T.S.A., obviously influenced by the people who started the mayhem that is called Pinoy Punk, is coming out with an album called "Back To Kindergarten".
It is finally done, yep, as I am quite aware that the boys have been working on this for quite sometime. (First heard this from them around two years ago. Could be more. That long ago.)
T.S.A. will be back to perform on February 20, 2010 at Sazi's Bar in Espana. The new album will be sold at the gates. I received some tracks from the benevolent bounty of Ojie, T.S.A.'s ferocious drummer, and I am playing them now. The tracklist below:
1. Violent Dispersal (originally by R.D.A.) - T.S.A.
2. Hoy!!!!! (originally by Urban Bandits) - T.S.A.
3. Flush The Attitude (originally by Dead Ends) - T.S.A.
Doing covers is both fun and dangerous. To cover a song demands both the right intentions and the right treatment, and most bands. while having the noblest of intentions, fall short of injecting their creativity and flavour. I have yet to hear the entire album, but so far, it seems that T.S.A. is on the right track. Find out more when you guys get hold of the album.
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!
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.
Bisikleta Productions celebrated its 4th anniversary by way of a gig entitled "Sweet and Dandy" last Saturday, January 16, 2010.
As a refresher, let me just tell you a bit about Bisikleta Productions.
The birth of Bisikleta Productions is largely credited to the late great Luis "Weslu" Guiang, probably known most for being (arguably) one of the best local drummers of his generation and for his easy-going, funny ways. Weslu formed Bisikleta with some kids from Malabon (his hometown) and Kalookan City. Bisikleta, the bicycle, is their chosen metaphor for the DIY ethos of punk, and was formed to further the cause of the subcultures of punk, ska, mod, rockabilly, hiphop, and dub, among others.
Unfortunately, Weslu met a gruesome road accident on January 2007. It was Hilboy Raymundo, the kid from Kalookan, who almost singlehandedly took over Bisikleta, even though he had to leave for a while for a 6-months job stint in Singapore. Upon his return, the gigs started pouring in. One of these is the monthly The Bing Austria Show.
Ever since the inception of Trash Radio Manila on January 7, 2008 (oo, dalawang taon na ang Trash Radio Manila, pero ipinagpaliban ko ang pagdiriwang, at malamang ay alam naman ninyo kung bakit), Bisikleta has always been supportive of us. Our last team-up was the Louie Louie gig over at Cubao X last January 2009. Bisikleta has been around, coordinating with and supporting Trash Radio Manila, and as such we are more than glad to do the same thing in return.
To Hil, I speak to you now, both as a friend and a co-supporter of the scene: Congratulations ... at padayon!
Some photos from the gig.
Earthlings
The crowd
Bing promoting the second album of his band Juan Pablo Dream
The GoSignals
Stolen Shots, the bubbly Bicol ska band that got the Manileños dancing
The Marcos Cronies ConspiracyDo you guys like Cocteau Twins? I do, I do. I simply love them: the dreamy songs, the beautiful lyrics, Elizabeth Fraser's otherworldly vocals.
It seems that a friend of mine loves them too. Xtin, my favorite foodie (the real deal, forget about the self-proclaimed foodies duh!), sent me a link to a video after having seen my Facebook status (Yes I have a Facebook account *blush* *blush* haha) quoting my favorite stanza from one of the poems of the great Ranier Maria Rilke. Yes, I love Rilke and his poetry, too. This is my favorite poem by him:
Cocteau Twins sings out of inspiration from the German poet. The title of the song is "Rilkean Heart", and randomly selected lines from the song go a little something like this:
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.
Kamusta na kayo?
The year 2010 appears to be personally promising. The past year has been difficult for most (both on a personal and global scale) that it is not too hard to look forward to this new year, and new decade, with hope in our hearts.
Siya siya. I do not wish to further distract your attention with useless words. Here's the first playlist of the year. All-Pinoy! With new songs from Bad Omen, The GoSignals, a fresh cut from Tsunami Tsunami, a couple of songs from the Deadly Rhythms compilation, and an old favorite.
Tracklist:
1. DEAD ENDS - New Life
Always, always, my favorite. I literally grew up to this song. Great memories. Al Dimalanta is fantastic in my book, and I say this not just because he is my friend.
2. ISTUKAS OVER DISNEYLAND - Fairy Tale In The Philippines
One of the two tracks from the Deadly Rhythms From The Production Line compilation. This San Fernando, Pampanga-based band has been gigging for more than 10 years.
3. GARY GRANADA - San Simon
Gary Granada apparently announced in his site that the album Basurero Ng Luneta, from which this track was lifted, will be his last. Not exactly good news for me.
4. KILLRATIO - The Parade
Fierce music. very competent band. The other track off the Deadly Rhythms compi.
5. THE GOSIGNALS - Neverending Cries
Mel Maniego and the rest of his crew take a stab at the never-ending crisis at Mindanao.
6. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI - You Are So Irresistable
Uhm, yup, spelled as is. Arnold Morales is really a gifted songwriter with obvious pop sensibilities. Hints of mod and a very light shade of punk, from which he came from anyway.
7. BAD OMEN - Thanks A Lot, Je
I must admit that it took me a long time to decide on whether to play this song on the blog or not. It is a song dedicated to the late Je Bautista, who would have turned 44 last January 1.
You guys know that Je was the musical programmer of Trash Radio Manila and has carved a niche of his own in the underground scene. He is a dear friend to many, a fierce adversary to some, and more than a dear friend to this author. To put a song dedicated to him in this blog would seem to be self-serving, to say to the least. However, I thought, it is a great song, Bad Omen did a good job. This song deserves a listen somehow. (Being self-serving be damned, and I don't care: I stand by every decision I make on TRM.)
Do enjoy the first playlist of the year. Here's to a fantastic year to all.
On the occasion of the seventh death anniversary of John Graham Mellor, better known to the world as Joe Strummer, Don Letts hosted a tribute over at the BBC 6 Music Radio Last Sunday, December 20. It featured, aside from tunes from Strummer and The Clash, a dub version of London Calling which is part of the called Shatter The Hotel: A Dub Inspired Tribute To Joe Strummer. (You can check out the article and the sound clip here.) Don Letts, as you know by know, is the man who is arguably responsible for the marriage of punk and dub in the London scene.
All over the world, Strummer tributes were being staged, such as in Bologna, Italy last December 12, in Phoenix, Arizona last December 19, and of course over at London, England. It would be virtually futile to enumerate all tribute gigs here.
It seems the world has not yet completely gotten over the fact that Strummer, musical visionary and mover who virtually broke the walls that contained punk music, is gone. Understandably so.
Trash Radio Manila will never cease to put out blog posts about Strummer, which is an unabashed personal favorite. For this year, I have collected some songs both from his works with The Clash and later on with The Mescaleros, highlighting the breadth of Joe's vision and passion.
The tracklist:
1. Armagideon Time (The Clash)
2. Joe Strummer on the political nature of The Clash as lifted from Rockers Galore album
3. London's Burning (The Clash)
4. Safe European Home (The Clash)
5. Police On My Back (The Clash)
6. Capitol Radio Two (The Clash)
7. Bhindi Bhagee (Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros)
8. Joe Strummer ("Without people, we're nothing), lifted from The Future Is Unwritten
9. The Sound Of The Sinners (The Clash)
10. Train In Vain (The Clash)
11. The Road To Rock 'n' Roll (Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros)
12. Redemption Song (Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros)
I will probably put up one more post that will feature new All-Pinoy stuff next week, the last for this tumultuous year. Did you guys find time to go to the gigs this weekend? A late addition to the gig round-up was the farewell tribute gig to Juandokito, horn sessionist for Pinkcow. Christmas is coming in three days ... does it feel like it for you? Be safe everyone, and remember the true reason for this season. Merry Christmas!
[A related post also appears at The Last Song Syndrome.]
With this short announcement of upcoming gigs come sad tidings, as if the multitude of tragedies that have hit people individually and collectively is not enough.
Asawhole's Peter Bautista died, and a tribute gig called Beat The Count will be held at Santa Rosa, Laguna on December 12. Please refer to the siderail for the poster and the details of the gig. Rest In Peace, Peter.
Other gigs posters are up at the siderail, like the December edition of The Bing Austria Show, Rockers and Mods, MAIM's Silent Night NOT, and the Krupskaya gig. More announcements to come as we go along.
Hang in there folks ... we'll get through this year alive and in one piece. Cheers to you all.
Photo of AAW from their MySpace site, as captured by Jim Tan Nuevo.
The year 2009 is above to come to a close, consequentially ending what Time Magazine calls "The Decade From Hell". Of course, this is relative, with the article citing disasters of various forms that had hit mainly America and, eventually, most part of the world. The Philippines, for one, did not fare any better, and for a time the running joke within many circles was that our poor country cannot be hard hit by global recession, simply because our economy has long been in recession in the first place.
[Photo at right is from the TIME website; please click here.]
So when someone from another dimension said in a good friend's dream that "Hell is overrated", I can almost believe that this statement was actually uttered and was not just a figment of a grieving person's imagination. Hell is overrated, indeed: this probably is the closest thing to hell for the majority who live far beyond their means.
However, it cannot be all that bad.
Sometimes all we need is just to sharpen our vision. When we do not see anything, we sharpen our reflexes. And then rely on something we call faith.
The music scene, too, went through really hard times, no thanks to information overload and lack of inspiration. (For instance, many of these bands on mainstream sound alike. Worse, I just do not dig the uninspired covers of songs being done left and right.) The scene is starting to lose the stalwarts, and definitely it needs more than just faith to keep the candle burning....
Gigs like Yokaba's Metal & Hardcore/Punk Nite and proponents like Boyet Miguel continue to keep the scene alive, and we need more...
More inspiration, more movers, more sustenance, more involvement....and the list goes on.
Anyway, enough with the rant. Some of the bands that played last Saturday at the Leprechaun Bar were West (which I did not get to see), Mihara (I swear these guys are really better heard live: they are solid.), DOA, Bad Omen, Piledriver, Tame The Tikbalang, and End Of Man. Below are some photos. It was a well-attended affair, and food and beer at my side of the table was, well, near overflowing. (Salamat, Romel!)
Mihara 
DOA 
Bad Omen 
Piledriver 
Tame The Tikbalang 
End Of ManDis moi quelque chose en francais, mon ami.
(Photo at left: Album cover of the compilation of French punk tunes, 1977-1980, released by EMI France in 2002.)
1. ALAIN GORAGUER - "Terr et Tiwa Dorment"
3. ETRON FOU LELOUBLAN - "Yvett'Blouse"
6. SELENITE VOX - "Voix Dans Le Tunnel"
9. STINKY TOYS - "Driver Blues"
After quite a period of absence from the gig circuit, I found myself at Sazi's Restobar last Saturday. The November installment of the monthly Bing Austria show was ongoing, and proponents Hil and Bing were at the entrance.
Substantial crowd, food, beer, pleasantries. I was asked about this blog and was subsequently prodded. "Update mo na ang Trash Radio, sige ka, we'll make our own playlist in another blog," came the friendly banter (something to that effect). To which I replied, why not, go ahead, the more the merrier.
[I mean it. The more blogs with a common goal to play good music and support the bands in the scene, the better. To these blogs, both existing and up-and-coming, I have always thrown in my whole-hearted support. We definitely need people with this singular vision during these trying times.] 
Back to the gig. Earlier an audition hour was held, and I have been told that this is likely to go on in the months to follow. When I arrived at the venue, The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy was playing. (For those of you who might be asking, this is The Marcos Cronies with a new frontman.) Prior to that, Tolonguez Death Squad played, as well as The Young Instigators (if I am not mistaken, Bing did a few numbers with them), and The GoSignals.
The Cronies were followed by surf enthusiasts Tango Bitoy (really cool guitar playing by Rod Mijares). Bad Omen did a surprise appearance right after. Rocket Punch played, initially with Mae of Shuffle Union doing the vox and dubs, then succeeded by Usual Suspects veteran Marlon. Barrio Morning Glory I believe was the last band to play that night.
Apparently, the accessory of the night was HATS. (When will it ever be trenchcoats? Hahaha!) Below are some photos from the gig.
Bing Austria
The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy
Tango Bitoy
Bad Omen
Mae of Shuffle Union fronting Rocket Punch
Marlon of Usual Suspects singing for Rocket Punch
Barrio Morning Glory
