As irreverent as ever

The Bubble G Anthology marks the return of Michael V to the music scene. This is not because he has been absent for a while. The guy is one of the most active TV personalities around. It is just that the recently released album is the first time that Michael V has returned to the field of recording after quite some time.

If I remember right, it was actually as a recording artist that he started his career. He was this rapper from the South whose lyrics were above the usual in content and pattern. Then people discovered his flair for comedy through the amusing and satirical themes of novelty tunes. The hits started coming in and Michael V created songs like Chizm, Mas Mahal Kita Ngayon, Gusto Kong Sumigaw and the Pinoy anti-valentine anthem for the ages, Sinaktan Mo ang Puso Ko.

Then he went into the movies and TV and proved himself an even better actor, writer and director. It is bruited about that the real reason behind the music hiatus had something to do with his contract with his former label. Still, it cannot be denied that his success with shows like Eat, Bulaga!, Bubble Gang and Bitoy’s Funniest Videos for which he not only acts but also conceptualizes skits and writes gags, sidelined the music until he was able to put together his new album.

I am happy to say that Michael V makes up for being remiss during these past few years with a super package. The two-disc set is a special edition album that is proudly billed as Video Na, Audio Pa! Released in both DVD and VCD formats, the anthology has 10 new recordings in the audio disc, videos of the same tracks in the video disc plus bonus features.

I think it is great to find the irrepressible Michael V singing again but part of the bonus tracks are classic Michael V gags from the TV show Bubble Gang. I am sure that viewers out there who enjoy watching him on TV will love those excerpts even more. Bubble Gang is one of the best comedy shows around. The cast is great and Michael is one talent you can watch again and again. He is always funny, full of surprises and when he puts his mind to it, even brilliant. Those gags in the album still bring on the laughs even if you have already seen them before.

Heading the cuts in the album are two new songs written by Michael V. Rejoice, he is also back to composing. These are Joy in My Heart and Hindi Ako Bakla. Then there are the parodies, his adaptations of current favorites to which he wrote new lyrics which are always a big hit when he does it in Bubble Gang. I know lots of viewers who eagerly await this portion every week.

The parodies in the album are DJ Bumbay, ‘Wag Na ‘Wag, Chaka N’ya, Mamaw! Di Na Maggigisa, Wag N’yo Kaming Pansinin, Isaw Nga and May B.O. Ako. Guessing the songs on which these were based can be quite fun. Besides, you have to admit that Michael V is very good with his impersonations. His Sharon Cuneta is always a hit. He also does OK with Kitchie Nadal or should I say Kitchie Na Day. Check out the video to find out how he does Kamikazee.

Now, I am not really comfortable with the gay language and situations he uses in his songs. He has too much of these in the album from the closet case Tom Yam to an ugly gay monster in Mamaw! He also does some toilet humor and a racist turn in the case of DJ Bumbay. And what about poking fun at ugly facial features, dark skin or body odor?

These themes might make parents think twice about allowing kids to watch the videos as these might create wrong impressions. I am sure that Michael V has the capacity to come up with something more wholesome or cerebral. But then it is also understandable that he chose to focus on those jokes. Those are the sort of jokes that get the loudest laughs from us Pinoys. Michael V is merely providing what the market demands.