Singapore Andy 60s Music: When The Weather, The Food, The People, The Relationship Is HOT!!!

 

I like her grin. She makes everything feel cool already but read on...

Hot Weather:

A high degree of heat; anything beyond 35C is definitely hot. Like in Kuwait City in 2024, it was about 50C. Now, in France too, at 40C and over, shoppers are scrambling to buy cooling appliances. 40C is hot and problems arise with people, places and things when temperature goes beyond expectations!

Hot Food:

Food with lots and lots of chilly and pepper. Now that's HOT STUFF and produces a burning sensation in the mouth. Which countries eat food with lots of chilly in them? Singapore is one with Nasi Padang and Sambal Belacan. Sichuan cold noodles tossed in blazing hot chilli sauce. There’s Spanish tomato-based soup with garlic and chilli pepper. And others.

Hot People:

Now when you're angry, you get hot too and the heat generated may melt the other party. Quarrels between friends, etc. Like in today's world, there are millions of angry citizens because of weak politicians in charge, especially those with no leadership qualities. No need for a hot July or August but silly, angry people who are just frustrated and full of ego, filled with hot air and very negative thinking. 

Hot Relationship: 

This 'heat' would be similar but it's more positive? Now two people in love and are in a relationship could bring their body temperature up when they are together. What more can I say? 

[Don't forget to click the connection below about *'heat'.]

Donna Summer - 'Hot Stuff' (Live) The Donna Summer Special, 1980) 

YouTube from: The Donna Summer Archive.

Hot Pop 70s Song: 

Which finally brings me to this song by Donna Summer [even her surname! 😉]. It's an extremely hot song so check out the lyrics. I have included only a few lines though:

"I want some hot stuff, baby, this evenin'/Gotta have some hot stuff/Gonna have some love tonight (hot stuff)/I need hot stuff/I want some hot stuff/Lookin' for a lover who needs another..."

Enough quoted! So just be wary when eating hot food on a hot July with a hot partner. It might lead to climate change. And it starts in this month of JULY. 

Writing is done in jest.

Comments are welcome folks but do be wary that there are younger readers who check out this blog too.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

*Heat:

What song begins with the words, "The heat is on..." No googling.

Which gives 'hot' another meaning.

Check the connection below to find out:

.: Weather Forecast: The Heat Is On: Glenn Frey: Singapore Sizzles

Images: Google. 

YouTube: Video.

Andy 60s Music: People Got To Be Free. Let Us Make Peace. Let Us Forgive.

I DON'T KNOW WHO WROTE THIS PIECE, BUT IT'S WORTH READING.

Thanks to this sensible and peace-loving person. 

"Every minute… someone leaves this world.
Not only the old.
Not only the sick.
Not only the weak.
Someone. Somewhere.
Age has nothing to do with it.
Life does not always send a warning.
The truth is… we are all standing in a line.
A line we did not choose.
A line we cannot see the end of.
And the strange thing is… most of us don't even realize we are in it.

We wake up every morning thinking we have time.
Time to hate.
Time to fight.
Time to compete.
Time to prove we are better than someone else.
But the line is moving.
Quietly.
Patiently.
Relentlessly.
And every day… someone steps out of it.
We never know how many people are ahead of us.
We never know when our name will be called.
We cannot move to the back of the line.
We cannot step out of it.
We cannot pause it.
And no amount of money, power, fame, or connections can halt its progress.

So, while we are still standing here… while our turn has not yet come…

Let us make peace.
Let us forgive.
Let us stop carrying the heavy bags of anger and hatred.
Let us do good.
Not tomorrow.
Not when it is convenient.
But now.
Let us tell the truth, even when lies seem easier.
Let us be honest, even when honesty comes at a cost.
Let us show kindness to people who may never be able to repay us.
Because one day — whether we like it or not — we will leave this world.
That is the one appointment no human being can cancel.

So, what is the point of holding a grudge against someone who could leave tomorrow… or you could leave before them?

What is the point of destroying someone's life, sending a brother to prison, or plotting revenge… when neither of you truly controls tomorrow?
Why boast about money… when money has never stopped death?
Why boast about status… when titles disappear the moment life leaves the body?
Why deceive yourself with power and connections… when countless powerful people stood in this same line before you and still had to leave?
Why fight your own brother over land… when the earth itself will one day cover both of you?

'People Got To Be Free': The Rascals: Stereo [Summer] 1968. YouTube Video by: Smurfstools Oldies Music Time Machine.

Look around the world.
People fighting.
Families breaking.
Communities divided.
All for things that cannot follow us beyond the grave.
Evil often grows from ignorance.
Pride is the costume of foolishness.
Selfishness is the poverty of the soul.
And betrayal… betrayal is the language of weakness.

But kindness… kindness is strength.

Compassion is wisdom.
And humanity is the greatest legacy a person can leave behind.
At the end of life, nobody asks how much money you had in your bank account.
They ask how many lives you touched.
They remember whether your presence brought peace… or pain.
Whether you lifted others up… or pushed them down.
Whether you built bridges… or burned them.

So while we are still alive…
While our hearts are still beating…
While our feet are still moving in this mysterious line called life…
Let us do good.
Let us love more.
Let us forgive faster.
Let us help those who cannot help themselves.
Let us use the little time we have… not only to build our lives…
But to uplift humanity.
Because when our turn finally comes…
And we step out of this line…
The only thing that will remain…
Is the good we did for others?
May the Lord guide our hearts to what is right, forgive our shortcomings, fill our lives with sincere goodness, and grant us a beautiful ending when our time comes."

This message is really touchy, and I know that you will feel it as well.

It's a food for thought for the wise.

Good day!

This article was sent to me by good old friend Mun Chor Seng, seen here with his wife during our pop guitar blast at the National Library in 2016.

Why fight your own brother over land… when the earth itself will one day cover both of you?

CoCo Lee 李玟与美国 R&B 巨星 Ne-Yo 尼欧演唱迈克杰克逊的经典歌曲 [Earth Song]，尖叫值破格. CoCo Lee invited US R&B superstar Ne-Yo to perform MJs 'Earth Song' in 'I Am A Singer 4' finals singing session. Co-operation went well and the treble and transition were precise. In the history of Chinese pops, Ms. Lee had successfully integrated urban and western music, opening up new opportunities n spreading Chinese pop music internationally. Comments welcome. [Hunan TV International]

Haze, Haze, Choking Singapore 2019 Again & Again

Here's the first poster and it comes from John Tan, artist, photographer, and a good friend.  He immediately drew this one and sent it to me. John says, "A good poster needs no words." How true.

Thanks, John for the pictures of three people suffocating in the haze.

No more outdoor activities, and we've been kind and patient but coughing and wheezing, while others are enjoying the perks of a financial harvest when flora and fauna are destroyed for purposeful gain.

This second poster was a window view of the sun hidden by the haze this morning. When the sun can be hijacked by Man and kept shrouded, what else can happen next?

Mercy Mercy Me: Marvin Gaye. "Where did all the blue sky go? Poison is in the wind. How much more abuse from man, can she stand?"

Whoa, ah, mercy, mercy me
Oh things ain't what they used to be, no no
Where did all the blue skies go?
Poison is the wind that blows from the north and south and east.

Read this connection too:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2015/10/amazed-dazed-neighbour-still-laze-about.html

All I Ever See Is Haze by Alvin Oon. Thanks, Alvin very much for permission to use the video.

Images: John BT Tan, Andy Young.
YouTube: Marvin Gaye. Mercy Mercy Me.

Andy Singapore 60's Christian Songs

I was just thinking how many songs from the 1960's, that has a Christian theme and recorded by our local Asian bands and singers were recorded because they are inspirational or pressed for release because they were popular then.  I can remember a few but some of them have been taken from albums and most have been reviewed on this blog.  Some of the songs are spirituals while others may have religious connotations:

1.    I Believe by The Tidbits
2.    Just a Closer Walk With Thee by The Crescendos
3.    I Shall Be Released* by The Blackjacks
4.    The Lord's Prayer by Esther Chan (HK)
5.    Away In A Manger by Anneke Gronloh

6.    Mary had a Baby by Anneke Gronloh (Indo/Dutch)
7.    Mary's Boy Child by The Blue Diamonds (   "    )
8.    Let There Be Peace* by Frankie Cheah
9.    I Shall Be Released* by Paul Cheong
10.  Dem Bones by The Saidaislers

11.  On a Day by The Saidaislers
12.  Go Tell It On The Mountains by The Saidaislers
13.  My Song to You (Jesus) by Mervyn Nonis
14.  He's The One: Derrick/Richard Danker, Mervyn/Dudley Nonis, Tony Fonseka
15.  I'll Never Find Another You by Wendy, Grace, Linda, Judith, Sharon
16.  Grace and Glory Psalm 84 by Frances Yip (HK).

Singapore 60's singer Poon Sow Keng made this point about singing Christian songs, "Yes, I am still very healthy but I spend most of my time doing my work in churches. I've told God I am prepared to leave this world at any time. That's why I am so happy..."

This list can go on so I hope some readers can contribute songs they remember recorded by our Singapore and S.E.Asian singers and bands.

A Blessed And Happy 2014 Easter To All!

Plastics, Plastics, Plastics, Get Rid Of Plastics In SG

Browsing through the blog backward in time, I discovered many useful pieces of information. Here are two comments from good friends, Horace and Henri, who have contributed many articles about SG music from the 60s. Here are two but different i.e. about SG and Plastics. 

The Beach Boys song, 'Don't Go Near The Water', was written in 1971, that long ago:

(1) Horace Wee says:

Those ocean-going vessels from container ships, tankers to cruise ships. Are you telling me these vessels store their garbage till they can dispose of them responsibly when they are in port? Correct me if I'm wrong - I think not! They have scheduled dumping days! What control is there? 

Let's start in our own backyard. The only store here that stopped using plastic bags is IKEA and encourages BYO reusable bags. All the other supermarkets, stores, food outlets, other establishments - it's plastic bags for everything. With only a half-hearted effort by NTUC probably now long ignored or forgotten.

To wait for someone to tell you to stop using plastic bags is wrong. One should start doing this voluntarily as it is the responsible thing to do.
Unfortunately, the method here that only works is to impose a fine on people in order for them to do anything right. Quite pathetic.

(2) Henri Gann says:

Glad that your blog is venturing into environmental awareness. 

Plastic goods are definitely an issue as it has a half-life of 100s of years. In simple terms, it doesn't go away easily. Now many cities, counties, and countries around the world are dealing with it. Singapore should too if it has not.

Discharge into the ocean has been a way of disposing of our garbage for many years. It was out of sight, out of mind. Singapore should stop doing it if it has not including the discharge from the many ships for the protection of its clean waters. And, we can go on and on with climate change, etc.

I often wondered as a kid why there were corals and clear blue ocean water around Kusu Island but not at Marine Parade and why there was garbage swept up to the beach of Katong. 

Many Millennials and Generation X in America like my kids are sensitive to the above issues here. Now they are reminding us of environmental awareness and will even go to the extent of telling us what presents we can buy for their kids. Just think, what presents can you buy for the kids that are not made of plastic. Now we buy only paper reading books which are healthy for the environment. 

Don't Go Near The Water: Beach Boys.

(4) The Beach Boys:
Oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams
Have all been touched by man
Poison (Plastics) flowing out to sea
Now threatens life on land...
(By Mike Love, Al Jardine).

(3) Andy Young Says:
Yes, I am guilty. Still using plastic bags to throw my garbage. A very bad habit that's killing our creatures.

Horace Wee and Henry Gann have contributed articles on this blog. Horace was with the Radio and TV station (RTS) at Caldecott Hill - MediaCorp today - and has written two articles in a book called, 'On Air'.

Henri Gann is an unselfish, kind-hearted and successful businessman who came all the way from California USA, to meet me in Singapore. He used to be with a winning guitar group called The Trekkers here.

Disclaimer:
There is no intention to discredit any business or point fingers at anyone or any organization. Truth hurts but truth tells.

John Gerald BT Tan 
observes plastic on seasides, in garbage dumps and other areas of rubbish as pieces of art after he does some magic tricks with his expertise as a media artist. Here are four pieces of these deadly but beautiful killers caught by natural light. He has names for them.

Many, many thanks, John.

The Swan

Serpent

Humming Bird

Whale Rising

Thank you, Horace, Henri, and John. What would I do without all your help?
Images: John Gerald BT Tan and Google.

Fish, Plastic Bags, 'Ikan Kekek', Malay Folk Song

The ban on plastic bags is a hot topic. Let's keep on highlighting this issue until the world gets rid of them. Below are two inter-related stories and a folk-song about fish dishes.

The above poster was taken off Alexandra Hsieh's Facebook post. Thanks, Alex. 

UP TO 2,000 VIEWS

1) Fish in plastic or plastic in fish?

Hooray, the world says it's getting rid of plastic bags. It will take some time.  

Lately, I went to one of the biggest Singapore supermarket chains and asked for a small paper bag. I was given instead a small plastic bag. 

"We don't have paper bags!" said the lady in charge. Strange.

(The picture is a representation of a dead whale from ingestion of plastic created by Greenpeace Philippines. Credit: Greenpeace Philippines)

2) Whales eat people or people eat whales?

No, whales swallow plastic bags and bottles.  And, yes, in a certain country, some people are still catching whales to eat.

"We have been eating them for generations! It's in our culture!" says a citizen. 

I love eating fish but definitely not whales. So be careful not only of fish bones but plastic pieces.

3) Ikan Kekek Folk Song:

Here's a Malay folk song I remember that little children sing in kampongs (villages) in the 1960s. It is just as popular today and sung in primary school classrooms in Malaysia and in Malay classes in Singapore.

Ikan Kekek is, according to a website, PONY FISH, pictured above, a favourite fish dish.

4) Songs with Fish titles:

I don't know too many songs about fish in the English language but here are a few:

Fish and Chips - Chuck Berry
Pisces Fish - George Harrison
Saturday Night Fish Fry - BB King

Gone Fishing - Bing Crosby n Louis Armstrong
Fish Song - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Pray For The Fish - Randy Travis

The Fishin' Hole - Andy Griffith
Moby Dick - Frankie Laine
The Down Easter Alexa - Billy Joel

You can improve the list of fish songs. Splash them on.

WE WANT TO EAT FISH NOT PLASTIC. GET RID OF PLASTIC BAGS!!!

Ikan kekek mak iloi-iloi

Ikan gelama mak ilai -lai

Nanti adik mak iloi-iloi

Pulang sama mak ilai-ilai

Ada satu si ikan parang

Badannya panjang berbelang-belang

Isinya sdikit banyak tulang

Sedap dimakan ala masak pindang

Ikan kekek mak iloi-iloi

Ikan gelama mak ilai-ilai

Nanti adik mak iloi-iloi

Pulang sama mak ilai-ilai

Ada satu si ikan pari

Badannya bulat penuh isi

Sedap dimakan kalo masak kari

Jangan lupa taruh lebih chili

Ikan kekek mak iloi-iloi

Ikan gelama mak ilai-ilai

Nanti adik mak iloi-iloi

Pulang sama mak ilai-ilia

Ikan kekek, oi

Ikan kekek

Ikan kekek, oi

Ikan kekek

Saloma: Ikan Kekek. 

YouTube Video from: Madey Retro Klasik

Translation from Malay:

Mak iloi-iloi snicker fish

Gelama mak ilai -lai fish

Later, my sister will be iloi-iloi

Go home with Ilai-ilai's mother

There is one machete fish

The body is long and striped

It contains quite a lot of bones

Delicious to eat pindang style

Mak iloi-iloi snicker fish

Later, my sister will be iloi-iloi

Go home with Ilai-ilai's mother

There is one stingray

The body is round and full of content

It's delicious when cooked with curry

Don't forget to put more chili

Mak iloi-iloi snicker fish

Gelama mak ilai-ilai fish

Later, my sister will be iloi-iloi

Go home with Ilai-Ilia's mother

Snicker fish, oi

Snickerfish

Snicker fish, oi

Snickerfish

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Anonymous.

Mama Cass Sings California Earthquake

(PART IV OF IV) "WHERE THE BEACH USED TO BE, WON'T BE NOTHING AT ALL..." 

Way back in 1968, John Hartford, who wrote Glen Campbell's famous, Gentle On My Mind, composed and sang California Earthtquake way before Lady Gaga wrote her Earthquake Song. It was picked up Mama Cass Elliot (The Mamas n The Papas).

CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE
(John Hartford)

Recorded by : John Hartford; Mama Cass.

I heard they exploded,
The underground blast,
What they say's gonna happen,
Gonna happen at last,
That's the way it appears.

They tell me the fault line runs right through here,
So that may be,
That may be,
What's gonna happen gonna happen to me,
That's the way it appears.

They tell me the fault line runs right through here.
Atlantis will rise,
Sunset Boulevard will fall,
Where the beach used to be,
Won't be nothing at all,
That's the way it appears.

They tell me the fault line runs right through here
So that may be,
That may be,
What's gonna happen gonna happen to me,
That's the way it appears.