What makes a song beautiful is not always the quality of the voice but the distance that voice has had to travel. - Unfinished Song, 2012
Have you watched Unfinished Song (formerly known as Song For Marion)? The film's may be too old for me, but I love it. It's partly inspired by Young@Heart and starring Vanessa Redgrave (Marion), Terrence Stamp (Arthur) and Gemma Arterton (Elizabeth).
Arthur's a bad-tempered person who sees no value in his wife's participation in elderly choir directed by Elizabeth. As soon as you see Marion sitting on a wheelchair, head covered, you know she's suffering from cancer which is declared terminal by her doctor. And so it happens. She faints during rehearsal, is taken to hospital and is told by doctor to go home and have as much chips and ice cream as she wants since she only has weeks to live. But Marion only wants one thing: to go back to the choir and sing. Despite Arthur's grumpy protestations, as he's being overprotective and really wants to spend as much time with her as possible, Marion returns to rehearsals as the choir prepares to participate in the auditions for a national choral competition. She performs one final song during the audition, True Colors by Cindy Lauper, which is about her relationship to Arthur. And honestly, tears streaming down my face while watching her singing that song. So Marion dies. Right after Marion's death, he decides to shut his only son, whom he has never gotten along, out of his life, even though that means he won't be able to see his cute granddaughter, no matter how fond Arthur is of her. I guess that's what happen when you lose someone you really love, you just want to be alone. Arthur comes to grips with his wife's death and of course, eventually finding the courage to join the choir and sing. At the competition, Arthur sings his heart out with a song that equally expresses his feelings for Marion, Goodnight My Angel by Billy Joel. And it makes me cry once again.
All in all, Unfinished Song is a heartwarming music drama with some beautifully bittersweet musical moments that bring tears of joy and sorrow. It's these moments that really bring the film to life, anchoring and capturing the essence of these complex beings.
There's something about old couples that makes me realize someone can love you forever. I saw a couple the other day when I was walking down the street. They're old, wrinkled. Watching the way they were with each other, made it seem like they were young. The woman's laughing so hard she had to stop in the middle of the sidewalk to catch her breath. And the man's holding her hand, so sweet, as though whatever enormous life that exists behind them is brand new and fresh when they're together, a blank slate. They held hands the entire time. Then I remembered the time when my late grandparents were still alive, they really loved each other. When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother kept talking about him every single day. Like, "if your grandfather were here..." Well, she passed away last year. May they both rest in peace.
I wish that me and my future husband will always love each other even we become old and grumpy. InsyaAllah. :)
I've always been a music person. I mean, I'm not a musician but I really love music. Everyone's a music person, of course, but there have been phases of my life when music seemed to take center stage, when I listened to it so often that silence felt rare and sort of strange. When I listened to it so often that I found myself thinking in verse, bridge, chorus. Sometimes I feel that every moment deserves its own song, its own lyrics, and still those memories are backed by their own soundtrack in my mind.
It was midnight, the windows were down and the air was warm. I wore his sweater that smelled like popcorn and couldn't understand why some things ever needed to change.
I sat on a bench looking at the sea, missing old friends. Feeling hopeful. It's the first instrumental song I ever really loved, the one that taught me that words can't say everything. Not even close.
Manila, picnics, movies and simple hangouts..the time in my life when I felt most fearless, most daring. I laughed and wrote about it and laughed more and learned what it meant to both love and endure.
I was cooking for dinner with friends and he stood there in the kitchen and smiled, saying nothing and everything I needed to hear.
Linking experience and emotion to music, it's nothing new, I know. It's common, as natural as anything, but don't you think it's one of the most beautiful habits we have? I find myself collecting songs, in case they'll someday suit a fleeting moment. Silly, maybe. Or maybe not. Do you have a favorite song memory? What is it? ^^
There's nothing more flattering than someone writing me a song. Ifo composed a new song in one night with his ukulele and it's called "Emy". Imagine my feeling when I woke up this morning with a new message by him, not a text, but an audio..and it's that song. Such a nice way to start a day. ;)
"Emy" by Ifo
It's weird to see my own name as a song title. :p
When I was a teenage girl, I was dreaming and hoping for a man who would serenade me a song while playing piano like in most movie. Now I know, it's not a dream anymore. Except, he's playing ukulele. I still love it. I can't help but feeling like all the flowers in the world are surrounding me and butterflies flying wildly in my tummy. Okay. I'm bad in metaphors. But for real, I'm thankful to have this man in my life. I pray that he's the one.. :)
Well, most of you know how much I love Paramore, right? So imagine how crazy I become when a new music video by Paramore has released. Yesss!! They have released their new music video for my favorite song, DAYDREAMING. Let's watch:
Ain't it wonderful? The video is as beautiful as the song. That's why I love Paramore! They know exactly what their fans needed to listen and watch. At least for me. The video turns out better than what I expected. In case you're wondering what I've been dreaming of all day, all night, the video would tell you.
I love all the shots; countryside scenery, a small town as trains pass through, and the band triumphantly rocking out onstage. It's about real life of someone who's counting down the days until they can get out on the road and see a different part of the world that they've been dreaming of themselves. I love it not only for the great work they've made, but also for the message they left. I may haven't experienced it yet, but I know that going to a concert is really expensive. You have to pay the ticket, flight, hotel room, train, cabs, etc. But in the end, it's all worth it. Not just seeing your favorite band, but it's sacrificing every single day by saving money and it's also a great experience with your friend by making a long trip and staying together. I think this video is a tribute to the fans. Thank you, Paramore.
And for the record, I love how they got into an accidental detour to the band's dressing room, peeking through the door, Hayley saw them, smiled and waved. It's this part that I really really adore:
Ain't she pretty?! Oh I wish I was one of those girls. Someday. Someday I will be that girl who's marking the calendar, counting days, getting on flight, joining the crowd and screaming "Paramore!!".
It's my dream.
DAYDREAMING lyrics
Living in a city of sleepless people
Who all know the limits and won't go too far outside the lines
Cause they're' out of their minds.
I wanna get out and build my own home
On a street where reality is not much different from dreams I've had
A dream is all I have...
Daydreaming, daydreaming all the time
Daydreaming, daydreaming into the night
And I'm alright
Creep past the hours like the shorter hand on the clock
That's for my country. Happy 50th Malaysia Day! Well, despite that I'm not entirely independent (part of me still colonized, frankly speaking), I'm really proud of being Malaysian.
Growing up, I feel so proud living in Malaysia. "Malaysia Truly Asiaaaaa....."the radio played. Gorgeous views, beautiful people, SALE, harmonious land where its people of different races, cultures and religion live side by side with each other; the TV showed me. It made me realize how amazing Malaysia is. The text books said so too and well, I see that in school too where kids regardless of race or their skin color, played with each other.
And then I grew up. I saw many awful things. So many racism happening, so many conflicts with the politics, how the government brainwashed us to think that we're perfect, we are ONE, and so on. We have one of the worst human rights issue, we don't recognize refugees and treated them badly, MORE RACISM, we have 1st class infrastructure but 3rd class mentality..the list goes on.
But don't let me kill whatever love or hope you have towards Malaysia just yet, because despite all these flaws that we face, no countries, even its people, are perfect. Malaysia is not that bad after all. We can praise other countries for their development and crazy technology and kick ass government service, but at the end of the day, home's where the heart is. You can't reject something that you're born into just because it's not 100% perfect. I hate Malaysians who go around talking about Malaysia and praising other countries. Seriously. If you're not happy with Malaysia, migrate, change your nationality, live there, rot there and die there, and then you realize how it's not all perfect there too. It's the whole "grass is greener on the other side" mentality. What you see's not always true.
I love Malaysia. It's not perfect, yes, I have to agree, but it's home and that's the only place where you're treated warmly and with open hands. If you're in other country, who knows what kind of treatment you'd get because well, you're not one of their own. Having said that, it doesn't mean that we can just shut up and go about life as if nothing is wrong with our home. There's a lot of wrongs here and we need to fix it. We must do something to change the future of our nation. So come on, lighten up! Live life to the fullest and stop being such a killjoy!
And by the way, I'd like to share some pieces by our local talents with you, lovelies. My man, Ifo, has composed 2 new songs entitled Luka and Aramaiti. The songs were sang by our dear friend Rizal and the music's amazingly arranged by Icco, and the whole thing is immensely supported by The Baks. They totally made it! You'll love it, I promise. Enjoy the songs!
Today I didn't do much things and didn't go anywhere, was just staying at home, reading tweets and watching TV instead. But, it was a wonderful day and I'm very excited of these 2 things that came up today.
First off, I got to see 'NSYNC reuniting and performing live on stage on MTV VMA 2013 this morning. It was sooooo good to see them back together again. Really, it felt like the old times. I've always wanted my 90s back, that's the best era, you know. And it's absolutely the night for the President of Pop, Justin Timberlake. I loved it how he dove into a medley of his hits including SexyBack, Like I Love You, My Love and Cry Me A River, followed by a not-so-surprising performance of Girlfriend and Bye Bye Bye by ‘NSYNC. And that's where I screamed.
Congrats to Justin for winning The Video Vanguard Award, also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to musicians who have made a profound effect on the MTV culture, something Justin has done so many times. It's touching when Justin dedicated his award to ‘NSYNC. Ironically, Britney Spears, his most famous ex, was the last artist to receive the award in 2011. Other winners include the Beastie Boys, Madonna and Janet Jackson. I'm so proud of my teenage crush. I love you, Justin. You'll always be my crush. :p
Annnnnndd second off, oh gosh, I don't know how to put this into words. Well, I actually know. Okay here we go: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS IS NOW A MOVIE! Have you read the book? No? How could you not read the awesome book? Dude, you gotta get the book now and read it. Don't wait till the movie comes out to know the story, it'll be less fun.
It's written by deary John Green, who was just posting a picture of the set of the film via Instagram. And I am so psyched! So the film will be casting by Ansel Elgort (newcomer, I guess) and Shailene Woodley (played Alex in The Descendants). Oh gosh! It's like a dream come true. I did wish that the book will be filmed someday. I can't believe it's happening. Finally..Hazel Grace, Gus, phalanxifor, An Imperial Affliction, etc..are now real. You'd know what I'm talking about if you read the book. :p
The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and always will be. Maybe we've lived a thousand lives before this one and in each of them we've found each other. And maybe each time, we've been forced apart for the same reasons. That means that this goodbye is both a goodbye for the past ten thousand years and a prelude to what will come.
When I look at you, I see your beauty and grace and know they have grown stronger with every life you have lived. And I know I have spent every life before this on searching for you. Not someone like you, but you, for your soul and mine must always come together. And then, for a reason neither of us understand, we've been forced to say goodbye.
I would love to tell you that everything will work out for us, and I promise to do all I can to make sure it does. But if we never meet again and this is truly goodbye, I know we will see each other again, and maybe the stars will have changed, and we will not only love each other in that time, but for all the times we've had before.
— Nicholas Sparks
The beautiful words above are taken from The Notebook novel by Nicholas Sparks. I've always loved it. When I read it back, my mind somehow drifts to Cory Monteith. All Gleeks were mourning him and crying so hard, I guess we still are, well at least I still am. My excitement for Glee 5 has all gone because it doesn't feel right to be excited for it anymore. Watching Finn Hudson on tv and knowing that he's dead would be a devastation. It won't be the same.
Dear Cory, I'll probably never meet you and never be able to thank you for the moments that you made us happy even if you don’t know it. Of course I never will. The love of a fan is funny, you know. When you think you could not love so intensely someone that you barely know, sometimes life just sweep you off your feet and you find yourself loving them more. Thank you for the smiles you put on our face. Thank you for soothing us with your amazing voice. For all the friends I've made around the world. There once was a tall, awkward Canadian with a crooked smile that came in this world with the mission of bringing happiness to the people that surround him.
Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone. I miss you, Cory.
What pops into your mind when it comes to acapella? Glee's Warblers? Sam Tsui? Pitch Perfect? Of course, now give me a virtual high 5!
There's one more acapella piece you should never missed. It's an acapella cover of Paramore's Still Into You by Kay Kastum. My favorite song from my favorite band! Check this out:
It is so aca-awesome!
If you love this cover, please pretty please vote for him HERE.
I would really appreciate it! You know how awesome you are. ^^
I've been smiling all the time since last Thursday. How couldn't I, when Ifo got me this:
Imagine my reaction. Man, it's an awesome feeling! Oh I'm really in love with this guy.
So, yeap, I'm loving this album. Paramore have grown plenty in their music and they never fail in creating monster choruses. I adore their ability to blend genres..with songs swirl with hints of R&B, country and hard rock. Here's a little review of the album tracks.
#1. Fast in My Car - this album starts with a rebellious anthem. "been through the ringer a couple times" Hayley opens, "I came out callous and cruel". The music fits the lyrics perfectly.
#2. Now - "if there's a future, we want it now". It recalls their Misery Business jam long ago, but's surely a progression on their rebel pop sound.
#3. Grow Up - this has more of a fun bounce to it than the anger like in 1st two songs. Still, some mild irritation presents. "I'm not a little girl no more," she sings after drying her tears and realizing she's got to drop some old friends to progress as person.
#4. Daydreaming - this track's a sweet cut about building a world that matches the ones constructed in fantasies. It's not as whimsical as its subject matter, but solid nonetheless.
#5. Interlude: Moving On - this 90-second gem is a simple one, featuring acoustic strums on the guitar, while Hayley coolly kisses off an old flame. "I could be angry, but you're not worth a fight" she sings, "and besides I'm moving on".
#6. Ain't It Fun - "ain't it fun living in the real world". It asks sarcastically to a spoiled brat discovering that the world doesn't revolve around them. Some xylophone taps and choir-like bridge make it more than your average rock song.
#7. Part II - fyi, this song's the sequel to Let the Flames Begin from Riot album. "I will catch fire to let your glory and mercy shine". She's ready to sacrifice her happiness for others.
#8. Last Hope - "the salt in my wounds isn't burning any more than it used to". It's suggesting that the lack of new pain is encouraging enough to believe that brighter days are coming.
#9. Still Into You - my favorite track! This is love anthem, fit for couples that have been together for a good while through ups and downs.
#10. Anklebiters - while hip-hop community calling naysayers as haters, Paramore calls them anklebiters, folks who prey on other people's actions. "Someday you're going to be the only one that you've got," she sings to those that should rely on their own thoughts and not what anklebiters are saying.
#11. Interlude: Holiday - with an ukulele, it's a brief cut about maturing from a high school kid to an adult, then enjoying some time off. "I don't plan on coming back," she sings nonchalantly and smoothly.
#12. Proof - just as I'm nearly dozed off on previous cut, they kick back in with a rock song where she takes her man deep-sea diving, with only love acting as their safety gear.
#13. Hate to See Your Heart Break - this is one of the lone ballads in the album and almost feels like a country song. Hayley walks down memory lane and sings about how love can hurt all. "Love happens all the time, to people who aren't kind and heroes who are blind."
#14. (One of Those) Crazy Girls - here she plays the role of a girl that refuses to be broken up with, threatening to break into her ex's home so that she can "go through your closet so I can smell your skin". LOL.
#15. Interlude: I'm Not Angry Anymore - another ukulele ditty where Hayley wavers between being bitter and sweet.
#16. Be Alone - this is about how her and her other half should be alone, together, I guess. Because she sings "we could be alone and never get too lonely".
#17. Future - encouraging listeners to keep looking ahead and following their dreams. It's a proper end to the set, gentle and aggressive all at once.
"I always write from personal experience or things that I see. I don't ever try to write about things I don't know. If asked, I want to speak from a place of knowledge and experience. Or at the very least, I'm learning and I'm interested. This album really reflects where the guys and I have been lately. It's one of the happiest things we've ever been a part of. The sound is a lot more upbeat this time around. I don't think our fans have gotten to hear this side of us, where not everything is so heavy and so detrimental."
- Hayley Williams, 2013
That's what Hayley said during an exclusive interview by Glamour recently. I've loved Paramore since the beginning and they just keep getting better. From emo teen-punk, heavy rock, folky terrain, to now. I love that all of their albums are extremely strong for their own reasons. And I'm loving the more positive, upbeat tone of the new album. The music video of their new song, Still Into You, has been I released and I love it at every bit. Now I have something new to dance to. ^^
Yeah, the song and video are very different from their usual ones and I saw some negative comments about them. Some want the old Paramore, some say Hayley's becoming Katy Perry, some say they sound horrible, blah blah blah. Screw all those craps. That's the example of people who are afraid of changes, living in denial and stuck forever in the past. Move on, peeps! Paramore still rocks.
It's a beautiful song and the video's cute! I'm glad to finally see them being so happy and I think it's my favorite video they've ever done. As much as I love Hayley and I can't get enough of her hair, outfit, makeup and her adorable dance, but I wish the video showed more of Taylor and Jeremy, they crack me up.
What Hayley said about her pop-culture obsessions:
"I am re-obsessed with the Spice Girls and their Spice World movie. I grew up on that, and I love that right now the '90s are an influence on young people. It seems like 6 years ago, a lot of us were looking back more into the '80s. But the Spice Girls mean so much to people my age and people younger than me. I love the sense of girl power they give to young women. You know, I didn't have that when I was 16 when Paramore started. I wish it was something that I more fully understood. So I'm loving that young women are embracing their femininity, their power, and their strength. I look at my younger sister, and she's so strong and self-aware. I just feel that it's so important, whether it's feminism or feeling powerful for just one day, I'm happy that's back in pop culture. I hope it stays. I'm happy to see strong women."
Oh this is why I love Hayley. ^^
Now, let's enjoy the song!
Still Into You
Can't count the years on one hand
that we've been together
I need the other one to hold you
Make you feel, make you feel better
It's not a walk in the park to love each other
But when our fingers interlock,
Can't deny, can't deny you're worth it
'Cause after all this time, I'm still into you
Chorus:
I should be over all the butterflies
But I'm into you (I'm into you)
And baby even on our worst nights
I'm into you (I'm into you)
Let 'em wonder how we got this far
'Cause I don't really need to wonder at all
Yeah after all this time I'm still into you
Recount the night that I first met your mother
And on the drive back to my house
I told you that, I told you that I loved ya
You felt the weight of the world fall off your shoulder
And to your favorite song
we sang along to the start of forever
And after all this time, I'm still into you
[Chorus]
Some things just, some things just make sense
and one of those is you and I (Hey)
Some things just, some things just make sense
and even after all this time (Hey)
I'm into you, baby not a day goes by
that I'm not into you
P.S: Sill Into You means a lot to me. I know Hayley won't read my blog, but I'd like to thank her for this song. ^_^
Only a new track from Paramore could wake me from music blogging hibernation. For those who haven't knew, Paramore dropped a single recently, called "Now", from their upcoming self-titled album which is expected to be released on 9th April 2013. I'm thrilled!!
The song is different from their previous stuff, of course it is..they've grown and change, but I really love it. I'm totally hooked. It quickly settles into a distinct Paramore groove with massive guitars. The chorus explodes with energy and is a guaranteed sing-along. Hayley's vocals have improved a lot too and her voice is beautiful as ever. And she slightly sounds like Gwen Stefani in that song. Well, I've been following Hayley's updates via Twitter and Tumblr, and I saw how hard they've worked on this new album. The song Now shows that they've done a really great job. I feel like hugging Hayley right now. :p (jealousy strikes when I recall those Paramore's meeting-with-fans pictures while they're in KL last week, and I should be writing a post about the concert like Daniel C did, but sadly I wan't even there)
I myself have memorized the lyrics since it's first released. So you can guess how many times I kept it on repeat for hours. I should have been at their concert and sing along with Hayley. Okay enough said. Overall, Now is a brilliant track and just the sort of thing to breathe life into this new incarnation of Paramore and I'm looking forward to listen to the whole album. Enjoy the song. ^^
"It just feels like the perfect way to start this new journey we are embarking on not only as a band but as a movement. To show people that you can lose battles but come back and win full on wars. You can rise from ashes. You can make something out of even less than nothing." - Hayley, Jeremy, Taylor
"Get ready to riot as America’s beloved pop rock phenomenon, Paramore make their stellar return to Kuala Lumpur on 17 February 2013 at Stadium Negara. Fronted by the incomparable Hayley Williams, the band is geared up for their worldwide tour in conjunction with the release of their upcoming self-titled album due on 9 April 2013."
I. Am. So. Excited!!
So here's the ticket details,
and the venue layout.
Parawhores, what are you waiting for? Pick your zone and book a tix here! ^^
I'm so pumped up for this! It's been my dream to meet Paramore and be at their concert. I don't want to miss it again this time, but my heart breaks when I see the flight ticket price. Far out of my budget. T_T
I wish for miracles..like, lower price by Air Asia, or free tickets giveaway by Hitz FM, or Paramore decides to perform in KK. Heeeeee........
Oh by the way, their new single, 'Now', will be released on 22nd January 2013. Yay! ^^
Last night was truly amazing. I did mention about this on my previous post. So they made it last night on Gema Cipta 2012. Although they didn't get crowned as the overall winner, but Ifo won the Best Lyric Award for his song Setia Selamanya. Congrats, Ifo! And standing ovation for our friend, Rizal, for the great performances. Well done, guys!! ^^
It's quiet hard to believe though at first that Ifo didn't win the overall champion, because Setia Selamanya is such a great, beautiful song. Most of the other contestants came out with English songs which sounded typical, and for us, Setia Selamanya was the only Malay song that stood out that night. But juries went the other way round, they preferred English and jazzy songs, just like last year.
It doesn't matter, anyway. Best Lyric Award has made everything worth it already. I'm proud of Ifo, not just because I love him, but also for the wonderful song and his pure creativity. ^^
glorious victory :)
from left: Icco (music arranger), Ifo (composer), and Rizal (singer/vocal)
^^
So here's the song that wins one of the awards on Gema Cipta 2012, embedded with the beautiful lyrics. Enjoy, everyone. Thanks for your support and I love you!!
I'd love to invite everyone to come to Pertandingan Gema Cipta on 29th September 2012 (Saturday) at Recital Hall, UMS. It's a song composing competition that's opened for IPTA, IPTS and secondary schools, offering prizes as high as RM1,000.
Ignore the wrong date, it's actually 29 Sept 2012
We're all thrilled for this competition and we need your support because Ifo is one of the contestants! Nah, he's not gonna sing, but the songs that he wrote and composed himself have been successfully selected for the final round. Our dear friend, Rizal, will be singing the songs on the competition. So, these are the songs:
1. Setia Selamanya (song and lyric by Ifo, vocal by Rizal)
2. Panorama (Song and lyric by Ifo, vocal by Rizal)
Such beautiful songs. I wish one of them will be crowned as the winner and beats other songs. Which one do you think will make it? ^^
Anyway, I pray the best for Ifo. Let's come and support!
