagged in red as a reminder.

further quote from Dee "I should clarify yet again....Mr Vaughn's guitar makes many different sounds as he goes about his work in playing the introduction..it is not a human sound of anything in anyone's throat..no choke..no cough."

I'm looking forward to listen to his system - sting

I fell in love with music, then make love through hifi....

update on 30/3/09, I had an audition to his system. At beginning of the session, we had few high resolution cds on ethnic/world music, the system on these particular music is utterly musical and 3D in presentation. The depth and the ambiance are great with pinpointing separation of the instruments are almost palpable. On Dire Straits's private investigation (proper music diet to my liking), all those quality are still there with bags of detail but slightly less musical to my personal preference. Whitesnake - Starkers in Tokyo (live acoustic version of Coverdale & Vandenberg), I can really connects to intimate one vocal & one guitar live jamming. It was honest, minimalist & pure performance/recording. We've listen to cds & vinyls and without doubt vinyl still topple cd's sound. On Jennifer Warnes - first we take Manhattan, the verdicts still the same.

Mamak restaurant part 2...

2009-02-25T22:16:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday 22/02/09 I was in Amcorp mall, PJ as to find some used cds and vinyls. It was 10.30am and I decided to have my breakfast at mamak restaurant at the lower ground floor.

First thing that really pissed me off when people smoking like nobody business in the restaurant....arghh stupid is stupid does.

Then came a lesbian couple with the "guy" trying to show her authority as a "gentleman" towards her partner. She called the waiter with very rude manner, whistle and snapping fingers and shouting for a menu with condescending attitude....perhaps more than a man!. I can see the waiter a little uneasy with the kind of attitude but humorously respond to the gesture as to calm himself down.

If you read my post on 12/01/09, this is the follow up version of human behaviour. After a while, roti telur (an uprated version of roti kosong) was served to them. No need to eloborate more if you read the first version.....

Respect should be earned, not demand...

2009-02-25T18:03:00.000+08:00

I have quite numbers of experience working with big companies, such as bank, few telecommunications companies etc. The working environment with big or well developed company are more professional and conducive than to compare with few others.

All begins with attitude at work or respect as an individuals which in my point of view are lacking in almost everywhere. I have always remember when I was being wished "good morning" from the CEO's of the company while I'm just an executive way back in the mid 90's. In fact, he even wishes the tea lady or cleaners and mind you he is our local but from big international telecommunication company.

The current job that I have now has slightly different approach in wishing, greeting or introduction (introduce yourself with a handshake) for that matter especially for the seniors or leaders above you. They will ignore as if you are invisible or will be sarcastic when ever the conversation starts...smile or saying "hi" is not good enough, an introduction is a MUST! and as formality on every "meeting" even though you've met them before. The worst part whenever the leaders came into the room later than the rest, they will just take their seat without the introduction and indirectly they demand everybody to come and introduce to them. Since introduction are so important to them and can creates lots of unnecessary problems, why can't they make a start in this situation?. But again, time has changed and things getting better as new generation with open minded or broad thinking people came in. There is still an older generation with kind and great attitude as a colleagues or leaders,... from the bottom of my heart, I salute them.

I have a friend (not in the same company though) who have a very typical kind of thinking about courtesy or respect. To her, once you're in higher position, anyone below you should start with all those wishes, greetings or introductions as to follow the hierarchy. To me, we should show respect to person below us in order to gain trust or respect in return. It's easy to become a leader and everyone can fill the position with experiences in job and get promoted. But to be a good leader, it is the hardest task.

We should respect everybody as a human being who has feelings and we are no better other than the job specs that we have. They maybe our subordinates, but still we have to practice a little courtesy whenever communicate with them. Some are fathers, mothers or someone older than you who has more experience in life. To complete a task and to gain respect/trust are every leaders must have attitude or quality.

In army or any other forces, yes...... We respect the rank not the man.

My HiFi system setup: reviewed by Panzer, Desirableaudio

2009-02-17T17:04:00.004+08:00

Ladies & Gentlemen, You Are There!

Tubes Galore!

Many systems easily gives the "they (the performers) are here, in the room" presentation, but just a few days ago, I experienced a system that represents that "you are there!"perspective. This is the story of such a system.

Sting(the system owner, not the English man in New York!), goes around the world as part of his job demands. He is an ardent fan of live concerts, not the stadium filling type mind you, but rather the intimate Jazz bar, or acoustic live type of performance. The type of concert that Hardrock Cafe best known for. These performing environment forms his point of audio reproduction reference. Sting's music diet consist of mostly live recordings of such performances and live studio recordings, of acoustic folk, pop/rock and blues musical genre mostly.

Listening to this system, one gets the feeling of being transported all the way to the event!, being part of the audience, smoke, beer and all the sensation of "being there!". The system re creates the "stage" literally to a very high degree convincingly. The air is not only between instruments, but also between the performers! As a certain hifi guru used to quote, "breathing the same air as the musicians" now makes so much sense to me. The sound stage is virtually 3D in presentation with almost life sized scale, when playing all these recorded live performances. One of my favorite live performances ever recorded is Eva Cassidy's Live at the Blues Alley, it's like I was there. With this type of presentation, all the usual audiophile sound description almost becomes meaningless. But this is an hifi blog, one with high end aspirations if I might add. So we'll still dissect the sound just a bit.

Tonality is warm, highs airy and smooth, but full of energy so important to the aspect of recreating the "live performances" so convincingly. The mids have body and density, not only have mouth, but chest and waist portrayed. The bass, though does not extend particularly low, does has enough heft, to still make bass guitars and kick drums, well, kick ass!

This is a system to immerse yourself in to the live event re created!

Naim CD5 & Flatcap.

So what's the equipment list, you ask? Here goes, starting with a Naim CD5 supported by a Flatcap to power the analogue section of the player. A Naim DIN to RCA cable is used to send the signal to a DIY tube pre amp.

DIY tube buffer design pre amp.

This pre amp is an interesting one, because it is a tube buffer by design, incorporating and step attenuator and selector switch. The buffer design nature means no gain and no feedback. In theory at least, it should sound as transparent as a passive pre, minus all the drawbacks usually associated with the passive unit. Built quality and parts are impressive, with a pair of Sylvania 6922 forming the heart of the pre amp, flanked by parts like 1% metal films resistors and 3% Mundorf Silver/Oil caps, to improve L/R channel matching tolerance. Eat your heart out! Musical Fidelity X-10D, which ever version!

Inside pre amp, simplicity!

From the tube buffer pre amp, which solves the impedance matching issues between source and power amp, connected by Mogami Studio interconnects which is perhaps, the STAR of the system, a pair of VTL MB-250 Signature tube mono blocks. These are some of the sweetest sounding muscular amps around, having played with a pair before in my own system, I know their 250 quality watts very well.

VTL MB-250 Signature.

The amplified signals are sent to a pair of Von Schweikert VR1 Reference mini monitors, which are mounted on top of half filled, four pillar stand. Speaker cable is vdH The Wind.

Von Schweikert VR1 Reference, worth another look?

The music system's power is supplied via dedicated 45 amps power line specially installed for the job. Promitheus Balance Power Supply is used to condition before sending the juices to the CD player only. All oher equipments draw power direct from wall via, Wire World Tundra distributor. Various Harmonic Tech A/C series power cords are used to connect from distributor to all the various equipments.

Dedicated 45 amps power line for audio.

Promitheus Audio Balanced Power for Naim CD5 only.

Cable elavators, made drom left over legs from "shoe rack" deflector panels.

Various tuning methods are employed, from equipment isolation spikes to what seemed like tuning beaks, placed on the two front corners of the speakers. These are in fact, resonators in disguised. Sting would not tell me the source of the resonators, so I can't share that with our readers.

Speaker tuning beak?

No, but a resonator!

Room tune/treatment is taken care, by a variety of, guess what, shoe racks! I did not know about them prior to my visit, but Sting says he got inspired after reading about it from this blog! He used a total of 22 sets shoe racks, deployed in the front and side walls, plus ceiling corners, all double or quad layered. The back wall of the room, is lined with drapes. CD racks also lined the sidewalls for further deflection qualities.

Shoe rack ceiling corner treatment.

2 and 4 layers shoe rack deflector sandwich.

Drapes and ceiling corner treatment for back wall.

Did I mentioned that Sting is also an avid photographer(the really nice looking ones are taken by him) and accomplished bass guitar player too?

It's alive....!

Well done, Sting!

first world infrastructure with third world mentality/attitude...

2009-01-22T12:07:00.002+08:00

Due to my nature of job, I'm glad that I can see the world by different view and give me an idea in lots of things. I can compare the attitude of people by various countries that I've been. Some have very unique and interesting cultures, not to forget about racism. But here the utmost important for me is how to improve on our side base on "good" values that we always proud as a Malaysian.

We can have the best, the tallest in the world here in Malaysia but when we don't have the right attitude, there is nothing to be proud off. Peoples are watching, tourists are comparing but we just don't even bother to learn and improve...or is it just being ignorant?

I used to take an ERL from KLIA back to my area as and when I need to get home fast. The trains are good and the service rendered by the staffs are not bad at all with friendly smiling faces at the ticket counter. I am kind of proud to have such transportation system in our country even though the speed of the trains could be stepped up to match the "high speed train" that has been quoted every where (airport announcement or from the advertisement). Not so high tech train in Sweden travels at 200kmh and that's a minimum for me to call a high speed train.

The point that I wanted to highlight is when I'm about to disembark from the train. Every time and every single of my trip, I'll be mad with those people who are about to board the train. Those people are selfish and inconsiderate, they stand right in front of your nose before you even make your way out!. With luggage or roller bag, it's kind of hard to make your way as they creates like a human wall in front of you prohibits from exit.

Why they don't let disembarking passenger out then only board the train?. Definitely they're fighting for the seats...too bad and to let disembarking passengers out first is the "rules" or etiquette in every transportation services in the world. If not, take an early train and don't make others suffer..why don't they queue at the specific point as they know wheres the train gonna be stopped.

I've made a suggestion to the station's manager on how to improve the service and leave my number for him to call me back, but business as usual..they never call you back and that is the standard of Malaysian way of handling customers.

Below is the footage taken in Taipei and compare them with our Malaysians...

Jew or Zionist are all the same....

2009-01-14T21:04:00.020+08:00

As we seen in the media that even Jewish people has condemned the aggression of Israel on Gaza. Some people may say not all Jewish people are Zionist and I respect that opinion. Jewish in my view are smart people and in everything they will do, it will be planned very well. The "good" side of Jew that we have seen in the media is actually to counterbalance the situational condition of what being done by their blood relation Zionist.

The War on Gaza is actually a well planned and Israel "need" this war for their occupancy of Palestinian's land. Gaza is only 45KM long and 12KM wide and for this, they can only run but they can never hide. Dropping off leaflets to inform Palestinians to evacuate?...where to? all borders and exits has been closed. This is a new era of genocide and why did I say that?.

They planned well and attack in the winter so that Palestinians has no shelter in the cold season. They cut off all the essential supplies such as water and electricity and they bombs unnecessary places such as Mosques and schools (even UN school) and claimed those places are being used for weaponry storage. They attack right on prayer time which had killed many peoples including 3 children inside the Mosque. Can you see how well they planned?. They study into micro detail before doing anything. From the footage of the bombing there are 2 explosions which they claimed that the second explosion shows the weapons or bombs that have been destroyed. No..no..no...second explosion was no greater than the first. They were using bombs that use to destroy bunker, first explosion penetrate the shell or building and second explosion to kill the occupants.

Israel are using white phosphorous (aka Willy Pete) which is banned because of their potential use against the civilians. White phosphorus bombs and shells are incendiary weapons, but can also be used as offensive anti personnel flame compounds that capable of causing serious burns or death. This chemical can, will and has resulted in thousands of innocent civilians lives by injuries and death in three ways...by burning deep into tissue, by being inhaled as a smoke, and by being ingested. Extensive exposure by burning and ingestion is fatal.

Israel Defense Force (IDF) made a press statement about hundreds of Hamas fighters has been killed in the fiercest fighting. But they never show in the news as evident and if IDF really killed hundreds of Hamas, surely the footage will be aired to the whole world and ask for support of their incursion into Gaza. IF the report is true, the number of civilians casualties doesn't justify their action, period!.

All they can say "this is war" and 1/3 who died are children.

Why did Hamas firing the rockets into Israel?, because they don't have the ultimate freedom and still being control by the Jewish state. The tunnels that Hamas build not solely to smuggle weapons but live stocks, medicines and foods!. To settle all these issues we have to look back at the core or roots of this problem. You've got to know the history....

Those day the Jewish people were not even care about the "promised land" and after the holocaust by the Nazis during WWII they make a return. All was based on their believe/Torah /Tanakh/Talmud, you name it and they came as war refuges. They were located in high security camp managed by the British and started to make chaos by killing few British army officers. August 1, 1948 the British mandate of Palestine (1920) was terminated by UN (resolution 181) in order for the formation of 2 states of Arabs/Jewish and slowly they grant their "right" after British left.

The approximate borders of the British Mandate circa 1922. In September 1922 Britain organized the territory east of the Jordan river, "Transjordan," as an autonomous state.

Below is the UN partition plan for Palestine in 1947

and look at the map below, compare then & now...

They wanted Jerusalem so bad and few others strategic areas. click here and you can see what are the Zionist think about Palestine. This is an Israelis travel agency site which promote tourism in Israel and it shows everything about their vision. To them Palestine is never exist and by producing such a map it will educates new generations or people who doesn't know about the history and Indirectly rewritten the history...

Imagine this, you give small portion of your land for them to live and years later you are the one who have to get out from the land and fighting for your rights. This is almost the same history as Andalucia (now Spain). Would it be alright if the Muslims taking back Andalucia solely base on Islamic history & believe?..."you'll cry if you know the whole story of Andalucia".

That is a small part of history on how Jewish came into Palestinian's land.

Jewish/Zionist for me are the same. A person who extend right hand for a "friendship" and throw a punch from a left hand...be more careful of the right hand.

Alas, many fooled by them.

Day in Day out thing...

2009-01-13T15:35:00.000+08:00

When you going to have something at "mamak" restaurant, what do you have in mind?. I bet almost everybody know what mamak restaurant has to offer.

Yet, I encountered a couple asking for a menu and the waiter search high and low for it (I guest very seldom customers ask for a menu). After browsing the menu, they order "roti kosong" in the end. But as a customers they have every right to ask for a menu. So, what's the problem?..nothing really but here is some human behavior that makes things a little complicated and out of norm.

hello there....

2008-12-23T16:36:00.001+08:00

call me sting...but I'm not the real sting as everyone has in mind :). Sting, is my idol as a musician and his music has a great influence in me...musically genius.