Monday, January 31, 2011

Shades Of Kung Fu Chinatown Rock: Chinese New Year 1979: The X'periment! Living In The Past?


Ang Pow:
Well, here it is, my own copy of Chinatown Rock (images:3,4) by X'periment. It's my ang-pow (red-packet) or Chinese New Year gift for everyone. I googled for the covers but couldn't find the images. I guess this record is going into extinction, so if you have a copy, keep it. The songs are gem-stones today.

Mervyn Nonis:
It is a Singapore WEA (Warner/Elektra/Atlantic) record pressed in 1979. Eight of the songs are originals by Mervyn Nonis and the Xperiment. It is produced and engineered by Stephen Israel and Lim Gek San.

K.V. John:
Personal Manager is K.V. John, who was a great compere in the 60s and 70s with his Spot Dances and Musical Chairs. John was also a comic on stage with a very pleasant personality. Does anyone know where he is now?
Original Songs:
So for those interested, Side One has: Chinatown Rock, Here Comes That Feeling, Come And Rest On Love, Living In The Past and *Fun, Fun, Fun. Side Two carries: Different Sound, Waiting, *Hedonism Is Fun, Geraldine and Baila. (Except for the two with astericks, the rest are originals.) Some songs are on You Tube provided by MrRainbow64. THANKS VERY MUCH, SIR.

Interviews:
I am waiting to interview Mervyn Nonis. Called him some months ago but couldn't make it to meet him. If you have any idea where the other members of X'periment are please let me know. I'd be glad to make an appointment to chat and write about them. Better still, if you can, do a write-up on the Comment page. Thanks.

Greetings:
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE RABBIT EVERYONE. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT CHINATOWN! IT ROCKS!

"The X'periment, with lead vocalist Joe Chandran, performed to full houses at the Lost Horizon, Shangrila-La Hotel during the 70s. Three of their most popular original songs which were composed by members of the group were Living In The Past, Waiting and Geraldine.

I frequented the Lost Horizon with my colleagues regularly after work and hang-out there until the early hours of the morning. We will then adjourn to joints like the Tivoli Coffee House, Chatterbox at the Mandarin Hotel etc. till the first SBS Bus rolls into Orchard Road. Those were fun days when the routine was repeated almost daily. We worked hard and play hard as well ! (Mr Rainbow64)."

Above quote taken from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d47aeaNZ08k

Cover Images/Original article: Andy Lim.
Image 2: http://www.blogtoexpress.blogspot.com/

8 comments:

Thimbuktu said...

Thanks for the "Ang Pow" and Greetings:

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT CHINATOWN! IT ROCKS! Please check the Related Posts here . Thank you.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

But I guess it's not like Old Chinatown in the past where vinyls are sold openly on the streets in front of the Majestic Theatre.

Unique of X'periment and Nonis to compose the tune and lyrics of the title song, Chinatown Rocks:

It's the latest in town,
So why don't you get on up,
And try to do the Chinatown Rock with me...

Anonymous said...

Chinatown Rocks, Singapore too/

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Yes, so does Singapore and 60s music. Thanks for the New Year visit.
Cheers.

Anonymous said...

Posted by: Jana Wenz
Posted on: February 10th, 2011

Ha, I like this martial arts flyer!

Anonymous said...

Posted by: NHLJersey
Posted on: February 13th, 2011

Good catch,I will update this post.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you both for comments.

Anonymous said...

7th Feb 2011:
'Chinatown Rock!' Posted by
'noelbynature' under Lifestyle
(2) Comments • (631) Reads

Here’s a blast from the past that fits with the current new year celebrations: Chinatown Rock, by the local band X’periment. It was produced in 1979.