Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur

Amnesty International brought together dozens of today's greatest artists in the world to create this double-CD album, a re-record of the late-John Lennon's masterpiece throughout his entire career with fab four The Beatles as well as his solo career. A contribution to bringing peace to Darfur, where more than half a million lives have been taken away through violence and disease during four years of rebel discord.

Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, is an initiation by Amnesty International to create an awareness campaign to the whole world that there are people dying and violence are happening everyday, everywhere. All proceeds from this campaign will be fully donated to the organisation to help Darfur and other human rights crisis. For more information, login to www.instantkarma.org.

a r t i s t l i n e - u p .
U2
R.E.M
Christina Aguilera
Aerosmith and Sierra Leone Refuge All-Stars
Lenny Kravitz
Los Lonely Boys
Corinne Bailey Rae
Jakob Dylan featuring Dhani Harrison
Jackson Browne
Avril Lavigne
Big & Rich
Youssou N'Dour
Green Day
Black Eyed Peas
Jack Johnson
Ben Harper
Snow Patrol
Matisyahu
Postal Service
Jaguares
The Flaming Lips
Jack's Mannequin featuring Mick Fleetwood
Regina Spektor

sir gila k. speaks, "this could be one of the greatest cover album of all time!"

KL Sing Song 2007

Troubadours Enterprise is proud to present you 2007's KL Sing Song, an annual event started since 2005 on a two-night musical showcase of some of the talented singer songwriters in the country. This year's KL Sing Song brings together 12 Malaysians on stage to showcase some of their harmonic talents on an acoustic setting.

Featured artists include Pete Teo, Shanon Shah, Mia Palencia, Reza Salleh, Melina William, Azmyl Yunor, Mei Chern, Jerome Kugan, Estrella, Tan Sei Hon, Michelle & Ling and Meor.

This wonderful event will be held at KL Performing Arts Centre, Pentas 2 July 20 and 21 from 8.30pm to 11.00pm. Ticket price are RM25 for adults and RM20 for students and disabled.

For more information, login to their site.

Converse JP Leather

Converse revealed some new Jack Purcells leather in new forms of style for this upcoming Fall/Winter release. There's a black/black, a black/white, and a white/white edition. Possibly retailing at $70.

Seiko Wired H x Visvim

Visvim and Seiko got together to produce this up and coming Seiko's Wired H watch. What so special about this watch is that it syncs between 2.00am to 4.00am with radio signals to make sure the time is accurate every night automatically! Solar-powered honey comb cells charges the batteries to keep it running as long it's still in one piece. Also comes along with a very nice leather case as a package. A very nice digital timepiece it seems, beautifully designed exterior, superb features that saves the hassle of replacing batteries and setting your watch all the time. The main attraction here is the branding of the fame of the brand. Unfortunately, there's this one and only disadvantage about this timepiece, which is, it only operates properly and accurately in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. Other areas outside those mentioned is useless! Sucks eh? Tell me about it. Retailing at approximately 43,000 yen, maybe more. You can get more info via Honeyee.

Simpsons Artist Series - Futura, Todd James, Tony Munoz, Taka Hayashi

We have already seen Stash, KAWS, Neckface and Mister Cartoon version earlier. Futura, Todd James, Tony Munoz and Taka Hayashi's edition is out. All except for Tony dropped a design on their selected model. Tony did two designs inspired by Krusty the Clown on a Vault and a Sk8-Hi.

This means we have another 4 more to check out before making the decision to get which one. Bear that in mind you gotta act quick cos' it's limited to 100 pairs each. More coming soon.

If you missed us in the previous entries on this issue, Vans had called upon 12 renowned artists to drop their artwork on its sneakers, in conjunction with the up and coming Simpsons movie. As you can see, Hayashi-san did the Itchy & Skratchy version, Futura's version featured Bart, and Todd chose a wise choice and picked Apu as his character.

Event Listing: Rainforest World Music Festival 2007

Getting tired of hip hop and rock music already? Then it's time to try on something really exclusive that's happening soon this month. From 13 to 15 July, the Sarawak Tourism Board is proud to present you the annual Rainforest World Music Festival 2007, and will be held at Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak. Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together renowned world music musicians from all continents on stage.

This year's line-up consists of the world's notable musicians including Huun Huur Tu, Malerija, Tarika Be, Shannon, Khac Chi, Doghouse Skiffle Group, Ensemble Kaboul, Inka Marka, Foghorn String Band, Tammorra, Shooglenifty, Black Umfolosi, Randy Raine Reusch, Mas Y Mas, and our own homeground talents including Aseana Percussion Unit, Anak Adi' Rurum, Kelapang Kelabit Bamboo Band, Tabuh Pak Ainal, Mah Meri and Jerry Kamit. Check the schedule on whose playing on what date.

Tickets are available via Ticket Charge at RM80 for the one-day pass and RM200 for the all three-day pass.

A couple of hours back, there was a Rainforest World Music gathering party held in Laundry. Featured bands include The Abonation Band, DJ J-Sun, The Purple Magic Sample Ensemble, Tugu Drum Circle and Bantus Capoeira. World music enthusiasts across states came down over to watch these guys performed. Some were really enjoying by tagging along some beats on their beer bottles and glasses, and some were really overly shocked to discover such music do exist real live. You can see some jaws tangling wide open wondering what in the world 20 over musicians playing their instruments creating such unique sound, or perhaps known as noise. Mia Palencia was great. Overall, the crowd wasn't really supportive, but the music was definitely way better than yesterday's event.

If you're interested to know more about these bands, you can start googling for more of their information in your browser. Experience world music freely.

Fly FM Campur Chart Goes Live @ Laundry, July 5th

Three local acts. One rock. One hip hop. One pop. All live in Laundry Bar at one of the many events by one of Malaysia's latest addition to the radio station list, Fly FM Campur Chart Goes Live. There has been a couple of shows under the name, but this is the only one that I get to spend some time on. Tonight's line up we had Project Ei8th, KLG Sqwad and O@G.

Our local heroes indeed had done a marvelous job in rocking the nation to support the local music scene it seems, but still think it's not good enough compared to other gigs featuring foreign artist. Anyway, it's there.

First to go up on stage were Project Ei8th. Seemingly considered among the top bands as of today, one thing I adored them is their percussionist hanging around the corner enjoying his tabla, whatever they call them. Yea. Those slick fingers were banging the percussion so neat. Unfortunately, barely heard his percussion cos' of the fucked up system. About the rest, feedbacks aren't good so if you are the type who gets offended pretty quickly, skip this. The vocalist wants the crowd to enjoy his music, but it's just not working. Not feeling the influential Creed/Disagree-alike vocals. The stupidest part of the whole performance was the guitarist whose trying so hard to move around with his guitar. The movement are just too stiff, and it's not even natural, instead, forcing himself to shake cos' rockers suppose to rock on stage. Crrap.

Next up were KLG Sqwad. I gotta say the trio had improved a lot since the last time I heard them live. The crowd was crazy over Amplify and Freedom, a brand new track by the Klang boys, featuring rap verses with all three different language, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. The crowd were lighten up and went "F R E E D O M" all aloud. I guess the night were filled with hip hop lovers. It's just crazy. KLG will be releasing their up and coming album this September. So hang tough, and head to the stores to get em'.

O@G were the last line-up of the night. Just so you know, Radhi is the only member left since its first line-up since 10 years or more ago. A couple of the old line-up left the band and formed up The Times. Just another bunch of veterans who thinks they are the greatest band in the country and wants stalking fans to surround them. Cocky little bastard. I just hate people wearing sunglasses on stage, when the whole atmosphere is so fucking dark. But I gotta admit, their stage presence were great. The two guitarists knew their moves and it was so natural. The legs were stomping and stomping and stomping along with the beat, and Radhi was dancing around while he sang. Despite the scene where he made a fool out of himself by asking the fans whether they want him with or without the sunglasses - those crappy conversations should not even occur. Radhi was quite supportive by interacting with the crowd - wandering all around the floor, taking pictures with fans while singing Slumber. 60s TV were on the list, definitely.

Overall, the line-up weren't too bad for the night, but it was still disappointing. Hope it would get better the next show.

Fuel returns with Angels & Devils

Fuel returns with a magnificent comeback after 4 years without any new tracks to listen to. Angels & Devils features 13 new tracks by the quintet. Their new single Wasted Time has seen climbing the charts to the top 35 spot in the US Mainstream Rock chart.

Former lead vocalist Brett Scallions was replaced by former Something To Burn's Toryn Green. This is his first appearance as Fuel's vocalist. Set to release in August 2007.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is

Yeah Yeah Yeahs are causing a scene in the indie world by returning with a stunning EP entitled Is Is, a 5-track EP. Some of these tracks were played before in their live shows, and one fine night, they decided to record it in a studio.

To give more excitement to fans, they have included a special film co-directed by KK Barrett and Lance Bangs. It was recorded in Brooklyn on May 7, an exclusive set for 100 female fans only and that's a unique one.

Set to release on July 24.

Take a look at one of their latest singles released taken from their UP, Down Boy. A very cool video indeed. Just look at how she spins.....uuuuurrrhhhhh....

iPhone Case by Incase

A new batch of iPhone accessories had just released not too long ago by Incase. Check full details here.

Korn goes Untitled

Korn will soon be releasing their eight studio album on July 31. The band came up with a weird decision to not to have a name for the album, thus, it was fixed as untitled after. Not too long ago, they released an unplugged album, and Korn fans get to enjoy more 'korny' tracks this year.

Their new single for this album, Evolution was officially announced since May, but no video has been unveiled publicly, although the band had been playing shows featuring their new songs already.

The band is without drummer David Silveria, and was replaced by Terry Bozzio for this untitled album and the future tour. No news on when Silveria will return from hiatus.

Here's a live set of Korn performing their new single.

In the meantime, Sum 41 will be releasing their new album entitled Underclass Hero on July 24. Check them out and tell us how good is it.

18k Gold Dunk Hi

This is one of the finest tool for rich kids whose got no other better things to spend on, and this luxurious 18k gold Nike Dunk Hi would be the best choice for all. Created by Tobias Wong, this could be one of the most foolish initiative done. It looks nice in that gold, but 18k is really too much to be on your feet.

Simpsons Artist Series - Stash, Neckface & KAWS

The first previewed was Mister Cartoon's and today we have another three unveiled publicly. Here we have the versions done by Stash, Neckface and KAWS. Unlike Mister Cartoon using the slip-on vault, this time we have two Chukka and one Sk8-Mid. Pictures via Complex.

Fila x Wu-Tang Clan Tennis Shoes

Would it be so shocking to see Fila coming with a nice collaboration between rap group Wu-Tang Clan on their tennis shoe? I mean, it's so long after a period of disappearance, and now, indeed a powerful comeback for the shoemakers boosting up their sales for the season. This version is an all-white tennis shoe with the company's classic red/blue stripes, and a Wu-Tang Clan logo on it's back heel. Very nice combination.

Simpsons Artist Series - Mister Cartoon

Dah! Here's a preview on Mister Cartoon's version of Simpsons x Vans collabo' we reported earlier....To read on or to look at more pictures, you can view it here. Mister Cartoon's version features a wild-looking Homer with tattoos all over his arm, matching with a celtic bandana. Homer and his beer as usual. Inspirational artistic work. Salute!

Zoo York Artist Series III Release Decks

I just can't explain why I love skateboard decks that much. For the fact it is just a wood that brings you around in medium-pace speed, sometimes it can go pretty fast on sloping ground. But that's not the reason why I love decks, thus, it's because of the design on the decks. And there's enthusiasts whose collecting decks just for the sake of its design, and not for skating purposes.

Anyway, skateboard giant Zoo York Institute recently unveiled it's new Artist Series III decks, featuring notable artists such as Eric Elms, Nate Nedorostek, Bryan Collins, Pablo Medina, Jim Zbinden, AKA x Skuf and ZY's in-house designer Pete Panciera and Damien Correll. There's some short bios on these particular participants via ZY's blog site.

Zoo York also produces some nice apparels, for your info. Do check em' out at their site if you have the time, but the main focus here are the decks. Damn, don't they look sexy?

Garbage's very Best...

After releasing four studio albums since day one they started as a band in '94, Garbage finally release their first 'Best Of' collection, Absolute Garbage, a double CD album featuring 17 of their greatest all-time favorites, and another 14-track bonus CD featuring remixes by renowned DJs including Unkle, Timo Mass, Massive Attack, Roger Sanchez, Kagz Kooner, Brothers In Rhythm, Felix Da Housecat, Rabbit In The Moon, Todd Terry, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Crystal Method and Boom Boom Satellites.

Aside from this special limited edition double CD set, there's also a DVD release featuring 17 music videos throughout their career. Official release date has yet to confirm on the DVD release, but this limited edition copy will due to release on July 23.

This new release featured one new track by the Scottish entitled Tell Me Where It Hurts, and the music video can be viewed here. ***this new video will not be included in the DVD copy***

The band was previously on a temporary hiatus after their 2005 release, Bleed Like Me. Since there's a new track, let's hope there will be a fifth album coming right up, maybe 2008.

Limited Edition MARVEL vs. TECHNICS t-shirts...

Came across some nice Marvel vs. Technics t-shirts via Bond International. There are 12 releases, but only a couple of designs as some are printed on different color base t-shirts. Featuring Marvel celebrities including Captain America, Incredible Hulk, Ghost Rider, Venom, Captain Britain and Black Panther, the styles are highly linked to music elements, especially Technics' turntable set. The title of the theme is "Fiction Meets Reality".

The tees are made available at Bond International online at £25, although I had strong feelings that the pirates will mass produce them and at a way more cheaper price. Gosh, I mean, it's Marvel and Technics we're relating here, and it's HIGH DEMAND. Shoo! Shoo! Let's not hope this happen, otherwise, it would be a great loss to all Marvel enthusiasts.

Here's some images for you to drool at. For more pix, you may login to Bond International, or even make a purchase online at the same place.

Upper Playground & FIFTY24SF New Era release.

Some new monstrous release of New Eras by streetsters Upper Playground and FIFTY24SF which was revealed recently. Three new styles of fitted caps designs by Dora Drimalas, Jeremy Fish and Upper Playground's renowned 'Walrus' design.

There's also some new addition to the summer apparel collection. All can be found via Upper Playground official site.

Dora Drimalas : A bright teal hat with embroided owl design. Black inside.

Jeremy Fish : Snake skull all over print.
Walrus Camo : Green camo base with embroided walrus all over the base.