Etc :: Not Tonight, But Always Forever

Last-minute rumour-correction for 14 May 2009: Note: Etc IS NOT SCHEDULED TO PLAY TONIGHT.

Who IS playing? PINHOLES are. P.O.W. 101 Dunlop St, Singapore. 9.30pm. Last-minute notice if you didn't know - but no harm in mentioning since it's always good times w/ those chaps. They cover of Etc's 'Handphones on the Dancefloor'. Even released it. Maybe we put it online here. You want? Ask in the comments box (cue: silence).

And since you're here: might as well tell you that some recent Etc live-in-studio vérité recordings have come online. You might see it on the ReverbNation player on this very page or here and/or here. At Walk On Music (here) they mention it's "All live. Completely sweat-and-spit real. No right-click fakery" and call one of the songs "a a post-spacey epic. This would be the 14:27-minutes of the first time 'Love Is A Four-Letter Word/Cupid Stunts' was ever played. Ever. That means: the first time Harvey ever heard it. He didn't get an introduction either, which is a bit rude, but he's a gentleman and rose to the occasion. Since then, it's only ever been played at Etc gigs to keep it fresh. It's too shy to come to the studios w/ the band. So it's a rare beast. All audible phasing and flanging is 100% natural. The guitar is via reverb/amp and DD7 only. To mention this might mean someone's bragging.

There's also an off-the-cuff 'Bring Me My Dunce's Cap' posted online for the amusement of an Etc-enthusiast/friend as a good-luck for their exams. Needless to mention they like Tom Waits?

Let's Take Forever appears on the LastFM link. Myspace could be getting it soon too. Or some other stuff. Who knows. Etc aren't so techno-savvy. NB: Etc vérité recordings are not to be confused w/ Etc's 'proper' recordings. Yes, some stuff HAS been put down in a studio. Through real microphones. It remains a work in progress.

Hope you're well. See you round.

Etc :: Easter Treaty Songlist

These are the songs that Etc remembers playing on 9 April 09.
The order might not be exact.
The show was dedicated to Kurt Cobain on the anniversary of his body being found.
There was no functioning guitar amp. Etc used a bass amp. And got shocks off the microphone. But got there eventually.

• Promise Not to Promise
• The Late Great Planet Earth
• Just a Dream
• Reeling
• Let's Take Forever
• Pretty Fall
• I'm With Stupid
• Guilty Party
• Bring Me My Dunce's Cap
• Laid
• The Power of Negative Thinking
• Love Is A **** / Cupid Stunts

• Peter Panic
• Astrogal
• Dumb Waiter
• Handphones On The Dancefloor
• Crawl Babe
• Love Is No Alibi
• Dancing To The Smiths
• Superhero, Incognito
• Unsurprised Etc
• Malaysian Trucks
• Everything Breaks

Etc :: Easter Treaty

Thurs, April 9, 2009 :: 9:30pm
P.O.W: The Prince of Wales :: 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore

The Etc duo of Ben and Harvey break out of their shells to put some spring in your step with a lively holiday hop of top psychopop & bop.

A free-range fiesta of both Etc favourites and new songs to learn & sing, you're invited to spend the eve of your Public Holiday with these echo-loving bunnymen.

Etc Cinéma Vérité:: Just A Dream ('The Wong Kar Wai one')

Etc dancing in the dark at Blacksteps, 31 Dec 2008. Caught by 3how.

0:00 - 3:40 Just A Dream*
3:41 - 6:08 Unknown





* Song written by Ben Harrison / Etc
* Also known as 'Wong Kar Wai'; also known as 'Sleep, With Me'

Lyrics previously posted here

Etc :: Dancing to The Smiths

Etc's "Dancing to The Smiths" - played acoustically on 31 Dec 2008 (starting nearly a minute into the clip). Etc likes that the person who left the 'Truly Awful' assessment in the clip's youtube comments is a fan of CRANBERRIES and VERVE and BRAVEHEART. This means they know a thing about 'truly awful' then.

X's Cassettes :: Etc's set

PoW, Thur, 29 Jan 2009: Since 'X' was present, Etc ventured beyond their originals to include covers of songs first heard on or around X's formative mixes. These are the songs Etc played:

• Peter Panic
• Lairy Canary -> Astrogal
• Watch
• X's Cassettes
• Within You'll Ramone (cover of Tokyo Square: 'Within You'll Remain')
• Schizophrenia (Sonic Youth cover)
• Riding in Your Car (based on Oddfellows' 'Riding In Your Car')
• The Fire of Love (Jody Reynolds cover via The Gun Club)
• I'm With Stupid
• Love Is No Alibi
• Will Until
• You Got To Move (a cappella)
• Unsurprised Etc

Etc's next: 'X's Cassettes

"...critically-acclaimed indie-rock duo of Etc celebrate the legacy of a friend 'X', whose mix tapes were shared amongst Singapore's fledgling alternative music community over two decades ago, possibly influencing the course of local music as we know it. Etc have yet to reveal the identity of their special guest, X, but the band may even venture beyond their own bittersweet originals to include covers of songs first heard on X's mixes, so don't be surprised to hear them take on the likes of Sonic Youth and The Gun Club, or even local heroes like Oddfellows and Zircon Lounge..."

Etc :: X's Cassettes
Thursday, January 29, 2009 :: 9:30pm
P.O.W: The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore 209420
Tel: (+65) 6299 0130 :: Email: ents.pow@gmail.com
MRT: Little India / Bugis

Etc :: Ex's Cassettes acoustic

First take of the first song Etc played on the last date at Blacksteps' HQ (4004 Bukit Merah, Singapore). 30 Dec 2008.

Many things that are advertised as 'unplugged' these days: seldom are. But you can be sure that this is. The lighting is candles. The guitar is acoustic. The camera is wind-up. And Etc's brain is off.

Is 'Ex's Cassettes' written by Ben Harrison / Etc

Etc :: After Stars / Second to Bee-Gees

From the Etc Diaries (15-Jan-09):


"Over a week has passed since Etc's "Before Stars" set-lists were posted. "After Stars" proved much harder to recall. During the break, when I would normally try to remember what I just did and then make vague plans for second set: I was introduced to a former Singapore Idol contestant who complemented the loop, layer & e-bow version of Trans*end and then -naturally- asked if I was interested in writing songs with her. Told her to get in line (I think this one of those instances where one is meant to act all enthusiastic even if you have no intention of acting on a proposal; and it's ok too because no-one is going to pursue it later anyhow).

"Second set: instant fluster for me during the first song I saw some attentive listeners being escorted out (two people were a notable fraction of the night's tiny audience). Why? Because they had returned to their seats with a cup of tea! Stopped my song and protested over the PA so the security guard could hear: "IT'S OK! I SIGNED A RELEASE FORM! THERE'RE ALLOWED TO DRINK TEA TO ETC!" This didn't change a thing though. The last I saw those kids was when they were smiling and waving back at me after their long march across the huge Concourse...

"Oh well, Esplanade DOES have their protocols (in the same way that Etc plays under the "Etc" moniker and no other - so why be surprised if we dispute being billed as anything else?), and so I am thankful they let to play the second set even though I had not provided my set-list beforehand.

"Just as well really. If I did provide a set-list, how many brows would have raised once I deviated from it to honour the requests of a kind soul sat on the front row? His name: Patrick. And how could I say no to someone who not only asked for my autograph, and posts appreciative documents of Etc including this about November Reign; and this from the start of December; and now this about 'After Stars', but who also states that meeting me on 7th Jan comes a close second to his meeting the Bee Gees.

"And it's also thanks to him that I can now provide this set-list for 'After Stars'. He's a Prince.

BUNGALOW
TRANS*END / BOW END
SUPERHERO, INCOGNITO
(ERECT) SHELVES
FUNNY BONES

BI(G) GIRL'S BLOUSE + the Release Form Blues
LAIRY CANARY
WILL UNTIL
MALAYSIAN TRUCKS
GUILTY PARTY
ASTROGAL
JUST A DREAM / JUST TO DREAM
Encore: DANCING TO THE SMITHS"

Etc:: Set for Yesterday; Not for Today (yet)

Esplanade loves paperwork. I signed a lot of paper yesterday: 30 pages of contract, form for keys, form to give permission for someone to film me... (and don't come and talk to me if I am on the black carpet after the show or a guy w/ a walkie-talkie will come and get you). So it's no surprise I have to type up what Etc played yesterday. And since I did, here it is. Obviously I will post it everywhere I can. Especially flattered I had requests to honour. It's also handy since it shows how many Etc didn't get played. They'll be more likely contenders for tonight's "Etc After Stars" show. I might do the LEA SALONGA one again since we're sharing the same backstage.

PADLESS (for Lea Cinderella Salonga)
FARE DODGER
BRING ME MY DUNCE'S CAP
PRETTY FALL
(BITCHING IN THE KITCHEN) SHELVES
BIG GIRL'S BLOUSE(D)
EX'S CASSETTES

half-hour break during which I wrote out the lyrics to a brand-new song I didn't then play

I WANNA BE YOUR DOG (Stooges cover in memory of Ron Asheton)
JUST A DREAM
DUMB WAITER (dedicated to Harold Pinter?)
HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR (request)
DANCING TO THE SMITHS (request)
PETER PANIC

"Encore" NOTHING LIKE EXPECTATION (request)
(...ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD excerpt)

Etc :: Before & After Stars

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ETC.

Having played some of the loudest gigs of 2008, Etc ushers in '09 by turning down the volume to explore their unique songbook with a sequence of rare unplugged sets at the Esplanade Concourse. Touted by local media as being the most literate act playing in the region, Etc will draw from their extensive catalogue to play 'semi-acoustic' versions and ambient reinterpretations of their witty bittersweets across a series of intimate sets.

Esplanade Concourse:: The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive:: Singapore

7 Jan 09 (Wed) "Before Stars": 7:15-7.45pm
7 Jan 09 (Wed) "Before Stars": 8.15-8.45pm
8 Jan 09 (Thur) "After Stars": 7:15-7.45pm
8 Jan 09 (Thur) "After Stars": 8.15-8.45pm

Each set will feature different songs from the other. Depends. May all your nicest #9 Dreams come true.

Etc in KOKO's Top 3 (and at the end of 2008)

A nice way to end a year:
1) find yourself in good company in KOKO's charts (as seen at www.kokoasia.com)
2) play a gig with friends on the Eve.






STRAITS RECORDS PRESENTS: GOODBYE BALI, HELLO 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 8:00pm
traits Records / 22 Bali Lane (near Bugis MRT) Singapore
ALL AGES. Entry: $5

Etc's favourite friendly local music emporium signs off on 2008 and kickstarts 2009 with notably no-bull gig - the last show to be held at the Straits Mates' Bali Lane HQ (before they move to North Bridge Road tomorrow). Band order puts us on after Pinholes... talk about bringing the party down. Maybe we'll switch and steal one of them to play that Etc song they cover.

• Straits Records' GUEST BAND
• Tactic Area TACIT ARIA
• THE PINHOLES
• ETC we're scheduled for 10pm
• AMATEUR TAKES CONTROL
• THE ZOZI

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Last Christmas I gave you my heart etc

Etc is pleasantly surprised to be berated for not posting aftershow reports on recent gigs. Due to this and similar comments from others (with valid excuses for not-attendance): Ben's been trying to piece together what Etc ended up playing on Christmas Eve 2008 at Prince of Wales.

-> Harvey was calling the shots re: most of the songs played. Almost every name he announced took Ben by surprise.
-> Most audience members' requests were granted. But why they expected Ben to check SMS mid-gig? No idea.
-> There was a request for "James Blunt". Ben: "Is that the name of a song?"
-> Hoped to play BRING ME MY DUNCE'S CAP. Thought it might amuse Etc-pal Des - the Tom Waits fan.
-> Forgot to play FARE DODGER. Maybe just as well since it might break the windows.

Almost correct order (corrections welcome):

• WILL UNTIL (DON’T EVER NEVER) i will love you until i don't, and if i can't it don't mean i won't
• BIG GIRL’S BLOUSE how can you expect to find your feet when you've so many pairs of shoes
• JUST A DREAM i'm hoping for the best when i should expect the worst
• SHELVES leave the women bitching in the kitchen son
• DUMB WAITER i think that i got what your last servant died of
• MALAYSIAN TRUCKS i know people in Ipoh
• GUILTY PARTY you've been hurting behind net curtains
• LUFTGUITAR god's lost movie rushes shown on the sky
• LAID some bloody valentine this is
• BUNGALOW my bed's unmade and i feel the same
• I’M WITH STUPID dum-dum-dum dumb down
• STUPID SUPERMARKETtears in her eyes and booze on her breath
• ASTROGAL do do do
• SUPERHERO, INCOGNITO my grandma says i'm the bastard son of someone famous but won't tell me who because it won't save us
• UNSURPRISED ETC a heart broken by sheer boredom
• DANCING TO THE SMITHS she cut out the lyrics from Smash Hits back in 1986
• HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR you send me semi-colon and a capital P
• PETER PANIC oh my track-tied maiden, never mind the chains
• NOTHING LIKE EXPECTATION things never work out the way you intend, but things always work out in the end

Also in there somewhere several attempts at SILENT NIGHT - especially after it became the 25th.

Etc has since been asked to join a fab bill for tomorrow night's New Year's Eve bash at Straits Records featuring: AMATEUR TAKES CONTROL, ETC, THE PINHOLES, TACIT ARIA and THE ZOZI. They're moving shop the next day. Shame.

Etc's Christmas Cracker goes from 10pm till then again

above: Etc and Roger at Baybeats 2006, plotting a Christmas gig 2½ years away

10pm. That's the time Etc is now scheduled to play at on Christmas Eve (Wed, Dec 24, 2008). This is at P.O.W. - The Prince of Wales 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore - where your faithful duo of Crooked Caroler Harrison and Harvey the Little Drummer Boy are on till round midnight, providing a heartfelt antidote to the season's insincere caroling and crass commercialism.

Hopefully no one will complain that these Merrie Gentlemen have so far made no plans to feature anything remotely seasonal in their set. Nor can they confirm the role of Vinita will be. Poor lass is recovering from denge, a malady Doctors recommend is best shaken with a shot of Etc action. She said she'll be there (to watch) but will she have strength to pick up the bass to play any reunion numbers with the chaps? Like Etc says: "Don't ever 'never'..."

What is certain: this is the last installment of 2008's "Etc: Play for Pals" trilogy* - an ongoing series of gigs held when long-absent Etc-friends return to Singapore and are invited to help pick the songs Etc play. The gigs double-up as informal reunions. It works. No faffing with schedules. Come if you can. Stay in the garden if you don't like the music. Previous Play for Pals shows were held for ex-Etc band members Vinita and Ping. And it was good.

This gig's guest of honour is Roger(pictured on this page next to Ben). He earned the honour by being Toa Payoh's top Etc enthusiast, backing vocalist and dancer, and was sorely missed when he moved to London. Fresh off Santa's sleigh from London (via Thailand), this is the prefect time to say hello to this very nice gentleman. And if you don't want to do that, you can still rock and bop to whatever Etc psychopop will be pulling out of their sack of it.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Magnificent 7 :: Etc in Top 10 Chart Shocker!

Etc is honoured to feature at magic number 7 in the Top 15 songs of 2008 on the wonderful online broadcast blog Unpopular Radio. According to presenter Tan[g]kap Suxx, our shoddy live/no-earphones recording of Malaysian Trucks is even better than Glasvegas. Muon and Jayzuan, and almost as good as Mogwai, Gutter Twins and others. And that's before he heard the version that came out on the RadioClash08 compilation last week (coming to this myspace soon)

Here's the complete Top 15 list:
1. Nuance - Silver City
2. The Gutter Twins - God's Children
3. Miss Pooja & Babu Chandigarhia - Saari Raat
4. The Duke Spirit - My Sunken Treasure
5. Mogwai - Batcat
6. My Precious - Do Bosses Make Shadow
7. Etc - Malaysian Trucks
8. The Lard Brothers & Koffkoff - Radio Station (Padres cover)
9. Dj Vix & Shin (DCS) - Ah Chak Bottel Daru Di
10. Muon - From The Cold
11. Pervy Boy - Crazy Day
12. Amateur Takes Control - Communication Downbreak
13. Mohd Jayzuan - Si Dia
14. Glasvegas - Geraldine
15. Muck - As The Rain Falls


The mediafire download of the show is here. The zshare download is here. Or I think you can simply listen online, somewhere here.

.

Ben Etc

Etc lyrics :: Just A Dream ('The Wong Kar Wai one')

Apologies if we don't introduce the songs clearly enough. Here's the lyrics to one of those that recently people have been especially mentioning to us or elsewhere. It's been introduced as Sleep With Me in the past. Check back for a blog entry with access to a film of this song soon.

Etc :: JUST A DREAM (songwords by Ben Harrison Etc)

YOU CAN BE NERVOUS AND I CAN BE SHY
I BET I ONLY EVER LOOK AT YOU ON THE SLY
WHAT IF IT'S JUST A DREAM?

I CAN TELL WE OUGHT TO BE FRIENDS
YOU'RE ALWAYS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
I'M GOING ROUND THE BEND
WHAT IF IT'S JUST A DREAM?

I DREAM OF YOU EVEN THOUGH WE HAVEN'T MET
I DREAM OF YOU EVEN AND I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE YET

PASSED YOU IN THE STREET LIKE IN A WONG KAR WAI
I NEVER TOLD YOU BECAUSE I'M TOO DARN SHY
TOO SHY TO SHARE MY DREAM

SO I'M STAYING IN BED ALL WEEKEND
IN THE HOPE I GET TO DREAM AND SEE YOU AGAIN
REMIND ME TO GET YOUR NAME THIS TIME

I DREAM OF YOU EVEN THOUGH WE HAVEN'T MET
I DREAM OF YOU EVEN AND I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE YET

YOU CAN SLEEP OVER – SLEEP OVER THERE
I'LL TAKE THE SOFA OVER THE STAIRS
AND THEN WE CAN DREAM

HOPE IS JUST A HOAXER HOPE CAN BE A CURSE
I'M HOPING FOR THE BEST WHEN I SHOULD EXPECT THE WORST
WHAT IF IT'S JUST A DREAM?

I DREAM OF YOU EVEN THOUGH WE HAVEN'T MET
I DREAM OF YOU EVEN AND I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE YET

YOU WERE ALWAYS ROUND THE CORNER
I'M GOING ROUND THE BEND
I THINK I WANT TO TALK TO YOU
HELLO MY NAME IS BEN


all rights deserved. Etc reserves the right to change lyrics as and when.

Etc’s November Reign

November has been a productive month for the band. Here's how we're ending it:

Thurs, 27 Nov 08: GIG: Etc plays Laundry: Astoundingly this will be Etc's first (and last) Malaysian show of 2008. Not for lack of trying. Lost track of how many cancellations, postponements and utter misfires Etc had in Malaysia this year (starting round midnight on 1st Jan w/ a no-show at Annexe's New Year's Eve bash thanks to cops, traffic and a police-directed detour that took us halfway back to where we'd come from on a highway with no exits). Fingers crossed we make this show which will also feature Etc-friends Deserters and headliners Seven, and DJ sets from bandmembers.

8:00pm till late (band members also DJ-ing)
Laundry is at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Fri, 28 Nov 08: NO GIG JamAsia: Despite the best efforts and kindness of Peter from Soft Touch this scheduled show had to be canned due to exorbitant rental asked by the venue. Peter is a good Etc-friend having staged the first show Etc played in Malaysia. We'll be meeting again.

Sun, 30 Nov 08: NOVEMBER REIGN FINALE GIG: Etc plays Singapore Esplanade: 8.45-9.30pm

"Etc celebrates the non-release their album 'Chinese Democracy Etc' - an already-fabled, off-the-cuff recording that Axl Rose selfishly didn't want to see the light of day.

"The Etc duo of Ben & Harvey recorded their album live and fast in September. Two musicians, one afternoon and no earphones. It was decided -while recording- it could be called 'Chinese Democracy Etc' after a restaurant concept that Ben Etc envisaged en route to the sessions (it's a restaurant where you pay lots of money first while you wait years before you're served). The title of the album is also to honour the country it was recorded in. There was no other record with that name was available at the time.

"The plan was to release the recordings immediately. This was in contrast to the American act, Guns n' Roses who continually delayed releasing any new material for many years. However, shortly after Etc's plans were announced (it even made it to Wikipedia), Guns n' Roses finally confirmed that they were about to release their album, also entitled 'Chinese Democracy'.

"The Guns n' Roses record had since has been released and Etc are glad of this. They didn't like the title much anyway and don't want to be confused with Guns n' Roses."

Songs from the 'Chinese Democracy' and subsequent 'November Reign' sessions continue to surface online. Check for updates on Etc's myspace and the ReverbNation player that should appear on this very page.

Keeping It Peel - John, But Not Forgotten: The Etc Set

Nearly a month has passed since Etc played at Keeping It Peel, John But Not Forgotten where their friends We GANG not only stole the show, but also Etc's setlist. We GANG packed it away with their stuff. Poor Harvey Etc had to do without. It took a while to suss what Etc actually played in the end. Amusingly they missed out songs they'd been working on for the night - alt version of 'Handphones on the Dancefloor' and a Joy Division song whose one-word title they continually mix up with other Joy Division songtitles.

Etc's set sounded good on stage, but might have been too loud for some ("I got home and thought I'd left the air-con on until I realised it was the buzzing in my ears"). At least this might have helped to scare off people seen at the show who Etc recgonised as presenters of appalling shows on Singapore TV.

Ben's onstage tipple was plebeian: red wine poured onto ice cubes. Two mics. Alex wacked the reverb up on the one facing the drums. What Etc think they played:

Dancing to The Smiths
Dumb Waiter
Superhero, Incognito
Malaysian Trucks
Peter Panic
Unsurprised
Love Is No Alibi / Teenage Kicks
When I Was A Store Detective
Big Girl's Blouse
Laid
Adolesce / Teenage Kicks


(Thanks to the lurkers who request these lists/reports privately. Flattered when you've complained that Etc didn't report on recent shows. And that there's more than one of you. Lovely. It's too long ago to write up the Ping's Party one. Know this though: Etc will cherish this memory from that night: at the end of a soppy song (requested by our guest of honour) an Aussie rockspider heckled from the bar: "Wuss". And in this instance, Ben Etc agreed with him. It WAS a wussy song. Etc thinks the following song was then too heavy for the heckler though.

Keeping It Peel - John, But Not Forgotten: The Bands

About the artists playing at the John Peel Day commemoration at P.O.W. - The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore - Thursday, 9 Oct 2008

• We GANG: In keeping with the Peel tradition of spotlighting new bands, Keeping It Peel features the debut performance of We GANG – fronted by local music maverick Adrian Bestium. This is Bestium's next move after he masterminded the brilliant Rocket Scientist album, 'Hiss' - released online months before Radiohead got a similar idea. We GANG presents something different after the hiss: a healthy dose of Ramone-tic bubblegum pop that's already brought the privileged few who've heard it to near-hysteria with joy.

• Jon Fong: a rare chance to see a solo acoustic performance by a performer better known as one half of the electronic duo, The Karl Maka. Formed through their love of both old Hong Kong movies and electronic synth sounds, The Karl Maka's infectious pop has been putting the right amount of neon where it needs to be since they formed two years ago. Expect to be charmed as Jon goes it alone for this specially-requested one-off appearance.

• Etc: John Peel might be the only "musical influence" Etc's Ben Harrison is certain of, and he takes pride in the fact that Peel once referred to his guitar-playing as being "noisy, but not too noisy". Famed for both their off-the-cuff performances and bittersweet psychopop songs, Etc will probably reference Peel at this show. But how? When it comes to Etc. the best way to find out is to to be there.

Keeping It Peel - John, But Not Forgotten: The Press

Thanks to Dino from Force Vomit (whose music was played by John Peel... and I never heard them on local radio) for getting this in The Straits Times. Thanks to Jon from The Karl Maka for scanning it in. Thanks to science for invisible chairs (as modeled by Grace from We GANG). Kevin for the photo. And John Peel for everything.

Keeping It Peel - John, But Not Forgotten in Singapore

It's October already. Etc hopes you had a Happy Hari Raya (the end of the fasting month on 1 Oct) and notes that the next movable feast is almost upon us: Thursday, 9th October is John Peel Day 2008. And the start of the month means that a free magazine called LIVE! is meant to be available in the parts of Singapore where it's meant to be available. And in it one can find this:

Keeping It Peel – John, But Not Forgotten

Ben Harrison from psychopop band, Etc. remembers John Peel – his all-time favourite DJ (and not just because he was the man who once described Harrison's guitar playing as 'noisy… but not too noisy').

For over twenty years of my life there was at least one constant I could count on, no matter where I went or what I did. I might have gone long periods without hearing the voices of my parents or brothers, but there weren't many weeks when I didn't manage to somehow hear the deadpan tones of John Peel, the pioneering British DJ who died suddenly in October 2004 – leaving an irreparable gap in the lives of his loyal listeners and fans across the world.

Peelie – as he's affectionately known – was already an institution when I discovered his show. At first I tuned in hungry to hear the reggae, dub and seemingly unintelligible rap of Jamaican "Toasters" he would feature, but before long almost everything he played suited me – especially since we shared an appreciation of twangy guitars, whether they were playing the blues, surf, rockabilly rumble, Zimbabwean jit-jive, Congolese soukous, or adding to the drama of The Smiths; overwhelming the songs of Sonic Youth and Jesus & Mary Chain, or calling the girls to get up and dance with Franz Ferdinand.

And then there was rap. And techno. And garage, gabba, grime, grunge and grindcore. Plus dancehall, speedcore and happy hardcore. Drum & bass, dubstep, ambient, country, folk and –oh– those heartbreakingly yearning 70s soul ballads. Not to forget the impassioned hollering of the riot grrl movement; or those cowgirls recorded yodeling all high & lonesome, long before your parents were born.

And what of artists like Ivor Cutler? To put this Scottish songwriter, poet and humourist in a category like "spoken word" doesn't do him justice… But whatever it was, it was all good to me.

Ask "What kind of music did John Peel play?" and you could reply: he played good music – or what he thought was good at least. And I still naively think that's the whole point. It sounds like a blazing simple concept to me. It's what I assume a DJ should do: play music they like. But I don't know how many working DJs actually do this. I certainly can't tell if any currently on Singapore radio even have any passion for music. Maybe they do. But they also seem to love the sound of their own voices even more.

And when evidence suggests that to be a DJ today requires a fake accent that no ordinary person in any country would ever normally speak with, we can assume that the likes of Peelie would now have difficulty getting a job on radio. Perhaps he did contrive his own radio persona for when he was on air; but if he did, it was a good one... good enough to make us feel like we'd lost a member of our family when John Peel died.

When the news broke I knew I wasn't alone in feeling like I'd lost a slightly befuddled but incredibly wonderful uncle. And I knew immediately that I'd miss him. He was an incomparable and sincere enthusiast – a man who didn't have eclectic taste simply for the sake of it, but because great music isn't limited to specific genres or countries. He wasn't concerned with the tedious pursuit of "attaining hip" (as one Singapore DJ used to flog on their show ad nauseam), his shows really were about the music.

I'm never quite sure what people mean when they tell others to "keep it real" – especially if they're vulgar, gold-drenched showbiz sensations whose sense of reality appears to have long since split. But if you're going to tell me to "Keep it Peel", please know that I already did. And I don't intend to stop any time soon.

John Peel Day is commemorated on every 2nd Thursday of October. This is how we're doing it in Singapore: 

Bassless Complaints :: Party to Ping's Picks at P.O.W.

Maybe you don't know Ping, but Etc does. And this is not a surprise because she is probably the band's longest-known appreciator; self-appointed consultant and motivator, and harshest critic (it bites worse when it comes from someone you like). She is, as she likes to remind us, our 
best friend. And she's been away a while and we miss her.

So we asked her what songs she'd like to hear Etc play if ever she got to see them again. For one thing it would be interesting to see her choices since some of the songs are from, or inspired by, the movie of her life; and -who knew- maybe such a gig would help entice her to make a flying visit from her secret overseas lair.

And that's the story behind tomorrow's hastily-scheduled Etc gig in Singapore: Bassless Complaints :: Party to Ping's Picks at P.O.W. 06 Sep 2008 (Sat); Prince of Wales: 101 Dunlop Street, Little India (between Serangoon & Sim Lim), Singapore. 9.30pm till late

Etc also hope to a) present new songs that time didn't permit at their last Singapore show*; b) pay tribute to the memory of the wry songwriter Warren Zevon on the 5th anniversary of his death. For this YOU are invited to join in with your best werewolf howls and/or vamp a verse (one of Warren's, one of your own, or someone else's) as the Etc duo attempt live-karaoke backing of Zevon's biggest hit, 'Werewolves of London'. And if you don't know the words just remember: "Ahh-ooooo". You'll work it out. Main thing: have fun. This tribute was instigated by Zevon-expert and bestselling writer, Gerrie Lim (who may also be performing), while Etc is proud to announce that we seem to have secured the services of several bona-fide applicants to the forthcoming Singapore version of a TV show called Don't Forget the Lyrics. None of them have been called back since their auditions (weird, since they're sufficiently mad/entertaining to make for good telly). This could be a brilliant disaster.


* "come to think of it, Etc's 1st Aug gig was in honour of an Etc-friend too. How nice. Etc is a friendly band. Some of the songs might seem sulky (moody music, grumpy guitars, lairy lyrics...), but the gentlemen who play them think it's nice to be nice, and they deeply appreciate courtesy, kindness & friendliness. And thus, it is only natural that Etc should invite you to this unique soiree. See you there?"

Etc filmed :: Handphones on the Dancefloor

Etc's 'Handphones on the Dancefloor' (incorporating a little Stones and a lot of Kylie) as caught by Jillian Wong on Friday 1st August 2008 at Prince of Wales, Singapore - mere hours before bassist Vinita took a plane to the USA where she's staying for a long time.

Etc Songwords :: Ex's Cassettes

We caught you listening to cassettes made by an ex
And sneaking crafty cigarettes
Guess you’ve not quite given up yet
Despite what you said

Loneliness remembers what happiness forgets
Loneliness remembers what happiness forgets
When you’re listening to Ex’s Cassettes

And now we see you’ve kept their old phone messages
And -oh- those old love letters: read & re-read
Held as evidence
Hold them to your chest

Loneliness remembers what happiness forgets
Loneliness remembers what happiness forgets
When you’re listening to Ex’s Cassettes

Songs about love and songs about sex and songs about dancing and being stupid; breaking up; lists of regrets... and this one you got from one of your ex’s cassettes (just like Etc said…)


Lyrics by Ben Harrison Etc

Played with: C9sus4 – Cmaj11—D add9m—Dm9
And: G7—D5

Alternate version first appeared online in 2004 at Etc Lyrics Scatalogue.

Ben Etc's other band in early 90s :: The Padres

Photo recently found and half-inched from the archives of Singaporean musician, Patrick Chng: "The Padres (L-R) Joe Ng, Evan Tan, Ben Harrison, Patrick Chng. Photo by Dominic Fernandez."

Taken (Jan/Feb 1993) circa the recording/release of Padres' 'What's The Story' EP (Odyssey Music) through the window of coffeeshop/chicken rice place on the corner of Mackenzie and Niven Roads. The coffee was shite. The photographer forgot to bring a flash. Night was falling.

The great British DJ John Peel played two songs from 'What's The Story' (and not, as reported in The Singapore Encyclopedia, from the earlier 'Radio Station'), fulfilling one of Ben's ambitions since Peel is primary influence. Added bonus then that he credited Ben Etc's guitar-playing as "noisy, but not too noisy" and "spankingly good".

Big Girl's Blouse

Look at you now: you’re a Big Birl’s Blouse
When you should be out, doing us proud
Given to distraction & what distraction gives to you
How can you expect to find your feet
when you’ve so many pairs of shoes?

You not taking the all pills in your antibiotic regime
Because you say they don’t match the day’s colour scheme
So ask the nice lady at the dispensary: 
“Can I have my pills in neutral please?”
Because you did say you really want to get better
At least, right after this cigarette yeah

Look at you now: You’re a big girl’s blouse
When you should be out, doing us proud
Driven to distraction & what distraction drives you to
How can you expect to find your feet
when you’ve so many pairs of shoes?

Like you said your life was a mess
Wanted a change - what would I suggest?
But before I get to say you go: “I know, I know..."

"I’ll meditate; smoke to lose weight

"...and change hairdresser”

Look at me now in your big girl’s blouse
It really shouldn’t be allowed
Driven to distraction & what distraction drives you to
What is it that you’re hungry for when you never touch your food?

Stop sitting at home in front of the telly

Pull your finger out you wet nelly 

Stop sitting at home in front of the telly 

Pull your finger out and give it some welly

You big girl's blouse

Song lyrics by Ben Harrison. Performed by Etc. 

Sound words then :: Etc reviews etc

Etc's not sussed how kind words and letters about them translate in other places and greater beyonds, but it's sometimes interesting to know what some folk think - or choose to write about regarding what they see of the Etc adventure. It's also amusing/bemusing when Etc are highly praised in papers but find themselves with barely a penny to rub. 

Here are some things written about Etc over the last 8 1/2 years - with the eye-catching bold portions retained from back-when these words first appeared in an attempt to help curious people surveying the "Sounds Like" panel on the Etc myspace:

"Singapore's indie-rock stealth-weaponry, blessed with the sharp wordsmithery..." Joe Kid, Carburettor Dung

"Good old Ben Harrison parlays articulated (sic), witty songs... (But) don't put too much stock in that 'cerebral' moniker, Ben is a rocker and I'm hoping to see him cut loose in 2008!" S-ROCK Bands for 2008

"Ben Harrison is a virgo, born the day Elvis died. He was the John Peel-credited "spankingly good" and "noisy" guitarist in the Joe Ng-fronted band, Padres. For the last decade Ben has been the only constant member of Etc - a loose-knit band that instinctively adapts its volume, songs & line-up depending on the occasion. They're played numerous live shows and spent barely any time recording. Nobody's offered them money to do an album yet, but they do have enough material for several." Literati 07
 
"Little is known about Singapore's Etc, except that this band makes music that's catchy enough for dancing. At the same time, their songs are injected with smart lyrics with a dark streak." Junk Magazine

"I'm always at lost for words (sic) when it comes to Etc. Maybe it's because Ben is a great writer. Or maybe subconsciously I think the Ben-Lennat-Vinita combo is a perfect mix for a band. You need to see this band live to believe how good they are. 'Astrogal' is one of my favourite Etc songs, and I think they need to come up with some form of recording. Fast." Ili Aditi Chandra

"A transcendental moment in Singapore pop history has taken place as Etc unleashes onto the unsuspecting modern rock world. Be not fooled, as it is the kind of 21st century pop that deserves as much attention as it can get. Sixties-inclined... (with) Sonic Youth-wacked out guitar solo(s). From the insistent backbeat to Ben Harrison's ambivalent vocals... an infectious stab at the heart of mediocre, cookie-cutter 'indie-pop'. The revolution starts here." Power of Pop

"Etc extends the power-pop limit suggesting shades of Sonic Youth on a Britpop trip to the local underground." 8 Days

"I must be like your music! I like the way bad singing, also lazily and loudly sound a lot." Chako Japan

"Young and earnest, playful and yearning. Unpolished yet catchy pop hungry, energetic and promising." I.S.

"Fairly bratty guitar stuff that knows no boundaries as it hints at the Velvet Undergound and Leaving Trains in ways no one would care to imagine." 8 Days

"A garage pop treat, it recalls Big Star." Straits Times Top Singles of the Year

"Among the lot of alternative bands (Etc are) the most eclectic and interesting. With bizarre wah-wah effects added to Ben's cheeky lyrics great fun. Ben's varied taste for pop is found in his version of Zircon Lounge's Guide These Hands which segues into Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone and Iggy Pops (sic) I Wanna Be Your Dog." BigO

"I liked it till the guy started singing. Nice wall of sound guitar though." 'RIP' Magazine (USA)

Etc in S-Rock :: One for 2008

Etc is honored get a mention in the S-ROCK blog round-up of Singapore-based bands for 2008. The alphabetical list puts Etc between B-Quartet ("technically, the best band in Singapore now... modern progressive rock at its finest") and Firebrands ("a 'happening' modern hard rock band"), and it says this:

Etc - "Good old Ben Harrison has been reduced to a solo act but you know, with the kind of articulated [sic], witty songs that Ben parlays, you never notice that too much. Don't put too much stock in that 'cerebral' moniker, Ben is a rocker and I'm hoping to see him cut loose in 2008!"

Not sure where the writer, Kevin Mathews, gets his Etc line-up information from, but we've also heard some good stories about the state of the Etc nation, so no surprises there. What we especially like: Kevin's last sentence. It's true. No-one loves a smart-arse. And Etc does love their rock and roll. So thanks for pointing it out.

Hope all is well with you.

Etc: Dancing to Smiths

Recent live performances of "Dancing to The Smiths" by Etc have included lines extracted off-the-cuff from -or that vaguely resemble- the following:


She cut out the lyrics from Smash Hits back in 1986. 'RSVP' interests listed tea, toast, biscuits... And –most of all– dancing (in secret). To The Smiths.

She never married, although she always fancied having kids. Her mum said she'd meet someonesomeday, but of course she never did. I mean: she had, but it'd never last. They always turned out to be such pricks. But once they'd gone, after the split, she found she was happier alone –not lonely– dancing to The Smiths. Dancing to The Smiths – this used to be our secret.

And now she's waiting to meet some unlikely lad, contacted through a personal ad that I saw and couldn't ignore. But I never answered it. And we're shoulder to shoulder when she looks over and asks: Is this ironic? What is? These drunk kids getting off to The Smiths – the soundtrack to so much loneliness. I wouldn't have imagined this back in 1986: being surrounded by happily prancing idiots – courting, pissed antics – homophobic meat-eaters, here and dancing to The Smiths. It used to be my secret. It used to be private. Is nothing sacred?

What if that one hates Mancs? And him: he's got it in for Micks. And that git? Bastard supports Man United. And cop her in fur, I know she prefers Guns and bloody Roses. Rugger buggers, jocks and cheerleaders; cops what bust shoplifters; the fat loud-cows who, at school, bullied the quiet kids. Thick prick dealer rich kids, now sorted taking over Daddy's business. These barely literate, Royalist, Jet-loving, carnivorous, homophobics: here now, dancing to The Smiths, and apparently liking it.

I never caught her name, or got her number. I had no idea where she lived. But I thought I was sure to see her again, sometime sameplace, dancing to The Smiths. But dodgy electrics put paid to this. The night we met, something short-circuited – burnt down the club where we were supposed to have gone dancing to The Smiths. Since then, I don't go out much. I stay home and think. How ironic – they burnt down the club where we were supposed to have met up and danced to 'Panic' by the Smiths.

Etc 2006

Lennat Mak - drums, secret weapon
Vinita Ramani - bass, violin
Ben - guitar, vocals etc

with:
Adrian Bestium - guitars, rocket science [upto Feb 31st (sic)]
Aidil - drums [K.L. 29 Jan]
Jay - bass [K.L. 29 Jan]


- Sat, 7 Jan - BIANCO Tanjong Pagar, 7.30pm
- Fri, 20 Jan - SEMBAWANG FESTIVAL, Singapore w/ loads of others
- Sat, 28 Jan - UNCLOGGED - K.L. - MALAYSIA No Black Tie. w/ LUCY IN THE LOO & more tba
- Sun, 29 Jan - MODESTOS - K.L. - MALAYSIA w/ Force Vomit & more tba
- Sat, 11 Feb - GAS HAUS Middle Road, Singapore
- Sat, 4 March - MIGRANT VOICES Esplanade, Singapore 7:30pm
- Sat, 1 April - GAS HAUS Middle Road, Singapore
- Fri, 28 April - CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS Substation 9pm
- Sat, 13 May - SUBSTATION Armenian Street (near SMU), Singapore. w/ many bands including COUPLE.
- Fri,19 May - RNDM HomeClub - Riverside Walk, Singapore
- Sat, 20 May - EARSHOT - ARTSHOUSE - Old Parliament House, Singapore. w/ Pat Chng & HighRise. 7pm
- Thurs, 1 Jun - PRINCE OF WALES 2nd ANNIV Dunlop St, Little India, Singapore. LONG SET & OPEN MIC!
- Sat, 17 June - TIMBRE w/ Typewriter & Local Barboy
- Fri, 30 June - RNDM (HOME Club)
- Sat, 15 July - TBA
- Sun, 16 July - BAYBEATS FESTIVAL Singapore Esplanade. 6pm.
- Wed, 26 July - SMU 'Big Steps' featA Vacant Affair / Etc / Documentary In Amber / Chupacabra. 7.30 - 10.30pm
- Fri, 22 Sept - HomeClub w/ Couple & Typewriter
- Thurs, 19 Oct - HomeClub "Acoustika"
-Fri 3 Nov: Unclogged - K.L. Malaysia
-Sat 4 Nov: Flamingo Pub - Ipoh, Malaysia
- Mon 5 Nov: BARNONE- Singapore with Fishtank / The Love Experiment
- Sun 19 Nov: THE END - Singapore with Super Illegals / 1234X / Purplepaige / Astreal / Drvn

Etc 2005

Lennat Mak - drums, secret weapon
Vinita Ramani - bass, violin
Ben - songs, etc

occasionally with:
Adrian Bestium - guitars, rocket science

- Wed, 4 May HIDEOUT - CIRCULAR ROAD - w/ Rushed
- Sat, 18 June ALLIANCE FRANCAIS - NEWTON CANCELLED
- Fri, 8 July "FRIDAY WE'RE IN LOVE" - THE THIRD PLACE - TIONG BARU w/ Model Lipsticks, Monroe & Serenaide
- Sat, 23 July AMIRAH'S - PAHANG STREET w/ Sleeve, Documentary in Amber, Elegant Bachelor Never played - Organisers went M.I.A.
- Sun, 24 July ESPLANADE OUTDOOR THEATRE 7.30pm
- Wed, 10 Aug HIDEOUT - 31B Circular Road (behind Boat Quay): Ben Harrison solo set 10pm
- Sat, 27 Aug FLUX US (Peninsula Shopping Centre 04-32) ETC (duets w/ special guest), Engineered Blue Blood, Circadian & Rocket Scientist - ETC set dedicated to John Loder 6pm
- Fri, 2 Sept SUBSTATION - "LOCAL COVER LOCAL" w/ Astreal, Moods, My Squared Circle & more. Performing local songs. 8pm. Free.
- Thurs, 6 Oct SOLO ACOUSTIC* at subTEXT READINGS (Dedicated to the memory of the great British comedian Ronnie Barker). Basement, Central Lending Library, Singapore. More details here (* - billed: "Ham-fisted vegetarian guitarist Ben plays songs with the band Etc").
- Wed, 12 Oct HISTORIA Goldhill Plaza w/ Local Bar Boy. Dedicated to the memory of JOHN PEEL. And a gig report here.
- Sat, 15 Oct HISTORIA Goldhill Plaza w/ Peppermint Lounge. And a gig report here.
- Fri, 18 Nov P.O.W. - PRINCE OF WALES 101 Dunlop St, Little India, Singapore. w/ The Jerms & Great Spy Experiment. 9.30pm (prompt)
- Sat, 19 Nov COCCOLATTE (DJ SET) - Jalan Mohammed Sultan, near Gallery Hotel w/ Disko Bisquit
- Wed, 23 Nov Semi-acoustic at HIDEOUT - 31B Circular Road (behind Boat Quay) w/ Rushed 10pm
- Sat, 10 Dec AWESTRUCK at JAM ASIA ROCK STATION Desa Sri Hartamas, 19-1Jalan 22A/70A, Plaza Crystalville Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 24-26 Dec (?), Christmas KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA postponed

Etc old & miscellaneous

Etc :: for all your English Xinyao, Psychopop & Loco Music needs

INTERVIEW: At least Singapore has scene politics even without a scene.
REVIEW: "I liked it until the guy started singing" said the American.

Etc miss John Peel

[ VIVA JOHN PEEL 1939-2004 ]

GOD'S iPOD got good thanks to Peel.Your amendment suggestions welcome.
RIDING WITH PEEL even when you've no car.
VIVA PEEL - a man sorely missed for too many good reasons.

Etc index

Hello and welcome to here where nothing much happens these days unless you click here and get taken to the Etc myspace site which is more entertaining and informative. And easier for us to maintain and update, etc. Thanks, etc.









See how old this place is...?

[ ETC performances - 2006 ]

- Sat, 7 Jan - BIANCO Tanjong Pagar, 7.30pm
- Fri, 20 Jan - SEMBAWANG FESTIVAL, Singapore w/ loads of others
- Sat, 28 Jan - UNCLOGGED - K.L. - MALAYSIA No Black Tie. w/ LUCY IN THE LOO & more tba
- Sun, 29 Jan - MODESTOS - K.L. - MALAYSIA w/ Force Vomit & more tba
- Sat, 11 Feb - GAS HAUS Middle Road, Singapore
- Sat, 4 March - MIGRANT VOICES Esplanade, Singapore 7:30pm
- Sat, 1 April - GAS HAUS Middle Road, Singapore
- Fri, 28 April - CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS Substation 9pm
- Sat, 13 May - SUBSTATION Armenian Street (near SMU), Singapore. w/ many bands including COUPLE.
- Fri,19 May - RNDM HomeClub - Riverside Walk, Singapore
- Sat, 20 May - EARSHOT - ARTSHOUSE - Old Parliament House, Singapore. w/ Pat Chng & HighRise. 7pm
- Thurs, 1 Jun - PRINCE OF WALES 2nd ANNIV Dunlop St, Little India, Singapore. LONG SET & OPEN MIC!
- Sat, 17 June - TIMBRE w/ Typewriter & Local Barboy
- Fri, 30 June - RNDM (HOME Club)
- Sat, 15 July - TBA
- Sun, 16 July - BAYBEATS FESTIVAL Singapore Esplanade. 6pm.
- Wed, 26 July - SMU 'Big Steps' featA Vacant Affair / Etc / Documentary In Amber / Chupacabra. 7.30 - 10.30pm
- Fri, 22 Sept - HomeClub w/ Couple & Typewriter
- Thurs, 19 Oct - HomeClub "Acoustika"
-Fri 3 Nov: Unclogged - K.L. Malaysia CANCELLED
-Sat 4 Nov: Flamingo Pub - Ipoh, Malaysia
- Mon 5 Nov: BARNONE- Singapore with Fishtank / The Love Experiment
- Sun 19 Nov: THE END - Singapore with Super Illegals / 1234X / Purplepaige / Astreal / Drvn



[ ETC players - 2006 ]

Lennat Mak - drums, secret weapon
Vinita Ramani - bass, violin
Adrian Bestium - guitars, rocket science
Ben - songs, etc

and in K.L: Aidil and Jay



[ ETC players - 2005 ]

Lennat Mak - drums, secret weapon
Vinita Ramani - bass, violin
Adrian Bestium - guitars, rocket science
Ben - songs, etc

[ ETC performances - 2005 ]

- 24-26 Dec (?), Christmas KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA postponed
- Sat, 10 Dec AWESTRUCK at JAM ASIA ROCK STATION Desa Sri Hartamas, 19-1Jalan 22A/70A, Plaza Crystalville Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Wed, 23 Nov Semi-acoustic at HIDEOUT - 31B Circular Road (behind Boat Quay) w/ Rushed 10pm
- Sat, 19 Nov COCCOLATTE (DJ SET) - Jalan Mohammed Sultan, near Gallery Hotel w/ Disko Bisquit
- Fri, 18 Nov P.O.W. - PRINCE OF WALES 101 Dunlop St, Little India, Singapore. w/ The Jerms & Great Spy Experiment. 9.30pm (prompt)
- Sat, 15 Oct HISTORIA Goldhill Plaza w/ Peppermint Lounge. And a gig report here.
- Wed, 12 Oct HISTORIA Goldhill Plaza w/ Local Bar Boy. Dedicated to the memory of JOHN PEEL. And a gig report here.
- Thurs, 6 Oct SOLO ACOUSTIC* at subTEXT READINGS (Dedicated to the memory of the great British comedian Ronnie Barker). Basement, Central Lending Library, Singapore. More details here (* - billed: "Ham-fisted vegetarian guitarist Ben plays songs with the band Etc").
- Fri, 2 Sept SUBSTATION - "LOCAL COVER LOCAL" w/ Astreal, Moods, My Squared Circle & more. Performing local songs. 8pm. Free.
- Sat, 27 Aug FLUX US (Peninsula Shopping Centre 04-32) ETC (duets w/ special guest), Engineered Blue Blood, Circadian & Rocket Scientist - ETC set dedicated to John Loder 6pm
- Wed, 10 Aug HIDEOUT - 31B Circular Road (behind Boat Quay): Ben Harrison solo set 10pm
- Sun, 24 July ESPLANADE OUTDOOR THEATRE 7.30pm
- Sat, 23 July AMIRAH'S - PAHANG STREET w/ Sleeve, Documentary in Amber, Elegant Bachelor Never played - Organisers went M.I.A.
- Fri, 8 July "FRIDAY WE'RE IN LOVE" - THE THIRD PLACE - TIONG BARU w/ Model Lipsticks, Monroe & Serenaide
- Sat, 18 June ALLIANCE FRANCAIS - NEWTON CANCELLED
- Wed, 4 May HIDEOUT - CIRCULAR ROAD - w/ Rushed




[ ETC - for all your English Xinyao, Psychopop & Loco Music needs ]

INTERVIEW: At least Singapore has scene politics even without a scene.
REVIEW: "I liked it until the guy started singing" said the American.

[ ETC MISS JOHN PEEL - VIVA JOHN PEEL 1939-2004 ]

GOD'S iPOD got good thanks to Peel.Your amendment suggestions welcome.
RIDING WITH PEEL even when you've no car.
VIVA PEEL - a man sorely missed for too many good reasons.

ETC songs A B C D E T C

[ ABCDETC - lyrics - lagu-lagu dan lagi ]

ADOLESCE true: only so much a man can do but such a lot a boy will go through.
ASTROGAL was a space-case stomper. She left town eventually.
I'LL BE YOUR B-SIDE was written in an school book in 1988.
BIG GIRL'S BLOUSE rhymes but it's true.
BRING ME MY DUNCES CAP to diguise what I'm really thinking - to keep them off my back.
BUNGALOW was/is where ETC lived/lives.
EX’S CASSETTES - loneliness remembers what happiness forgets.
FARE DODGER on your backseat.
FREAKBUS - feeling Fellini and riding the Changi.
FUNNY BONES for all the comedians. Jim Carrey quote included.
GOD'S iPOD got good thanks to John Peel.
GUILTY PARTY RSVP to me and the monkey.
HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR - Sentosa gig lesbian favourite. Appeared in a book about Zouk.
HARD ROCK CAFÉ WALLS where sexy guitars are sent to die.
HOME aka Woodlands – Woodstock – Wooodbridge.
JARVIS IMPERSONATOR peeking through the common peephole.
LOVE IS NO ALIBI no witness either - being blind.
MALAYSIAN TRUCKS in one version.
MEET ME AT THE SUPERMARKET for all your shopping needs.
NOTHING LIKE EXPECTATION to make things worse when it's not worked out the way you wanted.
PETER PANIC - another episode.
POSITIVE GRAFFITI could be for Michael Faye.
RIDING WITH PEEL even when you've no car.
SAINT CHRISTOPHER deserves a better namesake.
STUPID SUPERMARKET for all your shopping needs.
SHE'S A RIOT where our piece de resistance is pissed resistance.
SUPERHERO with undies on the outside.
SURF AVE. a Coney Island baby & Brighton Beach memoir from the Clinton Years. Them was different times.
TRANS*END - an old version of new spiritual.
WATCH - your timepiece.
WESTERBERG PAPERBAG and a cat called Emo.
WHEN I WAS A STORE DETECTIVE by request, before it gets stolen.

[ ETC MISS JOHN PEEL - VIVA JOHN PEEL 1939-2004 ]

GOD'S iPOD got good thanks to Peel.Your amendment suggestions welcome.
RIDING WITH PEEL even when you've no car.
VIVA PEEL - a man sorely missed for too many good reasons.



[ ETC - for all your English Xinyao, Psychopop & Loco Music needs ]

INTERVIEW: At least Singapore has scene politics even without a scene.
REVIEW: "I liked it until the guy started singing" said the American.

PRETTY FALL

i like you best when you like me best - and i like you most of all
guilty only of innocence as i innocently fall
i like you most when you like me most - i still like you best of all
and there's no save-face pride to come - to come before my fall

and that is all i am on - a pretty fall

i like you most when you like me most - i still like you most of all
and now i know what it is to want, i know i don't want any more
and so i find myself helpless in freefall
you could be my parachute - i know i want to be yours

and that is all i am on - a pretty fall

she's a trapeze ... i can't reach

ETC at FluxUs 27 Aug 05

In-store performance at FluxUs - Penisula Shopping Centre (#04-34) w/ very special guest, Melissa (seemingly out of retirement), sharing guitar, vocals & looks. "Playing folk songs from our country - which you won't find on a map. Maybe it's on another planet."

- Astrogal (adapted-lyric duet version)
- Guilty Party (adapted-lyric duet version)
- The Engine Driver (The Decemberists)
- Wake Up (Arcade Fire)
- Stupid Supermarket

Too-kind review from Patrick Chng (who played later that night in Typewriter):

"After our soundcheck, we went to check out Ben and Melissa at Flux-Us. Their interplay was sublime. CK said he wished he could bootleg their set. I agreed. It was a beautiful heartfelt set."

Translation might be required for account by Lennat:

"Then we watched Ben & Melissa and Adrian do their thing at Flux Us. Ben & Melissa's version of "My Engine Driver" and "Wake Up" made me tear. Like Jon would like to say, I am damn "ham pao" lor. Always "ham foo ham fatt" one. But it was a true emo moment for me."

Back on Planet Earth, Lennat also said the adapted duets were "cheesy". So did Adrian: "A good kind of cheesy".

Also playing: Circadian (laptop), Engineered Blue Blood (drums & guitar feedback) and Rocket Scientist (excellent debut solo acoustic set - finally showcasing some of the songs Ben has always maintained are ace).

Though ETC forgot to mention it at the time, the set was dedicated to the memory of John Loder (1946 - 2005).

(O yes, was Ben's Mum (a passing tourist) asked to keep it down during Circadian's set? Or was it Melissa?)



[ back to ETC index ]

ETC at Hideout 10 Aug 05

Solo gig dedicated to Robin Cook, Ibrahim Ferrer & Al Aronovitz.
Guitar: Applause acoustic
Props: Superhero mask & Funny Bones' nose
Namable audience: Deadlymist, Lucinda, Joe, Regina & Tim.
Drink: plenty thanks.

- superhero (incognito)
- astrogal
- guilty party
- riding in your car (orig. oddfellows)
+ "there is a light that never goes out" & "the joke isn't funny anymore" (orig. the smiths)
- "(son, house) soon is now" (orig. morrissey / marr)
- ex's cassettes
- siti, majulah / ne quit pas (orig.force vomit)
- funny bones
- handphones on the dancefloor
- guide these hands (orig. zircon lounge)
- big girl's blouse
- bungalow
- i'll be your b-side
- worser ("she's a palindrome")
- malaysian trucks
- stupid supermarket
+ bonus elvis interlude ("heartbreak hotel") & "temptation" (orig. new order)
- (home) (?)
- fare dodger
- nothing like expectation

- watch
- pretty fall
- adolesce
+ "my mama" (orig. the no-names), "everyday" (buddy holly) & "you really got me" (the kinks)
- when i was a store detective
- a hard day's night (orig. the beatles)

ETC at Hideout 10 Aug 05

Solo gig dedicated to Robin Cook, Ibrahim Ferrer & Al Aronovitz.
Guitar: Applause acoustic
Props: Superhero mask & Funny Bones' nose
Namable audience: Deadlymist, Lucinda, Joe, Regina & Tim.
Drink: plenty thanks.

- superhero (incognito)
- astrogal
- guilty party
- riding in your car (orig. oddfellows)
+ "there is a light that never goes out" & "the joke isn't funny anymore" (orig. the smiths)
- "(son, house) soon is now" (orig. morrissey / marr)
- ex's cassettes
- siti, majulah / ne quit pas (orig.force vomit)
- funny bones
- handphones on the dancefloor
- guide these hands (orig. zircon lounge)
- big girl's blouse
- bungalow
- i'll be your b-side
- worser ("she's a palindrome")
- malaysian trucks
- stupid supermarket
+ bonus elvis interlude ("heartbreak hotel") & "temptation" (orig. new order)
- (home) (?)
- fare dodger
- nothing like expectation

- watch
- pretty fall
- adolesce
+ "my mama" (orig. the no-names)
- when i was a store detective
- a hard day's night (orig. the beatles)

MISS YOU LIKE A PLANE

i miss you like a plane
i can't take
as the city evacuates

i miss you like a plane
the refugees flying away
and the strange emigre stays

strange cafe
strange emigre
i miss you like a plane

CHOCOLATE

I was kissing chocolate during the war
The things you do to try and keep warm

She made a man-size sculpture
Out of her chocolate and took it to bed
Dressed in her best
Saying: “Babe, it’s time we hibernated”

And I know just how her sculpture could have felt
Remembering how whenever you’d touch me I would melt

I hoped we might've got to get
To make a mess of your bed

Chocolate – that’s a substitute for something
I got a lot of chocolate – a substitute for something
Such a lot of chocolate – such a lot of nothing ... now

MAN I LOVE (BILLIE HOLIDAY)

It was the melody I heard when I was in my Mum’s belly
When my heart was being made
And now I hear it again as my heart breaks

It was the song I heard I my Mother's womb
When my heart was being made
Now it’s the one that makes my heart break

Who could have saved Billie Holiday?
After all she did for us?
Leaving us
Feeling useless

WHAT'S A GIRL LIKE YOU DOING IN A PLACE LIKE THIS

what are you doing in a place like this
when it turns out you're attached

it's not fair on the likes of me
not when there's somebody for you when you go back

DAYS OF BEING MILD

We can talk of wild days of our youth
But really all they ever amounted to
Was a few half-drunk afternoons
A lot of talk and not a lot to do

SAN FRANCISCO SORROW

She's in love with a city
(since she came back ... at least she came back)
What chance do I have

What chance do I have - how can I compete
When she can't see
My secret streets

my invisible city
sunk
so deep

invisible cities
sunk
so deep

THE DREAMS OF COMA CHILDREN

i caught a glimpse of the dreams of coma children
the voices of scarecrows and the spice girls singing

the voice of a scarecrow in the dreams of coma children
as the spice girls sing to them

an unintelligible loop - unbreakable in the darkness
when am i going to wake up?

mummy, daddy - i'm here - i dreamt i woke up
out of this darkness

i went under (it's not my fault)
i want to come up

i've seen the dreams of coma children
it's just a question of remembering



11pm - Tues 26 July 2005 - Lentor / Yio Chu Kang


[ Back to ETC index ]

MEET ME AT THE SUPERMARKET (STUPID SUPERMARKET)

well since my baby left me, since my baby quit / i've been going down alone to the supermarket / i been so lonely, i been so lonely, i been so lonely i could die ...

i've been going down to the supermarket alone
was wondering since when did it become the loneliest place in the world
till i said hello to the check-out girl

she told me there's a new place open 24 hours a day
i'm thinking of signing up i might as well do something with my lonely nights
and get paid

so now i got a nametag with my full name on it
so you could look me up in the book and call if you wanted
even if only to carry your bags
i'd be honoured

meet me at the supermarket - see me down the aisle
do it someday soon - today, tomorrow or at least before i die
meet me at the supermarket just by fruit & veg
they can put a "special" sign up where we finally met

old mama juicy lucy from fruit & veg
she spiked me tea, i got wobbly and nearly fainted
luckily she caught me but then she held me too long to her enormous breasts

patting my head going "there, there pet"
she had tears in her eyes & booze on her breath
tears in her eyes & booze on her breath
amazing what people do to fight lonliness

see me at the supermarket - see me down the aisle
see me someday soon - today, tomorrow or at least before i die
i'll be at the supermarket just by fruit & veg
they can put a "special" sign up where we finally met

and someday i'll see an old school teacher in the aisle, smile and say hello
and she'll assume this is just a holiday job i've got
and then look shocked when she asks where it is i'm going to college
and i go this is it - your bright kid's stacking shelves in this stupid supermarket

save me from this supermarket - help me down the aisle
do it someday soon or i'm sure i'll die
save me from the stupid supermarket - we'll be escaping down the aisles
save me from the stupid supermarket
and i might get to ask your name when we're out of it

ETC PICTURES & some Esplanade gig notes

Miss Triple Tremelo uses her photo pass to reveal some of the backstage world of ETC.

At the time of writing she's filed frontline reports of ETC gigs at the Esplanade and the Third Place.

RE: Esplanade she didn't mention how I.S. Magazine credited her songwriting alongside the ahem "wicked guitar" of Ben ("ex-Padres") Harrison. Actually the guitar is hers too.

And then there's the story of this amazing drummer who looked like Lennat but whose name was Vinita. It said so on her backstage pass. Who was it who cried and what song was it that made them do so? And who has been namechecking Daniel Cleaver and Marge Simpson re: ETC elsewhere on Live Journal? We have our suspects shortlisted.


[ back to ETC mainpage ]

THIRD PLACE GIG REPORT Nevermind Gila Killers - ETC is "Killer Gila"

Regarding ETC at Third Place Fri, 8 July 2005:

ETC people all miraculously employed w/ day jobs meant we couldn’t soundcheck and arrived in drips and drabs.

“Play ‘Handphones on the Dancefloor’!” someone shouted out as Ben walked into the clean & comfy & good-sound venue.

Guitar amps: located in front of the stage – tilted & facing up, like monitors. Curveball thrown w/ Adrian not using usual special effects, but assured that his whammy-bar counts as an “effect”. Ben, tasked w/ microphone duty, regretted not being able to see Adrian’s stage-moves.

Pre-gig: nevermind whether it was right / disrespectful to play music the wake of London bombing a few hours before, Ben didn’t think he even could – with news making him feel ill. Then channelled the illness into pulling out suitable lyrics to fit the ETC-music templates codenamed “Bungalow”, “4004 B.C.”, “Shortwave Goodbye” & “Luftguitar”. Source lyrics included “Uniform” (“Now we’re all born in uniform”), “Prisoners of War” (“We are all prisoners of war”), “Reeling” & “Ribbons” (“What are you going to do now – cut ribbons to ribbons?”). This fits w/ ETC’s freestyle approach of playing off-the-cuff – going w/out a setlist as it forces musicians to be listeners - not just players; means the music is more adaptable to the environment it's played in. But this time it became evident it wouldn't be fair to drummer Lennat, understandably uncomfortable about playing genuinely unfamiliar material. Also it might be too righteous to force-feed a young audience such blues.

Mood changed considerably when Ben's brother in London was located, alive & well. The other logic kicked in: we have a chance to play these songs ... so we should. As well as the mere act of playing, these are songs with references to things like sex, infidelity, dancing and the ineffectuality of males - oh, and a religious reference that might cause some hearts to flutter. And this makes them songs that warped dogma peddlers wouldn't appreciate. We're not in Taliban-run Afghanistan or whatever else passes for al-Queda's idea of paradise. Fuck em. Let's not let them stop us.

It's not much, but if our piece de resistance is pissed resistance, then pissed resistance is our piece de resistance.

So we played a set. The audience seemed young. Nicely balanced male/female ratio. Mostly seated throughout (got to their feet during Serenaide where there was even body surfing!). But the long applause took ETC by surprise; then people citing ETC lyrics afterwards; and then Ben was pointed to good notices online. One kind young reviewer even said ETC = "killer gil-a" which translates as a really big complement in ETC world.

Post-gig: Adrian – drinking w/ a birthday girl & pals. Vinita – catching up w/ an old friend in Yishun. Ben & Lennat – Chinese tea at nearby establistment having failed to find friends. Lennat (a drummer) lectures Ben on what kind of guitar he needs (based on look). Ben decides "Something Else" by Eddie Cochran is the Motherlode and Lennat should get hip to it. Escorts Lennat half a bus-ride home. What a glamourous life.

[ back to ETC mainpage ]

ETC - Live at Third Place (Fri, 8 July 2005)

Approximate lyrics for ETC set at The Third Place -- Friday, July May 8th, 2005:


MALAYSIAN TRUCKS

Malaysian trucks go
'Come with us'
as I'm slipping in & out of consciousness

'You can take the bus
Like in the adverts with your wide-berth,
Thumbs-up, Moses

'Or can come with us
Come with us - to a cityful of Punks
Northwards - lode-up - with promises

So we hurtled on all right
Deep Purple on all night
Protons move faster than we thought

Past spooky crucifixes
Lit-up scary enough
To look as if it was where they really hung Jesus

'Come with us - ride with us
Going up to a cityful of Punks
Northwards - loaded up with promises

When things shut down in sleepy towns
The pepped air there is cut
By Malaysian trucks

The night is wilder, wider bigger there
With more space
For balmy promises

Protons move faster than we thought
And sometimes I'm kept up with how I can't keep up
With Malaysian trucks


Maintain maintain - keep up, keep up

"Maintain! Maintain!" dia cakap and "Last time, Iraq - I got one contract ... Cannot like that - I no go back... I stay the land I love - I stay riding Malaysian trucks..."


ASTROGAL

This town ain't big enough for the both of us
So let's move away
But anytown that would have us
Is not the type of town where we would want to stay

Astrogal, pack it in your sad case
I'm your Astroboy - I can give you space

Liked you enough to let you go
But loved you so much - it just about killed me though

This bed is big enough for the two of us
...till you bring your friends along
So you & me are Off & On I suppose
We still get on while you get off with other blokes

Astrogal, pack it in - you sad case
I'm your Astroboy - because I can give you space

Loved you enough to set you free
But wanted you so much - it just about slayed me

This heart is big enough for the both of us
You checked out, but somehow you still stay
What we thought must have been happiness
Was just relief from not feeling pain

Astrogal, pack it in a sad case
I'm your Astroboy - I give you space

Confuse what we want with what we need
What we thought was happiness was just relief


EX’S CASSETTES Tempat Tiga Version

caught you listening to cassettes made by an ex
and sneaking crafty cigarettes
guess you haven't given up yet
nevermind what you said

loneliness remembers what happiness forgets
yes, tragedy remembers what security forgets

heard you were listening to old phone messages
and those old letters - read & re-read
held as evidence
hold them to your chest

loneliness remembers what happiness forgets
songs about love and songs about sex
songs about dancing and songs of regret
songs about dancing and songs about sex
songs by monroe and model lipstiques
and serenaide on a cassette made by an ex


GUILTY PARTY

Misery loves company – thanks for calling dear
Some Misery Guts love company
Who called who what here?

My own worst enemy is anyone but me
And if it is then I was led astray
To this guilty party where they took one look at me
And handed me the blame

Let’s have a guilty party
Let’s throw a guilty party
Let’s crash a guilty party
Send invites to You & Who...?
Love, Me & the Monkey

We were cool back in school but who needs a class clown now?
All stories and no glory
Now little more than a Big Girl's Blouse

My own worst enemy is anyone but me
And if it is then I was led astray
To this guilty party where they took one look at me
And handed me the blame

And I’m always running late with all these dreams to navigate
Some blame themselves – Some blame fate
I’d blame time but I left it too late

And you've been hurting behind net curtains
And the neighbours think you're insane
You're not sure you can ever be certain
Of being any more than Ye of Little Faith

Let’s have a guilty party
Let’s throw a guilty party
Let’s crash a guilty party
RSVP to: ~ Me & the Monkey ~

Spent a penny on your thoughts - but got not a word from you
So I talked & talked & talked...
Like I really ought not to

BUNGALOW

I’ve only one floor
and my mirror must be so
bored of me

you can’t keep a good man down supposedly
so then what are we?
we are down - definitely

and I know I’m as low a bungalow

dream at million miles an hour
yeah, that’s fast
but I hold fast and never get very far

instead, in bed – inertia
interested?
yeah, but ‘inertia can hurt ya’*

and I know I’m as low a bungalow

hello, hello, hello is anyone at home?
my bed's unmade and i feel the same
is this is as far as I’ll ever go?
lying low in my bungalow

HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR

she’s upwardly mobile - downward we spiral / to the main floor / “who’s spinning?” well, hands up who is/ we got chicks with light sticks / and if you’re surrounded by all your friends, then who is left to call on Handphones on the Dancefloor?

I know it must take practice to dance like that, what with that thing in your ear, pitcher of beer, fags & handbag / and so we dance to the beat of mobiles ringing / I heard it ain’t over till the large lady’s singing but right now she’s messaging that I said she was fat ... well you know you know that I’d never say that / you know I always hesitate when a girl asks about her weight / oh you know it's best to hesitate... what are you sending me these messages for on Handphones on the Dancefloor?

lalala...ooh you send me, ooh you send me: SEMI COLON and a CAPITAL ‘P’... means: you’re sticking your tongue out at me / and then it's COLON and END PARENTHESES… s’posedly being friendly / why can't you come and stick your tounge out at me personally?

“listen, they’re playing our tune” and it goes: boom boom boom boom…

baby i'd save the last dance for us / if only we knew what it was because the DJs fucked off / he's wandering round the club looking to score / leaving us with Handphones on the Dancefloor


[ back to ETC mainpage ]

MALAYSIAN TRUCKS Tempat Tiga Version

Malaysian trucks go
'Come with us'
as I'm slipping in & out of consciousness

'You can take the bus
Like in the adverts with your wide-berth,
Thumbs-up, Moses

'Or can come with us
Come with us - to a cityful of Punks
Northwards - lode-up - with promises

So we hurtled on all right
Deep Purple on all night
Protons move faster than we thought

Past spooky crucifixes
Lit-up scary enough
To look as if it was where they really hung Jesus

'Come with us - ride with us
Going up to a cityful of Punks
Northwards - loaded up with promises

When things shut down in sleepy towns
The pepped air there is cut
By Malaysian trucks

The night is wilder, wider bigger there
With more space
For balmy promises

Protons move faster than we thought
And sometimes I'm kept up with how I can't keep up
With Malaysian trucks

...

"Maintain! Maintain!"
Dia cacap
"Keep up - keep up"


[ MALAYSIAN TRUCKS - Earlier Episodes ]

Truckstop Blues
King of the Road
Back from Iraq


[ back to ETC index ]

HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR

she’s upwardly mobile - downward we spiral / to the main floor / “who’s spinning?” well, hands up who is / we got chicks with light sticks / and if you’re surrounded by all your friends, then who is left to call on
Handphones on the Dancefloor?

I know it must take practice to dance like that, what with that thing in your ear, pitcher of beer, fags & handbag / and so we dance to the beat of mobiles ringing / I heard it ain’t over till the large lady’s singing but right now she’s messaging that I said she was fat ... well you know you know that I’d never say that / you know I always hesitate when a girl asks about her weight / oh you know it's best to hesitate... what are you sending me these messages for on Handphones on the Dancefloor?

lalala...ooh you send me, ooh you send me: SEMI COLON and a CAPITAL ‘P’... means: you’re sticking your tongue out at me / and then it's COLON and END PARENTHESES… s’posedly being friendly / why can't you come and stick your tounge out at me personally?

“listen, they’re playing our tune” and it goes: boom boom boom boom…

baby i'd save the last dance for us / if only we knew what it was because the DJ – he’s fucked off / wandering round the club looking to score / leaving us with nothing but Handphones on the Dancefloor

MUM STOLEN BY MICHAEL JACKSON

my wife is gone
left the children
with their grandmum

she went away suddenly
took a plane
somewhere

where she stands
outside court
all day

in support of
michael jackson.
my daughter

wants me to
read to her
peter pan

"not really" she said
when i asked
if she missed Mum

MICHAEL JACKSON FOUND DEAD

Peter Pan flew through the wrong window that night
poor old Peter panic - but he was a fighter all right

poor old Peter Panic - how was he to know?
poor old Peter panic - suffering another episode

poor old Peter Panic - the boy done good though
poor old Peter Panic - my hero

another episode - my hero

BRING ME MY DUNCES CAP

i was slaving at the cave-in with slim hope & fat chance
should've known if i was going to go to the disco
i was bound to be led a dance

so bring me my dunces cap - i'll go dressed in that
being me my dunces cap
and paint a big bulls-eye target on my back

i went to get down to business but they'd hidden it in a loungeful of liars
tried to keep it tight-lipped with the secrets
because i sure they all was wearing wires

wearing my dunces cap - i went dressed in that
to disguise what i was thinking
and keep them all off my back

how they worked us at the circus - jump through hoops you never knew
serve your purpose and get deserted
and then they leave you to the cruel-handed wrecking crew

bring me my dunces cap - i'll go dressed in that
bring me my dunces cap
and keep that monkey flapping on my back

what don't kill you will make you stronger - or so the monkey said
nevermind whether it did not kill me
i'm sure it will get -and got- me more jaded

wearing my dunces cap - i'm just dressed in that
my sweet dunces cap
pointed up and caked in crap

we busted out on pay-day once we got our tiny pile of peanuts
once we made the move it proved easy
turns out the door was never locked

now i'm back slaving at the cave-in with slim hope & fat chance
just got a letter written from the prison
asking when are we going to send them the chains we escaped in, back

send them my dunces cap - my sweet dunces cap
loaded with razors
seasoned with crap

what don't kill you is will make you stronger - or so the monkey said
well i'm too close to half-dead to tell
where the hell me strength went

here in my dunces cap - i'm just dressed in that
my sweet dunces cap
and big bulls-eye target painted on my back

MATA HARI MET HARRY HOUDINI

Mata Hari, well she squinted at Lazarus and said:
“Over here dear – I’m practically dead”

“Lazzy Babe – any advice you might like to share with us?
Besides –– your standard of course … the old:
‘Just lie back & think of Jesus’…”

If love is a force of nature – is there no escape from love?
If there’s no escape from love – then how does love escape us?
How does love escape us – if there’s no escape from love?

Mata Hari asked Lazarus
Eh babe what can you do for us
I’m a star but I have trouble getting up
It’s difficult for us in the secret service
So any tips beyond lie back and wait for Jesus

Harry Houdini, he was on the scene - and he heard all this
Knew she was a spy; that she dealt in secrets
And it made him nervous
Besides, she’d been giving him the eye as he tried to hide
His box of tricks, his tools of the trade
For this tricky business, as he organised
His stuff for another day at the circus
Another well-paid special appearance
& then disappearance & then reappearance

“You got a problem boy?” went Mati Hari
All very loudly and all of a-suddenly
Looking down at Harry Houdini because she
didn’t like the look he was giving her

“No M’am no” he replied “But I’ll be blunt here
Not only are you putting your smokes out in my dinner
But you’ve been talking to no-one - shouting into thin air
But there’s no-one there

“If you look you’ll see – there’s nobody
Least of all Lazarus – he’s long gone
He was raised from the dead
But you didn’t really expect him to live forever did you Baby?
No one gets to escape death …
Yeah, the – er – Great Leveller I guess”

Mati Hari blinked and suddenly she saw
A fresh lock fit for the picking
A boy whose cock needed a licking

Nevermind it had got around that love did not hound Harry Houdini
He was all about in and out
He was a master at escapology

If love is a force of nature – is there no escape from love?
If there’s no escape from love – then how does love escape us?
How does love escape us – if there’s no escape from love?

Do we have any choice in it?
Mata Hari – stealing secrets – tell me this
How you get away with it? Is it your special trick?
What’s your secret?

How can we trust you Mata Hari? How can I?
How do you trust a spy?

“Say what you like – I’m a spy
Harry, I can’t deny it – Yes, I am a spy
And I know you’re an illusionist
That as maybe – but this…
This is love – and there’s no escape from it”

“Only denial – only denial of it
Take it from me
From a spy to an escapologist”

If love is a force of nature – is there no escape from love?
If there’s no escape from love – then how does love escape us?
How does love escape us – if there’s no escape from love?

I know you’re all about secrets and sabotage
And for me, escape is what counts
For you, I’m just another lock for the picking
And you’ll do – another lush talking too much for me to stick my dick in

ETC - Live at Hideout

Click here for approximate lyrics for ETC set at Hideout May 4, 2005.

Lennat's debut ETC set documented by Manic Jango here.

MOTHER WAS A TRACKSTAR ( FATHERLAND )

And so further & further I go till I've arrived, full unfathomable five...

Mother was once a trackstar and My Father, he timed her
once or twice at least - and O, how she ran.

"Now, I admit I wasn't really interested in the details ... not until the day I found it gave me sway with this girl who was a fan of Belle et Sebastian. O, how I milked it. But then again, I really was a bastard by then..."

See, Dad was once a trackstar -so the story ran- but he didn't like to talk about it. How being this athlete turned him into a man. That, and a course of hormones from the special Sports Council of the East Germans.

Of course, I got confused the day I came home only to be told that my real Mother was a man. O aye, a real mother that. That this moustached man telling me he was once me Mam. I was a bastard then. I hope you understand.

And so now I'm wrestling. Wrestling I am. With the question : which is is this? Isthismymother? Or isthisthefatherland?


My Mother was once a trackstar, and My Father timed her -- once or twice at least -- and O, how she ran.


MOTHER WAS A TRACKSTAR - BACK IN THE FARTHERLAND

Interview ~ circa "Adolesce" (from BigO Magazine)

Since the birth of the indie scene in 1987, Ben Etc was there with his band, Deadbeats (not to mention other projects like Electric Penguin, The Spike, Productive Chaos, Plastic Passion and Problem Child before that). His then longest-running unit, Electric Penguin, released their first material the following year and, in 1991 (as Electric Penguin Etc), recorded Trans*end for BigO's New School Rock IV (1994). Harrison also played with Corporate Toil and was in the Padres' classic line-up of 1993-4, who recorded Radio Station. Since then, his band simply became known as ETC and was featured in the Mee Pok Man soundtrack (1995). ETC, still unsigned, has returned with another new song, Adolesce. Philip Cheah signals to him.

The song, Adolesce, once again proves the consummate flair you have for writing pop songs.

I'm unaware of them as "pop songs." And if there's any "flair" maybe it's sometimes in my older jeans; but my genes... I dunno. If there are pop songs, I feel they're far outweighed by the sad dirges I'm more prone to. But those don't get played out as much.

Doesn't "pop" suggest the songs are popular? I could never vouch for any popularity. I've just been through another weekend where no-one called me, so I don't feel popular. But I do like "pop". It's a nice word. And it's easy to type.

When was Adolesce written and what inspired it?

Like all ETC songs I don't know if it was written. For us, songs evolve ... a constant process, and this recording is no exception as there's a whole segment that just happened in the studio as the tape rolled which I was happy to incorporate there and then. And lyrically, there's a ton of alternatives, but what's on this recording is just what I pulled out from all the options that were kicking around. What came out was whatever felt right at the time, thinking about coming in at dawn after hanging out all night but not doing much with an interesting woman. I'm almost glad to find I'm still susceptible to such, supposedly silly, adolescent feelings.

There is always a deconstructive element in your work, either lyrically, structurally or instrumentally. Where is it this time?

If there ever is any deconstruction, it's not on purpose. Maybe it's an irritating instinct I have to make things slanted, but straight all the same.

I can see that if you talk about the structure of the song, yes it could be considered weird by proper musicians. I never play the chorus the same way - I don't even know if it is a chorus anyhow if it keeps changing. One time it goes for three lines; next it's for two, then there's a key change. But those are details too boring to go into.

Whatever the case, the spontanious "structure" has got nothing to do with trying to be clever and everything to do with the lazy-assed way I play and make it up as I go along. So it's not "deconstructed," it's more to do with what comes naturally. Does that make it spontaneous construction? Spontanious composition? I dunno. I remember the first time ETC got together, Budi and I had both played in the Padres where we both seemed into breaking the formula of the songs and being more spontaneous. The phrase we often used when we went into the studio was "Just wack lah." I guess it still stands. Suits me.

Why has Electric Penguin evolved to ETC?

"Why?" isn't the question. It happened a long time ago, but whenever we got gigs we were automatically billed as Electric Penguin without anyone asking. Electric Penguin was a joke name that people remembered years after the fact. E.T.C. are letters extracted from "electric"; and ETC suits me as it doesn't seem to lend itself to anything in particular, leaving me free to do whatever. It's anonymous/ambiguous to me. And I like the way there's a negative and a positive connotation from "and so on." In one way, saying "and so on" is like admitting you're doing nothing new... But it can also be a motto or something to strive for: "And so: On." Whatever. Perhaps if we get billed wrong we'll get Peter Cetera fans checking us out.

Who forms this band and what's the chemistry and contribution from each member?

It's an urge... a pain to play that we I have. That and friendship. Some bands work out their line-ups by getting who they reckon is the best player for whatever type of music. With us it's the chemistry of how we're in each other's pockets when we play and go with each other's flow and "just wack." I come in with a batch of lyrics and tunes but I'm not particularly precious about how we do them. It's whatever feels right at the time.

You are one of the most Singaporean (in all the good ways) persons I have met and yet an outsider. How does it feel?

Humid, with good food, a great public transport system but nowhere to go.

How many more songs are floating in your notebooks?

It's not just notebooks. There's shoeboxes full of old ones. I tried pinning new stuff to my wall so I can keep track. I feel relieved when I don't write lyrics as they're like babies - I feel a responsibilty to them so I have to look after them. Maybe I don't need to write another lyric ever again. I should devote my time to learning how to play guitar properly instead.

And why is it that all the girls love you?

Why is it that if they do, which I doubt, they never talk to me?


..

TEENAGE KICKS

John Peel: "My wife... knows that when I die, the only words I want on my tombstone, apart from my name, are: 'Teenage Dreams, So Hard To Beat.' What more do you need?"

(The Guardian 2001)

R.I.P: JOHN PEEL (1939 - 2004)

Wherever I have been during the last 20 years, John Peel show has been of the few constants in my life - not to mention the first place I heard the vast majority of my favourite music makers. I can't think of a single record I got purely on the strength of some critic's recommendation. John Peel, however, pointed me in so many exciting musical directions.

When it comes to hearing new music, friends’ recommendations are often your best bet. Peel was one of those friends. To millions.

At least it’s heartening to hear Peel’s passing makes the World News. Because it is - for my world and, I discover, the worlds of many others.

Here’s an admission: I can gladly fess up how John Peel influenced my music making. Wondering "Would Peel play this (if he got the chance)?" has often informed what I've done – even if you or he will never hear it. And I'm sure this influence will endure.

I don’t know how it is for others, but when I do music stuff on my own, there's some kind of ghost audience or context it's meant for - whether I realise it or not. And I know an imagined John Peel has regularly appeared (held-tilted; listening, arms-crossed) in these scenarios (as well as in my deepest dreams at night). His approval means a lot. Now, not having the
possibility of being able to get it from him again -for real- has dramatically changed the psychic geography of landscape I bumble around in.

This is only one way I am going to miss John Peel, and the most selfish. I already knew I was going to miss him. But I can’t imagine how much.

...

Postscript Came home after I wrote this to find almost-dry concrete outside my house. The next morning these two patches bore VIVA PEEL and VIVA JOHN PEEL (1939-2004).

RAMADAN

Found myself entranced by prayers from Mecca last night. The translation & drama helps. Broadcast live on RTM1.

It's Ramadan
when I feel
closest to God

and I know: I don’t
amount to much
in comparison
regardless of
whether He exists
or not

and I know: I ought
make the most of
this life. most like
-ly the only one I got


(This fell out at lunchtime, Tues Oct 19 - thinking about firey words from Mecca, anger re: Jesus being known as the "Son" of God; the Holy Trinity; and other things the unbelievers have got wrong. And yesturday it was the fake folksy vibe contrived for Jesus nicnacs available on the corner of Hill & Stamford - promping: "Your Own Art & Crafty Jesus" ...not included here for fear of God's wrath?).

Dear Diary -- right after the abovementioned I bought two items in Bras Basar (equals me making most of life?):
1. Mini-acoustic guitar w/ nylon strings - $ 48.00
2. Penguin Pocket English Thesarus - $1.00
$1.00 book of 'favorite' poetry & verse got put back on the shelf after being carried around a while.

Interview: SCENE POLITICS: STILL POSSIBLE IN CITY WITH NO SCENE:

Contents: Interview from a few years ago. Appeared in Singapore’s very defunct BigO Magazine (easily confused with X’Ho Fanzine of same name). Was possibly a set up to let editors vent their unspoken grievances about local music scenery, but being too diplomatic (read: chicken) to spout their own juices they left lippy ETC entertainer to call the spade a spade on their behalf. It got the headline GROW UP AND TAKE IT ON THE CHIN...

(Omitted: inaccurate intro w/ BigO-romanticisation: namechecking Newton Circus; suggesting Ben Etc stays up all night. It's never been known.)

BigO: What was your first encounter with Singapore pop?

Ben: Tokyo Square's Within You'll Remain on the radio.
Luckily, Zircon Lounge's Guide These Hands came next.


BigO: What excited you about Class Acts - the compilation these songs came from?

Ben: It sure as hell wasn't the music. It was the potential that something could happen. Then BigO took it to a new level with those early compilation tapes and gigs. You can't overstate BigO's contribution to local music. People might not appreciate what the environment was like then. The magazine and bands like Zircon Lounge, No-Names, Opposition Party and Corporate Toil were operating in a vacuum in the '80s. It was inspiring stuff. I don't know if the pioneers got their due - laying foundations that are probably overlooked today.


BigO: What's been the most overlooked Singapore band?

Ben: Most of them probably. Even names people might know still seem comparatively overlooked to me: Stray Dogs, Oddfellows, Stoned Revivals, Plain Sunset, Humpback Oak, Crack Healer, Force Vomit. And those that don't promote themselves as aggressively as others naturally appear overlooked, but that's no bad thing as it suggests they get on with the music. It's a long list of acts, old and new, with names like Audiojane, Transformer, Dongs, Raw Fish, Still, Fuzzbox, Rocket Scientist, Bruce Lee, Obstacle Upsurge, Self-Portrait, Disko Biscuit, Dyfectra, etc... People who make music regardless.


BigO: What Singapore music would you introduce to people in other countries?

Ben: Force Vomit's Up Goes the Furniture, is genius, good-time music and a great gift I delight in giving to all sorts of folk on my travels. They should have had a National Holiday to mark the release of that... Aside from that, in my experience, a lot of local music doesn't cut it abroad. It's not just my friends. When I played stuff (as a DJ) on the (British college) radio, unannounced, I'd get calls: "You're not playing that Singapore crap again are you?" They always spotted it.


BigO: It seems that most of the time, local fans can't discern the good stuff. Have we got shit for ears?

Ben: Don't blame the fans. It's the media, phoney DJs and record companies that have no idea. When stuff doesn't sell, isn't that people being discerning? They make they choice. Maybe they've been burnt too many times already - flogged something that is no good. It's unnatural, but some people force themselves to support- not enjoy - local music, like it's some duty.


BigO: Is that something you've encountered?

Ben: Oh yeah. Being told to "support" local music like it's a charity. But it'd be patronising if I did. It's not helpful. It stunts growth. What doesn't kill music, should make it stronger. And if it kills it, maybe it didn't deserve to exist in the first place. Musicians shouldn't think anyone owes them. You'd think that by now everyone ought to be grown-up enough to be objective and take it on the chin. But give an opinion and it's taken as a personal attack, going down like a declaration of war. If you dislike someone's music doesn't mean you dislike them. I don't have milk in tea. Want to hold it against me? As my drummer, Budi, says: "Make music not war."


BigO: What angers you about Singapore music?

Ben: It probably isn't worth getting angry about, but I'm riled by the same bad things that sadden me about anything, anywhere: stupidity, greed, lies, fakeness, bureaucracy, pretentiousness... and the originality drought where people put their energy into sounding like someone else. It makes me wonder what their motivation for doing music is. But it doesn't seem to bother others who applaud slavish covers and shameless rip-offs. Anywhere else a lot of folk would be laughed off the stage or publicly reviled, but I can't believe some of the stuff people stand for here.

Maybe audiences are too reserved. It's the Emperor's New Clothes scenario. Someone's got a lot of balls or is just plain stupid to say they write songs when all they do is facsimiles other people's. There's a difference between a piece of art and a kid who's crayoned-in the right spaces in a colouring book. The spirit of the bands that got the ball rolling into the '90s got seriously diluted a few years back when most local acts you saw did little more than copy.


BigO: Couldn't they write their own songs?

Ben: Why should they when covers get the loudest applause?
A band like Pagans stopped playing their songs to do sets of covers. That might be how some bands start out, but they did it in reverse - going from being a cool, original band to a sad-sack cover act like Velle. Is it an inferiority complex or just lack of imagination? Sideshow Judy's morphing into Portishead was just laughable. And still it goes on and people let them get away with it, like what's the deal with DJ Darkus? The name is already in use. He knows it, but he uses it anyway. That makes him a liar and a thief. Hell, why not just form a new band and call them The Beatles? Oh, I better watch what I say in case I get misinterpreted.... No mean feat that as I was even once freaked out at by one of the Padres for a review he thought I wrote. Paranoia or what? I eventually saw the thing in question and it was nowhere near as damning as they made out. His reading between the lines aside, why did he care what I think? Next to them, my own band were little league. No local record companies have ever approached us so we probably suck... to some locals. That's OK... "They get 15 minutes, I'll take 2,000 years".


BigO: Why is it that the hardcore/metal guys are more proficient instrumentally than the indie/pop guys?

Ben: Forget about genres - you can be as proficient as you
like but if it doesn't serve the music, if it doesn't breathe properly: forget it. A lot of bands try to rock, but forget to roll...


BigO: What was the peak period of Singapore pop?

Ben: "Pop" implies "popular" - a quality that local music hasn't enjoyed for ages. As for the "peak", I'd hope it's down to the individual. Why pinpoint it? A good gig, a good song or a good time is a peak. Anything that transcends the scene, but is in the moment. So much of Singapore's music story is in moments that go unrecorded, and scenes that only the people involved really know about - like "Forum Kids"; like what an amazing live act the No-Names were. So, it's up to the individual to be open to, and acknowledge, those magic moments. So the peak is always there... you just have get to it yourself.


BigO: Name some Singapore songwriting peaks...

Ben: Well, I have my own standards... I don't look to those who consciously set themselves up as singer/songwriters. It's usually wack-off, rich-kid angst - all convoluted literary allusions and a thesaurus-dependant vocabulary. It's anything that feels good constitutes a good song. Stoned Revivals' Goodil fits that bill totally. You can dance to it and it's sexy - not the usual fake orgasm. Force Vomit's Last Night I Said Goodbye gets me everytime... but then you're spoilt for choice with them. Same with Humpback Oak and The Oddfellows. "Half the world is out there... with the other half," from Driving in Your Car is one of my favorite lines ever.


BigO: And your definitive Singapore song?

Ben: I'm prepared to believe it's in a language I can't speak. Manifest's Budaya goes "Apa itu? Apa itu?" ("What is it / What is this?") - which is a question I often ask. But if you want a song appropriate to what we're talking about, we end up back to where we started. Zircon Lounge: "Guide these hands / These hands that give / These hands that take... that they should learn to hold / What is meant to remain...".

PSYCHOPOP

Olde StraighTime '87 clipping found in a book bound

labelled: 'LOSE & FOUND':

re: old band DEADBEATS.

pleasantly s/prised to see quote along the lines of:

"...their music, which they describe as PSYCHOPOP..."

MOURNING GLORY

Rumours of the aboutnow ten year anniversary reunion and/or reissue remaster activity of old band THE PADRES have been greatly exaggerated. By me.

A decade ago was the day the lipstick-applying grrl-covered, five-or-six track, Peel-played "What's Your Story" CD /cassette / debatably e-bayable item by THE PADRES was launched -- the Saturday day that Kurt Cobain's suicide was the tabloid cover story. There was a shoddy acoustic gig in a dusty Pacific Plaza - which stank thanks to a crap artists impression of artistic expression and had left the remains of dead chickens as part of an instillation in the unit next door. I was not amused. Instigated a dead slow cover of "Territorial Pissings" somewhere but I might have been the only Padre present at the time. Nigel Hogan - a Madre at that time - did join in though. He became a Padre later, after he'd ceased operations with another band: The Mother. Only just realised that might amount to a sex change.

Don't know if Odessey -the defunct record company that put out the Padres EP- considered suing Oasis for their later use of "What's The Story". Perhaps if my "Mourning Glory" backing vocals were kept...

*********




"tba": NEW BANDNAME NOMINEE... WHATEVER THE CASE

Online listing for Singapore concert of Dame David Bowie:

Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Prices: $76, $126, $196 and $256
Support: tba

One wonders if tba are local heroes getting some limelight before DB takes to the stage. Haven't decided if this potential bandname looks better as is, or in caps (TBA could either be the name of strong Yorkshire beer or something emblazoned on the grille of loud lorry thundering towards you somewhere dangerous on the Indian subcontinent). After Tba the other variations aren't worth considering.
tBA - academic qualification;
TBa - medical condition;
tbA - a trio of lesbian classmates from former-Soviet somewhere."We are tjania!", "...bobi!" "...and Anzdrea!" "And we are naughties!!!"

While it might not inspire the same levels of anticipation as tba, perhaps Plus Support is a better bandname then. Width Guests? And Many Others (exclamation marks optional)? Etc, etc...




Actually, there is more to say about Bowie and the notion of support. Who supports who? A free ticket at what price?


And, since posting this, my most beloved has written to inform me that TBA stands for To Be Announced. Well I never... Still, I am beyond glad about how she keeps me informed.



***********

TRANS*END

(as requested for the reference of a good band from a North American capital city)

TRANS*END - "An Old Version of New Spiritual"

Lyrics

transcend the transcience -- transcend transcenders
in the triple-eight strive-for it's: demolition time again

we deal in currencies that last as long as ice
days (wierd, and lit like gigs) splice my nights.
it's smarter than us in its ugliness
grant me the grace to be smart enough to just shut up.

trans: end. so nobody speaks for me
so i've no more need for stuff
like God's speed

(is this just) another manifesto - for what i don't know. before i get old*

is it any wonder? or is it just THE one?
the one that allures... pretends...
the one that transcends.

surrender transcender. etc, etc, etc*


*: Improvised sections. Other versions below.


TRANS*END: Favourite Classic Review verbatum:

"I liked it till the guy started singing. His voice doesn't match the music. I don't know who should be singing this but someone who's not so whiny. Real rock'n'roll dudes don't whine. Inger Lorre from the Nymphs should be singing this. I liked the wall-of-guitar sound however."

---- Janis Garza -- Editor of RIP Magazine; Lemmy Biographer.


TRANS*END: Variations recalled from in-concert improvisations:

"build your dreams at 90degrees..."; "out of the traction into the action..."; "and i always get the lay-off before i get the pay-off..."; "what if there's no such thing as right and wrong - only popular opinion? and now the war is on: there's no such thing as right or wrong - only popular opinion..."; "played like a sucker by every motherfkkkr, once again, give me the strength to: transcend"; "not much in this straw-clutchin'..."; "my loose inate..."; "the vein to dream central"; "tired god disowning her angels, (says) 'all my heirs are graceless'"; "Etc, etc"; etc...

TRANS*END: Unconcious Joy Division reference : "To the sound of the city where a heartbeat's waiting for you... in the Shadowplay."







...

FEZ: Note to self/selves: potential upcoming acoustic gig was first mooted last day of Feb 2004. Gig: Fez Bar, March 25th. Always been told I was conceived in Fez. Also been told "'I' before 'E', except after 'C'". O aye.

Nothing to suggest there's even an opening, but we can always track how far this goes before it all comes tumbling. Or ends up with onstage jitters and renditions of songs like: She's a Riot; Big Girl's Blouse; Love is No Alibi; Dunce's; Crawl Babes; Ex's-Cassettes; Nothing Like Expectation. And perhaps a Smiths number?

****

POUR VOUS: Keep it quiet we might have lost some of our potential attractiveness to club-owners. The drinking crowd we once pulled in is no longer in town. This dawned on me today.

ETC first played Feb 32nd.

They were the world's only all-male Girlband at that time.