Favourite Group #1 - 在草地上

Also known as Joy Trendy Sound cos that's how the group's moniker sounds in cantonese. It means 'on the grass'. And that's exactly how I would imagine myself when listening to them - in a park, lying on the grass, the last sunlight of the day, soon the night will fall, wry smile with memories faded by time.

They've released only one mini album but it might be the best made-in-Hong Kong music ever, mixing sly poetry with gentle melodies sung lullingly.

I've never seen the album on sale in Hong Kong but found my copy and the last copy at White Wabbit Records in Taipei - probably my favourite indie pop music store in the world. Small, well-stocked and really friendly and knowledgeable storekeepers.

Favourite Song #12 - The Lucky One - Au Revoir Simone

More synth than The Shangri-Las, not as avant as Hoahio but creating songs of the same pop variety, Au Revoir Simone gonna break your heart and make it whole at the same time. Be charmed.

Favourite Song #11 - Disaster strikes again - Ferns

It seems wrong to start 2010 with longing but I miss ferns. It's been a good long while since they last performed in Singapore and I've forgotten how much I love this song and group.

p.s. Ferns is from Malaysia and comprises four boys and a girl creating extremely good music.

Favourite Song #10 - X'mas Half Nude Party - Forever Tarkovsky Club

I didn't know this song has a rock version and a music video! The hypothesis of two heads are better than one (Ah P of my little airport collaborated with Ho Shan of Pixeltoy) is proven to be true.

4 Perfect Songs

Songs which leave me wishing nothing more and nothing less but only the sweetest ache.

Sandie Shaw's Always something there to remind me. The best version.
Camera Obscura's Eighties fan. It felt great to sing along with Tracyanne.
my little airport's Japan 'sut gua'. So much's packed into this tiny song.
Undertones - Teenage kicks. John Peel's favourite. My favourite. Is it any surprise that I adore good old Peelie?

Favourite Song #9 - Between the lines - Sambassadeur

2005. A good year for indie pop in Singapore. Where popgeeks gathered and danced on the street of Amoy. To this particular anthem. Feel the beat of the tambourine.

Favourite Song #8 - Love long distance - Gossip

Gossip did it - the gay anthem. One part big house piano riff, one part trancey disco synth, mix with a steady 4/4 beat, plus a pinch of heartbreak and a huge cup of soulful voice. It's as good as billie ray martin and eve gallagher.