Perceptions, Cognitions, Motivations & Emotions

Every week or so I will post my song recommendations in this space. These are the songs that either got stuck in my head, or something that stands out among the many different tunes I listen to each and every week. Some old, some unheard of. But whenever possible, I will try to recommend tracks that are not released as a single or radio single yet. Here I present to you my list. Enjoy!

Note: I will try to add the songs to my RadioBlog Jukebox soon. Check back for more.


Angels & Airwaves - The Adventure
[Video] [Sampler]

After the unofficial split of Blink 182, Tom DeLonge didn't wait long to release new material with his new band Angels & Airwaves. 'The Adventure' is the band's first single release from their album 'We Don't Need to Whisper', and it features some stunning musicianship and production, which is a reflection of how their debut album sounds like. Some tracks stood out but I had to pick this one as my personal favourite. Borrowing late-80s type sonics and Tom's typical songwriting, it's a feel-good music which won't leave Blink 182 fans alienated.


Gorillaz - El Mañana
[Video] [Sampler]

A depressing song really. I've always admired Damon largely because he could create music that sounds uniquely different each time. Whereas many bands who made an attempt at experimenting sounds didn't do too well, Damon continues conjuring up great music, impressing fans and neautrals alike and leaves the critics begging for more. The music video signals the death of Noodle, as is said by Damon in their official website some time back. Wonder if it is a sign that they are losing a band member, or it could probably be the end of the Gorillaz project for now.


BT - Dreaming [Tiësto Mix]
[Video] [Sampler]


Jewel - Again and Again
[Video] [Sampler]

The sensuous Alaskan songstress is back and charging up the airwaves chart with a songwriting jewel, no pun intended. The experimental sounds of her previous album was ditched for a return to the old sounds that made her so popular. Fans will probably heave a sigh of relief, knowing that she still can write beautifully penned lyrics with acoustic southern charm. As for the music video, she doesn't look a day older than when she first released her debut 'Pieces of You'. Stunningly beautiful.


The Goo Goo Dolls - Stay With You
[Video] [Sampler]

Johnny Rzeznik and is back. The long anticipated follow-up to 2002's Gutterflower, their new album Let Love In sees the band continuing what they do best, writing pop-acoustic music that caters to contemporary adults.


Airbase - Escape
[Video] [Sampler]

Airbase also known as Jezper Soderlund is a trance act that hails from Finland. This track was a huge hit last year in the underground circuit and received rave reviews from many top DJs. Handpicked by Armin as the top 'tune of the week' for three consecutive weeks on his cult radio show A State of Trance.


Jonas Steur - Castamara
[Video] [Sampler]

A trance bomber that became Armin van Buuren's personal favourite weapon during his regular spins last year, be it on his weekly A State of Trance radio show or on dance floors all over the world. Jonas is a relative unknown in the trance music scene before this release. Born in Belgium in 1982 (shit, he's my age!), he often go under the alias Estuera. It was a surprise to see Armin leaving this track out of his annual ASOT release last year. I'm guessing this won't be the last we hear of him as he just recently released a new EP with Intuition Recordings, this time under the alias Fable.


Stratovarius - Back To Madness
[Video] [Sampler]

Finnish power metal group is back with a new self-titled album, first released in late september last year. Other tracks that stood out for me are 'Fight!!!' and 'Just Carry On'. Track starts off with a soothing piano piece layered with a cello (or was it viola?) background and slowly rises to a screamer of a chorus. Following up with a choir, guitar solo and an orchestral background later. Running at 7 mins 42 secs, it doesn't sound repetitive one bit. A gorgeous track overall.


And this has been another great (NOT!) edition of Z-Trax. Tune in for more good music next week. Until then, keep the music alive people!


"Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory." --Sir Thomas Beecham

I realised that among the many areas of study, psychology in its broad context is probably the most practical and thus most applicable knowledge one can study. Theres always a psychological terminology or theory to explain why we humans do what we do, both as an individual and also on a social setting. Through my own experience, I noticed that one's knowledge of psychology can also be used to annoy another person during a conversation in a matter of minutes. The idea is to bombard them with a plethora of psychological technical jargon within a short period of time. Success can usually result in either the other party walking away in disgust, staring at you blankly, or playing the 'whatever' card. Below I'll give you an example.


When someone you know buys an expensive car. During a ride in it, you complain how lousy it is.


You: "This car is like my vacuum. It Sucks!"
Friend: "No way, it does not!"
You: "Aha! You're experiencing 'cognitive dissonance', my friend."
Friend: "You're lying. Wait a minute... Huh??!!"
You: "Hmm... I noticed your ego just activated a defense mechanism which is known as 'Denial'."
Friend: (stares blankly)
You: "Why do you buy this brand in particular?"
Friend: "Because it's the in-thing man. It's also because I gotta drive a car that reflects my high earnings and social status."
You: "I see you're under the 'social normative influence' and apparently 'impression management' is of paramount importance to you."
Friend: "What the... (drives faster)"
You: "You look mad. Are you mad? Why are you mad? Ok, your ego just set off another defense mechanism called 'sublimation'. That explains your heavier footing on the pedal."
Friend: "Grrrrr..."
You: "Ok, you're really mad at me. Cognitive Therapy would explain that a certain event you experience leads to negative self-talk, which then leads to your emotions. As in your case, you're angry at something. What are you angry at?"
Friend: "I'm mad at you, Biatch!"
You: "A psychoanalyst would say that's a form of 'transference'". Hmm... *rubs chin* You were all normal few minutes ago and now you're a totally different person. Thats two different and distinct personalities. I think you're experiencing 'multiple-personality disorder' man! You should go for a checkup. Like... Seriously. You might also have damaged your temporal lobe or something, 'coz I think you're hallucinating. You think you're actually rich but I doubt you are. You're out of touch with reality man. I think you're a psychotic. You're sick man. Sick I tell ya!"
Friend: "ARRGGHHH!!!!! Get out of my car!!"


MWAHAHA... See, it's quite simple really. Always target someone who has no knowledge whatsoever in the subject. Remember, knowledge is power annoying. Class dismissed.

...Quoth Zaid, nevermore.

Here is a tribute to my friend Saeed. Who last sunday enjoyed an unexpected 10 seconds of fame when a small part of his audition was shown on television to a nationwide prime-time audience. His valiant attempt at becoming the next Singapore Idol didn't turn out as planned though. He may not have won the judge's heart but he definitely has won mine. Kudos to you for having the courage to try man! You're my idol dude!!



Watch out for the last guy, who came after teh credits roll. The show immediately ended just as he hit the high pitch. TERBUAHAHHAA! x10





So what's the moral of the story? Ummm... Even if you don't think you can make it, just try. You may never know what you may get!

...Quoth Zaid, nevermore.

Every week or so I will post my song recommendations in this space. These are the songs that either got stuck in my head, or something that stands out among the many different tunes I listen to each and every week. Some old, some unheard of. But whenever possible, I will try to recommend tracks that are not released as a single or radio single yet. Here I present to you my list. Enjoy!

Note: I will try to add the songs to my RadioBlog Jukebox soon. Check back for more.


Megadeth - Tornado of Souls
[Video] [Sampler]
Yeah, it's an old song so what. 16 Years to be more exact. It's planted in my head all week! Oh and check out the video from the link above. The hair, the guitar solos, the headbanging. Awesome! Watch it, especially for those of you who grew up in the Limp Bizkit era or those who think Korn is actually "metal". The video is a reminder of why rock bands nowadays sucked as compared to those of old.


Dream Theater feat. Barney Greenway of Napalm Death - Damage Inc (Metallica Cover)
Video
This is essentially a one-off performance at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, mashing the ferocious guttural vocals of grindcore legends Napalm Death with the overly compact technical blitz of Dream Theater. Listen to the original song by Metallica if u haven't heard it yet, then compare that to this. What was originally a thrashy thrash metal song, got the cleaner and tight DT treatment fused with Barney's trademark vocals which resulted in some good humour. All in all, this performance was done in the name of fun.


Placebo - Follow The Cops Back Home
[Video] [Sampler]
Taken from their latest album Meds. This song is in one word, Beautiful. I love it though it took me a couple of listens before I actually started to appreciate it. It's essentially a sad song but I'm still trying to make sense of their lyrics. Good nonetheless.


Armin van Buuren - Sail
[Video] [Sampler]
After a few mediocre (in my opinion) singles, Armin hits back with a solid track. Drifting dreamy melodic sound. I especially like the video.


Bayside - Devotion and Desire
[Video] [Sampler]
A friend recommended me this band few days back. I have never heard of them before and so I had a listen to their album and I must say I'm quite impressed. A few songs stood out but this one I particularly like. It has a catchy chorus and a nice riff to boot.


Lene Marlin - Hope You're Happy
[Video] [Sampler]
A simple acoustic guitar song with really sad lyrics. I especially like the chorus. "I'm sorry that I cannot be. As perfect as you wanted me. Just wondering, what's going on in your head. I sure hope you're fine. I hope you're conscience is clear. I hope you're happy." Also listen to the strings in the background. Great.


And this has been another great (NOT!) edition of Z-Trax. Tune in for more good music next week. Until then, keep the music alive people!


"Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory." --Sir Thomas Beecham

It was 2 am. I was bored and had trouble sleeping as I haven't reset my biological clock after last night's Champions League Final. So I decided to google-up my name and I found some humourous results. Read on.



The following taken from Urban Dictionary website:

Zaid

Used like the word "spunk" or "moxy", the noun zaid is used to describe an ingenius person.
"That kid has zaid. I like him."

Zain

Zain is an Arabic word that means beautiful. It is a common name. Typically Zain is a name for males and Zainah is the female version.
"His name is Zain. He's not necessarily effeminate because of it. It's a really good name. You should name your child Zain (or Zainah if its a girl)."


From Wikipedia website:

Zaid (زيد) also transliterated as Zayd is an arabic name, meaning abundance or growth or "one who progresses and makes other people progress".



Well IMHO, I sort of agree with the Wikipedia definition. But the Urban Dictionary? Hahaa... You decide.

...Quoth Zaid, nevermore.

Computer virus- It's the one word that can send every computer user into an emotional outrage or a panic attack, or both. Just two days ago I was happily surfing around trying to kill precious time while blasting some trance music, when suddenly my spidey senses started to tingle. My pupils contract at the sight of my mouse pointer moving around freely as if it had a mind of its own. My keyboard lights started to flicker at random. Fortunately, though my mouse moves by itself, I am still able to have some control over it and I immediately shut down all running programs. Suddenly, something else happened later that made my hair stand on ends. A manly computerized voice was heard over my speakers, speaking out in what seemed like a poor inpersonation of Darth Vader... "SOR-RY, I DO NOT UN-DER-STAND". What the..... Arghhh! Imagine the horror. My first thought was that someone is accessing my computer remotely, i.e. hacking me. I unplugged my cable lines and ran out to shut down the modem. Went back in to assess the damage and it was then that I realised that it was a virus. But but... How could it be? I mean I had the latest virus definitions. Was it a new virus or spyware? What went wrong? Realising that I could'nt count on Mr. Norton, I tried to rectify it myself. Dissected my registry entries, and removed some questionable entries there. Lo and behold, everything is back to normal after a few tries. So what's the moral of the story? Umm... Always expect the unexpected, don't get too complacent and don't be too trusting of Mr. Norton.

...Quoth Zaid, nevermore.

Strange infatuation seems to grace the evening tide such imagination seems to help the feeling slide. Instant correlation sucks and breeds a pack of lies, oversaturation curls the skin and tans the hide. I'll take it by your side.

You're unclean, a libertine and every time you vent your spleen I seem to lose the power of speech you're slipping slowly from my reach you grow me like an evergreen you've never seen the lonely me at all. So take the plan and spin it sideways 'coz without you I'm nothing at all.

...Quoth Zaid, nevermore.