I found this of the Phoenix's post in early 2009 and decided to make my own list. This initial list came from a Facebook link which said: Think of 25 albums that had such a profound effect on you they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world. When you finish, tag 25 others, including me. Make sure you copy and paste this part so they know the drill. Get the idea now? Good. Tag! You’re it!

The things that stand out in these albums are (1) the lyrics that reflect my life during that exact moment of time and (2) the unique voices that bring my experiences to life. The music seems to mold itself to the occasions and the circumstances that suit me the most, making it personal not only to the composer, but to me. 

The list is eclectic to say the least and comes in no order whatsoever. Just don't fall off your chair.

1. 
   

   Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi. My very first casette tape! It was the album that opened up my world to rock. Till today, I feel a sense of nostalgia whenever one of the tracks is on the radio or on my ipod. I still have the tshirt in my wardrobe somewhere, no he did not sign it for me.
   

2. Use Your Illusion 2 - Guns N' Roses. As usual, Singapore banned the outstanding Illusion 2 album in 1991. I walked into my neighbourhood store and bought it right off the shelf. So much for censorship. Way better than Illusion 1, I spent many hours listening to Axl's yowl and wallowing in the aftermath of my parent's divorce. Get in the Ring makes me smile and Civil War is still relevant today.
   
3. Diamonds and Pearls - Prince & The New Power Generation. 1991 was an outstanding year for music with Guns N' Roses and Prince. This was the first full-length Prince album that I owned. It was my comfort album through all the times I had to pick my baby bro up from the day-care centre. It also suddenly occurred to me that this man writes damn suggestive lyrics! I likey! Needless to say, some of his best songs are filed under Music to Make Love to...or Get Horny with...
   
4. 
   

   Off the Wall - Michael Jackson. Yes, Thriller is the definitive but I really loved Off the Wall for showcasing a major breakthrough talent. Till today, nothing gets me on the dance floor faster than Don't Stop Till You Get Enough. Black, white, whatever, Michael Jackson had the voice and the talent that just transcends the decades.
   

5. 
   

   Faith - George Michael. Yet another banned album if only for ONE bloody song. I was 10 years old, I wanted to have a geetar, to have faith, a father figure and a leather jacket, I though George Michael was pop royalty. It was the album that made me realize that Singapore should just let the people decide if George Michael is dirty or not. Yes, I started being a rebel at 10.

6. 
   

   Blood Sugar Sex Magic - Red Hot Chili Peppers. In a case of wonky censorhip, no one thought to ban this album. Blood sugar, baby, we had it, sex magic! I wonder why? I was 14, awed and slightly scared by this album. Plus there was the guys were in silver, the monks, references to drug taking, breaking the girl and people being naked in the rain. I wanted to cower and celebrate, yea at the same time.

7. 
   

   Nobody Else - Take That. The one thing that made Take That stand out was that they had a member who wrote their songs, not Diane Warren, not Cathy Dennis or anyone else. So yes, some of the songs were sappy but they were not overly manufactured. I loved this album and the title track because it reminded me of the people I have standing behind me all these years. Plus, I never realized how many women I've met over the years actually attended their Singapore concert with me. Amazing.

8. 
   

   I've been expecting you - Robbie Williams. Who knew the loutish one from Take That had it in him? The lyrics from No Regrets sound as bitter and as angry now as they did then. Perhaps his success was what prompted the band to re-form after so many years. But still, Robbie did his best work with Guy Chambers. His later stuff was ok but never really came close to this. Till today, I don't have many regrets about the things that I've done.

9. 
   

   Set Yourself on Fire - Stars. I first heard this album sometime in 2005, thanks to my friend Uncle Lim. In 2008, I had the pleasure of seeing them in Singapore. What I really love about their music is that the songs are literally so sad and so depressing sometimes that its all you can do, not to weep. The album is set up there with Grace.

10. 
    

    Suede - Suede. I almost fell off my chair when I heard The Drowners, then came Metal Mickey, Animal Nitrate and The Next Life. It was a fantastic way to be introduced to the Britpop phenomenon. The voice is so distinctive it sparked a plethora of copycats, the lyrics reflective of London circa 1990 and the music, loud and jangly enough to wake up a generation of naysayers who said that rock is dead. Pooi to you.
    

11. 
    

    Parklife - Blur. It sounds like the best of British punk injected with smart lyrics and beats that are just too infuriatingly catchy. Ten years after hearing this album, I was shopping in Hot Topic in the US where they were playing Parklife. A teenager in the store turned to the retail clerk and asked, is this new? It made me roll my eyes, shake my head and gave me a new appreciation for Blur.

12. 
    

    Different Class - Pulp. Lemme tell you a secret. *Whispers* This was actually the album that sparked off the singing loudly and off-key. Bet you'd never guessed, right? Stop cursing, Ms Lee...you can curse Jarvis Cocker for coming up the songs :P

13. 
    

    What's the Story Morning Glory - Oasis. So Blur won the battle of the Britpop bands back in 1995, but honestly, which album did you prefer? For me it was these lads who arrogantly declared that they were the best thing since Jesus Christ. 1995 was the year I was feeling my way around the working world and more or less like a single parent and this album helped me get to my feet each day. Where were you while we were getting high?

14. 
    

    Musicals: Rent. Because Jonathan Larson rocks, because you will always have friends who are there for you and because the issues are still relevant today. The rest of the musicals that I love, include Les Miserables, Chicago and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

15. 
    

    Soundtracks. I very rarely buy soundtracks but these are the two that influenced me the most. Dirty Dancing for taking me back in time and Velvet Goldmine for showing me that there is more than one way to listen to Thom Yorke. I still have it on play in my ipod today :o)

16. 
    

    Without You I'm Nothing - Placebo. That whiny voice is unmistakable. The lyrics dark, jaded and wry. I listen to this when I'm angry and it takes away some of the pain. This is sex, drugs and rock and roll at its dirtiest and rawest. 

    
    
17. 
    

    Grace - Jeff Buckley. Whenever I feel blue and disheartened, I turn to the one man who sounds just as blue and disheartened as me. Sometimes sweet, sometimes reflective, with a raw edge, The album is never maudlin. It never fails to lift me from my sad spirits, especially after really tough times where I just want to be left alone. Thanks to Jean for this recommendation.
    

18. 
    

    Prolonging the Magic - Cake. When Singaporeans came up with the word bo chap (indifferent), I bet they never thought how it would sound like. Well, when infused with cheeky humor, it sounds exactly like this. Never fails to make me smile.
    

    
    
19. Vs - Pearl Jam. I hated everything to do with my family at that time, especially my dad and his family. Everything that was horrible and nasty about families, these people personified. The lyrics: "Don't call me daughter, not fit to, the picture kept will remind me" hold a particular meaning to me.
    
20. 
    

    Poses - Rufus Wainwright. There is the mounful voice, the love for Judy Garland, the theatrical music...and who can resist the Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk? The album was a kaleidascope of songs, that ranged from tearful to funny. And in case you didn't realise, gay men are just like the rest of us too.
    

    
    
21. 
    

    Contra la Coriente - Marc Anthony. I picked up salsa dancing in 2005 and this was one of my favourite salsa albums from that period. Its a mix of modern pop and salsa which really catches the feet and makes the heart dance. Who knew the geeky guy in the glass could make such wonderful music? He may not be much to look at but I really love his music.
    

22. 
    

    Lie to Me - Jonny Lang. I stumbled across his debut album in 1998 and wow, he was a 16-year-old kid with an old-time blues sound that just reached out over the teeny-bopper boysbands that were so popular at the time. Reinvigorating, well, except for the song Good Morning Little Schoolgirl. It still sounds salah (wrong) today.

23. 
    

    Achtung Baby - U2. Also released in 1991, this album kick-started a whole lot of musical experimentation for the band. This was the first U2 album that I bought and have loved thoroughly at every listen, especially through nasty maths classes in secondary school. Who needs maths when you have Bono?  I'd also like to say that subsequent versions of the brilliant "One" are crap.
    

    
    
24. 
    

    The Bends - Radiohead. The whole world I know and their grandmas love Radiohead.  I cannot stand it! This was my first and only Radiohead purchase and it inspired me never to buy another Radiohead album. That said, I only love Fake Plastic Trees and Creep cos Roo played it to death in the office. In a cruel twist of fate, my sister LOVED them and bought all the albums, subjecting me to years of aural torture. Na beh.
    

    
    
25. 
    

    Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morisette. This one album is the one I keep coming back to after breakups or when I get pissed off at some idiot man or another. The voice is distinctive, sharp, angry, they lyrics went from woman pissed off from a breakup to, kind of optimistic and then resigned to circumstances that she couldn't change. The personal lyrics hit home and it one one of my favourite records of 1995.

    
    

The list is finally done. Took me over two weeks to do this and boy, was it an ordeal. Some people remember things by sights and sounds. I remember things by the music that was an integral part of my life at that time. Guess everyone has their quirks.

The experience as far as I'm concerned can also be a fucking bitter pill to swallow.

Overall, 2009 has been an outstandingly shitty year where the bad outweighed the good. Although the tide has turned for the better with work and I'm getting my footing at the new place. My personal life is closing 2009 on a quiet note and my friends are still crazy. Let's see how things go from here.

The good, as far as I can see were fantasic because I achieved some personal goals. Dancing on the Great Wall, performing in a regional salsa congress, learning to be a fireman, securing a job I wanted, visiting four different countries, having new experiences and getting reacqainted with old friends.

The bad, OMG, where do I start? From the shit exes, to fickle friends and the most amazing game ever in the old office. Everything that can and will go wrong with my personal life did. One major thing I discovered to working this out, is to trust myself because at the end of the day, this is my life. No one, no matter how many people I spoke with or confided in, will be able to solve anything for me. Everyone is out for themselves, and they will argue any problem to their advantage. Instead of talking to so many people, I should just take some time out to help myself. 

1. Work. Supports and sustains me, gives me a purpose for which I am thankful for. It's up to me to make the best of what I have.
2. Family. Is worth fighting for. But, I'm not keen on taking up ties that have been cut. Once you're cut, you're cut for good.
3. Friends. Although I have patience (sometimes) and the compassion, it does not mean you should involve me in your personal relationships. Your relationships are yours, I am the sounding board and nothing more. You may also want to look at the last sentence in point No.2 in case you get any ideas.
4. Values. My personal values are something that I live by. I do not expect anyone else to understand them and please don't ask me to explain myself to death if you don't. Respect me and i will reciprocate.
5. Whatever. Is the most grating term ever! It is rude and dismissive when used at the end of sentences or to end an argument. I will try not to use this when talking to anyone. If I wanted whatever as an opinion, I won't be speaking to you at all.
6. Patience. Will try damn hard not to roll eyes or pull any funny faces or gestures when people are being idiots. This patience thing has not happened yet as people have been rather idiotic lately. Damn hard to fulfil, this one.
7. Weddings. I resolve to be less grumpy about all the wedding invitations that I receive from now. What is with all you people suddenly getting married anyway? Noah's Ark time, is it? Whatever the case, many hearfelt wishes to all the friends and family who have found their loved ones :o)
8. Love. Is something that I am still open to, despite all the bad stuff that has happened. If the bad things made me a stronger person for surviving it, then the good things should make me more resilient for daring to open myself up to someone else. And if love doesn't happen for me? I am ok with that.
9. Dance. Improve on what I have to be a stronger and better dancer. Dancing keeps me happy and makes me feel alive. Everyone needs a hobby that challenges them, just to keep you sane and on your toes.

I was inspired by the romance of the movies this weekend while watching The Last of the Mohicans. Although I am a huge movie nut, I am never one to sit through rom-com flicks.

Let’s put it in perspective. I intensely dislike watching rom-com flicks – yes, I’ve seen almost all the classics and some of the biggest duds like Down with Love, Serendipity, No Reservations (why the hell did they have to tamper with a great original like Bella Martha?! Oh wait, Americans…figures), etc. I’m cheesed off especially if I have to sit through 90 mins of droll dialogue, uninspired directing and insipid acting that will reach a predictable ending. Bo-ring! See, this is the reason I read romances instead of watching them. Somehow in the books, the characters have much more life and spice which get lost in translation when they appear onscreen.

My notion of romantic movies is that they have to be entertaining but with a dash of reality. The actors have to have chemistry and the script cannot too silly, clunky or unbelievable. Most importantly, it has to touch the viewer and make you feel that you too, want to be saved by or loved by someone like that. Sadly, most of the factory-like rom-coms today possess neither the charm nor the sparkle that movies like When Harry Met Sally, Dirty Dancing, The Mask of Zorro or even the quirky In & Out had.

So what sort of ‘romantic’ movies do I watch? Let’s look at the list, shall we?

1. The Last of the Mohicans – I love, love Michael Mann. Even though he didn’t read the bloody book before and during the shot, he captured the romance, the wars and brought the characters to life almost effortlessly. The romance was built into the plot and you felt each and every nuance of pain, love and loss. Tell me, which girl didn’t want Hawkeye to come save them too?
   
2. Grosse Pointe Blank – Ah, this one is the interesting romantic comedy. Hit man reluctantly goes to his high school reunion, he’s on assignment, he meets the ex-flame that he stood up and he’s also being chased by a rival. What the hell’s he supposed to do? Smart, witty script, sparkling characters coupled with small bursts of action = one really fun movie.
   
3. Amelie – It’s French, it’s quirky and it introduced us to Audrey Tatou. This is one of the most implausible romantic comedies every, but its warmth and charm drew everyone into Amelie’s world and you naturally ended up rooting for its crazy heroine.
   
4. Rent – Friendship, love and loss. Although the movie version didn’t do justice to this classic musical but the fact that they reunited almost all the original cast still touches the heart. The years have added color to the songs that were not there when these actors performed their characters so many years ago.
   
5. Rob Roy – The romantic hero with a woman who possessed a spirit that was unshakeable and as strong as her man was. Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange had a chemistry that very few actors have with each other and that was what lifted then entire movie.
   
6. Sin City – Film noir, anyone? Granted this is not romantic in any way but what I loved was how they brought the characters to life, everyone looks so bloody tormented, so sad, sigh…
   
7. Chasing Amy – Ben Affleck was cool once. He was cute and witty back when he was the baffled comic book artist in love with the lesbian in this classic Kevin Smith movie. And he gets his wish too…Oh wait, didn’t I say this was a Kevin Smith movie. Expect weirdness…
   
8. The English Patient – Only ardent movie fans need apply here for this movie richly rewards those who have the patience to sit through it all. Its characters are complex and the relationships complicated but the cinematography and the script are first-class. Hence the accolades.
   
9. The Age of Innocence – Forbidden love, deceit and desire set in 1800s America. Should you marry someone just to uphold a perfect front or marry someone that you truly desire? Hey, maybe Singaporeans should watch this too…
   
10. 50 First Dates – This one almost didn’t make the cut but I figured, since Adam Sandler tried so darned hard to get Drew Barrymore to remember him, it’s worth all the silly vomiting walruses, the weird German chick and even Rob Schneider.

I’m thinking that I’ll hibernate at home with my DVDs next weekend. Gosh knows it’s too darn hot to go out and the movies that are repeated during the festival holidays suck.

This has year in music has been a relatively slow year in music for me as most of the stuff churned out this year didn't seem to really sink in. The good stuff came from all over the place and I have to mention that one of the albums that almost made the list was Givin It Up by George Benson & Al Jarreau. I say almost because I don't put the compilations or greatest hits into the list...

Bands that I usually like such Jet, Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Keane and even The Killers seem to be in some sort of weird time warp. Yes, they released albums that were pleasing but that's precisely the problem. The albums were pleasing - a good effort with nothing great to shout about.

I had a hard time filling this year's list of my favourite 10, and the list this time is eclectic, if any. Surprises - well, I can safely say that this year, no one will faint. I hope :P

10. The Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. Like the Netizens around the world, all it took was a download and it was love. The album has a lot more to offer than I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor...

9. Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah! The one album that was infectious as all hell and got me to put on my dancing shoes. If I wasn't a girl, I'd most probably be a...

8. Take That - Beautiful World. This is an ode to an old favourite but the boys have definately gotten better with age and are miles better than Westlife and the droll Boyzone. We finally get to hear Jason sing! Robbie, who?

7. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium. They attempted to get funky with Hump de Bump and continue on a winning streak with this double album. A band still a force to be reckoned with today.

6. Prince - 3121. If sexy never left the building, how the hell can Mr Timberlake claim to bring it back? Severely underrated and monstrously satisfying :o)

5. Placebo - Meds. The Brian Molko's voice is still as grating as ever and sometimes serves to remind us that not everything is as shiny and as beautiful as it seems. Kind of like a musical Nip/Tuck...

4. Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit. Caught me by surprise and I actually like it more and more because it's not as depressing as 2003's Dear Catastrophe Waitress. Hah!

3. Jarvis - Jarvis Cocker. Pulp was one of the most underrated bands of the 90s and are sorely missed in today's manufactufed pop world. Thank God for Jarvis... oh and Weird Al, who came really close. Ya, ya, so I have a thing for werid white guys, bite me.

We're almost at the end...and I must say that if my list were just the two of what I thought were the absolutely best albums this year, it'll be these two. Jostling for space for almost permanent rotation on my iPod:

2. The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers. Jack, no matter what color your last name is, you seem to have talent in spades. Where The White Stripes have gone more experimental with their last release, these guys are just balls out rock...I love, love

1. Muse - Black Holes and Revelations. Well, paint me blue can call me converted...a monstrously brilliant album full of raunchy guitars, strong vocals, and an impenetrable wall of sound loaded with delicacy. Totally unlikely, but supremely worthy. I never though Matt Bellamy had it in him..."Starlight" and "Supermassive Black Hole" are two of my favourite tracks of the year... I can't wait to see them here next month!

And you didn't think I had it in me...you should be ashamed!

The weekend went by like a blur...geez, time does literally zip by when you are having fun and I managed to:

• Clean house in the middle of the night - what's a girl to do when she's feeling restless?
• Go to Good Friday mass and get burnt by candle wax - and on an extremely salah (ie. Inappropriate) note...ooo, candle wax
• Catch up on missed casino class - and got dizzy from all those turns
• Clock in 2 hours of salsa classes at once - no more weekend hangovers for me, I hope!
• Make Liz watch Take The Lead under duress...she tried not to scoff, I drooled. Yes, I have a think for hot Latin men...and it was a good movie :o)
• Freak Liz out about her party and the evil plans I have - if you are thinking of games, people, think Sentosa. Then freak out...mwahahahahah *rubs hands in glee*
• Finally, finally complete my one-wake jump and not smash my brains all over...too much ;o)
• Watch my friends have fun drinking Punggol water...heh. Yes, I am evil that way!
• Do stretch class - I will be bendy, I will be bendy! Doing this class after riding really helps...am less achy this morning than all the other times!
• Find the perfect dress for the Maple Leaf ball this weekend...and it's fabulous! Now, to track down ol'Prince Charming...

I am just happy that I can get so much done. It's all good when my hobbies are finally turning into personal accomplishments. I haven't felt like this in a long, long time and it's invigorating! Unlike others, I'm more of a slow developer who gets better over time. My time, my pace... :o)

I've been stuck in a rut for so a while now - and y'know, it's like you get that exhausted feeling when your brains and your body is is perma-sleep or auto pilot and you just cannot function properly. Or your heart's just not in it. That's usually because I've been too absorbed with work, or plagued by silly people and have finally succumbed to sheer laziness and inactivity. Constantly sitting down for long dinners or lifting that pint in the bar does not constitute as exercise...no matter what I think.

The week's just begun and who knows what in store? Let's just hope for the best :o)