Halfway through the interview, I remembered a scene from the movie Amadeus: a mortally jealous Antonio Salieri cursing God for bequeathing the gift of divine music to an uncouth, potty-mouthed young punk named Mozart. Rico J Puno has the filthiest mouth this side of the MMDA dump, always armed with a joke involving lots of genitalia and bodily fluids. Ironically it is the same mouth that has given some of the most soulful vocal performances in the history of Pinoy pop—recordings with such transcendent charge they encroach into the boundaries of the spiritual. Listen to "Lupa," which he renders with almost Biblical grandeur, in a way no other human being alive could have. And then you listen to him say something like, “Pag ang Pinay pumuntang Japan, japayuki.” “Ang Hapon, pag pumunta dito... Namum*ki.” Perhaps the majority of today's audiences merely know of Rico J. Puno as that lecherous, mustachioed weasel on TV, whose dirty wisecracks makes even Korina … [Read more...] about Rico J. Puno: The foul-mouthed macho guapito and total entertainer
Soaring high school musical lyrics
Album review: ‘Appetite for Destruction’ by Guns N’ Roses
What justifies a box set that comes with a price tag of over a thousand American dollars? Whether or not it is an encompassing reissue of one of rock music’s best and best-selling albums depends on how much of a Guns N’ Roses fan — or rock music enthusiast — one might be. Appetite for Destruction is indeed one hell of an album, and the bonus tracks that arrive with this Locked N’ Loaded box set (and the less-pricey ‘deluxe’ edition of this reissue) really are great — strong classic rock tracks with blues and glam rock flourishes that add context to the complete Appetite experience. Even the remastered version of the original album does more than be a compulsory entry; brimming with tiny details that act as more than mere gimmicks, providing different nuances to these tracks that are so ingrained in rock ‘n’ roll history — these remastered versions enhance the experience without sounding overly polished. … [Read more...] about Album review: ‘Appetite for Destruction’ by Guns N’ Roses
Joe Jackson, patriarch of musical Jackson family, dies at 89
NEW YORK — Joe Jackson, the fearsome stage dad of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and their talented siblings, who took his family from poverty and launched a musical dynasty, died Wednesday. He was 89. Clark County Coroner John Fudenberg told The Associated Press that Joe Jackson died at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas. Fudenberg said he did not have full details, and a determination was not immediately made about whether his office would handle the case. "We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death, but there is no reason to believe it's anything other than a natural death," the coroner said. Jackson was a guitarist who put his own musical ambitions aside to work in the steel mills to support his wife and nine children in Gary, Indiana. But he far surpassed his own dreams through his children, particularly his exceptionally gifted seventh child, Michael. Fronted by the then-pint-sized wonder and brothers Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie, the Jackson 5 was an … [Read more...] about Joe Jackson, patriarch of musical Jackson family, dies at 89
Brothers wild
The Bee Gees – the greatest pop and disco trio of all time whose fraternal harmonies were instantly recognisable – disbanded forever in 2012 following the death of Robin – but remain in the hearts of fans around the world. The band is still fondly remembered in Thailand and its hits are being brought back to life again at a tribute concert, titled “Care for Each Other: The Night To Remember Bee Gees”, that’s being staged in August at the Thailand Cultural Centre. “I have been a professional and successful songwriter for 23 years as well as a producer. In my career, I’ve met and worked with many other songwriters and also learnt that none of them are eligible to receive any benefits or support from any organisation, governmental or otherwise. Most veteran songwriters are now living in poverty and a lot of them are in poor health, being victims of cancer. So, I want to set up a fund for cancer patients,” says Thawichaya … [Read more...] about Brothers wild