Tun Eindra Bo

Is a surprise for me.  I saw her as a supporting actress for the first time on television.  I do not remember the show, movie? I just remember she was wearing this brownish traditional outfit, walking in the flower field and something --- vaguely remembering the scene.  I didn't like her as an actress then.  I opinionated her as Moh Moh Myint Aung wanna be.  Then, there was one of her famous video with Kyaw Hein, I think.  A lot of people like that show but not me.  I thought the scripts were sort of rude and a bit overacting of all the actors and actresses.  I noticed her make up became much better then.  I only remember she was crying and there was this ZWHtut's version of song Honey playing?? still only vaguely remember my feeling of annoyance because I couldn't understand what people are raving about this video.

Then, after a few year, a friend of mine gave me a cassette tape (yes, you read it right, it was a cassette tape, not audio CD or VCD or DVD).  The cover was a drawing of a girl with a big hat and a red rose?? something like that.  I took it home and listened --- wait! I think it was with Myo Kyaw Myaing?? Her vocal was not very strong back then, not very confident, out of tunes sometimes and I didn't think highly.  

After a long time, someone gave me some mp3 files of new Burmese new singers.  I liked a duet of her with MKM in that mixed mp3 folder.  It was copy of Taiwanese song by Amei's duet "the one who I love the most hurt me the most," something like that.  I said that she has improved but not quite good yet.  Then, a friend of mine gave me a VCD of best songs of HEDB.  He liked it so much and told me that HEDB is very famous in Burma now.  I heard she is totally confident with her vocal now.  There is nothing to blame about a lot of influence of Celine Dion because it was Celine Dion time.  I heard someone told me she was married to someone wealthy with gold and jewelry business.

Then, out of blue, I heard she was sending encouragement letters to student political prisoners.  I do not know anything about what could have motivated her to get involved in politics.  I thought it was strange.  It was the time when not many celebrities dare to do any political statements.  I kept it skeptical.  I saw her progressively involved in politics supporting Daw Aung Sun Su Kyii and such.  I am grateful for her support for the side that needed support at the time any kind of help is in need.  I am not a fan of HEDB for either acting or as singer.  She is fine at her entertainment just that her voice quality is not what I like, not clear.  I applaud for her support in shaping cournty's politic while a lot of other celebrities were taking advantage of whatever they can receive from the corruptions.

Note: Does she wear a lot of wigs?? I cannot be sure but I found it she is the most wig trend celebrity from Burma??

Thank you for supporting our best leader and people.
Her most famous song might be "Mine paung ka-day" but somehow that song made me feel bore, not because of her singing just that I do not like that song. I can only endure remix "Chit thu ye thi chin," although I liked Connie's version better.

Lover's Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfp5aGtsJqU

Yan Aung

It's been so long.  I wonder today if I have ever written about our famous actor, singer (what else he would be doing now? publisher?) Yan Aung aka Ko Yan Lay.  I remember those Ko Yan Lay leaves that we would stripped into sticky pieces with inter woven silky thread which we wear at times as ear rings for fun.  The flowers are white --- very much like an intricate white umbrella.  And that brought me back to Yan Aung who likes to wear white a lot.  He looks nice whatever he wears anyways.

I saw his picture in Movie Magazine long ago before he become famous.  I do not want to write about not so glorifying old stories and rumors.  I thought he had his first movie with Director Aung Myint Myat?? Well, it doesn't matter.  He wasn't even singing --- technically not having albums of his own at that time.  Kyaw Thu, Soe Thu, Yan Aung, Pyay Nyein --- came out at the same time.  Free pictures were everywhere --- giving away in front of the school gate.  We traded their pictures much like Yu-gi-oh game cards.

Yan Aung has a deep and very manly voice --- Burmese version of Mu-fa-sa?? He can sing the songs very beautifully almost there is no flaw.  Having no flaw is his flaw I would say --- just to pick on him for his perfection.  He can sing traditional old songs, as well as pop and rock songs.  He can dance.  He can model.  What else he cannot do?? ehhhh --- he reminded me of my favorite ever Win Oo San except Win Oo can write and direct also.  And Win Oo got 4 academy awards.  Yan Aung got how many academy awards?? I have lost count --- I just wish that I had business in making those trophies.  I might as well sell more than I have ever anticipated.  No matter, compared to those of less talent, Yan Aung deserve all his trophies of academy if we are grading on the curve for the time being.

I met Yan Aung for the first time at Yangon international airport.  He was there to go to Singapore to shoot that movie with Wah Wah Win Shwe.  I was not even a big fan of Yan Aung.  I don't know about Wah Wah Win Shwe, but I saw Yan Aung in that crowd shining brightly with an aura around him, taller than most men, with a blue jean shirt and jean pants?  I forgot the color, white? dark blue jean?  He was remarkable.  Not a lot of celebrity has impressed me outside personally other than Yan Aung and Pearl.  They both have exquisite skin tone.  

I saw him singing at the wedding or being Bait-theit Sayar at a few wedding --- and I remember he sang mostly during New Year Festivals.  He looks super nice with our traditional men wear.  He was chosen to make the continuation of Hmone-shwe-yee, Khine-mar-lar-hnin-si movie.  It is actually an honor and I think he fits the best to the role.  And the OST becomes his signature song.  I have nothing to oppose anything about Yan Aung, I like pretty much about everything, but I don't know why I didn't become his great fan.  It's a wonder.

Even greater wonder is when I had a daughter in this far away land, my daughter loves Yan Aung.  She falls in love with him at 2 years old.  I got a VCD back then, as a present --- Yan Aung and his lovers (the first concert).  I watched that VCD once and my daughter was hooked on it.  She watched everyday that it made me sick.  I had to make copies to play on the car during our vacations long road trips.  It made me crazy for almost 3 years to hear that VCD everyday.  Yesterday, my daughter asked me about what happened to that Burmese VCD and that made me worried.  Is she going to repeat that Yan Aung nightmare?  Sometimes, I wonder if I should ask Yan Aung an autograph for my daughter.  

I haven't listen to any of Burmese songs for so long recently.  My daughter is listening to One Direction these days while she occasionally remembering and still asking me that one Yan Aung's VCD, which by the way, I am hiding it at a very secure place where she cannot come across.

Listen Here:
Yan Aung ( Min Bae A Narr Hmar Nay) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOdXxlmUgS4
Khine-marlar-hnin-si: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJgAvOK62J8

Jet Mya Thaung

Didn't know much about him.  Didn't listen to any of his full albums --- may be one of them.  But still remember one of my friends' brothers who love Jet Mya Thaung so much that they played his album constantly on their own hollow guitars as well as on the stereo cassette.  It made me feel so old and makes me wonder those days --- awww yeah! that was me who glue to the cassette and rewind the songs crazy.  The mix tapes, and double cassette was a magical creation to copy the songs.  Wait --- but no one ever bother us about copying songs back then on our video recorders or on tapes.  What am I bubbling about ? --- anyway --- I did copied one of Jet Mya Thaung songs from the brothers.  (I am sorry for stealing back then --- now that I have been convinced of the copy rights =) --- I do apologize  ---please forgive me since I was young, naive, and pretty much broke back then with 1 Kyatt a day allowance.)

That song was "Da-kae-pyaw-dar-bar" (Really).  Don't know why we played that song almost every night.  "Ma kyarr yet lo bar lay" is another song that we played a lot ( I think that is also Jet Mya Thaung's song --may be not? but I think it is.) Then, I remember "Dar-lay-myar" which people played a lot but I think that song was made famous by the actress singer Khine Khin Oo.  I liked Jet Mya Thaung's voice a lot for its quality.  It is calm, manly, and soothing.  He can carry the songs effortlessly on top of the tune.  He also has a personal touch on the songs that he sing which is one of the rare qualities of the vocalists.  It always seems that the tune follows his singing than the other way around.  He enjoys singing rather than wanting people to enjoy his singing.  That's how I interpret listening to him.  

Recently, I found "Pyan lo chin dae" (Want it back) song which is remixed by Htoo Ein Thin in much later years.  Both versions are equally pleasant in different ways but it would be a lie if I do not admit that I liked Jet Mya Thaung's version tinsy bit better.  I think I saw him singing one time at the concert but hardly remember the event.  I am planning to re listen to all his song, that is --- if time permit.

Listen his song here:
Pyan lo chin Dae: (Want it back) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEdojnS7faE

Aung Yin

We call him Ba Ba for one of our nieces call him that (when she was 2 years old) since he looks like one of our family members. It was just in time because Aung Yin was singing all those golden age Ba Ba songs by that time and I have lost my interest in finding his original style. Although I have lost my interest, believe it or not, he was one of my favorites when his first album hit came out. Min Ma Shi Tae Naut (Since you've been gone??).

So much memories attached to this song. This album was the center of vivid memories of naive and arrogant days??? No matter what, I am grateful for the songs and the memories attached to it. Aung Yin was young and regal on the newly opened bridge connecting Thuwunna and Tharkayta in this album ad. I liked almost all of the songs in this album. One of the best ever --- most of them that I like are written by my favorite of all time Htoo Ein Thin, of course.

"Ah Khar Lwon Daw Moe" (Belated Rain??) is my favorite of all. I like the whole album --- all the songs especially the title song with back up singing part was my favorite. I used to sing only the back up part when I play this song with friends. Songs are the best keepers of memories and that is why I love them so much. Songs are like a tiny memory flowers that are threaded on the long chain of my life events.

We talked non stop about "Mi Moe" song which is dedicated to I forgot her name --- who? Yu Nandar Myint's sister?? I think, according to the rumors. And then, they got married until the famous dancing queen came?? due to the event of revival of plays on stage or due to the events of entertainment shows to the far stretch areas of the country? Rumors, rumors, so much about celebrity are always floating around the air which serves as an entertainment for general public, sadly to say.

As sad as I could get, still remember Aung Yin with "Tait-pone and different colors of yaw on television", which I like a lot as a trend back then. It was classic. Gersing on Youtube sounds very much like Aung Yin --- just a side track. I hope he sings the whole "Min Ma Shi Dae Naut" album --- just the greed to replenish my memories. He sort of looks like Aung Yin too, puffy eyes?? I don't know.

Aung Yin had so much potential, so much charisma, and so much likable in terms of presentation wise, fashion, and singing style. Stars fade away because of the cloud sometimes. Aung Yin's sound quality is very strong and has his own freedom in style, the only thing is that it could be nasal at times which could be forgivable and even it made his trademark. His first album is my life --- and that was it. There were some songs here and there --- some are really good but doesn't have the same impact as the first one.

"When you are gone, I don't want to living on --- I have died yesterday already on the thought of you leaving me ---living is vain---meaningless without you ---all alone by myself---" Why do I love all those heart broken songs??? Because HET wrote them? or because Aung Yin sang them? or because I wanted my heart to be broken. Aung Yin had broken my heart after all. =)

Listen Aung Yin's songs here:
Chit San Ein: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dp1j0ykXqo
Cruel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjTaSe1yJ0o&feature=related

Min Ma Shi Dae Naut (cover by Gersing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXd9ZNrPxOA&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLE9F99589C761633B

Min Aung

He is the one who can miss/yarn his love one just like an adorable prince. His songs were the hit --- all over the country in that stereo era. I could sing the whole album of the prince's lovesick. "Yaway --- yaway ho Myaing saung Hmar la --- u daung tway twon than twon than kyarr yin ---" that was so awesome back then. Everyone loves it. I sang them on my bicycle --- while I was practicing "No hands, no hands, Mom! thing". I ended up learning the whole lyrics of the album and learned how to ride a bike without using hands on the handles. Now that I am so old like a dinosaur, I cannot remember those lyrics anymore --- and the bike??? I don't know. I dare not try.

He has a very long side parted hair style. He plays guitar and remember seeing him in white strip collar shirt and traditional hand woven long gyis often time. He does look royal with those outfits.

He has a significant strong voice (somewhat nasal sometimes) and nice tone that stick to the notes like a glue no matter how it goes high or low. His songs are fabulous songs with exquisite meanings. The only draw back was the excessive use of synthesizer which sort of kill my mood sometimes wishing there is a better arrangement. That was the time when Burmese songs were exploring into stereo and originality. It was a good old time --- or I am just getting too old so that I am starting to say things like "It was a good old time."

Just for me, his hit album was the 'it'. There was quite a few album came out much later but honestly I don't remember much anymore. Only his first album was very memorable to me.

(someone did comment on Youtube that he passed away at a younger age?? I don't know anything about this though.)

Listen his songs here:
"Hay Won Nann" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjEmpDplI8

Thein Tan (Myanmar Pyi)

Is it going to be Thein Dan or Thein Tan? I didn't want to look back in the dictionary. Not to be confused, yes --- this is about Thein Tan (Myanmar Pyi) because he meant to be taking over the fame on all over Burma not merely the province of Tuwn Tay. Aww --- just kidding. =) because their names always made me to smile about.

First of all, it is the voice. The voice of power and cleanliness and melody and manly voice with a sharpness in it. His voice is one of the most perfect voices that can be. It is very significant and a very prominent voice that can staple as his own. He has huge fan group, which eventually made his daughter Po-darli Thein Tan made successful much later.

Second of all, it is the songs. Most of his songs have their significant meaning and story, which is sort of like a modern country songs category. It is such a good mix of old school and new school. It blends so well that they made their own style and flavor.

He was hugely successful in the time where Burmese music industry called them stereo singers. Aww --- that term is so nostalgic. He had his own band --- what was their group name?? Eeeee--- just on the tip of tongue!! L.P.J!! That is "Love Peace and Joy" but I had a friend who would say "La-par-jar"--- no offense --- I thought it was just funny remembering it. It was a good band, seriously. Back then, couples are the leads in the group. His wife (the one of the two famous daughters) is a good vocalist too. She is pretty and has a nice voice too. I remember their family singing together a family song on the Burmese television. Life has it's own mysterious ways.

I saw Thein Tan perfoming on stage a couple of times. I saw him performing on national television numerous times. I liked his voice, his songs, his band, and all that --- but just was not my flavor. Vanilla is good but I just like more of a Caribbean Passion flavor. I listen his songs countless times --- know most of them by heart but I devote myself more for SHS or HAT. I just don't know why.

When I met him again, we were out of country. He still looks the same --- I felt I am the one getting so old, haaaaa!!! I shall never compare a celebrity. He now has a new family with a new 'loving' wife. I don't know the details of the family love triangles or squares or pentagons or hexagons. Well, we just moved on. I got his autograph for sure this time and kept it safe. No matter what, he is one of the legends among the famous ones. I heard him sing after so many years, it brings me chill --- the same as in old days. It carried me back into the past in an instant--- how songs can cherish our memories?? --- almost like a transport in the star-track. Bwa-ha-ha --- I wanted to cry remembering the old golden days.

His most famous song is " Sanay daunt pan hlu mae" "Shwe Myaing hmar pe nay daw mae" "Shwe yoat kalay kaut ya thu" and "Myit-tar-yay-hlaing" etc. "Thaw-ka-taung-tan" is my favorite song back then.

Listen his songs here:
Thaw-ka-taung-tan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veelVZKHopc&feature=related

Alex

I should have introduced Alex sooner but I do not know what was pulling me back. Probably it was like an unknown force such as "lack of proper knowledge." Well, I am lacking in proper knowledge in all of those artists anyway --- so here it is the impact of Alex in part of my world.

First time I saw him, it was on television. He was playing piano and a white dove came out of the cage??? Something like that. I was like who is this? Someone recently came back from Japan? I think that is "Thi chin Chit thu" ad, the first album of Alex if I am not mistaken. It's original is a Japanese song "Saigo No Iiwake" by Hideaki Tokunaga. All time favorite song in Asia. I have heard this song in so many different languages : Vietnamese, Thai, Tagalog, Chinese??--- so why not Burmese? Alex's version is pretty good remix compared to the original except that the original is a bit more soulful. I like both in different ways. There are songs with the melodies very special in the way that it can be tested against time or across the barriers of spoken language. It only exist as a musical international language. This song is one of those special songs.

I listen that song again in "Alex's Best Songs" album in much later year. I like that best song album a lot and listen to it quite often. Then, I heard him again in 19:18. I would say Alex is the strongest in 19:18, probably because his voice is the middle pitch which bringing in both STL and SOH's voices together. That is just my personal opinion. (side note: Alex has a puppy eye just like STL in a differnt version =) ). I have known quite a few friends who like to listen to Alex although those friends are not a frequent listeners of Burmese song. I like Alex voice quality, his style of singing, and passion, and coolness of low maintenance appearance with just a little touch of effort to show the respect.

I saw him in a magazine with his family --- seems like a happy family --- good for him --- I am happy for him. He was being interviewed about something like "eating out" --- It is kind of a cheesy title to do an interview. May be he needed some PR appearances. Then I saw him crossing to hip-hop mixes which are still very listenable. Except that, not only Alex almost all Burmese hip-hop are very predictable. One catchy repeating verse with a good vocalist and the other parts of rapping in the same kind of tone and style. No criticism, it is all good. It's all good --- we just need to crawl quite a while before we can run I guess. The time will come when we will have a bubble of light bulbs like "Ding!!", and start composing fabulous songs. I am all positive.

Anyway, let's get back to Alex. Yes, Alex is one of the singers that I support. I cannot find much fault with him in his singing. It is in the range of my likability. Did he re-made "Wut-hmone" too?? I think he did but I prefer Moon Aung, may be I am just bias.

What would Alex be doing now? Rock? Pop? Hip-hop? Or cross over everything? Managing idol groups? That's awful lots of guesses, one of them should bound to be true.

Listen Alex songs here:
Tha Chin Chit Thu: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDWm4zo3dPc

About the missing days: www.youtube.com/watch?v=46x0UCjva9c&feature=related

Sithu Lwin

I should have done more research on his work and life to write about him but time never favors for what I wanted to do. So, here it is. A very few things about Sithu Lwin.

A round face with cute puppy eyes, I met him when he was like 7 or 8 years old. He was drawing cartoons like his daddy and winning the competitions. Shall I scan and post his picture back then? Aww, if I have time --- to embarrass him or bring back the old nostalgic memories---.

Sithu Lwin's father is a very famous and successful cartoonist Ngway Kyi? ( spelling mistaken??). I never thought this cute puppy eye will become a famous rock/pop star. Life has their own mysterious destinies.

He can sing well --- with a good rhythm and tone and passionate style except that he has a high pitch and that is just not my favorite. In a way, because of his high pitch, 19:18 was a good combination with Alex and Saung Oo Hlaing who has a deep voice.

I don't remember which songs are the ones that bring Sithu Lwin to fame. I have never heard him in any concert. When he became famous, I don't end up going to much concerts, may be that's why I haven't seen him around. However, I have listened a lot of his song in 19:18 series.

I saw him sporting red head quite a few years back. I saw sign of aging which no one can escape a few year back. He is now married and have a baby?? (Sorry for the initial typos --- is someone from up above intentionally messing up with my blog?? or I just needed more sleep??) It is hard to compete with ever younger idols in terms of look in the world of celebrities. Hey, but the upside is for the vocalists, their voice never getting old. They still sound young.

Good luck with your marriage, baby, and career, STL!
With best wishes.

Listen STL songs here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsGnPl_9NNw&feature=fvst

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7GTy5exMu8

Pho Cho

Pho Cho is one of the big stars who sits very quietly. People know him without noticing his presence. If we, the audience, are the fishes, he means water to us. We built our memories and life around his songs so comfortably that we barely notice it was even there. Almost as if we were taking him and his songs presence for granted.

His song are simple and present the honesty. His voice or singing style is not extraordinary ---which in a way make us be able to connect to his songs effortlessly. His songs compliment our everyday lives without being too dramatic. It would be in easy listening category. Most of his songs are good mood songs --- fun and enjoyment of freedom of youth.

The list of Pho Cho's favorite songs would not end easily. The song collection of rememberance of Pho Cho concert is a very decent collection of Pho Cho songs. Of course, there are more good songs left out of this collection. We sang Pho Cho songs everyday --- every night in the moon light in those nostalgic time. "let me be a little red bag on your shoulder, --let me be a velvet slipper under your soft feet, ---" it was dreamy in the lyrcs of "Hnyoe Myet Won". He has a lot of memorable dormitory songs. (One night, we sang too loud that our guitar was confiscated while we were singing "Pine Soe Hmu A-kari" at our college hall). His song "Way Lwint Chin Ye Alwan Chay Yar" used in a short video "Hnin Si Wine" is one of the best used songs as a back ground song. The song made the movie still very memorable.

I am a huge mega fan of Pho Cho and loved most of his songs. I don't know much about him since he is one of the quite stars who always shy away from the spot light.

Listen Pho Cho songs here:
Remixes:
"Pine Soe Hmu A-kari": www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxKWD8mMCv4&feature=related
"Hnyoe Myet Won" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iijlf1i9hlY&feature=related
"Way Lwint chin yet Naut Sone Chay Yar" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK6RoEd6DXo&feature=related
"Tapin HtaeYin HtaeKa Nwe" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfWsTeF_RqY&feature=related

Ba Din

Regrettably short-lived brightest star or more like a comet? He came out so brightly shined --- and left us so soon (he is one of the best). The memory of Ba Din is almost like encounter of a brightly zooming comet --- a memory that imprints in our hearts forever.

I was depressed so I went to a far away canteen tea shop rather than the one we used to sit and hang out with friends. I choose the one that is particularly empty so that I can sober as much as I would like to. Everything looked so boring and empty. Then, I heard Ba Din first album Nay Yar (The Place) in that empty tea shop --- for the very first time. The songs grab my attention --- I had never heard of him yet --- so I called up a little waiter and inquire the album and the singer artist. He told me "Ba Din". It was rather a strange name. No one pay attention to his album at that time --- or did I heard pre recording ??? Most likely not but who knows.

The next day, I was up beat --- happy to be myself again and was hanging out with friends, informing them of Ba Din, but no one paid attention or interest to it until --- before we knew it --- I think it was the Lotto ticket sellers on the bike --- started playing Ba Din's album everywhere around the town --- and then it just took off ---. It was phenomenon. The whole Rangoon is playing Nay Yar where ever you go. There is no escape to it. And to be honest, I like them all --- never tired of listening to his songs.

I am a huge Ba Din fan --- yes, I noticed his vocal quality is not super duper --- but it doesn't matter. He sang it very passionately --- like he means every bit of all the lyrics. His songs are simple but very memorable. Each song is very simple but very unique in different ways.

I think he had 3 albums ( I could be wrong) --- I am acquainted to only the first one. I like "Theit chit Tar Bae" (Love you much) the best. I also like Nay Yar 2 song too. The most covered song must be the song about the black sheep --- which remind me of one of our friends ( You know your nickname my friend --- I hope you are having a happy and successful life).

I will always be Ba Din's fan --- forever. I have never seen him on any concert, nor even on his album cover. I have never seen any of his pictures or interviews in the magazine back then (again, I don't read much of magazines then anyway.) Basically, I have no idea how he is like or how he looks like. (I couldn't find any of his picture). Still, I am a supporting fan.

Listen Ba Din's songs here:

Thait Chit Tar Bae (Love You Much): www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLEEPymxr70&feature=related
Nay Yar 2 (The Place 2): www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqE-cs6p-bs&feature=related
Thoe Mae Twae AhKyaung (About Black Sheep): www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP4MWameaIU&feature=related
Tite Tite Saing Saing (Coincidentally): www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Fr1wXNkb8&feature=related

Khin Maung Htoo

Bobbing head dolls always make me to instantly remember Khin Maung Htoo. That is how he sing. Technically, his style in singing is shaking his head from side to side rather than up and down as in bobbing head dolls.

He became a singer for the passion of singing since his original career is far from entertainment. He has a nice clear voice (except it could be nasal at some points which bothers me). His voice quality is good, notes are perfect, but he sang a bit too lightly --- in a way which reminds me of Aung Yin at times. Their singing style is very similar.

He achieved public attention through "Khin Maung Htoo: Best Songs" album in 80s, golden years for KMH? A lot of his songs are well-liked and accepted by public. He had made a lot of duets well known with different female vocalists as oppose to most others. "Kabar a pyin phat" with Hay mar nay win, "Ah Phaw Mon" with May Sweet, "Strawberry cherry lover" with Sein Moe Moe --- and others?? I bought his Best songs album and listened a lot. "The first Day (Pahtama Nae)" is my favorite forever although that song is not too well recognized. "Chit Ayu Khan" was the most famous in that album. Most of his song titled on a name of a girl--- strangely. "Missing Inya" was one of my good mood songs. Dad loves "Hmaw Daw Yaung" and made me play on guitar and sang that song countless times. "Maung SayKyaung Thu" is the song brings me of the past memories.

I was surprised that he is still actively singing --- good for him. Could that be his passion? I am not a Khin Maung Htoo fan but I can listen his songs tirelessly. And due to the Burmese tea shops culture, when one singer got famous, one must bound to listen to their songs --- like it or not --- after a while, one got sort of brain washed either giving in to the songs or hatred towards the songs has grown bigger inside the heart. Most of the time, we just getting used to the songs that we had not liked because those songs became part of our life events and unforgettable memories.

Listen Khin Maung Htoo songs here:

Hmaw taw Yaung:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=anZbOnk6ooA&feature=related
Missing Inya:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q5MpxSaOx0&playnext=1&list=PL497B8C6C8C5D09AE

Aung Naing

Never seen him on any concert. Never met him personally. I think I saw him on television one time --- I don't remember which song --- possibly one of my three favorite songs of Aung Naing.

I do not know much about him or not very interested except that I have acquainted with his songs a lot of time. "Min Maie Hmar Soe" album was the one that I listened full album for a long time. I loved that title song lyrics ending " --- when someone else ever approach you for your love, just letting him know that you have me in your heart and turn him down". It sounds demanding but the song is about the distant love relationship where insecurity can kick in time to time.

Out of all Aung Naing's songs, "Pann Khinn Htae Hmar" is my favorite song where chorus was fun to sing along and the breaks are fun to play on the guitar. "Mg Thriri May" is another favorite song which can bring back beautiful memories of innocent and clueless days. In the still of the summer nights, we played guitar with fun and passion and not one night passed without one Aung Naing's song.

I saw him on the stage (I mean on DVD) concert for 25 years old songs??? something like that. Anyways --- I like his singing style --- casual, simple and plain, durable over time -- almost like plain old jeans.

awww---"Thein Htar Hmar Larr" was the song we played the most since the chords are super easy. I think that one is Aung Naing's song too.

Listen Aung Naing's songs here:
Pann Khinn Htae Hmar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_8KG1VcIQ&feature=related
Mg Thiri May: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dYabQoXitE&feature=related
Thein Htar Hmar Larr: (remix by Pho Karr: style is sort of different and some lyrics varied) www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UfJ_34kunY&feature=related

Nay Myo Say

I have never known much about him. I heard that his mom is well known in the movie industry. I also heard when he opened Mr. Guitar, I was like --- aww! he stole my dream and really envious of him on account of doing everything that I would like to do. Now that he is doing painting as his profession, I have died with jealousy and barely made it back to life. Some guys have all the luck --- as they say. Well, but he is The Nay Myo Say and I am just a little critter ---sort of like a cricket? Well, enough of self not-so-dignifying confessions. Let's focus on just him.

I used to teasingly named him "a shorty", nothing personal --- just life had nothing better to do and giving people nicknames when the telephone lines are not working or the summer is just too hot to go out to a tea shop or any shop to hang out with friends. There were no cell phones, no Internet, no mp3 players except Walkmans that is if anyone can still recall what the Walkman is. There were only a good old tape recorders and limited access to VCR for variety entertainment. I cannot focus on Nay Myo Say because thinking about him is making me relive funny old days and clueless and naive cold nights. Again, let's focus on just him.

I thought "Pyay Pyay" sang " Kyae Kyawe Nya Tine Su Taung Mae (Wishing upon every star falling nights)" --- not sure --- may be not, it is just his own song ---( but I liked that song instantaneously on the first hearing because of the dreamy lyrics. It is a bit cheesy but I needed cheese and it was perfect. That was how I hear his name --- the person who wrote the song. Not many people know him back then.

Then, he came out onto public television with his solo record --- I forgot the title of the album, "Little Lane"?? (But is that Ko Hmoe?). I always got confuse between two of them on who did sang which song. I remember seeing him on TV frequently singing 4 or 5 of his songs. They were okay, not too memorable but were simple and entertaining. I cannot remember the songs much anymore but I also don't remember the negative feelings about them. It was good, simple, and easily forgettable. He sang " Every star falling night" on television --- and I can still recite all the lyrics of that song until now --- the only unforgettable NMS song to me.

Nay Myo Say voice quality is average, not super clear, but has his own distinct style and features. Since he is more experience in song writing, of course he knows how to hit his notes very well. I met him uncountable times as the wedding singer. Other than that, that was all in my memory or so far I can recall.

Listen to his song here:
"Fallen Star Night": www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ruUJXRlsRw
"Lann Kalay" (yes, that was his song not Ko Hmoe) www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVV7DgRi0VQ

Zaw Win Shein

One of a few drummers who break through to be famous as a vocalist is Zaw Win Shein. I heard someone in Yin mar recording said how well his skills in drumming. I overheard a casual conversation stating that he is the best drummer at that time.

He looks always cool and conservative all the time. Big eye glasses are his style. I noticed him with the song "Little silver moon"; the original song title is "Only you". Even until now, it is my favorite song although he is more well known for the songs for "Rosie".

His voice is clear and sharp. I like the clearness of his voice. He is not very a passionate singer but he sings the songs very beautifully and perfectly. Listening to his songs, I felt it is flawless --- but may be because of his conservative nature, he doesn't want to show the deeper side of his heart.

I am not a die hard fan but took notice of his effort in breaking the barrier of a famous vocalist from a drummer. Somehow, it seems to be that drummers have to give up drum when they become vocalist. However, he plays drum a lot of the time while he is performing and I like that kind of performance --- something refreshing and original.

He dressed up very formally in performances. If he wears traditional outfits, he wore proper tike-pone and yaw long-gyi. If he wears western style, it is a full suit. I cannot remember seeing him a T shirt or a jean. His styles are very conservative but it suits him very well.

Saung Oo Hlaing

When he came out brilliantly as a vocalist with "Your Hero-lover"album --- I even loved the commercial --- the long hair girl and a jeep --- fast, catchy, and romantic. I was one of those who went and bought that album first and listened really hard through day and night. "Min Ye" is the song from that album used for the commercial and it is my favorite song in that album. I anticipated so much for the second album --- but life changing events come up in my life ---I couldn't listen to new Burmese releases for quite a while.

When I hear his singing again --- it was in 19:18 and I was fallen in love with Burmese songs again. It was a really nice pairing with Alex and Sithu Lwin. The first song of that album was my favorite. Every winter break from college, driving back from the dorm to home on a long road trip; blasting that song right after the stressful finals are so memorable in my life.

He lived in Yankin and I was around Yankin a lot of time but we never come across. Our well known senior --- we even had the same tutor at college. I have heard a lot about him how much he is into music and all that. I am glad to see him doing what he loves the most.

His vocal is powerful at times. He has a unique voice but not very emotional. I love that fact that he is trying to have own tunes. He can write songs very well but not very playful --- most lyrics are very straight forward. His songs are very listenable but somehow he cannot seem to escape from his signature notes. I support him for his effort although I would not listen to his new songs repeatedly like the very first album or 19:18 album.

I enjoyed "Our Gita Yetwon" (I am not so sure the title) song for it's honesty. I think I watched his "20 years music journey" --- but do not remember much to comment on. Awww --- I also heard that he was coaching the girls' group (I am not too sure. I don't even remember which group --- I just remember that their vocals are sort of weak).

He is dark. He is thin. He loves keyboard. He almost always wear caps. He is tall. He must be kind too --- one can hear in his voice. I wonder what he is up to now?

Listen here:
19:18 song www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7GTy5exMu8&feature=related
Min Ye: www.myanmarmp3.net/album.aspx?AlbumID=364

Phyo Gyi

Phyo Gyi was one of the new comers that I did recognized not for his vocal quality but again --- for his passionate singing. The very first time I saw him was with May Sweet doing a duet of an old song something about flying against the wind love song ( I guess it was L Koon Yee and Pb Than Naing song). That song instantly grabbed my attention. I thought --- wow! --- he sings his heart out although his little "wooh!" was not too confident. I read in a magazine about his interview --- about his surgery when he was young. His voice is sort of cracked and lacking at times but his passion is so appealing that we can forgive.

After that song, I have heard him sing here --- there. It was good but nothing break through into my head to wanting to listen again and again until that ridiculous wedding.

Yes, my weakness and lethal flaw is that being too opinionated and judgemental. I have never seen any wedding as big of an advertising campaign than his wedding with one of the most annoying actresses of that time. I asked why? Gosh! Why it has to be her?

While I was highly annoyed by the wedding campaign --- I watched his wedding special song album over and over again. The songs are catchy --- fun to listen. I liked that album as I put in my easy listening list.

I haven't listen any Burmese songs since after that time --- just recently I saw a couple of his songs on you tube. He looks much thinner and older now (I am sorry for the criticism). I am very sad to see him getting thinner. I heard that he is divorced now??? I am not sure --- but the incident was not very pretty.

I wish I can write more about him but I don't know much about him. I think he has a good heart though. May be he needs to hang out with good friends, think only about music and do really good albums since he has a potential. I wish you the best.

Listen song here:
www.musicvideos.com/watch-phyo-gyi-sone-thin-par-kyal-pyout-nya/1ppcYA4Saso.html

Hlwan Moe

How can my experience of Burmese Music Industry be complete without Hlwan Moe? With his kick ass attitude and heart warming voice, he has influenced our love of Burmese music in so many different ways. We were grown up with singing loving Ma Aye which even made me wonder how real Ma Aye would look like.

Do I like Hlwan Moe a lot?? I am not sure --- I do not not listening his songs. There are times that his songs could be annoying to me --- on the other hand, there are times that I couldn't stop listening his songs. My personal response to his songs are on the two ends of the extreme. There is no mediocre Hlwan Moe songs that I can listen to. There is only two types: I love them or I hate them.

Of course, his golden days are the time of "Moe-sat-tin-lay" album release. I bought that album and listen to it a thousand times a day. In that album, the song called "Pency" (Did I spell it right? No idea) --- which is claimed to be "Moh Moh Myint Aung" is the "Pency" in that song. Hlwan Moe and Moh Moh lived together for a long time long before Moh Moh was oh so famous. He made fun of her fame and literally impersonate her into lower than a dog in a very cute way, the way which made me cracked up every time I listen to that song (as you might know, I dislike Moh Moh Myint Aung a lot for all her faking).

"This is how it goes in our neighborhood" is also one of the first songs you can hear on album which can make me feel like Thinn-gyan time (Burmese new year) when we were used to be forgiven to make fun of the affairs of how things are generally going on in our everyday lives. Not any more. Nothing is forgiven anymore these days because we are using our strength of forgiveness on the general morality of everyday life which has become lower than ever. We cannot think for goodness of other people's daughter as if our own daughters because we are even selling off our own daughters for the sake of money, power, or for basic surviving. Why am I becoming too opinionated? Aww shuck! I do not want to leave this world like Hlwan Moe --- too sudden, too tragic, too reckless, too dramatic, too unfairly sad that no one want to talk about how he left this world in a road rage traffic accident. Why would I want to talk about it since it is just too helplessly sad? In some ways, it made me feel that he left us in a Hlwan Moe style.

Listen here:
"Moe Set Tin Lay" www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5YB0o5HkPY&feature=related
"Ma Aye Ko Chit Lo Par"www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6VT1H4_KzA&feature=related

J Nyi Nyi

It was hard to decide to pick between J Mg Mg and J Nyi Nyi --- chronological order or preference. It was just a lottery and J Nyi Nyi won. Who do I like better? I just cannot decide that one either.

What do I like about J Nyi Nyi? It is his passionate singing although Khine Htoo is the one who can express passion the most ( my opinion). He has some of his own style and originality in terms of singing and style. The day when we met on the lower Bar St, he was wearing weathered light blue jeans and a light white cotton down shirt with about 4 button down. I saw a little dragon wooden sculpture tied with a worn out string around his neck. It was a very brief moment but why do I have such a vivid memory like I remember the fragrance of a rose petal? I thought the pendent was charming and even thinking to get one for myself and actually bought one --- just that, never happened to wear it until now.

J Nyi Nyi is the memories of Mandalay summer nights. In a light heat of the night, groups of Mandalar guitar groups love to cover J Nyi Nyi's song all night long until I would getting tired of it. But, that is how I started playing J Nyi Nyi's songs on my hollow guitar without actually listening to his records. His songs are mostly country style with the catchy phrases. Somehow, I thought he has either good luck with "Rain" songs ( songs related to the rain) or he just have a really good deep connected feeling with the rain.

The first song that captured my attention was not one of his well known songs like "A Chit Moe" or "De Moe", it was "Let it be my luck"--- for some reason, I loved that song. The second song that came to me was "I'll just be single" (Lupyogyi-pe-lout-taw-me). I love his playful singing and it's teasing lyrics. It could always make one smile.

He is a nice person who loves music a lot --- is my impression. He loves to sing more than being famous but at a point he seems really wanted to be famous. I saw it in his eyes when his new poster for "Swere" record came out. I still love to listen his songs time to time but still wondering why he is too thin forever. Do I know why or I really do not know why? I love the fact that he plays guitar when he sing most of the time.

Listen J Nyi Nyi here:
"Let it be my luck" www.youtube.com/watch?v=70PUCujxFOY
"I'll just be Single" www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_uu5K70pZI

Tu Tu

Tu Tu is one of the most charismatic artists during his hay days. There are so many things about Tu Tu that I don't even know where to start. Everyone was singing "bad girl, I love you more because you are such a bad ass ----" (kidding). Yes, it is the song that bring him to the teenagers. High pitch voice with nice voice handling --- and a good choice of pop, soft rock copy songs let him shine like a star. Looking at his elder brothers and I thought this is the minimum vocal quality that he should have. He really had sort of charm with the girls who went nuts --- I have witnessed the cat fight for future Mrs. Tu Tu during my pre teen. Honey Tun was one of them ( I am sorry for naming names --- but hey Pe Pyote, I sometimes wonder where she is now). I have heard and met him in so many different ways for so many occasions that I cannot even feel like he is a rock star. Every time, I hear "Eyes of Tiger" somehow, always bring my memory to him. Not that I like that song either the original or the copy. I think "Kay-tha-ri" was the record I listened the most out of all his famous records. I have never been Tu Tu's fan. I have nothing against him except that I made fun of him because to me, he seems like more famous for his charisma than his songs and singing.
His style is easy ---almost always seen him with jeans, pants, t shirt and the shirts, nothing special. So, when I saw him with white Tite pine and Yaw pa-so on Myanmar television program, I even give a thought that he was sort of cute. The long bang right into the eyes hair style is called Tu Tu style back then. I don't think I can ever fall for a guy with a bang (my personal preference). Out of all those long list of girls, when he married his young wifey (back then lived in Yangon University housing), I was highly surprised. It never crossed my mind that he would settle for any time soon. There were rumors why he had to settle, but when I had a chance to talking to Tu Tu's father-in-law during one Thin-gyan in front of his lawn casually, --- I am not surprised anymore. Something click in my brain. Charisma cannot compete integrity after all.
Even though I have laughed at Tu Tu for as long as I can remember for his affairs, his bang, his height, etc, at the end --- when he took a hit to sacrifice his star status for the memories of RIT, I did applauded him. He was blocked from any public relations by you know who. No record allowed, no concert allowed, no TV appearances allowed, not even old TV appearances are allowed to air, not allowed on magazines, pretty much, he was cut by the cord by we know who. That is how his status has dimmed down, sadly. For this matter, I am thinking to re-collect all his songs and made a blog ( if I can manage to find time, which likely might never happen). At least, I have sincere thought.
I like almost all of his songs --- I mean in the original. Words and No thing's gonna change my love are the songs I listened most because of him. When I heard that he is going to come back with Myo Kyaw Myaing's song "Hlaing Hteit Htar Khin" by changing the lyrics into "Kar-yan-lay-a-thwin" --- I was highly anticipated. However, nothing really came out.
When I saw him again on stage, it was at Haymar Ne Win's coming back show. Chit Kaung was talking much about Tu Tu and Haymar old times --- wow, wow --- I miss out all those juicy gossips. It must be the time that I was becoming a book worm. Anyway, that was the last time I hear him sing --- still sounds like Tu Tu (the way he used to be, nothing changes much) of course except looks much grown up into adulthood. He doesn't look like one of those lost puppies anymore. May be more looking like an old legend of teenagers' heart breaker. Good luck with him in whatever career he chooses.

Listen song here:
Kay tha ri : www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuJrTRdA5Qw&feature=PlayList&p=CD45EDCE7C53A071&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=2
Thu (that person): www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsKqLp3AFZU&feature=related