In your face and other songs about other faces

She may not have won The Voice of the Philippines Season 2—heck, she was bashed tremendously—but with her debut album, she proves she is far more than just the three-chair turner playing the ukulele or the senator's daughter.

She doesn't have the birit voice that typical singing contests look for. Instead, she has a sweet voice paired with blunt, in-your-face songs.

Her tracklist is ridiculously catchy. I love listening to it in the morning when I'm riding a packed MRT and feel like singing her song "In Your Face" out loud:

"Hey, hey, hey You need to get out of my way, hey, hey 'Cause if you don't turn around this is gonna make a sound 'Cause I'm about to slap you in your face"

This City can be played during long trips or just walking around the city, maybe job hunting.. haha



In the afternoon while working, I like to listen to "Tongue Tied." It takes you right back to those times when you saw your crush in the hallway and tried to speak when they came up to make conversation with you.





In the evening while heading home, I can't help but sing "Ngayong Gabi." I love listening to it while walking down a dark street, my hair blowing in the breeze, daydreaming that someday a guy will walk me home.

"I Should Have Left" — a song about heartbreak and the lessons you should remember when entering a new relationship (naks!).

I love her album so much that I'm inspired to write my own songs and learn to play the ukulele! I really believe she isn't meant for cover songs—she is meant to sing her own material. So screw the bashers; she is a true artist, not just another birit singer.

She may not have won The Voice, but who needs that title when you have the wit and creativity to build a real career?

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EsquireEheads Singles

"Saan, saan napunta kislap ng iyong Mata? Maibabalik pa ba?"

The two new singles of Eraserheads are giving us so much "feels".

With the release of the songs, I can't help but disect (naks big word) or analyze it.

Sabado is written by the Eraserheads except Ely plus Erwin Romulo according to the album sleeve. At first I thought Ely wrote it since it's the usual tongue in cheek, straight to the point kind, a style that they were known for. The song opened with a familiar guitar intro of Pare Ko. The first line "Buti na Lang Sabado bukas" is like the natural way of talking with their friends. It's both current and nostalgic at the same the time. You can't help but think of your younger days. It can be included in the Cutterpillow album. The theme and sound is as the same league as the songs in that album. Ely's singing voice in this song is "Pupil"voice and not "Eraserheads" voice. You can't miss Marcus' guitar solos. This is an epic comeback song.I've listened to this for 100 times already.We just miss e-heads don't we?

1995 is written by Ely Buendia and Erwin Romulo. Unlike the first song, 1995 is deeper, darker song. It can be part of Stickerhappy or Carbon Stereoxide album. The first verse:
"Saan, saan na napunta Kislap ng iyong mata
Maibabalik pa ba?" is he talking about us? the audience who adored the band, that somehow left them or is he talking about fame?"Ngayon ang langit ay bughaw At sya’y sumasayaw Ako’y nasisilawSa labas sila’y naglalaroHindi makatayoSinong sasalo?" I'm quite lost but my interpretation for this line is way back in 1995, he is concerned about his kids. What if they are not that famous anymore? How will they survive life?
"Pwede bang sunugin ang tulay Ayokong sumabay
Sinong papatay Akoy’ naghihintay….. aaay Sa Nineteen Ninety-five Nineteen Ninety-five" This is the interesting part. I can't help but translate it to english. Pwede bang sunugin ang tulay- does he want to burn bridges?does he want to cut off ties with his past? Is this an ironic song? He is playing this song with his previous band but he really doesn't want to do this or to relieve the good ol' days? Uggh.. Maybe I'm just thinking a lot. The two songs in general are timeless, hit worthy songs.. Ely, Marcus, Raymund and Buddy are really bringing the best when they are together. Eraserheads is just magical whatever year it is. 

posted from Bloggeroid

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Oktaves Album

Before the year ended, I was able to get the OKTAVES album. I've been dying to own this record!

I have nothing but good things to say about this album. I like it not just because Ely Buendia is part of this supergroup, but because the album is plain great. The band is composed of Chris Padilla (currently of Hilera) on vocals and guitars, Nitoy Adriano (long-time axeman of The Jerks) on lead guitar, Ivan Garcia on bass (Hilera), Bobby Padilla on drums (Hilera), and of course, Ely Buendia on vocals (Pupil).

The album starts with "Gone, Gone, Gone." I heard myself saying, "Ah, this is the song they sang at the Starmall show." I thought it was a cover. Can I hear a "Poor Man's Grave" riff at the beginning of the song? It’s a cool track. Maybe I will like it even more in the future.

"Hold On Tight" by Chris Padilla is a song that I usually might skip, but it is actually a very cool track. I think the song is Rated SPG, haha! With lines like "Show me your junk and I'll show you mine."

"K.U.P.A.L." is the song that made MYX shorten its title to "K.P.L." I haven't seen the video on MYX yet, so I'm not sure if some words are bleeped. Anyway, this song is very timely because election season is here again. Let us not vote for the K.U.P.A.L. politicians. And as for what we should do with the K.U.P.A.L. who are currently elected, Ely has a suggestion: "Sipain na 'yan hanggang sa buwan." The song is very easy to understand and listen to. It reminds me of "Pare Ko" with its sheer honesty. It's very catchy, and I hope it does well on the charts.

"Walang Magawa" is a very short but catchy song by Chris Padilla. I think the Hilera boys are known for short and catchy songs. It reminds me of "Wala Akong Alam" by Hilera.

"Olivia" is a modern version of "Toyang"—or at least an easier song to listen to than "Dianetic." So, Ely likes writing songs about girls, haha! The chorus goes: "Olivia, Olivia, won't you come back to me and make a brand new start? Olivia, Olivia, Lord have mercy on me, I'm falling apart."

"Get You" feels like a Hilera song, but more on the "rock" side.

"Paakyat Ka Pa Lang, Pababa Na Ako" for me is a song about how being mature means being ahead of everything. "Marami na akong nagawang ayaw ko nang ulitin pa." I think I already heard Ely say that in an interview.

"Ikot" is one of my favorite songs from the album. Written by Chris Padilla, it reminds me of an old song I can't quite pinpoint. Ang galing at ganda lang sobra! I hope they make this a single.

"Detox" is a short song by Ely. It's clearly about Ely's health (well, I think so). It starts with the lines: "Baby don't you worry about nothing, the medicine's working, I'm gonna be all right." It's good to hear it from him. I saw a picture on his Instagram where he's cutting this greasy lechon. I also saw a picture of him eating those bad liempos, hehe. Stalker lang ang peg? (Sorry for using the word peg... haha!)

"Standing On My Own" by Chris P. reminds me of "Rainy Days and Mondays"... haha, maybe it's just me! I really like this song, too. Total chillax song—the kind of track you’d like to listen to at night, maybe when it's a rainy Monday... haha.

"Bungo sa Bangin" is the song that made Ely retweet my tweet, haha! But here on the album, it's just The OKTAVES. In the original version, Kat Agarado of Sinosikat? and Sara Gaugler from Turbo Goth were part of the track. I must say I prefer the original version—I really like the ad-libs by the female vocalists.

"Langit Express" is a sad song. A short story with the line: "Umuwi ka na, nanay mo'y nag-aalala. Magkita tayo alas otso, huling byahe na ng Langit Express." Don't blame me, but I catch some Eraserheads vibes with this song!

I love the album very much. I know I am not a professional album reviewer, so that is all I can say, haha! Right now, I am LSS-ing over "Ikot." I really hope this album does well. If a K-Pop album or those freaking One Direction albums sell more than this, then let's just end the world already! Please, I am begging you, buy original albums! Buy this album—it’s only 300 pesos. K-Pop or One Direction albums are worth 350-plus, I guess... haha. Please, please, please buy this one! Hindi kayo magsisisi.

For Eraserheads fans, buy this album. This is the closest Ely has gotten to the Eraserheads sound. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't sound strictly like an Eraserheads album, but it's the closest, I guess... and if you disagree, well... just buy the freaking album anyway!

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Rant

Oct.2 (Friday)

Pahabol… another weird thing about me is that I keep the receipts of the albums I buy. I want to see when and where I bought them. I am also planning to compute how much I spent on buying all that stuff—hehehe… but not now… I’m broke (walang pasok for 1 week!!! fuck!) and computing it will just make me feel worse.

Anyways, I want to write about a lot of things: the latest albums I am listening to, the books I’m reading, the suspension of classes, my fucking thesis, and my fucking prof—but let's see where I should start…

So now, I have decided to write something about the albums I purchased.

The most recent album I bought is Sandwich’s 2-in-1 CD. Well, because these past few days while listening to the radio, I kept hearing these songs called “Butterfly Carnival” and “Hairpin.” I love those songs! Then last Wednesday, I went to Astrovision just to look around, and I found out that Sandwich’s 2-in-1 CD was only 185 bucks. Well, I bought Mojofly’s 2-in-1 CD last July 13, 2007 (I told you I keep receipts!). When I guess it was still new, it cost 285 bucks. Imagine—2 CDs for just 185!!! It’s almost impossible!!! Hehehe…

I’m not yet done listening to it. 34 tracks is so many for my two ears! I am playing it on shuffle. Then I was surprised to hear a track sung by Raimund Marasigan—it sounded like a song from the E-Heads! But nonetheless… it is all good.

I also bought Kjwan’s 13 Seconds to Love. I love “Lifeline,” “13 Seconds to Love,” “Nasilayan,” and “Meron Ba?”.

I also bought Pupil’s Wildlife Repackaged Album. Dito ako magra-rant—grabe! Ang nakalagay kasi, may remastered 'yung mga songs. 'Yun pala, "Animal Lover" lang! Tapos sabi kasi may stickers—'yung kapatid ko kasi, gusto ng mga stickers like 'yung sa 5 on the Floor ng Sandwich. Hehehe, ang babaw… pero… ayun… Tapos puro music videos at demos… pang-lubag loob. Tapos merong mga pictures na pwede ko namang i-cut, copy, paste. Naiinis ako kasi naloko ako!! I already have the Wildlife album, kasi. Don’t get me wrong—I love that album, and it won Album of the Year at the NU Rock Awards last year! Pero para lang talaga akong nagtapon ng pera. Inis na inis ako… pero sinasabi ko na lang sa sarili ko, kay Ely naman 'yun, eh! Hehehe… tapos wala pa naman akong ibang album na gusto… pero… GRRRR… Sana bumili na lang ako ng E-Heads album, o kaya Lobo…

Bilib ako sa mga marketing strategy ng mga 'yan… Naloko ako… putek… I hate repackaged albums… Bakit ba may ganun??? Nakakaasar…

Ngayon ko lang naalala… Tapos na pala 'yung anniversary ng blog ko! Hahaha! 'Di ko na naalala… Last September pa. So, happy 3rd birthday to you! Dahil d'yan, i-renovate ko ulit… so please bear with me! Hahaha!

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Wanted Bedspacer

Album Title: Wanted Bedspacer
Album Artist: Ely Buendia
Number of Tracks: 11
Released Date: 2000

Review:This album is almost 9 years old. But it’s my first time to hear these songs. The first track and my favorite song from the album is “Wanted Bedspacer”. It is a mellow song. I really like the idea of Wanted Bedspacer. If you think about it parang may pagka double meaning, it’s like Mariposa of Sugarfree. Napansin ko na yung style ni Ely. Lagging may pauulit ulit na line. In this track “Wanted Bedspacer” line ay paulit ulit for about 2-3 minutes. Pero ayos pa rin. “Kakaiba” is really kakaiba. Very upbeat may “disco” feeling. I was surprised that Ely come up with this kind of song. Parang may katunog nga siya eh. Yung kanta ni Janno Gibbs. Yung latest niya. Basta something to do with dancing. I didn’t like it much kasi may pagka novelty. Then “Santo” I would say it can be mistakenly be from Eraserheads. Pwede siya sa “Natin 99” album. I like the line “Kailangan ko siya walang magagawa kung kasalanan ito ayaw ko ng maging santo”. “Tapos na” may pagka heavy yung sound. Yung tunog pwedeng Pupil pero not the lyrics. Masyado kasing given yung lyrics. “Shallow Breathing” naman pwedeng Mongols.

Overall this album will show what an Ely Buendia can do, and it means he can do almost everything. There is rap (“Acid Tongue”), novelty pop (“Suntok sa Buwan”), mellow (“Wanted Bedspacer”), upbeat disco (“Kakaiba”) and rock(“Shallow Breathing”). Parang it’s a fusion of the sound of his current and former bands. This is an album where you could really hear the sound of an Ely Buendia. Parang you will get up close and personal with him with his very catchy yet easily understandable songs.

Best among the rest:
I will say Wanted Bedspacer. It’s my LSS for this month. “Santo” and “Monday Mundane” is good din.

Rating
3 out of five rockstars!!!

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Simula

Simula

Album Artist: Mojofly

Price: P 100.00

Tracks: 2

After 2 years, Mojofly is back with their 4^th studio album “Simula”. But it is different from their other albums because it is called collector’s edition. You can only buy it in their gigs. It can never be found in Astrovision, Tower Records, Music One and the likes.

A lot of new things for this band with this album. Now they are not just three in the cover but 5. Yes, you read it right they are 5 right now. Lougee Basabas is still presenting her ever powerful voice and act as the vocalist. The most gorgeous, stunning, dazzling, striking drummer of the whole band world Ali Alejandro is also there. I thought he left the band but Ricci Gurango still plays for bass for them. He even wrote a song. Plus new 2 members, Allan Elgar, the brother of Rivermaya guitarist Mike Elgar and last but not the list, Richard Carandang of Session Road.

So let’s make simula with their song “Simula”. I really love the effects at the beginning that sounded as talagang nagsisimula. The song is about parang blind date or “nireto” by friends. I like the story, very simple yung lyrics. I like how the story evolved or progressed. Then “I don’t wann know”. Napaka sweet nito for me. kasi yung line na “I don’t wanna know what I’do without you”. Ricci wrote the song. If you think about it may pagka cheesy and emo yung meaning ng song pero ginawang happy yung beats. I love many lines like “I’ll never take you for granted, I will take less to give you more, I’ll do anything even if I done it all”. It just proved that Ricci should be around with the band because he is not only good at playing bass but also making songs. hindi patapon ang mga ginagawa niya.

I’m just quite sad because the album has 2 songs only. Bad trip! When you get this one thing is for sure you will ask for more!! Bitin eh…

Album Cover: Astig!! they combine my 2 fave colors!! tapos parang video game.

Ratings:
rock stars!!

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Wild Life

Album Title: Wild Life
Label: Sony BMG
Album Artist: Pupil
Content: 12 tracks
Price: 285 bucks

Review:

“Wild Life” is the 2nd album of Pupil. The album kicks off with “Fin” with Dianne Ventura singing on that song. A 1:21 minutes long. Wonder why so short. She improved with her singing style. I think the song is for Ely were we all know suffered heart attack early last year. If Ely wrote “Dianetic” for her now it’s her time to sing and write a song for him. I like the line “I found the missing piece in you at last”. I hope I will find the missing piece to complete me. Anyways very ironic kasi 1st song then ang title Fin. Then “Matador”. I like the drum beats and Diane’s extra at the last part. Yeah!! “Monobloc”. Medyo nakaka intrigue yung line na “ililigtas sa mga buwaya”. If I’m not mistaken crocodiles pang metaphor sa taong selfish. Wonder who Ely is pertaining the line to. maganda yung message ng song it’s facing the future with your loved one. Si ely ang nagsulat so I assume that in the song he faced different problems with his life and perhaps love life din (nakita ko sa song) and how lucky Ely is. “ano pa ang hahanapin lahat na ay sa akin” then “Here I go again”. Ang lupet ng bagskan ng instruments. Rock na rock I should say. Despite what happened Ely is here again performing. Then “Talon” by Yan. Catchy siya unlike yung songs niya from the 1st album. And ito yung pinaka favorite ko from his songs. he proves that he could be the vocalist. O.k. yung voice niya pati yung songwriting pwede na talaga siyang mag front man of a band. Dumidikit sa utak ko yung lines and yung tono. “Sumasabay” by Dok and Day Cabuhat is my least favorite song from others. Maybe because I love “Dulo ng Dila” so much that I wanted him to write a song like that. but of course hindi pwedeng puro ganun. “Animal Lover” nung nariinig ko parang Mongols ba ito? Then “Teacher’s Pet” I like the idea of letting Eon sings at the last part. ang cute!!! Yung song I could say is a very child friendly song. madali lang din mamemorize. I heard sabi nila marami silang fans na kids so ayos to. “Sala” by Pupil. I really like this sooooo much!! yung song is about the reality that “mundo ay puno ng sala”. Then “Disconnection Notice” wala… LUPET!! Ely really knows what a good song is or how to create one. Ang lupet kasi kakaiba yung idea na magsulat tungkol sa pag di bayad ng kuryente or anything. Pero may iba pang meaning yung song. parang whether you like it or not parang kailangan mong gawin mga bagay bagay. Pagkatapos ng very upbeat song nagpaka slow naman si Ely with “Bato”. Ely is flexible and versatile. He can do anything that people surely like. Then “Set Me Apart”. Back to the, if I could say normal sound of Pupil.

The album once again is very good. Although at first I told to myself parang sayang ata pera ko. Pero when I give it a try malupet talaga. Yung theme maybe some are ordinary pero nalagyan nila ng twist or added the Pupil style. Ngayon medyo na de-determine ko na yung sound nila. Wala na yung E-heads sound like some people say tungkol sa 1st album. Yung Mongols medyo nandun pa rin. There’s nothing wrong since parang Mongols parin less Bogs and Jerome. Pero konti lang din. I also realize that ely really knows what songs people will love. Like now they are out with “Sala” as their single yun yung isa sa mga songs na medyo crowd friendly plus “Disconnection Notice”. Pero kahit meron siyang ability na ganun hindi niya nillubos lubos. And that’ what I like about them they are here not really because of popularity but because they want just to play and share their music.

Who will like it?People that are open-minded about music.Best among the rest:“Sala”, “Disconnection Notice” for it’s up beat and disco feel, “Teacher’s Pet” and “Monobloc”.

Album Sleeve:
I didn’t like it that much unlike on “Beautiful Machines” but the songs occupies what it lacks.

Rating:
4 rock stars out of 5

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Bagong Liwanag

Album Title: Bagong Liwanag
Album Artist: Rivermaya
Content: 5 tracks
Price: 290 bucks at Tower Records (but at some record bars I heard it’s less than 200 bucks)

Review:This is the album after the recent demise of their vocalist Rico Blanco who is also the song writer for the band. What I could say is the theme for the song is Rico, how they cope about what happened and about next chapter to the life of Rivermaya. “Sayang”, is the open letter for the fan. It talks about what they feel what they do after all and tell us what we suppose to do. Although the song says that “Sayang ang luha” for me it has a dipper meaning and its saying si Rico. Why? Sa last part puro Sayang lang ang maririnig mo. “Sayang” is quite sad but kind of uplifting (lalo na kapag fan ka talaga ng band). “Banda ng Bayan” is a song about musicians, reality, enjoying and making music. I like this song because they inject some of their previous hits like “Elisi”, “Isang Bandila”, “Kung Ayaw Mo Huwag Mo”, and “Panahon Nanaman”. I also like kung pano nag blending sina Mark and Mike with the voice of Japs. Then “Olats” is a slang term for talo. Mark wrote this song. I think it’s about the previous vocalists. With this line “kawawa na naman tayo. Ganyan talaga Talo na naman tayo kahit binuhos ko ang lahat talo nanaman tayo” for me kaya talo nanaman tayo because it seems like they are going back to the start. Rico is the heart and soul of the band. No wonder it is such an enormous lost for the band. “Sumigaw” is now Studio 23’s Station I.D. may line dun na “Sumigaw tumingin kung saan ka nanggaling …” for me parang may connection parin si Rico. It’s kind of clear isn’t it? then the last song is “Nawawala” it’s my least favorite song from the album. Mike is the voice behind that song. and parang hindi ata na edit yung voice. Parang playa sa mga notes.
Well, this album is not that great if you compared to their previous album with Rico. I think it’s because parang they came up with an EP para magparamdam sa fans na nandito pa rin sila. Yung mga songs ay parang mag kaka connect lang sa isa’t isa. But a thumbs up for Japs, Mike and lalo na kay Mark na never pa atang kumanta sa album.

Who will like it?The fans who stayed and still willing to support Rivermaya after the demise of their vocalist.

Best among the rest“Banda ng Bayan” for injecting Rivermaya’s old hits and “Sayang”.

Album Sleeve:
It’s ok. Pinaka iba sa mga recent albums nila dahil dati halos puro sila yung nasa cover.

Rating:
2 and a half rock stars!!

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Matic

Album Title: Cambio Matic

Label: MCA PhilippinesAlbum Artist: Cambio
Content: 13 tracks

Price: 250 bucks at Landmark record bar and 280 peso at Music 1 and Tower Records.

Review:

Before anything else Cambio is compose of Kris Dancel on vocals, Ebe Dancel on guitars and back-up vocals, Buddy Zabala on Bass, Diego Mapa on guitars and Raymund Marasigan on drums. So this is like an all star album and band. Anyways I already tell something about them so about their album their songs ay may pagka pop, alternative . at up beat. Kris’ voice is so youthful, ganda ng voice niya. Most of their songs are how they see or describe some people like “Shopaholica” it’s being shopaholic. Nakakatawa yung line na “But wait, there’s more call now and get the whole strore”. Another is “Rumaparampa” it’s like being fashionista.. “Pasaway” is a medyo slow song na about being pasaway and “Bulimic” is about people who really wanted to be very thin very applicable to Nicole Richie and Mary Kate and Ashley sisters. I like the line “Huwag kang magtataka ako’y nasusuka Wag kang maiinis di ako buntis”. “Call Center” is for me most beautiful song from their album. I really love that song. They have “Sakanasabi” which is not a Filipino song I don’t know what dialect is that pero I like the melody of the song. I like that even if di ko masyado maintindihan. What I like about their songs ay they are funny and nag rhyme. I love rhyming words. They open everything with “Admit One Thing” which I think is about the place Admit One. They have “Field Trip” na about long lost friends that you wanted to see. They end everything with an upbeat song “Passengers”.

Who will like it?

What’s good with this album is they fit for everybody. Boys, girls, adult, kid, they can relate with their songs

Best among the rest:

Definitely “Call Center” must hear din ang “Pasaway”, “Rumarampa”, and “Bulimic”.

Album sleeve:
Ok yung album sleeve which I think parang yung album nila yung color kasi parang flesh which is the color of our skin. So parang about people. Tsaka yung cover is soft to the eyes at simple lang so parang yung songs nga nila.

Rating:
7 rock stars!!

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Todo Cambio

“Now let’s get one thing straight I don’t really want to work this late”

My newest fave band. Why? Bakit hindi. The band consists of powerhouse cast. This is the post eraserheads line up with Raimund and Buddy Zabala still in their designated instruments plus Diego Mapa of Pedicab on guitars with Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree on guitars and back up vocals and Kris Gora Dancel of Fatal Posporos on vocals. Combining them is really a great idea. With their 1st album “Derby Light” they came up with catchy and nakaka lss na “DV”. Pagkatapos nun I haven’t heard of their music. Of course may “Patlang”. I think it came first. I really like Cambio not only because of it’s brilliant members, it’s because of Kris’ youthful voice and also their songs. Now with “Call Center” from their “Cambio Matic” album parang may distinguish na style or flow of the songs. Like yung “DV” and “Call Center” nga. I really can’t explain pero kung titignan mo there’s something talaga. Parang may trend. I saw their album and may mga titles such as “Pasaway”, “Totoy Boogie” and many more. I will buy nga pala sana last Friday kaso 300 lang dala ko. Eh 270 yun…so next time na lang. so ayun telling the titles I think you would understand me.
I saw them at SOP kanina kaso badtrip si Jolina yung ka jam nila. Ok sana kung si Denis Trillo.. hehhe… they really rock. And I think given na yun kasi nga they are from different great bands. sana ma promote pa nila yung band nila although I know it’s hard because of they have also different projects from their different bands.

Anyways, so kanina andun ang cambio tapos after nun yung rock legends na. sina Pepe Smith, Karl Roy, Reg Rubio and Ely Buendia. Nakakatawa kasi ely doesn’t have a mic. Tapos may gitara siyang dala. Siya lang pala yung nagigitara. Then I think gusto din niyang kumanta ng Juan dela Cruz songs such as “Balong Malalim” and “Beep Beep” ( I am not sure bout the title). Yun ely went to karl roy and share the mic pati kay pepe smith. Nung ginagawa nila yun I feel disgusted kasi pano kung mabaho hining ng isa sa kanila… hehehe… ang dikit nila eh… hehehe anyways they really rock. Astig yun. Pero what caught my attention is Raimund and Buddy is there. so pwede nang mag reunion. Hehhe… yung inimagine ko sa utak ko eh kakanta si ely ng ereaserhead song. Eh nasa stage naman siya eh. Tapos yung drums nasa kabilang stage. I mean I think si Buddy and Raimund ay nasa kabilang stage sa gilid kasi nga katutugtog palang ng Cambio. What if tutugtog silang dalawa kahit nasa malayong stage tapos kakanta si ely. Gets? Hay… eto pa… naririnig ko na binaggit yung name ni Pepe Smith like si Janno ata or si Jaya basta sila sila tapos nung binangggit ni ely yung name ni Pepe tsaka ko lang naisip na parang bastos. I mean I heard lot of them say Pepe then nung si ely na yung nagsabi parang iba… hehhe… ewan ko kasi parang iba talaga… hehehehe

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SinoSikat?

Album Title: SinoSikat?
Label: Warner Music Philippines
Album Artist: SinoSikat?
Content: 10 tracks
Price: 290 pesos

Review:

Sino Sikat? is composed of Kat Agarrado on vocals, Nick Azarcon on guitars and Reli De Vera on drums. Their music is called Pinoy Soul with a touch of RnB and jazz. It is kind of weird because I bought this kind of cd. I am usually into rock alternative kind of sound. Why I bought this album? I love “So Blue” very much. And if they produced 2 beautiful songs already so it means they can have lots of it on their album. Kat’s voice is really powerful. In some parts of “Praning” I thought it’s by a guy yung skwaking and di ba?. But I listened to it closely and found it it’s only her. Kat also wrote lots of song in the album. “Praning”, “Prayer” and “Sino” has funny lyrics. I enjoyed listening to it. She uses slang words. Like aning, olats, skwaking though I don’t know what the latter means. In “Akin Ka” parang iba yung pag ka record. It’s like live. “Telepono” is quite upbeat song. Then it followed by slow “Pag-ibig”. When you hear it you definitely fall in love. yung “Prayer” parang may katunog. I don’t know if it’s “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse or any songs by Bob Marley. Well it doesn’t matter because it tells you to “If you want to gain you must first face the pain. I know I have to use my brain. Everything will be alright if you just keep the faith”. I really love that line because it’s really true. The album ends with “Sino”. Parang pinag laruan nila yung band name nila. “Feeling mo ika’y sikat wala namang dating. Sino nagsabi sa’yo?”. I really love this album because I can relate to it. kasi yung language sa mga songs yung mga ginagamit natin sa araw araw. In the songs it’s like I can see myself.

Who will like it?

Teens could relate to this song. Kasi nandito yung mga ordinary things that we do or say. Sabi din nila baby-making music din ito. For me hindi lahat. Siguro yung “Pag-ibig”, “Turning my safety off” and “So Blue”.

Best among the rest:

I’ll say “So Blue”, “Praning” and “Prayer”. But all of them is a must hear din.

Album Sleeve

I like the cover. Simple lang. then yung mga lyrics handwritten lang. I think si Kat nagsulat. Pati yung thank yous nila handwritten by them. I really like simple things because simple stands out for me.

Rating:
9 rockstars!!

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Embrace

Album Title: Embrace
Label: EMI Philippines
Album Artist: Urbandub
Content: 11 tracks
Price: 260 Pesos

Review

It’s their third album pero ito lang yung meron ako so di ko masyado alam kung nag change na yung music nila. But I know “A New Tattoo” na everybody’s favorite. Well I agree. So sa Embrace naman they open it with a parang instrumental or pandagdag. Actually 10 lang yung mga kanta. “Alert The Armory” is parang preparing for war. You can feel the tension. Then sinundan naman ito ng “Frailty”. Parang continuation ng war na sinumulan nila sa “Alert the Armory”. Then next is “First of Summer”. Dito ko sila nasimulan magustuhan. Medyo upbeat. I really like yung umpisang tunog parang danceable tapos magiging rock. You know I’m suck in dancing but whenever it is being played parang I see myself dancing. I said to myself that I’ll dance in programs basta “First of Summer” ang tugtog. Hehehe… as the songs in the album progresses Gabby Alipe still doesn’t disappoint you. In “When Heroes Die” napaisip ako with the line “if I die will I be remembered?”. I also love “Reveal the Remedy”. I also like “Safety in Numbers”. I really like everything. The melody, the lyrics… everything!!. Well I’m hoping to hear Gab sing Filipino songs. Because they are really great in singing and crating English. Parang wala pa ata silang song na Filipino. I really like this album because it teaches me to listen to heavy deep rock. By the way Urbandub is from Cebu. It is composed by Gabby Alipe on vocals and guitars, Lalay Lim on Bass, John Mendoza on Drums and John Dinopol on guitars. This band is also other bands favorite band. So talagang magaling sila.

Who will like it?

Their fans definitely and adults. Medyo malalim yung mga songs. pero everybody will like it.


Best Among the rest
“First of Summer”, “Safety in Numbers” and “Reveal the Remedy”

Album Sleeve
Well full of photography. Hindi ko masyodo nagustuhan pero who cares naman di ba? Songs matters than that. yung pictures nila parang gusgusin sila. Well style.

Rating:
9 rockstars

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Now

Actually matagal na akong meron nito… pero dahil kelan lang ako nag ka blog eto sayo!!

Album Title: Now
Content: 11 tracks
Album Artist: Mojofly
Label: EMI

Review: Ricci Gurango (bass) was still her when this album came out. Kasama din ditto sina Lougee Basabas on vocals and Ali Alejandro on drums. These 3 piece band stand up again after Kitchie Nadal left the band. This is an album full of love songs, but in different tunes or sounds. Lougee also puts humor in every song.

1) Bato- I like the dooo…dooo… doo… part. it’s a song about sa pagiging “manhid” or just shy because he doesn’t want to show his real feelings. It is quite a funny song because of the lines “Mamundok ka na lamang kaya sa akin ay wag ka ng magpakita bato”
2) Sa Uulitin- I like the drum sound (I’m not being bias ha). Feel na feel ko yung sound, yung guitars, bass lahat… it’s a song about things you want to repeat again. A very good song for sa mga mag boyfriend/girlfriend “Naubusan na ng mga salita nag-uusap na lang ang mga salita nakakamangha”
3) Close to the end- the first two songs are quite up beat. Ngayon they slow things up. I think parang mamatay na siya… hehe or maybe close to the end na yung relationship nila. Longest song sa album
4) Mata- hay… I really like this song… very much… I like yung first line kasi ang astig “kamusta na…” basta astig talaga
5) Even if…- shortest song naman. Nakakaloka yung line na “I’m not looking for a one night stand” I think it’s a song about even if I’m not looking for a one night stand I can love you and my intentions is clean
6) Thank you- my least favorite song. Why? For me parang pang dagdag sa album pero I think its about Lougee “my litter sister Katie she so pretty she said she wants to be like me someday”
7) Tumatakbo- whoaah!! Another favorite of mine. And I think one of the soundtrack of my life. Lougee put another humor with this line “lagging bigo laging sawi sa pag-ibig minamalas o kay sakit may balat nga ba ako sa pwet”
8) Turn- I think it’s a song about moving on or leaving someone.
9) Wake up- I really like the lyrics (bias ba? Hehe) kasi it’s like so me… pero pag naka earphones ang sakit sa ears kasi ang pangit ng parang may umuugong.. I thought ng una sira lang yung player ko…
10) I don’t want you- medyo upbeat ulit. Yun lang… pero ok din
11) Mata 2- remake of my favorite song… if the fist one is good eto best na…

Packaging: good effort sa packaging siyempre si fafa Ali ata gumawa niyan. I like yung sa dulo may may drawing for every titles. Like yung “bato”, ali draws a rock. Then yung “mata” they draw one eye. Pero dun sa “Mata 2” they draw 2 eyes… haha si Lougee ay di nag patalo kay Ali, she made the comic strip about the story behind how the 3 meet.
Overall: Astig!!! Very funny yung mga songs. hindi ko mapipigilan na di mapatawa. That I think hindi ko nagagawa when I’m listening to other albums. 4 and a half rock stars out of 5.

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Buddha's Pest

Album Title: Buddha’s Pest
Content: 12 tracks
Album Artist: The Mongols
Label: VIVA Records
Review:
Before anything else The Mongols is compose of Ely Buendia on vocals and guitars, Jerome Velasco on bass, Yan Yuzon on guitars and Bogs Jugo on drums. It’s the band after Ely broke up with eraserheads. Their sound is more rock na slow and dark unlike the new pupil. They also have deep songs. I mean hindi simple yung tipong madaling maintindihan. Pero for me ok naman. I like this album. Like how I liked Pupil’s “Beautiful Machines”.

1) Keeper- at first my noise. Medyo matagal yung noise. Ely’s style on this song is parang tumutula lang siya.
2) Bulakbol- parang if you listen to the title Bulakbol very simple yung meaning. It means you love to go to other places. But in this song medyo deep yung meaning. Yes, lumalabas ditto yung meaning ng bulakbol pero may things na di ko maintindihan like “Ako’y tumatalon(ako’y sinasabon) At siya’y tumutula/bumubula, Lumilindol Naghahabol, Hanggang kailan ka Bang bulakbol?”.
3) Bakit Nga Ba?- medyo parang tunog eraserheads lang pero mas rock. Ngayon medyo simple at madaling maintindahan. Just asking some questions.
4) Pony- Yan is the vocals here. Medyo slow rock to. I like this song. It’s funny. I don’t know if they endorsing pony at that time. Pero I know now they endorsing it.
5) Teka Muna- Another tagalog song. It’s about telling you to wait.
6) Candyflip- matagal yung intro. Medyo maingay. Ditto lumabas yung parang mid point ng sound nila. Maingay na rock na deep.
7) Heroine- Si Yan ulit ang vocals. Nakakashock lang kasi may line doon na “I gonna fuck you till tomorrow”. Dahil I first know their music as pupil. At the end parang may dialogue. I think its Dianne Ventura. Pinaka short na song.
8) Wigout- kinda slow again. I like this song.
9) It’s over- Yan yuzon is on vocals again. Parang mas maganda yung songs niya ditto than sa pupil album.
10) Irish Spring- dib a it’s a brand of a soap? I also love this song
11) Odd Even- Another Tagalog na medyo slow na song. So parang eheads na naman. Pero hindi
12) Your Bushido- Medyo slow ulit. Longest song sa album. It’s about a girl that she’s really crazy about.
Overall: Astig naman ito. Ayun nga lang parang may hang over pa si Ely sa Eraserheads. Yung ibang tagalog songs parang eheads lang. pero parang iba pa rin. Kasi rock na rock nga yung feel ng album nila. So I’ll give 4 rock stars!!

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The different tune

I bought “Fragmented” and “Fuchsiang Pag-Ibig”. I bought it because it caters different tune. It’s quite relaxing. It is also a break from that ordinary rock sound that I usually hear.

Album Title: Fragmented
Content: 12 tracks plus 3 bonus songs
Label: Terno Recordings
Album Artist: Up dharma down

Review:
Fragmented is an album that is quite different from the albums that I have. Up dharma down’s music is not the usual rock like what most bands today serves us. For me, it’s a jazz, rock and kinda acoustic. I like the melody, sounds, and effects in the album. Armi Millare’s singing style is different. I’m not fond of listening closely to the sounds of the instruments but thanks to them I learned to understand, listen and not underestimate the sound of the instruments. For those who don’t know about up dharma down they are Armi Millare on vocals and keyboards, Paul Yap on bass, Carlos Tanada on guitars and Ean Mayor on drums.
They are independent artist under the Terno Recordings the same record label of radio active sago project.

1) Layag- great song.
2) Maybe- I think it’s their 1st single from this album. At first I didn’t like it because I can’t understand the lyrics. But as soon its getting popular I begin to like it. I also saw the lyrics so I now understand what it means. It means having second of thoughts of making decisions. Like choosing between yes or no.
3) Oo- I really love and like this song. I can understand Armi now. The song basically tells what the girl feels after a break up. Like remembering those days when you are together. Then now he has a new girl. Even though your relationship has ended you it still hurts you when you see him and his new girl. Hay… a really excellent song.
4) Lazy Daisy- I think lazy daisy is a kind of stitch in cross stitching. I just love the effects and the sound of it. In this song I think the sounds stand out the most. Its quite relaxing.
5) We give in sometimes- nice song. Yup… it’s true we give in sometimes.
6) Oo (Remix)- just a remix of the beautiful song oo.
7) Fragmented- the shortest of them all. It is only instrumental. I kinda like it because as I said I love their sounds and effects. It is unique.
8) June- I love the melodies and everything.
9) Sleep talk- one of my favorite from the album. The song is quite hurtful and tagos sa laman. If it happenes to me ay naku ewan ko na lang. its about a guy who talks while he is sleeping. The worst part of it is he says things that he denies the song makes me sad, but I really love it.
10) Broken Mirrors and Screaming Turtles- another instrumental… bagay siya when you’re relaxing.
11) Malikmata- no comment. Really great!!
12) Pag-agos- another tagalong song. Up dharma down’s style is really great.
13) The world is our playground and we will always be home- Quite long title but it’s really meaningful. Just read between the lines.
Packaging: hindi siya nakalagay sa cd case pero mahal pa rin. I thought mga 250 yun pala 299. pero infairness worth it naman kasi 15 track siya.
Overall: I’m speechless. Astig. Another album to have. up dharma down may not be the most famous band but I know they’re one of the best that needs to be heard. 4 ½ rock stars.


Album Title: Fuchsiang Pag-ibig


Content: 12 tracks
Label: Universal Records
Album Artist: Silent Sanctuary

Fuchsiang Pag-Ibig

Silent Sanctuary is my newest favorite local band. So when I heard they will release their debut album, I buy agad. Why not? With the 12 track album and full of excellent songs you would definitely ask for more. If you don’t know them they are compose ofcellist Anjo Inacay, violist Jett Ramirez, and violinist Chino David. they heavily skew the with bassist Paolo Legaspi, drummer Allen Calixto, and guitarist/vocalist Sarkie Sarangay.
If you really don’t know them then you are missing out something. Their music is rock-orchestral plus their own silent sanctuary style. They have always catchy chorus and really simple topics that people can relate to but again with their own personal style. This album is like a compilation of love story. It also has different situations about love like falling in love, breaking, moving on and crushing on somebody.

1) Rebound- the song that let me thinking of buying the album. It’s a love at first hearing the song. Really relaxing but will make you sad for a while because of adding the line “re-rebound mo lang pala ako”. I really love it and it will be added to the list of songs that I will not get tired of listening to.
2) Sandali Lang- the band goes slower. It’s a ballad and it’s another heart-breaking song.
3) Ikaw lamang- a perdect “ligaw” song. They talked about the happiness and the feeling in the beginning of a relationship. It’s like saying sweet words or for a Filipino term “pang bobola” but you know this words can make any girl’s heart melt in happiness.
4) Kundiman- uses clever wordplay on the title (kun’ di man tayo). The lyric of the song is like my poetry. Hahaha. it’s describing his personal feelings to something. Is it the continuation of “ikaw lamang”? this is what happened after all the sweetness, happy memories they have. They aren’t meant to be.
5) Ingat ka- I love the chorus part of the song. I love the lyrics and the tone of Sarkie’s voice pati na din yung sound. It’s beautiful. Maybe continuation of “kundiman”. Hehe. You go on separate ways but of course even if you’re already not together there’s some feelings pa rin with that person.
6) Pink 5ive- it’s actually about pink 5ive and I think she is a girl. It’s a fun song. Medyo upbeat ito. Quite great.
7) For tonight- first English song. So they’ve parted ways already but of course there’s a feeling parin. The song is about thinking someone in the night. Why night? Because its more relaxing, more peaceful and it’s dark. Hehehe. But you know like me I can think of things, problems, love ones at night than at the morning.
8) Parol- parol is a lantern that we display during Christmas time. Instead of light as the “light” of their life they used parol because I think it’s a December affair or if not they don’t want that their love will be just on the month of December.
9) Kismet- they are back with an English song. a piano ballad that steers close to pinoy r&b territory… a lot of people will probably like this coz its sacharinely sweet but its the least silentsanctuary-sounding song on the record. Mala south border.
10) Nagtahan- another up beat song. Yung first sound pa lang it’s like eraserheads. Yung sound pati yung lyrics. Great song. I love the line “sana ako na lang ang pumirma sa mga liham” very meaningful yet beautiful.
11) Summer Song- of course about having fun during summer. It’s fun song. I also like and love this song. I ove the line “sana ako na lang ang pumirma sa mga liham” very meaningful yet
12) 14- why 14? 14 ba ang naging girlfriend nila. Another English song.

Packaging: I love the black and pink theme. Well because that’s my favorite color.
Overall: More!! They should include more songs. It’s really a cool album and if you’re a band fanatic like me have this because Silent Sanctuary and their sound is really different from other bands. Astig maging iba. So 4 out of 5 rock stars.

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Misbehaviors

Album: Misbehaviors
Contents: 10 tracks
Label: Warner Music Philippines
Album Artist: Juana

Review:
This is a pop rock/alternative/acoustic album. They don’t establish yet their own sound this is not new thing for a new band. Maybe when they have their 2nd album they will give us a real and improve “Juana sound”. In the album they have some songs that are common like saying goodbye and making “papansin” to the one you’ve been crushing on. But they also have this song that talk about being a queen of their city and what they want to happen this year.

1) Connected- it’s about feeling miserable and doing things in a wrong way. Maybe the one wrote is showing some “misbehaviors”. I don’t like to hear this often because it reminds me of some things. It is also about being unnoticed. So nakaka sad masyado ito.
2) Ikaw Pa Rin- Medyo parang sad yung sound. It’s about a relationship that had been finished but you know that he is still the one you love. Someone leaves him because he has another love one pero ikaw “siya pa rin” ang iniisip. May pagka rock yung sound.
3) This Year- a happy and upbeat song. It talks about what you want to happen this year. Parang may pag ka Barbie Almalbis yung tunog ni Shirley dito.
4) Goodbye- ito yung rock/ pop/ alternative na version. Yung mga sinabi niya ditto ay parang alibi lang. Ito yung tamang sabihin if makikipag break ka sa iyong irog. Heheee. It’s a perfect break-up song for me.
5) Jealous- it is simply about being jealous. Parang may pagka rap ata ito. Hehehe. Medyo mabilis kasi eh.
6) Pansinin Mo- it simply wants to get attention to somebody. One of my favorite songs in the album. Very simple lang pero maganda.i think it’s quite unique.
7) Reyna Ng Quezon City- a funny song. Even Shirley’s voice is funny. I like the rhyming. It is like imagining things. Masarap kantahin habang naliligo ka ng umaga.
8) Sige na Please- Song na nagmamakaawa. i also like this.
9) All- A long song. Pero astig.
10) Goodbye- the acoustic version. Mas gusto ko itong version na ito.
Packaging: Hindi masyado attractive.
Overall: hindi masyado worth it kasi 10 songs lang tapos yung isa acoustic version lang ng isang song tapos 285 bucks. Pero ok na din. Pero if you ask me kung ano yung pinaka least favorite kong cd from my collection ito siguro. Pero ok ito. I just want to repeat. 6 and a half rock stars. Ayos!!

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Kami nAPO muna ultraelectromagneticjam

Usong-uso ngayon the trend of paying tribute to legendary artists. This involves reviving songs from a chosen artist to “pay tribute” to the music they created. Mostly, tributes are given to legendary artists who are no longer making music lately due to new fields, disbandment, taking a break, etc.

First came Ultraelectromagneticjam: The Music of Eraserheads. At first, I was having second thoughts about buying it because I had already recorded its album launch on tape, thanks to Jam 88.3! But I realized (naks, ang lalim noon!) that this is a collector's edition, and it’s much better to own a legitimate copy. Here is my review, even though this album is already a bit old:

1. Alapaap by 6cyclemind – Great and well-done. I know it’s hard to cover an E-Heads original. It’s not the absolute best, but they did a great job compared to other artists who contributed to this album. A nice opening track for an album!

2. Magasin by Paolo Santos – It just proves that it’s better if he sticks to acoustic rather than going the rock route.

3. Spolarium by Imago – Magnificent! It feels like the song is truly theirs. Aia de Leon makes it look and sound so fresh. I can even say it’s better than the original!

4. Overdrive by Barbie Almalbis – She made a cute version of it. But a "cute version" isn't really needed when reviving an E-Heads hit. It’s not that great, but it’s okay.

5. With A Smile by South Border – R&B version. Not too bad, but not that good either.

6. Tikman by Sugarfree – Same with Imago, they completely owned the song, even though people say Ely and Ebe sound somewhat alike. Even without seeing them, I can feel that they really enjoyed singing the song.

7. Ligaya by Kitchie Nadal – The song isn't really appropriate for a female singer. At first, it’s cute to hear her giggle at the line "Ilang ahit pa ba ang aahitin," but if you hear it all the time, you'll get sick of it.

8. Torpedo by Isha – A very unique rendition. Jazz version—astig!

9. Superproxy 2K6 by Francis M. & Ely Buendia – This version is much more energizing than the original! Ely tries to rap. It's great to listen to, especially when you're sleepy but need to stay awake.

10. Huwag Kang Matakot by Orange and Lemons – This is a song I like sometimes and dislike at other times—I'm not consistent with it. It might have been better if they stuck with Mcoy on lead vocals for this track.

11. Pare Ko by Sponge Cola – A fresher version. I don’t like the "tang ina" part, though, because Yael sounds hesitant saying it.

12. Huwag Mo Nang Itanong by M.Y.M.P. – Pop/acoustic version. Ayos! One of my favorites.

13. Hard To Believe by Cueshé – Lame version; they should have chosen a better band to perform this. They slur/eat some of the words.

14. Alkohol by Radioactive Sago Project – Okay lang.

15. Maling Akala by Brownman Revival – Reggae version. At first, I actually thought this was their original song!

16. Ang Huling El Bimbo by Rico J. Puno – When you hear this version, you'll just end up wanting the original.

17. Para Sa Masa by Various Artists – Astig!

Overall: This is a great album for the youth who aren't very familiar with the Heads. Since popular bands and artists covered the tracks, younger listeners will probably appreciate it more. But for those who love the Eraserheads, of course, they will stick to the original versions. 8.5 stars.

Next up among legendary artists is APO Hiking Society. I knew them mainly as entertainers and hosts on the noontime show Isang Linggo nAPO Sila, so I didn't know much about their musical legacy. When I heard various artists cover their songs on Kami nAPO Muna, I recognized a few tracks, but I didn't know they were originally by APO!

1. Pumapatak Ang Ulan by Parokya ni Edgar – It feels like they just sang it because they had to. But in fairness, it's relaxing.

2. Yakap Sa Dilim by Orange and Lemons – Very soothing. I love the style they brought to this track. One of my favorites on the album. Perfect for late-night listening to help you fall asleep.

3. Doobidoo by Kamikazee – I don’t know the original, but I can say this is very Kamikazee! A punk/rock/metal sound paired with an APO song equals an excellent rendition. Jay’s voice isn't perfect, but as the lyrics say, "Di naman kailangan boses mo'y maganda, basta may konting tono, madaling makanta."

4. Bawat Bata by The Dawn – Really good. They injected their own signature sound.

5. Awit Ng Barkada by Itchyworms – I think all of them sang on the track. If we're talking pure vocal quality, it's not super polished, but the overall vibe and sound are fine.

6. Batang-Bata Ka Pa by Sugarfree – They are always so good at covering songs. I wonder why!

7. Nakapagtataka by Sponge Cola – I've heard M.Y.M.P.'s and Rachel Alejandro's versions of this song, so I know it as a heavy ballad with some belting (birit) on the side. I was quite surprised that a rock band covered it. Their version is okay—not super outstanding, but it proves they can tackle any style.

8. Bakit Ang Babae by Sandwich – Sounds like it could be their own original song!

9. Ewan by Imago – So enjoyable and cheerful to listen to! Even though the song isn't typically meant for a female singer with the line "Bakit nga ba ganyan, dalaga'y 'di alam," she pulled it off effortlessly. Another one of my favorites!

10. Pag-ibig by Kitchie Nadal – Her voice sounds a bit sleepy here. Okay lang.

11. When I Met You by Barbie Almalbis – My favorite song on the album! She sang it so beautifully.

12. Panalangin by Moonstar88 – I’ve heard lots of versions of this song, but in fairness, they didn't disappoint. I think this is the best one!

13. Blue Jeans by Rocksteddy – N/A... I don’t like the band, so I always skip this song, same with...

14. Paano by Shamrock – N/A...

15. Anna by Top Suzara – Ayos! He has evolved. I used to know him for pure ballads, but now he's gone full rock! You wouldn't even guess it's Top singing.

16. Di Na Natuto by Sound – When I listen to this song, I keep picturing Gary V. The track is so heavily associated with him that you can't get his version out of your head, making any added tweaks feel unnecessary.

17. Kabilugan Ng Buwan by Drip – My favorite track! The sound and vocals are so good. ASTIG!!

18. Kumot At Unan by Boldstar – Pretty good, too. Ayos!!

Overall: A solid album for the youth of today who have little knowledge of APO's legacy. Giving them a tribute is well-deserved, considering they created music for nearly 30 years before taking a break, whereas the members of E-Heads are still active and making music in their respective bands. 7 rock stars.

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Transit

Album: Transit

Content: 12 tracks

Label: Universal Records

Album Artist: Sponge Cola

Review:

It is a great sophomore album from a group of young musicians. They can create heavy and light songs at the same time. As far as the songwriting is concerned, nag-evolve or mas nag-mature pa. I think people will like this even more. The songs here are catchier than the previous one, but it’s all good. I feel the emotions that they want to convey.

1. Bitiw – A great opening song for an album! Mapapa-look forward ka sa iba nilang songs. It’s an upbeat track that can make you headbang. It’s a song for their fellow musicians to continue rocking out and make sure na "huwag kang bibitiw bigla," because of course, they dreamed about it and fortunately achieved it. They also give advice that "walang laglagan" or no backstabbing each other because "sama-samang hahanapin ang liwanag." Very meaningful yet beautiful.

2. Tuliro – They always have background noise, even in their 1st album. It’s cute, ha. The style is kinda like E-Heads, with noise in the background. This is about what happens when you're in love and don't know what to do or what you feel—it is "tuliro." One of my favorites. I love the end part where there's like a choir or something, and the "tuliro, liro, tuliro, liro" part.

3. Movie – A narrative story about watching a movie with a loved one. It’s like we can relate to what’s happening to us through those movies we've watched. I also love it.

4. The Wandering – Another upbeat song, but an English track this time.

5. Gunita – A light song. I like Gosh when he writes Tagalog songs. It’s a song made to cherish the times you have with your friends and loved ones, because people come and go, and you don’t know how much time you have with them exactly. Live every moment and make it all count.

6. Do You Know the Feeling? – I also like this. When I heard this, I thought they revived an old song—parang may katunog na old song! It’s a song that pays tribute to the '80s glam rock / stadium rock era. It’s simply looking back at what you felt and realizing that things have already changed.

7. Sa Bingit Ng Isang Paalam – It’s about how hard it is to say goodbye to someone you love. It’s also about what might happen next or the consequences when someone leaves.

8. Myself in You – It’s like a continuation of “Jillian,” which Chris wrote and sang. Nag-evolve na 'yung relationship. It is also one of my favorites! Ang ganda din kasi ng sound.

9. All We Need – It talks about heartbreak, but the sound is upbeat so it can uplift you and leave you inspired.

10. Nocturne – It’s like “Neon.” I like it! The lyrics and the sound match each other. Yael always has this kind of song in their albums.

11. Pasubali – It is about denial—a straightforward song.

12. Harapin – Tastefully ends the album listening experience on an optimistic note. The soaring chorus leaves one with a sense of assurance. It talks about the reality of tomorrow, of the future, and encourages a hopeful sentiment towards the inevitable.

Packaging: Kakaiba sa mga CD na meron ako. I feel this is the reason why it’s expensive.

Overall: I like it! It’s an album na masarap pakinggan when you’re doing something, because there are upbeat songs to wake you up and "chillax" songs if you want to slow things down. It’s also nice to listen to with friends because you’ll remember past memories and everything. About the 295 bucks price—I don’t really like the idea of the price. Siguro kasi kuripot ako, but because Odyssey Record Bar included a free magazine-like booklet about the band with some pictures, okay na rin 'yung price. But other record bars don’t have that… so bahala na kayo if you’ll buy it. 8 rock stars.

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