Top Asian Musical Talents: Rivermaya (Part 2)

RIVERMAYA was in Singapore to perform at the Marina Bay Countdown on 31 Dec 2008, and "You'll Be Safe Here" was the song that brought Singaporeans into the New Year 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTaGYOv-3bs

The clip above isn't very good, but it's the only one I could find on YouTube... you might notice that the singer looks different from the one in the clips I had posted before in my previous blog about RIVERMAYA... that's because they have a new lead singer, Jayson Fernandez... Jayson was selected among hundreds of potential hopefuls in a reality TV show to become the new singer of the group. He's young and got a lot of potential, if you ask me :-)

Also in the clip is AnD Artist Fiona Xie who was present at the show that night.

Anyways, let's introduce the guys in the band to you...

From left to right: Rivermaya is Japs Sergio (vocals, bass guitar), Mike Elgar (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Mark Escueta (drums) and Jayson Fernandez (vocals, guitar).

The last album released by Rivermaya was called "Buhay" and it included 16 tracks, a mixture of songs in English and Tagalog. Apparently, the album was only released in the Philippines, but I was fortunate enough to get a chance to listen to 8 of the 16 tracks on this album (thanks to Mike, Mark, Japs and Jayson for providing me with the means... **winks**), and I would like to share my favourites with you here.

I WANT YOU

After listening to the 8 tracks on their latest album, this is now my most favourite RIVERMAYA song. I think I like it so much because it sounds like a song that Duran Duran might have sung, or maybe even U2... there are definitely some Brit Rock influences going on here. Whenever I listen to this song, my ears get hooked on the basslines and guitar sounds, and I love how this song successfully brings across the feeling of yearning with its long drawn out notes. Great job, guys! This is a fan-made video clip that I found on YouTube, I decided to post it here because you can hear the song more clearly in this clip. This is "I Want You" by Rivermaya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQox7nHoeBw

Here's another video clip, this time it's the band performing "I Want You" live... you may want to turn down the volume a little, 'cos the sound on this clip is somewhat raw... I'm guessing that all the glass in this venue is affecting the acoustics here... but otherwise, the band performance here is pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWAewLUxdww

NICE TO

Here's another favourite of mine... "Nice To" is a song with simple lyrics, but the music is rather addictive to listen to. I love the drums and bass in this song. Here's RIVERMAYA performing "Nice To" during the Asia Song Festival in Korea in 2008, I enjoyed watching this performance a great deal, and I think the guys are nicely dressed here. I like the little fashionable touches like Mike's grey hat, Japs' vest and jacket, and Jayson's scarf.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZGRV1eYCFE

SLEEP

This song gave me goosebumps when I listened to it... this is "Sleep"... I love the acoustic sounds in this song... the sound of the 3 guitars unplugged and played by Mike, Mark and Japs, and the sound of Jayson's voice... just dreamy! The music video is pretty good too... simple, but visually sound, if you ask me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cSESH1T5hY

LIGAWAN STAGE (NERBYOSO PART 2)

Among the tracks that were sung in tagalog, "Ligawan Stage (Nerbyoso Part 2)" stood out to me the most, because of its cheerful tune. Of course, I had no idea what the band was singing about, until a friend of mine helped me translate the lyrics... after reading the translation, my thoughts were... gosh, what a sweet song! <3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0LrQtEV_ag

LIGAWAN STAGE (NERBYOSO PART 2)
aka COURTSHIP STAGE (NERVOUS GUY PART 2)

Kailangan kong isipin - I need to think
Kung paano aamin - How I can admit
Kapag nakikita kita - Whenever I see you
May kasama nang kaba - I get nervous

Kasi... - Because...
Nais ko sanang makasama kang muli - I want to be with you again
Mula umaga hanggang sa hating-gabi - From morning to midnight
Mahawakan lang kamay mo's ayos na - Just holding your hand is enough

Kailangan nang isipin - Now I have to think about
Kung kelan aaminin - When I can admit
Nadadala sa panunukso - I'm getting carried away by the teasing
Ng mga kaibigan ko - Of my friends
Di lang na ha ha lata - But it wasn't obvious
Kay tagal ko nang bihag, din a makahinga - I've been a hostage for so long, I can't breathe anymore
Panliligaw sa iyo'y kina-kareer ko na sa isip ko - I've been trying to "make a career" (to do well) in thinking of ways to court you

Kasi... - Because...
Nais ko sanang makasama kang muli - I want to be with you again
Hawak ang yong kamay hanggang sa pag-uwi - Holding your hand until its time to go home
Mayakap lang kita ay ayos na - Just a hug is enough

Pasensya ka na - I'm sorry
Wag ka sanang mailing - I hope you won't disapprove
Nauna kasi
Ang puso sa isipan - Its just that my heart comes after my head
Pagka-Nerbyoso ko'y
Ginagawan ko na ng paraan - I'm trying to get over my nervousness
Kahit mag mukhang payaso - Even if I looked like a clown
Ngiti mo lang ang panaginip ko - A smile from you is a dream come true

Kasi... - Because...
Ika'y anghel sa buhay kong walang saysay - You're an angel in my worthless life
Ligtas na tayo sa mundong walang kulay - We are saved from a colourless world
Mauwi lang sa kasalan, ayos na - If we end up getting married, that's enough
Sabay na sana tayong tumanda - I hope we grow old together

SUGAL NG KAPALARAN

When I first heard this song, I thought to myself, "What an awesome rock-out track!", but again, what were they singing about?? After reading my friend's translated lyrics, I found this song even more intriguing! Just check it out for yourself... this is "Sugal Ng Kapalaran".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FbHNvf_pSM

SUGAL NG KAPALARAN (GAMBLE OF FATE)

Nabubuhay ng parang panaginip - Living life like a dream
Kung pwede lang wala ng katapusan - If its only possible, that there is no end
Parang nabisita na ang langit - It seems I've already visited heaven
Ikabit nang pakpak at lumipad - Put on wings and fly

Nakita nang lahat ng gusto - I've seen everything I want
'Di akalaing makakamit ito - I've never thought I'll get it
Sana'y 'di na magising - I wish I don't have to wake up
'Wag mo nakong gigisingin - Don't wake me up
Sana'y 'di na magising - I wish I don't have to wake up

[Chorus]
Paano kung hindi na makamit ang pangarap
Na minsan ay nahawakan na? - What if I can't reach the dream I once had in my hand?
Paano maibabalik ang pangarap? - How can I get back the dream?
Meron pa nga bang pag-asa - Is there still hope?
Pag-asa? - Hope?

[Bridge]
Pirmihang kasiyahan - Permanent happiness
Sana ay 'di matakasan - I don't want to escape
Pwede bang magpakulong habang buhay? - Can I be a prisoner for life?
Pwede ba? Oh pwede ba? - Can it be? Oh can it be?

Sang ayon ka bang i-sugal ang kapalaran? - Do you agree on the gamble of fate?
Kelan ba magigising? - When will you wake up?
Tama na ang panaginip - Enough with the dreaming
Kelan ba magigising? - When will you wake up?

(Repeat Chorus except last line)

Bakit ba birira matuloy ang panaginip kapag ikaw ay nagising na? - Why is it hard to continue dreaming when you're already awake?
Paano kung hindi na magising sa umaga? - What if you can't wake up in the morning?
Dita ba mas liligaya - Will you be happier?
Mas liligaya (2x) - Happier? (2x)
Ohhhhhhhh...

BALISONG

I'm gonna close this entry with another great track... this is a slow number from their earlier English album, "You'll Be Safe Here"... in case you're wondering, the music video shows ex-lead singer Rico Blanco when he was still with the band... from what I understand, he's now pursuing a solo career. I suppose all we can do is to wish him all the best in his solo career.

This song is called "Balisong" and you'll know why I love it when you listen to the lyrics... I would dedicate this song to a special someone, 'cos it's just so appropriate... <3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci5J5fth2u8

I hope you've enjoyed listening to some of my favourite RIVERMAYA songs from their albums "Buhay" and "You'll Be Safe Here"... so what do you think of their music, and what is your favourite Rivermaya song so far?