What's Hot On My List

Favourite Local Bands - Estranged & Hujan.

Estranged appeared in the midst of a 'long draught', where local bands sounded so laid back and 'so-Melayu' that all new Indonesian Bands felt fresh and more exciting. The 'Draught' catapulted popular Indo Bands like Peter Pan, Sheila On 7, Dewa 19, Ungu (just to name a few) to great heights because of their innovative, simple, yet catchy tunes.

When Estranged came in, led by the charismatic AF4 Alumni - Rich, they brought in a progressive Pop flavour that bodes well with the young, and duly acceptable by the slightly elder generation.

Their song "Itu Kamu" became a huge hit and retained its popularity for a quite long period because of its simple lyrics and melodious chord progression.

They even won the coveted 'Anugerah Juara Lagu' amidst other Hot favourites like "Izinkan Ku Pergi" and "Destinasi Cinta".


Initially, I didn't quite get Hujan. I was not so certain whether to like the song or to despise it. The vocalist sounded so 'sempoi' and so laid back that it caught me off-guard.

But after additional listening, their hit song "Pagi Yang Gelap" became a magical anthem for me. Why?

1. The interlude started off with a Jazzy plucking of the Guitar Solo, a repertoire seldom used by our local bands in an album.

2. The lyrics is not about 'love, love & love' - it's about Relationship among Siblings, Brothers.

3. The music arrangement and the chorus is simple and catchy. After one listening, I would imagine it coming from an Indo Band.


Here's a tribute to Estranged & Hujan - two of the best local bands around!

American Idol Season 9

For the first time ever, I walked through the whole sessions of American Idol Hollywood Week and watched all the contestants strutting their guitars and belching out tunes after tunes to the aggressive comments of the ever-so-well-known line of Judges i.e. Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and the newly-installed Ellen De Generes.

Personally, I think Ellen did a great job in replacing Paula. She was honest in her remarks and even landed a few trademark wits onto some nervy contestants. She was indeed a pleasant addition to the Idol Adjudicators.

As the days progressed, one could have easily predicted a handful of favourites amongst the many eager contestants. I have had my favourites picked earlier, even during the Auditions. The Hollywood Week just strengthen my faith on some of these gifted new talents. I had my bets on a few picks namely Andrew Garcia, Jermaine Sellers, Casey James, Didi Benami,Lilly Scott and Katie Stevens. Guess what? They all went through to the Final 24.


When the results were announced, the were one or two surprising omissions but as long as the main favourites were there, I was fine with their selections.

Here are the Final 24 for this year's contest: -

The GUYS (in alphabetical order): Lee Dewyze, Andrew Garcia, Tyler Grady, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Michael Lynche, Joe Munoz, John Park, Jermaine Sellers, Tim Urban.


The GIRLS (in alphabetical order): Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Ashley Rodriguez, Lilly Scott, Katie Stevens, Haeley Vaughn, Janell Wheeler.

And here are my PREDICTIONS for the Final 12 this year, based on their current performance, sheer talents and their ability to draw potential votes from the American Audience: -

GUYS: Andrew Garcia, Tyler Grady, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, Jermaine Sellers.


GIRLS: Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Paige Miles, Ashley Rodriguez, Lilly Scott, Katie Stevens.


Well, the final outcome will definitely differ from the above, as things can only become clearer once these contestants begin to perform on stage and in front of those crazy crowd.

Unlike previous seasons, no clear favourites this time around. No David Archuleta, no Adam Lambert, no Carrie Underwood, no Bo Bice.

Let's see who can secure the highest no. of votes...