xSimple Minds is not Simple Minds

            There is something wrong with the  poster. It says  xSimple Minds  is the '80's pop group  who brought us the hit songs, “Sanctify Yourself and "Don’t You ( Forget About Me.)" Several  web sites reporting their upcoming concert in Manila also stated that they are the Scottish pop group who popularized the two songs mentioned. The way xSimple Minds was advertised here was like,  it is the Simple Minds band without their leader, song writer and  lead singer Jim Kerr. I  read  a comment in a social networking media that said ,"Simple Minds without their heart and soul Jim Kerr is not Simple Minds.”  That’s absolutely correct-- but  the thing is,  xSimple Minds is not Simple Minds.  Simple Minds, with two of it’s founding members, Jim Kerr and   Charlie Burchill, is still very much "alive and kicking." In fact, I read  they will be releasing their 16^th album in 2012.

              So, what exactly is the xSimple Minds  band.?  It is actually   a cover band     that sings Simple Minds songs. Well, actually it is not just a regular cover band-- the     band  consists of two former  members of Simple Minds. That explains their band    name.  Brian Mcgee,  a founding    member,   was the original drummer of Simple Minds.  He was with the group from 1977-’81,  stylistically considered as their  golden period  by many fans.  Dereck Forbes was the   bass player of Simple Minds from 1978 -  85 and 1997-98. He is regarded as Scotland's best bass player. Both were also former members of the German synth-pop group Propaganda.  xSimpleMinds also  features Brian’s younger brother, Owen Paul Mcgee on lead    vocals,  Andy Gall on keyboards and guitarist Anthony Williams.  

           

Dereck Forbes  Brian Mcgee Owen Paul Mcgee

             

                       

Go West live in Manila…How to fully enjoy retro 80s-New Wave concert

            English pop duo, Go West will be performing live in Eastwood Mall Open Park and Venice Piazza at Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio Metro, Manila on November 11 and 12, 2011.  Go West was formed in 1982 by  lead vocalist and drummer  Peter Cox and singer-guitarist Richard Drummie. Among their popular songs  are : “Call Me," (1985) “ We Close Our Eyes,”(1985) “King  of Wishful Thinking”(1990) and their version of “What You Won’t Do For Love.” (1992) 

Pete Cox and Richard Drummie 

  

            With the spate of   80’s New Wave acts visiting our country, I thought of writing about the preparations I do before watching a live concert. In my experience watching recent and past 80’s New Wave live concerts,  I observed that many of the audience are 'casual fans' like me. By that, I mean a fan who is familiar with the 80’s hits  but  not  updated with the recent releases of their favorite New Wave bands. It is a common scene  in a live concert , that whenever an unfamiliar tune or a new song is introduce, the energy suddenly drops. It is understandable  for an exasperated spectator to utter the words, “not another unfamiliar track!” and "the reason we came here in a nostalgia concert is to hear the HITS!"... But think of this, what if a band/artist coming here for a live concert has only a few hits here.  A good example is Go West who probably has at the most, only 4 popular radio-songs here. If they will only perform their popular songs just for nostalgia,  then they would have to sing only four numbers,  pack their bags and  head home. That is why I think that to fully enjoy our favorite 80’s New Wave band/artist live concerts, it is necessary to get reacquainted and updated with their music.   My style is not unique. I’m certain many live concert goers practise the methods I do before attending live concerts:

       

1. Listen and Relive – I listen to my favorite tracks frequently and relive the good old days. If I don’t have a copy of any cd of the band’s catalogue, I buy a greatest hits compilation or an album containing the hits I’m familiar with. The cds are most likely unavailable in our record bar nowadays, so I usually source my copy in Ebay.  There are many Ebay sellers (both international and local) that offer used and brand new New Wave cds. 

Having an original copy  enhances my appreciation of a band or an artist's work. You can even have it autograph if the band or  artist will have a 'meet and greet'- A perfect souvenir!  I also listen to the artist's uploaded songs in YouTube. You can also checkout blog sites that feature New Wave music. 
  

    

            My favorite Go West songs are “Call Me and We Close Our Eyes”.  

We Close Our Eyes

Call Me

What You Won't Do for Love

King Of Wishful Thinking - Live

 

     

2.  Read – As a fan, I read about the band/artist's  informations on their website and Wikipedia.  I   pay particular attention  to the band history , local and   international hits, discography and recent gigs.

Go West released three proper   albums during their heyday: Go West (self-titled 1985); Dancing on the    Couch (1987); Indian Summer (1992) 

     

3. Get updated with their new songs –  Among our recent and past visitors who  kept on making albums long after their 80’s crest in  popularity  are Howard Jones, The Human League, Belinda Carlisle, Duran Duran and Tears for Fears. We no longer hear them on the airwaves but they continue to churn out beautiful music. After I read about the band’s recent hits and  album  releases, I  now begin the process of  listening. I focus on the singles released from the album.  If they have a new cd, it is likely they would  perform 2 to 3  tracks from it. Most likely, the singles, so familiarize yourself   with these songs. Again, YouTube is the perfect place...You can also of course listen to these songs if you can find them on New Wave blog sites. If I like the songs or the album , I buy it.     

Go West released an album in 2008( futurenow) and just   released two EPS, last April 2010 and March 2011

Skin Deep - from the 2010  3D  Ep #1

Fastest Man Alive, Live - from the 2010  3D  Ep #1

4.  Look for the set list of recent concerts. Chances are they would be performing   the same songs. The more familiar you are with the songs, the more you’ll enjoy listening to the concert.

       Set list from their April 2010 concert in Australia:

     

       Black and Gold

       SOS

       Gold By God

       Tracks of My Tears

       Sex On Fire

       Glow

       Don’t Look Down

       Call Me

       King Of Wishful Thinking

       We Close Our Eyes

Other songs performed  during their recent tour: “Fastest Man Alive”(new song), “Skin Deep”(new song),  "Sun And The Moon"," From Baltimore To Paris" and  "Faithful." 

5.   Watch  music videos and film clips of their live concerts in You Tube. It’s  better  if you can purchase  a dvd of their  concert/s.           

   

  6. Bring someone with you – now is the time to have a reunion with your high  school and childhood friends. You can bring along your wife and kids too. The more the merrier.

P.S.  I would like to acknowledge and thank the following:

   
           Warrick90.youtube.com for "Call Me" video 
           The80sJukebox.youtube.com for" We Close Our Eyes" video.
           Minemurakazuya.youtube.com for, "What you won't do for love" video
        Dashproductions.youtube.com for the, "King of wishful thinking" video
            JamesMarkBarton.youtube.com for the "Skin Deep" video
         Sjworthy.youtube.com for the "Fastest man alive"  video

              

     

     

Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones and Human League live at the Araneta Coliseum, Metro Manila, Philippines. Oct. 10, 2011

        

The concert was held in the historic Araneta Coliseum, the site of "Thrilla in Manila." It started at 8:30 pm as Belinda Carlisle’s name was announced. At this point, the coliseum was full… of empty seats. The audience at the  VIP Patron , was thin. That may be a little overstatement. A handful might be a better description. It’s a good thing that the Lower Box , Upperbox A and the General Admission sections, already had  an acceptable attendance. Fortunately, as the show went on, more people came in. Yes, majority  of the audience came late.  Maybe because of heavy traffic and/or more  likely because it was Monday, they came from work.. By the time the Human League ( third act) was set to perform , I would describe the turnout as 'good.' (refer to the diagram )

          
 The shaded (black) area represents the audience distribution as I saw it. The most populated sections are  the Lower Box ( light blue) and Upper Box A (yellow). Both were packed except at the sides. Red (Center)  = VIP;  Red ( sides) = Patron;  Green = Upper Box B; Grey = General Admissions 

          

Belinda Carlisle took to the stage all by her lonesome  singing in Karaoke style, ( minus one) "We Did The Same Thing," a minor hit from her third album in 1989. (Although unfamiliar in this part of the globe.) Afterwards she said in zest, that her band did not come but promised to bring them the next time. Seeing her all alone,  wearing a simple black blouse and pants, amidst a dark stage  with  lots of empty sits in front,  was  a  surrealistic site and initially hearbreaking  to watch. Thankfully, the lively audience  was supportive of her.  After all, even without a backing band , she is  still the same  New Wave icon  that  Filipino fans  adore.  Belinda sang 6 more hit songs: "I Get Weak ", "Circle In The Sand " ; The Go Gos’, "We Got The Beat " and "Our Lips Are Sealed "; "Leave A Light On "; and lastly, "Heaven Is A Place On Earth." She still has her nice voice and even in her 50's, still has her charms and gorgeous looks.  She was doing her signature dance moves while singing. Although I would rate her set as good, it was impossible not to get disappointed.

           
Next came Howard Jones, in a shiny blue blazer and glittering grey pants with matching dark shades. He had two electronic musicians with him.   His performance, as well as his back-up, was absolutely brilliant. He sounds exactly the same as you would hear him on records. His distinct and strong voice easily reaching the high notes.  The sound system was great and the huge LCD screen backdrop further enhanced his  techno-music. Howard Jones sang thirteen songs. He started his set with the popular "Pearl In The Shell " to the delight of the audience . Afterwards the audience's interest and energy were waxing and waning  as he sang a mixture of unfamiliar tunes ("Conditioning", "Equality", "Hide And Seek",and "Automaton") from his debut and sophomore albums, (Human's Lib and Dream Into Action) as well as popular songs such as "Look Mama." "Everlasting Love " and "No One Is To Blame." It was in the latter part of his set that all hell broke loose. It began with "Life In One Day" and was followed by a string of hit songs (which were all popular here in the 80s) such as "Like To Get To Know You Well", "Things Can Only Get Better", "What Is Love" and lastly, "New Song." The audience were up and dancing while singing along. Some were even dancing like there’s no tomorrow. It was  frenzy...

The energy surge following Howard Jones' set was  dampened a bit when it took  a long while for the Human League to begin their show.  They opened with "Never Let Me Go," the opening track of their latest cd, Credo. Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall did the lead vocals while Phil Oakey, his face hidden in his jacket’s hood, provided the backing vocals. Even though it was an unfamiliar track, they manage to entrall the audience with their performance. A fantastic  show was delivered by the Human League!... complete with several wardrobe changes (which includes classy evening gowns), good lighting effects,  entertaining backdrop, great backing band and most of all excellent singing. I read, Phil Oakey once said that they are a strange group, "the two ladies are pretty average singers", and he is a lead singer who doesn’t consider himself as a singer-- yet they still see themselves as a pop group." Perhaps Phil Oakey. was just being humble, because their voices were stunning. Phil Oakey has a rich baritone voice and  sounded even better live as compared to his studio recordings. He was running frantically  across the stage the whole time and but it did not affected his singing. His onstage energy not only belied his age but he actually looks  a decade younger than 56. As for the two ladies, aside from their  nice voices they certainly have class and elegance. They performed  seventeen songs which included three from their latest cd. Although majority of the  songs were likely unfamiliar to the audience ,  it was obvious that judging from their  enthusiastic applause, they had a great time. The Human League's songs after all, are very catchy, infectious  and melodic. I'm sure they won new fans (or renewed interest) that night. As expected   their popular hits here earned the loudest cheers namely: "Lebanon,"  "Human," "(Keep Feeling) Fascination,"  "Don’t You Want Me" and the night closer, "Electric dreams." It is worth mentioning how very loud the audience sang along to the lines,  "Don't you want me baby, don't you want me oohh", and "we'll always be together, together in electric dreams." Phil Oakey was in all smile as he was singing "Electric dreams." Perhaps fascinated by how loud the audience was singing along…

Susan Ann Sulley

Joann Catherall

                              

some of the crowd at the  upper box section

                                                                
Set list:

Never let me go ( new song)
Open your heart
The sound of the crowd
Heart like a wheel
Lebanon
Egomaniac (new song)
Empire state human
Night people ( new song)
Human
Love action
Tell me when
All I ever wanted
Mirror man
(Keep feellin') Fascination
Don't you want me
Being Boiled
Together in electric dreams

All in all, despite the Belinda Carlisle debacle, it was a great show and another memorable night of New Wave concert. I’m certain many would want to see them again… Next time though, I hope it will be on a weekend ( not Monday! ) and perhaps the organizer could sell some souvenirs and merchandises. It would have been much  better if the new Human League CD, Credo was made available.



 P.S. I would like to acknowledge and thank  Gines Enriquez for the pictures. 

The Wild Swans live in Manila, Philippines , October 1, 2011 – Finally! My Review

            The legendary New Wave band from Liverpool , England, The Wild Swans, was reported to perform here live as early as 2008; so, when it was officially announced that they were indeed performing for two consecutive nights in Cebu and Manila on September 30 and October 1, 2011,respectively-- this news was greeted with jubilation by Wild Swans fans here. Hats off to the concert organizers and producer!   

           

              The Manila leg was held at One Esplanade, located in  the SM Mall of Asia complex and overlooking Manila Bay. It is around 1000 square meter ballroom facility(see pictures  from their website) and was divided into three sections for the concert: VIP, Gold and Silver

.

 I arrived at the venue at 8:00 p.m. The parking area  was dark but  attendants were there eager to guide you. The strong winds and the crashing sound of the waves made me a bit jittery. There was  actually an ongoing typhoon ( signal no.1 in Metro Manila ); and it was only three days before,  when a previous typhoon caused a phenomenon   called, “storm surge”,  battering and flooding parts of the bay area. There were already a considerable number of people waiting in line for the doors to open. I noticed that many if not most  are wearing black shirts and some have  pictures and  the logo of   The Wild Swans emblazoned on it.    

           

There were three front  acts. First was by the Sid band which started at 8:30. I recognized the front man as the lead singer of a popular band here during the '90s, the Alamid band. They performed New Wave songs  such as  "Away" by Bolshoi, "Walk Away" by The Sisters of Mercy and "Chamber of Hellos" by Wire Train,  among others.   I must say they were great!  They provided the initial adrenaline rush and enveloped the area in New Wave  atmosphere. It was  followed by jazz singer Tricia Garcia. Included in her set were  jazzy renditions of New Wave songs. The third  was provided by a popular New Wave cover band, Kudos loves the 80s.

           

              At a little past 11 , it was the Wild Swans turn to come up the stage.   By the time they were set to perform, the venue was already filled at the VIP and Gold sections. It was not  jam-packed or sold-out but the audience turnout,  I would describe as, 'excellent.' ( Despite the hideous weather.)

            The following five band members came up the stage first : Stuart Mann, on drums; Richard Turvey ( Producer of their latest cd ), on keyboards; Mike Mooney, on lead guitar; Ricky Maymi, on  rhythm guitar; and  a familiar face among New Wave fans, Les Pattinson ( of  the Echo & the Bunnymen), on bass.
           
                As Paul Simpson came up the stage he was greeted by a warm and appreciative applause.

            Finally, what everyone have waited for, the Wild Swans opened their set with the rousing “Bible Dreams,”  immediately setting-off  a blast of  excitement and nostalgia. Seventeen other songs  with the trademark Wild Swans jangle, mixed with propulsive  post-punk  drumming and bass, and gothic keyboards; with the added sweet, melancholic, and poetic lyrics delivered  in a voice described  as  haunting  were unleashed one after another. (Interrupted only by some chatter from Paul and a little introduction of his band members.) 

            Seven (7/10) songs from the classic, Bringing Home The Ashes; 3 from Space Flowers; 4 from their latest (another classic) cd , The Coldest Winter For A Hundred Years; their 1981 debut single “Revolutionary Spirit” and its  b-side, “God Forbid”;  “No Bleeding", found on the Renascent compilation cd, Incandescent;  and lastly,   Care’s “Whatever Possessed You”. What more  can we ask for?

The band  gave a very solid performanc--tight and cohesive. Stuart Mann and Richard Turvey  looked  cool and performed  smoothly. Mike Mooney was in high gear  and Ricky Maymi was full of energy. The presence of Les Pattinson  was a very special  bonus  because Echo & the Bunnymen is also popular( and idolized) here. His swaying style of doing bass is still the same as compared with  his younger years in the 80s. Paul Simpson looked  elegant with his black suit and his stage presence exudes both enigma and gentlemanly confidence.     His legendary  voice is still the same after all the years (although he had difficulty with  the high notes). 

         The audience was very engaging and their enthusiasm never wavered all throughout the concert but the  loudest cheers   were  afforded to the two most popular  Wild Swans songs  here: "Whirpool Heart" and "Bringing Home The Ashes." The audience was up and jumping as they sang their hearts out. While performing the two aforementioned songs Paul  reached  out to acknowledge  his adoring fans.


Richard Turvey




Mike Mooney

  

Les Pattinson




Ricky Maymi





 

Stuart Mann

  



               The peak of the concert  I would say, was the last song. Paul  sang a tribute number to  his Filipino fans, “Whatever Possessed You,”  a very popular song  here among New Wave fanatics during the 80s. As mentioned  the song was originally done by Care, a duo composed of Paul Simpson and Ian Broudie. The euphoric audience was so fired-up and sang along passionately.   

               After the concert,  there was a sort of a  comical   incident  courtesy of some fans who were  pleading for one more song by  incessantly shouting  in a vocal chord-shredding (and eardrum-shattering) shrill , "Flaming Sword! Flaming Sword! "Flaming Sword!"...another well-loved classic  by Care. Everyone was laughing to that. The Wild Swans then took time for picture taking and signed autographs  

               All in all  the concert was worth every centavo  spent. After waiting for  many years it was a magical feeling,  seeing  for the first time,  a  revered and legendary band perform live.  It was truly one of the most memorable New Wave concerts I have ever attended.



Autographed set list taken form the photos provided by the concert organizer.

  Although not noticeable on the list , they actually performed “Tangerine Temple” before "Whatever Possessed You."  






P.S.  I would like to acknowledge and thank the following for the  pictures:
  Giselle Roque Palma - also for bringing the Wild Swans here.  

  Mr. Eric Dantoc/Noiseninja.net