Andy 60s Music Chats - Decline Of Singapore Pops?

[The chat below appeared under Comments 13 years ago. Up till today, I still don't know who JOY is. Perhaps she could reveal herself soon...]

Why did the 60s music scene suddenly disappear, asked Joy.

Joy Gives Her Views

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40 CHATS n COMMENTS 

Anonymous said...

There's no doubt in my mind that this blog is making tremendous progress. Andy is showing admirable perseverance so I hope others will show their support. Though I was not part of the musical scene in the 60s, I find this blog interesting as it helps to fill up many gaps in my knowledge of this aspect of my teenage days.

Roger

24.12.08 

Anonymous said...

I wasn't part of the scene but what I'd like to know is... why did it suddenly disappear?

Joy.

25.12.08 

Anonymous said...

Good question. I've also wondered why. It was a golden age of local musical talent never to be repeated. Perhaps, the pull of economic opportunities in the 70s led to the decline?

Roger

25.12.08 

Roger 

Anonymous said...

Hey Roger!

Thanks for the reply. It was definitely a vibrant scene during the 60's. Talentime aplenty and bands sprouting out from all corners of this little island. Nope, I wasn't born during that period, but I was lucky enough to be educated about the scene by Dad, albeit his disapproval but till this day I don't know why.

My first taste of The Silver Strings came in the form of a video titled Those Were The Days playing Apache to perfection. From then on, I've developed and affinity for local bands. The list could go on and on. From The Stray Dogs, Siglap 5 to Naomi and The Boys and who could forget Thunderbird's, 'My Lonely Heart' and the success of The Quests?

To say that it was a Golden Age of local musical talent never to be repeated? Well perhaps you're right. The only gripe I had about the bands in the 60s was their need to sound like someone else (foreign?). Maybe I'm wrong but perhaps this was their decline? Or could one of 'the member's statement' [1] that The Quests had become so big that other bands had to improve their game be true?

By the mid 70's, the world embraced the arrival of Abba and Bee Gees. In a way, music was revolutionized. Disco's were the placed to be and it was the period of technology, the beginning of the space age some called it. By this time, the local scene was already in its dwindling state. Only a handful of local bands survived. Black Dog Bone? Matthew and the Mandarins? 

By the 80's, the only thing i remembered was Max Surin's Tokyo Square alongside Linda Elizabeth and of course Dick Lee. It wasn't up until the 90's when there was a so called emergence of the local era, with some bands even citing influence from the 60's local era. They're a different breed of course but no short of talent.

Sadly though, the nation wasn't interested. Perhaps the influence of local radio stations playing songs from foreign artistes led to this demise. One could never fault them though. After all, radio stations are financial institutions.

Late 90's and early 2000, the scene finally gains momentum, that of course, after the government announced that it was going all out to support local arts. Venues and platforms were in placed to showcase their talents. Bands were starting to get recognition and quite a few have gone on to play in other countries and won MTV awards. Are we finally seeing the rebirth of the local scene?

One question remains though, will we ever recapture the spirit of the 60's, where everybody wanted to be part of a band and when practically everyone was looking forward to parties and dancing to a band? Like I said, I wasn't around during that golden era, but my guess is as good as yours :)

Joy

26.12.08 

Andy said...

Hi Joy,

Thank you so much for the feedback. Your comment, I hope will encourage others to write to this blog. I have learnt much from you.

Cheers.

Anonymous said...

Like everyone else the musicians of the 60s had to face the stark reality of making a living for themselves and their families. Perhaps this was one of the principal reasons for its decline.

However, some soldiered on and are making a scraping a living playing at night spots, clubs etc with some being forced to moonlight in a second job in the day.

26.12.08 

Anonymous said...

No really Mr. Andy, please don't say that.

Its pioneers like you that I have a lot to thank for; and that too for many many reasons.

I've always been a firm believer that Singapore's education system should provide more information on our musical heritage. What's the point of just confining it to the museum?

Anyway, will definitely keep a lookout for your shows. Have a rocking great new year and stay *young always!

Joy

26.12.08 

THE SIGLAP FIVE

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi Joy & Roger,

Thank you both again. I guess if it's a meeting of minds then I have to be the grateful Chair, nothing much to do except to allow this natural flow of information which our country needs so much. Please don't stop writing.

Cheers,

Andy

26.12.08 

NB - [1] Name withheld.

Click 'comments' below to read the essay type replies. Cheers.

Andy & Professor Dr. Steven Farram, 

from Darwin, Australia.

Steve is a 60s music enthusiast and

writes for this blog. Check him out.

Tokyo Square - Within You Remain

Local Pop Songs For Singapore's 50th Anniversary

              The brand new Singapore National Stadium @ Kallang

Singapore's most iconic songs will be featured in a mega-concert next year (2015) at the new National Stadium to celebrate the country's 50th Anniversary. According to a newspaper report, Sing50 will feature local artistes singing 50 songs in various genre and the four official languages.

Below is a personal list of local pops in English that have been composed by our own musicians. The idea is to reminisce with the older generation songs they grew up with and to introduce to the younger generation melodies that resonate so much with the history of this island.

     Sausolito - Western Union Band (1970s) - MrRainbow

Perhaps some of them may not be appropriate for such a celebration but these were top songs that had charted the hit parade in Singapore 60s, 70s and 80s. There are 9 songs altogether but this posting is just a suggestion to start the ball rolling. The list is not in any particular order. 


Image from: Zazzle Invitations

The 60s
Shanty - The Quests
Selina - The Dukes
It's All Over - Naomi and the Boys
You're The Boy - Shirley Nair and The Silver Strings
My Lonely Heart - The Thunderbirds
Do It Right - The Trailers

(2 instrumentals, 2 lady singers, 2 male singers).
     
The 70s
Sausolito - Western Union Band
Singapore Cowboy - Matthew and The Mandarins
            
The 80s 
Within You Will Remain - Tokyo Square 

 Within You'll Remain - Tokyo Square (1980s) - scorpiossnakes

I am not familiar with songs beyond the 80s.  You can start your own list and if your favourite song has been left out, include it.

Read what others say. Click comments below.

You Tube videos.

Image Google and Zazzle Invications

These specially selected songs represent the milestones in the music scene in Singapore and they represent the journey of the average Singaporean. - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/music/story/sing50-mega-concert-next-year-will-feature-singapores-50-most-iconic-songs-201#sthash.G0Y5E1A6.dpuf

SSingaSingapore's most iconic songs will come to the fore in a mega-concert at the National Stadium on Aug 7 next year. - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/music/story/sing50-mega-concert-next-year-will-feature-singapores-50-most-iconic-songs-201#sthash.G0Y5E1A6.S

X-periment, Mandarins, Tokyo Square Get Together

 

 

The Greatest Thing

 My Christmas Posting

Tony Fonseca: Tokyo Square

*There's a new world somewhere
They call the Promised Land
And I'll be there someday
If you will hold my hand.
I was thinking what I could post this Christmas season. Not another album from the West nor a Yuletide list of songs from the past.  Combing the vinyls in my little record cupboard I found an LP I had purchased not too long ago.

A group of late 60s and 70s Singapore musicians got together and recorded on Polygram ten songs in praise of God. It was, according to the sleeve back-cover, "a Gospel music adventure to spread His Word through a variety of popular music rhythms." It's no Christmas album but polished enough to be on that special list.  If you can find a copy around it's a great gift for someone on this special occasion.

Derek Danker: The Mandarins

This project together with the 5 locals had inspired 5 female singers who had, "never experienced the rigors of recording ... to lend their lovely voices" for the Lions Studio Polygram Singapore get-together.

This unique encounter had two (Matthew) Mandarins guitarists, two X-periment synthesiser, Fender Rhodes experts and a Tokyo Square percussionist to press songs by Dusty Springfield, Dion DiMucci, Mark Tendergrass and other pop composers from the West.

The result was a one-off gem of a vinyl piece called, He's The One. Wonderful Encounter (front sleeve cover below), by Derrick and Richard Danker, Mervyn and Dudley Nonis and Tony  Fonseka.  The female vocals included contributions from Wendy, Grace, Linda, Judith and Sharon.


Mervyn Nonis: The X'periment

It's a long, long, journey
So stay by my side
When I'll walk through the storm
You'll be my guide, be my guide.

A host of people helped in this project and would include Patrick Cheong, John Herbert and Eddie Seet from Polygram. Nearly twenty other people were involved and according to the sleeve that spoke, they thanked the "Lord for allowing it all to happen."

Finally the choice of songs. The tracks included the big hit, I'll Never Find Another You (New World Somewhere), The Greatest Thing, Welcome to the Family, Daddy others like Centre of My Life, I Put away my Idols, and an original by Mervyn (right), My Song to You (Jesus).

Image from: glowingguitars.com

As is always in local music folk-lore, Singapore 80s usually showcased the 60s and 70s. This recording was done in 1985. That's nearly 30 years ago.

It is a well-thought out and recorded piece.  Vocals by the ladies especially, New World Somewhere could have hit the top charts in the 60s.  Tracks by the guys were similarly well recorded with great voice quality but it would have been convenient for a reviewer if the singer's name was provided after each song for easy identification of artiste.

But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'd do
For I know I'll never find another you...

A Blessed Christmas to my friends, supporters and readers for a new and peaceful 2014.


Record Front Cover by Courtesy of Polygram Records.

*Lyrics by Tom Springfield: Seekers - I'll Never Find Another You
Images: Blogger's Collection. With thanks to Polygram Records.
Art Direction n Design: Patrick Low n Bernard Holmberg.
Photography: Henry Wong, Patrick Low.
Art Work: Vincent Ng, of Vin n Art.

My Personal Choice Of Singapore Pops (Part I)

Silver Strings with Mike n Herb on stage.

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12 June, 2021

Written 10 years ago, this post is now suffering the trauma of COVID-19 of which we are all either under home 'quarantine' or being unable to walk around free without wearing surgical masks. 

30 March, 2011

I am trying to ease the trauma and tragedy of these past weeks and the postings I had of the Japanese tsunami, the radioactive leak and the passing away of a great, pop 60s keyboardist friend... So, change of subject.

Young Matthew Tan

LOCAL SONGS I LOVE:

Friends have asked me my list of favourite songs by Singapore 60s artistes. They noticed that all the songs I love are not Singapore ones. It is a long list but I thought about it and decided that the eleven songs below could be my choice. Some of the hits are covers of US and British ones sung by our artistes while others are originals by Singaporeans Robert Suriya, Henry Chua, Matthew Tan, Shirley Nair, Harvey Fitzgerald and others.

Sensual and brooding Rita Chao

I have included The Blue Diamonds' Ramona under local as Ruud and Riem de Wolffe are so familiar in our music scene. In fact I like them better than The Everlys. Rudy has passed on but Riem is somewhat Singaporean. The songs are not in any particular order. And remember, we were young then, in our 20s?

1. Shanty - The Quests.

2. Ramona - The Blue Diamonds.

3. You're The Boy - Shirley Nair and Silver Strings.

4. It's All Over - Naomi n The Boys.

5. My Lonely Heart - The Thunderbirds.

6. Happy, Happy, Birthday Baby (Chinese) - Rita Chao.

7. Mr. Twister - The Crescendos.

8. I Believe - The Tidbits.

9. Do It Right - Benny n The Trailers.

10. Singapore Cowboy - Matthew and Mandarins.

11. Sausalito - Western Union Band.

Sausalito Album - Western Union Band - 

Remembering Chris Vadham.

And the song that transports me back to the 60s? Most of them. Do you have a local 60s or 70s favourite?

Images: 

The LIFE Records Ltd, Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. 

Andy Lim Collection and Google Websites.

Singapore Cowboy - Matthew Tan and The Mandarins - One of the best remembered Singapore compositions.

Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Matthew Tan

Four shows in one. What else do you need to celebrate National Day?

(5) Country Western 60s: Singapore Cowboys

They are one of the best bands in Singapore and they specialise in Country and Western Music. Matthew Tan is the vocalist and plays rhythm guitar, Michael Png plays steel/acoustic guitar, Richard Danker plays bass, while Derrick Danker is on lead guitar. Phillip Monteiro plays drums.

For their EMI the group recorded, Singapore Cowboy, Broken Lady, Lucille, Daytime Friends, That'll Be The Day, Legend In My Time, City Of New Orleans, Movin' On, Margaritaville, It Was Almost Like A Song, Lovesick Blues, Play Born To Lose Again, From Graceland To The Promised Land and The Last Farewell.

For Part II, on EMGS they recorded, Let's Put The Sing In Singapore, Love Or Something Like, I Can Almost See Houston From Here, Honky Tonk Downstairs, *Stranger, Shenandoah, Get Down Country Music, Leaving YOu Is Easier Than Wishing You Were Gone, Tulsa Time, North To Alaska, More Than Just A Memory and Showboat Gambler.

*Female vocalist of the 70s Tracy Huang accompanied them in Stranger. Both recordings were produced by Reggie Verghese, engineered by Vincent Lim and strings arrangements were by Martin Pereira.

Information: EMI Records (Long Play Vinyls). Image: Back Cover of EMGS5016 - Andy Lim Collection. Original Article: Andy Lim

(4) Singapore Cowboy/Cowgirls: Matthew, Mandarins/Crescendos/Naomi/Henry Suriya And The Boys/Sakura/The Dukes

Matthew and the Mandarins from Website of a private photo shot.

When our Singapore dudes and dames started singing their cowboy songs, most of the songs were imported from the Wild Wild West. They were simply covers and these included, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Naomi & The Boys), Silver Threads And Golden Needles (The Crescendos), Lonesome Town (Bobby Lambert & The Dukes), Love Is A Golden Ring (Henry Suriya & The Boys). Sakura Teng too recorded, I Don't Care If Tomorrow Never Comes and The Surfers with, By The Time I Get To Phoenix.

But one dude who covered many cowboy songs is Matthew Tan with his group The Mandarins. Matthew wrote two songs, Singapore Cowboy and Let's Put The Sing In Singapore. He is the only Country singer from Singapore who recorded at Nashville, Tennessee.

They used to play at the Hotel Negara, Singapore and were popular during the 80s oil boom, when many American oil riggers were stationed on the island. They were also at the Peacock Lounge, Shangrilla Hotel. Today they seem an almost forgotten local talent, except to country music fans.

Lately, they have been performing at a Singapore private club. In hand, there are two albums of popular country and western songs on the EMI Singapore label titled, Matthew and The Mandarins, I and II. Having heard them on record and having seen them perform at the hotels, there is no doubt that they are a talented country and western group.

Image: http://image56.webshots.com/

Original article: Andy Lim