With the bars and clubs at The Cannery pumping every night of the week, Clarke Quay is now the “it” precinct to party in. Even the seemingly endless rain of the last few weeks hasn’t deterred punters, with The Clinic, Kandi Bar, and other hot new places like a Scottish pub Highlander and microbrewery The Pump Room, packing them in. Relative old-timers Attica and MoS and enjoying this wave of popularity too.

Adding to the vibe is the live music played in the center of the new development. With people spilling out of various bars, club and restaurants, this is a heaving, happening space to catch some tunes or just catch up with your mates. Those who prefer to chill out over a nice meal and a glass of wine need not fret either. Clarke Quay has a well-balanced mix of cuisines on offer from Indian to Mongolian to Balinese to molecular gastronomy.

There’re far too many tenants for us to list them all, but here are our tips for if you have a very limited time in Clarke Quay.

Most Novel Dining Concept:

Aurum, #01-03 The Cannery, Blk 3C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6887-3733.

Best Food:

IVORY The Indian Kitchen, #02-04 Clarke Quay, 3A River Valley Rd., 6333-4664.

Best Place to Dance:

Ministry of Sound, #01-02/07 & #02-01/08 The Cannery, Blk C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6235-2292.

Hottest New Bar:

Clinic, The Cannery, Blk C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6887-3733.

Best Place to Chill:

Kandi Bar, The Cannery, Blk C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6887-3733.

Best Live Music:

Crazy Elephant, #01-03/04 Clarke Quay, 3E River Valley Rd., 6337-7859.

Best Place for a Few Laughs:

1NiteStand Bar & Comedy Club, #01-04 Block 3A Clark Quay, River Valley Rd., 6334-1954.

Like his installation We Live in a Dangerous World where a dissected Merlion lies near a video of a man disguised as Annabel Chong, visual artist Brian Gothong Tan’s latest work too comprises seemingly unrelated beings such as Mao Zedong and Isabella Chen (or better known as the “Sarong Party Girl” blogger) on TVs. This time, he seeks to give a different and playful perspective on the urban spaces we tread everyday.

“Basically, this whole installation is about the city and my understanding of it,” quips Tan, who is currently a resident at TheatreWorks’s sprawling new art space 72-13.

Sited near the TVs are some miniature buildings, Astroboy and a Mao Ze Dong statue. “I hope to recreate the city here, telling people to be their own architect. I also brought in this Mao Zedong statue which I thought looks like Lee Kuan Yew. I don’t want to be too literal. I just want to draw connections between ideas,” he explains.

With fun exhibits and by engaging the viewer in an interactive manner, Signs, Omens and Relics of Faith attempts to encourage one to rethink behavior in the city. Come explore before the show ends and see if you will leave with a different insight on urban spaces.

Computers, PDAs, mobile phones and other gadgets are no longer just playthings for the office IT guy. Now everyone is using them—for fashion, entertainment, business and even your social life. Still afraid of that “geek” label? There are plenty of cool digital devices out there that are perfect for you, no matter what kind of person you are.

Though we’re fairly advanced when it comes to owning the most high tech devices around, unfortunately, there are still some kickass toys we wish those Pantip outlets were brave enough to smuggle into the country.

the princess

Spoiled female with a passion for bright, shiny, pink things

There’s room for pretty things in the world of modern gadgetry. You’re sure to get noticed at the True Shop showing off your new GMask (starting at B1,600, GMask Thailand) laptop. The colorful plastic wraps will make your friends gawk with jealousy. Don’t forget to accessorize it with a super crystallized mouse (B2,995, Qconcept) that shines while you scroll.

For a total vanity moment, take photos of you and that cute chick in the mirror with the pink Sony Cybershot T10 (B15,990, Sony Style) in 7.2 megapixel quality.

If you need your daily dose of sweetened pop music on the go, it’s got to be your mix on a sleek pink iPod nano (B8,190, Apple Center).

Show other gaming geeks how to play chic with a pink PlayStation Portable (B8,990, Game Freak Shop). And when you’re tired of gaming, you can even access the net for a little online gossip.

the suit

Busy, bossy salaryman who has time for no one but himself

Is your secretary totally useless and your mind too full of other important information to remember insignificant things like your girlfriend’s birthday? The Dopod 838pro (B29,900, Jay Mart) is here to rescue you. With Windows Mobile 5.0, you can access your email, surf the web and type up your Excel or Word documents with a super easy slide-out keyboard.

For a well-rounded PDA with multimedia functions, try the Motorola A1200 (B14,990, Motorola Shop). This integrated organizer includes other useful functions such as media players and a business card reader.

Is your family starting to forget your face? Get yourself a Sony Vaio VGN-FE37SP (B84,900, Sony Style). While you’re working on your billion-baht projects, you can chat with your daughter via the built-in camera.

And just in case you are starting to forget your family’s faces, too, put up an LCD Electronic Photo Frame (B6,900, Loft) which will display your digital photos straight from a memory stick in a slideshow on your desk. You can also show your colleagues home videos of the life you once had with an iPod Video (B10,290, Apple Center).

the xtrememan

Muscle pumping fitness freak—always seen running on treadmills

If you spend all day sweating like a pig and ramming your body against concrete floors for fun, how can you possibly find time to figure out complicated gadgets? That’s why the Nokia 5500 (B11,000, Nokia Shop) is perfect for you. Made to endure dust and splashes, the phone also has an Instant Swap button that switches from phone to music mode in less than a second.

Or try the Samsung E250 (B6,990, Samsung Shop), which has a sleek metallic sliding design. It’s fully functional with everything from built-in hands free to FM radio, a big visible screen you can see easily even while jogging and an extra microSD slot for additional memory so you can store your exercise diary.

If you’d rather have a separate player for your on-the-go music, then strap your iPod on a Nike iPod Armband (B2,190, Apple Center) and you won’t drop it while you jog. If the headphone cords get in your way, use the Motorola O ROKR Bluetooth Stereo Eyewear (B11,500, Motorola Shop), which also protects your eyes with Oakley’s special High Definition Optics.

What’s the point of working out if no one’s going to see the results? Film your own exercise routine with the Sony Handycam HDR-SR1E (B59,990, Sony Style) and upload it to YouTube.com for instant fame. Or shame.

the cyberjunkie

Technology obsessed loner who is psychologically dependent on virtual reality

Does your only source of communication to the outside world exist in an online gaming portal? Is being a sniper the only way you can feel superior? Do you seem to be developing irregular shaped muscles around your knuckles?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a cyber addict. Go out and get yourself a massive, high definition 40” Sony Bravia KLV-46X200A (B159,990, Sony), as the screen is so big and clear you will never want to experience reality again. It has a changeable frame, just in case you damage it with the Wiimote while playing with your new Nintendo Wii (B5,990, Game Freak Shop).

Playing Wii can sometimes be a bit too physical, and often too embarrassing, with all arms flailing around during a swordfight. If you’re not that extreme, seek your thrills with the new PlayStation 3 (B29,000, Game Freak Shop) instead. For the ultimate private—a.k.a. anti-social— gaming, hook up your console with some iTheater (B11,900, Apple Center) goggles. They have mini cinema-like screens inside so you can enjoy a movie or battle terrorists without anyone knowing.

When the gaming gets a little too much, just play yourself some nice soothing music with the Samsung K5 MP3 Player (B7,990, Samsung). You can even share music with friends, assuming you have some, as it has its own speakers.

the artiste

Creative person with special interest in the beauty of mundane objects

Art, graphic design, multimedia, abstract film, photography—these are your basic, almost required, interests. You appear to put deep thought into work, but it’s just luck and the appreciation of abnormality that make you so distinctly creative. You’ll appreciate the state-of-the-art quality that Lumix FZ50 (B25,990, MultiStyle) will give your photos, or you can settle for a Holga 120CFN (B3,400, Room Interior), as over-exposed, dark-cornered images can be pretty, too.

For your high definition graphic needs, you can’t live without the new Macbook Pro (B75,900, Apple Center). It has a built-in iSight camera and comes with countless kick-ass media editing programs that let you edit your own movie filmed with a Nokia N93 (B28,220, Nokia Shop).

With your wild artistic nature, better protect your Macbook with a Pop Art inspired Apple Macbook Sleeve. (B3,230, Qconcept).

the minimalist

A person who truly believes less is more

You hate to carry things. You believe that having gadgets is supposed to minimize your efforts and not create more trouble. You appreciate simple and small things that do not take up too much space or too much of your time.

Who needs an MP3 player with fancy click-wheels and colorful navigation with complicated functions like videos and galleries? For you, the new iPod shuffle (B3,450, Apple Center) is fine. You don’t want to choose the track. Heck, you don’t even need to know the song names—you just want to listen to music, period. And if you want to share your nameless music with others, no need to hook it up to an ear blasting 6-foot tall stereo, just opt for this extra portable Sony Speaker SRST57 (B2,490, Sony MultiAV); not much bass, but who wants to carry around heavy woofers?

“Less is more” is certainly applicable for this slim and sleek Sony Vaio VGN-TX47SP/B (B94,900, Sony Style). Though its screen is only 11.1” wide, this laptop is packing some serious heat, such as 1GB RAM and fingerprint sensor security.

A Pocket PC is needed to keep you in-the-know in this tech-obsessed world. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to always be a three-inch brick PDA. The Dopod C800 (B30,900, Jay Mart) is 17mm thin. It can also hook up to the net, has a slide-out keyboard and runs on Windows Mobile 5.0. If you just want a slim phone with a twist, the Samsung D830 (B14,900, Samsung) is only 9.9mm at its widest point, the world’s slimmest fully featured clamshell mobile.

Where to Go For Great Gadgets

There are three main centers in Bangkok.

Pantip Plaza
Petchaburi Rd., Pratunam, 02-252-9933. Open daily 10am-9pm
Every techie in Bangkok has set foot in this mother of all tech stores. Pantip Plaza is the ultimate computer center where any store clerk can go head-to-head with an MIT graduate. Head to Jedi (1/F, 02-656-6170, www.jedicool.com) or Busitek (4/F, 02-254-9797, www.busitek.com) if you want to build your own supercomputer.

MBK Center
Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan, 02-620-9000. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.mbk-center.co.th. BTS National Stadium
What Pantip is to computers, MBK is to mobile phones. Brace yourself when riding the escalator up to the 4th floor of MBK, because you will be greeted by a jungle of mobile phone stalls, selling everything from newly released “grey market” (smuggled) finds from Hong Kong to good quality secondhand phones. Stores are pretty much alike, but one outlet recommended by mobile enthusiasts is Nasa (4/F, 08-1510-9393), which sells at close to wholesale prices—even cheaper if you buy more than one. Selling your mobile? Look elsewhere if you want the best price, as MBK shops tend to pay the very least.

IT Mall Fortune Town
Ratchada Rd., 02-248-5855. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.itmall.co.th. MRT Rama 9
“Fortune” is big and organized well enough that you can browse around for great tech finds all day. The stores here are a mixture of authorized retailers and shops hawking imported grey market gadgetry. Fortune is particularly strong in the PDA department. If you’re looking to build your own low-budget computer, try 109 (4/F, 02-642-0560/1), a geek favorite.

Wish You Were Here

Apple iPhone

www.apple.com/iphone
Apple iPhone speculations have been going on forever, but it was only recently that Steve Jobs finally revealed that the iPhone will be the star of 2007—in the US at least (it won’t be legally coming to Asia until 2008). Just like the iPods, the iPhone has no buttons—all you need is your fingers and a love for Apple applications. Its thin frame is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, iTunes, tie-ins with Yahoo! Mail and Google Maps, and can surf the net with its Safari browser. It can also play videos on its widescreen.

LG Prada

www.lge.com
D&G RAZR is out; Prada LG is just in with its ultra “posh” (slim and hiso) design that uses a touch-screen interface. The phone will also come in a chic Prada case. The design of the interface will be signature Prada—classic minimalist white on black—perfect for a brand freak. No further information has been released yet except that Europeans will get this funky phone first in Spring 2007.

Nokia N800

www.nokia.com/nseries
The N-Series has produced the music phone, DVD phone, photography phone, and now it’s here, the internet phone. The Nokia N800, the latest of the N-Series, is packing 124MB of internal RAM in its ultrathin 13mm body. With its back legs it can stand on its own two feet as a tablet, or you can just treat it like any other mobile that has an impressive media player, high quality stereo speakers and wifi web surfing functions. Americans are already enjoying it, but for Thais it’s still on the horizon.

OLPC

www.laptop.org
“One Laptop Per Child” is a charitable tech toy made for impoverished children who can’t afford mass-market gadgets like the rest of us. This US$100 Linux-based laptop comes in bright lime green with a rubbery keyboard and can even be turned into a tablet. However, it will only be available for government services that are interested in the program. The worst thing? The Thai government sees it only as a “toy,” so students won’t be seeing these anytime soon.

SIDEKICK III

www.sidekick.com
This super mobile is all the rage in the United States, with celebs like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan pushing its fame to higher levels. Here, it’s fairly unknown. A Sidekick has a twisting screen and is the ultimate communication device as you can chat using MSN/Yahoo!/AOL, read and send emails, and surf the web with it. Limited edition models are also available, like the pink ones designed by Diane von Fürstenberg for example. If you manage to snatch one from the US, it’s believed that you can get the tech dudes down at MBK to “crack” it for you, but no promises.

Sony Mylo

www.learningcenter.sony.us
Sony’s internet-based communicator has the ability to surf the web, chat online via instant messengers and playback audio and video media with wifi connectivity. What distinguishes Mylo from others is that it has a built-in Skype program for enhanced chatting. Comes in orange and black. It was released in the US last September, however Sony Thailand still has absolutely no clue the company even makes such a thing.

Sony Vaio TP1

www.learningcenter.sony.us
For PC users lusting for a Mac Mini, the white cheese-wheel looking Sony Vaio TP1 is here to the rescue. It has all the ports for your USB and other PC inputs, a DVD burner, and even a slot to connect it with your TV. It has built-in wifi and a matching wireless keyboard with a touchpad for a mouse, so there’s no need for those hazardous cables. And guess what? It’s equipped with the latest Microsoft OS, Vista Home Premium. Americans will be the first lucky bunch this coming March.

Sony Vaio UX

www.learningcenter.sony.us
A crossbreed between a Pocket PC and a laptop, the Sony Vaio UX is a Micro PC. Being an extra extra portable laptop, only a wee bit bigger than a Sony PSP, it runs on Windows XP Professional, has a built-in camera plus everything a laptop has, including a 30 GB hard drive. It’s kind of thick and chunky, though, but desirable nonetheless. Bangkokians have yet to experience its first generation and already the UX Premium has been released. Doh!

Top

Bar Yan Tree

55/11-22, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-641-222. Open daily 8:30pm-2am
Just like your shisha, water bubbles under the transparent dance floor while you ogle the hired pretties dancing to commercial hip hop. Special light effects recreate thunder and lightening. Whoo! Shisha is available for B500 (1 hour).

Gazebo

Rooftop, 44 Jakrapong Rd., 02-629-0705. Open 8pm-late
Newly open in Khao San area, this one-of-a-kind Moroccan-styled bar boasts everything from food to booze and of course, shisha (B250). Stay tuned for a full review of this bar in a future issue of BK.

Indus

71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. Open daily 11am-midnight.
The bar section of this bar and restaurant is decorated in modern Moroccan style with a touch of dark red and black tones. Dance to Arabian tunes, plus there's a monthly Arabian Night. Shisha is available for B300 (small) and B600 (large).

Nai Chia

In front of Kasikorn Bank, Yaowarat Branch, 08-6340-1492, 08-1917-8439. Open daily around the clock
Apparently, chestnuts are more popular than we thought. Or else Nai Chia wouldn’t have carried on roasting them for almost half a decade. Like 7-Eleven, this street vendor is open all day, everyday.
The deal: Nai Chia does only one thing—roast chestnuts. It takes a laborious 40 minutes to roast the nuts in a huge pan over hot sand. The hawker opts for Japanese chestnuts that are smaller than the Chinese counterpart, but are said to be sweeter. Feel free to ask for samples, but don’t get too close to that sizzling pan.
The price: B200 per kilo.

Jae Auan Raat Naa

In front of Sri Thong Gold Shop, 08-1633-5102. Open Tue-Sun 6:30pm-3am
With 20 years of experience in the business, this raat naa stall with a wide following has just expanded its fan base, winning the most votes from viewers of Channel 3’s Sud Dej Prathet Thai as the best raat naa hawker in Bangkok.
The deal: Tender pork, crisp veggies and tasty gravy are the three rules of thumb of Jae Auan. For best flavor and texture, the lady owner and her husband marinate the pork overnight. Though the stir-fried noodles in gravy are the stars here, you also have it good with pad see iew (stir-fried noodles with egg and pork).
The price: B30-50. Jae Auon also sells her marinated pork at B180 per kilo.

Stir-Fried Chicken Noodles (no official name)

Trok Issaranuphap, Open daily 8pm-1am
Despite its hidden location, this hole in the wall has been around for half a decade and can get pretty crowded since there are only a few tables. The stall has no official name, but the vendor who also doubles as a cook prefers us to mention his stall as “Golden Wok Chicken Noodles,” so Golden Wok Chicken Noodles it is.

The deal: No phone number, no reservations. It’s first-come-first-served here, and the surly waitress makes sure everyone is served. The moment you seat yourself, she brings each and everyone on the table a bowl of kuay tiew kua kai. Don’t bother to order or object because she will stubbornly serve you anyway, even if you just want to accompany your hungry friend. On the bright side, the chicken noodles are scrumptious.
The price: B30-50.

Hua Seng Hong

371-373 Yaowarat Rd., near Lieng Seng Heng gold shop, 02-222-7053, Open daily 8-1am. www.huasenghong.co.th

Equipped with many cooking booths, outside is where all the action takes place. Inside is a long, low-ceiling hallway, which sometimes feels a bit claustrophobic, filled with roars of locals and Chinese tourists. There’s nothing to write home about the decor, fortunately. That’s not the case for its food.
The deal: The menu offers gargantuan Chinese dishes with shark’s fin soup, braised goosefeet in a clay pot and steamed crab with glass noodles as the highlights. However, there are more affordable choices like BBQ pork noodles and rice topped with roast duck. Though on offer all day, dim sum tends to run out in the evening, so it’s wise to drop by before 6pm.
The price: B30-1,000.

Nai Lek Auan Kuay Jub

In front of the Old Market, Yaowarat Rd., 02-224-3450, 08-1611-6920. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-12:30am
It’s a war! This tiny vendor with less than eight tables is the hot favorite of diners from all walks of life, so chances are you have to squeeze in a table with university students, race to grab a chair, or fight with a hiso big-hair lady before enjoying its kuay jub. Drop by and don’t forget your patience.

The deal: Like other kuay jub stalls, Nai Lek Auan serves its rice noodles with pork entrails and crispy moo krob. But it’s the fragrant clear soup, packed with kicks of pepper that sets the difference. These appetizing noodles work well as a cure for the flu.
The price: B30-40.

Aun Pochana

In the front of New Leam Thong theater (China Town Rama), Yaowarat Rd., 08-9130-3352. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-3am.
If a long wait at Nai Lek Auan’s puts you off, Aun Pochana is a good alternative. Head to one of the tables on the footpath for breathing space, or opt for a table inside the defunct theater if you don’t want to play hide and seek with the staff.
The deal: Similar to Nai Lek Auan, Aun Pochana is known for its aromatic peppery broth. You can also order fish maw soup from the adjacent cart to go with your rice noodles.
The price: B30-40.

Bua Loi Nam Khing (no official name)

Across from Watson’s, Yaowarat Rd.,08-7019-3170. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am
This dessert stall spreads the tables on the street. The vendor can speak only broken Chinese, but that’s enough to take orders from the customers from the Mainland.
The deal: Hot and cold Chinese-style dessert to wash down the meal. There are gingko seeds, black sesame dumplings and bean curd to be paired with your choice of fresh milk, ginger soup or longan juice.
The price: B40-80.

Toast (no official name)

Across from Jae Auan Raat Naa and Bank of Ayudhya, Yaowarat Rd., 08-7598-0888, 08-1492-5131. Open Tue-Sun 6:30pm-midnight
You will be lured to this stall by the sweet aroma of buttered toast. Though there are a few tables to welcome seated customers, the young crowd that makes up the majority of its regulars often order takeaways.
The deal: The stall offers “crispy” toast and “soft” steamed buns. Top it off with sangkaya (Thai egg custard), chocolate, pineapple or strawberry jam. The kind uncle doesn’t mind if you order coffee or hot milk from the adjoining stall.
The price: B7-8.

T&K Seafood

49-51 Soi Phadung Dao, 02-223-4519, 08-1507-5555. Open daily 4:30pm-2am
Named after initials of the couple owners, Toy and Kid, T&K Seafood is one of the long-standing seafood stalls in Yaowarat. However, it is more widely known as “the green shop” since the staff all put on green aprons. Plenty of seating available in and outside the restaurant.
The deal: Expect everything sea-related from oysters to shark fin. The energetic servers often force a hard sell, passing menus to passers by. But once you agree to settle at the stall, they turn out to be nice and attentive, providing so many recommendations that make you eat more than you should. Wait, is that also one of their tactics?
The price: B100-500.

Chinese New Year promotions

The Chinese Restaurant (Grand Hyatt Erawan, Rachadamri Rd., 02-254-1234 ext 3070. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 6:30-10pm. www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com) gives you the choice of delicious Cantonese set or a la carte menu with stuffed crab claw, shark’s fin soup, oyster and sea moss in brown sauce and much more.

The Empress (Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel, Larn Luang Rd., 02-281-3088 ext 147. Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 6-10pm) is celebrating two February festivities, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, with its 10-course menu for two (B6,500-B20,000). The menu is available for both lunch and dinner throughout the month.

Liu (The Conrad Hotel, Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999. www.conradbangkok.com). Master chef Wong Kam Yao is introducing special Salt Baked Chicken for family diners this Chinese New Year. Other Chinese New Year specials include Shanghai stewed pork leg and sautéed garoupa fillet, which are all available Feb 16 to Feb 23.

Man Ho (JW Marriott Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700 ext 4245. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm) is celebrating Chinese New Year with five Cantonese culinary sets;\: Sawasdee Pee Mai (B9,000), Ngeun Thong Lai Ma (B11,000), Chok Larb Mark Mee (B13,000), Mung Mee See Suk (B16,000), and Rung Reung Taloadpee (B30,800). The sets are available from Feb 18-20.

Mei Jiang (The Peninsula Bangkok, Charoennakorn Rd., 02-861-2888. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10pm. www.peninsula.com) is offering two special Chinese New Year set menus from Feb 10-25. The Fortune Menu (B1680) pampers you with a great selection of seafood dishes. Wealth Menu (B1980) fills your stomach with some supreme shark’s fin and lobster soup, roasted duck, steamed crab claws and more.

Siang Ping Loh (8/F, Grand China Princess Hotel, Yaowarat Rd., 02-224-9977 ext 338, 303. Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 6-10pm. www.grandchina.com) is celebrating Chinese New Year throughout the month of February with a special menu. Try their shark’s fin soup and grilled snowfish with soya sauce.

One and Only

The latest luxurious scent by Dolce & Gabbana is The One. To represent the temptation, passion and sexiness in women, the gold fragrance combines exotic flowers and fruit extracts including bergamot, solar accord, plum, lychee, muguet, jasmine and Madonna lily. This elegantly packaged bottle comes at B3,050/50ml. Available at Dolce & Gabbana counters (Try M/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama1 Rd., 02-610-9332/-5.)

Soft Scent

Reveal your sweet charm with the new Femme by BOSS. Designed to give you a super feminine feeling, its natural scent is extracted from fresh fruits and flowers including tangerine, rose freesia and rose petals. B2,400/ 50ml. Sweeten your life today at any Hugo BOSS counter (try 1/F, Central Chidlom, 1027 Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777).

Women in Love

Making you feel like a dream upon waking with its extracts from star anise, rose and freesia, Light Rose is the latest fragrance by Jaspal and a good choice for romantic ladies. B1,295/ 50ml. Available at Jaspal Stores (Try 2/F, Central World, 999/9 Rama1 Rd., 02-255-9554.)

Since its inauguration in 1932 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Rattanakosin era, Rama 1 Memorial Bridge (a.k.a. Sapan Poot) has been one of the most popular trading centers in town. By day, the bridge is but a link between Phranakorn and Thonburi, but when night falls, it turns into a busy, packed marketplace where you can find all kinds of clothes from secondhand jeans to hip T-shirts and even get your portrait, a tattoo or a piercing.

Being an early bird is not a good idea here. Most stalls open around 7pm and peak time doesn’t start until 9pm or a bit earlier on Fridays and Saturdays. The market stays packed with people as late as 1-2am. Be warned that the market is closed every Monday.

There are many buses that stop there or nearby, but a cab is still the best option if you are not in the mood for a little stroll. Starting at the Phranakorn end of the bridge, you’ll find a heap of stalls along both sides of the street, one of which deserves special mention. Facing the river, turn left, then walk for 200 meters and you’ll find it on your left. There lie T-shirts with catchy quotes usually found on the back of trucks (B100, and cheaper if you know how to bargain). We loved the “Rakna Dek-ngow” one.

From there, go straight to the guitar shop (08-1711-9554) that not only sells axes (both acoustic and electric at B790-890) but also harmonicas (B120-220) and guitar strings, and provides guitar repair services. Go on for about 100 meters and you’ll see a junction on your left where Sapan Poot River Market has recently opened. This clean and wide building gives off a great impression but it turns out that the three-story plaza is just too new. The first floor is literally empty while all the sellers on the second floor abandon their shops to watch soaps on a TV near the landing. Seems working people, students and dek naew alike enjoy street-side secondhand stuff more.

In front of the plaza, there are lots of secondhand shoes and bags but also some new things. One interesting stall sells brand new authentic Converse All Stars at cheaper rates than department stores. Prices are B750-1,990, depending on the style.

Like Chatuchak, cute trinkets can be found, too. Stroll down the road and take a tour of the back rows where you’ll find some nice pieces like at Tien Hom Tee Sud Nai Lok (08-1692-7713) that sells fragrant candles in handmade pots (B59 and B120). One stall nearby sells handmade key chains (08-9151-1430/-7, B39 and B59). And another has numerous styles of dog clothing (08-7925-5593), with prices ranging from B50-550.

Hungry? Take a short break after shopping and walk back to the junction. Kai Pla Mueg Naam Jim Rod Ded’s (08-4909-7423) fried squid eggs’ foamy sauce is truly delicious (B20-30). To refresh yourself, keep an eye out for passing trolleys. You may see Chaoguay Lanyamo, a cart stocked with glasses of Thai-style black jelly on ice.

Do’s & Don’t’s

Do: Bargain. It’s a must.

Don’t: Go alone. It’s a night market, you could get pickpocketed at any time, or even buy the wrong size.

Do: Wear light clothes, take a fan and
carry a bottle of water. It’s hot.

Don’t: Think about taking a bus to Thonburi side and walk here to save some money. It’s a hassle and not worth it.

Do: Check before you buy. Some goods may be broken, tainted or irreparably ugly.

Don’t: Go on Monday. It’s closed!

Enough of Electrico and The Great Spy Experiment already. The local music scene today features so many more new musicians that are seriously worth checking out. From an instrumental post-rock band to ambient soundscapers to straightforward rock ’n’ rollers, these acts demand to be heard. Listen up, or be left out.

Muon

Who are they? Guitarist/producer/laptop programmer Nick Chan and drummer Edwin Leong recently played an absorbing three-song gig at indie bar Home. By the time they finished, we were mesmerized. MUON also produced local rock band Astreal’s acclaimed album Fragments of the Same Dead Star last year, and has had many gigs, including fashion shows like Wardrobe at Zouk and at the opening of the RedDot Design Awards.

What sound? Initially comprising solely of just music ingénue Nick Chan, MUON has moved on from its more electronica-driven soundscapes (as heard in previous releases Reprogrammed: Modules for Serial Killers (2002) and In Flught (2004)) to being more rock-ish and organic. MUON’s brand of explosive rock, samples, moody electronica and ambient guitar (think a soundtrack befitting the next Sofia Coppola film) is a dream for the initiated.

Why listen? This is as good as it gets when it comes to local acts. MUON’s sound has progressed and matured over the years, and is more robust than ever. As stated by Chan: “These days, the music is more mechanical and colder...but musically, we’ve also managed to touch on the cerebral and intellectual.” We couldn’t agree more.

Word Up: “For the first few productions and releases, I was still feeling my way around,” says Chan. “But in terms of sensibilities, MUON have always had a band-like quality. Technically, I’m not very comfortable with just the laptop, which is why it’s important for the group to incorporate some live music components too. Our musical performance is still evolving, and we’re still finding ways to harvest our sound.”
What next? Look out for the highly-anticipated album The New Mutants under indie label Wallwork Records mid this year. Tracks on the album, like the emotional “Love Drops” and soaring and head-banging 10-minute opus “This is Not the End,” will send you to kingdom come and back. Log onto www.myspace.com/muonmagick for more info.

I Am David Sparkle

Who are they? Comprising guitarist Amran Khamis, bassist Yamani Ismail, guitarist/keyboardist/laptop programmers Johnny Mo and Nico Santino, and drummer Zahir Sanosi, I am David Sparkle was formed in 2001 as an improvisational instrumental collective, and was mainly known among fringe music lovers. After going through some reshuffling, the group features a tighter and more competent lineup today. Previous gigs include 2005’s Baybeats.

What sound? The group creates slow-burning soundscapes reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You Black Emperor and Mogwai’s, but less dramatic. Their first self-titled independent EP, released in Nov last year, is a testament to the group’s musical artistry and brilliance.

Why listen? Comprising just two tracks—“Apocalypse of the Heart” and “2024”—which average about 20 minutes each, these numbers are drawn-out, organic and riveting all at the same time. Layers upon layers of guitars create a textural mood that ranks with some of the best post-rock sounds out there.

Word Up: “We’ve always been an instrumental band all this while, but in terms of mood, our sound has progressed from apocalyptic to hopeful,” says Khamis. “Our sound/songs tend to be lengthy and perhaps a bit self-indulgent. But we are trying to move away from that, and keep our songs shorter. We see making music as an act of self-expression and a creative tool, and we don’t really care if we don’t sell that many CDs. After all, when we release the tracks, we see it as a form of documentation. If people are interested to come along for the ride, sure, if not, no worries.”

What next? Gigs at the upcoming Good Vibrations Festival and regional music festival JamAsia in KL next month will put the group on a more popular pedestal. I am David Sparkle is now available at Straits Records, 43 Haji Lane, 9431-1572. Log onto www.myspace.com/iamdavidsparkle for more info.

The Embryo

Who are they? The group, lead by singer/songwriter/guitarist Randolf Arriola, has been around since the early ’90s, performing gigs at the defunct Moods Café. Members have evolved over the years. Today, The Embryo also comprises singer/bassist Wendy Phua (formerly of Zhen) and drummer Mervyn Asher.

What sound? The Embryo’s eclectic range of sound is more cohesive than the band would like us to believe—which is a good thing. “Our music plays like a cross between U2, Tears For Fears, Bjork, and Pink Floyd,” says Arriola, who also cites Brian Eno, The Cure, Joni Mitchell, The Sundays, Beth Orton, Placebo and Daniel Lanois as influences. But before you think the band is schizophrenic, we assure that their sound is cohesive, catchy and suitably dark.

Why listen? The Embryo is the only local band that builds their sound and textures it by using a sound-shaping tool during live performances. This atmospheric advantage gives them a bigger and grander sound. “We don’t use instruments like keyboards, synthesizers and other sound effects, although it sounds like we do,” quips Arriola. “We just basically use guitar and bass.” Music lovers are in for a killer ride. Track “Local Music” features an infectious bass and a spoken word sampling of musician X’Ho, while “Waiting” is a dreamy sojourn into ambient bliss.

Word Up: “We like pop, rock, and all other experimental music, and the group pieces all these elements together...it’s like a string of pearls, with all these influences.”

What next? Scheduled for release by 2007, their first full-length album should be a smash. After all, previous EPs sold at their various gigs at Timbre and The Esplanade have all been snapped up.

SONICBRAT

Who is it? SONICBRAT, a.k.a. Darren Ng, is full-time sound designer who has worked predominantly in theater. Arts aficionados might have heard of Ng’s works in plays like Luna-id’s Quills, but music fans will soon get a taste of Ng’s obscure and ethereal sound bites with the release of his first album, Hi.a.tus.

What sound? Produced by Chris Lee (of boutique Asylum fame) under his label Asylum Sounds, Ng’s album Hi.a.tus is a demanding excursion to an unrelenting world of beeps and bleeps that will send listeners into the nether regions. Openers like “The Lacuna Medley” and “Hiatus Lullaby” have a dreamlike quality and lovely piano refrains, while more experimental numbers like “Synaesthesia” and “8Bit Pathology” will make the head spin with their spaced-out stereo effects.

Why listen? For those into truly experimental and niche sounds, Ng’s sound is probably one of the best to come out of Singapore. His seamless mix of baby piano and sitara (an instrument that works like a cross between a guitar and sitar) sounds like floating forlorn memories lost
in space.

Word Up: “The sound I create is different from sound artists out there,” says Ng. “Whereas they play with mostly just laptops, I try to manipulate and utilize as many found sounds and other instruments as well. It involves a lot of fusion between the analog and digital realms...going towards a modular synthesized sound. I’m not too worried if people don’t get my music. It’s a very personal album that I cut from the bottom of my heart.”

What next? Since they have no live gigs lined-up, it’s best that music lovers grab themselves a copy of Hi.a.tus when it’s out. Available from Asylum, 22 Ann Siang Rd., 6324-2289 from Feb. Log onto www.freewebscom/sonicbrat for more info.

Gomes

Who is it? A composer by profession, Rennie Gomes, a.k.a. Gomes, has 15 years of music experience. Besides being involved in the soundtrack of Royston Tan’s controversial 15, Gomes has also remixed homegrown band The Observatory’s tracks like “How’s Life?” and “This Sad Song.” Last year in Oct, Gomes released his first album Fade To Black. Although he doesn’t have a gig to his name yet, his competence is undeniable.

What sound? A fusion of dark trip hop and electro, Gomes sets his sound somewhere between the accessible and the obscure. Tracks such as “Free” bring to mind Massive Attack, while more experimental songs such as “Octave Lives” and “Mine Ocean” lean towards experimental sound art.

Why listen? Often intense, ominous and sinister, we love Gomes because it gives us goose bumps. Fade To Black, which is the result of three years of hard work, is certainly one of the freshest and more outstanding offerings in recent years.

Word Up: “One reason the album is called Fade To Black is because it gets progressively darker by the minute,” he states as a matter of fact. “As you know, at the end of every movie, everything fades to black and music becomes the foreground. No more pictures...just music. Music is always accompanying something else. By naming the album Fade To Black, I’m throwing the focus back to the music.”

What next? Gomes, together with Royston Tan, is currently working on an animation music video for “Missing,” one of the tracks in Fade to Black which has Japanese mutterings by the late Japanese actor Muragishi Hiroaki. “I’m hoping to target the Japanese market with this track,” he states.
Fade To Black is available at Asylum, 22 Ann Siang Rd., 6324-2289, and other online music stores like CD Baby and iPod Tunes. Log on to http://www.myspace.com/renniegomes for more information.

The Nerves

Who are they? The Nerves may be only one-and-a half-years-old, but with the help of music competitions like School of Rock and Power Jam, the group has set some tongues wagging. Made up of bassist Muhammad Syuaib, drummer Muhammad Syakirin and guitarist Williem Siddek, this cheeky band started off jamming in a fruit stall cum studio, and loves to perform onstage barefoot.

What sound? The sound of The Nerves reminds us of Nirvana. Hear out for low growls and hypnotizing guitar strums set at a moderate tempo. The group’s blend of music should satisfy those who dig the grunge-rock era of the mid ’90s. Other influences cited by band members include Oasis, Supergrass, The Kooks and Wolfmother, just to name a few.

Why listen? It’s easy to lose yourself in their music. Slightly bleak and depressing, the trio has an absorbing sound that makes it one of the more promising bands around. Some local music fans have even commented that The Nerves should have won the Power Jam competition held at Zouk a few months ago. To this, Syuaib quips, “It was a bit disappointing. But it’s great just to get to the finals and perform in front of so many people.”

Word Up: “What sets The Nerves apart? Well, I think we’re the ugliest band around,” jokes Siddek. “And another reason that people support us could be because everyone can relate to underdogs. It would be nice for an underdog to be famous,” adds Syakirin.

What next? The Nerves is recording its first studio demo now. Watch out for it. Log onto www.myspace.com/thenerves for more info.

A list of other bands to check out and bands we want to hear less of.

OTHER BANDS WORTH CHECKING OUT

FLYBAR
Made up of vocalist Ian Toh, guitarists Jon Ong and Benjamin Tay, bassist Andrew Chia and drummer Deon Toh, Flybar has a catchy pop rock sound and plays groovy songs like “Beautiful Killer” and “She’s So Lazy.”
For more details about the band, log on to www.flybartheband.com or www.myspace.com/flybartheband.

PROJECT ULTRASOUND
Beware of potent rock infused with lots of rapping from this band. Project Ultrasound comprises vocalist Razali b. Abdullah, guitarist Asni b. Abdullah, bassist Ridzaidean b. Abu Bakar and drummer Rafizal b. Abd Razak, and has recently played at Ministry of Sound, Club Momo and Home. Fans of Rage Against the Machine will dig their sound.
Email [email protected] for a free copy of their demo.

WITHERED TREE
Withered Tree is for rockers who like their music hard and heavy. Consisting of vocalist Shyam Raj, bassist Darren Toh, guitarist Roman Tarasov and drummer Jason Cruze, this band’s “Play on Flames” will set your night on fire.
Hit www.myspace.com/witheredtree to sample their songs.

MY WRITES
Vocalist Dhaniah Suhana, guitarists Shaun Lin and Muhammad Hanifi, bassist Muhammad Zul-Azri and drummer Muhammad Lukman make up this goofy act. Look out for them if you like an elevating indie pop sound that’ll bring a big silly smile to your face.
Log onto www.myspace.com/mywrites for more info.

BANDS WE WANT TO HEAR LESS OF THIS YEAR

ELECTRICO
The lead singer’s cute, the keyboardist’s cuter, but are they really that good?

THE GREAT SPY EXPERIMENT
In the span of less than a year the group, which sounds just like The Killers, has managed to snag numerous gigs and even a Motorola Street Style Award. Over-hyped? We think so.

FIREBRANDS
Firebrands’ straightforward rock music, quite frankly, doesn’t rock our world. Lackluster vocals and production values make the act less fiery than most out there.

ASTREAL
After the fallout with guitarist-producer Nick Chan, who produced its great last album Fragments of the Same Dead Star, we’re not sure if the band is capable of making good music anymore.

The local music scene is hot. Here are six alternative music acts to watch out for this year.

Over the years Vietnamese art has developed a loyal following among art lovers. With pieces that commonly feature elegant long-haired girls in ao dais (traditional Vietnamese dress) and conical hats, there is something very unpretentious about this distinctive style that warms the soul. Jazz Chong, director of Ode to Art Gallery, describes Vietnamese art as “very real, very natural. There’s something that just draws people in.” Its simplicity, accompanied with their often very affordable prices, means Vietnamese art remains a hit among local art buyers.

As Vietnamese art continues to draw a large following, we highlight four rising artists whose works have found popularity in Singapore, and who we think you should be keeping an eye on.

Tran Thi Tuyen

Thin willowy girls with flowing hair are the signature of Tuyen’s long vertical pieces that bring an air of stillness and contemplation to the classic nude. A graduate of Hanoi Fine Arts University, Tuyen’s pieces tend to be one color, but the shades she uses vary from baby pinks to dark deep blues, depending on the mood she is trying to evoke.
Coming Exhibitions: Tuyen’s works will be displayed alongside an exhibition of other artists at The Wine Company in March.
Where You Can Buy: The Wine Company.

D. Hoy

Seasonal trees have always been a popular subject for Vietnamese paintings, but emerging artist D. Hoy uses more subtlety and dimension than many other works. His pieces are bold in color, with realistic shadow work and a good use of perspective. D. Hoy is a graduate of the University of Fine Arts in Hanoi and studied under famous artist Hoang Tich Chu.
Where You Can Buy: Red Sea Gallery.

Haly

Late bloomer Haly has only become popular over the last four years, despite being part of the older generation of self-taught artists in Northern Vietnam. Haly’s monochromatic street and river scenes evoke a sense of peacefulness and focus on the countryside rather than the busyness of the cities. As a result, Haly’s paintings have a quiet sense of contemplation about them. Haly has found increasing popularity in Australia, the UK and parts of Europe as well as here in Singapore.
Where You Can Buy: Red Sea Gallery.

Phan Thu Trang

An emerging young artist, Trang’s work is characterized by textured brush strokes predominantly in all one color (she favors red, orange, yellow and blue, which reflect the seasons). Her pieces often feature a natural landscape of foliage that dominates the picture with the small addition of human movement. Simple but effective, Trang’s works provide a form of escapism into the slice of life that she portrays.
Coming Exhibitions: Ode to Art will be holding a Vietnamese artists’ exhibition in July that Trang will be attending. The Wine Company will also be holding an exhibition featuring the works of Trang and others around March.
Where You Can Buy: Ode to Art, The Wine Company.

Address Book:

Ode to Art, #01-36E/F Raffles City Shopping Centre,
252 North Bridge Rd., 6250-1901.
Red Sea Gallery, 232 River Valley Rd., 6732-6711.
The Wine Company, 14D Dempsey Rd., 6479-9341;
for exhibition and sales details call Annette Suann at 9734-9481 or Susan Peters-Burg at 9030-6130.