CORD MUSIC MAGAZINE October 2013 by Cord Music Magazine

CORD

Oct 2013

B&W

edition 1

Features

CONTENTS Black & White - 10

Sections 5 Cord Hits/ 25 Cord Artists/ 29 Cord Images/ 34 Album Review/36 Music+Current/ 38 Haikus/ 39 Comics/ 45 Good Laugh/ 46 Kim & El/ 46 Mr Jeydiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Witdom/ 47 Film Reviews

From the Editor A rainbow is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. It is there, but it is not there. Isn’t that mysterious? But more importantly its colors delight the eyes and brighten the world. Today, South Africa calls itself as the Rainbow Nation a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and elaborated by Nelson Mandela in this manner: “Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” For when Mandela became president the divide between the black and white races was erased from the face of his nation. In the United States, civil rights leader Martin Luther King made reference to Abraham Lincoln’s most important achievement: “Five score years ago a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beckoning light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.” Less than 50 years from the time he delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech, the US elected its first black president, Barack Obama. CORD celebrates in this issue the disappearance of the black-and-white divide. No more apartheid. The main feature story attempts to make a brief historical background and tells on ongoing challenges. We have made Top 5 Lists: black-and-white acts; black-and-white songs; and black-and-white films. We have also made an update on artists featured in CORD in past issues who have created impact in pop music, including New Zealand’s Lorde and Portugal’s Secret Lie. We encourage our growing number of readers to send us notice of indie artists who they believe will be the next big act in the world. Enjoy CORD! MEL B LIBRE Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief: Mel Libre Creative Director: Mel Elijan Libre 4

CORD HITS

LIVE WITH ABANDON Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIQf5dD7Y9k Intro: C Dm F Fsus2 Verse 1: C Dm F Fsus2 Chasing after this world makes me tired C Dm F Fsus2 Praisin’ my own name leaves me dry

Verse 2: I’ll drop everything to follow You It’s only Your hands I hold onto Pre-chorus Chorus

Pre-chorus: C Dm There’s gotta be so much more to life than this F Fsus2 A higher calling that I missed C Dm F Fsus2 I want my life to count, every breath

Bridge: C I’m not looking back Dm I’m done with that F Fsus2 Wanna give You all I have

Chorus: F C I wanna live with abandon Dm F Fsus2 Give You all that I am C Every part of my heart Jesus Dm F Fsus2 I place in Your hands C I wanna live with abandon

WHOM SHALL I FEAR Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg

Intro CG C You hear me when I call C You are my morning song G/C Though darkness fills the night G/C It cannot hide the light

Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side C My strength is in Your name C For You alone can save G/C You will deliver me G/C Yours is the victory Am D Whom shall I fear Am G/C - G Whom shall I fear

Am D Whom shall I fear

Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side

Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind

F C G/C - G And nothing formed against me shall stand C Am You hold the whole world in Your hands

Am D Whom shall I fear C You crush the enemy C Underneath my feet G/C You are my sword and shield G/C Though troubles linger still

F G/C G Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m holding on to Your promises Am You are faithful G/C G You are faithful Am G You are faithful Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C I know who goes before me Am G C I know who stands behind Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side Am G C The One who reigns forever Am G C He is a friend of mine Am G/C The God of angel armies C G Is always by my side Am G/C The God of angel armies C G C Is always by my side

YOUR LOVE IS LIKE A RIVER Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsLk-Prtsn0

F#m A Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, F#m A D A Your love is like a river flowing from my heart (Repeat) A When this cruel world tears us apart F#m A D A Your love is like a river flowing from my heart A When sharpened words have left their scars F#m A D A Your love is like a river flowing from my heart Bm And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overflowing and showing us all F#m E How deep and how wide is your love A It never stops, it rages on F#m A D (Pause) A Your love is like a river flowing from my heart A When I am tired and so afraid F#m A D A Your love is like a fire that will light my way A When darkness falls and my vision fades F#m A D A Your love is like a fire that will light my way

Bm And it’s always burning and stirring my soul F#m E To love you and love you much more A It never stops or ever fades F#m A D A Your love is like a fire that will light my way F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh A It’s never gonna stop F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh A It’s flowing from my heart F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh A It’s never gonna fade F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh D Your fire will light my way A When all my hope and strength is gone F#m A D A Your love is like a rock that I am standing on F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh A It’s never gonna stop F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh A It’s flowing from my heart F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh A It’s never gonna fade F#m A D Oh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh, ooh, oh, oh

F#m A D A Your love is like a river flowing from my heart F#m A D A Your love is like a fire that will light my way F#m A D A Your love is like a rock that I am standing on F#m A D A Your love is like a river flowing from my heart

WE WON’T BE SHAKEN Building 429

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDYWOH-q-RI

INTRO: Em7, Em7#5, Em7addE, Em7#5 (2x) Verse 1 Em7 This world has nothing for me, Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 This life is not my own Em7 Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 I know You go before me and I am not alone Em7 This mountain rises higher Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 The way seems so unclear Em7 But I know that You go with me Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 so I will never fear

Am I will trust in You Chorus G D ---Whatever will come our way Em Through fire or pouring rain C We won’t be shaken ----No we won’t be shaken G D ---Whatever tomorrow brings Em Together we’ll rise and sing C That we won’t be shaken--No we won’t be shaken G D Em ---Oooh oooh oh, Oooh oooh oh C Oooh oooh oh No we won’t be shaken

Em Through fire or pouring rain C We won’t be shaken ----No we won’t be shaken G D ---Whatever tomorrow brings Em Together we’ll rise and sing C That we won’t be shaken--No we won’t be shaken Bridge D Em7 D ---We will trust in You We will not be moved Em7#5 We will trust in You And we won’t be shaken [x3] Em7#5 No we won’t be shaken

Verse 2

Chorus

Em7 You know my every longing Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 You’ve heard my every prayer Em7 You’ve held me in my weakness Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 Cause You are always there Em7 So I’ll stand in full surrender Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 It’s Your way and not my own Em7 My mind is set on nothing less Em7#5 Em7addE Em7#5 Than You and You alone Am I will not be moved oh

G D ---Whatever will come our way Em Through fire or pouring rain C We won’t be shaken ----No we won’t be shaken G D ---Whatever tomorrow brings Em Together we’ll rise and sing C That we won’t be shaken--No we won’t be shaken G D Em ---Oooh oooh oh, Oooh oooh oh C Oooh oooh oh No we won’t be shaken

2nd Chorus G D ---Whatever will come our way

G D Em ---Oooh oooh oh, Oooh oooh oh C G Oooh oooh oh No we won’t be shaken

BLACK & WHITE T

HE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN walked into a boutique store in Zurich, Switzerland. After glancing at the handbags displayed, she asked the store clerk if she could see one particular handbag (worth $38,000); but the clerk told her to look for other handbags, as she could not afford to buy the one that interested her. The woman who walked without her usual entourage was Oprah Winfrey, and she narrated her experience to Larry King, citing the incident as an example of racism. When we thought that racial discrimination had long been blurred out since Abraham Lincoln fought for the abolition of slavery and Nelson Mandela heralded the dismantling of apartheid policies when he became president of South Africa; it remains alive like a snake hidden in the grass. Abraham Lincoln had many challenges during his term as president of the United States of America. In Steven Spielbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s film, Lincoln, the focus was on the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determination to keep the Union and to emancipate the slaves, primarily the African-Americans. It took a genius and tactician to get these emotional issues approved before a hostile Congress. Though he was assassinated for his efforts, Lincoln remains to be among the greatest leaders not just of the United States, but also of the world. In another century, Nelson Mandela fought for an end of the segregation of the black people of South Africa from the white rulers. Apartheid had no place in modern society, but the ruling few held

on to their privileged, yet unpopular status. An imprisoned Mandela became the symbol of the antiapartheid movement that resonated to other nations in the world. Unlike Lincoln, he saw through the dismantling of an oppressive regime and experienced the equality of people of opposite colors. South Africa has not been a perfect society as Mandela may have envisioned, but the foundation of the principles he fought for remains in place.

While Lincoln and Mandela are most prominent in resolving the black-and-white divide, there have been others who fought and died for the cause, and many others guarding its preservation. In the United States, it would be a sin not to mention Martin Luther King who spoke eloquently on civil rights that resulted in the total abrogation of discriminating policies that kept African-Americans second-class citizens. It was one of the dreams of King to see an African-American lead his nation and this came to be in the election of Barack Obama as president in 2009. Though Mandela is given more reverence for his role, it must be remembered that W de Klerk, the last white president of South Africa, shared with him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Little is written about de Klerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution, yet on hindsight, he could have continued the oppressive regime if he willed, but credit should be given to him, for defying the pressure of white supremacists within his party, and within South Africa. In a way, de Klerk could very well be the counterpart of Abraham Lincoln for South Africa. The world today relishes on the equal opportunities given to peoples of whatever color, in government, in business, in academe and more popularly in sports and entertainment. Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods and the Williams sisters are spoken in the same breath as Jerry West, Michael Phelps, Jack Nicklaus and Billy Jean King. Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith are as popular as Elvis Presley, Ed Sullivan and Tom Cruise. Be that as it may, while the distinction between black and white peoples has disappeared through the years, the issue of inequality remains, maybe less on the color of the skin, but in terms of wealth, ethnicity and nationality, among others. Lincoln, Mandela, King and de Klerk stood up for their principles, and they should serve as models for us who fight against the demons of discrimination that oppress people in many parts of the world today.

IN CHINESE PHILOSOPHY, it is called “yin and yang”, that is contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. It is about creating harmony and balance by combining the opposites.

5 ‘Black-and-White’ comIn this issue, CORD lists the

bine or the ‘yin and yang’ in pop music.

Elvis Presley Michael Jackson

Two royalties of different eras: Elvis reigned as the King of Rock ‘n Roll in the 50s, while MJ ruled the charts in the 80s as the King of Pop. Elvis never lived to see that for a time MJ happened to be his son-in-law when the Gloved One married the former’s daughter, Lisa Marie.

Ray Charles Bruce Springsteen Ray Charles while primarily a soul artist defied categorization by wandering into different music genres and making a mark in each: blues, jazz, pop, country and what have you he did it all. But what made him popular was his intensity as a performer and his appeal to bluecollar audiences. Bruce Springsteen or the Boss is the working man’s rock star with anthems like “Born in the USA” he remains to be a stadium attraction not much of theatrics, but because of the honesty in his performances. Incidentally both stood out among the performers of the legendary recording of “We are the World”.

Jimmy HendrixEric Clapton

Hendrix is the firebrand of the electric guitar. He demonstrated through his genius and virtuosity the unlimited capacity of the stringed instrument making it the main driver in rock music. Clapton or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Slow Handâ&#x20AC;? tamed the electric instrument allowing it to emote and compliment vocals.

Aretha FranklinBarbra Streisand

Aretha is the Queen of Soul, and no one can take that title away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not Diana Ross, not Whitney Houston, not even Beyonce. Barbra is the toast of Broadway and the movies, and has produced hit albums for five decades. No one can beat that in a long time.

The Beatles Earth Wind and Fire

John-Paul-Ringo-George established the template of the modern rock combo, and the collaboration of John and Paul as songwriters defined the music of the 60s and beyond. Earth Wind and Fire established themselves as one of the greatest live performance bands with a string of pop hits that incorporated everything from jazz, soul, rhythm and blues and world music.

5 B&W FILMS

CORD BEST

5 WHITE HOUSE DOWN

An unusual choice really as this wasn’t even a top grosser. It is one of those fun action films with a lot of shooting and explosion, but more interestingly it is a buddy movie. White cop John Cale (Channing Tatum) and black US President James W Sawyer (Jamie Foxx) become unlikely partners against a group of criminals taking over the White House. It used to be a unique idea to have a black president in the pre-Obama era, but now that there is a black president, director Roland Emmerich must have thought, ‘Let’s not get too serious about it for a moment.’ There are a lot of comedic situations in between the mayhem. When we thought it was over, we get an unexpected end game. The black president and the white cop checkmate the evil mastermind.

4 THE BUTLER

Until a film about the first African American president is made, we will have to make do about others who stayed in the White House in lesser roles for some time. The name Cecil Gaines may never be mentioned in history books; but he was privileged to serve as one of the butlers of US presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to Ronald Reagan. He was there at the height of the civil rights movement, not as an active participant, but as a silent witness to the unfolding history. While his brushes with the presidents may not be as novel as that of fictional character Forrest Gump; it is the biographical account of his life and that of his family that give more substance to the film. Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey who play the central roles of the couple, Cecil and Gloria Gaines, carry the film effectively, and no doubt, this film and their names will figure in next year’s Oscars. 18

3 TO SIR WITH LOVE

People tend to relate the title to a song popularised by Lulu, but the full length film was a generation-defining event with Sidney Poitier in the role of Mark Thackeray, an unemployed engineer from British Guiana who is accepted in a teaching position at the North Quay Secondary School in London. He is assigned to senior high school students with rebel attitude. Based on the semiautobiographical novel written by E. R. Braithwaite, the film tackles social and racial issues especially the tension between a migrant-black teacher and Caucasian youths at grips with the 60s cultural revolution. While it may seem jaded for Gen Y viewers; the film remains relevant more so as migrants from Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia continue to flood London, Paris and Rome, among others.

2 THE HELP

When the bigger cities of the United States were up in arms for civil rights for African Americans in the 60s, there was tension as well in the rural areas. Beautifully woven tales documented by an aspiring young white woman about the subjects of the novel, American Africans working as household helps to white families. Both sides struggle towards the transformation of society. We experience all levels of emotions from sentimental to hilarity, from anger to mirth. The truthfulness of the situations and the authenticity of the characters are keys to making this film outstanding. Stories of ordinary people affected by glacial historical transition are as engaging as the main players’ period drama. A ‘must see’ for students of American history.

1 INVICTUS

This is a remarkable film that deals about rugby, post-apartheid South Africa and the unusual friendship between Nelson Mandela and team captain Francois Pienaar. While director Clint Eastwood couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give us thoroughly exciting rugby games, he focused more on the relationship between the two lead characters as they create the sporting event as a tool towards uniting a once broken nation before an international audience in the 1995 Rugby World Cup that incidentally was miraculously won by South Africa. Morgan Freeman (as Mandela) and Matt Damon (as Peinaar) gave stellar performances. Excellent work Clint.

Dear Madiba, I am told that you are old and unwell. My prayers go to you that you will be strong again. I am learning to read, and I commit myself to learn fast, so I will know more about your life that moved many people around the world. I cannot understand why there was segregation between people of different colours. In school, my classmates have skins unlike mine, but it does not bother me, for they are among my best friends. We have more in common than differences. We love to play games. We talk about our favourite superheroes. We love to eat, and share food among ourselves. If only the world is like our class room where we have much fun, much laughter and much learning. I guess that is what you want the world to be. Can I invite you to our class room, so you can enjoy with us, laugh with us and learn with us? Thank you for what you have done to your country, South Africa, and inspiring the world. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a hero. Yours truly, Every Child 20

TOP 5

B&W SONGS

PASTIME PARADISE (Stevie Wonder) Written at the end of the Black Power Movement, Wonder incorporated serious issues into the song including race and religion. The song brings a message of hope against the odds that humanity faces. Intro: F Dm E7 Am (x3) Verse 1: F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in a Pastime Paradise. F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in a Pastime Paradise. F Dm E7 Am They've been wasting most their time, Glorifying days long gone behind. F Dm They've been wasting most their days, E7 Am In re-membrance of ignorance oldest praise. Tell me... Chorus 1: F Dm E7 Am Who of them, will come to be? F Dm E7 Am How ma-ny of them, are you and me? F Dm E7 Am Dissi-pation, race re-lations.

F Dm E7 Am Conso-lation, segre-gation. F Dm E7 Dm Dispen-sation, iso-lation, exploi-tation, mutilation. F Dm E7 Am Mu-tations, miscre-ation, confir-mation, to the evil's of the world. Verse 2: F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in the future paradise. F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in the future paradise. F Dm They've been looking in their minds, E7 Am For the day that sorrow's gone from time. F Dm They keep telling of the day, E7 Am When the Saviour of love will come to stay. Tell me... Chorus 2: F Dm E7 Am Who of them, will come to be? F Dm E7 Am How ma-ny of them, are you and me? F Dm E7 Am Procla-mation, of Race Re-lations, F Dm E7 Am Conso-lation, inte-gretion. F Dm E7 Am Verifi-cation, of Reve-lations, accla-mation, world sal-vation. F Dm E7 Am Vi-brations, stimu-lation, confir-mation, to the peace of the world. Verse 3: F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in a Pastime Paradise.

F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in a Pastime Paradise. F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in the future paradise. F Dm E7 Am They've been spending most their lives, living in the future paradise. F Dm E7 Am We've been spending too much of our lives, living in a Pastime Paradise. F Dm E7 Am Let's start living our lives, living for, the future paradise. F Dm E7 Am Praise to our lives, living for, the future paradise. F Dm E7 Am Shame to anyone's lives, living in the pastime paradise. Coda: F Dm E7 Am F

BLACKBIRD (The Beatles) Learning of race riots in the US, Paul McCartney wrote this about the civil rights struggle for blacks. In an interview with Mojo magazine, McCartney said: "We were totally immersed in the whole saga which was unfolding. So I got the idea of using a blackbird as a symbol for a black person. 'Take these broken wings' was very much in my mind, but it wasn't exactly an ornithological ditty; it was purposely symbolic." INTRO: G G/A G/B G G G/A G/B G Blackbird singing in the dead of night, C C#0 D9 D#ยบ Em Em7+ Take these broken wings and learn to fly.

Em7 Em/C# C Cm All your life, G/B A7 D9 G You were only waiting for this moment to arise. C G/B A7 D G G G/A G/B G Blackbird singing in the dead of night, C C#0 D9 D#ยบ Em Em7+ Take these sunken eyes and learn to see. Em7 Em/C# C Cm All your life, G/B A7 D9 G You were only waiting for this moment to be free. CHORUS: F Em Dm C Bb C Black - bird, fly. F Em Dm C Bb A7 Black - bird, fly... D7 G Into the light of a dark, black night. tab G G/A G/B G Blackbird singing in the dead of night, C C#0 D9 D#ยบ Em Em7+ Take these broken wings and learn to fly. Em7 Em/C# C Cm All your life, G/B A7 D9 G You were only waiting for this moment to arise. C G/B A7 D9 G You were only waiting for this moment to arise. C G/B A7 D9 G G You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

BLACK AND WHITE Three Dog Night The final #1 hit for the band, "Black and White" was written by Hoyt Axton. One writer described it as an attempt to bring a sense of togetherness among all people no matter what their skin color.

AEAE AEAE ADAE A E A E The ink is black, the page is white, A D E together we learn to read and write. A E A E The child is black, the child is white, A D E the whole world looks, upon the sight A DAE a beautiful sight. A And now a child, can understand, E E7 that this is the law, of all the land, E E7 all the land. A E A E The world is black, the world is white A D E it turns by day, and then by night. A E A E the child is black, the child is white, A D E together they grow, to see the light, A DAE to see the light. A And now a land, can plainly see. E E7 E E7 that this is a cause of liberty, liberty. A E A E The world is black, the world is white A D E it turns by day, and then by night. A E A E the child is black, the child is white, A D E together they grow, to see the light, A DAE to see the light.

BLACK AND WHITE (Michael Jackson) Written, composed and produced by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell., the song was promoted by the record company as “a rock ‘n’ roll dance song about racial harmony”. D I took my baby on a Saturday bang, Boy is that girl with you ? Yes, we're one and the same. G Now I believe in miracles, DGGGDGGGD~ and a miracle has happened tonight. A But, if you're thinkin' about my baby, G DGGGDGGGD~ it don't matter if you're black or white. D They print my message in the Saturday Sun, I had to tell them, I ain’t second to none. G And I told about equality, DGGGDGGGD~ and it’s true, either you’re wrong or you’re right. A But, if you’re thinkin’ about my baby, G D G G G D G G G D ~ (4x) it don’t matter if you’re black or white. D \ I`m tired of this devil, I`m tired of this stuff, \ \ G D I`m tired of this business, so when the going gets rough. D \ I ain’t scared of your brother, I ain’t scared of no sheets, \ \ G D I ain’t scared of nobody, girl when the goin’ gets mean. (rapping) in D

protection for gangs, clubs, and nations, causing grief in human relations. It’s a turf war on a global scale, I’d rather hear both sides of the tale. See, it’s not about races, just places, faces. Where your blood comes from is where your space is. I’ve seen the bright get duller, I’m not going to spend my life being a color. G Don’t tell me you agree with me, DGGGDGGGD~ when I saw you kicking dirt in my eye. A But, if you’re thinkin’ about my baby, G DGGGDGGGD~ it don’t matter if you’re black or white. A I said, if you’re thinkin’ about my baby, G DGGGDGGGD~ it don’t matter if you’re black or white. (2X)

EBONY AND IVORY (Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder) Using the piano keys ebony (black) and ivory (white) keys as symbols for the harmony in races. McCartney wrote the song having heard Spike Milligan say "black notes, white notes, and you need to play the two to make harmony, folks!" C Bb C F Gm C Ebony and ivory F Gm C Live together in perfect harmony F Gm Side by side on my piano keyboard C F Oh Lord why don't we? C Bb C F We all know

Dm C Bb F That people are the same wherever you go C There is good and bad in everyone Eb Eb-dim D Gm We learn to live when we learn to give each other What we need to survive C Together alive F Gm C Ebony and ivory F Gm C Live together in perfect harmony F Gm Side by side on my piano keyboard C F Dsus D Oh Lord why don't we? Solo: [G Am D G Am D G Am D G Bb C] F We all know Dm C Bb F That people are the same wherever you go C There is good and bad in everyone Eb Eb-dim D Gm We learn to live when we learn to give each other What we need to survive C Together alive [CHORUS REPEAT] Gm C Side by side on my piano keyboard F Gm C Oh Lord why don't we? {F Gm C} repeat to fade.

CORD ARTISTS THE NAKED AND FAMOUS New Zealand

The Naked and Famous took its name from a line in a song of English artist Tricky, “everybody wants to be naked and famous” referring to instant gratification at stardom. Formed in 2008 in Auckland, New Zealand the band is fronted by Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers, former students at MAINZ Music College. It was their single, “Young Blood” that got them to becoming “world famous in New Zealand” when it charted number one in the NZ chart. With the album, “Passive Me, Aggressive You”, the alternative rock band got recognition, having been nominated for BBC’s Sound of 2011 and six nominations at the NZ Music Awards in 2011. Targeting a wider audience, TNAF settled in Los Angeles in 2012 producing the second album “In Rolling Waves” with the single, “Hearts like Ours” that landed in the biggest-selling sports computer game of all time – Fifa 14. Among the other artists in the soundtrack are Nine Inch Nail, Bloc Party and Vampire Weekend. With the phenomenal success of Kiwi artist Lorde, The Naked and Famous may just be on their way to fame with their clothes on.

JANG KIHA AND THE FACES South Korea

There is music beyond K-Pop. To prove that, drummer Chang Kiha decided to become the lead vocalist of a band that carried his name. Breaking into the indie music scene with the album, “Living without Incident” the band has sold more than 40,000 copies, enough to brag about. Combining 70s-80s rock music with folkpop elements plus hilarious lyrics, the five-man combo have become a favorite in the biggest music festivals in South Korea. One of its most infectious anthems is "Dali Chaoreunda, Gaja" (The Moon is Waxing Full, Let's Go). Becoming a mainstream act may just be around the corner. Chang Kiha, let’s go.

EVA DE LOS SANTOS Philippines

Though she had made an impression in the World Music Festival in Europe with a rendition of her original composition, Just Like You and Me, and having released a quality album, that bore her name, Eva de los Santos still competed in the 2013 The Voice competition in the Philippines. Though she didn’t win the title, Eva left the audience bewildered by her powerful voice, and her tenacity as a performer. Formerly a vocalist of top crowd drawers Zee Band and Eva & The Crosswind, Eva didn’t succumb to the lure of the Manila entertainment scene opting to stay in Cebu to raise her family and venture into business. But she never stopped singing, and even had one of her children, Monique follow her footsteps. (Monique was in American Idol, cut a record and performs professionally). She produced a hit song, ‘My Everything’ in Cebu and collaborated with other artists in anthems such as “We are Here” for the Palarong Pambansa and “We are Volunteers” for the Red Cross. She has since re-released her debut album, and should be busy as a bee, after her successful stint in national television.

CORD ARTISTS NEWS Secret Lie. (CORD October 2012) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R0PUuyFXB8

Cattski. (CORD July 2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO1_DLqb4M

2013 is the banner year for Portuguese band Secret Lie with a national tour that kicked off in Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval, Sintra on January 11. The band has guested in popular television and radio shows. The band’s debut album “Behind the Truth” is one of the top selling albums in Portugal. “I Can Be Free”, one of the songs of the album hit the 20th place in the TOP 100 of iTunes.

After helping organize Vispop that discovered new original Bisaya compositions, Cattski promoted fellow artists including Martina San Diego, Honeydrop, Ella Melendez, Mary Anchit and Mike Fegi in Folk City series. She’s been called “Mother Folker” for her efforts.

Shana Llorando. (CORD October 2012) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_ embedded&v=O6I4DjWwemk

Martina San Diego. (CORD April 2013) http://martinasandiego.bandcamp.com/ After releasing her debut album “Blank Walls” at Harold’s Hotel, Cebu City, the19-year-old Filipino American performed with Kyle Wong “Balay ni Mayang” that won 3rd place during VISPOP's first competition.. Hardly ever performed live, “Balay ni Mayang” reached mainstream success just a month after being released online and obtained airplay in some music stations in Metro Manila.

Shana was the featured artist in Seyer Sessions in Auckland. She performed an unplugged version of her original song, “Maria”. She also jammed in “Ladies from the Block” in the Wine Cellar. Currently, she is pursuing a music degree in Auckland University.

CORD IMAGES The World In Black & White by Junx Muana

ALBUM REVIEW PURE HEROINE

Lorde

She’s the biggest thing to come out of New Zealand following the footsteps of Kimbra; and wow, is she taking the world by storm with her bass-driven, synthesizer-dominated music. “Tennis Court”, “400 Lux” and the monster hit, “Royals” introduce us to the character of Lorde’s music: mysterious, hypnotic and uniquely Lorde. She goes upbeat and rightly so in “Ribs” and “Buzzcut Season”. “Team”, cool, easy and positive, has potential to following the success of “Royals”. Lorde’s mantric beat continues in “Glory and Gore”, “Still Sane” and “White Teeth Teens”. “A World Alone” concludes the album with the repetitive chorus, “People are talking”, and she is correct, people are talking about her. Lorde’s lyrics are somewhat abstract and random, making us think deeper, letting us wonder what she really means. The nearest association I can find to Lorde’s work is that of Tears for Fears, and I won’t be surprised if one of these days Roland Orzabal will collaborate with Lorde.

VISPOP

Various Artists Visayas Pop (Vispop for short) is a project of established songwriters in the Bisaya language in the Philippines. The organizers defined their objective: We are looking for good Cebuano songs that can break into current radio airplay, songs that have both a hook and a heart, songs that are radio-friendly, and yet are also substantial in their theme and approach. To attain this, they conducted workshops among youths who had interest in songwriting, and out of the many that were composed six were selected for recording. The organizers should be proud of the harvest; for each song reflects not just the sentiments of the youth, but also demonstrates the development of homegrown compositions that have incorporated elements of contemporary pop music. The first song, “Balay ni Mayang” showcasing the beautiful voice of Martina San Diego complimented by composer Kyle Wong, is a playful duet that is irresistible. Paterno Ninal’s “Hinaut” has all the pedestrian ingredients of a pop song that you seem to have heard once before. “Historias” by Alphecca Perpetua gets an exclamation mark for challenging the boundaries of the pop music genre. The jazz-oriented number goes pretty well with the creative vocal rendition of the singer-composer. Marie Salvaleon is the find of the contest, with her up tempo number “Pa-pictura ko Nimu, Gwapo.” It’s one of the best Bisaya compositions I have heard in ages. Lourdes Maglinte’s “Laylay” with its simple melodic movement is given a magically heartwarming interpretation by Chai Fonacier. The final song, “Duyog” performed by Jewel Villaflores is an outright pop ballad if not for its Bisaya lyrics, could have been a Celine Dion song. This last song incidentally was the winner of the contest, showing the judges still wanted to play it safe.

ARMAGEDDON Guy Sebastian

It takes more than just great vocals to succeed as a music artist, and Guy Sebastian has demonstrated that. In 2003, Sebastian became the first winner of the Australian Idol (counterpart to American Idol) and from thereon released seven top ten albums and getting 11 top ten singles in Australia. He has collaborated with American artists Eve and Jordin Sparks. His latest album, Armageddon, includes “Battle Scars” (with Lupe Fiasco) that spent 20 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The hard driving “Amnesia” kicks off the fine selection followed by the radio-friendly “Beg”. “Gold”, the cut after “Battle Scars” is simply gorgeous; while the two succeeding songs “Get Along” and “Keeper” sustain the pop element. The title song, “Armageddon” tick-tocks with urgency; but it is when the arrangement is stripped back that the beautiful voice of Sebastian soars especially in “Big Bad World” and “Used to You”. It must be the tone of honesty and the raw vocal emotion that make the Guy special.

THE DIVING BOARD Elton John

It’s been a long period of time that Elton John has produced a top 40 song, and by the looks of it he may not have a revisit to the top of the pop soon. Not with this album. But that does not mean to say that this a worthless output for one who once ruled the charts with such songs as “Your Song”, “Candle in the Wind”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Rocket Man”. On the contrary, it is one of his more decent works in recent times. This time around, he has collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin who wrote the words for his most memorable hits. There are a number of forgettable tunes, but gems also abound. You can easily get carried away with “Oceans Away”, “The Ballad of Blind Tom”, and “Can’t Stay Alone Tonight” and the title cut. “Home Again” with its classic EJ piano intro and slow ballad movements is the best song of the album, and the most meaningful. “Take This Dirty Water” is bluesy number with a gospel feel, with the piano man returning to his roots that continue in “Mexican Vacation”. But the revelations in this collection are the three piano instrumentals, titled “Dream #1” “Dream #2” and “Dream #3”, which only makes me request Elton John to produce an all-piano collection, both of original and select melodies. It may even open a new horizon for him as a musician.

MUSIC + CURRENT Matt Redman led in receiving awards with 6, TobyMac and Jason Crabb follows with 4, Tasha Cobb and producer Wayne Haun scored 3 each. Chris Tomlin, Tamela Mann and Lecrae scored 2 in the 44th Annual GMA Doves Awards, hosted by Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin, on October 15 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. The list of the winners include: Artist of the Year: TobyMac (ForeFront Records); New Artist of the Year: for King & Country (Fervent); Song of the Year: “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” Matt Redman (artist), Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin (writers) ThankYou Music (publisher); Pop Contemporary Album: Eye On It, TobyMac, (producers) David Garcia, Toby Mckeehan, Christopher Stevens, Jamie Moore, Telemitry; Rap/Hip Hop Album: Gravity, Lecrae, (producers) Heat Academy, Joseph Prielozmy, J.R., The Watchmen, Dru Castro, Uford Ebong, Tyshane, Thainnacircle, DJ Kahalil, Zach Crowell, Dirty Rice, DJ Official and Rudy Currance; Southern Gospel Performance: “What The Blood is For” Jason Crabb, Gaither Music Group (producer) Wayne Haun; Gospel Performance: “Break Every Chain”, Tasha Cobbs (producer) VaShawn Mitchell; Praise & Worship Album: Burning Lights, Chris Tomlin (producers) Jason Ingram, Ed Cash and Dan Muckala...Matt Redman is back with a new album following the success of the powerful worship song “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord).” Released on September 24, Your Grace Finds Me pulls together the powerful message that even in the midst of battle and blessing, the highest high of a wedding day or when weeping by a graveside, God’s grace is always active and present... Singer/songwriter Jason Castro has released a new song, “Stay This Way,” from his debut Word Entertainment album, Only A Mountain. He spent summer 2013 co-headlining a tour with Ryan Cabrera, promoting his appearance in the original movie, “The Perfect Summer,” and visiting Colombia, South America, on an “I am Second” expedition. He is on tour again with Matthew West and Sidewalk Prophets for West’s “Into the Light Tour.” According to Castro, “‘Stay This Way’ is the most relevant for me lyrically. You know, in the last couple years I think I realized for the first time that I’d grown up accustomed to some things being the way they were, thinking that I can’t outrun my last mistake, and I’m just stuck here. I always believed in God, I knew He was good – I thought I

was just messed up,” said Castro who co-wrote the song with its producers Ben Glover and David Garcia... Songwriter and storyteller Matthew West has made history with his hit single, “Hello, My Name Is” that officially broke the record for the most weeks at No. 1, achieving the top spot for 16 weeks in a row on the National Christian Audience chart. The song also stayed at No. 1 on the AC Monitored chart for 14 weeks. He said, “I am absolutely blown away by this run that ‘Hello’ has had! Many thanks to all the radio stations across the country for letting the song and its message reach the hearts of listeners. I’ve always seen ‘Hello, My Name Is’ as a three minute reminder that we are not our failures. We are not even our successes. Of all the names that try to define us, the only title that truly matters is the one given to us by our Creator; children of God. We are children of the one true King!”... Mandisa made her Grand Ole Opry debut on 22 October when she joined in the fight against breast cancer during the Opry’s fifth annual “Opry Goes Pink” show in support of Women Rock For The Cure. LeAnn Rimes flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night as Mandisa and other artists including Amy Grant, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan and Natalie Grant performed in

support of breast cancer awareness... Rock band Switchfoot released the first single, “Love Alone Is Worth The Fight,” from its highly anticipated album, Fading West. The reception of the single is being overwhelmingly supported at radio, with every Billboard Christian Hot AC/CHR reporting station playing the single in its debut week, marking the only time this has happened since the chart launched in 2006. The song also claimed the highest ever debut position (No. 34) for Switchfoot on the National Christian Audience (NCA) chart and the second highest debut chart position (No. 19) out of the band’s 17 Hot AC/CHR singles (“Stars” debuted at No. 18 in 2005).

Lahug, Cebu 37

HAIKUS By M Batulan Dark the fall of night Heavy clouds cover the sky Hush, hush, be quiet. Oh what a delight In heaven the moon and stars Glittering so bright The pages all white Out the ink from the ball point Spring out words of life. It does not matter Black faces or white faces Says the mad hatter. Black and white photo In a multi-coloured spread What a wondrous show Open the door please Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dark inside the chamber Space of loneliness. Take out the black mud From the sandals that I wear Rejoice and be glad

GOOD LAUGH Lengthen Life A man visited his GP who told him that he had cancer and had only a year to live. Confused, he decided to talk to the parish priest, and asked him for advice. “I tell you son,” said the clergy, “you should get married to the ugliest woman you can find who has a drug addict son, and settle in a hut just beside an active volcano.” “Will that lengthen my life?” asked the man “No,” responded the priest, “but it will make what time you have left seem like forever.” *** Look out for Car Stickers I’m not an alcoholic Alcoholics go to meetings I am a drunk I’m not telepathic I can’t read your mind. Do you follow Jesus this close? connection

Prayer: the world’s most efficient wireless

Jesus is Lord whether you believe it or not My boss is a Jewish carpenter Support local music, kiss a musician My heart beats for a drummer Adventure before dementia I’m not driving slowly, you are driving fast. The closer you get the slower I drive STOP FOLLOWING ME, I don’t know where I’m going

KIM & EL

MR JEYDI’S WITDOM

FILM REVIEWS Mr Pip

After his successful stint as lead star of the highly popular TV series, House, Hugh Laurie took the role of Mr Watts in the film adaption of an award-winning New Zealand novel, Mr Pip. It is a story about a white man (Laurie) who teaches the children in a village in Bougainville in Papua New Guinea in a time of war between independence rebels and the army referred to as the Redskins. With Charles Dickens’ book, ‘Great Expectations’ as ‘official textbook’, Mr Watts educates not just the children, but even the adults who become attracted to his theatric style. One student, Matilda, becomes attached to Dickens’ story especially the character Mr Pip that she imagines as her friend. Her mother, Dolores, a very religious woman, becomes jealous of Mr Watts’ teachings and begins to undermine him. Dolores’ disdain and Matilda’s obsession result in a series of tragedies of the highest degree. Laurie carries his multi-faceted character flawlessly, while newcomer Xzannjah Joel as Matilda is a natural for the demanding role as narrator and co-lead. For those not acquainted with Dickens’ novel, the imagination scenes may be distracting, but by the end of the film, one is able to appreciate

the relevance of these to the life of Matilda. While funny at times, the movie takes us to an emotional journey not only of the lead characters, but that of an entire village. The last quarter of the film gives us the necessary closure, bringing us to Australia, to England and finally back to Bougainville. Andrew Adamson (Chronicles of Narnia and Shrek) made a truly remarkable film showing the beauty of Bougainville amidst the turmoil of a civil war. (CORD)

Prisoners

ity. The ensemble led by Jackman supported by Gyllenhall, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard and Melissa Leo deliver abovepar performances that should put the Oscars on notice. Jackman’s Keller is as wretched a man as his Les Miserables’ Jean Valjean character; but without the singing this time. Gyllenhall creates a complex person out of detective Loki, and tremendously helps carry the film until the very end. Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, a 3-time winner in the Genie Awards, the counterpart of Oscars in Canada, should get big-ticket productions after this. (CORD)

Monsters University

Young daughters of two couples went missing, and Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), the father of one of the children, believing that the police were not doing enough, kidnaps, imprisons, and tortures one of suspects that he believes is behind the crime. A detective, Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) who had become involved in the investigation is as committed in finding the missing girls. We are led to possible suspects of the crime that leaves us asking “whodunit?” It is only in the last ten minutes of this lengthy flick that the truth is uncovered, and only on the last minute are we assured that all ends well. There is much gloom, much blood in this dark film not made in the typical Hollywood pseudo-fiction style, but more in touch with real-

It would be unjustifiable if Monsters University is not given space for a review. The film is outstanding, in terms of storytelling, graphics and the whole package. This prequel ties up the events that lead to the partnership of little green monster Mike Wazowski and the furry blue giant Sulley Sullivan in Monsters Inc. The situations are so reflective of reality and it is said that the writers went out of their way to visit some of the finest universities in the US, observed professors and fraternities. The well-written script puts Mike and Sulley on opposite ends of the pole, but a series of inci47

dents force them to work together with the outcasts of the Oozma Kappa. No gag is forced into the story, so things just come naturally funny. When we thought that the unlikely pair failed in their quest; they are placed in an ingenious situation that lead them to the mail delivery section of Monsters Inc. It is commendable that Disney allowed the Pixar team to do their thing in their original titles (Toy Story and Cars). There is freshness as well as childlike enthusiasm in the team’s work, and Monsters University demonstrates that best. I don’t think we have gotten enough of Mike and Sulley as yet, so let’s expect a sequel to Monsters Inc to come our way in the future. Make it soon! (CORD)

ide) for a fun snail race, believes that his snail could actually race in Indianapolis 500 (as no prohibition is provided in the rules, reminiscent of ‘Babe’). So Turbo races the best drivers in the world including his idol, Gagne, who becomes his arch enemy. Oh well this one’s a real tall tale, but ride we did. And wow, did we enjoy it. It has all the elements of, well, ‘Fast and Furious’ but with more thrill, more fun, and more heart. While it may not have made as much money as ‘Cars’ in the box-office, ‘Turbo’ can definitely take runner up honor as a genuinely entertaining family film.

Elysium

Turbo

To follow the track of the successful ‘Cars’ that Pixar -animated comedy sports film, Dreamworks’ ‘Turbo’ put in a garden snail to the race. This is a ‘bro’ movie, that of ‘bro’ snails (Theo and Chet) and ‘bro’ taco sellers (Tito and Angelo). Theo or Turbo, the snail, wants to be like his human hero, Guy Gagne, a multi-titlist champion of the Indianapolis 500. For his foolish dream, he is kicked out of his community. On the other hand, Tito, who catches the powered-up Turbo (due to an accidental combine of his DNA with nitrous ox-

Matt Damon has been acting in quirky and unusual films outside of the Jason Bourne franchise, and these have not worked out well in the box office. (Think ‘The Informant’; ‘Green Zone’, ‘Hereafter’, ‘The Adjustment Bureau’; ‘We Bought a Zoo’; and ‘Promised Land’). Finally, he was able to get back on the saddle with “Elysium” in this age of superheroes and sci-fi flicks. Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp whose breakthrough film was ‘District 9’, Elysium is the name of the place where the privileged live in luxury in space, while the rest of humanity suffer in an ailing Earth. While set in 2154, Blomkamp has actually addressed social issues that confront

today’s world such as immigration, overpopulation, economic gap between the haves and the have-nots, healthcare and politics. As Max Da Costa (on parole for committing petty crimes), Damon goes on high octane action overdrive, as his character scrambles to get medication available only in the space community while being pursued by a mercenary (played effectively by Sharlto Copley). The story becomes more interesting with the looming coup planned by Elysian Secretary of Defense Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster) against the government. The contrasting sceneries between the overpopulated and barren earth and the paradise-like Elysium are surreally disturbing. This film may well be shown during one of the sessions of the United Nations’ General Assembly; and maybe, world leaders will act on what seem to be the distant future, but in truth are real today. It is not a ‘they lived happily ever after’ ending, but viewers will remain hopeful as the ending credits start to roll.(CORD)

Lone Ranger

With the same team that created “Pirates of the Caribbean” behind it, there was no way that “The Lone Ranger” wouldn’t succeed in putting up a new franchise. But it seems like producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Vebrinski failed to strike gold, not even silver.

films that The Lone Ranger isn’t. An iconic multimedia character of (CORD) long standing, Lone Ranger predates John Wayne and Clint EastThe Wolverine wood who made cowboy movies lucrative endeavours. A cowboy cannot exist without an Indian, so Lone Ranger had a sidekick: Tonto. Enter Johnny Depp who has prosperously thrived in out-worldly characters (Jack Sparrow in Pirates, The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland and Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows, among others) in the role of Tonto. Depp in an interview said he took the role because, “I felt a responsibility to portray the Native Americans as the dignified great nation of warriors they are...” It is a laudable effort on Depp but that may have caused the film to suffer as there were just too many things going on – about Tonto, Armie Hammer’s John Reid (aka Lone Ranger), the spirit horse (Silver), the bad guys and well, the tale as narrated by the old Tonto. The primary plot is decently suspenseful; but the attempt to inject as much humour as possible borders on the insane. It is just too much to take: during the bloody carnage between the Indians and the US soldiers, Tonto saves the blindfolded Lone Ranger between the fire fight. (Are we supposed to laugh in the midst of killing?) And all the mysterious appearances of Silver on top of roofs and in the most unusual circumstances take us on a magic carpet ride of cartoonish impact. I am a fan of Depp; but I must admit that he fell flat on his painted face this time. I suggest that he work with people who take serious effort in making genuinely entertaining

With colossal superheroes films coming out these days – Avengers and X-Men, could a ‘stand alone’ Wolverine succeed in bringing hordes to the theatres? Hugh Jackman has perfected the persona of the best hero/antihero in Marvel Universe – Wolverine. The release of this film seems like natural, as this follows Wolverine’s footsteps in the light of the past outings both in X-Men and the previous Wolverine movie. Bringing the story to Tokyo is like providing a lifeline to the “Fast and Furious’ franchise by relocating the next film to another city. But the tale goes beyond the new environment, as it provides a back story on how Logan saved a Japanese officer named Yashida during the nuclear attack in Nagasaki. While Logan, in the present time, seeks an end to his unmeaningful life after the loss of those most close to him, Yashida who has become the richest man in Japan wants to live life eternal. But it isn’t that simple; and the writers cleverly put us in confusion and suspense than understanding and relief. Not until the final minutes are we given the answer. Simply brilliant story; plus the fight sequences though not as bombastic as in Avengers and

Man of Steel, these are interesting still. Like the rest of comic-to-film adaption there is that ending that leaves us asking, ‘What’s next?” (CORD)

Sound City

Who would ever want to make a documentary film about a recording studio but a musician who had an emotional attachment to it? Dave Grohl who with Kurt Cobain and other members recorded the album, ‘Nevermind’, at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California in 1991. From its beginnings to the artists who recorded there; from the equipment to the struggles – the documentary is a ‘must see’ for musicians who are passionate about their craft. It must have been emotionally-draining for Grohl to put this film together, and you can just feel it: the footages and the interviews. When you thought of a heartbreaking conclusion, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Grohl got the core equipment that defined Sound City and installed this in his house. Like a fairytale, the artists who once recorded in Sound City pop up in Grohl’s home to record original materials, with Sir Paul McCartney jamming at the very end. No one could make this film except Grohl. Exceptionally great. (CORD) 49

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