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CONTENTS Features CASEY KASEM: Counting Down the Hits 11 JOHN LEGEND 13 BONO: Rock Star of Philanthropy
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A STEVENS ONCE NAMED CAT 21
ISRAEL: Self-Preservation 32 ROBIN WILLIAMS: Comedy King and More 52
Sections 5 Cord Hits/ 28 Cord Artists/ 34 Music+Current/ 36 Concert Reviews/ 37 Music Reviews/ 39 Cord Images/43 Limya/ 44 Comics / 49 Kim & El/ 49 Mr Jeydi’s Witdom/ 50 Good Laugh/ 54 Film Reviews/58 Guitar Chord Chart
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From the Editor The world has gone chaotic in recent months with the savagery of Isis terrorists in Iraq and Syria, the downing of the Malaysian Airline plane in troubled East Ukraine, the battle between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza, the threat of Ebola virus and the racial tension in the United States as a result of the killing of an African-American teenager by a white policeman in Ferguson, Missouri. These are the headline grabbing items, but we must realize that poverty and starvation, AIDS and other diseases, human trafficking and people exploitation are continuing maladies that threaten humanity. There are institutions and individuals that use their resources, time and talents to solve the problems that besiege the world. The United Nations was formed primarily to bring about global peace and more, yet it has itself become a battleground among the powerful states putting their national interests above those of the bigger world. Where governments fail, there are non-profit organizations that address immediate as well as long-term needs of the needy and vulnerable. The Red Cross/Red Crescent has been in the battlefronts of wars and calamities. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has become a common ground for the wealthiest peoples to end poverty and malaria, among others. In this issue of CORD, we focus on the artists who do their bit in alleviating those who are in dire straits. Bono, lead singer of the rock band, U2, is a model for other artists to emulate, for not only has he championed good causes, he has made business investments that share part of its revenues to charity. Cat Stevens/Yusuf is another musician who has made a difference in people’s lives. While philanthropists are changing the world for the better, we ask ourselves: ‘Can I, as an individual, do something to make a difference?” Of course, each of us can. It doesn’t have to be monumental endeavors. Some examples: helping out in the chores in the house; segregating organic and inorganic trash; following the speed limit while driving; and contributing to worthy causes. There are so many programs that need a helping hand, that require your hand. Let us fill the world with goodness. Mel B Libre Editor
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CORD HITS Let Them See You JJ Weeks Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOg1JjAdGk&feature=kp
Intro: G/B C Am C/E G/B C Am C/E
Verse 1: G/B C Am C/E Take away the melodies G/B C Am C/E Take away the songs I sing G/B C Am C/E Take away all the light G/B C Am C/E And all the songs you let me write Dm C Am G Does the man I am today Dm C Am G Say the words you need to say Chorus: C Gm Let them see You in me F Dm Let them hear You when I speak C Gm Let them feel You when I sing Am#5 Let them see You
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F Fm C Let them see You in me Verse 2: G/B C Am C/E Who am I without your grace G/B C Am C/E Another smile , another face G/B C Am CE Another breath, a grain of sand G/B C Am CE Passing quickly through your hand Dm C Am G I give you my life, an offering Dm C Am F Take it all, take everything
[Repeat Chorus] Bridge: Am With every breath I breathe E Sing a simple melody C/G D But I pray they’ll hear more than a song F G In me, in me G/B C Am C/E G/B C Am C/E Dm F Am G Dm F Am G [Repeat Chorus x 2] Coda: F Fm C Let them see You in me
Instrumental: C Gm F Dm C Gm F Bb C
How Sweet The Sound Citizen Way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXMNza ZgMEM
C-G-D AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND Em D C-G-D IT'S A BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SOUND
Verse Em C G You carry me through the waters Em C G Where Your peace clears away all my sorrow Em C G And nothing can se-pa-rate us Am D From Your love oh Your love it will always be
Verse Em C G Yeah though I walk through the valley Em C G D I know that You are always right beside me Em C G And I will fear no evil Am D You're my rock You're my strength You comfort me Chorus C G D AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND Em D I HEAR YOU SINGING OVER ME C G D I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND D D AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL C Em D AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND Am IT COVERS EVERY PART OF ME C D MY SOUL IS SILENT I AM FOUND 6|CORD
Chorus C G D AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND Em D I HEAR YOU SINGING OVER ME C G D I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND D D AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL C Em D AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND Am IT COVERS EVERY PART OF ME C D MY SOUL IS SILENT I AM FOUND C-G-D AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND Em D C-G-D IT'S A BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SOUND Bridge Am Em You were healing in the pain G D You were shelter in the storm C G D Hallelujah You restore my soul (Repeat Bridge)
Chorus C G D AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND Em D I HEAR YOU SINGING OVER ME C G D I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND D D AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL C Em D AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND Am IT COVERS EVERY PART OF ME C D MY SOUL IS SILENT I AM FOUND C-G-D AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND Em D C-G-D IT'S A BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SOUND
All The People Said Amen Matt Maher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhfPLY VZ5j0&feature=kp
Intro CGD Verse 1 C G D E You are not alone, if you are lonely C G D E When you feel afraid, you're not the only C G D E We are all the same, in need of mercy C G D To be forgiven and be free A E D 7|CORD
It's all you got to lean on but thank God it's all you need Chorus G D G And all the people said Amen, woah C G D And all the people said Amen C G H E Give thanks to the Lord for His love never ends C D G And all the people said Amen Verse 2 C G D E If you're rich or poor, well it don't matter C G D E Weak or strong, you know love is what we're after C G D E We're all broken, but we're all in this together C G D God knows we stumble and A E D And He so loved the world, He sent His son to save us all Bridge C G D G Blessed are the poor in spirit who are torn apart C G D G Blessed are the persecuted and the pure in heart C G D E Blessed are the people hungry for another start A D For this his the kingdom, the kindom of God
Broken Hallelujah The Afters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFDAyy Fn3WY&feature=kp
VERSE: D I can barely stand right now. Bm Everything is crashing down, A G D And I wonder where You are.
VERSE: D I try to find the words to pray. Bm I don't always know what to say, A G D But You're the one that can hear my heart.
PRE-CHORUS: G A Bm And even though I don't know what Your plan is, A I know You're making beauty from these ashes.
CHORUS: D I've seen joy and I've seen pain. A On my knees, I call Your name. Bm G Here's my broken hallelujah. D With nothing left to hold onto, A 8|CORD
I raise these empty hands to You. Bm Here's my broken, G D Here's my broken hallelujah. A Bm Hallelujah, Hallelujah G Here's my broken hallelujah.
VERSE: D You know the things that have brought me here. Bm You know the story of every tear. A G D ‘Cause You've been here from the very start.
PRE-CHORUS: G A Bm And even though I don't know what Your plan is, A I know You're making beauty from these ashes.
CHORUS: D I've seen joy and I've seen pain. A On my knees, I call Your name. Bm G Here's my broken hallelujah. D With nothing left to hold onto, A I raise these empty hands to You. Bm Here's my broken G D Here's my broken hallelujah, A Bm Hallelujah, Hallelujah G Here's my broken hallelujah.
OUTRO: D A When all is taken away, D Bm Don't let my heart be changed. G D Let me always sing Hallelujah A And when I feel afraid, Bm Don't let my hope be erased G Let me always sing A D Let me always sing Hallelujah A Hallelujah. D Hallelujah. I will always sing A Hallelujah I will always sing Bm Hallelujah G Here's my broken hallelujah. G D Here's my broken hallelujah. I will always sing A Hallelujah I will always sing Bm Hallelujah G Here's my broken hallelujah. D Here's my broken hallelujah. A Hallelujah Bm Hallelujah G D Hallelujah 9|CORD
With Every Act Of Love Jason Gray http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=019JJJN U INTRO: C1 / / D-E A / F1 / [note rhythm: the D, E and F1/G are up strokes] C1 / / D-E A / G / [Verse 1] C1 F1 Sitting at the stop light bothered by the heart cry
A he can't be
C1 A B Written on the cardboard in her hands Oh, but C1 A when she looks him in the eye is broken, open wide
F1 his heart
C1 A G and he feels the hand of God reach out through him F1 C2 G As heaven touches earth [[CHORUS]] F2 C2 G Am F2 C2 G Am Oh Oh We bring the kingdom come Oh Oh With every act of love F2 C2 G Jesus help us carry you light shines through
Am alive in us your
F2 C2 G Hold G with every act of love we bring the kingdom come [INTRO] [Verse 2] C1 F1
A
There's silence at the table. talk but he's not able
He wants to
F2 C2 G One of those doors is you
I said
C1 A G for all the shame that's locked him deep inside. Oh, but
F2 C2 G Am God put a million million doors in the world, for his love to walk through
C1 A F1 her words are the medicine when she says they can begin again
F1 C2 G [1/2 intro end on B: C1 / / D-E A / B One of those doors is you
C1 A B Forgiveness will set him free tonight
[CHORUS] 2x (skip "come" first time through)
F1 C2 G As heaven touches earth [[CHORUS]] [BRIDGE] F2 C2 G Am God put a million million doors in the world, for His love to walk through
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END VIOLENCE “All we are saying is give peace a chance.” - John Lennon
Peace begins with you. CORD Campaign 2014, Series 2
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CASEY KASEM: Counting Down the Hits One of the most effective promoters of American pop music from the 70s until the 90s was Casey Kasem, the voice behind American Top 40 or AT40. If you didn’t know that then think of Ryan Seacrest who took over the radio show from the pop radio icon. Kasem built AT40 from scratch in a radio station in Boston to becoming sort of the Rolling Stone of the airwaves. He wasn’t as groundbreaking as Alan Freed, as controversial as Howard Stern or as unique as Wolfman Jack; but he had a warm and friendly audio presence that appealed to the youths of the day and across the world. Each week, usually on a Sunday, Kasem counted the hottest songs for four hours, that didn’t stop until it reached number one. It wasn’t just the worldwide audience that kept tab of the count, for surely, popular musicians were crossing their fingers to be on top of the heap. Casey Kasem, died on June 15, 2014 at the age of 82, and the world did not forget. His highly successful successor, Seacrest said: "It’s a sad day for the broadcasting community and for radio listeners around the world. When I was a kid, I would listen to Casey Kasem’s AT40 show every weekend, and dream about someday becoming a radio DJ. So when decades later I took over his AT40 countdown show, it was a surreal moment. Casey had a distinctive friendly on-air voice, and he was just as affable and nice if you had the privilege to be in his company. He’ll be greatly missed by all of us." Typical of disc jockeys, Kasem learned his way through radio until he gained enough confidence to launch the weekly American Top 40 on July 4, 1970. The countdown would start at #40 until it reached #1 based on the Billboard Hot 100 each week. What made his program interesting was his bio-info on artists, long-distance dedications and occasional interviews. Always he would end with the sign-off slogan: "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars." From 4 stations, the syndicated program went nationwide in the late 70s, and worldwide in the 80s. He said that when the program went on air for the first time, it would be around for 20 years: “"I knew the formula worked. I knew people tuned in to find out what the No. 1 record was." AT40 went beyond 20 years and continues to attract listeners even with the advent of MTV, Youtube and Spotify. Thanks Casey Kasem. You are now among the stars in sky that we keep reaching for.
GOODBYE.
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FACT SHEET
JOHN LEGEND Stage name Real name Birthday Birthplace Genres Occupations Instruments Years active Biggest hits Recognition
John Legend John Roger Stephens December 28, 1978 Springfield, Ohio, USA R&B, soul, pop Singer-songwriter; actor Vocals, piano, keyboards 2001- present Ordinary People, All of Me Received 9 Grammys starting in the 2006 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, for Best New Artist and for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
ALL OF ME (John Legend) [Verse 1] (Em, C, G, D) Em C G What would I do without your smart mouth D Em Drawing me in, and kicking me out C G D Em Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can’t pin you down C G What’s going on in that beautiful mind D Em I’m on your magical mystery ride C G D Am And I’m so dizzy, don’t know what hit me, but I’ll be alright [Bridge] (Am, Em, D) Am Em My heads under water D Am But I’m breathing fine Em D Your crazy and I’m out of my mind
[Chorus] (G, Em, Am, D) G Cause all of me Em Loves all of you
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Am Love your curves and all your edges D All your perfect imperfections G Give your all to me Em I'll give my all to you Am You’re my end and my beginning D Even when I lose I’m winning Em C G Cause I give you all, all of me Em C G D And you give me all, all of you, oh [Verse] (Em, C, G, D) Em C G How many times do I have to tell you D Em Even when you’re crying you’re beautiful too C G D Em The world is beating you down, I’m around through every move C G You’re my downfall, you’re my muse D Em My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues C G D Am I can't stop singing, it’s ringing, in my head for you [Bridge] [Chorus] [Bridge Change] Am Em Cards on the table D Am We’re both showing hearts Am Em D Risking it all, though it’s hard [Chorus] Em C G Cause I give you all, all of me Em C G D And you give me all, all of you, oh
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BONO: Rock Star of Philanthropy A generous heart is not enough to be a philanthropist; it requires more than enough money to make an impact in society. For starters, the following are listed as the most generous philanthropists: Warren Buffet ($30.7B); Bill & Melinda Gates ($29.0B); Li Ka-shing ($10B); Chuck Feeney ($6.2B); and George Soros ($6B). Health care is the common concern of all the five top philanthropists with poverty and education getting shares in the funding pie. Buffet also aims to address access to information technology, while the Gates give concern to AIDS-prevention and sanitation. Feeney, who founded The Atlantic Philanthropies, one of the largest private foundations in the world, and co-owns Duty Free Shoppers Group, finds youth, ageing and human rights as worthy causes, whereas, Soros contributes to anti-Fascist publications and social reforms. To sustain their philanthropic endeavors, these billionaires have deep pockets sourced from high-yielding investments and lucrative businesses. It isn’t easy to relate philanthropy with Rock ‘n Roll (and its more edgy offspring, Rock) which was described as “devil’s music” in its inception. The genre, identified with drugs, booze, sex and material excesses, is littered with dead legends such as Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. George Harrison, of the Beatles, was a beacon of music for humanitarian causes when he used his celebrity status to bring some of his friends (including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar, Leon Russell, Billy Preston and Bad Finger) in the 1971 “Concert for Bangladesh”, a template for succeeding concerts-for-a-cause. The 2-shows raised US$250,000, while the album and film brought in $12 million. The amount helped prevent a humanitarian disaster as a result of Bhola cyclone that killed half a million Bengalis in November 1970 and the Pakistani army’s slaughter of 250,000 civilians at the height of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. There had been similar one-off events to bring public awareness to issues or raise funds to help victims of calamities, both natural and man-made. The more prominent ones: Live Aid (1985), Live Earth (2007), Live 8 (2008), and 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief. “Farm Aid” initiated by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young first took place in 1985 to help American farmers in danger of losing their farms through mortgage debt. It is one of the longest running concerts-for-a-cause as it is staged every year (except 1988 and 1991).
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The important aspect of philanthropy is the follow-through on funded programs, and that requires commitment, resources and selflessness on part of the philanthropist. Bono (real name: Paul David Hewson) is the lead singer/songwriter of the Irish rock band, U2. He is also described as a venture capitalist, businessman, and philanthropist. Assured of a place among the biggest rock stars of all time, Bono has also established himself as one of the most important philanthropist of his generation. You don’t get to be called 2005 Time Person of the Year together with Bill and Melinda Gates, if you aren’t the real deal. The man knows what he wants. “As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both,” he says. In an interview with USA Today, he recalled how he became politically conscious because of two towering figures, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu: "These two men turned our lives upside down — or rightside up, more accurately...Mandela gave this beautiful speech in (London's) Trafalgar Square in 2005, where he said that poverty is not a natural condition. It is man-made; it can be overcome by the action of human beings." He told Rolling Stone magazine that it was the Secret Policeman’s Ball benefit shows for Amnesty International in 1979 that roused him to be an activist: “I saw 'The Secret Policeman’s Ball' and it became a part of me. It sowed a seed”. U2 performed subsequently in the benefit show. He was one of the many British rockers that sang in Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas” benefit single for victims of famine in Africa in 1984 that projected Boomtown Rats’ leader Bob Geldof to prominence. Years later, Bono would collaborate with Geldof in ‘Live Aid’ projects and in the 2005 ‘Live 8’, a series of benefit concerts held on July 2, 2005 to support UK’s Make Poverty History campaign and the Global Call for Action against Poverty. The campaign succeeded in 18 | C O R D
obtaining the nod of G8 leaders to double the aid to poor nations from US$25 billion to US$50 billion. Philanthropy requires more than good intention. One should put money where his mouth is. While Bono has tied up with some of the Forbes’ wealthiest for the causes he believes in, he is himself wealthy not just because of his earnings as a musician, but also for his investments. He is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Elevation Partners, a company formed in 2004 with Marc Bodnick, Roger McNamee (both of Silverlake Partners), Fred Anderson (formerly of Apple) and John Riccitello (Electronic Arts). The company has investments in such companies as Palm, Facebook, Yelp and Forbes. Along with the Edge, Bono has shareholdings in Dropbox and owns a five-star 49-bedroom hotel in Dublin. The two U2 musicians helped finance the costliest musical of all time, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark that initially had teething troubles, but is turning out to be a goose that is laying golden eggs. Though he contributes part of his income to ONE Foundation, Bono is not short of critics that tag him as one merely using his charitable endeavors as tools to minimize paying taxes. According to Richard Murphy, a U.K. - based adviser to the Tax Justice Network, Bono's dealings have not always followed the altruistic ideals he espouses. Murphy says, “This is somebody who's exceptionally rich taking the opportunity to shift his tax burden to somebody else, but then asking governments around the world to spend that tax take in the way that he would like.'' But Bono just minds his own business, and even uses his influence to get private establishments to share their profits to worthy causes. Such is the case of Product(RED), a marketing agreement with a half dozen companies that are selling a special RED line of clothing, cell phones and other merchandise and donating 40 percent of the profit they make from the products to a charity that pays for AIDS drugs for HIV-infected Africans. He explained, ``We can move into business, and let's bring our idealism into whatever piece of the world we happen to be standing in.'' While the politics of the 70s may have inspired him to pursue his activism and philanthropy, surely his Dublin upbringing and Christian faith have contributed to what he is. In an interview with Michka Assayas about his faith, Bono said: “My understanding of the Scriptures has been made simple by the person of Christ. Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean? What it means for me: a study of the life of Christ. Love here describes itself as a child born in straw poverty, the most vulnerable situation of all, without honor. I don’t let my religious world get too complicated. I just kind of let go: Well I think I know what God love is. God is love, and as much as I respond in allowing myself to be transformed by that love and acting in that love, that’s my religion.” 19 | C O R D
His all-embracing approach to philanthropy came from a realization. “Because I was suspicious of the traditional Christian church, I tended to tar them all with the same brush. That was a mistake, because there are righteous people working in a whole rainbow of belief systems from Hasidic Jews to right-wing,” he explained. He has been criticized for working with “unlikely bedfellows’, but he defended his philosophy, saying: “As uncomfortable as I've sometimes felt, I get over it quickly when I think about the lives we are trying to save and improve." While Bono is the “Rock Star of Philanthropy”, there are many others pursuing good causes as well. The late Michael Jackson organized USA for Africa’s “We are the World” as well as the 'Heal The World Foundation', that brought help not only to Africans but to underprivileged children around the world. Madonna focused her help to Malawi, one of the world’s most impoverished nations. JustinTimberlake through the Justin Timberlake Foundation donates to public schools in music education programs. Cat Stevens/Yusuf uses most of his music royalties to philanthropic causes in Muslim communities (see separate article). Shakira established the Barefoot Foundation that attends to education and nutrition of children affected by conflict in Colombia. Paul McCartney supports numerous causes including cancer research, AIDS prevention, animal abuse and minefield victims. South Korean pop musician Cho Yong-Pi helps children with heart disease and provides living expenses and scholarships for poor students. And surely there are many more artists who have done good things to the world, other than making music. While there are those who dream about helping those who are vulnerable in society; there are those who do help in big or small ways. The latter ones make our world a little better. As Bono puts it: “You see, idealism detached from action is just a dream. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong.”
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A Stevens once named Cat 21 | C O R D
Long before Madonna thought about “reinventing” her image to keep herself relevant to each generation, there was Cat Stevens. He was a teen pop star in the mold of Del Shannon and Cliff Richard when he started; then rebelled against his manager to becoming a folk rock songwriter-performer in the batch of James Taylor, Carole King and then girlfriend, Carly Simon. But while JT & company carried on in their established genre, Cat Stevens, in 1977, experimented with synthesizers that developed a techo-pop sound that dominated his Izitso album. Unknowingly, he opened the door for New Wave bands in the 80s. And then he disappeared, having converted to Islam in 1977. In October 2001, he re-appeared through a videotape on a VH1 pre-show for the Concert for New York City, condemning September 11 terrorist attacks and singing his song "Peace Train" for the first time in public in more than 20 years. In 2006, he formally returned to the pop music scene with a new name, Yusuf with the album, An Other Cup. The difference between Madonna’s reinventing and that of Cat Stevens/Yusuf’s is that the latter did so because of what he believed in and not for the sake of commercial convenience. An Imam told Cat Stevens at the time of his conversion to Islam that he could continue to being a music artist, but Stevens/Yusuf opted to leave behind both his past and his music. He even earned the ire of the Western media for his controversial stand on Ayatollah Khomeini's death fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, which he later admitted were "stupid and offensive jokes" made in "bad taste." On the day following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Yusuf came forward to condemn these, saying, “I wish to express my heartfelt horror at the indiscriminate terrorist attacks committed against innocent people of the United States yesterday. While it is still not clear who carried out the attack, it must be stated that no right-thinking follower of Islam could possibly condone such an action. The Qur'an equates the murder of one innocent person with the murder of the whole of humanity. We pray for the families of all those who lost their lives in this unthinkable act of violence as well as all those injured; I hope to reflect the feelings of all Muslims and people around the world whose sympathies go out to the victims of this sorrowful moment.” With the continuing royalties he receives from his songs, Cat Stevens/Yusuf has been active in supporting efforts for world peace and humanitarian relief work. For his charity work, he has been recognized a number of times including: the 2003 "World Social Award" for "humanitarian relief work helping children and victims of war"; and the 2004 Man of Peace Award presented by Mikhail Gorbachev for his "dedication to promote peace, the reconciliation of people and to condemn terrorism" that was witnessed by five Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Cat Stevens/Yusuf was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he performed three of his most popular hits, namely "Father and Son", "Wild World", and "Peace Train". As a way of honoring the works of Yusuf/Cat Stevens, CORD presents its Top 5 Cat Stevens songs. 22 | C O R D
CORD TOP 5: CAT STEVENS/YUSUF #1 Father and Son From: 'Tea for the Tillerman' (1970) Stevens tackles the sensitive issue of generation gap delivering the song with father and son conversing. He originally wrote this for a play that never materialized. G C Csus4 G D C Am It's not time to make a change, just relax and take it easy G Em You're still young that's your fault Am D there's so much you have to know G D C Am Find a girl, settle down, if you want to, you can marry G Em Am C D Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy G Bm C Am I was once like you are now, and I know that its not easy G Em Am D to be calm, when you've found something going on G Bm C Am But take your time, think a lot, why think of everything you've got G Em D G For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not G C Csus4 2x G Bm
C
Am
How can I try to explain? when I do he turns away again G Em Am C D it's always been the same, same old story G Bm C Am From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen G Em D G 23 | C O R D
now there's a way and I know I have to go away D C G G C Csus4 and I know I have to go G D C Am It's not time to make a change, just relax and take it easy G Em You're still young that's your fault Am D there's so much you have to know G D C Am Find a girl, settle down, if you want to, you can marry G Em Am C D Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy G Bm C Am All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside G Em Am D It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it G Bm C Am If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them they know, not me G Em D G Now there's a way, and I know that I have to go away D C G I know I have to go
#2 Morning Has Broken
been covered by many artists, including Jimmy Cliff, Maxi Priest and Mr. Big.
From: 'Teaser and the Firecat' (1971) A 19th century melody that became a traditional religious hymn in the 1930s, Morning Has Broken is sung in its original form with Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman providing the beautiful piano accompaniment. Intro: D G A F# Bm G7 C F C (N.C.) C Dm G F C Morning has broken, like the first morning (C) Em Am D7sus G Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird C F C Am D Praise for the singing, praise for the morning G C F G7 C F Praise for the springing fresh from the world G E Am G C G7 C Dm G F C Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven C Em Am D7 G Like the first dewfall, on the first grass C F C Am D Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden G C F G7 C F Sprung in completeness where his feet pass Am F# Bm G D A7 D D Em A G D Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning F#m Bm E7 A Born of the one light, Eden saw play D G D Bm E Praise with elation, praise every morning A D G A7 D God's recreation of the new day G A F# Bm G7 C F C
#3 Wild World From: 'Tea for the Tillerman' (1970) It is said that the song is a call for independence, and its acoustic approach exemplifies that less can be beautiful. It reflected the spirit of a generation, and has
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Am D7 G Now that I've lost everything to you G Cmaj7 F You say you wanna start something new F Dm E And it's breaking my heart you're leaving E Baby I'm grievin' Am D7 G But if you want to leave take good care G Cmaj7 F Hope you have a lot of nice things to wear F Dm E G7 But then a lot of nice things turn bad out there C G Am F Oh baby baby it's a wild world G F C It's hard to get by just upon a smile C G Am F Oh baby baby it's a wild world G F C D E I'll always remember you like a child, girl Am D7 G You know I've seen a lot of what the world can do G Cmaj7 F And it's breaking my heart in two F Dm E Because I never want to see you sad girl E Don't be a bad girl
Am D7 G But if you want to leave take good care G Cmaj7 F Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there F Dm E G7 But just remember there’s a lot of bad out there C G Am F Oh baby baby it's a wild world G F C It's hard to get by just upon a smile C G Am F Oh baby baby it's a wild world G F C D E Am D7 G Cmaj7 F Dm7 I'll always remember you like a child, girl Am D7 G Cmaj7 F Dm7 E Am Baby I love you Am D7 G But if you want to leave take good care G C F Hope you make a lot of nice friends out there F Dm E G7 But just remember there’s a lot of bad out there
G Am And I believe it could be, F G F something good has begun C G C Oh I've been smiling lately, F C F dreaming about the world as one G Am And I believe it could be, F G F some day it's going to come C G C Cause out on the edge of darkness, F C F there rides a peace train G Am Oh peace train take this country, F G F come take me home again C G C Now I've been happy lately, F C F thinking about the good things to come G Am And I believe it could be, F G F something good has begun C G C G C Oh peace train sounding louder F C F Glide on the peace train F G Am Come on now F G F come on the peace train
#4 'Peace Train' From: 'Teaser and the Firecat' (1971) If Lennon has “Imagine”, Stevens' got “Peace Train”. It is Stevens’ first Top 10 hit in the US and remains popular for its timeless message. C G C Now I've been happy lately, F C F thinking about the good things to come 25 | C O R D
C G C G C peace train holy roller F C F Everyone jump upon the peace train F G Am oooooooooo F G F Come on now peace train Get your bags together,
go bring your good friends too Cause it's getting nearer, it soon will be with you
Stevens the ASCAP awards 2005 and 2006 Songwriter of the Year. G D C D 2x
Now come and join the living, it's not so far from you And it's getting nearer, soon it will all be true Now I've been crying lately, thinking about the world as it is Why must we go on hating, why can't we live in bliss Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again
G D C D I would have given you all of my heart, G C D C but there's someone who's torn it apart G D C D And she's taken almost all that I've got, G D CD but if you want, I'll try to love again G C D D Baby I'll try to love again but I know G D C D G The first cut is the deepest, baby I know, D C D the first cut is the deepest G D C D 'Cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed, G C D C when it comes to loving me she's worst G D C D But when it comes to being in love she's first, that's how I know G D C D G The first cut is the deepest, baby I know, D C D the first cut is the deepest G D C D I still want you by my side
#5 First Cut is the Deepest From: New Masters (1967) Before he became an internationally known artist, Cat Stevens wrote "The First Cut Is the Deepest" in 1965 which was recorded first by P. P. Arnold in 1967. The song became hits for Rod Stewart in1977 and Sheryl Crow in 2003. The song earned for
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G C D C just to help me dry the tears that I've cried G D C D cause I'm sure gonna give you a try G D CD and if you want, I'll try to love again G C D D baby, I'll try to love again, but I know G D C D G The first cut is the deepest, baby I know,
D C D the first cut is the deepest G D C D 'Cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed, G C D C when it comes to loving me she's worst G D C D But when it comes to being in love she's first, that's how I know G D C D G The first cut is the deepest, baby I know, D C D the first cut is the deepest GDCD
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G D C D G The first cut is the deepest, baby I know, D C D the first cut is the deepest G D C D 'Cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed, G C D C when it comes to loving me she's worst G D C D But when it comes to being in love she's first, that's how I know G D C D G The first cut is the deepest, baby I know.
CORD ARTISTS THE LABRATS (Philippines)
If there is similarity to the official photo of The Labrats with those of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, it is intentional. Jad Batug, multi-instrumentalist and topnotch arranger, is a Beatles fan through and through, and having the chance to work with girlfriend and Undercover Grasshoppers lead singer Cilee Kuizon in the song, Until Love Dies, made sense to draw inspiration from John and Yoko. Their song is one of the highlights of the Folk City Various Artists complication. Listen to The Labrats: http://shop.22tangorecords.com/track/until-love-dies
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CITY AND COLOUR (Canada)
If you thought City and Colour is a band, it is not. It is the alias of Dallas Green, guitarist and vocalist of the post-hardcore band Alexisonfire from 2001 to 2012. As City and Colour, he plays acoustic and folk music.He has released four albums namely “Sometimes”, “Bring Me Your Love”, “Little Hell” and “The Hurry and the Harm”.
Listen to City and Colour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKkmTviTnYQ
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BROODS (New Zealand)
‘Broods’ is composed of sister-brother tandem Georgia and Caleb Nott. Their first single "Bridges", notched No. 8 in the New Zealand single chart, followed by the release of their debut EP, Broods, on 30 January 2014. They’ve joined indie band, Haim, in the latter’s successful US tour. In August 2014, ‘Broods, released their first full-length album, Evergreen, produced by Joel Little who worked his magic with Lorde.
Listen to Broods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U48jwC8cZU
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PARK HYO SHIN (South Korea)
A graduate of Kyung-hee University with a major in post-modern music, Park is acknowledged as one of Korea’s greatest singers. .His first No. 1 song, “A Good Person” was lifted from his 3rd Album Time Honored Voice. Even though he goes on hiatus every now and then, he always comes out with songs that get to the pop charts. In 2014, after 4-years absence, he took his new song, “Wild Flower” to No. 1 in nine music charts. Listen to Park Hyo-Shin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrptX9b51LM
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WORLD POLITICS
ISRAEL: Self-Preservation ON May 15, 1948, upon the recommendation by the United Nations General Assembly of the partition plan of Mandatory Palestine, presentday Israel was established as an independent state. The next day, five Arab neighbors, in support of Palestinian Arabs, pursued a war against the young nation. But the early Zionist settlers fought back and, in many instances, defeated its enemies, some of which made peace, especially Egypt and much later the once-terrorist Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) of Yasser Arafat. God’s Promised Land, given to the Israelites after Moses led them out of Egypt, has been occupied, if not ruled by different peoples including the Egyptians, Canaanites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arab Caliphates, Crusaders, Ottomans and finally the British from 1923–1948. It was thought that the Israel-Palestine peace accord signed by Israel Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and PLO foreign policy official Mahmoud Abbas (the current president of Palestine) on Sept. 13, 1993 would finally end the animosity of the two enemies. Israel willingly allowed the Palestinians to establish a government in a defined territory that included Biblical towns such as Jericho and Bethlehem. In 2005, Israel gave full 32 | C O R D
control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinians. In 2012, with UN approval raising Palestine's status to that of observer state, Abbas decreed the use of the name, “State of Palestine.” The people of Israel have come to the acceptance of the State of Palestine that would exist for the attainment of peace in the region. But Abbas could not contain the Hamas, a terrorist group that has no love for Israel. Hamas’ declaration is that "Hamas will not recognize Israel...this is a red line that cannot be crossed." With Hamas controlling the Gaza Strip and having initiated recent attacks on the civilian population of Israel, the Jewish state retaliated with intent to destroy the enemy. The result: more than 1,800 Palestinians dead and 2,502 injured and 67 Israelis killed. Some $6 billion worth of properties were destroyed. It is said that the Gaza Strip, with a land area of 365 square kilometers, has a population of 1.82 million people (mostly Sunni Muslims) and is one of the most densely populated parts of the world. Hamas has embedded itself in the area like a ticking bomb strapped to Israel. The act of Israel is one of selfpreservation, as it had done so from the time of its establishment in 1948. Hamas and its supporters have blood in their hands, and the world must condemn not just their acts, but the very purpose of the group. Israel has a right to exist. Its people didn’t cower in the past. They won’t cower now, not in the future. (CORD)
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MUSIC+CURRENT: Bruno Mars will headline Congo 14 at Kentucky International Convention Center on September 20. Congo14 is an international non-profit festival taking place simultaneously in Africa and America. The concert coincides with the 40th anniversary of the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman…Jason Castro, whose dreadlocks,
looks and sweet voice earned a fan base through American Idol in 2008, has cut his hair and switched to Christian music with the release of his Christian album, Only a Mountain. The decision came when loneliness and physical exhaustion took its toll on him. He said, "I struggled to stay close to God on the road. I wanted more God in my life and as a part of that I wanted more God in my music," Other than touring with some of the biggest names in Christian music, Castro was the main performer in the benefit concert for Young Life Capernaum, a group that specializes in meeting the social, physical and spiritual needs of young people with special needs… Chvrches have announced details of a live-date UK tour kicking off in Brixton Academy on October 30 in London. The electronic-pop band is riding high on account of their successful debut album, The Bones Of What You Believe - which Gigwise named the No.1 album of 2013…KIS
(Kayth-Ina-Shaine), New Zealand’s Power Pop Girls, thrilled the sellout audience with their stunning performance during the OPMNZ concert on July 19, 2014 at The Cube Restaurant & Bar. On July 13, they guested in the Supermodel New Zealand 2014 Pageant. The trio are preparing themselves for the production of original materials to be released this year…
Lorde is not only singing in the movie sound track of Hunger GamesMockingjay Part 1, she is selecting all the songs for the movie. The 17-year old 34 | C O R D
Kiwi said that she had already written the first single with producer Joel Little. In Hunger Games-Catching Fire, she covered Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”… MS MR is getting into the festivals fever with performances Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee and in Firefly festival in Dover, Delaware. MS MR is working on its second album that the duo says will be a more ambitious pop effort…CORD featured-Indie artists did New York, USA: Cebu indie music mover Cattski booked gigs on August 27 in Pianos at the Lower East Side and The Bitter End on September 21. South Korea indie band Jang Kiha and the Faces did an earlier gig at Rockwood Music Hall…American Idol finalist, Scott MacIntyre, will have a new album out called ‘Lighthouse’, on September 23, 2014. All but one of songs, were written or co-written by MacIntyre. "Fifty Second Chances” is the first single to be released with two songs featuring Danny Gokey and Skylar Laine…
Francesca Battistelli released her second single, "He Knows My Name," from her third consecutive No. 1-selling studio album, If We're Honest, from Fervent Records. The single follows Battistelli's No. 1 hit from the album, "Write Your Story"… Beyonce received
the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and perform at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on August 24 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The Video Vanguard Award has previously been given to Jackson, Madonna, Peter Gabriel, R.E.M., Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears… Since earning two Grammys in
Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know, Kimbra is finally releasing her second album, ‘The Golden Echo’ a follow-up to the No.14 US Billboard charts debut, Vows. During her downtime, another Kiwi, Lorde, made a meteoric rise with ‘Royals’. Two songs from the album, 90s Music and Miracle are out and getting positive buzz. She provided a taste of her new materials in a DJ set at 1885, Auckland on August 16.
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CONCERT REVIEWS Larry Carlton Quartet Live Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland, 6 June 2014
“I
had an amazing night watching Larry Carlton Live with my wife. I don't know why it took New Zealanders so long to invite this exceptional and great guitar player. I was stunned when I looked around because I could tell that I was also surrounded by some of the finest Kiwi music artists in the audience. In the opening part he played solo "The Lord’s Prayer". For me, he never let the abundance of God's gifts cause him to forget the Giver.” – Jerome Sarmiento
Bob Dylan & His Band Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton, August 9, 2014 “Bob Dylan is a legend of his own time, and people expect him to sing those songs that made him the voice of the 60s. But the man is such a productive individual that he has made countless albums, that haven’t produced popular songs. When he performed in Hamilton, he only did few of his masterpieces, but instead showcased unfamiliar tunes. He failed to connect to the audience, and probably it was his way of making himself a mystery, a legend.” -CORD
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MUSIC REVIEWS By Free Mel
XCAPE (Album) Michael Jackson Michael Jackson lives. During the 2014 MTV Music Awards, MJ performed his latest hit, “Slave to the Rhythm” before a live audience. He was flawless on stage and there a good number in the audience were in tears. For the truth is MJ is gone, and technological hologram brought the illusion that he lives. Since his death five years ago, MJ has yet to produce a memorable hit, and ‘Xcape’ may just be the breakthrough after failed attempts by producers and his estate. “Love Never Felt So Good” is that easy listening, cool and all-out pop ditty that is simply captivating. This is the first of three versions, the two others are the original version that I should say sounds the best; and of course, the more contemporary version with Justin Timberlake joining the mix. “Chicago” isn’t MJ’s intent to create an anthem for the “Windy City”, but it’s got a feet-stomping feel that should work in the dance floor. “Loving You” is a melodic tune with jazz inclination and showcases MJ’s breezy vocals. “A Place with No Name” is a re-invention of America’s “Horse with No Name” and the Gloved One has made the song his own with Afro-rhythmic infusion and high emotion. “Do You Know Where Your Children Are” is a social commentary on the impact of broken families with children straying away from home. You have to listen intently in between the beat: He's taking her on the streets, of Sunset Boulevard/She's selling her body hard, girl that will take you far/The police come 'round the corner, somebody there they told/He's arresting this little girl, she's only twelve years old, yeah!” The highlight of the album is ‘Slave to the Rhythm” that puts all the key ingredients of what defined Jackson’s music: clear bass lines, trademark falsetto, catchy hook and unbeatable beat. “Blue Gangsta” is forgettable, which has more of the backup singers doing the singing, and Jackson adlibbing. If the title cut, “Xcape” was released two decades ago, it would have been outstanding, but today, it sounds dated, and is more like an amalgamation of past MJ hits. I must say though that the original recordings of the materials have more soul than the updated ones that some of the best arrangers presented. Sometimes in music, less is better than more.
FOLK CITY (Album) Various Artists “Folk City” is not folk music. It is more of folks who sing their own songs about contemporary things in contemporary styles. It also comes from artists who have performed in a 37 | C O R D
series of “Folk City” gigs around Cebu, the indie music capital of the Philippines. The Labrats open the compilation with “Until Love Dies”, a slow jam that features the sweet vocals of Chinee Kuizon and the masterful slide guitar work of Jad Bantug. “Save it for a Sunday” is a pianodriver tune by Jessica McYorker, who has some elements of Astrud Gilberto and Flora Purim in her vocal style. Cattki’s “Sea Hue” was my favorite cut in one of the albums of the singersongwriter/producer and adds glitter to this collection. ”HD” by Wonggoys is a reggae tune with a bit of R n’ B that works pretty well. Was this “Stairway of Heaven” at its opening canto, oh it was “Sleepy Head” by Womb, an experimental psychedelic number that sounds like a throwback from the 60s. Snübear’s “Crazy Maddy” has new wave influence all over, sounding like Flocks of Seagulls with more guitars. ‘Our Love’ by LUXXX shares the same love for the 80s. Ella Melendez contributes “Recovered” which has such an earworm of a refrain. Alright Gabriel Lynch is nearest to real folk music in “What Friends Are For” which has a dash of Mumford & Sons, but that’s alright. “Cottonwood” by The Brewer Boys has borrowed the harmony from the Everly Brothers, and even the country-rock feel. Shimona Kee’s “Little Things” is a revelation and I really would want to hear more from her. “Someday” by Martina San Diego is bold in getting a bit a reggae and a bit louder, and she still sounds pretty. The final song is important, and Mary Anchit delivers in “The Race”. Folk City is kaleidoscope of what Cebu Music in the English language is and it was worth the listen.
SING (Single) Ed Sheeran Is this Ed Sheeran? Okay there is the familiar guitar strum, but the bass and the drums make a totally fresh sound that is out of the box. And the red-haired dude has some soul in his voice complete with falsetto. ‘Sing’ isn’t as commercial as past singles of Sheeran, but getting this ‘new’ music from his creative bag will give him more credentials as a singer-songwriter. He could have simply done the same formulaic hooks he is known for, but he is taking an artistic direction that could win him more fans. C’mon, let us sing with Ed!
SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE (Single) Pamela Wildheart Multi-media artist Pamela Wildheart was ‘wild’ during her early years, in a sense that she painted her hair, sang rock ditties and dreamed big. She achieved most of her dreams, but she had always wanted to get back to her roots: music. The tune “Shivers Down My Spine” has got the pop hook to die for, delivered with the trademark raspy voice that is distinctively Pamela. If it doesn’t get into the Singaporean pop charts, it should get a listen from the world through Youtube. Well done.
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CORD IMAGES LINGAWDUWA: Philippine Traditional Games in Auckland By Allister Butcher
Paligid
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Patintero/Tubig-tubig
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Siatong
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Biko
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LIMYA By M Batulan A form of poetry consisting of five lines with the first, third and fifth lines consisting of five syllables each, and the second and fourth, seven syllables each. The word ‘Limya” is an amalgam of two Visayan words, “lima” meaning ‘five’ and ‘linya’ for ‘line’. The subject primarily focuses on daily living. This is the inaugural release.
What have we got here? A new form of poetry I call it ‘Limya’ Consisting of five short lines On living daily *** No need to make rhymes So long as there is rhythm Coming from the heart Free your spirit through the words Simply beautiful *** Still the winter cold Penetrates my weary bones On a foggy morn The bus stop remains empty I’m late for the ride *** Walk to work each day It may be the same routine But still different, The weather, people, and all ‘til tomorrow then *** Hear the cricket sound The insect’s inside my head Wherever I go At home, at work, in the road Keeps me company
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KIM AND EL
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MR JEYDI’S WITDOM
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GOOD LAUGH Feed the World Bob Geldof, Bono and Madonna were aboard a private jet to attend a Feed the World program in Africa. The aircraft developed engine trouble, and crashed in a deep forest of Congo. Only the three celebrities survived. As they sat down together to plan out their next move, a group of cannibalistic tribesmen appeared from the bushes and tied them up. They carried them towards the village. When they arrived, the tribal chief had the captives placed in front of the people. Chief (addressing the three): Today we are having our community feast and we will chose which one of you will be worthy of our tribe’s wholehearted acceptance. Tell us about your accomplishments? Geldof: As a musician, I led Boomtown Rats and had a hit song, “I Don’t Like Mondays”. Bono: I’m with the band U2 of which I am the lead singer and songwriter, and we’ve had a string of hits through decades and even have a musical in Broadway about Spiderman. Madonna: I’m the Queen of Reinvention. I have never ran out of hits, and I’ve also been an actress and director. Chief: Geldof, your band was a one-hit wonder. Bono your Spiderman musical had a history of problems. Madonna is the winner in this aspect! People: Madonna! Madonna! Madonna! Geldof: I organized Live Aid and other similar events that helped the needy, especially the people of Africa. Bono: I was part of the first Live Aid, and have done many other things that I’ve been called ‘The Rock Star of Philanthropy’ by Cord Magazine. Madonna: I’ve been active in humanitarian and environmental causes and donated much to Africa. I even have an adopted son, David, who came from Malawi. Chief: Geldof and Bono you’ve done well, but Madonna should get this part as well for both of you don’t have an adopted African child. People: Madonna! Madonna! Madonna! Geldof: On my personal life, I’ve been married twice. Bono: Me, I am married to Alison Hewson, my one and only wife.
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Madonna: I’ve been married twice to Sean Penn and Guy Richie, but did I have a string of lovers. Chief: Our tribe is polygamous, so Madonna fits perfectly well in our system. People: Madonna! Madonna! Madonna! Chief: I must now decide and hands down the winner is Madonna! People: Madonna! Madonna! Madonna! Geldof and Bono were devastated, having noticed a large cauldron heated at the centre of the gathering. Madonna was ecstatic, as the warriors carried her on their shoulders, as she was paraded among the people. Chief: Silence! I am thankful to Madonna for her acceptance of our decision in choosing her. He then glances at Geldof and Bono. Chief: Both of you, Geldof and Bono, you are free. We don’t want losers to become part of our tribe. Now, get out! The two ran as fast as they could away from the village. Then they heard the chief announce. Chief: Our tribe deserves no less than a winner! Now, let’s give Madonna the honour to be the main course of our feast!
FEED
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THE
WORLD
ROBIN WILLIAMS: Comedy King and More
Robin Williams is dead. If the 50s and 60s had Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis, the 90s-00s Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller and the 00s have Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen with their trashy comedies, Robin Williams was the Comedy King in the 80s-90s. Of course, there were Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy, but Williams was special. He was an alien in ‘Mork and Mindy”, a genie in ‘Alladin’, a Scottish nanny in “Mrs Doubtfire”, a therapist in ‘Good Will Hunting” and Dr. Hunter Adams in “Patch Adams”. While most relate Williams with comedies, he was beyond that, and he tackled some screen characters that required more than humor, and for me those made him one of Hollywood’s serious actors who gave his best. 52 | C O R D
I know Williams as the cutter W. Hakman in “The Final Cut”; as android Andrew in “Bicentennial Man”; as lawyer Henry Altmann in “The Angriest Man in Brooklyn; and as physician Chris Nielsen in “What Dreams May Come”. In the science fiction, “The Final Cut”, Hakman is a cutter whose work is to make into digitalized form memories of a deceased from a device implanted in the body. The ‘film’ of the pleasant episodes is shown during the funeral of the person. Williams’ character is tormented by the secrets he learns as a result of his work, and is killed by people who seek memories he only knows. In ‘Bicentennial Man’, he is a robot who longs to be a human because of a love for a woman. He attains humanoid form after decades of search, and finds the love of his life. Through research, he is able to grow old and die together with his wife, after having been declared by the World Congress as human. The last film released before Williams’ death was “The Angriest Man in Brooklyn”. It tells about Henry Altman, a grumpy lawyer who is told by a doctor (played by Mila Kunis) that he had brain aneurysm. To get back at him for his boorish attitude, the doctor tells Altman that he only had 90 minutes to live. Altman had actually lost zest in his life when one of his sons was killed in a hunting accident, and the other son did not join him in his law firm preferring to be a dance instructor. Failing to reconcile with his wife and son, he jumps off Brooklyn Bridge, only to be rescued by the doctor. He is able to mend the broken relations as he lived for another eight days. But I guess the most emotionally grueling film that Williams must have starred in was, “What Dreams May Come”. It is a tragic story of a couple who lived a happy life that turned sour when their two children die in a car crash. The wife suffers a mental breakdown, while Williams’ character Chris Nielsen is killed in a vehicular accident. Nielsen’s soul lingers on earth, and later wakes up in Heaven. But when his wife commits suicide, he seeks for her in Hell where people that take their own life are punished. The ending though is unanticipated. There is much to learn from the less popular films of Robin Williams for he tackled about life’s sufferings and mortality. He gave us an unexpectedly sad ending of his life. Say a prayer for Robin Williams.
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FILM REVIEWS THE DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
The first re-boot of the Planet of the Apes was a disappointment, especially with the senseless end with the Mark Walhberg character crash landing just outside the Lincoln Memorial, with Ol’ Abe having a face of an ape, and the police surrounding him, all apes! It was therefore with relief that another attempt was made with the highly commendable, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (RPA). “The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (TDPA) is the sequel and director Matt Reeves together with writers Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver have kept the saga not only action-packed, but also woven with sensible dialogues and realistic social conflicts. Caesar the intelligent ape from RPA has established a colony just outside San Francisco. Humanity has collapsed as a result of the ALZ-113 virus contaminating and killing the human population except for a few pockets of survivors and in this instance, living in the damaged San Francisco. There is no contact between the humans and the apes, until a band of humans venture outside in an attempt to repair the power generator located where the apes inhabited. That contact proved bad at first, then good, and worst in the end. The script is well-written and the cinematography so realistic. Of course, technology has made the apes so real that Andy Serkis who acts the part of Caesar might just be nominated for best actor. (And rightly so as Serkis has done splendid jobs previously as Lord of the Rings’ Gollum and Peter Jackson’s Kingkong). The fight scene between Caesar and rival ape, Koba, should be voted as one of the best during the year as this is so masterfully created under the most difficult location. The ending entices us to look forward to the next one, which I read will connect to the original Planet of the Apes of 1968 (with Charleston Heston). (CORD)
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MALEFICENT
If superhero movies get a reboot, why shouldn’t fairy tale films? The Walt Disney classic “Sleeping Beauty” is given a live-action retelling focused on Maleficent, the evil witch who cursed the infant child Aurora, daughter of King Stefan. I viewed “Sleeping Beauty” prior to seeing “Maleficent”, and was justly rewarded with a better perspective of the timeless tale. A cinematic gem, “Maleficent” not only has a remarkable script, but also a beautifully created fairy world like no other. The flights of Maleficent with her strong and expansive wings can be reason enough to the see this movie, but there is much more that the Disney fare could offer. The viewers are placed on a dilemma on whether to love or hate Maleficent, as she is betrayed by her only human friend, Stefan who wants to be a king. Angelina Jolie ably takes the role of Maleficent, while Elle Fanning is adorable as Aurora. And when we thought the three good fairies (The Pixies”) as the heroes, we see instead three funny comics struggling as humans. Every scene is important, but for those wanting action, I found the battle within the castle as pure thrill. Price Phillip was of course the hero in “Sleeping Beauty” and we seem assured that with his kiss, Aurora would awaken and they would live happily ever after. But the unexpected happens, and we get an ever more satisfying conclusion. Disney has done great with Marvel’s heroes, as it has perfected animation through Pixar. I guess the mother company had regained its golden touch as a storyteller of fairy tales. (CORD)
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BLENDED
A rom-com, “Blended”, stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore who have produced together well-liked films, “The Wedding Singer” and “50 First Dates”. In ‘Blended’ they are single parents who met for the first time in a blind date that turned out horribly bad. But they end up in a resort for families in Africa, bringing along their not-so-perfect kids. Their personalities clash at first, only to end up falling for each other. Unlike in their first two films, the duo’s screen partnership in ‘Blended’ is rather forced than natural. In the past the sceneries remained at the background as should be, here we find Africa’s raw beauty taking a bit of attention from the stars. Still the flick allows us to laugh, but not that loud. Terry Crews clowning around was annoying. Sandler should have gotten instead his lucky charm Rob Schneider. I guess this ends the Sandler-Barrymore era that took off when Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan tandem signed off. (CORD)
THE IMMIGRANT
The ‘American Dream’ can turn ugly, and this is what ‘The Immigrant’ depicts in a story that is based on real events. Set in 1921, it follows the life of Ewa (Marion Cotillard), a Polish Catholic, who with her sister, arrives in Ellis Island, New York, only end up as a prostitute to remain in the US and try to secure the release of her sister from being quarantined.
Desperate characters inhabit the film: Bruno (Joaquin Phoenix), the pimp who falls in love with Ewa; Emil (Jeremy Renner), an illusionist and cousin of Bruno, who wants to rescue Ewa; and relatives of Ewa who desist from helping, but instead deliver her to the authorities. There is murder, bribery and exploitation – that all make up a depressing, yet realistic account of what could happen to migrants then, that can happen to migrants today.
but only after some hilarious episodes. The dance duel between Bruce and Drew in the parking lot is brilliantly comical. I had my reservations at the start of Nick Frost’s credibility as a dancing champ; but his fury in the swings and sways in the final canto of the film erased all that, Frost is incredible! For those who enjoy dancing, for those who enjoy clean humor, for those who want to be simply entertained, “Cuban Fury” is a must see. (CORD)
There is a dark side of New York, and this is depicted in the film. Cotillard was effective as a desperate woman at first to one who learns to survive in a dog-eat-dog environment. You will hate Phoenix’s character; yet there is still goodness left in the evil Bruno. Renner’s Emil seems a likeable individual but there is imperfection in him as well. This movie reminds one of ‘Gangs of New York” (with Leonardo DiCaprio) and “Far and Away” (with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman). This is another noteworthy work of director James Gray. (CORD)
CHEF
CUBAN FURY
Jon Favreau is one of Hollywood’s hottest personalities having directed and/or produced some of Marvel’s biggest movies. With such influence, who would not finance him for a side project to keep him happy? ‘Chef’ has Favreau all over it – writer, producer, director and lead actor, with Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man) and Scarlett Johanssen (Black Widow) and veteran Dustin Hoffman in support roles. But this isn’t an ego-trip for Favreau, rather we are treated to a food trip like no other. Professional chef Carl Casper (Favreau) has lost the fire in him by serving safe dishes to customers. A popular food critic (Oliver Platt) comes to take a bite and is not impressed. It doesn’t help that the restaurant owner prevents the chef from introducing a new menu when the critic returns for another go. When the critic sends out a negative comment, Casper storms into the restaurant and lambasts the critic that is filmed and ends up in social media. Not only is he out of work, he is maligned. The film goes on high gear from then on touching on redemption, family, and discovering and serving tasty food from Miami all the way to Los Angeles. This is a lovely cinematic work, and we don’t need foulmouthed characters in the lines of Gordon Ramsay to mess up the story. The cast includes Sofía Vergara as Carl's ex-wife, John Leguizamo as his food truck cook and talented Emjay Anthony as Carl’s son. Favreau should do more side projects similar to this. (CORD)
Nick Frost is funny, and he has been doing a good job in making us laugh with films such as “Shaun of the Dead”, “Hot Fuzz”, “Paul” and “The World’s End”. In “Cuban Fury”, he plays Bruce Garrett, who as a junior Salsa Champion contender, totally abandoned his dream after being bullied on his way to the contest. The adult Garrett is a loser who is out-of-shape and loveless. Only when he finds interest in the new company boss, Julia (Rashida Jones), whom lady’s man co-worker Drew (Chris O’Dowd) wants to be his next conquest. He discovers that Julia loves salsa dancing, and so he gets back to his dancing shoes to find his way to the heart of Julia. We see Bruce re-learn his winning moves, regain his confidence and get Julia’s attention,
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GIRL OF A BICYCLE
to ridicule by people even those in his church? Ever reliable actor Greg Kinnear takes the role of Pastor Todd with passion, while young star Connor Corum has the called for innocence of the child his age. In a skeptical world that we live in, this film could have been dead before arrival, but it not only survived, but was a huge success because the extraordinary story gives us hope about faith, about God. (CORD)
GOD’S NOT DEAD
It’s been sometime since I’ve viewed a rom-com that is as adorable as “While You Were Sleeping” and “Sleepless in Seattle” of decades past. ‘Girl on a Bicycle’ has a multi-European ensemble, and for once, without an American character. Tour bus driver Italian Paolo (Vincenzo Amato), wants to marry his German stewardess girlfriend Greta (Nora Tschirner), but he is smitten by single mum Cécile (Louise Monot) who drives a bicycle, whom he bumps accidentally. He ends up attending to Cecile whose two children call him “Papa”. He doesn’t tell Greta about the incident, as such, had to live two lives, as a Greta’s fiancée and as caretaker of Cecile and her children. So many hilarious things happen as the secret unravels, but as fairy tales end, they lived happily ever after. Which they? That’s the fun part of the film. This one is too entertaining to be missed.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
Based on real events, the film follows accounts of Todd Burpo, pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska, of the narrations of his young son, Colton, about seeing Jesus, Mary, his deceased grandfather and an unborn sister. Should he believe his son and be subject
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An atheist professor in philosophy, Jeffrey Raddison (Kevin Sorbo) tells his students on the first meeting that they sign a declaration that “God is dead” to be assured of passing the subject. A Christian student, Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) refuses to submit to Raddison’s condition, to which the professor reacts by requiring him 20 minutes in their three lecture sessions to present arguments about God does exist. There are other characters that are in one way or another related to the two protagonists. The debates are attention-grabbing, especially the final one. There are cameo appearances of reality TV star Willie Robertson and wife, and popular Christian band, Newsboys. While the side stories clutter through the film, these are able to tie up to the main theme about believing in the existence of God. Even the cameos make relevant contributions. Oftentimes, Christian films tend to follow the Hallmark ‘feel good’ movie script process, but ‘God’s Not Dead’ isn’t so manicured that there are enough reasons to keep viewers glued on what the outcome of the dilemmas faced by the different players. We should be thankful to people (producers, actors and studios) that come out with faithbased films despite the onslaught of fantasy and Marvel movies, for in the end, neither good fairies nor superheroes can save us. Only God does. (CORD)
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http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_music_magazine_jan_2014
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_b_w
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_april_2014
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_july_2013
http://issuu.com/magazinecord/docs/cord_apr_2013
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