This Show Must Go Off! And A Playlist To Match! Woohoo!

Eto na! Pardon the use of the quintessential Al Dimalanta quote, but this is what my sentiment exactly is, right now. Eto naaaaaaa!

By now you must have known that T.S.A. is doing a one-night off at Hades Bar on February 12. If you don't, then check out this poster, yea? This is brought to you by your reliable friendly neighbourhood Bisikleta Productions, as well as this blog Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks Productions.

This is also the perfect opportunity to update my (heehee) sleeping playlist. All-Pinoy, as usual, with the songs coming from the bands who have a lot to do with the guest artists and the main attraction on February 12.

NOTE: Mixpod Player is fucked up, so I am using the BOX Player temporarily. Just Click play. I will try to remedy the situation asap so that you get your music playing the moment you load the Trash Radio Manila blog site.

1. T.S.A. - "Hoy!"
2. Betrayed - "Ain't Gonna Fight For You"
3. Tame The Tikbalang - "Forever Shall Be"
4. G.I. and The Idiots - "The Flag"
5. Throw - "Walang Hustisya"
6. T.S.A. - "Violent Dispersal"

See you all on Saturday!

Up next: Pinkcow did it!

MY TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I have made the resolution of keeping this blog updated. So here I am, off to another fresh start. I know I promised you a list, didn't I? Well here it is.

My Top 5 Albums of 2010.

The truth is, I wrote this post in early December. Before posting this article, I just had to make sure that this did not appear elsewhere. Having confirmed this yesterday, I now post where I think this article should be most appropriate: HERE. JUST HERE.

Please read on, and tell me what you think.

My Top 5 Albums for 2010

Selecting my Top 5 for this year has been trickier than difficult. I can easily spew out titles of albums whose songs stuck to memory and made an impression, but the process is trying, to say to the least. One of the things that I loathe doing is to leave out equally deserving works. There are clearly many bands worth a listen whose works remain lurking in blog sites, unearthed only by a few persistent music lovers who are on a constant quest for novel stuff.

My choice is definitely reflective of the year that has been. But shouldn’t music serve to be reflective of the times? My list is made up entirely of Pinoy artists: all have been around for quite sometime (the youngest of them being Goodleaf). Their albums contain songs that bespeak of the political and economic times: the turn-over of political power, the society’s persistent ills, and such. It is almost like reading the editorial section of the newspaper.

So here is my list.

1. “Believe” – Throw

Throw, as every self-respecting punk and underground music scenester may have known by now, is a powerhouse band made up of Al Dimalanta, Dennis Maniego, and son Spyk. This album came out in January, paying tribute to late hardcore luminaries Jay Dimalanta (Dead Ends), Luis Guiang (G.I. and the Idiots, Put3Ska), and Je Bautista (Betrayed, Music Front, Beatdown Boombox). Albert Ascona of The Beauty of Doubt and Bad Omen played guitars on this one. This album is definitely a group effort and not an Al Dimalanta show at all, which I feel is what Al had been quite conscious about throughout Throw’s existence. The title track and “Choose” (which happens to be my favorite), for instance, are written by Spyk and Al: both songs are riveting melodic paeans of hope and of deciding wisely. This one is probably Throw’s more melodic outputs.

2. “’Wag Kalimutan Ang Ingay” – Throw

Sadly, Throw disbanded last month after ten years in the hardcore scene. While Al has assured that he will continue with the acoustic gigs, I will certainly miss Throw. The band left us with this effort, “’Wag Kalimutan Ang Ingay”, dedicated to the memory of Al’s parents Ernesto and Ophelia (who both passed away this year) and his brother Jay. For this album, Against Man guitarist Alan Roldan plays for the band.“’Wag Kalimutan…” is clearly angrier than its predecessor, a reaction to the recent political changes. My favorite track will have to be “Karapatan”, which is part spoken word and all aggression that has always been Al’s trademark.

3. “ No Hero” – Coffee Break Island

Coffee Break Island is one of the most hardworking bands around. “No Hero” is their long-overdue sophomore album. While there is no clear stand-out song in the mold of their very popular song “Party Song”, the tracks are more cohesive. CBI is just as politicized in their own way, if you manage to get past the strong groove of their songs and give the lyrics a listen. I like “No Hero” and “Walang Hanggan”

4. “Dubpilipinas” – Goodleaf

Their gigs do not come all too often, leaving a good number of people wondering what exactly these guys play, except for the genre generally termed dub. People who have seen this band perform live swear that they know their dub pretty well and that they are able to incorporate numerous musical elements in their works. Goodleaf has, finally, come up with an album that showcases their skills. Listen to the title track, “Digital Roots”, and “Solusyon Ka Ba o Problema?”

5.  “Back To Kindergarten” – T.S.A.

T.S.A. is a bunch of Bulacan kids who grew up playing hardcore. All three members are now in Singapore, continuing to wreck hardcore havoc on our Southeast Asian friends who seem more pleased that offended about this fact. Ojie, Bimboi, and Pedro, as far as I know, have long been raring to make a tribute album, their own interpretation of punk and hardcore tunes that have largely influenced them. The body count can easily be guessed: Dead Ends, Urban Bandits, Betrayed, R.D.A...mostly from the Twisted Red Cross era. Some may have criticized their album as “too clean”: maybe so, but it is not a problem with me as we speak of eras that are decades and technologies apart. My favorite may well be reflective of my bias towards the band that they have covered, in this case: Urban Bandits’ “Hoy!”

I know that I have missed a lot, as my disclaimer states. Either I did not get to hear them yet (like Juan Isip's new EP) or I just ran out of slots.  There are bands whose works I await (calling The GoSigmals, Tsunami Tsunami ... ) and more bands to unearth. It is all a learning experience, and all we have to do is open our ears and minds.




Next in the list of items to update is the playlist. I will get back to you really soon. To keep you company in the meantime is a video from Coffee Break Island's second album launch called "Walang Hanggan".

Music Speaks, April 6 at Route 196

Unang pagbasa ayon kay Lourd De Veyra

Oftentimes, overusing the phrase "random acts of kindness" annoys me a bit. I cannot fathom how choosing a definite recipient of a supposed random benevolence can be left to chance. Unfortunately, however, one is sometimes overcome by a feeling of a natural "high" (I am guilty, sometimes) and a want to just, just do something nice to anyone.

Caliph8 and Malek Lopez (Drip, Rubber Inc)

The phrase crossed my mind days ago. I, an ordinary denizen on the face of planet Earth, has been (and continues to be) a beneficiary of kindness in all forms, that sometimes I do wonder if any of these acts are actually "random". [Dear friends, tell me quick, your kindness is not at all random, isn't it? I deserve your generosity, yes? Hahaha!]

Take for instance, Music Speaks' first gig last April 6 over at Route 196 along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. The planning of this gig was not without the usual hitches (unusual for me, a total vierge in the gig production arena). It was through the kindness of many people that gave its maiden gig its modest success. Is it random at all? Certainly not, perhaps ... but some actions are just purely pleasantly unexpected that they, too, may probably qualify as "random". Errr, am I making sense?

Call it what you want, then. :) Of course, a bunch of thank you's are in order.

To Erwin who conceptualised and pushed me hard into doing this gig with him, Arvin who was excited with the whole idea of "genre heterogeneity", Albert who did the posters and helped with the publicity, Leslie who effectively assisted specially with the legwork, Mina who did the Music Speaks logo, Hil for the additional promo.

Sago + Caliph8 on drum machine + Malek on keyboards

To Radioactive Sago Project, Malek Lopez, Caliph8, Throw (with Al sporting a spanking new tattoo - w000t!), and The GoSignals (Mel, thank you, you know why) - it was a most fantastic set. Grabe, mind-blowing.

The GoSignals: we joyfully wait for your full-length album ;)

To Route 196 for providing us with a great venue.

Throw with Lourd on guitars

To the guests who opened their minds and hearts (and their schedules too!) to the vision that we have of the kind of gig that we wanted to offer that night. And to everyone else whom I missed, a million thanks.

To those who did not make it to the gig, TOO F***IN' BAD! Hahaha! How does Radioactive Sago Project + Caliph8 + Malek Lopez on a single stage sound to you? How about Throw with Lourd De Veyra on guitars? Or The GoSignals doing a full set of nearly 100% fresh originals?

It was a great night. We were very happy with the response and another gig should be up sooner than you think. Till next time, mes amis et amies.

[This event somewhat coincided with Je Bautista's first death anniversary, which was on an Easter Sunday, April 4. I know that he is happy wherever he is, moreso that we have finally pushed through with what he had wanted to do the whole time.]

Le chemin est loin et difficile, je sais, mais d'accepter le défi. Toujours toujours. We dance to the death. Yes!

Free The 43 Gig Last March 31, And A Sneak Peak from Music Speaks' Event Last April 6

Before I give you a rundown of what happened last March 31 at Ten02 Bar, let me just show you a photo from Music Speaks' event last April 6 at Route 196.

It is not too often that one gets to see Al Dimalanta of Throw and Lourd de Veyra of The Radioactive Sago Project together onstage. It should be remembered that Lourd played guitars in Dead Ends' 4th album, Mamatay Sa Ingay.

(To those who did not know, Lourd is also a fierce guitarist, though he admits to not having touched the guitar for quite sometime. About time, Lourd? *hint, hint*)

More on Music Speaks later. In the meantime ...

*****

Band-Aid 43, the benefit gig for the Morong 43 group, was a well-attended affair. I initially cursed myself for coming in late and missing Bobby Balingit's set, but on the whole all the bands gave a spirited performance, the most notable of which came from Anak Ni Aling Juana and Tolonguez Death Squad. Nuklus, pinoy rock veterans from way back 80s, likewise delivered an inspired set.

The event was emceed by Nato and Odel of Tolonguez Death Squad. Here are some more photos and a slideshow from the said gig.

Nycti Nasty

Nuklus

Anak Ni Aling Juana

t.R.A.

I have to thank a friend, Mavie, for taking care of me (hahah!) during the entire gig. It's been ages, my dear friend, and always, it is music that provides the venue for us to see each other. Thank you very much.

The cause of the Morong 43 should not be left to oblivion, moreso now that the presidential election is looming. I will provide you with updates as they come.

(But wait, there's more...)

Easter Sunday: A Year After Passage To Eternal Life, Among Other Things

Maligayang Linggo ng Pagkabuhay sa inyong lahat!

Today marks the end of the Lenten season in the Christian world. It has been said that Christmas Day should be celebrated on Easter Sunday. I would rather involve myself in related discussions in another venue. :)

Instead, I want to point out some things relevant to this blog.

Today, Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, marks the First Death Anniversary of Trash Radio's co-founder, Je Bautista. When I first realized this months ago, I thought, what beautiful serendipity: even in another dimension, Je has always kept his twisted sense of humour. He was, is, and will always be creative, and nothing will ever change that fact. For this reason, I have a song playing right now, a personal favorite of his, to remember him by. Need I say what it is?

A few months ago, some arrangements were being made with friends of Trash Radio Manila. The result, ultimately, is Music Speaks. Music Speaks is the production arm of Trash Radio Manila, so named after Je's multiply blog (which also happens to be the prototype blog of Trash Radio Manila). Funny that our good friend Hilboy wrote about Music Speaks days before I did, haha. Thanks man, as always. Read about Hil's write-up HERE.

The first event of Music Speaks will be held on April 6, 2010, Tuesday, at Route 196 along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. The gig will feature full-length sets by Throw, Caliph8, and Radioactive Sago Project. That the choice of artists is somewhat of a musical motley was deliberate and something that I have always wanted to see on a regular basis.

Check out the poster for details. While I do not dare say that this is a tribute gig to Je (again, coincidental!), starting anew is almost the most natural thing to do after Easter Sunday.

Something like ... spring cleaning, too. ;)

See you guys on Tuesday.

(Photo of The Resurrection from this site.)

Mamayang Gabi Sa Sazi's Bar!!!

Kitakits!

BELIEVE: Throw's Third Album Launch (Saturday, 23 January 2010)

If you were present during the launching of the previous album, Unwavering, you may have probably noticed that last Saturday's affair at the Leprechaun Bar was more sober. It is not a bad thing to be one, though. There may be some reasons for it.

Perhaps, one of those reasons is that January 23 also happens to be the birthday of the late Jay Dimalanta, brother to Throw vocalist/guitarist Al and bassist to the legendary punk band Dead Ends. Or maybe the people were just a little tired and spent from the week's travails. Or maybe, wala lang, I think too much, haha.

Sobriety, however, renders little consequence to the sound of Throw's newest album. Believe is not sober, and Throw is definitely a non-complacent band. Al, together with his crew is, and will always, bite, so to say. Their songs hit the midsection always, and takes a constant, painful stab at politics and the society. The album is dedicated to the memory of three local punk luminaries who have passed on to hardcore nirvana: Jay Dimalanta, of course, Luis "Weslu" Guiang, and Je Bautista. Believe, like the other Throw albums, is, contrary to popular thought, a team effort: Spyk co-wrote Choose and Believe (a very strong track), Dennis was credited for penning Eleksyon and Borrowed with Al, and Albert of course wrote Six and co-wrote Warlord and the Zappa-inspired Screw Yourself.

(But hey, why don't you just pick up a copy of the album? I am meaning to write about the gig.)


I got in just in time to see Talk Sick, the Malolos-based hardcore outfit. (Sorry po, Against Man, I like you guys, pero na-late lang ako, di ko kayo napanood.) Talk Sick does not just rip through their set, the band actually groove, if one listens close enough. I made a mental note to play Talk Sick in the playlist sometime soon. They were then followed by Staid, the hardcore band whose members come from groups such as Half The Battle and Choke Cocoi. I personally admire the efforts of these two bands, as well as the rest of those who endeavour to go outside their homebases to play, and the same thing goes to the audience who support the bands wherever they are. It is the best that one can offer to bands who do not, and will likely never, get the support of popular media.

Spyk's young band SDK (with Dennis Maniego as proxy bassist) followed. Not long ago, Spyk was a gangly teener who just smiled as he banged the drumkit. He still smiles, as if playing the drums is a breeze, but he is definitely getting more and more formidable, and is fast turning into a...heartthrob! (Sounds funny? Wait till you see the giggly girls at the sideline whenever he plays.)

Tame The Tikbalang is one band that I really love for its consistency and competence and I am happy that they are still around and continue to play like demons. No obvious signs of aging so far.

It is good that The GoSignals finally started to play their originals on a regular basis. I am paying a close watch on the band's first album release.

Goo played too. It was a blast to see them cover some Descendents. I saw the crowd liven up and sing along, including, of course, Throw guitarist and unabashed Descendents fan Albert Ascona.

Then it was Throw's turn.

What can I say?

If I talk further, it will be my heart talking...

A somewhat sober night indeed, but still great. My heartfelt congratulations to Spyk, Dennis, Albert, and Al.

And the best way to end the launch? Nekbu!

Till the next album launch! Yay! Yay!

Throw's Third Album Launching This Saturday! Yay! Yay!

Ninety percent of the time, I am the usual observer, the one to make comments, the person who is never too impressionable. Not exactly jaded, just not wont to rave quickly over matters and people.

Thus, it is unlikely that I resort to lick-ass (pardon the dirty term) tactics just to earn the good graces of people that I respect or admire. This I say as a general rule.

Sometimes, however, I turn into a little fangirl (still without the ass-lick predisposition, please note) ... like right now. It cannot be helped. To fully appreciate a craft such as a beautiful song or an iridescent voice, one has to listen, not only with his ears, but with his heart, mind, and soul.

It is therefore with my heart, mind, and soul that I appreciate the artistry of Al Dimalanta, and the people who make up Throw, as well the people who were once part of Dead Ends.

Which is why I am very excited about Throw's 3rd album launching this coming Saturday, January 22. It's been more than a year since Throw launched their second album (we wrote about it here) Unwavering. The featured song is Choose, a song written by Al and emerging wonder drummer boy Spyk Maniego. Do come over to Leprechaun Bar tomorrow, see Throw live (check out the poster for details), and pick up their CD. I should stop blabbering now and let the song speak for itself, yes? See you at the gig.

Tonight, Like It Is Starting To Become A Habit

The gig in honor of drummer extraordinaire Luis "Weslu" Guiang's third death anniversary will be tonight, 8pm at Sazi's Restobar (formerly Mayric's).

The line-up is formidable, as it includes the bands for which Weslu has pounded the skins (G.I. and the Idiots, and for a short time, The GoSignals) as well as friends like Throw, Nekbu, and Against Man.

This seems to me more like a celebration of life and times of (rather than a tribute for) the man who will always be remembered for his amazing sense of humor, his mania behind the drumkit (Skanking while hitting the skins? Almost unbelievable!), and his enduring courage, especially manifested during his last hours. As such, I am not too hesitant to promote the gig.

It would be banal of me to say that I miss Louie, but it is the plain truth. Everybody misses Weslu. Everybody will miss him. I will not be amazed if Weslu's death anniversary will be celebrated in the (many many) years to come.

The Weekends That Were

Waaaaaaah!

The wailers: Dennis Maniego, Albert Ascona, Jun Quiane, and frenzied pair during T.S.A.'s gig over at the Leprechaun Bar, September 18, 2009

I sure missed a lot these past weekends. Though I was lucky enough to catch the fantastic T.S.A. during the September 18 gig at the Leprechaun Bar sponsored by Filter Zine (Huwaaaaaaat? Antagal na pala? Shame shame. :( ), I missed the Bisikleta-sponsored T.S.A. sortee at Ten02 bar. Yes I also missed the Tarlac gig last October 10 (featuring Throw, Tame The Tikbalang, Bad Omen, and a whole lot more, my apologies for not having posted the poster, very very sorry), and I friggin' missed The Bing Austria Show the day after and the "Picking Up The Pieces" fund raising gig last October 12. Please don't ask me what has happened to me these past few weeks, it is something very very horrendous and not worth sharing here. (Sob sob sob, I sure hope to get over this year in one piece, I seriously do!). Suffice to say though that while things were battering me up to pieces (grrrr...), all seems to be alive and thriving this side of the music scene.

Will be posting my backlogs real soon. Below are some photos taken from T.S.A.'s Leprechaun gig and the October 10 Tarlac gig. (Thank you so much to Mina for the incredible photos of the Tarlac gig. Are you the female Andy Rosen? :))) )

T.S.A., Leprechaun Bar, September 18, 2009

Ojie of T.S.A.

Pedrobandido, T.S.A.

T.S.A. with Arnold Morales doing "Blood In Every Heart"

Throw with Ojie of T.S.A.

Tarlac, October 10, 2009

Russell Eustaquio of Tame The Tikbalang

Jun Idiot

Jun, Boyet, Al, Russ, Albert

Tarlac Kids

Picking Up The Pieces Updates

UPDATED POST!

Here's the *updated* updated poster of the upcoming event on Sunday, October 11, 3pm at Ten02 Bar. (Heheh, that's redundancy for you.)

Updates to the line-up are the addition of The Jerks! In lieu of Coffee Break Island, we'll be seeing CBI's Paul Puti-an live.

And of course, topbilling the show too are Throw, The GoSignals, and Tsunami Tsunami. Soundblasters will provide the sounds in between sets. Do note that other donations in kind (blankets, mosquito nets, medicine, water etc) aside from easy open canned goods will be accepted at the gate. Proceeds will go to the Bayan Muna Relief Mission.


See you all on Sunday.

[A donation box will be set up on this date and during The Bing Austria Show at Sazi's Restobar on Saturday - the day before the fund-raising gig. Check out the posters on the side rail. ]

...And Then There Was Heartcore

It was a thought borne out of nights of discussion, mostly about how people in the scene are getting older, about those who have passed on and about experiences that people never seem to learn from. Health issues - probably one of the most uncool concerns ever - plague even those who sing about enjoying because "...it's later than you think" (ugh, apologies to The Specials).

Recently these very concerns hit two people - Dennis Maniego and Je Bautista - both bassists to some of the most respected punk bands around. While we rejoice as Dennis recovered from his multiple bypass surgery, Je had not been as fortunate, succumbing to myocardial infarction in spite of vigilant treatment. Sickness, hospitalisation, surgery, death: these are not the problems that any musician would want to have. It is common knowledge that most musicians are exposed to one of the unhealthiest lifestyles on the planet and are one of the most financially under-appreciated persons in the work force. I seriously doubt if most of them have an SSS, GSIS, Philhealth, or an HMO card even.

And so there is Heartcore, a concept backed by these real problems, and more. Last Saturday, May 30, 2009, Heartcore was the name of the gig which was meant to celebrate the recovery of Dennis and the life and times of Je. The bands who played were as follows: S.D.K., The GoSignals, Half The Battle, The Beauty Of Doubt, Throw, Goo, Staid, Tame The Tikbalang, End of Man, Rust Phantom, and Einstein Chakras.

What a night it was, in more ways than one. And the bands. Half The Battle was impressive, and S.D.K. is promising. I found myself singing when Al Dimalanta of Throw started chanting Dead Kennedys' "Kill The Poor" - it is not too often that Al does covers. Was waiting for Mel Maniego of The GoSignals to do the Pete Townshend leap at the end of their set. Check out the photos below.

In the days to come I will expound on the concept of Heartcore more extensively. But suffice to say that the gig has been great, and it was specially great to see Dennis Maniego play the bass like he has done pre-surgery. As for Je, he must have been there too, in spirit, hanging around that particular table where people were eating Baliwag chicharon....

S.D.K.

The GoSignals

Half The Battle

The Beauty Of Doubt

Throw

Goo

Staid

Tame The Tikbalang

End Of Man

Rust Phantom

Einstein Chakras