Joey@92.3 FM is known for playing the best of retro, pop jazz, R&B and soul tunes recorded over the past 30 years. What is heard over the radio station can come from anywhere, from the icy allure of Scandinavia to pulsating Latin America and from anyone, from Eric Carmen of All By Myself fame from long ago to current chart heartthrob Brian McKnight. This kind of music is not the usual top 40 stuff although we do get some of these once in a while. But that is only when they come up to the Joey criteria. Whatever it is, Joey music is definitely the sort one associates with being trendy in a sleek cosmopolitan way. Now, Joey recently turned one year old and what better way to celebrate the occasion then by treating music lovers to a compilation album that is every bit as engaging as every broadcast that emanates from the radio station.
I am sure that the people behind Joey know that by having 16 favorites from its playlists together in the album titled Joey's Rhythms, they also run the risk that listeners might just play the compilation and stop listening to the radio. And take note, the songs these guys chose to compile are not the sort you can find in any music shop. Many of us will be getting copies of these recordings for the first time thanks to this collection. But the people over at Joey must really want to celebrate so let us just sit back and bask in the warmth of the music. Anyway, it is a sure bet that even if those listeners stop tuning in, they will have to go back to Joey again soon if they want to have an idea as to what songs will most likely make it to next year's second anniversary release. Who knows they might even be able to get one or two of their favorites into the line-up.
Here now is what Joey's Rhythms contains: Vad Du Ser Ar Vad Du Far, a jaunty number by Swedish singer Lisa Nilsson; a funky version of Laughter in the Rain by Mondo Grosso; the smooth remake of Africa by Genai; the Earth, Wind & Fire classic Fantasy by the quartet Rhythm Logic featuring Maysa Leak on vocals; the old favorite Walking in Rhythm by the famous Blackbyrds from some 30 years ago; One Chance by the classy Lori Perry; Georgy Porgy with a Latin beat by 3D; Ebony Rain by Mark Winkler with jazz fusion greats David Benoit and Russ Freeman playing the keyboards; the Ambrosia hit Baby Come Back jazzed up by Joe McBride; Isn't It Romantic by rock balladeer Eric Carmen; This I Swear by Richard Darbyshire of the distinctive vocals; an a capella My Cherie Amour by the Canadian group The Nylons; Christopher Cross' Sailing by Akin; and a lightly syncopated Never Too Far by Eric Tagg.
DZMB Love Radio 90.7 is not celebrating any anniversary but it also has a new album of love songs out in the market and the nice thing about this one is that it has an all-Filipino line-up of talents. Titled Lovesweep, this is the radio station's second compilation made in partnership with Viva Records, hence it is high on diva appeal, spiced up with a group or two, has a male singing idol or two and a few of the top music groups around. The one thing all of the cuts have in common is that they all turned out to be favorites of DZMB listeners and have remained among the most requested years after they were first played over the radio. Of course, because they come from Love Radio, these songs are all about being in, or out or anywhere in the many stages of love. Here's the list:
Maging Sino Ka Man by Sharon Cuneta; Don't Give Up on Us by Zsa Zsa Padilla; Dito Sa Puso Ko by Jaya; Just When I Needed You Most by Pops Fernandez; Kiss Mo Ko by Antoinette Taus; Hihintayin by Von Arroyo; Nagbabakasakali by Rockstar 2; Tunay Na Mahal by Lani Misalucha; Anong Daling Sabihin by Ladine Roxas; Ikaw Lamang, a duet by Jaya and Janno Gibbs; You Should Know by Now by Rica Peralejo; Till My Heartaches End by Passage; Ikaw by Regine Velasquez; Miles Away by Kuh Ledesma; Hulog ng Langit by Donna Cruz and Ikaw Na Ba by Kristine Valdez.