One and Only

We're One, but we're not the same... -U2, One

You know that re-make of U2's 'One' by Mary J Blige, 'featuring' Bono (lead singer of U2)? They keep playing it on the radios (and monkey loves it, so I keep hearing it too...)

When I first heard it I HATED it. Why did they need to re-do it?? Why does she sing the harmony instead of the tune?? Why did Bono consent?? Why why why??? The original meant so much more!! It was about the conflict in Germany, Sarajevo, about Aids, homosexuality, transvestites, the relationship between a father and his gay son?? It was the song that saved U2 from potentially breaking up, the song that delivered Achtung Baby!! And this Mary woman comes along and re-sings it??

And then I zoom out. How about the people who don't know about U2 and One's History. The R&B fans. Maybe she's republishing the song in a different context? And it's somehow more comforting that Bono is involved as well. The master approves! Also, the music does seem richer. But it's just not the same! It can never be the same!!

Originals are still the favourite to win these wars. Take the recent remake of 'Pink Panther' by Steve Martin. Whether he likes it or not, the poor guy is gonna be compared to the original Inspector Cruso (i.e Peter Sellers). And we all know Sellers is a genius. So is it worth the remake? Why not just make up something new? With King Kong...fair enough, they could laden it with effects and afford not to use a plastic monkey as a prop anymore so the re-make was valid (and very cool, may i add!!).

So back to this 'One' song.... I'm just curious to know what people think about it.... I just think re-makes need to be very carefully done or done superbly well for it to be accepted....

SQ198 Sydney-Penang

Date: 14/04/2006
Time: 5.34 p.m
Location: Seat C57, SQ198

"A Lemon Yellow note-pad is perfect! The colour of brilliance! Thank you..." X

I'm sick of this safety video. The music bores me and the announcers look like they've just walked off the set of the Stepford Wives or the Truman Show. (or Perfection Avenue, Kellyville?)

This song just came in to my mind - "I just wanna fly, put your arms around me baby, put your arms around me baby." I think it's by SugarRay. What kind of a band name is Sugar Ray anyway?

The best part of flying is the taking off and landing. When the overhead compartments start rattling vigorously and your ears get blocked, telling you you're being lifted up so fast, your body can't keep up with the change in pressure. It gets to me every time. Also the fact that most aeroplane accidents happen during take off and landing - "Are we gonna make it?? Are we gonna make it?? YESSSSSSSSSssssssssssss!!!!"

I think I've travelled so much that the novelty of flying has worn off. Wait till I have to work my ass off to buy myself a plane ticket, then I'll be more excited. How spoilt I am.. (but this trip is not for myself! I would have been happy to stay back. Does that count then?)

Oh look... Little fluffy clouds.

Faz said something during design yesterday that made me think "What a brilliant band name that would be!!" I just remembered what it was. 'Dirty Duna'. Somehow, I think my heart's not in Architecture...thinking about band names while someone is doing a perfectly serious presentation about perfectly valid issues and what not. Visual Arts and Music excites me so much more. Buildings just don't do it for me as much. All this time, I've faked it! (but don't most women anyway?)

I have a feeling all this won't make sense when this plane has landed and I proceed to re-reading it. Maybe I should try typing it all out as a blog entry, just for kicks.

Mmmm....why hello, you nice smelling tuna pastry.........

Monkey Update

Monkey see. Monkey do.

We're having too much fun together. I have decided to keep him. No amount of ransom money will change this decision. Sorry Steve. There goes a son.

Making it better

And anytime you feel the pain, hey jude, refrain, don't carry the world upon your shoulders. For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder. -The Beatles, Hey Jude.

Today's lesson is a simple one. When the life appears to give u shit, go out and make it better. Well, not literally go out....just do something about it. Writing a few emails did it for me. Old friends and such. It's not too hard to feel alone in this world, but most of the time...we gotta stop kidding ourselves. Truth is, it's really hard to be isolated... even if we want to be...

"Then you'll begin to make it better better better better better better, ohhhh.....
Naaa na na nana na na, na na na, hey jude..."

MONKEYNAPPED!!!!!!

"I have been napped since 2 weeks ago and my master does not seem to notice that I am gone. It is fun here, I have been frolicking around with other monkeys... but mistress says, "hold this notice up and look distressed." I think she wants to hold me hostage for some ransom or whatever...."