Latest news with #RM145
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Tracy Chapman revisits debut record; gives vinyl reissue audio uplift
TERMS such as 'classic', 'groundbreaking' and 'evergreen' are often bandied about but in the case of Tracy Chapman's eponymous debut album, all those plaudits and probably more apply. It is with good reason as well. It was truly a phenomenal piece of work which the singer-songwriter struggled to live up to with later albums, conceding she had a lifetime's worth of experiences to draw from for that debut record. It sold six million (physical) copies in the US alone and 20 million worldwide, meaning she never has to work again despite lacklustre sales of her later albums. But what a debut it was. Released in 1988 on the Elektra imprint, the album sold by the truck loads as music lovers everywhere fell head over heels in love with Chapman's impassioned delivery of tunes that told of escaping poverty, domestic strife and hard times. Originally recorded in the span of eight weeks at producer David Kershenbaum's studio – Powertrax – Chapman's songs caught everyone by surprise as it began to dominate radio at a time when glam rock and synth pop ruled the airwaves. This was no Madonna- or Richard Marx-type bubble gum pop. This was serious music – sincere, authentic and exceptionally produced. Though the songs were crafted as solo pieces accompanied just by an acoustic guitar, the producer set about putting together a crack band to bring these fantastic tunes to life. Boy, did these ace musicians, which included bassist Larry Klein and percussionist Paulinho da Costa, flesh out the sound with their contributions. Given the confessional nature of the songs, an unobtrusive sound was required and the assembled musicians really did do justice to these poetic gems. Which brings us to the recently released vinyl reissue, which was a close collaboration between the singer and the original producer. And what a magnificent job they have done. Every instrument on every single track has been elevated to new heights and this is not just pushing up the 'loudness' button. Each is carefully measured and inserted to allow the song to carry its emotional weight without sounding bombastic. Highlights of this exceptional 35th anniversary edition include For My Lover and Baby Can I Hold You. The bass tone on the former is just to die for while the latter is heavenly in its smoothness. Praise alone will not do this 180g vinyl edition justice. The CD version simply pales in comparison. Released on April 4, it has taken some time to reach local music emporiums but it is finally here. Most are retailing it above RM200 but one particular shop in Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya – The Groove – has sealed copies going for a very reasonable RM145. Grab it while stocks last as this is pretty much as good as it gets without stepping into silly money audiophile territory.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Tracy Chapman's reissue of classic debut sounds astounding
TERMS such as 'classic', 'groundbreaking' and 'evergreen' are often bandied about but in the case of Tracy Chapman's eponymous debut album, all those plaudits and probably more apply. It is with good reason as well. It was truly a phenomenal piece of work which the singer-songwriter struggled to live up to with later albums, conceding she had a lifetime's worth of experiences to draw from for that debut record. It sold six million (physical) copies in the US alone and 20 million worldwide, meaning she never has to work again despite lacklustre sales of her later albums. But what a debut it was. Released in 1988 on the Elektra imprint, the album sold by the truck loads as music lovers everywhere fell head over heels in love with Chapman's impassioned delivery of tunes that told of escaping poverty, domestic strife and hard times. Originally recorded in the span of eight weeks at producer David Kershenbaum's studio – Powertrax – Chapman's songs caught everyone by surprise as it began to dominate radio at a time when glam rock and synth pop ruled the airwaves. This was no Madonna- or Richard Marx-type bubble gum pop. This was serious music – sincere, authentic and exceptionally produced. Though the songs were crafted as solo pieces accompanied just by an acoustic guitar, the producer set about putting together a crack band to bring these fantastic tunes to life. Boy, did these ace musicians, which included bassist Larry Klein and percussionist Paulinho da Costa, flesh out the sound with their contributions. Given the confessional nature of the songs, an unobtrusive sound was required and the assembled musicians really did do justice to these poetic gems. Which brings us to the recently released vinyl reissue, which was a close collaboration between the singer and the original producer. And what a magnificent job they have done. Every instrument on every single track has been elevated to new heights and this is not just pushing up the 'loudness' button. Each is carefully measured and inserted to allow the song to carry its emotional weight without sounding bombastic. Highlights of this exceptional 35th anniversary edition include For My Lover and Baby Can I Hold You. The bass tone on the former is just to die for while the latter is heavenly in its smoothness. Praise alone will not do this 180g vinyl edition justice. The CD version simply pales in comparison. Released on April 4, it has taken some time to reach local music emporiums but it is finally here. Most are retailing it above RM200 but one particular shop in Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya – The Groove – has sealed copies going for a very reasonable RM145. Grab it while stocks last as this is pretty much as good as it gets without stepping into silly money audiophile territory.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang to add 100 MyKiosks to existing 80
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government plans to apply for 100 more MyKiosk units due to high demand from traders following the deployment of the initial 80 units in the state. State local government, town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye also refuted claims that the kiosks were 'white elephants' as alleged by certain parties. "The Penang City Council received an offer for the kiosks under the Housing and Local Government Ministry's programme in 2022 and submitted an official application to build 45 units, with 35 units approved in 2023 costing RM15,000 a unit," he told reporters after inspecting five kiosks at Miami Beach near here on Sunday (May 18). He also informed that all 35 kiosks under the council were placed at 10 locations, with 32 of them occupied, and the remaining three kiosks - at Padang Tembak Complex and Kota Selera Complex - would house unlicensed traders in the area. The remaining 45 kiosks are in areas under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), with 30 located in Taman Robina, five in Vision Park in Bertam and 10 in South Seberang Perai, H'ng said, adding that they received RM690,000 in allocations from the ministry for the units. "Rental rates for kiosks under the council are RM145 monthly including licence fees of RM45 while for MBSP it is RM120 a month. "Currently demand is very high and we will prioritise unlicensed roadside hawkers so they can conduct their businesses legally," he added. - Bernama
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
Gamblers didn't bet on raid as cops end cock fights
Caught: Bukit Aman D7 officers detaining 124 individuals involved in illegal gambling in Melwood Arena, Sungai Buloh. — Photo courtesy of Royal Malaysia Police KUALA LUMPUR: More than 100 gamblers were caught off-guard as police raided a cock-fighting ring located in a forested area in Melwood Arena, Sungai Buloh. It is learnt that illegal gambling has been going on there for about eight months. Based on surveillance and intelligence gathering since October, a team of Bukit Aman CID's Anti-vice, gambling and secret societies division (D7) officers raided the gambling den on Sunday in an operation codenamed 'Ops Dadu Mega'. Bukit Aman deputy CID director Deputy Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the police used drones to monitor the area before the raiding team moved in. 'The raiding team had to use dirt roads to reach the secluded forest area. 'Their guide was information provided by the police's drone unit. 'We managed to detain 124 individuals, consisting of 46 locals and 78 Indonesians,' he said when contacted. The suspects were betting on cock fighting and the lottery. 'We seized various items including 52 chickens, seven dead chickens, equipment and cash amounting to RM145,855,' he added. The case is being investigated under various sections, including Section 4A(a) of the Open Gaming House Act 1953 and the Immigration Act. 'We urge the public to relay information, especially on illegal gambling, so that we can take stern action. 'We want to curb the illegal activity,' said DCP Fadil.
![[UPDATED] Jungle jackpot busted: Hundreds nabbed in Sungai Buloh gambling raid](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FJunglejackpot-140525_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1747211027.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Jungle jackpot busted: Hundreds nabbed in Sungai Buloh gambling raid](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Jungle jackpot busted: Hundreds nabbed in Sungai Buloh gambling raid
SUNGAI BULOH: Hundreds of gamblers engaged in cockfighting and illegal lottery activities were arrested in a raid by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in a wooded area near Melwood Arena, not far from Sungai Buloh Hospital. The raid under Op Dadu Mega was conducted by a team from the Bukit Aman Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) on Sunday. It was the result of surveillance since last October on illegal gambling, specifically cockfighting, dice games and unlicensed public lotteries, believed to have been ongoing for eight months. Bukit Aman CID deputy director (intelligence and operations) Datuk Fadil Marsus said before the operation, the raiding team conducted aerial surveillance with the help of the police Air Wing's Drone Unit to monitor gambling activities. This led to the ambush in the forested area that was turned into a makeshift gambling arena. "The raiding team, comprising members from the D7, CID, K9 Unit and Putrajaya Veterinary Unit, used an unpaved road to enter the forest, guided by aerial surveillance information from the Drone Unit. "We arrested 124 individuals, comprising 46 Malaysians and 78 Indonesians, including four women. "The raid led to the seizure of 52 live chickens, seven dead chickens, 17 metal cockfighting spurs and one weighing scale," he said today. Fadil said police also seized RM145,855.00 in cash, gambling equipment for dice games and unlicensed public lottery paraphernalia. "Six Indonesians suspected of organising cockfights have been arrested, along with Malaysians who are believed to have run illegal lotteries. "Police have opened investigation papers under Section 4A(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Section 7(2) of the same act, Sections 32(1) and 32(2) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63."
