Anyway so I’m having trouble sleeping.

Yessir, it's quite the ungodly hour.

As a kid, a radio would lull me to sleep. You hear the cheesiest stuff on the radio back in the early 90s. They’d play 80′s ballads like there’s no tomorrow. But that my friends, would guarantee my trip to lala-land.

Who knows why I turned out with such an eclectic taste in music?

In any case, I wondered if the same remedy still worked on me. I started with The Jets and their song “You got it all” and then followed by Billy Ocean’s “Suddenly”. Gee, these are actually the songs I think about singing in karaoke. Subconscious much?

I’m sure some of you who were born in the 80s must have gone through something similar to this experience. Ah, radio memories. For indulgence’s sake, I thought I’d post some songs I put on tonight. Oh, and watch out for the saxophone guy! Such an 80s staple.

In the process of coming up with this list I remembered something my boss used to tell me. Disc jockeys are never the masters of their playlist. They pander to their audience. There may be occasional digs but only because you love it as much as your audience. But for everything else…there’s no way you’re going to play to others the music you play in your bedroom.

I’ll let you in my room for now.

Not my ACTUAL room but...once upon a room.

Warpaint – Set Your Arms [ Download ]

Oh Land – Wolf & I [ Download ]

Cults – Go Outside [ Download ]

Mumford and Sons – The Cave [ Download ]

James Blake – Limit to your love [ Download ]

I guess all forms of transformation go through some precipice.

Sunset while driving up to Los Angeles.

I’ve been fighting for peace of mind and acceptance. However, there are times when I stumble on thoughts that upon looking back with rationality, I ought to have dismissed. I promised myself that after this post I will never again speak on the subject again. After this post.

Months ago, I had been listening to a song as I always do when my heart is afloat. This song carried me through those days that I would look forward to see and hear from a certain someone. It captured how I felt about her at that time.

Right now I am marinating in the tragic implication of the song: how as time passed she relates to it with no connection to the time we shared whatsoever. It feels like…I am moved by a musician’s song not intended for me. That’s fine. That’s life.

And so I looked for other versions and I found one by The Kooks that still has that uppity beat I love about it. It’s imperative not to be a slave to something I like – the song for instance. It’s just a song, I tell myself. The one I found is different in many ways from the original, but it still carries the same poignant theme no matter how I listen to it.

The Kooks – Young Folks [ Download ]

Time to put this song to sleep and find another one.

Manning, the happy quarterback (c/o Reuters)

And there is a great show produced by Steven Spielberg that’s been tugging at my heartstrings. It is a TV drama-slash-musical featuring actresses I admire namely, Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston. But above all, at the heart of this new show are the two wonderful talents, Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee. This is very much unlike Glee – no offense to Gleeks out there – which tends to be very adolescent. Now, THIS. This is more my age bracket. And this is so reminiscent of my good ol’ days as a Broadway kid.

If my childhood constituted as something like in this image...picture me now.

So to put it simply, I love musicals and this one certainly got my attention. Watch the trailer!

Okay, so what happened to Taylor Hicks? You know, the guy who won the title of American Idol over Katharine McPhee?

Hmm. I guess runner-ups may one day end up…in a Spielberg production.

Wish my life narrative was a Broadway show. Hah. NOT.

Certified Orange County (source: Vintagraph)

My mom used to know a man who grew oranges in his back yard. According to her, his oranges made the phrase Orange county meaningful. Paul was a world war II veteran. He was especially proud of the fact that he was a navy seal. Even when random young men were carted away to the war, only the brilliant ones were picked out to join the seals and he was one of them.

In the war, he served as an accountant. Not a typical soldier out in the front line. After all anything for the war effort was appreciated. He was really good at what he did. In his time, he topped the board for the whole state of California. That’s how good he was.

After a year in the service, the war was over. Paul worked for the government for a number of years until he decided to start his own business selling car parts. He was a hard working businessman and was unabashedly republican. He holds hard work in high regard.

Years later, he met my mom in a ballroom at Placentia. He learned that my mom had been living in San Francisco for a year until people at work started ganging up on her because they were envious of the job offers she had been getting. You see, ma is a hard worker. She then moved to Los Angeles and dabbled with work opportunities there, but her landlord didn’t like the fact she was getting a lot of calls. They were calls for job offers and sometimes suitors. For this reason, she got called a hussy. In just two months, she decided to move from LA to Orange.

Paul offered her a job as an assistant. Tax season was coming and Paul did consultations and tax audits on the side – for fun. My mom took the job right away. She’s also the kind of girl who has fun with numbers.

Paul helped my mom settle in to Orange. It was a symbiotic relationship. From the stories, I’d say he must have had an Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. He wanted everything neat and in a certain order otherwise, he’d be irritable. My mom found a kindred spirit. Here was this old man who was as sharp and meticulous as she was.

But it was this meticulousness that created a tension between Paul and his only son. It doesn’t hurt to mention that his son is a democrat. Regardless, Paul couldn’t accept the fact that his son squandered Paul’s hard earned money and that, despite all his investment in his son’s education, the man couldn’t find himself a decent job. He grew bitter and cold toward him.

On the other hand, Paul grew soft with my mom. One day, he offered to marry my mom to free her of her woes. Her time was running out and her status was tenuous. She accepted the offer. It wasn’t a fake marriage. They truly cared for each other for two years. But they drove each other crazy. They were both too meticulous. So, they divorced.

A year later, it was revealed that Paul had cancer and it was terminal. They learned that he got himself a young Filipina girlfriend and even visited her in the Philippines. A few months later, he died and left a lump sum of money to the girlfriend he’d only known for a few months. This lump sum was worth 240,000 USD, released as 30,000 USD annually.

In his will, he stated that his son will only inherit his home and his other real estate investments by the time he is 60. If his son wanted to live there, he’d have to rent it out until he was 60.

As for my mom, he left her a note. My mom never told me what was in that note.

I guess, this is turning out to be a very personal post but I wanted to share the story of Paul, who I never met but will never be forgotten. Without him, I would never taste the sweet oranges of Orange.

Also, I used to think myself so handy when it comes to hardware. I got dizzy just trying to set up the television to my liking (what with four remote controls to work with). FINALLY, I figured it out after a couple of hours reading manuals and randomly pushing buttons.

A bunch of tech idiots

In the US, television is a big thing here, which is frankly one part of acculturation I try to resist. It’s not that easy, mind you. With over 500 cable channels to choose from and being able to instantly stream shows and films. I have to admit, the streaming really impressed me. Because the internet speed is just ridiculously fast over here compared to the Philippines, you can stream films on to your TV almost instantly without all the freezes. Wow. What really blew my mind is how I was able to find supposedly hard to find films and in just seconds they were there on the screen, playing seamlessly.

Okay, enough TV drone talk.

What I really wanted to mention was the fact that since I’ve moved here, I’ve had trouble with my FTP server. I can’t seem to connect to the damn thing. Could it be that I’m being blocked by my own firewall? I’ve been trying to read up on it but to my dismay, I could not figure out what’s wrong. So as much as I’d like to share more music, the way I usually do…I can’t.

Although, I have this to share: a really fantastic video by the artist, Lissie. Frankly, I love this song played live better than the studio record. So check this one out. For those of you back home, just wait it out to buffer for uninterrupted viewing. Yep, I know. First world internet speed rocks my socks.

Oh and to my ignorant compatriots: Here, you can watch YouTube videos on TV. Aha! Fancy that?

Pretty much what LA looks like from the plane (c/o: TG Daily)

About forty minutes flying in to Los Angeles, you are greeted by an aerial view of rocky terrains, deserts, (what looked to me as) solar farms and block after block of gray little boxes. Trees are spaced every few blocks, unlike back home where there are lush landscapes covered in green not too far from the city. If they say the Philippines is in bad shape in terms of forest cover, I think this part of the states will clearly put up a stiff competition. It is instead a sprawl of concrete from coast to in-land. The good thing though is that every thing seems a lot cleaner, a lot more organized… But then again, these are just first impressions.

I live about 45 minutes away from LAX. The drive was seamless, freeway after freeway. On the road, my mom put the radio on at KIIS FM, which is not a surprise. I suddenly remembered my good old days as a disc jock and getting samplers from the station – music imports of hits. In fact, stations like KIIS make hits which trickle down to the rest of the world. Somehow it came full circle, being in the place of the hit maker. I then asked my mom what she considers driving music. Apart from listening to KIIS, she was in to a lot of old stuff, not surprisingly. But that’s cool.

When I put on my mom’s CD, her friend who accompanied her was surprised that I didn’t mind the music. According to her, I wasn’t even born at the time. True. I explained I have a WIDE taste in music and didn’t mind listening to some oldies when I’m in the mood.

Welcome to America, Kim.

Here’s the soundtrack of my ride to my new home. I have to say, yesterday’s weather was perfect. It’s true what they say, it’s always sunny in…you know where I am.

Window seats are the best! (Source: Click-through)

So I admit: I have been stalling lingering but I’m slowly being coaxed to the thought of being on a plane to a lalaland. The best part of my mental picture of this trip is the actual plane ride. I love riding planes despite the crappy airplane food in some trips I’ve been on and the even crappier music they have on-flight. But for now, let me emphasize on the latter. SERIOUSLY. If you are a point person from any particular airline – especially a certain flag carrier I’m quite familiar with – please, please, PLEASE consult someone on the music you play on board. Including but not limited to the choice of channels for your in-flight music “radio”, I’m not sure what you call it. What is up with all the eighties jazz music? I don’t mean to be an elitist, but honestly, have y’all not heard of music from at least the likes of Buddha Bar? Come on. Or even more tasteful post-rock alternative music NOT adult radio for the young and hip like moi. Consider that in-flight you are not allowed to use your ipod or any electronic device which carries one’s music of choice. That could be 13 hours on the plane in my case. Acceptable. But please, please, PLEASE care to accommodate different demographics when it comes to music and films.

Okay, so now I’m done with my rant.

What kind of music would I want to hear on a plane anyway? Naturally the kind of music that convinces me I’m going to live through the flight!

Anyway, this playlist is in no way my recommendation on what constitutes I’m-gonna-live-after-this-flight music. But I sure would be pleasantly surprised if I hear this music on the plane.

MGMT – Time to pretend [ Download ]

La Roux – In for the kill [ Download ]

Hooverphonic – Mad about you [ Download ]

Jonsi – Tornado [ Download ]

Hey Ocean – California [ Download ]

I’m just surprised that my passion for music – which I’ve taken for granted for some time – is still in me and has in fact grown stronger. Plus, living and breathing music has helped me deal with the separation anxiety that’s been creeping up on me lately.

Swedes are so flexible! (c/o: Beatsperminute)

Now, for the good part of this post. I found a gem in YouTube just by checking some other stuff by Lykke Li, an artist Kat got me in to. And boy, am I in to this artist. A bit of context: Last week I grew ecstatic when I found out that she’s from Sweden. I’ve written here before about how totally gaga I am about music imports from Sweden namely The Knife, The Cardigans, Fever Ray and Robyn. All over the world, the Swedes are especially known for the most impressive metal music to ever grace the ears of metalheads everywhere. What people fail to realize is that Sweden is likewise on the cutting edge of pop, electro-pop, electro-clash-pop and other permutations of this particular genre. A music genre which frankly, the rest of the world attributes to the whole of EUROPE as though it is a big chunk of land with no musical diversity whatsoever. YES, all of these great electro bands do come from Europe but not ALL OF THEM from the same country. And I’m sure a lot of you do not care, but once you can tell the nuances then you get to appreciate that each country has a distinct flavor to offer.

It just so happens that of all the music that came out of Europe, it was Sweden’s music which captivated me the most. Therefore, I stand by my statement back in 2010 that Sweden is my Music MECCA! It is an absolute must in my lifetime for me to embark on a music pilgrimage to Sweden. And I hope by the time that materializes, the bands I adore are still playing – I don’t CARE if they play in a big stadium or a small pub. I DON’T GIVE A DAMN. I want to bask in Robyn’s ringing voice live. I want to hear The Cardigans play a set, regardless if I don’t understand a word they say in between. If I could just watch the Dreijer twins of The Knife perform just one show – ONE SHOW – then I will die HAPPY.

I have to admit that today’s fill is a bit on the strong end but I can’t help it, all thanks to Lykke Li.

So back to Lykke Li.

You know this video I’m about to share is not the best quality I could find but it has caught my imagination.

I can imagine myself in the crowd of Lykke Li’s concert, feeling the anticipation of the next song. Then the riff of The Knife’s “Silent Shout” comes on. I go mental. My delirious scream will be drowned out by an army of music minions clinging on to every beat, every bass line, every fucking synth!

And then the decrescendo. Lykke Li’s haunting voice emerges and sings, “Until we bleed”.

Magic.

I look forward to watching concerts like this in the first world! Geez, I have trouble containing myself. Over and out.

To which he agreed, before realizing the consequence. He later realized that we had roughly about 12 hours to kill.

“So where are we going?” I asked him.

“I don’t know…” he said, as panic crept up in his expression.

“But you’re supposed to know this city better than I do!”

He looked dumbfounded.

I got up and went to the counter of the coffee shop. Shortly after I asked a few questions, I went back to our table and started packing up.

“Uh…where are we going?” he asked me.

“Trust me.”

“Do you know where we’re going?”

“I think so.”

In the jeep, my friend looked uncomfortable.

“Looks like I’m taking you out of your comfort zone.” I said to him.

He nods.

We finally reached our destination. It is a quaint place in the other side of town called, “The Strip”. Literally. There’s a sign that says so.

We found a place where we could have a warm cheap-ass meal and we decided to have a few drinks.

Over drinks the man could barely hold his alcohol. And then he said, “This is so new to me and yet you do this all the time…these spontaneous trips. My life, on the other hand, is summarized like this: work and home…” After a few more drinks and some issues sorted, he drawls, “You know, I haven’t talked like this with anyone in eight months!”

I just smiled. Mission accomplished.

We capped the night in a corner store with a videoke coin-slot machine. He dedicated the songs, “Puff the magic dragon” and “Leaving on a Jet plane” to me. I understood why he picked the latter song…but PUFF THE MAGIC FRIGGIN DRAGON?! The former on the hand, if taken literally, is a fucked up song about this dragon who eventually lost his friend which prompted him to become a recluse. Gee.

Never too old for videoke.

We exited when the table next to us started singing Aegis. On our way out he said to me, “Let’s meet here five years later. Same place.”

I’m writing this down to remember and also because he snores like an ox. Damn it. I guess I’m going to have to sleep it off in the bus.

Note to self: Tomorrow is my last pitstop before I head back to homebase. I think it’s just about the right time.

For tonight’s playlist, I thought I’d pepper it with a bit of nostalgia. As I always say, things are a lot more memorable when you experience them in a new place. If you happen to have a listen, try doing so somewhere new, somewhere outside your comfort zone. Take your laptop outdoors or load the song in your player and listen to it while you drive your way to work or school. Hopefully…hopefully, you’ll remember this post even after five years.

Eva Cassidy – Fields Of Gold [ Download ]

Adele – Hometown Glory (Hotel Cafe Live) [ Download ]

Peter, Paul & Mary – Puff The Magic Dragon [ Download ]

Paul Simon – Love And Hard Times [ Download ]

Sean Lennon – Tomorrow [ Download ]