U2 - No Line on the Horizon

11 tracks, from legends on every music fan you have ever talked to. These Irish men have in it a tie that will defeat other chains that bind everything. Even an atomic bomb could not dismantle they're hunger to shout and produce astounding tunes. "No line on the Horizon" there 12th album, released about two months ago, with all talked about rave, critique, leaks and what else, pressure is on. But after these have passed, millions have listened, i now lately say my stake.

I did not, or musically was not expecting that they go this road. A road were musicians push to scratch the itch, fill the hole. But is there a hole, is there an annoying itch?



"Get on yout boots" is the first release both on video and airwaves. My eyebrows quickly raised up upon hearing this song first, this style of beat and rythm that U2 has under its talent is not something thats gonna work for my taste. 2nd to Discotheque.

"Maginificent" is the 2nd release. This the star of this album. It has the DNA that makes U2 such legends. Everything's right in this, that rock sunrise feel of an intro, lovely lyrics, superb guitar 4 broken to minor guitar techno riffs , and that 16-beat drum sequence. Magnifico!

"Moment of Surrender". THis has that 90's kinda wave feel of a beat and bass lines. I grew up musically in the 90's, naturally this was my first pick. That solo moment by Edge is pure and hell out superb.

"Breathe". Hah, Bono does need to breath hard singing this song, wait, he is Bono. He has this smooth breathless voice that seem tired but can go every mile of the beat and tone.

I have full respect of the band from Dublin. I must never question their music, yet quesiton my own capacity to appreciate. There is still many to explore on this horizon with no boundaries. Need more time. Need to digest. Look back maybe and graduate the doubting of such gift from the quartet. I need to....i guess you have too.

Homage slash Rip-offs

I was urged to write this thought upon a chance topic on a watch forum on homages or rip-offs. Totally surprised on the level of design copies these brands do, sacrificing probably their dignity and character just to get heads above water from the competition. But do they really survive? Guess this defines how dumb or smart you are....

Invicta rip-off of Citizen/Seiko

Invicta's 5747 Force Flight and the Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk


The most obvious copy of all. Even a WIS like me would look twice to verify. The dual time hands makes the clear distinction with that aero design.

Invicta 2615 Pro Diver and the Seiko SKX781 Orange Monster


The dial colors, Monster like indices and bezel edges will tell you that you bought the wrong Invicta. Good thing those arrow hands were not applied, the hands on that Invicta look horrible. And the no shroud design just makes it a little monster with no muscle.

Invicta Pro Diver and Timex T29781 now takes on Rolex Submariner




I bet your eyes are rolling over like playing a game of spot the difference. But to be fair, the Timex and the Invicta have their share of markets due to the massive price difference. Quality surely pays a lot of gap, but the two will surely hold up to any beating. But back to my case, would you really buy an original brand with a fake design? Expeditions and Ironmans are a better bet.

Timex T22232 inspired by Tag Heuer Monaco




Well yes they have lots of differences, but surely the designer from Timex was probably watching Le Mans or scrambling through magazines with TH ads when he sketched out this design the next day. Both are good on their own levels of class.

I have personally lost respect for Invictas, good thing I never bought one. Timex, almost but not yet, they're there so that the masses can have a respectable one too. I do hope this list won't be added.

Seiko SKX007 Diver's Watch

After a decade into production, the 007 is still sought after and one for the most admired models of the ever popular and iconic Seiko Diver's watch line. Specifics are....

Case

Molded from the 7002 line, in a neatly brushed stainless steel with screw down case back. The ever popular Japanese 'wave' art paint engraved on the back reassures this Seiko of diver's standard approval. Screw down crown, hardlex crystal and 200 meter depth rating completes the set-up.

Movement

This calibre needs no introduction, bulletproof 7S26 powers this icon.

Dial

In dark grey tone with circular round minute markers - by which made this diver ever so popular. The round markers are coated with lumibrite for effective visibility during lights out. Day/date is at 3 o'clock with Sat and Sun in blue and red respectively.

Hands

No need to say but the traditional hour and minute hands never die down in style. Simple, classic and would fit into any dial design in my opinion and taste. Second hand is quite new as introduced 10 years ago, specifically that the lumed ball end is now on the opposite side while front end is that long thin white painted pointer.

Bezel

Rotates in uni-direction in 120 clicks. Triangular marker at 60 has a lumed ball as with other divers. Bezel in black while pepsi colored for 009 model.

Strap

This came in Z-22 rubber strap, hard and uncomfortable on first try, but we like it that way, tough as the watch itself.

Accuracy

This came +20 sec/day fast out of the box. Not that desirable but regulation is always an option. Possible improvement on that after a few months of wear.

Value

Got this for about $140. More that worth it I defend.

Conclusion

This may be not a high-end luxury item, but no watch collector misses out on this to buddy with the MM, Sumo, or even the R and O's. And I haven't seen any watch brand nor any watch model that has been popular and much in demand for such a long time. Imagine a Volkswagen bug running in production and showing up in stores for a decade in these millennium times. If you see this baby on display, grab it, be part of the iconic horological experience.

Seiko 5 Sports SNZE97K

Sporty look in a mix of class and modern divers style for casual dress-up that gives the right character and feel.

Case
Made with stainless steel in a design of modern diver's with a shroud to protect the bezel and crown. Case back is screw down type with see-through crystal. Still pressure equivalent of 100m depth in water and only suited as far as casual swimming. Hardlex crystal completes the set-up upfront. Case measures 44mm with 2mm for the non-screw down crown.



Dial
This model has the two-toned gray/black dial with rectangular stick-on limed indices for the hour markers. Chapter ring is quite in a common look with other Seiko's.

Bezel
Coated in black PVD. Unidirectional bezel with 120 clicks. Quarter markers with diving guide markers up to 20th min.

Hands
Hour and minute hands from the Seiko's Diver's still, with second hand following the SKX models with the lumed ball-end at the back-end.

Movement
Seiko's 7S36 calibre powers this piece. The 'B' version in exact derived from the much celebrated 7S26 which dubbed as still an equivalent. Self winding movement with no hacking nor hand winding function. 21,600 bph, has 23 jewels to fight wear and tear, simple non decorated rotors and movement parts. Power reserve is 36 hours.

Bracelet
Stainless steel in oyster style with solid links. Deployment clasp with two push buttons lock. Fits firmly at lugs of 22mm.



Accuracy
Entry level movements from Seiko have been observed to be +/- 15 to 40 sec/day but this unit I had performed -8 secs/day out of the box.

Value
Price at $110-115 depending on the retailer.

For the price, design and quality that embodies this watch, definitely a must grab. Unassuming and purely a simple yet unique work of art. Fits nice into any naked wrist and definitely to stay strapped for many many many more years.

Best/Worst Brands

Just came to my head when I was pissed off by my ISP's service and thought of having a list of worst brands that I have used and of course note those that have served us impressively (all the time)

Let's start with the Worst (like the bad news to come first)...and note not in any order. If you are one of the top guys who manage the brands listed on this list...one obvious message >> go to work or there won't be any!

1. A4 Tech - products of electronic devices mostly for the PC/computing industry. Have tried their keyboard, mouse and headset - all broke after 1 year use.
2. Globelines Broadband - clearly an ISP which was also stated obviously above. Not a month that it breaks down, longest was 3weeks. Great customer service but what the heck if it always have no connection. Listening to the call centers ain't gonna solve our issue.
3. Leaveland Shoes - had these shoes when I was like in 3rd grade, the rubber sole broke like after 3 months use, I was a kid that time obviously and it just stayed in my head
4. Teva - I used to love this brand, coming off with a great design and a promise of durability out there - complete opposite just on the first outing. Just by walking on creeks and running water took out the glue on the sole leaving it with an open end ready to rip out anytime. Will buy the local sandals next time.


And now the good news..yes the best and admired brands for me. They have never let me down. Here's my 2 Ks....Kudos and keep up the good work!

1. Hersheys - there is no other, no contest to other choco brands. Chocholics all over will agree.
2. Puma - yes the shoe and apparel brand. Very comfortable and durable sneakers. Classic and modern designs. Always a fave.
3. New Balance - Comfort and functionality probably the best. Wait, they've got cool classic designs, made it even better.
4. Genius - name says it all. Have couple of their products, still works even if I have to take them to the trash for an upgrade.
5. Nokia - most popular cellphone brand ain't because of pure marketing only.
6. Seiko - IMHO, the best watch brand of all, that is if everything is considered, and I mean everything.
7. Winamp - the media player born way back before everything got ituned. Still has the best audio sound for me. Will never ever replace the Llama when listenin tracks from the PC.
8. Panasonic - Its the new kenwood or pioneer or even sony, they've got good units around.
9. Coke or Coca-Cola - there is no other cola. Nothing will ever beat its taste even though its not healthy.
10. San Miguel Beer - not probably but actually the best beer of the world!
11. McDonalds - best fastfood chain, love the fries
12. KFC - best fastfood fried chicken, plus the gravy--heaven
13. Toyota - efficient, efficient, efficient. Has become the trailblazer and front runner in the automotive industry. This is the car that you need.
14. Canon - vivid colors, wide range of products, don't need balls to shoot great photos.


The list maybe pretty obvious, well just to admire the brands that make our lives simply the best and the brands that placed a cloud above our cash.

The Definitive Collection by Robert Cray

Fashioned white polo shirts in a neatly cut hair and humble poise when coming up to stage, Robert is a bluesman in his own simple yet provocative way. Started his way in the 80s and till now still saddling up to the blues wagon with his Definitive Collection.

For 3 years since I have started listening to the blues, I've been continuing the long search for the founders, front runners, and the humble few who course through this old genre and keeping it running in high gear. So for blues geeks like me, you definitely should drop by and have this collection.

Robert has this clean strat tingy tone that's equally innocent yet has a deep trojan feel to its body. His words speak of infidelity, passion and everything related to the life and the lover's lane. My faves, "Poor Johnny", "Playin in the Dirt", "Consequences", "I Shiver" and "Survivor"

Skin Deep by Buddy Guy

Every time I would come across newsflashes on on the net about album releases, it would instantly wake me up most specifically on artists and genres that I would die for. But I would always expect I from the new kids on the block still who are still out there to prove their thing and not from such great veterans who are now to the last chapters of a highly legendary careers. But on the July of 2008, it was too much of a big surprise to see Buddy Guy coming out with a new album. Yes you read it, Buddy Guy, born in 1936, with countless albums and 5 Grammys in his 40 years in the industry. The fire was still damn burning in this 72 year old guitar virtuoso.

The album at first hear would make you wish that time would fly so fast that you’d be able to digest and indulge the whole musical work in a couple of minutes. It was too unreal, you’d wonder if it was the 60s or 70s were these songs weren’t considered old school. The album features artists namely Derek Trucks, Susan Tedechi, Robert Randolph, Eric Clapton, Quinn Sullivan, The Memphis Horns and Willie Mitchell. Felt Crossroads right there which ensures one good supporting cast. This comprises the whole 12 awesome hard core blues tracks.

Out in the Woods feat. Robert Randolph. Buddy howls like a wolf with his strat guitar on this one. Solo in this one is totally out there to hypnotize anything that comes its way and devour you with Guy’s music. Skin Deep with Derek Trucks, soulful and emotional song that runs truly deeper than your skin. Every Time I Sing the Blues feat. Eric Clapton. Why we sing the blues? We live the blues, that what we are, we cant explain it, can reason it out, but its true and its basic human nature. Its emotional, inspirational, soulful and most of all honest. Just trying to tell the truth baby! Who’s Gonna Fill those Shoes. First time I heard this song, many times I’ve asked this question myself ever since I have been influenced by such. Many candidates, diverse styles, different paths but truly one origin. Everybody has their own vote, but as of now, while blues’ royalty is still here, lets just here them play for they are living saints in this musical cult. The real blues shady will stand up in his own time.


Many times on many albums I’ve said, this is a must grab on the list. Seldom do we see someone who can still pull off something old in this fast paced digital world, especially wearing those polka dotted shirts. Because they are living icons that still rule the fresh legs who don’t know what there headed. Got to have a Buddy for every bud!