PS. I can't believe The Fray will tour with Jack's Mannequin.

This is a melting pot of my wildest music fantasies (Yes, you better believe it, well with the exception of David A of course).

So much for killing two birds with one stone.

The line up for tonight.

1 Bayside - Nothing much to say. They were okay. (Hehe)

2 JACK'S MANNEQUIN - Andrew was so skinny when he went on stage. But he was still bouncing high as a ball so I didn't mind much. It was way too short though! $50 (considering they were the only reason I went to their show) just for that 40 minute set! Then he suddenly left the stage with a "Goodbye Sydney!" as they finished the last song, that took me by surprise! 2nd time around, they still left me hanging. Damn. They really should have their own headline show. I'm sure they have enough Aussie fans. If that isn't the case, I'll try and recruit some. But I loved their performance anyway. Paper planes being thrown, climbing on top of the piano and some insane stomping on the ebony ivory keys, plus, he was just a couple of feet away from me! (Even if it was only for a couple of seconds.)

3 Forever The Sickest Kids - I didn't expect to like them but they made me laugh! They started their set like an announcer would in a boxing match, and they loved being sexy! The lead singer sported a newly purchased (a tag was purposely hanging off the tip top point) trucker hat filled with lipstick marks and around his left finger was a bigger than normal blinking pink flower power plastic ring. He also loved licking his fingers and testing the air. I had no idea what it was trying to gauge in the dark, airconditioned room. They also had massive bling (FTSK) which hung onto the mic stand. Quite random, but it shows that they don't really take themselves too seriously. Similar to Fall Out Boy, but with more bling.

4 Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - I swear to the green grass on earth, I thought they were a mellow, dorky looking rock band. 'Cat and Mouse' is the only song of theirs on my playlist. I've heard 'My Guardian Angel' a couple of times on the radio. Both of the songs are cunningly sweet and agony-filled. So you could imagine my face when the lead singer started screaming his lungs out. I just couldn't get over how non-acoustic they were.

Okay, so an essential in raging rock band: long long hair. They must have conditioned and combed it daily to make it smooth and shiny. Might I add, tangle free! I've always wondered how they've done it. I've tried headbanging before, but I just ended up with messy hair and a terrible headache.

General complaint: Why do they have to cover their face, specifically their eyes? I want to see their eyes! All the pictures I took just looks like a mop of hair was stuck onto a body. (Which I know, is technically what people actually look like.. but you know, eyes are important!)

I was scouting out for Andrew by the end of the show. But it should've occurred to me that they do actually need rest (or a drink). So by the end of it, only Red Jumpsuit Apparatus were the only one out talking with the fans, minus the lead singer. I debated to either ask the guitarist (I think) of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus or to take a picture with him. I chickened out and opted for the latter. I said "thank you". And he said "thank you (plus a one worded syllable I couldn't comprehend)" BUT he was really nice and sincere about it. So that was real sweet of him! Then, cue crickets! I had no idea what to say since I wasn't really a fan of theirs and only approached him because I had a hidden agenda. I was thinking of doing a double deal, ie asking where JM's whereabouts are as well, but my skin wasn't thick enough. Damnit! Tidbit info: It was his birthday today and he sorta looks like Jack Black!

UPDATE (12 days later): I think Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is starting to grow on me. (As my brother so kindly pointed out the other day.) I guess I just got bummed that Jack's Mannequin's set was over with a turn of a dime. So all throughout the night, I just kept thinking "How come FTSK came second to the last and not Jack's?" or "Why the hell did this raging band (RJA) get to headline instead?" or "What's up with all these teenies who look older than me?". Then my mind just floated on to random things. I wasn't really being in the moment and enjoying the show then. Now, I'm sort of regretting it. All the other bands just seemed like noise then. They really did. But I appreciate them now more than I did then. :)

Today was the first day class for the year 2009. This also meant that the trainline to Mac Uni is now operating! After 2 years of delays and constructions, I can now abandon the 40 minute bus ride for a 10 minute train ride to get to uni!

Usually when I lean by the handrail and wait for the train to get to the City, I had no idea what other people were thinking. They could be debating to themselves where they'd want to have a satisfying lunch or 'what the hell happened last night and why the hell is my car at Bondi when I woke up in Chatswood this morning', or simply just bliss and terror that came with the price of seeing their crush. I could only be contained in my own thoughts.

But today, today was different. Taking the train at 2pm, 11 train rides have been made from Chatswood to Epping since 11.05am. And unless the person is devoid of emotions, I'm positive almost everyone was in awe and excited the new train came to a stop at Platform 3.

I think it's just fascinating to witness such a day. I even saw someone videotaping the whole ride. Oh what simple joy a new train brings. Plus, first 100 days is free! No need to pull out $20 bills for $11.80 Brown Travel Ten Tickets!

ps. I'm listening to Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (dear gosh, it's a handful just saying the band's name) right now. Anyway, I realized I'm starting to complain about way too noisy music. They all sort of start to sound the same. A few years ago, I'd just steer my way out of those bands. Now, I'm voicing my opinion. Dare I say, I'm getting out of my self centered box in music? Yes, I dare say. I have to say though, 'Represent' sounds pretty good.

My first post in months and this is what I come up with?

Yes, sadly it is. I logged in and posted because I wanted to share some laughter.



I'm relieved I didn't reach that stage at the height of my teeny-bopper fandom.

I think they'd start clawing at each other once they hear 'Touch My Hand'. "Oh my gosh. Nuh-uh. He is SOO totally talking to me."

David A's album is out by the way! ... And so is Taylor Swift's! Hey, hold on. I think I might just start hanging out with the 11 year olds. I might fit in quite perfectly.

Okay, just to even it out. Jack's Mannequin and Copeland's new albums are out as well. :)

I don't get it. If God loves us for being whomever we are, then why is it a sin to be gay?



(Just a random thought.)

There's this grandpa who's the supervisor and tennant of our next door building, really friendly and sweet person. Says 'hi' to absolutely anyone that passes by, and opens a conversation if the passerby is up to it.

I was walking home from gym (something that's been foreign to me for the past couple of weeks) today and there he was digging up the sidewalk grass to let the airflow into the soil. We got talking from what my parent's do for a living, to what I was doing in uni (a conversation that we've had once before although I'm pretty sure he forgot already). When he kept on stressing the word 'dedication', strangely enough those words rolled straight out of my mouth, "You've got to not only put your head into it, but also your heart. You got to really want it in order to get it."

As we finished our 15 minute conversation, I continued my trek to our building, I just thought 'Damn. Where did that come from?' I mean, that's definitely not my mantra. I've always been complacent and flowed with life. I remember ahia telling me, comfortable is not something you should settle with. I think I've been doing that for my whole life. Everyone's moving forward and I'm still stuck in a rut. I'll admit, I have and still am pretty damn scared of change, goals and failure. I'm even quite scared of admitting it.

I'll find a way. I sure hope so.

'The Pursuit of Happyness' is freakin awesome, yes?

I haven't said 'hi!' for quite a while now hey? And strangely, I'd start it with my proclamation to a boy four years my junior. David Archuleta, you get me.

You see, having a crush isn't exactly cartwheels and somersaults. You don't go around chasing the apple of your eye around monkey bars, Aaron. (He didn't beat around the bush either. That boy had guts.)

When I heard that David's first single will be called 'Crush'. I was a little on edge about it. How many times have we heard those stereotypical songs before? If I had a penny everytime someone sang about their crush.. I assure you, Manila would be clear of its slums.

As soon as that piano key and back beat came into play I was captivated (I know, how much more corny could I get??). Each and every line of the lyric, even an 80 year old granny could look back and reminisce about her youth. This song stretches generations. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say this.

I guess I am a tad biased. I've always said that any note that comes out of David's mouth could do no wrong. I just hope to dear god that he eventually finds a girl as down to earth and as sweet as he is. Someone who loves him for who he is, not because of his acclaimed fame. Also meaning, I hope he does not turn gay. (Sorry to the rainbow community but please, you can have anyone but him.)

Can I play his matchmaker?

I might've just wasted two days watching "The Big Bang Theory" in replacement of studying.
Now I just need someone who I could have a laugh with. HINT, HINT.
The cast dynamic is genuinely believable and will have you in stitches in a matter of seconds.
They just make geek seem so much cooler than Jim Halpert or Seth Cohen does.
Sheldon never fails to crack me up. He's a genius both figuratively and literally - if that's actually possible.


I really gotta go now, 2 mins of writing this entry is up. Bid me luck in wrapping my head around Security Hedging. (I doubt it though.)

Update: Neighbours' curry chicken smells lovely. Too bad we still have sinigang from last night, which I advise you not to have as a leftover. (I told you I'll have a hard time parting with this laptop for my finance book.)

I've been woken up by my next door neighbour singing "Apologize" at 2am.
This constantly happens in the wee hours of the morning.
Now, I'm painstakingly having to hear her try out a career in opera.

It's driving me insane, I swear.

I'm back on track! At least, I'm hoping I am.

September 8, 2006 - The Fray @ The Gaelic Club
September 26, 2007 - Jack's Mannequin @ Acer Arena (alright, and Fall Out Boy as the main act)
February 21, 2008 - Interpol @ Hordern Pavillion with opening act Youth Group
April 18, 2008 - Matchbox Twenty @ Sydney Entertainment Centre with opening act Thirsty Merc
May 5, 2008 - Stereophonics @ The Metro Theatre with opening act British India



Kelly Jones singing 'It Means Nothing'.


C and Me after the gig. Beautiful chandelier!


The Metro Theatre's tucked away amidst the bustling, rowdy streets of George St. I've passed by the area quite a number of times and had no idea that the tiny, modest corner oozed so much talent.

While lining up, a lovely couple (around their late 30's) in front of us got talking with a Welsh guy and his British friend who was behind us. And thanks to our non-existent blessing of heights, they were able to keep up with their humongous love of Stereophonics, particularly Kelly Jones. And I have to admit, I wasn't (note the past tense) as extreme a fan as they proved to be. They listened to each and every one of their albums, had attended previous gigs, knew the name of Kelly's ex-wife, knew that the bassist had a tatoo of his name on the right side of his neck and etc. I just held my hand up in defense in case they gunned me down for not knowing from which village the band originated from. Perfect way to pass the time. Even in between the sets of the opening act and the main band, we had a good laugh with the husband. Turned out at age 38, the couple already had four children, between the range of 8 and 16. Wow, if my mom and dad were listening and attending gigs of Stereophonics, I'd just be floored.

So for those times my brother's tormented for being so teenybopper-ish with The Fray or Jack's Mannequin, now I can think about how much more fanatic they were even though they've clearly passed their teenage/ young adult years. Imagine, the wife actually swiped a media pass and claimed that she was from HMV just to get close with the band and have her picture taken with the lead singer.

We were lucky enough to have been ushered to the 2nd door. All of us ended up in the first row right in front of the stage. I was a mere 5 feet from the center mic. Hell yes I was excited.

British India opened the night. A Melbourne based indie rock group who had an Artic Monkeys feel to them, albeit without the heavy accent. Good opener, but the crowd were hyped for the main act already.

Stereophonics had ROCKSTAR written all over them once they walked onto the stage, especially Kelly Jones who sported a brown leather jacket and a pair of aviator sunglasses for their opening song 'Bank Holiday Monday'. We were in a dark room for goodness' sake. If that isn't rock and roll, then I don't know what is.

As usual, I cooed over 'It Means Nothing', 'Hurry Up and Wait'. 'Have A Nice Day' and 'Mr. Writer' brought back a faint sense of nostalgia just from listening to 'Just Enough Education to Perform' during my 2nd year of high school. I'm ecstatic that I had the opportunity to stand diagonally in front of Kelly Jones, witness his sweat glisten along his temples, have his raspy, sandpaper voice fill my ear drums. (I know this is such a 12 year old thing to say, so I'm apologizing ahead of time.) I wasn't hallucinating but I saw Kelly looking at me during times where in I had no idea what the words were to the song, and boy did I feel pressure. Yes, pressure.

As you might know, I'm a sucker for instrumental extensions of songs, and the fact they added those to the previously mentioned songs and 'Dakota'. Then when Kelly Jones belts out his heart tugging emotional vocal chords, I swear you would've shed a tear too. Just made me love them even more.

The band's dynamic was amazing to see up close. The drummer, Javier Weyler, despite his shirtless well-toned upper body which I'm sure the girls loved, had this huge smile on his face all through the night. Constantly exchanging cheeky grins with the guitarist and the bassist, Richard Jones.

I just noticed, Stereophonics is quite the versatile band. They can slip in and out of genres easily. See they don't sound American nor do they sound British. They can pull off being hard-core rock, retro, happy upbeat, devilishly dangerous teasing tone (if there were such thing), nostalgic mellow and everything else in between. None of these songs sound awkward at all.

I'd say my $75 was well spent. After all, as Barney would say, they were 'legen-' wait for it 'DARY'.

PS. My battery was low even before the night started. Eventually, its time came in the middle of the band's set. Hence, there were only a few quality pictures taken. No videos. I hang my head in shame.