SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS A PERSONAL MUSIC, MEMORY TRAIL. BLOGGER DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS AND IMAGES. THEY ARE UPLOADED FOR FUN, EDUCATIONAL, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED. BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED NOR ADVERTORIAL IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. INFORM BLOGGER OF COPYRIGHT ISSUES AND POST WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT COPY THE POSTS; GET PERMISSION N CREDIT ME IF YOU DO. ANDY LIM LA (NOVEMBER, 2008) -
(新加坡六十年代安迪的流行音乐影响力), SUDI MAMPIR !
Many thanks to all these petite nyonyasfor the dance item.
Nyonyas are Peranakan ladies,
from the Straits,known for their
sarong [skirt] n kebaya [blouse] outfits.
I must first thank Evonne Dance Studio for putting up this enchanting video of the company's charming and talented dancers on YouTube. With one million views plus and a music backing by Bill and Brod with the late but well-known Arie Wibowo, [singer composer of Madu dan Rachun], this short but delightful episode with sarong-kebaya-clad nyonyas [ladies] is enthralling!
It is not surprising that with the influence of colonialism these past 80 years or so, after WW2, we have diluted some of our own South East Asian music heritage. But all is not lost. Let's hope that with the advent of a resurgence in this part of the world, we would be listening and watching more of such performances from our Asiatic shores.
So the beat goes on, our kind!
I'm sure you have some comments to make! Please do!
[This posting is not an advertisement but an appreciative gesture. I was mesmerised by the gracefulness of the lady dancers, the song accompaniment and decided to write about it.]
This posting is specially for international readers who may wish to understand the language and culture of S.E. Asian pop music.
[Thanking the above person and company for compiling the video.
There is no financial gain to this post. It is done to promote
the song, language, culture and the Malaysian people.]
UP TO 3,400 VIEWS
20+ COMMENTS
Like I have always mentioned, "Ten million viewers cannot be wrong!" Pretty Malaysian *nyonya Ms Angeline Wong sings it well and her expressions denote the very animated and cute lyrics that go with the song. Simple as the song is, unless you understand the Malay language, you might still be wondering why it established so many views.
I only heard Jose Mari Chan with Beautiful Girl in the early 90s. This carrier single from his album Constant Change sold very well and became a regional hit especially in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 250,000 Copies: But not many people know it's written by a Filipino. It exceeded 10 times 'Platinum' status, more than 250,000 copies, so the Philippines music industry had to come up with the 'Diamond' Record Award for JMC. By now, and so many years later, it has probably exceeded the number of copies mentioned. Lea Salonga: Beautiful Girl was even covered by Asian stars like Aaron Kwok, Paula Tsui, Sally Yee, Sandy Lam, Kamahl, Tomomi Akimoto and Yasuo T while other JMC romantic favorites by countrymate diva, Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon.) Christmas In Our Hearts:
Jose sings with: JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE
Again and again, his songs have rebounded as hits for other artistes. So when I asked some Filipino musicians working in Singapore about Jose Mari Chan, they exclaimed, "Christmas In Our Hearts!" because it is the industry's biggest selling Christmas album in history.
He even sang it with Asia's Limitless Star, Julie Ann San Jose [images], the beauteous Filipino actress, singer and entrepreneur. Blessed with a great voice, good looks, a talented mind and rapturous fans, it looks as if JMC has got them all. (A recent email from MusicMeister Larry Lai about JMC woke me up as I realized that he is one Filipino pop singer that I had to include in my list of musical influences. Beautiful Girl by Jose Mari Chan Beautiful girl, wherever you are/I knew when I saw you, you had opened the door/I knew that I'd love again after a long, long while/I'd love again. You said "hello" and I turned to go/But something in your eyes left my heart beating so/I just knew that I'd love again after a long, long while/I'd love again. Chorus: It was destiny's game/For when love finally came on/I rushed in line only to find/That you were gone. Wherever you are, I fear that I might/Have lost you forever like a song in the night/Now that I've loved again after a long, long while/I've loved again. Beautiful girl, I'll search on for you/'Til all of your loveliness in my arms come true/You've made me love again after a long, long while/In love again/And I'm glad that it's you/Hmm, beautiful girl. Image: http://girl-xinhonline.blogspot.com/ Information: Wikipedia, other Websites. Original article: Andy Lim.
Jose Marie Chan
Christmas In Our Hearts. It's around the corner!
JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE
Christmas In Our Hearts:
YouTube Video from: MYX Global
JOSE MARI CHAN FT. JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE -
(MYX Live! Performance)
Beautiful Girl is dedicated to good friend, John Lim,
In 12 years, the shorts are shorter still and the climate definitely hotter.
So hotter shorts or hotter climate?
Read the Comments to understand why this post has been revived. My theory about 'the other side of midnight' always works.
It's the song not the picture above that I am trying to project but, as the mind works, the focus is on the image. 😃 So don't blame me!
The Royal Teens: Short Shorts (HD Quality)
YouTube Video by: Ben Bop 1965
UP TO 12,000 VIEWS
Weather forecast in the 60's. Hot, hot, hot! Who would have thought that The Royal Teens' song from 1957/8 would be taken so seriously today? Walk the streets in Singapore and we see our ladies in exquisite sensuality with their shortest of shorts. And in today's world nobody would stop them from slipping into something so much shorter, sexier and naughtier! Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the mini-shorts (image 1).
Pop Short Shorts:
The New Jersey rock and roll group, comprising 8 band members and 3 vocalists, made headlines with their ditty about the controversial and sexy shorts way back in 1957 after they had recorded the song, Short Shorts. It went to number 3 in the US and was a big hit in Singapore too. And the lyrics, in case you are not familiar, go like this: (Wolf whistle followed by: "Man, dig that crazy chick...") Who wears short shorts/We wear short shorts/They're such short shorts/We like short shorts. And it goes on and on and on. About Video: Carmine D'Amico (guitar), age 12-13 playing with the Royal Teens on American Bandstand. Bob Gaudio (piano), Tommy Austin (drums). No bass. Joey Francovilla later became vocalist,with Frank Coppola (tenor sax) .Leo Rogers (manager). The rest don't seem to be around?
Hot Pants in the 1970's
On Japanese TV:
According to Wikipedia, it's still being played in Japan for the opening tune of the Tamori Club on TV Asahi Corporation. The song has also been mentioned many times on The Simpsons and Homer the Heretic. And by the way, any difference between short shorts and hot pants (image right)? I have a suggestion. Wear them longer. More decent.
In trying to follow the times and not get held back in the 60s, I tried a few postings on fashion but have been told they are, "too much". I wasn't sure so going through the video clips from YouTube, there are many pleasant pictures of ladies in their latest garb looking bright and cheerful, sexy yes but definitely dignified and attractive.
The majority of readers say, don't bother. Just post the clip. After all the topic is just watching our ladies go by. So here goes.
And it ain't being sexist!
Image from Meditation Space.
When a friend sent me the above video my first thought was Dean Martin's song, 'Standing On The Corner.' But this scene isn't from the US. Apparently, and for many years now, Asia has its own version of The Decade's Daring Darlings and Dare-Devils. And they are up there, revealed.
Brother, you don't know a nicer occupation
Matter of fact, neither do I.
Than standing on the corner
Watching all the girls (X3) go by...
(Dean Martin)
A long time ago if you appreciate and stare at a pretty lady walking by, she might just display an unappreciative smile but today it's the opposite reaction, as you can see on the video.
Police with 'Every Breath You Take':
YouTube: Police Official Video Live.
The full video reminds me of other songs like:
Walk Right Back
Walk All Over You
Walking My Baby Back Home
I'm Walkin'
You'll Never Walk Alone
Walking On Sunshine
Walk On The Wild Side
Walk On Out Of My Mind.
When China Girl Meets China Boy
Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
Or for that woo look in your eye.
Then there's one by Andy Williams: 'Music To Watch Girls By' and, The Police with 'Every Breath You Take'. Need I write more?
So whether it's Billy Joel or Westlife screaming their heads off with 'Uptown Girl,' it doesn't really matter because you can find them this side of the Pacific.
Poor Donald.
[If you know of any popular Chinese 60s pop songs about ladies fashion and walking down the streets, please share. But then in the 60s, China was not what it is today...]
Look around today. Most ladies, young, old, fat, thin, tall or short, pretty or otherwise, of any colour and creed, are wearing tight pants or shorts today, two of the most popular fashion highlights on the streets.
Similarly, in the 60's and 70's, ladies were wearing sexy shorts and tight pants too. Below are two vinyl records to prove.
Rare Singapore Vinyl Records: True Or False? Tight Pants: This record is called Tight Pants, a vinyl produced by Johnson Seah with studio engineer Vincent Lim and arranged by our own Singapore band called, Family Robinson. The label is Libra Records. Tight Pants was a restricted record by RTS (Radio Television Singapore) in the 1970's, which means it has never been played over the airwaves.
The flip number of this Singles record is Same Old Feeling. It's another 45 RPM and it looks like both songs are Singapore originals.
Anyone can help me? Just with the band and song information?
HOT PANTS: One of the most popular pop bands in Singapore 60's and 70's was The X'periment (spelt exactly: without the E, an apostrophe after the X and without the plural S). The group recorded an Extended Play with three songs:Time To Get It Together - S. Roberds, Hot Pants and Satisfaction Guaranteed. It's produced by Reggie Verghese and distributed byEMI Orange label. I have never seen anything like this vinyl anywhere on the internet, let alone on eBay or Hardware Zone. What made me put this vinyl up is because it costs $90.00 and labelled: Promotional Sample: Not For Sale and being told by the salesperson that it's rare. Can anyone verify this vinyl? Thanks. Western pop regressive? https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/08/mao-communists-rediffusion-yellow.html Horseshoes: Freakish Fashion Footwear? https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search?q=shadows+sonny+james
Wandering around the Internet to look at today's music... and not get frozen too much in the 60s time capsule.
Showing legs with Olympics-style gymnastics on stage from A-Pop or B-Pop or Z-Pop is not really my cuppa. Unless the song is worthy. Not really. Worse, are there really lyrics nowadays or are they just mimicries of train station hoots and animal love calls.
How do you listen to 10 people on stage with blinking lights and 5G IT incredibles singing ditties utterly devoid of meaning. I still respect choices though and what I write is just my opinion and the positive voice of my teenage grand daughter. But we're only two insignificant people and can be ignored.
But can you ignore a viewership of 10 million on YouTube of a single video, accumulated within a span of 6 hours? [It's like 1.5 billion currently😮.]
Connecting with the younger generation has never been easy. It's part of the psychosis of the human species so it has been a challenge for many older folks to be able to chat or discuss with their children or grandchildren on certain topics. I try. With a music topic.
The Covid-19 school situation is here in Singapore. So I got my grand daughter [J2] to tell me why she likes her K-Pop sensation BLACKPINK.
''There's nothing to tell,'' she says, ''they are just, ohhh so good.''
She's used to the fact that her grand-dad has a music blog, so it was easier for me. And with some encouragement and hints, she managed to put a few factors together as to why she likes Blackpink.
She loves the group's only album, Lovesick Girls and although she hasn't seen them live they have performed this side of the Pacific, in Melbourne and Singapore. According to J2, their songs are catchy and the costumes or outfits are beautifully created and crafted. I guess what she meant was Blackpink has got class. That's true. But Lovesick Girls, what a title.
BLACKPINK - '붐바야 (BOOMBAYAH)' M/V
YouTube Video: BLACKPINK.
I suggested that the lyrics are meaningless but she disagreed. I guess I took the term too seriously.
So what was the first song she heard.
''Ddu-Du Ddu-Du...,'' she replied unhesitatingly, ''from their mini-album SquareUp.'' This was the album that surpassed 10 million views a few hours after its release. She went on to name songs as we listened to them on the car stereo. They included, Kill This Love, How You Like That, Boombayah, Playing With Fire and a few others.
I'll never forget, ''rump-pa-pump pa-pump pa-pump.''
''Blackpink in your area.''
And her favourite member among the four?
From left = Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa.
''Without doubt, Jennie,'' she mentioned [above with hat].
Why?
''She's the most talented...'' and added, ''and prettiest. And second oldest.''
There was a pause as her brain whirled and clicked.
''Aegyo.''
''What's that?'' I asked.
''It means to act cute... and she knows just how to do it.''
I nodded and repeated, ''Aegyo.''
''And the second member I like best is either Jisoo or Rose,'' she commented, ''Jisoo caught my attention first. Lisa ranked number one in the world as the most beautiful person.''
''So that makes up four of them, Jennie, Jisoo, Rose and the prettiest, Lisa,'' I concluded. But till today, I still can't make out who's who. Only J2 and 15 million others can. [I've been corrected, it's 1.5 billion views.]
And Boombayah hit the billion point five views too, just.
I'm not convinced but honestly, Blackpink is the best K-Pop girl group I've listened to so far. And I've heard many. Cheers.
I was lucky enough to have parents who thrived on English, Mandarin, Indonesian, Dutch pop songs and folk music. As a teen I enjoyed the songs they played on the radio and gramophone records. Some of them are still popular today and it's going back to the 50s with a You Tube video above that features Gus Steyn and his RTM Orchestra. One of the finest band leaders Steyn was well-known in this part of the world. The melody is an up-tempo piece and interpreted vividly with strings, brass and all. Personally it's the best version I've heard for a long time. Delightful indeed to have rynamyra loading it. Thank you. (Videos will be deleted when the next posting appears).
Ger van Leeuwen - Nona-Nona Zaman Sekarang (Yusoff B) Thanks to ud. 000 There's another version below by Sandra Reemer, recorded probably in the 60's when folk songs had revivals and became popular again with new rendition of Kopi Susu, Nina Bobo and Bengawan Solo by pretty singers like Anneke Gronloh and Reemer. These hits topped the music charts in our region and possibly in Europe too as many people of Dutch origin in RRI (Republic Ra'ayat Indonesia) migrated to Holland and the West during the Soekarno regime in the 60s.
But this song is different. Nona Zaman Sekarang or Modern Day Women was composed by our own Singaporean Yusoff B. in the late 1940s. Some of his other songs include: Semarak Hati, Suka Sama Suka and Wanita dan Teruna. He was one of superstar P. Ramlee's music mentor when he first joined Malay Film Productions. Ramlee's early songwriting was influenced by Yusuf B's music arrangement and style. Ironically, Yusuff B would borrow ideas from the late Ramlee when composing his own songs. Singers who performed it initially was A. Rahman, R. Azmi, Julia and a host of Indonesian and Malay singers. Sandra, a Dutch singer of Indonesian origin, took the opportunity and made it a big hit. Apparently her version is still the most popular. Ms Reemer (below in later years) had passed away in 2017. A beautiful and talented young lady; she will be missed by all her fans, all over the world. RIP Sandra Reemer.
The word Nona means a young lady, like Miss in English. The song is about how bold young ladies are compared to those who lived in earlier times - no one can interfere nor prohibit their dress code. These ladies with their short, transparent clothes and painted red cheeks have triggered much controversy and have either confused the male species with their attitude or aroused their sensuality, possibly the latter. Article by Andy Young.
Nona Zaman Sekarang. Liyana Fizi. Video: Klasik Beb.
Lyrics by Yusof B. Nona-nona jaman sekarang tak boleh ditegur, tak boleh dilarang bajunya pendek, bertambahlah jarang itu menjadi hati gembira First Verse: nona jangan bikin keliru tidakla kenal cina melayu pipinya merah pula disapu sekarang sudah jadi tak tentu . Second Verse: dalam dunia banyak musuhan yang non dibuat perkara yang sopan dalam dunia banyak penggoda banyak yang jadi rusak binasa
Nona Nona Zaman Sekarang by The Stylers. Randy Lee Keng played rhythm guitar and is still active today. He is on Facebook under the same name. Check him out. Literal Translation By: Andy Young. About the ladies of today's generation: Don't comment Nor forbid them. Their blouses are short And more transparent That make hearts flutter (Make hearts happy). First Verse: Ladies don't confuse us Unrecognizable if Chinese or Malay Cheeks are red and painted too Causing much bewilderment. Second Verse: In this world of aggression Ladies, be more careful Or be teased, bothered And fall into disrepute.
The mysterious East?
Written more than half a century ago, the lyrics painted an Asian society so different from today with strict moral values that many listeners, especially women, would question now. A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress combination worn by women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Burma, Singapore, southern Thailand and some parts of Cambodia. It is sometimes made from sheer material and usually worn with a sarong or batik kain panjang, or other traditional woven garment such as ikat, songket with a colorful motif. Images from flickr.com Videos from You Tube.
I must first thank Evonne Dance Studio for putting up this enchanting video of the company's charming and talented dancers on YouTube. With one million views plus and a music backing by Bill and Brod with the late but well-known Arie Wibowo, [singer composer of Madu dan Rachun], this short but delightful episode with sarong-kebaya-clad nyonyas [ladies] is enthralling!
