Opeth - Hope Leaves

In the corner beside my window
There hangs a lonely photograph
There is no reason
I'd never notice a memory that could hold me back

There is a wound that's always bleeding
There is a road I'm always walking
And I know you'll never return to this place

Gone through days without talking
There is a comfort in silence
So used to losing all ambition
And struggling to maintain what's left

And once undone, there is only smoke
Burning in my eyes to blind
To cover up what really happened
And force the darkness unto me

This song can gives me the blues, but strangely at the same time, some optimism. It's a beautiful song.

Knowing that whatever moment you're experiencing right now, and how you'll never truly return to the moment no matter how hard you try... that thought gives you a greater appreciation of the present innit?

When the moment is gone, and when you leave the memory in the past - that is when hope leaves. Memories may hold us back, but don't ignore it - acknowledge it. Even if the wound keeps on bleeding, you walk the path. When saying nothing is the best thing to say. Even if all ambitions are gone, you've got to go on with your life. You may decide to burn it all up to cover the past, but it doesn't change the fact that you yourself could never go back to that place.

Even if we're never to return to this place... life goes on. This too shall pass..

What happened to the good ol blogging?

After a couple announcement from other regular blogs which I follow, that they're going to go on hiatus for an indefinite time - and by an observation by one of them - I realize how this blog itself has suffered a blow in terms of activity way back in the halcyon days of the blogging circles that I follow way back in 2010...

In fact, one of my friend had remarked that he 'used to like what I write in my blog'. Which had got me thinking just why is it that there's a lack of input from this good ol' blog (as well as other blogs - and I see a disturbing trend of blogs going dead, slow, or running off the track)... and I could think of a few:

1) The other bloggers have stopped or posted very rarely - which decrease the motivation for blogging

Back then, it seems like everyone had something to tell. It goes on to what it seems that by reading others' blogs, one would be tempted to give a few pennies for thoughts as well. So i view it as a two way process - both reading and writing. Feedback, it is.

2) Social media took over the function of blogging

With the infamous Facebook and Twitter, everything is handed out in a rapid-fire and straight to the point manner. Want to share something? Post it on Facebook or Twitter - and watch those likes, comments, retweets slowly tick up... if it fancies others, that is.

3) We don't get two-ways communication now

See 1). Of course, I'm guilty for this, seeing as I'm very slow in updating, and commenting at others blogs now... Sorry.

4) Everyone has something else that take their mind off blogging

Perhaps too general an answer - but I see this as a big reason for people to go slow or stop on blogging.... but then again, doesn't those kind of things go on even when they were more active?

5) Not much/no more interest in blogging

Combine all the other points above with this, and you're sure to get a dead blog(s).


Well. I'm still sticking around here to write things now and then. Only time will tell where this blog will go after this - whether I'm going to stick around with random updates, or buck up and get back to regular writing spree. We shall see...

End of Music Myths & Legends column

I picked up The Star last Sunday to find out that one of the regular fortnightly column, Music Myths & Legends by Martin Vengadesan is finally closing its 10-years long chapters. I've only picked it up for something like... 4-5 years perhaps, the early 2-3 years or so back when I was a regular of the newspaper (with emphasis only on the weekend issues... ahem). 

I enjoyed reading the column, in spite - or maybe because of - the generation gaps between the featured artists and songs here. I don't know, I just like the concept of retro and older things, even if they might be deemed obsolete, irrelevant, or dinosaurs... 

But with music, the song keeps on playing, and generations continue to enjoy them for years to come. Generations might argue which songs of the era is better, but it is of my opinion that music truly transcend generation barriers - as well as language and culture. It's truly something to be shared - and it's great that there's people like Martin who does so. 

It's been a real treat reading about all those legends of old, and it's equally heartening to hear his music life here in this final article. Thanks for the memories Martin - keep on the Rock 'n Roll spirit! 

Jrock no Tamashii 3

After my forage into the event last year, it's time again for a concert where japanese music aficionado gather! And this time, they even gotten an act from Japan itself as the headliner - the alt rock quartet, Haku. And we get some of the previous acts to return this year, along with a handful of new ones.

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