abcdetc :: an Etc page

Etc November Reign 2011

2011-11-03T20:32:00.001-12:00

Unexpected appearance of the mugs of 'tuneful... noisesmiths' Etc in the paper! Foreign 3-Way :: Bottlesmoker + Etc + Free Deserters is the week's top gig pick in today's Straits Times. And what an honour: it was chosen by Dino from beloved national treasures of Singapore: Force Vomit (and 1234X and The Guilt). Surprised we

beat out more professionally-run photo-jennies BOTTLESMOKER and Free Deserters when it came to the photo editor's choice.

More details:

Foreign 3-Way :: Bottlesmoker + Etc + Free Deserters
The Pigeon Hole -

52 Duxton Rd -

Singapore

Saturday, 5th November 2011 - 7:30pm
Entry: $10
Facebook invite: here

P.S. Not only is it nice to be in the paper today, but it’s also not every day that one gets to be under a hairy crab and on top of Hatsune Miku:

SLOW BURN Movie Music by Etc

2011-03-30T23:48:00.001-12:00

Etc :: Movie Music from "Slow Burn" by Etc.

Etc music for SLOW BURN.
Recorded by Ah Boy Wong at TNT Studios, Singapore. 2011.

SLOW BURN is a Winter Western, starring Bebe Templeton, Kat Letwin, Cat Oliver and Renita Fillatre. Directed by Christine Chew.
See the trailer at http://tinyurl.com/sburn

SLOW BURN Movie Trailer :: Music by Etc

2011-03-30T23:46:00.002-12:00

March On

2011-02-28T23:25:00.001-12:00

Etc has a relatively busy schedule for the next few days AND a new recording online to commemorate this burst of activity.

Here's the song:

Malaysian Trucks by Etc.

And here's their schedule :

Thurs, 3 March:

Etc is one of the bands playing as their Malaysian pals, Free Deserters launch their new album

LAUNDRY The Curve, Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183193938384481

Fri, 4 March:

Etc opens for Japanese girl-rock band, Pinky Piglets at their first Singapore gig

PRINCE OF WALES 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179352888776165

Sat, 5 March:

Etc, Kevin Mathews and others play at the 'Open House' of this new venue

THE PIGEONHOLE The Pigeonhole, 52 & 53 Duxton Road, Singapore

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141632575899061

Sun, 6 March:

Etc joins Typewriter, Basement In My Loft, Pinholes, King Kong Jane and others at a free festival

LOVE-IN Hong Lim Park, Singapore

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182776565092443

Etc :: Krème Bulé di Bandung

2011-01-31T21:56:00.001-12:00

Etc :: Krème Bulé di Indonesia

2011-01-27T20:30:00.001-12:00

Etc plays Indonesia.

Thursday, Feb 3. 2011: 30 Rocks at Eastern Promise, Jakarta. Facebook event page here.

Friday, Feb 4. 2011: San Titre at Potluck Cafe, Bandung. Facebook event page here.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Etc :: A Swift Half Under the Basement

2011-01-06T23:33:00.002-12:00

"Fancy joining Ben Etc for a quickie under the Basement?"

Translated: Half of the Etc duo will be playing a solo set of Etc songs as the guest of top rocking pop trio Basement In My Loft. Like it says on the Facebook page here.

Where: P.O.W :: Prince of Wales - 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore

When: Saturday, 8 Jan 2011. Etc

9pm: Etc

10pm: BIML

Mark your Mayan Calendar!

Etc :: Superhero, Incognito

2010-12-12T17:54:00.004-12:00

Superhero, Incognito by Etc

Here's 'Superhero, Incognito' for your entertainment.

We didn't have time to add the intended seasonal seasoning and gift-wrap to make it a 'Christmas Single', but we hope it suits your stocking anyway. Besides, Etc is for life - not just for Christmas.

Hope you're well. x

Recorded by Ah Boy Wong KK at TNT studios, 3-5pm, Saturday 11 December 2011. Played by Harvey Chamberlain and Ben Harrison, Etc. Written by Ben Harrison Etc.

Etc :: Below the Basement

2010-10-27T20:15:00.002-12:00

The Etc duo will play some of their unpopular favourites as honoured guests of Basement In My Loft at Prince of Wales in Singapore this Saturday. Starting 9pm promtish.

Date: 30 October 2010

Venue: P.O.W. :: The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little IndiaSingapore

Facebook invite is here. Selemat Samhain (the feast celebrated at this time of the year in Gaelic cultures. It's "Summer's End", or the start of the dark half of year (and why there's Halloween)).

Etc :: Funny Bones (Semi-Acoustic) by abcdetc

2010-10-05T15:38:00.001-12:00

Etc :: Funny Bones (Semi-Acoustic) by Etc. In memory of Norman Wisdom

Etc :: Handphones On the Dancefloor (Etc verses Pinholes version) by abcdetc

2010-09-17T01:33:00.001-12:00

Etc :: Handphones On the Dancefloor (Etc verses Pinholes version) by abcdetc

Etc :: Live in Singapore (April 2010) by abcdetc

2010-09-15T17:16:00.001-12:00

Etc :: Live in Singapore (April 2010) by abcdetcEtc verite -- this is an unedited recording of an Etc gig. Enjoy.

Etc :: Trans*end

2010-09-12T20:54:00.003-12:00

A recent solo improvisation on the Etc oldie called 'Trans*end' has been put online here (at Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/abcdetc/etc-trans-end-707). Includes primitive loops + some e-bow.

Happy Hari Raya from Etc.

2010-09-08T20:43:00.006-12:00

It's the end of the Muslim fasting month, and that means it's the Hari Raya holiday in places like Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia (places across which Etc's band-folk are currently scattered) – and that's a good enough excuse for put a verité recording of an Etc concert here for your listening (and downloading) pleasure. The set was definitely recorded in 2010, possibly in April. And on a Friday, in sweltering heat.

The songs played:

Malaysian Trucks

Astrogal

Dumb Waiter

Bungalow

Love Is No Alibi

Pretty Fall

Big Girl's Blouse

Adolesce

Handphones on

the Dancefloor

Peter Panic

Thanks for having us. And Selemat Hari Raya to all!

Etc :: Going Black + Blu :: gigs this Saturday

2010-08-25T21:58:00.000-12:00

Like it says at: http://tinyurl.com/black-blu

Etc's Jakarta-based drummer makes the most of his Singapore weekend R&R* jaunt** – two Etc gigs in one evening.
The Etc trio haven't been same-place/same-time for quite a while, so they could be rusty. Hopefully still trusty...

6.30pm "BLACK"
Pre-Breakfast ALL AGES Show at Blackhole 212
Part of WHITE NOISE @ BLACK HOLE party
212 Syed Alwi Rd (off Jln Besar) - enter via alley behind Syed Alwi Rd
ALL AGES! INVITE BY RSVP ONLY
See here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141296832573812

7.16pm BERBUKA PUASA
Selamat makan yo

8.08pm "BLU"
Late Breakfast Set as guests of PINHOLES + CARNATION at BluJaz Cafe
11 Bali Lane, near Arab Street (MRT: Bugis or Nicoll Highway)
Cost: $12 (includes first drink)
More here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141800722525474

* R&R = Rock & Roll
** jaunt = actually he's on a mission to buy the new Lunarin album asap (Straits Records it is then)

Etc invites you to a Guilty Party

2010-07-25T21:10:00.005-12:00

Been adding Etc recordings to this Etc page here.

Today: 'Guilty Party' - done semi-acoustic sometime last year.

You might also be able to see and hear it it on the player on the very page you're looking at now.

Be well.

Etc :: Undrummed

2010-07-20T17:12:00.005-12:00

Etc's latest recording adventures didn't get too far last weekend. Drummer Harvey was briefly in town and all was set for a marathon session of drum track recording. But just before tape was set to roll, the call came in: the studio's microphones had mysteriously disappeared overnight. As a souvenir, we've added some drumless recordings of some of Etc's most-requested songs to the Etc Reverbnation for your listening and free-downloading pleasure. They're labeled as "semi-acoustic" versions of "Bungalow", "Malaysian Trucks" and "Dancing to The Smiths" in the players below or to the side of this page. Enjoy.

Etc Goes A-Loft

2010-06-10T20:49:00.002-12:00

Something to do this Saturday night: see sterling songsmiths Basement In My Loft play songs from their forthcoming album, See The Rhyme In The Dirt & Grime (plus songs from "a select catalog of the bands that shaped their sound"). Get familiar with Basement and their memorable powerful tunes in the intimate setting of The Prince of Wales Pub before they go on to rock Baybeats 2010 in a few months.

The Etc trio open (starting at 9.30pm), making the most of a flying visit from their drummer, who is no longer based in Singapore. Thanks to Adrian Jones from Basement In My Loft and Malcolm Davis from The Prince of Wales for graciously sneaking Etc's trio of cheeky monkeys onto the bill.

Facebook event page here.

When: Saturday, 12 June, 2010.

Where: P.O.W. - The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little India (between Sim Lim and Serangoon), Singapore

Timing: 9.30-10.15pm: Etc. 10.30-till late: Basement In My Loft

STOP-PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT :: A Light in a Dark Room TONIGHT

2010-04-28T21:02:00.001-12:00

This is being posted only a couple of hours before showtime - but anything to help seems like a good idea for this benefit show called A Light In A Dark Room. And it's a REAL benefit show. It's not a fund-raiser so a band can go and ponce around on a foreign stage... but an attempt to to raise funds for Mika –a mother-to-be– who has been diagnosed with a relapse of a type of blood cancer. The results from Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya, Malaysia are that they're is suffering from lymph node biopsy – Anaplastic T Cell Lymphoma, ALK-1 positive.

The show is 7pm, tonight at Blackhole 212 $5 at the door. Bands playing include the lovely DIS IS IT: See the poster/flyer below. And spread the word. A little thing might make a big difference.

Where's Blackhole 212? It's in the alley behind 212 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore. And it's worth knowing this if you have any interest in Singapore music. It's a great place. Proper Indie - as in: independent like.

What else you going to do tonight? American Idol?

Etc :: "Will Until" the movie

2010-04-16T00:55:00.006-12:00

Etc sometimes wonders what becomes of the photos and film footage they spot being made of them. Today, a kind soul called Patrick was kind enough to share links to some of his Etc archive. Here's what he caught of an early solo version of Will Until played at the Substation in 2008.

Etc :: Some Upcoming Dates

2010-04-07T23:25:00.002-12:00

Fri 9 April: +65 Fest, Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, SG.

8.45pm. FREE. All-ages.

See: http://tinyurl.com/lastminuteinnit

Sun 11 April: SubScene, Blackhole 212, SG.

5pm. $8. All-ages.

See: http://www.facebook.com/link for subscene gig

Sat 1 May: Little Havana, KL.POSTPONED

9pm. Entry w/ drink purchase.

TO BE CONFIRMED

Fri 7 May: Monkey Bar, HOME CLUB SG

8pm. Entry w/ drink purchase.

(venue changed from NUS)

Etc :: Pastor of Muppets

2010-04-07T23:09:00.002-12:00

\m/

Etc :: Wedding Singers Went Home (for H.O.M.E)

2010-03-29T23:46:00.002-12:00

Donald Soh took some photos at the gig Etc played after a best friend's wedding.

It was at Home Club in Singapore. And proceeds from the gig went to the charity called H.O.M.E.

Our Best Friend's Wedding

2010-03-25T20:45:00.001-12:00

"This weekend is going to be life-changing for me," he says...

We're Chuffed to be part of this.

See also: the Facebook event page here.

Etc :: Wedding Singers Go Home

2010-03-24T23:56:00.004-12:00

Etc are truly, madly, deeply honoured to have been invited to play WEDDING POP! - a gig that coincides with THE WEDDING OF ONE OF OUR OLDEST PALS AND A HERO OF SINGAPORE MUSIC, PATRICK CHNG, TO THE LOVELY STEPHANIE! Cheers to that!

That's THE Patrick Chng who we've known fronting THE ODDFELLOWS, drumming for PADRES, doing stuff w/ PRIMITIVE PAINTERS and much, much, more in his many years of playing music, helping other musicians, teaching kids, organizing gigs and doing good work for charity - including Music for Good and Migrant Voices projects., while still he finding time to support Liverpool F.C. (and he was a pretty decent footie player last we saw him in action).

So, a pretty class event. But wait! There's more! Not only does Etc getting to play alongside Midnight Marvel and Typewriter (featuring, by the way, PATRICK CHNG! MULTI-TASKER EXTRAORDINAIRE... EVEN ON HIS WEDDING DAY!); but the gig's headliner is: Livonia - long-time no-seen, and now back after a decade of musical adventures elsewhere! Wow.

AND THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS! All proceeds from WEDDING POP! will be donated to the charity organization, H.O.M.E. Check out their good work here: www.home.org.sg/home/index.html

When: Saturday, March 27, 2010

Where: HOME Club, The Riverwalk #B1-01, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore

First band: 8pm

Free entry before 9pm

After 9pm: $12 (includes w/ one drink)

Facebook event page: http://www.tinyurl.com/wedpop

Etc regrets that the Management of Home Club is not permitted to admit those under-18 years old.

Big Star tribute content? Confirmed.

Austin Power

2010-03-03T19:54:00.001-12:00

The Pinholes is a band that you are certainly more likely to have heard-of than Etc. - and if you have heard of Etc it could be because we got to ride the 'hole's groovy coattails when they covered "Handphones on the Dancefloor". Don't worry, The Pinholes got over it. In fact, Bukit Batok's smiling ambassadors of sound are about to set off in the footsteps of Singapore bands Electrico, Great Spy Experiment and I Am David Sparkle, and make an appearance at the SXSW Festival held in Austin, Texas. That's in the USA.

And for those of us wishing them all the best for Texas, there's Blazin' Saddles (or Blazzin Sadders - depending on who you ask) - a gig to raise to funds for The Pinholes' gas, food, lodging, whatever... Considering what popular gents they are, we'd imagine Pinholes are spoilt for choice with who they could ask to play, so how nice they should call on Etc to part of this fundraiser. There's also The Lost Hat and The Rejeks plus - it says - 'Special Guests'. One can only imagine who these might be - at least, we're interested to find out. Maybe they mean You. No kidding. We think you're special. Say hello if you're there.

The Facebook event page for it is >here<.

BLAZIN' SADDLES :: Pinholes SXSW Fundraiser Fun on Friday

Friday, March 5, 2010 :: 8:00pm - 11:00pm

HOME CLUB, The Riverewalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore

Our Gang Maybe Wee, But We Love It etc.

2010-01-14T00:19:00.001-12:00

Wasn't expecting to have an Etc-related post so soon into 2010. The lazy half of Etc (me) was hoping to keep the calendar clear for recording, but -so far- that's not been happening; and just as juggling things that may/may-not happen in other countries was getting bewildering... all of sudden: we get an invitation to play at a party featuring the band AND the DJ that make us smile the most these days. So how could we refuse? Jet-set Harvey Etc might not even be in the country when the show commences, but he's keen (Note to self: ask him about any Phil Collins at Live Aid fantasies he might have)

Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010. 9pm till 2am

Venue: BluJaz, Bali Lane*, Singapore

DJ MiLuvYouLooongTam (aka Roger) presents:

Glorious eclectica spun by his very self

plus live music from:

WeGANG

super-singalong-a-six-piece

and guests who hope they don't spoil the party:

Etc

The Facebook event page is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=445357380007

The listing in Power of Pop says "Here’s one for the S-ROCK fan... two creative, iconoclastic S-ROCK bands that prize wit in their presentation of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll, principally of the Brit persuasion".

The fact is, we have no idea what to expect. Hopefully, we can make the most of being on Roger-Time here. Recent shows have all been on schedules that have meant we're maybe more buttoned up than at our longer-set, smaller-venue gigs. Not that much more buttoned-up, but a wee bit more? Dunno. Doesn't matter. Whatever. Better go change my strings.

Hope you're having a happy 2010.

Next week: Etc Malaysia gig - might not.
Manila: postponed till April....

Keep in touch.

HAPPY NEW YEAH!

2009-12-28T21:58:00.002-12:00

Here's what we're doing with some auld acquaintances on the eve of the Eve:

A lively gathering with live music

P.O.W :: The Prince of Wales

101 Dunlop Street, Little India (between Sim Lim and Serangoon), Singapore

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

from 8 till late actually 8pm till not THAT late (because curfew is at 1am)

Featuring:

• Basement In My Loft Smart songs that might be new-to-you but sound like classics by the chorus. You'll be jones-ing for more as these well-versed men transform sleepy rust into pure rock n' roll gold.

• Pinholes Well-dressed gents with the preferred mode of retro-a go-go to greet the future with a smile.

• Etc Party like its 1999 (ie. worry about the Y2K virus, Nostradumus & whatever else you got)

• We GANG Get friendly with dysfunctional family fun, as if Iggy went Pop with a chorus of hot blitzkrieg bops. Singalong a six-piece!

Q: Should auld acquaintance be forgot or not?

A: Dunno... can't remember... lost too many braincells over the decade. What did they call them anyway? The "Naughties"? Were they that naughty? Didn't fell like it. The "Noughties" was it? Sounds like a load of zeroes best forgot... so why not fuggetaboutit and bid the blues adieu as this lot kick-offs the Countdown Clock early and lets it rock on the eve of the Eve.

Nevermind the Buzzcocks... this is RADIOCLASH

2009-12-01T23:21:00.003-12:00

Etc is old enough to know better, but hopefully we're not too old for this: spending Sunday, 6 Dec 2009 at the SUBSTATION playing one of Bobby & gang's RADIOCLASH shows alongside cornerstones of Singapore's sound scene that we first met in the '90s. These would be: STOMPIN GROUND, STONED REVIVALS, FLOW and GLOBAL CHAOS. So, quite a high Just Like Old Times factor at play. Without it getting sentimental like, we hope.

Other names to conjure with include: DOWNE'S SYNDROME and DESERTERS (from K.L.). There's a Radioclash Facebook event page here... there will be merch on sale, and just how many little 'uns will be around while their dads and uncles play within?

Whatever the case -given the occasion- Etc reckons it's a fine time to chip away some ancient crust and play our old hymn TRANS*END - as heard on one of those old NEW SCHOOL ROCK comps that came with BigO Magazine back in the day. We might not do a half-hour version... but if the mood takes us - why not?

Tickets: $10 at the door

Brought to you by: THE END OF RECORDINGS

Supported by: TNT Music Studio. Reconstrux Records. Ignite and The Substation

Poster artwork of DAREN LAUCHENGCO (another name from early '90s secret-SG history to conjure with):

STOMPIN' GROUND

DOWNE's SYNDROME

STONE REVIVALS

FLOW

ETC

DESERTERS (K.L.)

RECAPTURING OTELLIS

HALLOW

AUTOMATED TIME MACHINE

GLOBAL CHAOS

Selemat Hari Raya from Etc :: Buzzcocks Gig Starts Early!

2009-11-25T21:19:00.000-12:00

It's Hari Raya in Singapore and -as you may already know- we're spending our holiday (Nov 27th) opening for beloved music greats, BUZZCOCKS, and our fab friends from Thailand, Abuse the Youth. 'Tis an honour.

If you're going, please note that the show is scheduled to start at 6.30pm. Looks like we'll be doing a sundown set. So we might even be getting an early night then eh? Well, that's quite usual for me on a Friday.

Etc's Facebook page for this is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179281121695

Hope you have happy holidays where ever you are.

Ben

Happy Thanksgiving from Etc :: New Recording Up

2009-11-25T21:12:00.002-12:00

Howdy Pilgrims! The subject header says it all really. But sincerely, and wherever you are: HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Etc. And there's a lot that we're thankful for. Like being able to share our music with you - such as the extended version of DUMB WAITER that has just appeared here (on our myspace page) for your holiday listening pleasure. Not mixed, so lots of Harrison guitar racket that maybe shouldn't be there, and Harvey has a go too: you can hear him hitting the guitar with his drum stick as a way of finishing the song.

Thanks again

Ben Etc

Etc :: 'Supporting Guest' to BUZZCOCKS

2009-11-10T21:07:00.002-12:00

like it says on the Facebook Event page here

Our next show happens on 27 November, 2009.

It's a quickie for the Etc duo.

Then comes the fab Thai threesome, Abuse the Youth.

And then, the main event: deservedly beloved pioneering punk-pop quartet: Buzzcocks.

The poster looks like this.

Has anyone else ever made the observation that Shelley is a Romantic Poet?

Etc & the Bennyman instead of Echo & the Bunnymen?!

2009-11-09T18:38:00.002-12:00

Back from Indonesia to bad news for Bunnymen fans. But maybe good news for Etc?

It's odd/potentially-flattering that Etc's photo gets used rather than, say, one of international superstars like Muse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Coronas, Buzzcocks, Angela Chang or Budak Pantai. Could it be that our bandname has worked in our favour for once - because it helps make for a readymade headline? And surely some credit to Kamal's dynamic photography.

The story shown originally appeared here.

Etc :: Seeking Eastern Promise / Meet the Deniros

2009-11-04T21:41:00.003-12:00

A new flyer and further info for one of this weekend's shows reveals that The Deniros really ARE a Pixies tribute. It says here that they will be "bringing you a full double set show of PIXIES classics such as Where Is My Mind, Here Comes Your Man, Gouge Away, Debaser, and much, much more -- including some fresh new songs that we've never performed before!

"... But that's not all! Veteran Psychopop Rockers ETC will be opening up the evening's festivities with a daring, innovative fusion of alt-rock, pop, and psychotic sounds in the vein of The Replacements, Sonic Youth and The Bad Seeds".

In the vein of who? Talk about giving us a lot to live up to! But at the moment Ben Etc will just be relieved to get there in one piece (turbulence is expected en route). And making it out alive will be good too.

Etc :: INDO-A-GO-GO in Jakarta :: 'Dangdut Hanyut'

2009-11-02T21:13:00.001-12:00

Like is says on the Facebook event page (here):

Etc's plans go south -literally- because we're bound for Jakarta where we hope to continue our happy tradition of playing our songs to people who have never heard of us; and where Harvey will also bash the skins for SONGS FOR THE DEAF (playing songs you may already know) at their farewell show.

Where: EASTERN PROMISE Kemang Raya 5, Kemang, JK, Indonesia.

What/when:

6 Nov (Fri): SONGS FOR THE DEAF - Farewell Show

7 Nov (Sat): Etc and MR JASON BLAIR & THE DENIROS

(Thanks to Lens of THE MISKINSfor making this happen)

A message: "ma'af untuk rosak-bahasa saya (tapi saya fikir saya mesti cuba): SAYA GEMBIRA BERMAIN DANGDUT HANYUT KAMI UNTUK SAUDARA DI NEGARA SAUDARA. SAMPAI JUMPA!"

And here's the logo. Some playful bahasa on an Indonesian flag background. Dangdut is a form of music that's popular in the region.Hanyut is a word that can be translated as 'adrift'. I got that from a Joseph Conrad. Probably Lord Jim.

Am dreading the mental arithmetic challenges ahead. All I know so far is the taxi from the airport is $150,000.

John, But Not Forgotten :: Keeping It Peel in 2009

2009-10-06T21:55:00.001-12:00

Ben Etc writes about the closest thing he's had to Hero he's admired from afar:

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. It was John Peel.

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 for twangy guitars, whether they were playing the blues, surf, rockabilly rumble, Zimbabwean jit-jive, Congolese soukous, or adding to the drama of The Smiths or the Bad Seeds, 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 at least, he played what he thought was good. And I still naively think that's the whole point. It sounds like a blazing simple concept to me, and it's what I assume a DJ should do: Play music that they like. Except... I don't know how many working DJs actually do this. I certainly can't tell if those I've heard on Singapore radio even have any passion for music. Maybe they do. But the sound of their own voices seems to be their primary love.

And when evidence suggests that to be a radio 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. Maybe he also contrived radio persona for when he was on air; but if he did, it was a good one. It was 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 didn't seem concerned with the tedious pursuit of attaining hipness. 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 year it's being done in Singapore like this (click here for the Facebook event page)

PEACE OFF :: LOVE ON

2009-09-03T21:45:00.001-12:00

Poster by Kevin Barrios

9/11 Gig: PEACE OFF - LOVE ON
Date: 11 Sept 2009
Venue: Crawl Space, North Bridge Road - above Straits Records, Singapore
Bands: We GANG, CloseApart, Etc, The Guilt

"While some Singapore bands seem to thrive on little more than hype and haircuts, it's a relief to know that there's still real Rock n' Roll fun to be found under the radar, and the upcoming PEACE OFF / LOVE ON show to be held on this year's 9/11 proves it.

'We want to give people something else to remember about that date - something more positive,' said Adrian Bestium, the lead singer of the hotly-tipped We GANG who are one of four bands playing the show that he instigated. It's going to be a fuss-free dose of the best original Independent Music in town with a great mix of bands that are now emerging from the underground and quickly becoming crowd favourites with each gig they play, making this is an irresistible line-up for all music fans.

Each band presents their own refreshing, unpretentious and melodic take on what they consider to be good old rock rock n’ roll - without it being retro. Music fans now have your answer the next time Electrico asks 'What do you see?'

Tell 'em: 'PEACE OFF!'"

So...

"Mark September 11th 2009 in Singapore with music from four bands who are currently winning the War Against Mediocrity with original tunes to put your world to rights. Whether you wanna be sedated, liberated or intoxicated by songs and sounds, this is the place to be as this friendly squad comes together under the banner of "Peace Off... Love On"..."

Etc :: (How To) Singapore Idle One

2009-07-22T22:48:00.003-12:00

'Never Mind the Taufiks... Don't Stop Till You Hady Enough!'
Etc gets out of the traction and into the action, after recent their brushes with the grim sisters of Illness and Accident.

Etc :: (How To) Singapore Idle One
Thursday, August 6, 2009 :: 9:00pm
P.O.W :: The Prince of Wales
101 Dunlop Street
Little India (between Sim Lim and Serangoon)
Singapore

Join the two-man power-duo of Etc as they dust themselves down to shack off the shackles that recently kept them off the road. Harvey Etc celebrates surviving lurgee, man-flu & jetlag; while Ben Etc is over the worst of the bloodloss, bruising & abrasions of the horrific crash-landing that ended his recent unscheduled and involuntary trip through space.

They're probably just as dazed & confused as they usually are, but that's not to stop them shaking off the maladies and bringing back the melodies as they unveil their Summer Collection of old favourites and new would-be classics for all your Singapore Idle psychopop & bop needs.

And if you want to join the Facebook's Etc Enthusiasts United clicking here should get you there.

Be well. Be happy. See you soon.

Etc :: Not Tonight, But Always Forever

2009-05-13T23:08:00.000-12:00

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

2009-04-14T00:32:00.001-12:00

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

2009-03-24T23:25:00.001-12:00

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')

2009-02-15T22:02:00.001-12:00

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

2009-02-08T18:14:00.001-12:00

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

2009-02-01T22:44:00.000-12:00

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

2009-01-19T20:55:00.001-12:00

"...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

2009-01-14T22:28:00.002-12:00

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

2009-01-14T22:17:00.001-12:00

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)

2009-01-07T18:37:00.003-12:00

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

2009-01-01T20:37:00.001-12:00

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)

2008-12-29T22:59:00.001-12:00

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

2008-12-29T22:35:00.000-12:00

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

2008-12-22T21:33:00.002-12:00

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!

2008-12-15T23:19:00.001-12:00

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')

2008-12-15T22:44:00.000-12:00

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

2008-11-25T18:23:00.002-12:00

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

2008-10-30T16:56:00.002-12:00

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

2008-10-08T18:00:00.003-12:00

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

2008-10-03T01:54:00.002-12:00

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

2008-10-02T20:52:00.004-12:00

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.

2008-09-04T19:48:00.000-12:00

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

2008-08-06T22:37:00.003-12:00

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

2008-06-30T16:07:00.002-12:00

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

2008-06-25T20:08:00.003-12:00

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

2008-06-25T01:01:00.004-12:00

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.

2008-06-25T00:57:00.001-12:00

Sound words then :: Etc reviews etc

2008-04-15T15:07:00.005-12:00

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

2008-04-08T17:44:00.001-12:00

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

2008-04-08T17:42:00.001-12:00

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

2008-04-08T17:39:00.000-12:00

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

2008-04-08T17:38:00.000-12:00

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

2008-04-08T17:36:00.002-12:00

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

2008-04-08T17:33:00.001-12:00

[ 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

2007-02-15T04:52:00.003-12:00

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

2006-05-01T15:33:00.000-12:00

[ 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

2005-11-23T19:44:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-28T20:18:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-16T14:22:00.001-12:00

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

2005-08-16T14:22:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-04T22:15:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-04T22:05:00.001-12:00

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)

2005-08-04T22:05:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-04T22:02:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-04T22:01:00.000-12:00

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

2005-08-04T21:54:00.000-12:00

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

2005-07-27T17:55:00.000-12:00

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)

2005-07-25T22:10:00.000-12:00

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

2005-07-25T19:07:00.000-12:00

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"

2005-07-21T15:33:00.000-12:00

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)

2005-07-10T23:11:00.000-12:00

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

2005-07-10T19:11:00.000-12:00

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

2005-06-28T14:28:00.000-12:00

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

2005-06-27T14:22:00.000-12:00

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

2005-06-16T06:16:00.001-12:00

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

2005-06-16T06:16:00.000-12:00

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

2005-06-16T00:14:00.000-12:00

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

2005-06-06T15:33:00.000-12:00

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 )

2005-06-01T21:28:00.000-12:00

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

2005-03-30T17:55:00.000-12:00

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?

..

2004-10-26T22:31:00.000-12:00

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)

2004-10-26T21:42:00.000-12:00
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).