James Morrison’s dream as a singer-songwriter continues with his second studio album, ‘Songs for You, Truths for Me’.  And according to the 24 year-old, it’s a collection of songs for his long-termed girlfriend, Gill and everyone else.

Lead-off single "You make it real" is a lovely piano/guitar driven ballad with a exceptional delivery. The gently pulsing "Broken strings" features Nelly Furtado on additional vocals. "If you don't Wanna Love Me" is Blues-tinged with fiery vocals, and would put a smile on your face.

"The only night" is an upbeat piano rocker Elton John or even Paul Weller could have done, while the gently stomping "Nothing ever hurt like you" reminds me ever so faintly of "I heard it through the grapevine".

Other standouts include the horn/organ peppered "Fix this world up for you" (ah, if only life were that simple), the beautiful "Save yourself" (with Gospel-style harmonies), the acoustic "Love is hard", and my absolute favourite, the delicate "Once when I was little".
 
WIN THIS ALBUM ALL WEEK LONG on the HOT 30 Countdown with Jeremy Ratnam from Monday 13^th October to Friday 17^th October, 2008 and again on the HOT 30 Rewind with Jeremy & The Rewind Crew on Saturday 18^th October, 2008

(4 out of 5 musical notes)

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Collectors!                    Buy CD!              Must hear!         One-Hit Wonder!        Tsk Tsk!

Walt Disney Records proudly presents the SOUNDTRACK to the HOTTEST DISNEY CHANNEL MOVIE OF THE YEAR! Featuring musical superstars, JONAS BROTHERS plus a whole new cast of musical talent that's sure to be the SUMMER'S BIGGEST HIT!  Firstly, the Jonas brothers are a talented young group of brothers. Who have churned out songs that are real catchy and fun and has positive influence for the young.  This CD is filled with upbeat and catchy songs that will cater to people who enjoyed similar Disney soundtracks like High School Musical and Hannah Montana. The standout songs are are “We Rock”; and as the title suggests, is an awesome feel good song that has a strong beat and great group vocals. It's a very catchy tune that will have you moving to the beat.  “Play My Music”, is a great song by the Jonas Brothers. It has a steady beat, good singing, and an uplifting tone. “Too Cool” is a very upbeat and catchy song that works on many levels. Reminding you of the Hannah Montana style with quick and upbeat lyrics accompanied by a strong beat and a variety of instruments.  And “This is Me”, a fantastic song about being true to yourself and standing proud. This song shows Demi's talent and is one of the best songs on the album and a current #1 on the HOT 30 Countdown!

Camp Rock when it comes by on cable here in Singapore, will be a very successful show and this soundtrack proves that it has what it takes to match High School Musical.  Rock On!!!

THE CLAWS ARE OUT

Things aren't so happy in the happiest place on Earth...Disney is now home to hormone-crazed-teenagers who hate each others guts! Oooh the drama! BRILLIANT! 

So let me break it down for you. Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brothers used to go out with Miley Cyrus, the Hannah Montana chick. And now the boy is going out with Selena Gomez, the star from the Disney series Wizards from Waverly Place. So you know that's gonna be some major bitch fest going on. I'd understand if the cat claws are out in full manicured glory for the girls, but the boys? 

Yeap...apparently so...Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the clan, was seen wearing a t-shirt that had the words "TEAM DEMI AND SELENA" printed in shiny gold capital letters. 

So the question now boy and girls is...to be or not to be...oops wrong text...I mean TEAM DEMI AND SELENA or TEAM MILEY? 

BERNIE MAC GONE AT 50

 The funny man best known for his roles in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Who's The Man, Ocean's 11, 12 & 13, passed away early Saturday morning, August 9th. He was hospitalized for about a week before his health gave in, contributed by inflammatory lung disease.

On his condition, his wifey's sister had this to say, "He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission, but because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection...He was on a newmedication that suppresses the immune system, and that's where the pneumonia came from." 

Sarcoidosis is a disease that attacks the lungs. 

So sad... 

HARRY POTTER HITS THE SCREENS... 

Before I announce when exactly it's out...if you are a fan then I suggest you brace yourself... 

Ready?

There will be no Harry Potter movie this year, it has been postponed and will be screened next July. The blame goes to the writers’ strike which lasted a couple of months in the US and halted many productions. 

I have just one word...WART-EVAAA! 

IT'S A NO FOR MISS ANISTON AGAIN 

I'm sure you must've have guessed it from the title. John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston have broken up...awww...won't she ever find her prince charming? 

Or maybe she doesn't want to? Maybe she likes it this pace of men coming in and out of her life? Or maybe not? 

There were rumors that the singer and the actress were going to get married. But then John cheated on her not once, not twice but THREE BLODDY times! What an A*Hole! 

Well apparently her people are on the prowl for yet another man for Jennifer. 

God-damn. If she needs help to find a man...then i'm doomed! 

THE BABY'S NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD AND ALREADY HE'S CHEATING! 

The person...or rather the man in question is Jamie Lynn's fiancee, Casey Aldridge. 

He reportedly stopped the affair with the lady, Kelli Dawson, who is close to a decade older to him, just before Jamie Lynn gave birth because he felt guilty.

Apparently it was Casey who did all the chasing...so says Kelli "He totally instigated it and pursued me." Erm...hate to break this to you darling....but it takes 2 hands to clap. 

The Lady in the Know...Jane Doe

Even without posting her music on the web, Colbie Caillat is sure to have fans, mostly because of the massive and effervescent track "Bubbly."  On her first full-length album, the singer/songwriter conjures up clear skies and warm breezes of her home in California.  Not that the lyrics revolve around her stomping grounds of Malibu and Ventura County, but her mellow melodies sound like products of those places.  Instead, Caillat sings about love in all its guises, as on "Capri," a tribute to a mother-to-be. Colbie combines acoustic pop, light jazz, and blue-eyed soul on Coco.

Despite her young age--22 at the time of its release--the record seems likely to attract an older audience, although her sunny singing manages to sound centered and spirited at the same time. Coco doesn't offer anything startlingly new, but its relaxing vibe is hard to resist.  The songs on Caillat's debut album COCO mirror the Malibu-born Caillat's low-key, refreshing style. Armed with her acoustic guitar and her dusky vocals, she evokes the same gentle, yet spirited style of her musical influences John Mayer, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and The Weepies. The laid-back tempo of Hawaii, where she spent twice annual family vacations, is echoed in the music.

WIN THIS ALBUM ALL WEEK LONG on the HOT 30 from Monday 25th to Saturday 30th, August, 2008.

(3 out of 5 musical notes)

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Collectors!         Buy CD!               Must hear!        One-Hit Wonder!       Tsk Tsk!

There is a reason why the Olympics exist today. 

This is the only event where so much of the human spirit is unleashed: where billions witness athletes on the throes of defeat after years of sacrifice and painful training to fight back and win a medal. 

Thanks to modern technology we see this on television, photos and on the internet.  When we willing draw ourselves into the trials of these athletes, we unconsciously acknowledge that deep inside us all there is still potential yet untapped and true grit when all seems at a loss.

The highlight for me visit to Beijing was watching the US Women’s Team clinch the Gold medal in the 4 x 400 relay.  On their 2nd lap they were lagging behind in second place but all changed when into their 3^rd, with the cheers of 90000 spectators in the Bird’s Nest I saw a lone female athlete bite down on the track and with thigh muscles rippling sprint ahead of the Jami can lead and win the race for the US.

I’d left inspired and what I take home to Singapore is that everyone can be whatever they set out to be and in times to need draw strength from a reserve we have yet to realize.

Goooooood day to all of you J 

I’m here once again to share with you my wonderful experiences and escapades with a charitable organization. This time round, it’s the Breast Cancer Foundation at Dunearn Road! 

The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) is a non-profit charity organization that was established in 1997 to increase knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and related issues at all levels of the community. The BCF holds programmes like the Awareness and Education Programme, of which includes the month-long Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in October. Amongst other programmes which give support and help to breast cancer survivors is the Healing through the Arts Programme. It includes the Dragon Boat Programme as well as the new Drawing on the Imagination programme that will help regain confidence in survivors by expressing themselves through Art.

Alrighty! Till next time!

"hits head" Ouch! Oh yeah before I forget, if you want to volunteer at the BCF, please call 6352 6560 or visit their website at www.bcf.org.sg 
Ciao!

-Boythunder *ta da na ta!*

Hi All!

I’m sure you know where I went to on 'Volunteer Thursday'. So…. where did I go? Did I hear Association at Mountbatten? Righto! It is The Singapore Association For The Deaf located at 227 Mountbatten Road. 

Let me tell you, guys, about our chosen charity for this week- The Singapore Association For The Deaf. It was established in early 50s with a powerful mission to assist the Deaf to achieve a better quality of life and to enable them to integrate and contribute to the society. They believe in working in partnership with families, schools and the community for the well-being of the Deaf. Personally I agree with the vision of the Association. Everyone in the society can play a role to make life better for anyone. Only ignorance separates those who insist that disabilities hinder progress and integration.  

I would like to humbly request to you, Radio 91.3 listeners, who have spare time in your hands to join them in their fundraising working team to plan and coordinate fundraising projects. You may also provide help in the design of brochures, writing of appeal letter or any other forms of volunteerism.

So come down to The Singapore Association For The Deaf and be a volunteer. If you want details, please visit their website www.sadeaf.org.sg 

I shall write again! BT

Hey, Boy Thunder here! I had an amazing experience at Society for the Physically Disabled(SPD) last Thursday if you heard yours truly going ape on air. Do you know that SPD has Day Activities Centre which aims to nurture self-help skills through a balanced and structured programme on social and recreational activities of daily living for the beneficiaries? Now you know. 

SPD is a place full of positive vibes, shining with ever-smiling staffs and friendly beneficiaries that welcome us with ‘Hello” “Hi” “How are you?” etc. We are impressed with the commitment level of every individual who work in partnership with people with physical disabilities to develop their potential to the fullest so that they can be self-reliant and independent. Do you know that through the place, these beneficiaries attain essential skills such as education, employment as well as ample assistance and support and thus, playing an important role in contributing to our economy as well? Now you know. 

I sincerely hope you guys will come down and be a volunteer at SPD. You will value every single moment spent with the beneficiaries. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please call Ms Alice Hue at 6579 0708 or alternatively, you can check out their website (www.spd.org.sg/volunteers/events.html ) under ‘Volunteer with us’ .  

Signing off! B T!

For Domestic Thursday this week, Radio 91.3 has selected Pathlight School, which is located at Ang Mo Kio St 44, as the second charity to be highlighted. 

Pathlight School is the first autism-focused school in Singapore that offers a unique blend of mainstream academics (leading to PSLE / GCE O Levels) and life readiness skills. They aim to provide a transformation learning journey for their students and develop them to be the best of their potential so that they can achieve academic and life skills.

Radio 91.3 is impressed with the commitment level of the staffs and volunteers of the school in ensuring that the students are fully equipped with proper social and developmental skills. The students are also given the opportunity to practise their money management and life skills such as preparation of food and beverage, social skill etc with the set-up of Pathlight Café, an initiative with an established coffee outlet in Singapore. 

We solely hope that you will join Pathlight as a volunteer and create a difference in the students’ lives. For more information, please do not hesitate to call 6459 9951 or check out their website, www.pathlight.org.sg

20-year old Krystal Meyers, ‘Make Some Noise’ is a truly uplifting album in every sense of it’s word.


(3 out of 5 musical notes)

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Collectors!             Buy CD!             Must hear!         One-Hit Wonder!       Tsk Tsk!

Wedded Bliss and Blisters

§         Music-producing mogul-maestro Timbaland has tied the knot – not once, but twice, to the same lady love - publicist and baby mama Monique Idlett! Once, for legal purposes 2 months ago, and then again in the romantical Caribbean island of Aruba. The lavish wedding party was attended by other R&B hip-hop mavens like Missy Elliott, Omarion, Ginuwine, rapper Magoo and Kerri Hilson. No word on whether his “holy trinity of music” partners Justin Timberlake or Nelly Furtado showed up, but get this: the happy couple’s first dance of the night was to a 43-minute remixed Nelly Furtado song! 

When Rock & Country Collide

Musical explosion alert! If this was a chemistry experiment, our ears would be bleeding! Can you imagine 90’s Hair Band & Old School Brit Rockers Def Leppard teaming up with country music sweetheart Taylor Swift?!

"Every time I've seen Crossroads I've always thought, 'If I ever get to do one of those, it HAS to be with Def Leppard!,' so this is really a dream come true for me… I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years… so it's amazing that I'm going to get to share a stage with them this year!"

Here Today, Tom Tomorrow

Look out, Mr Cruise! ScarJo’s ex and Pearl Harbour hunk Josh Hartnett’s all set to take up where Tom left off in a British stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning  movie Rain Man. British actor Adam Godley will play opposite Josh as his autistic brother, a role that won Dustin Hoffman his 1989 Oscar for the movie version.

If you plan on being in London, catch Josh and the rest of the cast at the West End’s Apollo Theatre starting  Aug 28 through till Dec 20. On a  side note, Top Gun trivialists will be sad to know that the bar featured in Tom Cruise’s launchpad movie is no more. Fire gutted the classic watering hole (known in real life as The Kansa City BBQ Bar), where Maverick, Goose and then little-known actress Meg Ryan filmed the pivotal Great Balls of Fire scene (I know! Ironic, right?!) and it suffered more than half a million dollars of damage.

The Devil May Wear Parada, but the Pope does Not!

For almost two years, rumours have been fying that Pope Benedict XVI 's stylish red shoes were made for him by Milan fashion house, Prada. Last year, the 81-year-old was even named "accessoriser of the year" by Esquire magazine. But now, the official Vatican newspaper, The Osservatore Romano has now decided to end the debate, stating that the Pope dresses according to a precise liturgical code and that he is not a man who fusses over fashion. It concluded, "The Pope does not wear Prada, but Christ. His worries are not about accessories, but the essential." 

Eat a Cockroach, Save the World!

Scientists from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation claim eating insects is good for us and the environment. Insects will provide a nutrient-rich diet, help reduce pests and put less strain on the planet than eating conventional meat. Some insects in their dried form are said to have twice the protein of raw meat and fish, while others are rich in unsaturated fat and contain important vitamins and minerals.

AHOY! Shiver me timbers! Not...... It's the all new Electric Bum Boat Cruise experience not to be forgotten. 

Bum around the bum boat with Boy Thunder took off last Friday morning and I had the chance to meet up with fans and listeners bright and early as we embarked on one of the quietest or should I say, almost silent bum boat ride ever in the history of the Universe!! Perhaps the reason for my enthusiasm is because I found out that Singapore River Cruises & Leisure fleet of diesel-powered bum boats has now been replaced by a new fleet of environmentally-friendly electric bum boats, the first of its kind in the world.