Album Review: Abominable Sea by Simon Junior, Maurice Patton & The Melodians (1967)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into the wild, weird world of Abominable Sea. This gem from 1967 is like a musical time capsule that somehow landed in Singapore instead of swinging London or groovy New York. Released under the mysterious label Cortersions, this album blends rock, pop, and jazz with enough vocal flair to make your grandma grab her pearls—and maybe even bust a move.
Now, let’s talk tracks. Out of the three listed (Day Will Come Again, Love Forever, and Abominable Sea), I gotta say, it’s hard not to get stuck on "Day Will Come Again (何日君再来)." First off, props for the bilingual title—it’s bold, it’s classy, and honestly? It’s kinda confusing in the best way possible. The song itself feels like sipping tea while staring out at rain-soaked streets. You know, one of those moments where everything slows down, but you still feel alive inside. There’s something haunting yet hopeful about how the melody lingers—it sticks to you like gum on a hot sidewalk. Plus, who doesn’t love a tune that makes them wanna hum along even though they only understand half the words?
Then there’s "Abominable Sea (恨海)". Oh man, what a name! If ever there was a track that sounded exactly like its title, this is it. Imagine standing on a beach at midnight, waves crashing violently, and you’re just thinking, “Yeah, life’s kinda messy right now.” That’s this song. It’s got a jazzy undertone mixed with some serious rock vibes, and the vocals? They hit you right in the feels. Like, you can practically hear the heartbreak dripping through the speakers. It’s moody, dramatic, and honestly? Kinda perfect for when you need to wallow—but make it artsy.
As for Love Forever (爱你入骨), well, let’s just say it didn’t leave as big an impression on me. Don’t get me wrong—it’s nice enough, but compared to the other two bangers, it feels like the quiet cousin at a loud family reunion. Still worth a listen, though!
Here’s the thing about Abominable Sea: it shouldn’t work. Rock, pop, AND jazz? In 1967 Singapore? With such dramatic titles? On paper, it sounds like someone threw darts at a genre board blindfolded. But somehow, these guys pulled it off. Maybe it’s the raw emotion in the vocals, or maybe it’s the fact that no one told them they couldn’t do it. Either way, it’s refreshingly unpredictable.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely—if you’re into music that feels like a fever dream wrapped in velvet. Or if you just want something quirky to throw on during dinner parties to confuse your friends. Honestly, listening to Abominable Sea feels like finding a forgotten treasure chest buried in the sand—rusty edges, unexpected gems, and all.
And hey, here’s a thought to chew on: maybe the real abominable sea isn’t the music, but the ocean of forgotten albums waiting to be rediscovered. Food for thought, eh?
