Be The One

Due to lack of good radio show in Malaysia, I have started listening to online radio shows of the U.K. I am returning to my roots. Yes, British radio station was my roots. Malaysian radio shows did not suit my taste in the late 80s and 90s, so I tuned in to BBC, Voice of America and Singapore's Perfect 10 at short wave frequency. Those were the radio stations that got me exposed to The Cure, Jesus & Mary Chain, New Order, The Smiths, Nirvana, etc. In the mid 90s, I was studying in the U.K., so obviously I listened to BBC's Radio One daily - my favourite radio shows were hosted by the late John Peel (alternative music)& Andy Kershaw (world music). Unfortunately, both of my favourite British DJs are no longer on air - John Peel has passed away years ago & Andy Kershaw has some personal problem with his relationship.

Last night, I came across the song, Be The One, by the British duo, The Ting Tings, at Zane Lowe's radio show at BBC's Radio One online. The Ting Tings are Jules De Martino (drums, guitar, vocals) and Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass drum). They are basically unknown in Malaysia but they are considered the hot new band in the U.K. The genre of their music is basically a mixture of indie-pop, dance and tiny bits of punk. Their album is generally too cheesy and poppish for my taste but Be The One caught my attention. It's something that could cheer me up after having a depressing week due to the political situation in Malaysia. The guitar of this song reminds me of New Order. The female vocal is sweet but not cheesy here. This is also a more matured/serious song from their album in my personal opinion. I hope The Ting Tings will generate more songs like Be The One in the future.

Here's the video clip:



Here's the lyric in case you wish to sing along:

You say it's not what you do,
It's what you're thinking of
Well I think it's just an excuse
It's what you put across
And I don't wanna be the one
Only overjoyed
Yeah I don't wanna be the one
Making all the noise
Yeah I don't wanna be the one

So make sure you're thinking it through
You've let me down again
Offer me something
I know you really meant
Cuz I don't wanna the one
Only overjoyed
Yeah I don't wanna be the one
Making all the noise
Yeah I don't wanna be the one
Hey!

What you gonna offer now?

I don't wanna be the one
Only overjoyed
Yeah I don't wanna be the one
Making all the noise
Yeah I don't wanna be the one
Hey!

What you gonna offer now?
What you gonna offer now?
What you gonna offer now?

This was not my idea
Don't you keep me waiting
This was not my idea
Don't you keep me waiting
This was not my idea
Don't you keep me waiting