POPE FRANCIS: 1|CORD
The Rebel Priest
January 2015
CONTENTS Features MARLISA 10
JOE COCKER: Farewell Mad Dog 12 POPE FRANCIS: The Rebel Priest 21 WE ARE NOT AFRAID 26
THE OZ TUNENAMI 31 TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 33
Sections 4 Cord Hits/ 28 Cord Artists/ 35 Music+Current/ 37 Concert Reviews/ 39 Music Reviews/ 41 Cord Images/ 43 Limya/ 44 Comics/ 45 Good Laugh/ 47 Film Reviews/52 Guitar Chord Chart 2|CORD
January 2015
From the Editor Nearly 4 million people, led by heads of states, marched in Paris on January 11, to condemn the killing of journalists and ordinary people by terrorists targeting Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine. Murder can never be right, even it is meant to punish those who desecrate and disrespect God or the prophets. The editors of Charlie Hebdo knew that they were treading on dangerous waters by lampooning Muhammad and religious leaders of the Muslim religion; yet in the name of freedom of expression they persisted. They had been warned by public officials who asked that they tone down, and were, even, assigned police personnel to secure their offices. The terrorists were persistent, and penetrated the editorial room. The trail of blood did not stop in the office of Charlie Hebdo, it spilled into the streets as the perpetrators were pursued by police and military operatives. The total number of dead: 17, some of whom were not party to Charlie Hebdo’s brand of wicked humor. With its instant fame, the surviving editors and publishers of Charlie Hebdo are back in their mischievous ways, poking fun at Prophet Muhammad holding a “Je suis Charlie” sign in its first issue after the incident, with increased circulation of 3 million copies from the usual 60,000 sold each week. Pope Francis, who graces the CORD cover, has been lampooned and besmirched by Charlie Hebdo. He issued a statement condemning "fundamentalist terrorism" and "deviant forms of religion" in the aftermath of the slayings. He said: "Religious fundamentalism, even before it eliminates human beings by perpetrating horrendous killings, eliminates God himself, turning him into a mere ideological pretext." He continued: "Losing their freedom, people become enslaved, whether to the latest fads, or to power, money, or even deviant forms of religion.” The Pontiff talking to journalists while heading to the Philippines defended free speech as not only a fundamental human right but a duty to speak one's mind for the sake of the common good; but said there were limits. In his candid way, he pointed to Alberto Gasparri, who was standing by his side aboard the papal plane. "If my good friend Dr. Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch," the Pope explained, throwing a pretend punch. "It's normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others." CORD cannot agree to the distasteful publications of Charlie Hebdo, but it stands in solidarity with all peoples in condemning acts of terrorism in Paris and other parts of the world. Terrorism cannot thrive if there were no financiers behind them. We call on these backers to refrain from providing resources to terrorists, for if blood is in the hands of jihadists, so too are those of their supporters. Peace marches and protests are important so as to bring about the message that the civilized world disdains terrorism and terrorists. Institutions and governments must pursue unified efforts to flush out the criminals; while at the same time, pave a path for those wanting to surrender in peace.
Mel B Libre Editor
CORD January 2015 Editor in Chief: Mel B. Libre Creative Editor: Mel Elijan C. Libre Contributors: Gilfrancis Maningo, Ching Mandawe, M Batulan, Free Mel 3|CORD
January 2015
CORD HITS He Knows My Name Francesca Battistelli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_la8CUQWyN0
Bm I'm already so adored G It's all His stage D He knows my name oh, oh A Bm G He knows my name oh, oh Verse 2:
Verse 1: D Spent today in a conversation, in the mirror face to face with G/B Somebody less than perfect. I wouldn't choose me first if D I was looking for a champion. In fact I'd understand if G/B You picked everyone before me, but that's just not my story D A Bm True to who You are, You saw my heart and made G Something out of nothing Chorus: D A I don't need my name in lights Bm I'm famous in my Father's eyes G Make no mistake D He knows my name A I'm not living for applause 4|CORD
D I'm not meant to just stay quiet. I'm meant to be a lion Bm I'll roar beyond a song, with every moment that I've got D A Bm True to who You are, You saw my heart and made G Something out of nothing [Repeat Chorus] Bridge: A Bm G He calls me chosen, free forgiven, wanted, child of the King A Bm G His forever, held in treasure D I am loved D A I don't need my name in lights Bm G I'm famous in my Father's eyes [Chorus] D He knows my name
January 2015
Start A Fire Unspoken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEzr-rWwe8
Verse 1 G C This world can be cold and bitter G D Feels like we're in the dead of winter G C Waiting on something better G D But am I really gonna hide forever? Pre-Chorus 1 Em Over and over again C I hear Your voice in my head G D Let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see Chorus G Start a fire in my soul C Fan the flame and make it grow Em C So there's no doubt or denying G Let it burn so brightly C That everyone around can see Em C That it's You, that it's You that we need G Start a fire in me Verse 2 G C You only need a spark to start a whole blaze G D It only takes a little faith G C Let it start right here in this city G D So these old walls will never be the same
Em Over and over again C I hear Your voice in my head G They need to know I need to go D Spirit won’t you fall on my heart now (Chorus) Bridge G D You are the fire You are the flame Em C You are the light on the darkest day G D We have the hope we bear Your name Em C G D Em We carry the news that You have come to save C G Only You can save (Chorus)
How Can It Be Lauren Daigle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5X91ciE6Y
Verse 1 C Em D G I am guilty C Em D G Ashamed of what I've done, what I've beco me C Em D G These hands are dirty
Pre-Chorus 2 5|CORD
January 2015
C Em D G I dare not lift them up to the Holy one
Oh the grace reaching out for me G C D How can it be G C D How can it be [Chorus]
No Man Is An Island Tenth Avenue North Chorus G You plead my cause C You right my wrongs Em You break my chains D You overcome G You gave Your life C To give me mine Em C You say that I am free G C How can it be Em D How can it be
Verse 2 C Em D G I've been hiding C Em D G Afraid I've let you down, inside I doubt C Em D G That You could love me C Em D G But in Your eyes there's only grace now Chorus Bridge G C D Though I fall, You can make me new G C D From this death I will rise with You G C D 6|CORD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t8ORnWNSfQ
G G/B I won't run, I will stay Cadd9 I'm not leaving you G G/B I know there's friction here Cadd9 The struggle makes us new G I wish you never thought you had to go Cadd9 Wish you never thought you had to leave G Together we can lift each other up Cadd9 We can build a shelter for the weak
C G No man is an island, we can be found Em D No man is an island, let your guard down C G You don't have to fight me, I am for you D Em C G Em D We're not meant to live this life alone
January 2015
G G/B I see fear in your eyes Cadd9 There's no safety here G G/B Oh, my friend, let me in Cadd9 I will share your tears G I wish you never thought you had to go Cadd9 Wish you never thought you had to leave G We can always we can lift each other up Cadd9 We can build a shelter for the weak, come on C G No man is an island, we can be found Em D No man is an island, let your guard down C G You don't have to fight me, I am for you D Em C G Em D We're not meant to live this life alone
C Through trouble, rain, or fire G Let's reach out to something higher Em Ain't no life outside each other D We are not alone C Through trouble, rain, or fire G Let's reach out to something higher Em Eyes open to one another D We are not alone C Through trouble, rain, or fire G Let's reach out to something higher Em Ain't no life outside each other 7|CORD
D We are not alone C Through trouble, rain, or fire G Let's reach out to something higher Em Eyes open to one another D We are not alone
C G No man is an island, we can be found Em D No man is an island, let your guard down C G Please, don't try to fight me, I am for you D Em G Em D We're not meant to live this life alone C G Em No man is alone D Why you try to fight me? C We don't have to do it alone We don't have to do it alone G We don't have to do it alone
My Heart Is Yours Passion ft. Kristian Stanfill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBI4WDfRh6E
[Intro 2x] C - G/B D - Em C - Em - D [Verse 1 2x] C G/B I give You my life D Em I give You my trust C Em D Je - sus C G/B You are my God D Em You are enough January 2015
C Em D Je - sus C Em D Je - sus [Chorus 2x (without repeat)] C My heart is Yours D My heart is Yours C Take it all, take it all Em D My life in Your hands C Take it all, take it all Em D My life in Your hands
D Em Whatever the cost C Em D Je - sus C Em D Oh, Je - sus [Chorus 2x (2nd time with repeat)] [Bridge 2x] G D All to Jesus I surrender Em D G All to You I freely give G D I will ever love and trust You Em C D G (2nd time C) In Your presence I will live [Chorus 2x (2nd time with repeat]]
[Verse 2] C G/B I lay down my life D Em And take up my cross C Em D Je - sus C G/B You are my God
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[Chorus 3x (without repeat)] [Ending] C Take it all Take it all Em D My life in Your hands
January 2015
END VIOLENCE “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” - Albert Einstein
Peace begins with you. CORD Campaign 2015, Series 1 9|CORD
January 2015
FACT SHEET
MARLISA
Birth name Born Genres Occupation Years active Accolades
Website 10 | C O R D
Marlisa Ann Punzalan 1 October 1999, Sydney, Australia Pop Singer 2013–present *Winner, X Factor Australia, 2014 *Marlisa’s song ‘Stand by you’ hit number one on Billboard Emerging Artists *Voted as the No. 1 Most Promising Artists for 2015 by One Avenue TV www.marlisaofficial.com January 2015
STAND BY YOU (Marlisa) 1 Em The hurt in your eyes will never disguise C the sparkle lived there before G D And I know that there is so much more, than you’re showin’ Em The clouds in your head will bring it in tears C G But I will catch every drop, even if it don’t ever stop D Cause you’re worth it, worth it [pre chorus] Em C When you fight for every breath, and the waves are overhead G D Let me lay your mind to rest [CHORUS] Em I will stand by you, When all of your dreams are shattered C And your world is left in tatters G When you’re lost we’re lost together D I’ll stand by, I will stand by you Em C If black is your brightest colour, if hurt is your only lover G When you fight, we fight together D Em C I’ll stand by, I will stand by you, I will stand by you, G D I will stand by you, I will stand by you 2 Em The war in your head will shoot you down dead C So don’t even try to win G D Is it worth it all in the end, I don’t think so Em Try to embrace the lines on your face C G The story of who you are, Cause I love what I’ve read so far D I mean it, I mean it
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JOE COCKER May 20, 1944 – December 22, 2014 12 | C O R D
January 2015
FAREWELL, MAD DOG “Woodstock” was more than a hippie get-together of 1969 it was a defining moment of the counterculture generation. With performances of legendary artists like Arlo Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Who and Grateful Dead, there was one bluesy British singer who took to stage and blew everyone away with his rendition of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Sheffield, South Yorkshire native Joe Cocker was raised to demigod status instantaneously -- and from there on embarked in a rock-n-rollcircus-ride of a career that came to a halt on December 22, 2014. From a well-built, rugged and handsome rock star, John Robert Cocker through years of decadent living became a balding, fat bloke, yet remained an enduring fixture in rock festivals and the international concert circuit, producing more than 20 albums and awarded an OBE during the Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 Birthday Honors List for services to music. If we thought that Joe Cocker was a newbie when he performed in Woodstock; he was not. He learned his chops in the 60s through incarnations in different bands - Cavaliers, Vance Arnold and the Avengers and The Grease Band - until his recording of a rearranged Beatles’ tune “With A Little Help from My Friends,” that featured Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page on guitars. Paul McCartney praised Cocker for his cover of the Beatles hit: “He [Cocker] was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot and, like many people, I loved his singing. I was especially pleased when he decided to cover "With a Little Help from My Friends" and I remember him and (producer) Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Savile Row and playing me what they'd recorded and it was just mind-blowing, totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful to him for doing that." The ‘soul’ in Cocker’s style had much to do with initiation to the music of “The Genius” Ray Charles and “Skiffle King” Lonnie Donegan. He was blueeyed soul, but more gritty, more edgy. But it wasn’t just the music that made Cocker a media staple. During the heydays as a rock 13 | C O R D
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star under the influence of drugs and alcohol, he would vomit on stage; and was called “the Mad Dog” (personifying his back up band’s name “Mad Dogs and Englishmen”) by the Australian media in October 1972 because of possession of marijuana in Adelaide and for assault charges for a brawl in a hotel, and was given by the Australian Federal Police 48 hours to leave the country for his misconduct. Struggling through vices, he was able to pick himself back to sobriety through selfcommitment and with much help from friends and family. Other than “With a Little Help from My Friends”, Cocker produced two other memorable hits, “You are So Beautiful” and “Up Where We Belong”. The first one was originally recorded by Billy Preston who composed the song; but Cocker’s version put more emotion into it; while the second tune was the love theme for the film, “An Officer and a Gentleman” with Cocker’s vocal roughness blending perfectly with Jennifer Warnes’ smooth rendition. Cocker remained active as a performer. Among his final performances was on September 17, 2014 at the Madison Square Garden with Billy Joel who said afterwards that Cocker was “not very well right now”, while at the same time, sought for Cocker’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Surely, nobody will disagree with Billy Joel’s endorsement. The Mad Dog may have left us, but his bluesy vocal style, his signature body movements on stage, and his checkered life will linger on in our psychedelic memories. Expect him to continue rocking in the afterlife. (CORD)
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January 2015
CORD TOP 5: JOE COCKER From: 'With a Little Help from My Friends' (1968)
G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Oooo ooo ooo
From the lighthearted and pop-oriented melody of the Beatles, “With a Little Help from My Friends� became a gospel-like anthem that totally fitted the message. With contributions from Jimmy Page and B.J. Wilson of Procol Harum, the song has become a timeless classic that even Paul McCartney was thankful to Cocker. What a compliment.
A E Bm What do I do when my love is away E A (Does it worry you to be alone?) E Bm How do I feel by the end of the day E A (Are you sad because you're on your own?)
#1 'With A Little Help from My Friends'
G D A No, I get by with a little help from my friends G D A Mm, I get high with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Oooo ooo ooo A Intro: G D
A
G
D
A
G
A
G
D
A
D
A E Bm What would you do if I sang out of tune E A Would you stand up and walk out on me E Bm Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song E A And I'll try not to sing out of key G D A Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends G D A Mm, I get high with a little help from my frien ds
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E
F#m
F#m Do you need anybody A I need somebody to love F#m Could it be anybody E I want somebody to love Oooo ooo ooo ooo ooo G D A Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends G D A Mm, I get high with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds
January 2015
G D A Oooo ooo ooo A E Bm Would you believe in a love at first sight E A Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time E Bm What do you see when you turn out the light E I can't tell you but I know it's mine
G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G
D
A
G D A Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends G D A Mm, I get high with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Oooo ooo ooo A
E
F#m
F#m Do you need anybody A Ooooooooooooooooooo F#m Could it be anybody E I want somebody to love Oooo ooo ooo ooo ooo G D A Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends G D A Mm, I get high with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds G D A Mm, gonna try with a little help from my frien ds 16 | C O R D
#2 'You Are So Beautiful' From: 'I Can Stand a Little Rain' (1974)
Billy Preston may have enjoyed the royalties for his composition, but he would have wanted his rendition of “You Are So Beautiful” become more popular than Cocker’s cover version. There is just something enchanting and heartwarming in Cocker’s interpretation. G C You are so beautiful, G to me C You are so beautiful, G to me Dm Can't you see?
January 2015
C B7 You're everything I hoped for, Em A A7 you're everything I need G C You are so beautiful, G to me G C You are so beautiful, G to me C You are so beautiful, G to me Dm Can't you see? C B7 You're everything I hoped for, Em A A7 you're everything I need G C Dsus4 D You are so beautiful, G to me
#3 ‘Unchain My Heart' From: 'Unchain My Heart' (1987)
Cocker is the white guy who sounds like Ray Charles but with a rock-orientation. So to cover one of Charles’ most popular songs
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was a risk; but he succeeded in making the tune his very own. Am Dm Unchain my heart, baby let me be Am E7 'cause you don't care, so please Am set me free Am Unchain my heart,baby let me go Dm Am unchain my heart,'cause you don't love me no more Dm Am every time i call you on the phone Dm Am some fellow tells me that you're not at home F7 E7 Am D Am unchain my heart,set me free Am unchain my heart,baby let me be Dm Am unchain my heart,'cause you don't care abo ut me Dm Am you got me sewed up like a pillowcase Dm Am but you let my love go to waste F7 E7 Am D Am unchain my heart,set me free Dm Am i'm under your spell,like a man in a trance Dm E7 oh,but you know damned well that i don't sta nd a chance Am unchain my heart,let me go away Dm unchain my heart,you worry me night and d ay Dm Am why lead me through a life of misery Dm Am when you don't care a bag of beans for me F7 E7 Am D Am unchain my heart,set me free solo Dm Am i'm under your spell,like a man in a trance January 2015
Dm E7 oh,but you know damned well that i don't sta nd a chance Am unchain my heart,let me go away Dm unchain my heart,you worry me night and d ay Dm Am why lead me through a life of misery Dm Am when you don't care a bag of beans for me F7 E7 Am D Am unchain my heart,please set me free Am D Am D Am unchain my heart Am unchain my heart F7 you don't care E7 Am so please set me free Am unchain my heart
#4 Up Where We Belong From: ”OST An Officer and A Gentleman”(1982)
If this was meant to be a joke for the singer behind “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” doing “An Officer and A Gentlemen”, well, Cocker had the last laugh. Written by Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings, the cheesy tune was #1 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on November 6, 1982 and # 7 in the UK Singles Chart. It earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1983 and the BAFTA Film 18 | C O R D
Awards for Best Original Song in 1984. Cocker and Warnes took the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1983. Intro: D G D G D G Gm Who knows what tomorrow brings D D7 G In a world, few hearts survive
D G Gm All I know is the way I feel D When it's real D7 G I keep it alive Em A7 The road is long D D7 G There are mountains in your way C Em A7 G A7 But we climb a step every day
D D7 G Love lift us up where we belong Em G7 Where the eagles cry C G A7 On a mountain high D D7 G Love lift us up where we belong Em G Far from the world F# Bm A7 D G D We know, up where the clear wind blow Some hang on to used to be Live their lives, loking behind All we have is here and now All our life, out there to find The road is long There are mountains in our way, But we climb them a step ev'ry day Love lift us up where we belong Where the eagles cry January 2015
On a mountain high Love lift us up where we belong Far from the world We know up where the clear winds blow
A, A7 (n.C) Verse 1:
F C Eb Bb Time goes by no time to cry Dd Ab Life's you and I Bb Alive today (Move chords a fret higher)(Eb) Love lift us up where we belong Where the eagles cry On a mountain high Love lift us up where we belong Far from the world We know where the clear winds blow
(n.C) D7 A She came in through the bathroom window, F#m D7 A Protected by a silver spoon. F#m D7 But now, she sucks her thumb and wanders , A, A7 (n.C) By the banks, of her own lagoon. Verse 2: (n.C) D7 A She said she'd always been a dancer, F#m D7 A She worked at 15 clubs a day. F#m D7 And though she thought I knew the answer; Well, I knew, but I could not say. Chorus 1: A Dm Didn't anybody tell her? A Dm Didn't anybody see? G7 C C/B C/A Sunday's on the phone to Monday, G7 C A7 Tuesday's on the phone to me.
#5 'She Came In Through the Bathroom Window'
Guitar Solo: D7, A F#m (x2), D7, A A7 (n.C)
From: 'Joe Cocker!' (1969)
After the huge success with the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from my Friends”, there was no harm doing another one from the Fab Four, and ‘She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” had all the boxes checked for another hit for Cocker. The song became Cocker's highest-charting single at the time in the U.S. reaching No. 30.
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Verse 3: (n.C) D7 A And so I quit the police de-partment, F#m D7 A And got my-self a steady job. F#m D7 And though she tried her best to help me, She could steal, but she could not rob. January 2015
Chorus 2:
Chorus 3:
A Dm Didn't anybody tell her? A Dm Didn't anybody see? G7 C C/B C/A Sunday's on the phone to Monday, G7 C A Tuesday's on the phone to me.
A Dm Didn't anybody tell her? A Dm Didn't anybody see? G7 C C/B C/A Sunday's on the phone to Monday, G7 C A7 Tuesday's on the phone to me.
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January 2015
POPE FRANCIS: The Rebel Priest
The Catholic Church is the center of tradition, conservatism and faith. One has to attend the Mass and witness the very same rituals that Jesus Christ taught the Apostles more than two thousand years ago. One has to listen to the Catechism of Christian Doctrine of Faith, Hope, Charity and the Sacraments that are meant to keep a believer in God’s grace. One has to learn from the lives of Christ, the saints and the martyrs in order to attain the promise of salvation. But then the world has become modern: defiant to tradition, liberal and agnostic. Humankind through science and logic has challenged the existence of God and many have been swayed away from religion towards a belief that Man charts his own destiny sans a Supreme Being. The advent of secularism, the principle of the separation of government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries, has shunned public display of faith to the extent that praying and similar traditions are labelled as “insensitive” to the feelings of non-faith believers. As a result of secularism, religious arguments against proposed liberal laws fail to register among legislators who opt to support the “popular” clamor instead of God’s will. In a number of nations, the following have become legal and acceptable: pornography, 21 | C O R D
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prostitution, civil partnerships, same-sex marriage, artificial contraception, abortion, use of marijuana and euthanasia (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.) One of the most powerful defenders of tradition, conservatism and faith is the Pope, from St Peter to his current successor, Pope Francis. When Pope Benedict XVI resigned on February 28, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was elevated on March 13, 2013 as the Bishop of Rome and absolute sovereign of the Vatican City State, adopting the name of Saint Francis of Assisi. Under the shadow of the longest serving pontiff, Pope John Paul II, and the conservative, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis has revitalized the Catholic Church with public display of Christian values, reforms of governance in Vatican and principled declarations on sensitive issues. For traditionalists, Pope Francis is anti-establishment – a rebel priest. From day one, Pope Francis illustrated humility using simpler vestments and choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring. He settled in a less elegant suite in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the pompous papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace where his predecessors resided. To the dismay of aides, the Pope at times does not follow security plans as he makes efforts to meet people face-to-face in engagements. For instance, as a papal caravan passed through a rural road, one of the vehicles stopped in the roadside where a physically disabled teenager sat on a wheel chair. Out of the vehicle emerged Pope Francis and he walked towards the young man and prayed for him. The stunned wellwishers were shouting the pope’s name, while one could hear others crying. This was not a stage-managed pictorial rather it was caught in a cellphone camera and uploaded in Youtube. Another display was when he called on the phone, traditionalist Mario Palmaro, who wrote the article, 'The Reason Why We Don't Like This Pope'” and told him that he was praying for him. The ailing Palmaro told the publication, CNA that “Pope Francis 22 | C O R D
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wanted to act as a priest; yet he is a very special priest and bishop, by calling me and paying attention to my health condition.” As the Pope attends to his flock like a shepherd, he also is responsible to making the administrative and monetary aspects of the Vatican hierarchy function not just effectively, but also graft-free. The Vatican has been hounded for years on claims of mismanagement and power play; and Pope Francis faced the problems head on with people and institutional changes. In 2014, he removed executives and four cardinals from the supervisory board of the Vatican Bank. He created a special commission to investigate allegations of corruption and money laundering. He pursued a more transparent operation by publishing the bank’s financial accounts for the first time. He also reigned the spending by rich backers of would-be saints that was perceived as having allowed special treatment to preferred candidates for sainthood. A cap on spending has been put in place to create “simplicity and fairness” in the process. Shaking up the institutional foundation of the Holy See can be sort of revolutionary, as this requires courage to ruffle the status quo to produce a hierarchy that reflects the teachings of Christ. One commentator asked “Will Francis be the pope to revolutionize the Church?” He answered his own question, “What Pope Francis preaches is a change of strategy in the Church, based on a change of the structures,” pointing to the Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” where he wrote his papal vision in 260 pages. Pope Francis believes that it is in the strengthening of the structures that the Catholic Church can make itself more relevant to believers and to society in general. The core message is that “the Church must come out, to the streets, and announce the Gospel to all.” He wants a permanent state of mission, one that is not time-bound, but should come as a daily task for priests and for the faithful. Evangelization must be pursued to all peoples to the ends of the earth. What Pope Francis seeks is a revolution in the heart of Catholics. “Avanti (Go forth)”, he extorts.
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Prior to the election of the pope, then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio delivered his speech that focused on the word, “Avanti”. He said, "Put simply, there are two images of the church: a church which evangelizes and goes out of herself" by hearing the word of God with reverence and proclaiming it with faith; and "the worldly church, living within herself, of herself, for herself." He anchors his call in the Revelation: "Jesus says that he is at the door and knocks. Obviously, the text refers to his knocking from the outside in order to enter, but I think about the times in which Jesus knocks from within so that we will let him come out." In the “Evangelii Gaudium”, Pope Francis called on Catholics to go out into the world, sharing their faith "with enthusiasm and vitality" by being living examples of joy, love and charity. The revolution that Pope Francis is leading is for Catholics and Christians to be open to all peoples of the world, and show to them the love of Christ that can conquer the materialism, the greediness and the immorality that prevail in society today. (CORD)
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January 2015
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE January 1, 2015 (The statements below are excerpts)
THEME: NO LONGER SLAVES, BUT BROTHERS AND SISTERS “I pray for an end to wars, conflicts and the great suffering caused by human agency, by epidemics past and present, and by the devastation wrought by natural disasters. I pray especially that, on the basis of our common calling to cooperate with God and all people of good will for the advancement of harmony and peace in the world, we may resist the temptation to act in a manner unworthy of our humanity.” *** “Further causes of slavery include armed conflicts, violence, criminal activity and terrorism. Many people are kidnapped in order to be sold, enlisted as combatants, or sexually exploited, while others are forced to emigrate, leaving everything behind: their country, home, property, and even members of their family. They are driven to seek an alternative to these terrible conditions even at the risk of their personal dignity and their very lives; they risk being drawn into that vicious circle which makes them prey to misery, corruption and their baneful consequences.” *** “This immense task (of addressing slavery), which calls for courage, patience and perseverance, deserves the appreciation of the whole Church and society. Yet, of itself, it is not sufficient to end the scourge of the exploitation of human persons. There is also need for a threefold commitment on the institutional level: to prevention, to victim protection and to the legal prosecution of perpetrators. Moreover, since criminal organizations employ global networks to achieve their goals, efforts to eliminate this phenomenon also demand a common and, indeed, a global effort on the part of various sectors of society.” *** “I invite everyone, in accordance with his or her specific role and responsibilities, to practice acts of fraternity towards those kept in a state of enslavement. “ 25 | C O R D
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WE ARE NOT AFRAID In France where the principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, the terrorist attack in the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2014 that claimed the lives of eight journalists, two police officers, a maintenance worker and a visitor, and caused injury to 11 others has brought about unity in condemnation of the barbarity of radical Islam Al Qaeda and the Islamic State (Isis) have been terrorizing people in Islamic countries who do not agree with their twisted interpretation of religion; and it was just a matter of time that those who have embraced their causes would bring their violence to places that contradict them. Refugees from conflicted areas and illegal migrants from Muslim countries have poured into Europe, the Americas and Australasia; and it will take just one lunatic to create havoc and murder of innocent individuals. The liberal laws of democratic countries especially in espousing freedom of press and expression are at times in opposition to religious belief in the worshipping and honouring God. In secular societies, politicians and other public figures are fair game; while pornography is art expression. For those who believe that their privacy and honour are besmirched, resort can be made in the courts of justice for libel, defamation and civil damages. Who has heard of Charlie Hebdo until the bloody attack in its offices? A satirical publication that criticized institutions, groups and individuals through caricatures and cartoons; it had a small circulation of 30,000 - 60,000 copies per issue. While its impact on general society may have been limited, surely its publications affected those who ended up lampooned in its pages. The editors and staff of Charlie Hebdo pursued a mission as dangerous as media people covering news in the warfront. They were no different from radio commentators and opinion writers in the Philippines, Singapore or Afghanistan exposing shenanigans in public offices and uncovering malfeasance of criminals. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius had asked Charlie Hebdo to show restraint in publishing cartoons of Mohammed, but the editors had rejected such notion. A French court had cleared Charlie Hebdo of ‘racial insults’, upholding its right to satirize Islamist extremism. But terrorists have no respect for the laws, no respect for the judge’s verdict, no respect for life. As Jules Faber, President of the Australian Cartoonists’ Association: “An incident like Paris doesn’t stop us…We are the truth in a complicated society.” Peoples of the world must stand in solidarity with the 35,000 Parisians who rallied in peace in the Place de la Republique, near the site of the massacre, with the message, “We are not afraid”. As one newspaper headline screamed, “Murder won’t silence our pens.” (CORD)
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CORD ARTISTS
Sufjan Stevens A multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, Stevens is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Stevens’ first album, A Sun Came, was released in 1999. He came to public attention through his 2005 album, Illinois, that produced a number one song in the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, "Chicago". A prolific artist, he tackles different genres including electronica, folk and symphonic. His lyrics draw inspiration from the Bible and other spiritual traditions.
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Wretch 32 Jermaine Scott Sinclair aka Wretch 32 is a rapper from Tottenham, London. Earning credentials as a member of rap groups, he released his first single "Traktor" in January 2011. That same year he had three top-five charting songs from the debut album Black and White and amassed over a million record sales. He solidified his reputation by winning the ‘Best International Act' at the 2012 BET Awards. His latest hit is “6 Words” lifted from his third studio album, Growing Over Life”.
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Lisa Mitchell Another Australian may just get global attention. Her name is Lisa Mitchell who has released two albums, ‘Bless This Mess’ (2012) and ‘Wonder’ (2009). A sixth-placer in the 2006 season of Australian Idol, she released “Said One to the Other” in 2007 that topped iTunes in Australia She won the 2009 Australian Music Prize of $30,000 for the album, “Wonder”. . Her second album, Bless This Mess notched No. 7 in Australia.
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THE OZ TUNENAMI IN 2015 Music out of Australia (or “Oz”) has stormed again into the international music charts in 2014 with youthful rockers 5 Seconds of Summer, hot female rapper-and-model Iggy Azalea and ‘Riptide’ singersongwriter Vance Joy. They come on the heels of the breakout success, both in the charts and in the Grammys, of groovy DJ Gotye (with New Zealand songbird Kimbra) in 2011 for "Somebody That I Used to Know". 5 Second of Summer released their self-titled debut studio album in June 2014 and this reached #1 in 11 countries. Having front-acted for One Direction in their Take Me Home Tour, the 4-member boy band may equal, if not exceed, the popularity of One Direction, if they don’t suffer the “Hanson syndrome”. Iggy Azalea, like 5 SoS got public notice through YouTube, and made her serious break working with Atlanta-based rapper T.I. 2014 was her banner year with “Fancy” (featuring Charli XCX) topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and “Problem” by Ariana Grande where she is featured. She made herstory by having #1 and #2 simultaneously in the charts, a feat made only once by The Beatles. Vance Joy was signed up by Atlantic Records in 2013 for a five-album deal, and produced a number 1 song, ‘Riptide’ in the 2013 Triple J Hottest 100. He released his debut studio album ‘Dream Your Life Away’ in September 2014 that topped the Australian charts, #2 in the Canadian charts and top 20 in the US. On back of a world tour, he is expected to become bigger in 2015. 31 | C O R D
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Of course, this isn’t the first time that Oz produced music wonders that captivated the world. AC/DC, Inxs, Men at Work, Little River Band and Midnight Oil rock ‘n rolled us. Air Supply and Savage Garden serenaded us with cheesy love songs. Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton John and Kylie Minogue showcased pop fempowerment. And it would be sacrilege if the BeeGees aren’t mentioned, as the Gibb brothers, who started their career in Australia, are acknowledged as one of the biggest bands of all time. With the 2014 success of 5 SOS, Iggy Azalea and Vance Joy, the world can’t just get enough of the Oz Tunenami, thus the world’s top music labels have explored Downunder’s musicscape in search for Oz artists that can sustain the impact of Australian musicians in the international stage. Already 2014 X-Factor Australia winner Marlisa is eking her way to global consciousness. CORD believes that the Next Big Thing out of Oz should come from among the following five: Courtney Barnett, Blank Realm, Tkay Maidza, Winterbourne and Troye Sivan. Courtney Barnett – storyteller-singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Barnett has folk-rock orientation with pop hooks to go with. Her song, “Avant Gardener”, obtained enough airplay to earn herself a spot in The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon in July 2014. Blank Realm – the psychedelic groove of this band from Brisbane can be hypnotic, with their ‘in the raw’ sound and punk/new wave style. “Falling Down the Stairs” from their second album, Grassed In, sounds totally cool.
Tkay Maidza - With the success of Iggy Azalea, 18-year old rapper Tkay Maidza has the groove to get into the international spotlight following the release of her debut EP Switch Lanes and appearance in the CMJ Music Marathon 2014 in New York. Migrating from Zimbabwe, she grew up in Whyalla and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia and established music base in Adelaide. Dubbed as the “new underground queen” by MTV, Maidza is ready to put her electro hip hop sound to the world. Listen to “Switch Lanes” and “Handle My Ego”. Winterbourne – from the Central Coast, the duo were often seen busking in Melbourne and Sydney, attracting an average of 200 spectators and selling about 150 CDs each time. They’ve since been signed up as artists for Universal Music Australia. One has to see them perform “Steady My Bones” and “Sunrise” and be fascinated by their harmonies and pretty acoustic sets. Troye Sivan – the19-year old actor released his debut EP TRXYE in 2014 after the success of “Happy Little Pill”, a pop ditty that topped the iTunes charts worldwide in 58 countries. His minimalist electro-pop style and cool vocal delivery should easily find its way into mainstream radio. 32 | C O R D
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WORLD/TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 2014 #1 ISIS
The expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has caused grave concern to the international community not just because of the refugee problem it has created, but also the acts of brutality of the terrorists against military personnel and civilians. The claims do not come from mere gossip, but are fully documented through feeds in social networks from terrorists themselves who flaunt their barbaric acts such as beheading and mass executions. The United States has responded by sending assistance to forces fighting against Isis, but there has been faint support from other countries. It is expected that Isis will continue to be hugging the headlines in 2015.
#2 GAZA CRISIS
The crisis started with the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers by the Hamas, with Israel launching military operation on July 8, 2014 that lasted for seven weeks, killing more than 2,200 people, more than 50% civilians. Called 33 | C O R D
Operation Protective Edge, the Israeli military bombarded identified areas with missiles and sent soldiers for ground attacks. The Hamas responded by launching rockets towards Israel. The fighting officially ceased on August 5. More than half a million were displaced as a result of the fighting, with 485,000 needing emergency food assistance and 273,000 taking shelter in UN-run schools. Diplomatic efforts were able to bring the opposing parties to a ceasefire and the United Nations has been tasked to oversee the reconstruction. January 2015
#3 EBOLA
The outbreak of Ebola, a disease with no known cure, was first reported by World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2014 in Guinea that was traced from a two year old child who died in December 2013. The disease spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. In August 2014, the WHO put out an international public warning because the governments of the three countries did not have the capacity to manage the outbreak. The lack of resources caused also the deaths of more than 200 health workers. The international community responded by sending volunteers and the much needed equipment and experimental medicine to combat the disease. As of December 31, 2014, 20,660 suspected cases and 8,141 deaths were reported.
#4 MALAYSIA AIR LINES
Flight 370 carrying 12 Malaysian crew members and 227 passengers, flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, disappeared on March 8, 2014. No distress call was made nor was there any indication of bad
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weather or technical problems, when the plane vanished. To date, the plane remains missing despite international efforts to locate it. One hundred thirty one (131) days later another Malaysian Air Line plane crashed. With 283 passengers and 15 crew members, Flight 17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down in the Ukraine-Russian border. Intelligence sources revealed that proRussian separatists fired upon the civilian plane. An independent investigation has been conducted with the final accident report due in August 2015.
#5 UKRAINE
Dubbed as the “Crimean crisis�, it involves the annexation of Crimea, a Ukraine territory by Russia. It came about after the ouster of President Victor Yanukovych and the setting up of an interim government. The Russian government rejected the new government, while proRussian protests erupted in the Crimea peninsula. Ukraine military installations were overtaken by pro-Russian forces. A referendum, objected to by the Ukraine central government, resulted in an overwhelming vote for Crimea to join Russia and later formally accepted by President Vladimir Putin. On March 27, the UN General Assembly passed a nonbinding Resolution 68/262 that declared the Crimean referendum invalid and the incorporation of Crimea into Russia illegal. Pro-Russian forces continue to threaten Ukraine while President Putin defies international condemnation.
January 2015
MUSIC+CURRENT.
The ASCAP Centennial Awards honoured on November 17, 2014 music icons Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, Joan Baez and Stephen Sondheim at a gala in New York City. India.Arie paid tribute to Wonder with a medley of the latter’s hits including “I Just Called to Say I Love You” while Thrisha Yearwood serenaded the audience with Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes”. Joel was given a surprise by Sting with the performance of “Big Man on Mulberry Street”, as Emmylou Harris sang in honor of Baez, “Diamond and Rust.” Sondheim, a living legend in musical theater and won Tony Awards, Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize and an Academy Award, failed to attend due to illness. He was given a tribute by Bernadette Peters, who sang "Children Will Listen" from the new Disney film, "Into the Woods." The night would not have been complete without the performances by Wonder (“Superstition”), Joel (“New York State of Mind”) and Brooks (“I am A Song”)… The Brits finally conquered the British top ten best-selling albums of the year. This has never happened before, if not for home-grown talents like Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, who have conquered both local and international charts. Sheeran's X sold 1.7 million copies, while Smith's In The Lonely Hour 1.25 million. Sheeran also made his mark as a stadium crowd drawer with sold out concerts for three nights at Wembley Stadium in July 2014. The top 10 best-selling album in the UK during 2014 were: 1. Ed Sheeran – X; 2. Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour; 3. George Ezra – Wanted On Voyage; 4. Paolo Nutini – Caustic Love; 5. Coldplay – Ghost Stories; 6. Paloma Faith – A Perfect Contradiction; 7. One Direction – Four; 8. Olly Murs – Never Been Better; 9. Pink Floyd – The Endless River; 10. Take That – III… Third Day will headline the 2015 Soul on Fire Tour, to coincide with the March 3 release of the band's new worship album, Lead Us Back. The tour hits 20 plus locations including Boston, New York and Dallas. Dove Award Winning New Artist of the Year Ellie Holcomb joins the lineup...The Katinas has released a new album called, “Sunday Set” It contains some of the favourite worship songs of the group and honors modern day psalmists. It includes “10,000 Reasons”, one of the most popular songs of
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the band…Tenth Avenue North rocketed their latest album, Cathedrals to number 1 in two charts iTunes and Billboard's Top Christian Albums Charts. The first single, "No Man Is An Island," continues to win fans, with radio airplay and performances in the "Campout to Cathedrals" event. The album is produced by John Fields, who worked on the albums of Switchfoot, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Pink… Fifth Harmony has reached the Billboard’s Hot 100’s Top 40 with the song, "Sledgehammer." This is an improvement from its two Hot 100 visits, debut hit "Miss Movin' On" reached No. 76 and "Bo$$" rose to No. 43. "Sledgehammer" was co-written by Meghan Trainor…U2’s Bono has said that he may never "play guitar again" following his bike accident in New York in November. Because of the "freak accident," the rock star broke his arm in six places and fractured his eye socket. He revealed that he has a titanium elbow… The quest for a Grammy is on, and while popular artists like Taylor Swift, John Legend are among the nominees, lesser known names are in the running as well. That includes Lecrae, Brandy Clark and Alt-J. Lecrae is nominated for Best Rap Performance (“All I Need Is You”). He is a Christian rapper, whose album, Gravity won the best gospel album at the Grammys last year, whose output in 2014 is the album Anomaly that made history for being the first full-length to top the Billboard 200 chart and Gospel Albums chart in the same week. Clarke is vying for Best New Artist and Best Country Album (12 Stories). She is competing against Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, Haim and Bastille on account of her 12 Stories album. Alt-J (featured in CORD Artists Oct 2014) is nominated for Best Alternative Music Album (This Is All Yours) that notched a Top 10 debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart upon its release in September.
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CONCERT REVIEWS MARIAH CAREY Vector Arena, November 13, 2014
Mariah brought her “Elusive Chanteuse Tour” to New Zealand in a near sell-out one night concert amid negative reports of below-par vocal renditions in other stops. Dancers took the stage as Mariah got into a party mode with first set opener, the 1995 hit “Fantasy,” “Touch My Body” and “Emotions,” that extended lengthily as the diva left the stage for gown no. 2. Everyone stayed on their feet feeling the love and the rhythm. There were many thrilling moments throughout the one hour and 45 minutes show, and I'd dwell on a few. Using MTV videos in the three giant screens, Mariah put out her more popular hip-hop and R ‘n B hits that were mashed to the max, her talented dancers working so hard as her voice was drowned by the beat and music. “Hmm, was she at her vocal best tonight?” I asked, and probably so too others. But yeah, the more than 10,000-strong audience were swaying to the beat and having fun. In a pink ball gown, she sat on top of a grand piano and delivered a power ballad that did not seem to register but turned out to be artfully interpreted, with a bare-chested male dancer gracefully moving around her. When she reached those whistles tones in some of her songs, the crowd reacted wildly and gleefully. The rendition of “Hero” was pitch perfect, as images of some of the most important people in modern history appeared on the screens. Mariah reserved the best for her last set, and she was in her element with “Always Be My Baby” and We Belong.” With the surprise appearance of her twin children, Monroe and Moroccan, who said hello, Mariah sang a new song called “Supernatural” that she wrote for her kids. 37 | C O R D
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Those gown changes stole much of experiencing Mariah, as the band put up their mini-show as the dancers danced off and the three talented backup singers killed time. Being a songwriter, Mariah could have shared about the inspirations of some of her songs, but she didn’t. But again, people came to hear her sing, not talk. Among the songs that were left out of her list: “I’ll Be There” (Trey Lorenz who sang duet in the original recording was one of the three backup singers), “One Sweet Day” and “Without You,” which should have been great sing-alongs with the spellbound fans. Except for the giant screens, there were no props at all, leaving the stage a bit bare and creatively wanting. Mariah does not sound as technically perfect as her recordings, but definitely she delivers those great vocals with a charm that could disarm even the most-fierce critic. LORDE Vector Arena, November 1, 2014 This was the final show of her 2014 World Tour, and Lorde proves that she has become a bonafide superstar. What a difference does a year make? So much. The girl from Takapuna is confident about herself, about her music, about her talent. On the back of just one real good album, and the anthem of Mockingjay Part I, she was able to sustain the energy throughout the concert, with addition to three covers, Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights”, Bon Iver’s “Heavenly Father” and Naked and Famous’ “Young Blood”. Nothing flashy, nothing sexy; just plain genius of a talent. KATY PERRY Vector Arena, December 20, 2014 So much colour, so much fun, so much entertainment could best describe The Prismatic World Tour of Katy Perry in its stop in Auckland. Each of the 20 songs were signed, sealed and delivered with special care, and nobody was complaining. But unlike other artists who hide their incompetent singing, Katy Perry delivered spot on vocal performances in such ballads as - By The Grace Of God, Unconditionally and The One That Got Away. What a show!
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MUSIC REVIEWS By Free Mel
The Art of McCartney Various Artists The Lennon-McCartney collaboration produced some of the biggest pop songs of all time; and when John and Paul took different paths, the question was asked “Who was the better songwriter?” Subsequent to The Beatles, John Lennon wrote simple melodies with accompanying lyricism of a modern poet (“Imagine” and “Love is Real”), while Paul McCartney sang silly love songs and melodic anthems. From a commercial point of view, McCartney as a solo artist and as leader of Wings was way ahead of Lennon in sales and in filling concert venues. So it was just a matter of time that a collection such as “The Art of McCartney”, paid tribute to one of the most successful songwriters of all time. A slew of the biggest names in the industry came to the party, and covered some of the hits of McCartney with The Beatles and Wings and as a solo artist. Among those who made covers were: Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Kiss, Brian Wilson and Cat Stevens. This is a huge collection, so we picked the best among the re-interpretations of McCartney’s art. The top five came from Billy Joel, B.B. King, Smokey Robinson, Dr John and Steve Miller. In “Maybe I’m Amazed”, Billy Joel is in his element: forceful, emotional and edgy; as if it was his own material, owing to a great back up instrumentation, that truly rocks. He boldly took “Live and Let Die” where McCartney didn’t go, even whistling along the way. The Piano Man deserves a medal. Blues legend B.B. King turned “On the Way” like it was written purposely for him. Smokey Robinson delivers “So Bad” like it was one of those Motown hits from way back when. Ha, ha! Dr John is simply natural in ‘Let ‘Em In”, making this one even better than McCartney’s original. Bless you Steve Miller for participating in this project, “Hey Jude” sounds a bit different, though familiar, while “Junior’s Farm” is refreshing. The five runners-up are: Harry Connick Jr; Roger Daltrey; Airborne Toxic Event; Heart and Willie Nelson. Connick jazzed up “My Love” and succeeded in delivering a beautiful standard ballad. The Who’s Roger Daltrey defied age with a hyper-energetic “Helter Skelter”. Airborne Toxic Event made a beautiful remake of “No More Lonely Nights” – arrangement, vocals and that guitar picking. The Wilson sisters-fronted Heart is loud, strong and banging with electric guitars in “Letting Go”, and who wouldn’t love it. Old hand Willie Nelson shines like gold with his lovely take on “Yesterday”, one of the most recorded songs of the Beatles. Other performances of note are those of: Corinne Bailey Rae, Barry Gibb, Paul Rogers, Def Leppard and Brian Wilson. Rae has re-introduced “Blue Bird”, this little known, yet brilliant McCartney composition in a more contemporary style. Beegees’ Barry Gibb, having covered some of the Beatles’ songs in the film, “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, must have much fun in recording “When I’m 64”, making a gem out of this classic. Pretty tight and soulful, Paul Rodgers made an excellent re-creation of “Let Me Roll It”. Wow, Def Leppard worked out “Helen Wheels” to make a rock n roll classic into another rock n roll classic. How is that? Injecting the formulaic Beach Boys’ harmony, Brian Wilson poured his ingenuity into “Wanderlust” and the man should take a bow. 39 | C O R D
January 2015
Only One (Single) Kanye West (featuring Paul McCartney) This is an awful collaboration, and should not have happened. Two of the most unforgettable collaborations of Paul were those with Stevie Wonder (“Ebony and Ivory”) and Michael Jackson (“The Girl is Mine”), but this! While it is understandable for McCartney (who plays the keyboard) to make himself relevant to the digital generation, Kanye West should have been the last rapper in his “Bucket List” to work with. Kanye sang auto-toned throughout, in a lifeless song that is supposedly an ode to his daughter, North. It is so boring that North could easily fall asleep within seconds.
Do They Know It’s Christmas (Single) Band Aid 30 For the 4th instance, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” (1984, 1989, 2004 and 2014) has been released as a charity single this time around in aid of the Ebola crisis. Getting some of the biggest names in British music scene, originators Bob Geldof and Midge Ure put out the single to mark the 30th anniversary of the original version. At the time when British artists are taking the world by storm once more, who wouldn’t want to hear current toasts One Direction, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, among others, sing in harmony with veterans like Seal, Sinead O’Connor, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and U2’s Bono? Still nothing beats the original, though this one sounds technically superior. I can’t wait for Band Aid 40 to happen, but that won’t be soon.
Uptown Funk (Single) Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars Who is Mark Ronson and why is Bruno Mars getting second billing in “Uptown Funk”? Ronson is a DJ and music producer who has earned enough awards to get the attention of Bruno Mars. He has worked on albums of Christina Aguilera, Lily Allen and Robbie Williams. Ronson produced Amy Winehouse’s biggest selling album, “Back to Black.” And Ronson made the perfect choice in getting Mars in this one. “Uptown Funk” has all the elements of Bruno Mars, and the accompanying video adds flavour to this surefire masterpiece. This makes us long for Mars’ next album and also that of Ronson’s.
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CORD IMAGES FLOWERS By Ching Mandawe
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January 2015
LIMYA By M Batulan A form of poetry consisting of five lines with the first, third and fifth lines consisting of five syllables each, and the second and fourth, seven syllables each. The word ‘Limya” is an amalgam of two Visayan words, “lima” meaning ‘five’ and ‘linya’ for ‘line’. The subject primarily focuses on daily living.
Just so many things To do, day in and day out What’s most important? In living a life on earth Relish the present *** Christmas is over A new year comes to meet us Reminisce the past Look forward to the future Celebrate today *** Come gather around As we partake of the meal Let us all say grace For the abundance of gifts And for precious life *** We have reached thirty The years of togetherness As husband and wife In good times and in bad times Blessed be our love
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KIM AND EL
OFFICE BLOCK
MR JEYDI’S WITDOM
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GOOD LAUGH MANNY, FLOYD AND LYDIA
Manny Pacquiao (MP) went to a restaurant in Las Vegas and got seated in a corner with his party. They got too loud; and a man came forward to tell them to quiet down. But Team Pacquiao instead became louder. Another individual walked towards Pacquiao and asked him to direct his people to tone down their voices. When Pacquiao looks up, he is surprised that the individual turned out to be Floyd Mayweather Jr. (FM). MP: Floyd, I didn’t know that you dine in this 3-star Michellen restaurant? FM: I do, Manny. I can even afford to buy this, and give a huge commission to the agent. MP: No, I meant that we share a common liking for the food served in this restaurant. FM: Let us not stray away from the issue on hand; can you tell your buddies to shut up, as we are not in a market place? MP: Calm down, Floyd. I believe in freedom of speech; and my boys can continue talking as much as they want, unless the restaurant’s management tells us otherwise.
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FM: I am doing this as a concerned citizen, and you better follow my warning or this will become ugly. MP: Don’t call me ‘ugly’, Floyd, or you will be in big trouble. FM: Ah, you are talking about me, for I am ‘Big Trouble’. MP: Floyd, you have embarrassed me in front of my colleagues and I find this unacceptable. FM: I do not like how you are responding to my request, Manny. You are disrespectful. MP: Me disrespectful? You are the one who started this! FM: Stop talking or I’ll knock you out! MP: Knock me out? I’ll put you cold on the floor! Pacquiao’s colleagues take a hold of Manny, while Mayweather’s supporters try to subdue Floyd. Suddenly, golf sensation Lydia Ko (LK) appears and tells them to stop their bickering or she’ll knock them out. MP& FM (In chorus): What?! You will knock us out? You’re so tiny. LK: Try me. FM: Shut up, little lady or you’ll get it from us, right Manny? MP: Yea, Floyd. This young woman has no respect for us, and deserves a lesson. Pacquiao and Mayweather take attack stances facing Lydia. Before they could take a step forward, both boxers fall down unconscious on the floor. All (In chorus): What the heck! LK: Those two may have iron hands; but my iron club is far more lethal. Now let us all go back to our seats; and let these two take a nap. Enjoy the peace. (Everybody claps.)
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THE
WORLD January 2015
FILM REVIEWS One Hundred Foot Journey
I loved Jon Favreau’s food trip, ‘Chef’, and yet another cuisine-driven film, ‘One Hundred Foot Journey’ is totally sumptuous in every ingredient of filmmaking – story, acting, and all the works. A culinary prodigy Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) and his family are uprooted from India and forced to look for another country to settle and pursue the family restaurant business. They end up in a French village when their vehicle losses its brake. Papa Kadam (Om Puri) is attracted to an abandoned space just across a one-star Michelin restaurant operated by Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). The feud between Papa Kadam and Madame Mallory spices a number of laughout-loud situations. This comes to a boiling point, with the Madame seeks out to pirate the talented Hasssan to her restaurant. The romance between Hassan and sous chef Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon) adds cinematic aroma. But what makes this film even more impressive is the introduction to the competitive restaurant business in the food capital of the world. While multi-award actress Mirren is the draw of the film, it is Dayal who carries the story incredibly well, as he depicts the struggles of Hassan through prejudices. The battles that he wages are internal and external, and the young actor comes out natural and convincing. While at first, we find Madame Mallory unlovable, Mirren was able to transform the character into one that you root for towards the end. Credit must be given as well to the ensemble that support the lovely tale. Particularly, Om Puri as Papa Kadam is downright funny as he encounters the aristocrat Mallory. The racial tension that arises early on due to the opening of the Indian restaurant across that of Mallory’s is as realistic as today’s headlines; and the confrontation between Mallory and her chefs, after the attack on Kadam’s restaurant, was a film highlight, as Mallory defined what a true French stood for: equality, justice and fraternity. The script writer Steven Knight ably adapted Richard C. Morais’ novel of the same title. Morais concocted a well-researched and human interest narrative, that it is no wonder that it won the hearts of Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey who produced the film. Every would-be chef must see this film, but even plain food lovers will savor this well-cooked motion picture. 47 | C O R D
January 2015
Gone Girl Directed by David Fincher (“Seven”, “Fight Club” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), Gone Girl is a thriller that takes us on a roller-coaster ride of “who’s did it? It revolves around the case of Annie (Rosamund Pike) who goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary, and cheating husband Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) becomes the prime suspect, as evidences pile up pointing to him as the culprit. It does not help that he seems to lack interest in searching for his wife, while the parents of Annie and the community are pursuing a
massive campaign to find her. Even Nick’s sister who is his number one supporter starts to lose confidence in his claim of innocence. The next sequences then lead us to the truth about Annie, and what she was up to. By then, Nick is facing a criminal charge. A twist turns the table around against Annie whose scheming ways allow her to rebound back into the limelight. While throughout the film, we are intrigued about the disappearance of Annie, we are also treated to a revelation on how media can affect the public perception of an event; on how an individual can be convicted prior to a judicial process. The role of Nick Dunne must have been tailor-made for Affleck, as he was just being himself in conducting the role. Pike, from the hit TV series, Revenge, can be sweet at one moment and psycho in another, a knockout performance really. If your cup of tea is to come out of the theatre feeling good about the ending, this isn’t one for you, as someone got away with a crime.
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The Boy Who Smells Like Fish The title alone already gets one to smile; and indeed, this small film by Mexican director Analeine Cal y Mayor is simply a refreshing breathe of air. The protagonist is Mica (Douglas Smith) who suffers from Trimethylaminuria, a rare infliction that makes the person smell of fish. He is a “fish out of the water” and as such, has no friends in his childhood days except briefly for one girl, Laura. He grows up under the care of his caring mother (Ariadna Gil) who manages a museum in honor of a fictitious Mexican singer Guillermo Garibai. The search of getting a cure is hilarious, as quacks try to offer the solution. Tragedy strikes when the mother dies in an accident and Mica, now a teenager, has to fend for himself. One of his escapes is the swimming pool, where he meets a girl that happens to be his long-lost childhood friend, Laura (Zoe Kravitz). Romance blossoms though complications occur. It takes Garibai (Gonzalo Vega) to bring the two together again. The film takes a lighthearted approach to the infliction rather it tackles more on the relationships of the main character with the people around him, with a dose of humor. Did the love-struck couple join a water-ballet team or that concluding part was sort of adopted from an Indian cinematic style ending of dancing, except that this was done in a pool.
January 2015
Into The Woods
A mash up of some of the popular characters of Disney, “Into the Woods” is a musical that entertains us to beautifully written songs by Stephen Sondheim delivered exceptionally by actors that aren’t known for their singing abilities. The result is surprisingly amazing. It is about a baker and his wife wanting to have a baby. The witch says that she can undo the spell, if the following were delivered to her in three days’ time: a cape as red as blood (from Lil’ Red Riding Hood); a cow as white as milk (from Jack of the Beanstalk); hair as yellow as corn (from Rapunsel?) and a slipper as pure as gold (from Cinderella). All of the characters go into the woods for different reasons, but do things turn out right in the end like all fairy tales do? Everyone in the film who has singing parts gives justice to the songs and is able to get the messages across with no awkward moments. Stand out performances belong to Meryll Streep (as The Witch); Lilla Crawford (as Little Red Riding Hood) and Daniel Huttlestone (as Jack). Emily Blunt (as the Baker’s wife) is adorable, while Chris Pine is unbelievably charming and hilarious. Okay, Johnny Depp, you did decently as The Wolf. Robb Marshall who directed the award-winning musical Chicago was a logical choice to put together the film, and the decision paid off. Awards should be forthcoming. Annie This is an adaption of the hit Broadway musical of the same title, set in present time and music re-arranged for the new generation. With the backing of Will Smith, 49 | C O R D
Jay-Z and Columbia Pictures, the updated ‘Annie’ is bland, unimaginative and poorly casted. Cameron Diaz gets a Razzie for this, while all the rest of the cast struggles to the badly written script. Even the choreography doesn’t tick. Director Will
Gluck seemed to simply go through the motions of getting the film done, failing to get the best out of the actors and the material. I was able to see a clip of the adaption by Rob Marshall (Chicago and Into the Woods) of Annie, where Alicia Morton sings “Tomorrow” and by that alone, I could feel the heart and life of that Disney film. Not in this one. The Identical
It is a fact that Elvis Presley had a twin, Jesse Garon Presley, who was delivered still born. ‘The Identical’ is a fictional ‘what if’ story had Elvis’ twin brother lived. Of course, the Elvis estate would have put all the brakes for this film to be made if the name of Elvis was used, so the producers had to create a Drexel Hemsley (supposedly Elvis) and Ryan Wade (the identical). Ryan was given away as a baby to a minister and wife who were childless. He was envisioned to follow the footsteps of January 2015
the minister, who promised never to reveal the truth of Ryan’s origin. The life of Ryan is torn between God and music. At the same time, he is attracted to the music of Drexel who had become hugely popular. He successfully pursues a career as ‘The Identical’, doing covers. When he discovers the truth, it is too late for Drexel had died. He carries on a music career covering Drexel’s songs and performing original materials of his own. You don’t hear Elvis songs here, only Elvis-influenced ones, and that is disappointing. Actor Blake Rayne, a dead-ringer of Elvis, acted his part well, supported by a cast that includes Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta. The story-telling is engaging, the pacing fine; but what negates the film is that it isn’t original, as the story of Ryan Wade is basically the story of Elvis. Foxcatcher
John Dupont was an heir of the wealthy Dupont family in the US, and he was known to be a supporter of sports especially wrestling. He died in prison for killing Olympic gold medalist Dave Schultz. The film focuses on the Foxcatcher Program initiated by John Dupont to develop worldclass American wrestlers to compete with their state-funded East Bloc counterparts, and his relationships with the Schultz brothers who had won gold in the 1984 Olympics. While the film focuses on wrestling, it is actually a study of the mind of John Dupont who disdains his mother’s love for horses, who wants to prove that he is his own man, and that he is the mentor and coach of the wrestlers. But he is unlike the public image he promotes. Steve Carrell 50 | C O R D
totally transformed himself to the troubled Dupont, while Mark Ruffalo is spot-on as Dave Schultz, a loving brother, a dedicated father and a hardworking coach. Channing Tatum should be applauded for playing Mark Schultz, the talented, yet inconsistent wrestler. Bennett Miller’s direction is commendable as he re-tells a tragic story. The Book of Life
With sequels of animations bombarding us, Jorge Gutierrez’ Book of Life is such a welcome respite, with its colorful look, fascinating story and its Mexican folklore. It has Latin-tinged contemporary music, a romantic tale that goes beyond the grave, and the voices of Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana and Channing Tatum, among others. The Book of Life is the source of the story as narrated by a museum chaperone to a group of mischievous kids. She tells of the wager between La Muerte, Queen of the Land of the Remembered and Xibalba, King of the Land of Forgotten. Who will win the love of Maria, will it be Manolo, a bullfighterand-musician, or Joaquin, a brave soldier? If Xibalba’s bet Joaquin (whom he gives an amulet) marries Maria, he will take over as ruler of the Land of the Remembered. While Maria prefers Manolo, Maria’s father wants her to marry Joaquin who has protected the town from intruders. There is the Romeo-and-Juliet death sequence, but the story moves on further to the after-life lands, as Manolo fights to return to his beloved Maria. Unlike Tim Burton’s dark animations, Gutierrez paints a rainbow of colors to what is a somewhat gloomy tale.
January 2015
Revenge of the Green Dragons
Based on a New Yorker article on ChineseAmerican gang life in the 80s and 90s, ‘Revenge of the Green Dragons’ is a realistic look at how migrants struggle to seek a better life in the United States. This isn’t a ‘feel good’ movie, instead you are treated to the unfortunate and hopeless lives of two friends, Sonny and Steven who are smuggled into the US as kids, only to end up as members of one of the Chinese gangs in the streets of New York. While Steven becomes hardened, Sonny still has a heart left in him. They look up to Paul Wong, a sleek criminal with the demeanor and look of a corporate executive, as leader and idol. Complications arise out of Steven’s murderous conduct, resulting in a bloodbath that gets the police and FBI involved. And when we thought Sonny would be able to get his revenge for the deaths of all those he cared about, the unexpected happens. Directors Andrew Lau and Andrew Loo, with Martin Scorsese as executive producer, should be commended for creating an action-filled film with drama enough to pierce the heart. Every actor contributes, and nobody steals anybody’s scene, allowing viewers to experience the violence and sufferings that migrants go through. The Land of Milk and Honey has blood on its streets.
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The Theory of Everything
Controversial scientist Stephen Hawking could very well be said to be one of the brightest minds in the world today, though he has been confined to a wheelchair and speaks through a computer with a voice synthesizer. If a film was made about his controversial theories, it would be boring. When you add up his romance and relationship with Jane Wilde Hawking, the scientist’s first wife, we are treated to a love story like no other. I must warn you though that this isn’t “and they lived happily ever after” kind of film. While celebrities enjoy public adulation, life without the cameras is totally different: complicated, more so if that individual is nearly immobile. Can love conquer all? Eddie Redmayne (who I thought was the most effective actor in ‘Les Miserables’) should get an award for his thoroughly believable portrayal even if most of the time he is strapped to the wheel chair. Felicity Jones from the young lass to the sacrificing wife kept up with Redmayne’s performance especially in the difficult scenes. You don’t have to be agreeable to Hawking’s theory on the beginning of the universe to see this film, as this is more about relationships than science.
January 2015
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http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_music_magazine_jan_2014
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_b_w
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_april_2014 http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_august_2014
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_october_2014
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