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CONTENTS Features LAUDATO SI: Caring for Our Common Home 11 TOBIAS JESSO JR 13 STEVIE WONDER: Reaching the Higher Ground 16
CORD TOP 5: Stevie Wonder 20 THE SPACE CAPITALISTS 34 THE GREEK WARRIOR BLINKS 37
Sections 5 Cord Hits/31 Cord Artists/ 39 Music+Current/ 40 Concert Reviews/ 42 Music Reviews/ 44 Cord Images/49 Limya/ 51 Comics / 52 Good Laugh/ 53 Film Reviews/58 Guitar Chord Chart
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From the Editor There is more than music in CORD. While music is the foundation of this e-magazine, there are many significant issues that need to be written and understood. Pope Francis, who graced the cover of the last issue, has put most of his thoughts into one document, LAUDATO SI: Caring for Our Common Home. It requires time to read, but in summary, it deals about the earth, our home, that needs our attention, that needs our action. It delves on matters that affect all peoples, not just Catholics and Christians. Another interesting development is the rise of the space capitalists. Richard Branson and Elon Musk are out to make the outer space not only for exploration, but exploitation. Are we ready to go out of this world at a time when the earth is ailing? And then there is Greece fighting against bankruptcy. Its president Alexis Tsipras was up in arms against the European Union and creditors. Did he win the battle? Or are the banks now the new imperialists? We hope that you find CORD as interesting as we want this to be.
Mel B Libre Editor
CORD July 2015 Editor in Chief: Mel B. Libre Creative Editor: Mel Elijan C. Libre Contributors: Gilfrancis Maningo, M Batulan, Kimoy, Free Mel 4|CORD
CORD HITS Soul On Fire Third Day
Intro: CGFC Chorus: C G F C God, I'm running for your heart I'm running for your heart til I am a soul on fire C G F C G Lord, I'm longing for your ways I'm waiting for the day when I am a soul on fire F C Til I am a soul on fire Wooh! Instrumental: CGFC Chorus: C G F C God, I'm running for your heart I'm running for your heart til I am a soul on fire C G F C G Lord, I'm longing for your ways I'm waiting for the day when I am a soul on fire F C Til I am a soul on fire G F C G F C G F C Lord restore the joy I had and I have wandered bring me back In this darkness lead me through Am G 5|CORD
Until all I see is you yeah C G F C God, I'm running for your heart I'm running for your heart til I am a soul on fire C G F C G Lord, I'm longing for your ways I'm waiting for the day when I am a soul on fire F C Til I am a soul on fire Bridge: Am F G Am F G Am F G Lord let me burn for you again let me return to you again and Lord let me burn for you again Am F G And let me return to you again Chorus: C G F C God, I'm running for your heart I'm running for your heart til I am a soul on fire C G F C Lord, I'm longing for your ways I'm waiting for the day when I am a soul on fire C G F C G God, I'm running for your heart I'm running for your heart til I am a soul on fire F C G F C Til I am a soul on fire Til I am a soul on fire
Because He Lives (Amen) Matt Maher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBvU7a rNhQs G#m / E2 / | B / / / | G#m / E2 / | B / / / Verse 1:
G#m E2 B I believe in the son G#m E2 B I believe in the risen one G#m E2 B I believe I o - vercome E2 G#m F# By the power of His blood
E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, I'm a - live F# B E F# I'm a - live be - cause He lives E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, Let my song F# B E F# Join the one that nev - er ends Bridge:
Chorus 1: E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, I'm a - live F#/A# B G#m F# I'm a - live be - cause He lives E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, Let my song F#/A# B E F# Join the one that nev - er ends G#m7 Because He lives Instrumental: (Same As Beginning)
B Ema7 F# Because He lives I can face to - morrow B Ema7 F# Because He lives every fear is gone B/D# Ema7 G#m F# E///|/// / I know He holds my life my future in His hands Chorus 3: E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, I'm a - live F#/A# B E F# I'm a - live be - cause He lives E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, Let my song F#/A# B E/B F# Join the one that nev - er ends Chorus 4:
Verse 2: G#m E B I was dead in the grave G#m E B I was covered in sin and shame G#m E B I heard mercy call my name E G#m F# He rolled the stone a - way Chorus 2: 6|CORD
B E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, I'm a - live F# B E F# I'm a - live be - cause He lives E F# G#m F#/A# B A - men a - men, Let my song F#/A# B E F# Join the one that nev - er ends G#m E2 B Because He lives
G#m E2 B Because he lives
He Knows Jeremy Camp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsccUg 4TDd8 Intro: C, Em, Am, F
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
C Em All the bitter weary ways endless striving day by day Am F you barely have the strength to pray in the valley low C Em how hard your fight has been how deep the pain within Am F wounds that no one else has seen hurts too much to show C Em all the doubt you're standing in between Am F And all the weight that brings you to your knees
C we may faint and we may sink Em feel the pain and near the brink Am but the dark begins to shrink F when you find the one who knows C Em the chains of doubt that held you in between Am F one by one are starting to break free
[Chorus] C Em He knows, he knows Am Every hurt and every sting F He has walked the suffering C Em He knows, he knows Am Let your burdens, come undone F Lift your eyes up to the one C Em Who knows Am F He knows 7|CORD
[Chorus] C Em He knows, he knows Am Every hurt and every sting F He has walked the suffering C Em He knows, he knows Am Let your burdens, come undone F Lift your eyes up to the one C Em Who knows Am F He knows [Bridge] G Am F Every time that you feel forsaken G Am F Every time that you feel alone G Am F He is near to the broken hearted Am G F Every tear
[Chorus] C Em He knows, he knows
Am Every hurt and every sting F He has walked the suffering C Em He knows, he knows Am Let your burdens, come undone F Lift your eyes up to the one C Em Who knows Am F He knows
Holy Spirit Francesca Battistelli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS5S8U nvm48
C And my shame is unkind F Your presence, Lord
Chorus: C Holy Spirit, You are welcome here F Come flood this place Dm7 Fill the atmosphere C Your glory, God Is what our heart’s known for F To be overcome Dm7 C By Your presence Lord F Dm7 Your presence, Lord
[Repeat Verse 1]
[Repeat Chorus] Intro: Pre-Bridge: C F Verse 1: C There’s nothing worth more F That could ever come close
C Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness Bridge:
No thing can compare C You are our living hope F Your presence, Lord C ‘Cause I’ve tasted and seen F Of the sweetest of love Where my heartbeat comes free 8|CORD
F Em Dm7 Em Let us become more aware of Your presence F Em Dm7 Em Let us experience the glory of Your goodness [Repeat Bridge x 3] [Repeat Chorus x 2]
Jesus Loves Me Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8gKXu 6J2wE Verse 1: C Am7 I was lost, I was in chains F2 Gsus2 G The world had a hold of me C Am7 F2 My heart was a stone, I was covered in shame G When He came for me
Pre-Chorus C Am7 I couldn't run, couldn't run, from His presence F2 G I couldn't run, couldn't run, from His arms
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Chorus: C Am7 Jesus, He loves me F2 G He loves me, He is for me C Am7 Jesus, how can it be F2 G (C) He loves me, He is for me Verse 2: C Am7 It was a fire, deep in my soul F2 Gsus2 G I'll never be the same C Am7 F2 I stepped out of the dark, into the light Gsus2 G When he called my name Bridge: Am7 F He holds the star, and He holds my name C G/B With healing hands, that bear the scars Am7 F The rugged Cross, where he died for me C G My only hope, my everything
END VIOLENCE “At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Peace begins with you. CORD Campaign 2015, Series 2
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LAUDATO SI: Caring for Our Common Home In the cover story of the last issue of CORD, we described Pope Francis as a “Rebel Priest”. Little did we know that the Pontiff was then in the midst of putting together his first encyclical that would serve as guide to Catholics and a call to action to all peoples on issues relevant to their lives and to the world. “Laudato Si”, which means “Praise Be to You”, dated 24 May 2015, was officially released on 18 June 2015 touches on social issues including consumerism, environmental degradation and global warming, technological progress and genetic manipulation. The monumental document has gone beyond its original intent to address the global environmental crisis, as he called on peoples of the world for open debate and dialogue on the difficult issues affecting every human being now and in the future. The Bishop of Rome said, “Although the post-industrial period may well be remembered as one of the most irresponsible in history, nonetheless there is reason to hope that humanity at the dawn of the twenty-first century will be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities."
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Francis warns that "climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.” He tied up the “cry of the earth” to the “cry of the poor”, as people in less developed countries will bear the brunt on the effects of climate change. This is happening currently, thus prompt efforts are required to address the situation. The pope who has been critical of the “throwaway culture” describes the new world order as one that "destroys the environment, oppresses the multitudes, and makes us blind to the beauty of creation". “Laudato Si” reveals the courage of Pope Francis to shake up the status quo where peoples and governments define progress in financial statistics, and not in terms of the common good. (CORD)
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FACT SHEET
TOBIAS JESSO JR
Birth name Born Genres Occupation Years active Website
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Tobias MacDonald Jesso Jr. 11 July 1985 , Vancouver, Canada Pop Singer-songwriter 2014 - present tobiasjessojr.com
HOW COULD YOU BABE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu1Ko02P7vk (Tobias Jesso Jr) [INTRO] E A E [Verse 1] E G#m7 So long, my only friend C#m7 B I guess we gave it a try A E And then I guess we tried again F# F# G#m7/F# F# I don't remember why E G#m7 But nothing's as hard to do C#m7 B As just saying goodbye A E And when love is in the way, you gotta say F#m D E (walk up with just notes: E E F F#) I guess love ain't always right [Pre-Chorus] F#m G#m7 And I find out you'd gone and met a new man A B And told him he's the love of your life [Chorus] A E/G# F#m F#m G#m7 How could you, baby? (could you, baby) A E/G# F#m F#m G#m7 How could you, baby? (could you, baby) A E/G# F#m E Well, how could you, baby? (could you, baby) [Verse 2] E G#m7 Well, have you lost your memories? C#m7 B Did you wash 'em down the drain?' A E And did you have some help deciding F# F# G#m7/F# F# To forget my name?
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E G#m7 Cause nothing I can say to you C#m7 B Could ever ease this pain A E I'm just waiting for the day when I can say F#m D E (walk up with just notes: E E F F#) That you are mine again [Pre-Chorus] F#m G#m7 When I found out you'd gone and met a new man A B I felt so lonely that I cried [Chorus] [Bridge] E E/D# E/D E/C# Well, how could you, baby? E/C# E/D E/D# E How could you, baby? E E/D# E/D E/C# How could you, baby? E/C# E/D E/D# E How could you, baby? [Pre-Chorus] F#m G#m7 When I found out you'd gone and met a new man A B I felt so lonely that I cried, I cried, I cried [Chorus]
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STEVIE WONDER: REACHING THE HIGHER GROUND On August 6, 1973, Stevland Hardaway Morris figured in a serious vehicular accident involving a truck carrying lumber and the vehicle he was on board. He was struck in the head by a log that smashed through the window of his vehicle. Stevland or Stevie Wonder was left comatose, and the world could not imagine losing the former child prodigy who had created his own sound outside of the Motown template. Wonder who at 13 years old hit the charts in 1963 with a live-recorded single, “Fingertips” had morphed into a major music force by 1972, having produced two number hits, “Superstition” and “You are the Sunshine of My Life” earning for him Grammy Awards. At the time of the accident, he had just completed recording his next album, “Innervisions” that would gain for him more Grammys. It is said that while unconscious in his hospital bed, Stevie had earphones with his own music played unceasingly. Miraculously, he returned to consciousness four days after the accident. Though he lost his sense of smell, Stevie Wonder continued to create music that has impacted not just the recording industry, but people’s lives as well. While Wonder has received awards from music institutions, one of the most prestigious should be Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor given by the US government. On November 24, 2014, President Barack Obama presented Wonder with the presidential medal of in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Washington, D.C. In recognising Wonder, President Obama, described him as one of the most influential musicians in American history, with his messages of hope and healing and of “love and loss, justice and equality, war and peace.” The president went on to say: “But what really defines Stevie’s music is the warmth and humanity that resonate in every note. Some of his songs helped us to fall in love. Others
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mended our hearts. Some motivated us on the campaign trail. And thanks to Stevie, all of us have been moved to higher ground.” On receiving the medal, Stevie told media afterwards: “I feel truly honored to receive this wonderful Medal of Freedom. My receiving it is saying to me, by the president, be forever committed to this that you’ve started, continue to try your best to encourage people to reach higher ground. ... But it is also a statement to me that says this is something that you’re wearing that says you’re committed for the rest of your life to fighting for the freedom of other people—freedom where race is not an issue, where everyone is respected as a family. The freedom of accessibility for those who have disabilities, that there’s nowhere in the world that they can’t be able to go and have a way of it being accessible for them. Freedom for health care, I feel that we need to have health care in this country. We have to have education. There’s no reason for illiteracy anywhere in this country or in the world.” While Marvin Gaye became the unofficial spokesperson of Afro-Americans at the height of the Vietnam War with his iconic album, “What’s Going On”, Stevie, at 20 years old, with his then-wife Syreeta Wright produced the album, “Where I’m Coming From” with the aim of touching on the social problems of the world. While “What’s Going On” became a hit, Stevie’s album flopped with a critic describing it as “pretentious”. But that did not stop Stevie from returning to the theme in subsequent albums. While known for his love songs such as “Isn’t She Lovely?”; “I Just Called to Say I Love You”, and “My Cherie Amour”, Stevie has produced some of the most popular sociallyconscious songs of our times including his earliest hit, an interpretation of Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind”, “Higher Ground”, “Living in the City”, “You Haven’t Done Nothing”, and “Village Ghetto Land”. He also collaborated with other artists in worthy causes such as USA for Africa’s “We are the World” and the Aids-research benefit anthem, “That’s what Friends Are For”. Stevie remains true to his music roots even with the everchanging tastes in pop music. In 2005, Wonder released his first album in ten years, “A Time to Love” that didn’t get rave reviews. Instead, it was slammed by critics who wrote that Wonder was copying his past style without offering anything new. They failed to appreciate the fact that Stevie was simply real and truthful. They didn’t listen hard enough to get his message. “A Time to Love” is one of his most thoughtproving works. You must listen to “If Your Love Cannot Be 17 | C O R D
Moved”, “Shelter from the Rain” and “A Time to Love”. The critics must have squirmed on their seats when Stevie Wonder won the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in the 2005 Grammy Awards for "From the Bottom of My Heart". The first single, “So What’s the Fuss” contained such straightforward lyrics: “If I'm hooked on a habit knowin’ damn well it could cost me my life/Yet I keep doin’ what I should do without/Shame on me//If you're locked in a marriage and your other half just gives you abuse/Yet you've convinced yourself that there's no way out/Shame on you//If we're jammin’ the music and somebody's got the audacity/To say that they can jam it better than us/Shame on them//And should there be just a handful that believe that/we are totally free/And there's no need to fight for equality/Shame on us.” Stevie remains relevant to today’s society, while other artists spew expletives, if not non-sense in their songs. Shame on them! This blind man sees more than people with five senses. If we thought Stevie would simply enjoy singing his classic hits in his money-making tours, erase such thought. He has been working on new materials for two projected albums in collaboration with producer David Foster. Superhot DJ Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Special” album that featured Bruno Mars in “Uptown Funk” has two cuts featuring Stevie Wonder namely, “Uptown’s First Finale” and “Crack in the Pearl”. Without doubt, the first one has its title inspired by Wonder’s 1974 album, “Fulfillingness’ First Finale”. Ronson, not expecting any response, wrote Wonder’s manager if Stevie would like to record a part of the song and was astonished by a positive reply. Ronson recalls: "When I first heard it, it was one of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever had. I was dumbfounded, speechless, whatever word you want to use, I was all of those things. I still can’t believe somewhere in a studio in Chicago one night, Stevie Wonder actually recorded a piece of music that I wrote. I’ve listened to it a hundred times and it still messes me up when I play it". And there lies the secret of Wonder’s longevity. The man is generous with his gifts. He has countless collaborative recordings outside of “We are the World” and “That’s What Friends are For”. To mention a few: Paul McCartney (“Ebony and Ivory”), Elton John ("I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues"), Eurythmics ("There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)", Michael Jackson (“Just Good Friends”), Babyface ("How Come, How Long") and Sting (“Brand New Day”). He has also taken time to inspire young artists. He surprised R&B singer Ahsan while the latter was recording a song and Stevie popped in and played the piano accompaniment. In 2004, Oprah Winfrey got Stevie to sing with Star Search champion Jake Simpson who counted Wonder as his idol.
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It was therefore such welcome news when Stevie was given an All-Star Grammy Tribute on February 11, 2015. Everyone seemed to be there with the crème-ala-crème performing some of the most memorable songs associated with Stevie. They included Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Gary Clark Jr., Tony Bennett, John Legend, Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, Ariana Grande, Babyface, India.Arie, Pharrell, Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo. Stevie has come a long way from the time that he sang his own composition, “Lonely Boy” in 1961 to Ronnie White of the Miracles who brought him to Motown founder Berry Gordy. He has fulfilled his dreams. When asked by a journalist on achieving his dreams, Stevie answered: “There is nothing that you can’t do. If you believe that you can, than you will. So don’t waste your energies believing that you can’t or you don’t or you’re not deserving of. If you’re committed to working for it, to giving the very best of yourself, it can be achieved. I never imagined that I would receive the Medal of Freedom, but I didn’t believe it was impossible. There were those who used to ask me, “Do you think there will ever be an African-American president in America?” I said, “Of course, why not?” There will be a woman president at some point. There’s nothing impossible, but I think the first place it starts with is believing and knowing. ... The positive is what’s always possible, and the negative is non-existent.” As one of the verses of his song, “Positivity” from his underrated album, “A Time to Love” goes: “You can always look at the negative/But you should always live in the positive/So I try every day to live that way.” Stevie has seen the light to living; and we can learn from him.
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CORD TOP 5: STEVIE WONDER
#1 You are the Sunshine of My Life Intro: Cmaj9 G7#5 Verse 1: C F6 Em7 Bbdim You are the sunshine of my life Dm7 G7 C Dm7 G7 That's why I'll always be a-round C F6 Em7 Bbdim You are the apple of my eye Dm7 G7 C Dm7 G7 Forever you'll stay in my heart 20 | C O R D
Chorus 1: C F6 F/G Cmaj7 F F/G I feel like this is the be-ginning Cmaj7 F Bm E7 Em E+ E Though I've loved you for a mi-llion years A D E Am And if I thought our love was ending D7 G7 I'd find myself drowning in my own tears. Verse 2: C F6 Em7 Bbdim You are the sunshine of my life Dm7 G7 C Dm7 G7 That's why I'll always stay a-round C F6 Em7 Bbdim You are the apple of my eye Dm7 G7 C Dm7 G7 Forever you'll stay in my heart Chorus 2: C F6 F/G Cmaj7 F F/G You must have known that I was lonely Cmaj7 F F/G E7 Em E+ E Because you came to my res-cue A D E Am And I know that this must be heaven D7 G7 How could so much love be inside of you? Verse 3 (original modulates up 1 step here, not shown): C F6 Em7 Bbdim You are the sunshine of my life Dm7 G7 C Dm7 G7 That's why I'll always be a-round C F6 Em7 Bbdim You are the apple of my eye Dm7 G7 C Dm7 G7 Forever you'll stay in my heart (Repeat to Fade) 21 | C O R D
#2 Superstition Stevie Wonder Em D2 (x2) Em D2 Em D Very superstitious, writing's on the wall Very superstitious, ladder's 'bout to fall Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past B7 C7 B7 Bb7 When you believe in things that you don't understand A7 B7 Em D2 Then you suffer - superstition ain't the way (Use the same chords throughout) Very superstitious, wash your face and hands Rid me of the problem, do all that you can Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong You don't wanna save me, sad is my song When you believe in things that you don't understand Then you suffer - superstition ain't the way, yeah yeah Very superstitious, nothin' more to say Very superstitious, the devil's on his way Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass Seven years of bad luck, good things in your past When you believe in things that you don't understand Then you suffer - superstition ain't the way, no no no...
#3 Isn’t She Lovely Am D Isn't she lovely F G C Isn't she wonderful Am D Isn't she precious
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F G C Less than one minute old F Em I never thought through love we'd be Am D Making one as lovely as she F G C But isn't she lovely made from love
Am D Isn't she pretty F G C Truly the angel's best Am D Boy, I'm so happy F G C We have been heaven blessed F Em I can't believe what God has done Am D Through us he's given life to one F G C But isn't she lovely made from love
Am D Isn't she lovely F G C Life and love are the same Am D Life is Aisha F G C The meaning of her name F Em Londie, it could have not been done Am D Without you who conceived the one F G C That's so very lovely made from love
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#4 Living for the City Intro: D Em/D Dm7, Em/D (x4) Verse 1: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D A boy is born, in hard time Missis-sippi, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Surrounded by, four walls that ain't so pretty. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D His parents give, him love and af-fection, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D To keep him strong, moving in the right di-rection. Chorus 1: G A A7 D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just enough, just e-nough, for the city... ee ha! Verse 2: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D His father works, some days for fourteen hours, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D And you can bet, he barely makes a dollar. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D His mother goes, to scrub the floors for many, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D And you'd best believe, she hardly gets a penny. Chorus 2: G A A7 D Em/D Dm7 Em/D, D Living just enough, just e-nough, for the city... Bridge 1: D7 G7 A# G# Da ba da da, da da, da, da da da da, da da da. G#7 F D# D Da da da da, da da da da da.
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Verse 3: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D His sister's black, but she is sho'nuff pretty, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Her skirt is short, but Lord, her legs are sturdy. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D To walk to school, she's got to get up early. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Her clothes are old, but never are they dirty. Chorus 3: G A A7 D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just enough, just e-nough, for the city... Verse 4: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Her brother's smart, he's got more sense than many. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D His patience's long, but soon he won't have any. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D To find a job, is like a haystack needle, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D 'Cos where he lives, they don't use coloured people. Chorus 4: G A A7 D Em/D Dm7 Em/D, D Living just enough, just e-nough, for the city... Bridge 2: D7 G7 A# G# Da ba da da, da da, da, da da da da, da da da. G#7 F D# D Da da da da, da da da da da. Break: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city, yeah, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city, yeah, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city. 25 | C O R D
D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city, yeah, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city, yeah, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just e-nough, for the city. Interlude: D Em/D Dm7, Em/D (x4) Verse 5: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D His hair is long, his feet are hard and gritty, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D He spends his life, walking the streets of New York City. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D He's almost dead, from breathing in air pol-lution, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D He tried to vote, but to him there's no so-lution. Chorus 5: G A A7 D Em/D Dm7 Em/D Living just enough, just e-nough, for the city... Verse 6: D Em/D Dm7 Em/D I hope you hear, in-side my voice of sorrow; D Em/D Dm7 Em/D And that it motivates you to make a better to-morrow. D Em/D Dm7 Em/D This place is cruel, no where could be much colder, D Em/D Dm7 Em/D If we don't change; the world will soon be over. Chorus 6: G A A7 D Em/D Dm7 Em/D, D Living just enough, just e-nough, for the city... Outro: D7 G7 A# G# Da ba da da, da da, da, da da da da, da da da. G#7 F D# D Da da da da, da da da da da. 26 | C O R D
#5 You Haven’t Done Nothin’ Intro: Dm G, Dm G (x4) Verse 1: Dm G We are amazed, but not amused, Dm G Dm G, Dm G By all the things you say that you do. Dm G Though much concerned, but not involved, Dm G Dm G, Dm G With de-cisions that are made by you. Chorus 1: G7 F#7 F7 E7 But we are sick and tired of hea-ring your song. E/G# A7 Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong. D7 C#7 C7 B7 A#7 A7 (n.C) (Dm) 'Cos if you really want to hear our... views; you haven't done nothing. Interlude: Dm G, Dm G (x2) Verse 2: Dm G It's not too cool to be ridiculed, Dm G Dm G, Dm G But you brought this u-pon your-self. Dm G The world is tired of pacifiers; Dm G Dm G, Dm G We want the truth and nothing else. Chorus 2: G7 F#7 F7 E7 And we are sick and tired of hea-ring your song. 27 | C O R D
E/G# A7 Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong. D7 C#7 C7 B7 A#7 A7 (n.C) (Dm) 'Cos if you really want to hear our... views; you haven't done nothing. Interlude: Dm G7, Dm G7 Jackson 5 join a-long with me, say... Bridge 1: Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, hey, hey, hey, doo doo wop, wow, wow, wow. Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, mmm, mmm, mmm, doo doo wop, co, co, co, Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, bum, bum, bum, doo doo wop. Verse 3: Dm G We would not care to wake up to, Dm G Dm G, Dm G The nightmare that's be-coming real life. Dm G But when mislead, who knows, Dm G Dm G Dm G A person's mind can turn as cold as ice, uh-hum. Chorus 3: G7 F#7 F7 E7 Why do you keep on making us hear... your song? E/G# A7 Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong. D7 C#7 C7 B7 A#7 A7 (n.C) (Dm) 'Cos if you really want to hear our... views; you haven't done nothing. Interlude: Dm G7, Dm G7, Dm G7 Dm G7 Jackson 5 join a-long with me, say...
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Coda: Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, hey, hey, hey, doo doo wop, oh! Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, co, co, co, doo doo wop, sing it baby! Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, bum, bum, bum, doo doo wop, bum, bum, bum. Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, bum, bum, bum, sing it loud, for your people, sing it; Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, bum, bum, bum, doo doo wop, stand up, be counted, say; Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, co, co, co, doo doo wop, oh! Dm G Dm G Doo doo wop, bum, bum, bum, doo doo wop, ah hum. (Fade)
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SUPPORTS
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CORD ARTISTS THE RAES (Philippines)
A rare group in the pop music world, The Raes consists of Eva de los Santos and daughters Monique and Anna. While Eva excels in power ballads, Monique has poprock inclinations. Anna, who plays violin, is the no. 1 Taylor Swift fan in the Philippines, and naturally falls for songs in the genre of her idol. The trio released the single, “Two Left Feet� on May 2015.
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KIESZA (Canada)
Of Norwegian descent, Kiesza whose real name is Kiesa Rae Ellestad, was recognised as Breakthrough Artist of the Year in the 2015 Juno Awards on account of her single, “Hideaway” and “Sound of a Woman:, the later also chosen as the Dance Recording of the Year. She has reached no. 1 in the pop charts in Russia, Netherlands and Belgium and Top 10 in Canada, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. She has written songs for Rihanna and Loreen and appears in the new album of Duran Duran.
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FIFTH HARMONY (USA)
After a third place finish in the second season of X Factor USA, Fifth Harmony pursued a serious career that earned them as MTV’s Artist to Watch in 2014 producing two wellreceived singles, “BO$$" and "Sledgehammer". In 2015, the group released their debut album, “Reflection” that debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200. The 5-girls have become as the most successful alumni from the X Factor USA, and the future even looks brighter.
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Feature
THE SPACE CAPITALISTS The ‘60s were the most exciting years for space science. Televisionproduced series like “Star Trek” and “Lost in Space” and the sci-fi masterpiece film “2001: A Space Odyssey” bewildered audiences. Russia and the United States sent cosmonauts/astronauts to space highlighted by the landing on the moon in 1969. But soon the novelty wore out because of the regularity of the space launchings and later the lengthy stay of scientists in international space station. Nasa, the US space agency, has not been as prominent as it used to be, what with its budget by the US Congress and with scant news on the findings of unmanned explorations in Mars and beyond.
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Enter the poster boys of commercial space travel: Virgin Galactic’s Richard Branson and SpaceX’s Elon Musk. Branson wants people to experience the Overview Effect right at the edge of the earth’s atmosphere where gravity is suspended. With 700 people signing up and having paid deposits for their flights on SpaceShipTwo, the commercial venture has extensively tested its spaceships but has yet to send its first set of passengers. Musk is more ambitious. Steve Jobs was to computing as Musk is to space travel. Call him crazy, but he aims to form a human colony in Mars by 2040 with a population of 80,000. Yet this man (at 44 years old he heads the electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors) is as rational as one can get, with exceptional business acumen and incomparable determination. He built rockets from scratch after finding as too expensive the one offered by Russia in 2002. Today, he has Falcon rockets and Dragon spacecraft and has become one of the two contractors of NASA in its space transport programs. But the space entrepreneurs have suffered setbacks in their ventures. On Oct. 31, 2014, Virgin Galactic’s VSS Enterprise, an experimental spaceflight test vehicle, crashed with one casualty. On June 28, 2015, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon cargo ship exploded a few minutes after launch. The unmanned flight lost 4,000 pounds of supplies and equipment for the international space station. These incidents, plus those of Orbital Sciences Corp and the Russian space program in the last two years, have put into question the safety of people in projected commercial space flights.
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Branson is more concerned, as he has publicly announced that he will be among the passengers of the first commercial flight of SpaceShipTwo. With the loss of VSS Enterprise, Virgin Galactic has not assigned a date for the launch except by saying that it will be guided by a “safety-driven schedule.” Indeed, these are exciting times once again for space science. But until the real things happen, we will have to make do with the next installments of “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” ( CORD)
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WORLD POLITICS
THE GREEK WARRIOR BLINKS Greece voted for a Spartan-like warrior to deal with its perceived enemies, the European Union and creditors. But Alexis Tsipras is no Spartan. He was born in Athens. He hurled sword words on the leaders of the European Union and creditors; but the latter did not back down. Now, the Greek prime minister has to eat back his fiery statements. He will face his people who thought of him as their champion; and convince them to take the bitterest of pills as a prescription against looming bankruptcy of his nation. How did Greece come into this? Just a year ago it had nearly returned to economic wellness, having been bailed out by the EU and creditors; and Antonis Samaras’ government fulfilling its promises on economic reforms and implementing austerity measures. But Tsipras and his left-wing Syriza Party took out the red flag, criticizing Samaras for surrendering to the whims of EU and creditors. Samaras failed to read the public sentiment and called for an early election with the populist Syriza 37 | C O R D
Party with the support of the Independent Greeks Party taking over the government. Banking on the mandate, Tsipras appointed firebrand finance minister Yanis Varoufakis. From there on the economy went on a freefall with the country seeking extensions to loans to prevent default. Tsipras then proceeded with an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation with EU and the creditors by putting to a referendum the bailout agreement document. While Tsipras obtained the voters’ backing with over 61% voting against the proposed measures by the Juncker Commission, the ECB and the IMF; the creditors were not impressed and held fort. Who would blink? The Greek leader did. And worse, he got less than he bargained for. While the bailout is spread over three years, the creditors required Greece to set up a fund worth 50 billion euros in assets for privatization. This is a slap on the face to Tsipras who not only has failed on his promises to his people, but also placed his country subservient to creditors. In these modern times, countries are not only threatened by bully-states wanting to expand their territories though military might; but also by creditors such as IMF and the ECB that impose upon debtor-nations conditions that push the poor deeper into misery. Alexis Tsipras may have failed in his supercilious goals; but his Spartan-like boldness has opened the minds of people to the reality of the New World Order under a creditors’ regime. (CORD)
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MUSIC+CURRENT The John Lennon Songwriting Contest closed its Session I on June 15, 2015 and will announce the 12 Grand Prize Winners on September 1. Session II opened on June 16 with the deadline on December 15, 2015. Among this year’s judges are Fergie (of Black Eyed Peas), Flea (of Red Hot Chili Peppers), funk icon George Clinton, Christian band Switchfoot and reggae artist Jimmy Cliff… Carole King and The Eagles are among the honorees in the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. They will be joined by Star Wars creator George Lucas. actress and singer Rita Moreno, classical conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress Cicely Tyson. According to Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein the Honors recognize people whose “impact and genius” have left indelible marks on civilization…Angelique Kidjo, Africa’s premier diva, won the Best World Music Album for “Eve” in 2015 Grammy Awards. She was also the recepient of the of the 2015 Crystal Award given by the World Economic Forum of Davos in Switzerland. Sam Smith dominated the Grammys with four wins: Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Stay with Me”, Best Pop Vocal Album “In The Lonely Hour”, and Best New Artist… The Labrats released its folk-pop single Dance Away, and the song has made its way into Y101 Cebu’s Weekend Top 20, a rare feat in a station that plays mostly international hits. Earlier this year, the duo launched their debut album, ‘The Labrats”… Sufjan Stevens released a new album, Carrie & Lowell on March 31, 2015 supported by the single, “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross”. The album follows the nuances and trials of life with Stevens' mother, Carrie, who was diagnosed bipolar and schizophrenic, and suffered from drug addiction and substance abuse, and includes Stevens' stepfather, Lowell Brams. Stevens will headline the End of the Road Festival in UK in September.
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CONCERT REVIEWS The Eagles, Mt Smart Stadium, March 14, 2015
For two consecutive nights on March 14-15, 2015 at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland, the Eagles attracted 75,000 people to the closing concerts of its epic stadium concert tour, “The History of the Eagles.” The event kicked off on July 6, 2013 and covered North America, Europe and Oceania, totaling 118 gigs. I caught the March 14 concert, which was blessed with a fine weather although it was a bit wintry cold. Founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey began the concert using acoustic guitars and performed one of the earliest songs of the band, “Saturday Night” (from their second album, “Desperado”). This was followed by “Train Leaves Here This Morning” (from their 1972 debut album, “Eagles”) with the band’s pioneer guitarist Bernie Leadon. These were interesting songs, what with the telling of their origin. Sweet vocal harmonies began playing with the entry of Timothy B Schmit as they got into “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Witchy Woman.” The sound began to turn electric as guitarist Joe Walsh (Rolling Stone magazine’s number 54 in the list of “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time") took his place with the rest of the back-up musicians. Just like in a history class, there was a bit of short discourses, either live or through prerecorded video, on how the band rose to become one of the biggest American rock bands of all time (and to think they only had seven studio albums.) In the first set, most of the familiar songs were played, including “Tequila Sunrise,” “The Best of My Love,” “One of These Nights” and “Take It to the Limit.” The second set started with guitar wiz Walsh (do you know he once ran for the US presidency?) on vocals in the unfamiliar “Pretty Maids in a Row,” a reminder that there is more to the Eagles than Henley and Fry. Of course, the crowd got alive again with “New Kid in Town” with Fry on the vocals. Bass guitarist Schmit stole the show a bit with his rendition of “Love Will Keep Us Alive,” the song that brought the band back to the limelight in 2007. 40 | C O R D
If we were ready to doze off because of the slow rock anthems, the band got a bit louder and more edgy beginning with “Heartache Tonight.” The Joe Walsh guitar show for three numbers was a rockin’ relief with the continuing power riffs until “Life in the Fast Lane.” But what good is an Eagles concert without “Hotel California”? The band, though, missed the flamenco guitar intro with the absence of guitarist Don Felder, who has a falling out with the group. The band had three more encore numbers with “Desperado” closing the whole experience. It was remarkable that even with the nearly two years on the road performances, the band remained in high spirits on stage and in superb vocal and music conditions. For the youths of the ‘70s and the ‘80s, the music of the Eagles defined their generation. And I was fascinated that the youngsters at the back of our seats appreciated them as well by singing along with them like what most of us did throughout the night.
Ed Sheeran, Vector Arena, Auckland April 12, 2015 Ed Sheeran is a one-man band. Or is he a musical magician? This ginger-haired dude can do much with his guitar and loop pedal plus he’s got loveable pop songs. He has been to New Zealand for some many times, yet he remains fresh as ever.
Rod Stewart, Vector Arena, April 13, 2015 He is no rocker, not anymore. Rod Stewart is an entertainer, and at 70, Rod the Mod still got mojo to keep everyone happy. Stylish and definitely kicking, he choose to stick to his more popular hits holding for last his most famous anthems “Sailing” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy”. The acoustic set that included “I Don’t Want to Talk about It” and “Have I Told You Lately” was simply brilliant.
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MUSIC REVIEWS By Free Mel
BEFORE THIS WORLD (Album) James Taylor JT had doubts about producing another album of original materials since his last release, October Road, in 2002. So he retreated to a waterfront apartment in Newport, Rhode Island where he created fresh materials. Kicking off with “Today, Today, Today”, the legendary songwriter-singer takes the acoustic approach without techno-manufactured effects. “You and I Again” is a Middle-of-the Road tune that can easy fit on pop radio, while “Angels of Fenway” is typical JT with an interesting chorus. The bluesy “Stretch of the Highway” should be a new anthem for joyriders. In “Montana”, Taylor returns to his root-sound, and you know that the musical journey through this album is going perfectly fine. “Watchin’ Over Me” is adorned with silky vocals of backup singers; while “Snow Time” has JT story-telling in a song-sing melody. “Before This World / Jolly Springtime" features the beautiful harmony of Sting as the duo rejoices on the gift of spring. “Far Afghanistan” is the most powerful of all the songs. Just listen to one of the verses: No matter what they tell you all soldiers talk to God/It’s a private conversation written in your blood/The enemy’s no different, badass holy wind/ That crazy bastard talks to God/ and his God talks back to him/. JT closes with an Irish/Scottish tune, “Wild Mountain Thyme” that has been recorded by so many artists including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Ronan Keating, yet sounds like one written purposely for James Taylor. Thank you, Mr. Taylor for such a beautiful collection of songs. Don’t take too long to make the next one.
HANDWRITTEN (Album) Shawn Mendes Step aside Justice Bieber, Shawn Mendes has just taken over your throne as Canada’s teenage heartthrob. This boy can sing and he’s got a sweet voice that could melt the heart of every teenage girl. “Life of the Party” that sets the tone of the album is charming and hookladen. He knows the trends and incorporates these into his songs like “Stiches” and “Never Be Alone”. He takes the guitar-style, like that of Ed Sheeran, in most of the songs like “Kid In Love”, “I Don’t Even Know Your Name”, “Strings”, “Aftertaste” and “Air”. It is in the minimalist “Crazy” and “Life of the Party” (Acoustic Version) that Mendes really shines. The odd track is “Something Big”, but then again young people need to dance to the party.
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FIRST (single) Lauren Daigle If Lauren Daigle sounds like Amy Winehouse and Adele, it is because she admits that the two have influenced her style. Joining American Idol, she failed to make the top 24 in 2010 and was cut first in the last Vegas round in 2012. But the church choir leader was meant to take a different music path. She is on her way to becoming to an artist of note, and the song, “First” should be the vehicle to the top. It is a prayer with a highly infectious chorus, and Daigle’s powerful delivery makes the song soar.
TWO LEFT FEET (single) The Raes I must admit I am a fan of Eva de los Santos, a songbird levelling Mariah Carey and writes great songs as well. She had a brilliant debut album, but a follow-up never came. The good news is that she’s back together with her two equally talented daughters – Monique and Ana. The Raes’ “Two Left Feet” was written by Monique purposely for Ana whose young and innocent delivery makes the mushy song credible. Eva helps in the harmony, allowing her youngest daughter, Ana, to shine. This is a pop song through and through, and should easily get into any radio station’s playlist.
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CORD IMAGES EL NIDO By Kimoy
The Municipality of El Nido
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Sunset@El Nido
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Pumpboat@El Nido
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ClearSea@El Nido
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Hand-in-Hand@El Nido
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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.
I’m coming back home It’s been nearly ten long years Since I took the plane For a new place, a new life Yet roots never leave ** Manila seems strange People crowding every where Traffic is insane But faces have big wide smiles Amidst pollution ** Strolled along the park Everyone’s doing their thing Not minding the stench Some dancing, others dating Let’s have our dinner ** The gigantic cliffs Guard the town of El Nido Where dogs and humans Commune in the narrow beach What’s out in the sea? ** The motorized boat Takes us to coves and islets What majestic sights Beyond the postcards and tales Finding paradise
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CONGRATULATES GILFRANCIS MANINGO CORD cover artist
for his first one-man show
CARICATURA
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KIM AND EL
OFFICE BLOCK
MR JEYDI’S WITDOM
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GOOD LAUGH Positive Patient The patient, who always looked at the bright side of life, visits the doctor because of a back pain that has not gone away for some time. After asking questions and make routine checks, the doctor tells him that he needs to undergo laboratory tests. The doctor tells him to return when the results will be released by the hospital. A few weeks later the patient is back in the clinic. Doctor: Welcome back. I have received the results of the examination. Patient: Is it good news or bad news, Doc? Doctor: I must be honest with you. It is both good news and bad news. Patient: Tell me the bad news first? Doctor: You only have one week to live. Patient: Oh, that is bad. But do tell me about the good news? Doctor: The laboratory people say that they are thankful to your contribution? Patient: I never made any financial contribution to them, Doc. Doctor: But you have, not financially, but in the name of science. Patient: Oh? Doctor: They discovered you have a new disease, so they are going to name this after you. Patient: Thank you for such honor. I’m sure my wife and children will earn royalties for the naming rights.
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FILM REVIEWS
INTERSTELLAR This film will have to be compared to the sci-fi masterpiece, “Space Odyssey 2001” that remains to be one of the most intriguing features of all time. The Wachowski siblings’ “Tree of Life” experimented on the genre, but they failed with too many characters and too many timelines that this became confusing rather than intriguing. ‘Interstellar; is a long winding tale that may be totally out-of-this-world, but boy, is it wonderfully intriguing! The world is dying as society witness agricultural produce diminishing due to crop blight. A retired astronaut Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is called to active service as humanity’s final hope, but he has to part with his 10-year-old daughter Murphy who thinks her room is inhabited by ghosts. NASA operates a secret installation and has by far sent three space missions in search of a habitable planet in another galaxy by traversing through a wormhole. Cooper’s Endurance spacecraft aims to recover data from the three missions that have failed to return. The crew consists of Cooper, the chief scientist’s daughter, Amelia (Anne Hathaway), a biotechnologist; two other scientists Romilly and Doyle; and robots TARS and CASE. It would be a disservice if I continued to narrate the thrilling plot that brings the explorers to two of the three targeted planets. But it is what comes thereafter that is mind-blowing. Unlike Space Odyssey that is inconclusive, director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception) tie everything neatly together. But what make the film emotionally engaging are the relationship issues that it simultaneously tackles (especially between father-and-daughter). McConaughey has the support of trustworthy actors Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine, all delivering sterling performances. And from my readings, Nolan didn’t just make a film from his own imagination rather he obtained the services of Caltech theoretical physicist Kip Thorne whose ideas inspired this epic movie. Christopher Nolan can be rest assured that he will be remembered more about this new masterpiece than for his brilliant work in ‘The Dark Knight Trilogy”. The sounds, the effects, the sets, the story, the direction – all perfect. Even until the time of this writing, I am still intrigued by the film, and wonder how humanity will survive when the resources of this earth become scarce and the population grow beyond maximum capacity. Is the future beyond the stars? 53 | C O R D
ANT-MAN
WHIPLASH
Marvel gambled on the tiniest superhero following two blockbusters, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Guardians of the Galaxy. Ant-Man was never even as popular as DC’s Atom.
Based on the experiences of writer and director Damien Chazelle, ‘Whiplash’ tells about the ordeal he went through in the Princeton High School Studio Band. It begs the question, ‘How much abuse and sacrifice should one undergo through to achieve excellence and recognition?”
Surprise, surprise! This was one of the most entertaining action-packed Marvel movies of all. Getting comic guy Paul Rudd for the role of Scott Lang was as risky as getting Seth Rogen as the Green Hornet. We know that Rogen’s superhero flick was a disaster. But Rudd proved to be a revelation. The unlikely actor to play Ant-Man perfectly fitted the unlikely choice of Dr. Hank Pym (the original Ant-Man) played by Michael Douglas, to becoming Ant-Man. The film has its Disney family theme, this time between fathers and daughters, with the former (Lang and Pym) out to protect their daughters (Cassie and Hope van Dyne respectively). There is a balance between the human drama and the superhero battles. One character that contributed to making the flick click is Michael Pena, who plays Luis, Lang’s best friend and the most talkative dude on earth. While it was expected that “Yellowjacket” would be the villain, the appearance of the Falcon (of the Avengers) figuring in the clash with Ant-Man was added bonus. We need more of Ant-Man on screen and surely they’ll include the Wasp next time.
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One time or another, a student encounters a ‘terror’ teacher; well this one is the worst of the kind in the person of conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) in his first year as a jazz student in Shaffer Conservatory in New York is admitted as alternate drummer in the conductor’s elite class. Initially Neiman is elated, only to be subjected to bullying as the teacher had done and continues to do to his students. While he gets brownie points for taking over the core drummer during the local jazz competition, Neiman is demoted once more without reason. The plot becomes more engrossing as the student pursues his drum playing to an insane level. Worst, Neiman is expelled from the school, after he attacked Fletcher who tells the former that he is done. The plot further thickens until we get to a somewhat satisfying conclusion. While at the times, we feel like the story is choreographed with over-the-top situations it is understandable if only to highlight the foolishness of teacher bullying and its impact on students. J. K. Simmons created a believable devil out of his character, while Teller has all the makings of a competent lead actor in years to come. Oh, you can catch Tiller in Fantastic Four.
EXODUS: Gods and Kings
Cecil B Demille’s ‘The Ten Commandments’ that starred Charlton Heston was a classic. Despite the absence of CGI in that era, the parting of the Red Sea was incredible and breathtaking. In recent times, there was Dreamworks’ animated ‘Prince of Egypt’, a decent piece. Exodus: Gods and Kings with ex-Batman Christian Bale as the Biblical prophet is another retelling. Ridley Scott who directed the excellent “Gladiator” delivers an epic film with grandeur only a CGI could deliver. Sadly though Scott deviates from the faith-based understanding of Moses, and instead makes him a prince of high military skills who upon the calling of God (represented by a child named ‘Malik) seeks freedom for the Hebrews. He does so by using guerrilla tactics that prove futile against the superior Egyptian forces. Malik tells Moses of the ten plagues that bring suffering to the Egyptians but Pharaoh Ramesses II does not heed the call to free the Hebrews. I didn’t know that Moses pleaded for the lives of the first-borns, but God proceeded, thus paving the way to the freedom of the Hebrews. There was no parting of the Red Sea instead the director gave us a tsunami. Ridley Scott tries as hard to give scientific basis for the plagues, and I guess that is what makes this film fail. Like ‘Noah’ that starred Russell Crowe, Exodus presents a less ‘holier than thou’ prophet who does not fall on his knees to pray. Such a waste, but then again, one source material refers to this as a ‘biblically-inspired epic fantasy’ film. Ah, ‘fantasy’, Mr Scott, you are forgiven.
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WOMAN IN GOLD
Ryan Reynolds has not been making interesting movies of late, and co-starring opposite Helen Mirren seemed not palatable. “Woman in Gold” has resurrected Reynolds career. The film is based on the true story of Maria Altman (played by Mirren) who fought the Austrian government to reclaim the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I which had earned the title, “Woman in Gold”, a painting stolen from her relatives by the Nazi and later returned to Austria that deemed it as its “Mona Lisa”. The opportunity came for Altman when the Austrian government established the art restitution board, allowing claims. She hired an inexperienced lawyer, Randol Schoenberg (played by Reynolds), to help her, but they failed in Austria. Schoenberg persisted and fought all the way to the US Supreme Court to have the matter heard. While they obtained a decision that allowed them to pursue their case in the US, Altman had lost interest. But Schoenberg took the matter through another route. Not only are we treated to exceptional acting, we are able to experience the emotional battles both of Altman and Schoenberg. “Woman in Gold” is one of the best films of 2015.
SONG OF THE SEA
Step aside Disney, “Song of the Sea” is the best animation movie of 2015 using the old school technique of hand drawing. Each frame is an intricate work of art. It is a tale about searching the truth behind another tale. As the two children, Ben and Saoirse, try to find their way back home, they strengthen their bond and discover the secret on the disappearance of their mother. Not only is the story-telling beautifully presented, the songs are charming and meaningful. The film allows the audience to learn about the Celtic myth of the selkie. This one works its magic on both young and old. SEVENTH SON
Seventh Son is a film taken from the popular novel series, "The Wardstone Chronicles", aimed at filling the gap where Harry Potter left off. With veteran actors Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore joining Ben Barnes, the actor who played Caspian X in The Chronicles of Narnia films Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, this epic fantasy flick had much promise. Barnes is Tom Ward, the seventh son of a seventh son who is taken as apprentice to Master Gregory (Bridges) 56 | C O R D
whose knightly order pursues evil spiritual elements on earth. Moore is Malkin, the queen witch who can turn into a dragon. She escapes from the prison chamber and seeks to rebuild her kingdom with the help of followers. The master and the apprentice set out to stop Malkin, and there are clashes against the evil forces. A love angle is incorporated into the story between Ward and a half-witch named Alice (Alicia Vikander). The film does not fall short in CGI-effects and the action sequences are exciting; but the script failed to establish strong emotional links among the characters that leave the audience withdrawn. Bridges proves to be irritating, as he uses a superficial voice, and his lines are simply lame. That being said, the film ends any attempts of succeeding parts to “The Wardstone Chronicles”. BLACK HAT
Chris Hemsworth (who is Marvel’s Thor on film) has yet to score a bonafide hit outside of the Marvel franchise. He did fine in “Rush” as racer James Hunt but it did not produce a gold mine for the studio. Enter Michael Mann; who has made both artistically and commercially successful films such as “Ali”, “The Aviator”, and “Collateral”. Mann co-produces and directs this thriller that deals on hackers, and what danger they can do to society. Obtaining advice from computer experts, Mann makes “Black Hat” an orientation on how hackers work, and how governments respond to threats. Hemsworth is the key character, Nicholas Hathaway who was imprisoned for hacking, and now gets a deal with the FBI to track down the author of the explosion of a nuclear plant in Hongkong. Hathaway turns out to be the originator of the code in the Remote Access Tool used by the culprit.
The team composed of Chinese and Americans travel across the Pacific Ocean only to encounter a well-armed criminal syndicate bent on exterminating the government agents. The use of computer jargon at times slows down the pace, yet we are taken on a different action-packed ride. Two Chinese actors Leehom Wang and Tang Wei delivered their parts in critical roles. You’ll love the ending. WILD
Erase thoughts of ‘Legally Blond’, Reese Witherspoon is totally unglamorous in look in “Wild”, but shines as an actor. The film follows the hike in 1995 by Cheryl Strayed of more than a thousand miles in the Pacific Crest Trail and flashbacks of her life that led to her journey. Strayed was a total wreck at the time that she decided to take the hike, following the death of her mother and divorce from her husband as she had been gallivanting with other men. It was a foolish decision likewise, as she had no preparation or experience in pursuing the foot trek. Witherspoon demonstrated genuine appeal in tackling the reckless character who proved determined. Along the way, Strayed rediscovered herself, through the people she came across. It ends happily. A similar theme was dealt with in, “Into the Wild” written and directed by Sean Penn chronicling the travel of Christopher McCandless into the Alaskan wilderness, but that had a dark ending, as the inexperienced McCandless lost his life.
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THE WATER DIVINER When an actor gets into the director’s chair, he or she will always be looked upon with suspicion. So when Oscar best actor winner Russell Crowe released “The Water Diviner” that he helmed, many reviewers tried to look for faults, but Crowe turned out to be as good a director as he is an actor. He chose to delve on a historical event at Gallipoli when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps fought a disastrous campaign in the Gallipoli Peninsula against the forces of the Ottoman Empire that sided with Germany during World War I that resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The actor-director had to make a balanced story that would not cause objections from either the Australian and New Zealand nationals or the people of Turkey. He succeeded as the film was received warmly by both sides. The story delves on the search five years after the war by Australian farmer Joshua Connor (Crowe) of his three sons who were presumed to have died at the Battle of Gallipoli. He befriends Major Hasan (Yılmaz Erdoğan), a Turkish officer assigned to help the ANZACS for mass burial of the deceased soldiers. While he eventually discovers the remains of his two sons, one remains unaccounted for, and he continues the search with the assistance of his new found Turkish friends. There is a dose of love story added, to reveal the healing of the division between the races. This wasn’t an easy story to tell and surely was a difficult one to film, yet Crowe proved brilliant though a neophyte in directing. If Angelina Jolie and Ben Affleck have established themselves at the helm, so has Crowe.
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