60th

Happy 60th birthday to the nation. I have stopped watching parades commemorating this day. I renew my allegiance in reserved retreat. While we are united on this day to acknowledge our roots & pride, people still remain subservient to the narrative that continues to bleed them. They are afraid to approach, understand & embrace change. They rely on people with curated narratives in ensuring their future are attended to objectively. Have a good weekend, everyone.

ND Deals @ Swee Lee

In conjunction with the nation's birthday, Swee Lee has rolled out some deals as documented above.

If there's anything that I'd recommend from this deal, it would be the PRS SE CE Standard 24 ($595). This is a wonderful no-frills guitar with above-expectations outcomes when it comes to playability & tone. Sure, those default pickups might not be ear candy to some of us but this is a very good consideration for a sub-$600 guitar.

The other would be the SE Silver Sky ($977). More affordable & more appealing than a Mexican Strat in this price bracket.

Pics: Steve's Music

National Day savings @ Swee Lee

Folks, Swee Lee has some National Day discounts consolation if you missed the Bras Basah outlet closing sale. The specifics are depicted above. Have to give it to Swee Lee for being consistent here; they always have some promos come National Day. 

Pic: Swee Lee SG

Happy birthday, Malaysia

To our dear neighbour - Happy Independence Day! I miss my moments there; seafood at Malacca, the hustle & bustle at KL & those serene sunset moments at Penang Beach... I just want to re-live those moments because they keep me sane. Really. 😔

This is my most memorable song when it comes to Hari Kemerdekaan. Watching Francesca Peters sing it on TV back then, I shared the proud moments celebrating national identity. My TV was monochrome till the late '80s. I was from a low income family. We inherited TVs from others who gave theirs up for coloured versions. We had not phone, no fridge as well.

This is the current rendition of the song featuring other artistes & Francesca Peters at the helm. Treasure your neighbours, they are the first to be there for you in times of need. 

Goodbye, August.

Pic: Bergerpaints

Happy birthday, Indonesia

17th August - wishing our neighbour, Indonesia,  a happy Independence Day. 

Enjoy this number by the Indonesian band, Cokelat. (Bendera = flag). I like this version featuring new members Aiyu (vocals) & Axel (drums).

Here's the original version. I believe music is the best platform to conjure patriotic fervour; the reason why every country has a national anthem.  

Flag pic: Factsofindonesia

56th

Happy 56th birthday to the beloved country. Things are still shackled by the pandemic but we are grateful for the mini celebrations & a day off work. The dissidents here - we still love our country, we are just averse to the administrators. These people should be replaced soon.

Very happy with this year's National Day theme song, it's a deserving upbeat tune with bits of sombre takes in between; all done tastefully. Definitely a turnover from last year's semi-meloncholy number & the recycled compositions of the years before.