I Have My Reasons ....

Hello people, I'm sure you can see that I have not been regularly posting, well I have a very good explanation; being that I have been very busy for an upcoming quasi mission that the SAF performs to check the 'war-readiness' of it's various units. Anyway I am truly sorry because I probably won't be able to post anything from 21st September until late October, my bad.

Anyway if you guys are still interested in how my mundane life is going... I have been practicing heaps of guitar especially my legato and sweep picking so much so that now I am kinda incredibly tired and will therefore take an indefinite guitar playing hiatus just so I can give my brain time the absorb the multitude of information that has been pouring over the last month. Furthermore whilst hiatus-ing I will be working extensively on finishing up my current musical project which I can safely say is around 75% complete and is left only a few more writing sessions to tidy up. 

Anyway thanks for reading and stuff, ahh God Bless 

Song Of The Week - Straight Lines

Although this probably may come as old news to you guys, for me at least I just found out that Silverchair are on something of a permanent hiatus. Though I may not be enamored with every song in the their rather large and diverse musical portfolio I really like their release of Young Modern in 2007 which like all other albums went multi-platinum in Australia. 

Straight Lines is about Daniel John also the lead vocalist/guitarist of the band and his recovery from depression, anorexia and numerous other problems. What I love about Straight Lines as a song was its energy and drive, whilst an analyst may find fault in the rather corny introduction of the mixolydian in the chord progression I personally felt that adding the mode it achieved the desired result of a enhanced and more powerful song. On a production level I enjoyed the minimalism in the piece and the fact that isn't overproduced, minus some standard double tracking and the introduction of some pads and strings I felt that musically speaking it sounds and feels like a three piece band. Anyway I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do!   

Song Of The Fortnight - Beneath The Waters(I Will Rise)

Sup peoples sorry that I haven't been very consistent over the last two weeks, but I was busy recording and songwriting... So my bad! 


But here is a song that is so good it can more than make up for my previous two weeks of unrepentant negligence.


 Beneath The Waters(I Will Rise) was a song that really connected to be both musically and lyrically, the song is basically about the victory over the flesh that was won through the death of Jesus.


What I love about this song is that the chorus is such a powerful declaration of what being a Christian is all about, which is a life surrendered to God. I love the way the song was able to weave in very theological lyrics without detracting from the melody and the musical aspect of the song. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the song is the bridge which the best bridge I have ever heard; not because of the music but because it leads the song back to the chorus and amplifies it!


Anyway I hope you are blessed by this God Bless!

Killing The Past - Building The Future

Recently I have decided to kill a portion of the past that was plaguing me. It all started a while back in 2009-2010 and I felt that I need to move on with my life and concentrate of the future. Although I do feel very displaced by my coming to Singapore I know that this is where God wants me to be and so be it. 

It is my prayer that God teaches me and guides me through this difficult phase of my life. Whilst everyday is a challenge, his grace renews everyday as well.

'Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 
    for his compassions never fail. 
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.' - Lamentations 3:22-23

Recently a song by Steven Curtis Chapman brightened up my day with the powerful lyric

 'I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure

My words are true, and all My promises are sure' - Believe Me Now

I found this to be a powerful statement of a God who lovingly guides us and gives us strength for the day.

Even as I have been meditating on Psalm 25 I pray that God will show me his ways and teach me his paths. Whilst this prayer does sound pretty cool are we prepared for what that entails? For as the potter Jesus is constantly shaping us through life, and often times this 'shaping' is certainly not a incredibly pleasant experience which tests our obedience and faith in him. 

I do not know how a ranting session has become a message about God nor do I know why my music blog has suddenly become a christian environment, but nonetheless I pray that this incredibly incoherent message will bless you and I also praise God that in my pain God is shaping and molding me into a worthy vessel. 

A Self Introduction

Hi guys! If you have been following this blog I am absolutely sure that you may have been asking yourselves, 'Who is Cornelius'?

Well as the name clearly states, I am Cornelius Lo, I used to live in Australia but now I am in the country of Singapore doing something called 'NS' which is an involuntary service to my "wonderful" country. Anyway just to prevent hate ranting let's change the topic. 

So let's start off with the important topic of my life. For me (a christian) my life is anchored on my faith and belief in Jesus and every major action thereof is supposed to reflect that. Although let me first say that I am certainly by no means a 'good representation' of what Christianity stands for. 

Moving on from that I'm sure that you all know that I like music, whether it be playing guitar, composing music of my own, singing, listening to music or be it even recording music. So let's just say that music is an important part of my being as it helps me firstly relief stress and secondly express some of the crazy thoughts in my head. 

Anyway thanks for reading. God Bless!

Song Of The Week - Sweet Home Chicago

Sup guy how have you all been? My week was pretty laid back so yeah got sometime to do some 'non-existent' work. Anyway this weeks song brings us back to a time and a period which out-dates the majority of living people today. Sweet Home Chicago was written by the obscure yet significant Robert Johnson who (in-case you didn't know) was one of the forefathers of the blues and all that encompassed it. The extent of Johnson's influence cannot be accurately measured because it so very widespread and can be felt over numerous genres. 

Anyway, structurally speaking the song is in a classic 12 bar blues format which applies heaps of dominate 7th chords. Due to the popularity and age of the song there an almost uncountable renditions of the piece including the original, the version made famous by the Blues Brothers. But the one we will look at today will be Clapton's one. Like all blues music it has heaps of guitar solos in the pentatonic and an awesome groove. 

Anyway hoped you guys liked it! Feedback if you want and please suggest songs you want me to review! 

    

Soundcloud

Sup peoples(who are mostly non-existent) just wanted to let you guys know that I have put up a soundcloud account with some instrumental tracks that I wrote and recorded, you can check it out here hope you guys enjoy it and please comment a feedback if you want. 

Song Of The Week: Teardrop(cover by Newton Faulkner)

Sup people, how are thing? My week has been pretty cool, lots of guitar and a bit of songwriting done. Anyway less about my mundane life and more to the not so mundane song of the week!


This week's song is a cover of Massive Attack's song Teardrop which is done by none other than the amazing, witty, crazy and talented Mr. Newton Faulkner. Let me just say how much I love and respect Newton Faulkner's music, which fuses percussive guitar with his incredibly rich and soulful vocals.  The thing to remember when listening to this track is that firstly, most of it is done with just vocals and guitar(minus the middle 8 and bridge), and secondly is that Newton Faulkner is playing a complex riff while singing beautifully. 


Aesthetically speaking there is much to admire about the vocal harmonies and ambiance of the song, I felt that Newton Faulkner really took the song to another level with the cover. Anyway I hope you love it(and or his music) as much as I did and still do!


Just a note if you like his music don't forget to go and buy his new album it is fantastic and is out is 3 days time, you can check it out here.

Hillsong Cornerstone

Hey guys my church just released it's new album please go and check it out, and buy if you like the music! Thanks!


http://us.hillsongmusic.com/cornerstone/

Song Of The Week: Made Of Tears

Ok, last week's post left me severely humiliated and ashamed, so this week I felt like sharing one of my all time favorite instrumental songs of all time;  'Made of Tears' by Joe Satriani. As a guitarist, let alone musician I truly admire Joe Satriani for pioneering techniques and sounds that embody all the thrills and frills that is expected in modern guitar. 'Made of Tears' is in the key of G#m and starts of with a staccato(or palm-muted) riff emphasizing the root note, the song then builds intensity and feel as a rhythm section is introduced with a lead guitar forming out the melodies and the song then explodes into an energizing chorus in A mixolydian which breathes a breath of fresh air into the song. Just as a side point, in my many years of listening to music this is the first time I have heard a true chorus in a guitar driven instrumental, and it is amazing in the way it centers the songs melodic aspect and truly shapes 'Made of Tears' in to a unique guitar piece. 

Later on there is a very, very tasteful blues guitar solo with incorporates modern guitar techniques such as legato to change up the rhythm and feel of the piece, which later fades out with the multi-tracked opening riff. 

Well that's it for the song of the week! Hoped you guys enjoyed this track as much as I did! Remember if any of you have a suggestion simply comment and I will give my impression of it!

 

A 'Strangeland'? - Review

Hey folks! It would be a real privilege to talk to you about the newest album from one of my favorite band in the whole world, Strangeland!(yes is it not a real word)


It has been 4 good years since the experimental Perfect Symmetry was released, while some loved the then new sounds of Perfect Symmetry's heavy synth and 80's influence it also alienated to an extent the fans who were more fond to the 'original' Hopes and Fears album(2004). Thus after that so called 'self-indulgent' era what does Keane have to offer to the fans now?


Though criticism has flowed about this album 'playing it safe', it is in my opinion that whilst Keane has not pushed the bonds of their sonic-frontier I strongly believe that that have certainly played to the strengths in this album. 


The album opens up in the most magnificent way possible, with one of the best tracks I have ever heard, You Are Young achieves what few songs can, it is both reflective and energetic, personal, yet majestic, songs like this really take your breath away; and kicks off the album is the best way possible. The next track in the album is the all too familiar 'Silenced By The Night', whilst 'Silenced By The Night' is a great track I would usually just skip it because it has been played to death on my iPod due to the early release, it truly is a soaring anthem about love and hope, and whilst being a bit cliche it still comes out well as an anthemic crowd pleaser. 




I guess the one thing that listeners can discern; is how Keane has fused the various elements of the past albums into Strangeland, and a prime example of that can be seen in 'Disconnected', which is melodious yet very haunting song about the fallout of a relation gone sour which is uptempo yet thematically heavy. The album then kick on to a very Hopes and Fears like ballad in 'Watch How You Go' which changes the tempo of the album for the next track which will blow you away!


What can I say about the next track? The song 'Sovereign Light Cafe'(SLC), is one of the most amazing songs I have ever heard, it beauty is so hard to describe in words, it truly is a masterpiece of a song which strikes at the core of the album's theme. SLC is both upbeat yet very deep and emotional truly amazing stuff. The word play in SLC is masterful as Tim Rice-Oxely effortlessly weaves in the beauty and geography of Bexhill(where the boys grew up) into a powerfully melody and an immaculate song.


The upbeat tempo the carries on as the album powers through 'On The Road', though has a few country elements to it does an amazing job of adding a  measure of energy which Keane have never produced before. 'Strangeland' then dives in to a power ballad in 'The Starting Line', and like any other power ballad on a Keane album 'The Starting Line' does a wonderful job of mellowing down the previous energy and tempo of 'SLC' and 'On The Road'. Following the somber mood 'Black Rain'(completely unrelated to the book by Ibuse Masuji) dive into the recurring theme of war present in all Keane albums to date, although I do sincerely admire the song, I do find it a bit detracting from the sonic landscapes of the album and will usually skip over it, however those who loved Hopes and Fears will truly enjoy this 'blast from the past'. The album then dives into the warm and beautiful 'Neon River', aesthetically speaking 'Neon River' is a hybrid of the past three albums that combines a up-beat tempo which a haunting lyric and beautiful synths. 


'Day Will Come' is the next track on the album, 'Day Will Come' follows the archetype of 'inspiring hope' song which (at least for) was kinda there just to take up space. 'In Your Own Time' follows suit with the rest of the songs on the album and is heavily reminiscent of 'Hopes and Fears' yet unique in its combination of tempo and somberness. The final song in the album is 'Sea Fog', aesthetically speak 'Sea Fog' is the most stripped down and simple song I have ever heard in any album. Consisting only of Tom Chaplin's vocal and Tim's piano along with backing vocals from the rest of the band 'Sea Fog's almost unplugged like nature only adds to the richness and warmth of the song which truly is unparalleled. 


In conclusion, if you may be asking 'where has Keane headed to?' on this new musical escapade, my answer would be that they are where the should be. Though not pushing the musical boundaries of 'Strangeland' it is undoubted that 'Strangeland' is a musical culmination of all their past albums. 'Strangeland' gives you a beautiful combination of 'Hope and Fears' honesty, 'Under The Iron Sea's intensity and 'Perfect Symmetry's energy. On the whole I cannot find words the adequately describe how very much I love this album, for me it is musical beauty personified. 

Song Of The Week - Pure Shores

Sup people, this week's song of the week will take us in a different direction from the previous post. Whilst I am a huge fan of rock music and awesome guitar solos and what not I love music and I love more or less all kinds of genres. My music library ranges from Usher to Rachmaninoff, so in short I really am genre specific. 


Anyway; I first heard 'Pure Shores' on an advertisement for the movie 'The Beach', whilst I am not a fan of the movie I fell in love with 'Pure Shores' the moment I heard it. Pure Shores is one of the best examples of Pop music done right, it's swirling guitar parts, spacious vocal melodies, engaging tempos and melodies create a very unique and spacious sound-scape which is almost addictive. The thing I love about this song is that while the music structure is very simple it is very effective and a engaging. When listening to this song you can truly imagine sitting on a beach somewhere with an attractive partner sipping on some exotic drink, it is amazing and enthralling. Anyway I hope you guys loved this song as much as I did!

Song Of The Week - Burn It Down

Sup mates, hope you guys had a great week, I know I didn't! Anyway the song of the week is Burn It Down by none other then Linkin Park. Whilst I really disliked the stylistic changes in 'A Thousand Suns', I found this new single to connect more to the classic 'Linkin Park' style which the world fell in love with. 
Going with tradition 'Burn It Down' has everything anyway classic Linkin Park song has, a heavy rhythm, cool samplers, powerful synths, a rap and obviously Chester Bennington's distorted vocals. Like all Linkin Park singles, energy is never a problem and as listeners will find; 4 minutes passes pretty quickly if you're enjoying it. This song has been on my iPod for a week and has clocked over 20 plays already. Either way I truly hope this single will be a 'sign of things yet to come' in Linkin Park's new album 'Living Things' which is scheduled for release on the 26th of June this year. Anyway I sincerely hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did! 

Song of the Week - The Fool On The Hill Covered By Basement Alchemy

Hey guys how was your week? But less with the pointless interactions, anyway the song of the week today is a really cool cover of 'Fool On The Hill' by a YouTube artist called BasementAlchemy who's stuff is absolutely awesome so go and check it out. To be honest I didn't really like the original song due to its monotonous sound. However that is certainly not the case with this particular cover with beautiful transitions between melodic brightness and gloom. I particularly loved when the drums kicked in and the song began to build such tension and intensity. Anyway hoped you guys enjoyed it as much as I did! 

Song of The Week - RAZORS.OUT

As mentioned previously, this will be my first proper review in at least 2 years so please go easy on me. Alright, this week's song is a really cool nu-metal type song with is very reminiscent of Linkin Park(especially the Meteora era), this song was actually on the soundtrack of the brutal cop movie The Raid: Redemption which though wasn't my favorite movie of all time did have this really cool song in it. I personally love the programming of the song which start off with a siren type synth which then explodes with a really myriad of audio textures and pallets. The key thing about this song for me was how Chino Moreno's voice blended with the sound-scape in a really awesome droning manner. Overall this is a really cool, solid and very textural piece of music with huge chunks of very nu-metal inspired themes and is really worth a listen. Anyway I hope you enjoyed my review and mostly importantly the song! Please feedback! And remember if there are any songs you would like me to review please leave a comment below! 

Info

Hi guys, from now on I shall be reviewing a ONE song per week and ONE album per month! So if you guys have any suggestions leave a comment and I WILL get to it! 

Back in Green

Hi there invisible audience! I'm back from an indefinite hiatus known as my army life! Yay!!!!!

Anyway I will certainly enjoy getting this blog back up to date with awesome stuff, just like my very own music reviews, and maybe some really really lousy music that I wrote, but who cares? Since you guys are none-existent! Either way this is just a statement that there WILL be more and more posts from me! Ok? Below is a photographic evidence just to prove that I have been very busy!(Just completely disregard that fact that I am not present in the photo)