Barbie’s Cradle songs - SOUNDS FAMILIAR by Baby Gil

Barbie’s Cradle sings no lullabies but the contents of Music from the Buffet Table, the latest album by the popular trio are every bit as sweet and relaxing as those songs calculated to put babies to sleep. This must be because vocalist group leader and rhythm Barbie Almalbis writes simple pop tunes and manages to sound soft and girlish even while singing about dark days and loneliness.

Almalbis is one of those songwriters who is thoroughly involved with her music. So much so that every song comes across as entries in her secret journal. Always personal, disjointed at times, innocent now and world-weary the next, they talk about shadows that divide, seasons in her chest and glass jars that must be filled up in seven years. The jaded gets to wondering where she gets the imagery but the result is very real and gives a nice feel.

A surprise cut and one of the best in the album is the Hot Dog classic Langit Na Naman. Did Almalbis ran out of new works for this album? Not likely. No matter whose decision it was, it is always great finding a Hot Dog song from 25 years ago in an album by a young artist. Besides, this is one of the best love songs written by Dennis and Rene Garcia. The only question in this case is why the group chose to keep the reference to actress Rio Locsin in the original. Rio was one of the leading sexpots of the late ’70s. She now plays mother roles and "di pagpapalit kahit kay Rio Locsin," is surely lost on the followers of Barbie’s Cradle.

The other songs included and which were all composed by Almalbis are: How Long, Shiny Red Balloon, Boat, Belinda Bye Bye, Dear Paul, Hello, Money for Food, It’s Dark and I am Lonely, When the Bough Breaks, The Dance, Tabing Ilog and Goodnyt.

Almalbis first made a splash in the music scene as a member of another trio, Hungry Young Poets with bassist Ricci Durango and drummer Franklin Benitez. For some reason or another HYP was dissolved soon after the group released its first album and Almalbis and Benitez resurfaced as Barbie’s Cradle while Durango formed Mojofly.

Barbie’s Cradle’s member line-up has also since changed. It is now made up of Almalbis, bassist Rommel de la Cruz and drummer Wendell Garcia, who was formerly with TriAxis. Music from the Buffet Table is proof that the new combination works so I do hope that this one stays.

Tusong 2Some was not the first time that Janno Gibbs and Andrew E. worked in a movie together. But it was the first time for them to do a movie soundtrack. And contrary to the public’s perception of how they regard their acting careers, funny guys in funny situations, these two took the soundtrack assignment seriously and produced little gems still worth a listen long after their film has left the theaters.

Janno composed and produced the love song Iba Ka and he also came up with a new take on the Billy Crawford song Forget 2 Forget. For his solo bit, Andrew produced the rest of the contents of the album and he does Maging Akin Ka and Sanadu. He is also featured in Jawtee’s Hella Hoez and Dugong Pasay’s Popoy. Then these two get together for Car Wash, Rock Baby Rock and the title song Tusong 2Some.

The soundtrack also features performances by some of the country’s leading rap acts. Kruzzada & Hakim do their own take on Hayzkool Life. Dugong Pasay combines forces with Chinese Mafia, Salbakutah & Anak ni Bakuko in Chiki-2 Bom, while Ikapito, Oman & Jawtee collaborate in Lulubog Lilitaw.

Wiseguys auditions

Auditions for new Wiseguy continues: Guy Gonzales will soon be bidding the famous boy group goodbye, so the search for a new Wiseguy who will take his place continues. If you have a high vocal range, are 20 to 25 years old, at least 5’8" in height, good-looking with a winning personality and can express yourself fluently in English and Tagalog, then call telephone numbers 412-7431 and 371-7664 for an audition slot. This will be held today, March 14 at the Concorde Ent. Bldg., 38 B&C West Avenue, Quezon City, beside Domino’s Pizza. Prepare one slow and one fast song, preferably R&B. Please bring your own minus one.