“We had some good times, but they don’t last forever.”

“Feels Like Yesterday” by American Authors | The new American Authors album has hit Philippine stores, and I know of at least one person who’s excited: Drea loves them. I don’t. But then again, I’m basing it completely on “Best Day of My Life”, that light but slightly annoying single – which, to be fair, I have given it a try, but it just sounds so much like everyone else. You know the problem with pop-alternative nowadays – it relies on a “whoa-oh-oh” in every chorus. So, sorry, I’m not writing about “Oh, What A Life”, her constant earworm. I’m writing about her other suggestion, “Feels Like Yesterday”, which is similarly breezy but not as annoying. I’m sure we both know I won’t be an instant fan, but at least I know there’s more to them than singing about good vibes – which is probably why kids nowadays like them. This stupid “good vibes only” mindset… [NB]

Drea’s things, part eight: This Century

“Beach Blonde” by This Century | This Century was just in Manila this weekend: they had two concerts on Sunday and Monday nights, and Drea was in both on Sunday’s. She actually invited me to watch (“they’re free!” she went) but I was busy on both days, and also, I have never heard of them. So how were the gigs? I asked Drea for a sentence: “This Century are the nicest human beings on earth. The concert was so simple and intimate but it will definitely leave a mark to anyone who was there. It’s there first headliner tour in the Philippines. Okay, that’s more than a sentence.” Yep, Drea, more than a sentence. “Beach Blonde”, which I’m posting now, is a very chilled, summer-y track, and not because of the title: I blame Joel Kanitz’s croon. (Have things I should hear? Drop me a line here.)

Drea’s things (go pop rock), part seven: Of Monsters and Men

“Mountain Sound” by Of Monsters and Men | Finally, a band that’s not exactly pop rock, although it perfectly dovetails with my mindset, and Drea’s, too. We’re all late to Of Monsters and Men – their debut My Head is an Animal was released in Iceland last year, but they only really exploded this year thanks to “Little Talks”. I was elsewhere when the Brits picked them up, leading to the Americans picking them up (which rarely happens), and now, they’re touring the world, and their album is still nowhere to be found in Manila. Next year they’re at the Laneway Festival’s Singapore date, which Drea regrets because she doesn’t have the money. (I have the same regret, because Kimbra will be there. Her live shows are, you know, electric, baby.) So maybe in 2014? Of Monsters and Men may not be there, but whatever. (Have things I should hear? Drop me a line here.)

Drea’s things (go pop rock), part six: Green River Ordinance

“Heart Of Me” by Green River Ordinance | Now, I’ve known these guys for what seems to be the longest time. I blame the David Cook connection (they toured together a few years back) and the fact that I’m surrounded by the Idol winner’s fans. This Fort Worth band also got some airplay here in Manila (again, on RT – it’s a fucking bad decision, this one), which, unbelievably, is the first time I really listened to them. And I like what I hear. It’s funny how Drea fell in love with them without being part of the Cookie circle, though. Not that there’s anything wrong, but I find the whole coincidence a bit too coincidental. (Have things I should hear? Drop me a line here.)

Drea’s things (go pop rock), part five: Go Radio

“Go To Hell” by Go Radio | Drea’s third recommendation this week has me thinking: these guys should be more famous. Or maybe it’s because I’m just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ve heard of Go Radio fleetingly, but never really gave them a try, but now I listen to this and realize I actually like Jason Lancaster’s voice – a bit soulful, a bit raspy. And then I thought, maybe they are big among today’s high schoolers, the crowd that go to Starbucks after classes and always seem to have issues with their parents intruding and their romantic partners cheating on them – and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Or maybe it’s the music video being unintentionally ridiculous. (Have things I should hear? Drop me a line here.)