As solid as ever after 13 years
Parokya ni Edgar does not relish the idea of being referred to as the Pambansang Banda of this
It is, after all a fact that at one time or another we all have enjoyed listening to or sang along to a Parokya song. Most of us have enjoyed its humor from time to time and wondered over how the members’ usually twisted minds, manage to reconcile a pretty melody with a unique turn of phrase or how on earth they can come up with their very own language.
Think songs like Harana, Mr. Suave, Halaga, Buloy, Picha Pie, Inuman Na, The Yes Yes Show, Please Don’t Touch My Birdie, Chikinini, Mang Jose, First Day Funk, Para Sa ’Yo, Papa Cologne, The Ordertaker, Name Fun, Gitara and Bagsakan. And what about tongue twisting and thoroughly nonsensical album titles like Khangkhungkernitz and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy or something seemingly normal but not, like Gulong, Itlog, Gulong, Bigotilyo or Edgar Edgar Musikahan.
There are no buts about it, pambansa or not, Parokya members Chito Miranda on lead vocals, Buwi Meneses on bass, Gabriel Cheekee on guitars, Darius Semana on guitars, Dindin Moreno on drums and Vinci Montaner also on vocals, rose above the run of the mill denizens of the local band scene by appealing to the two things closest to the Pinoy’s heart. These are our funny bones and innate love for music. And judging from the well-thought-out new album simply titled Solid, up there is where they intend to stay.
The formula is once more present. Rhythms culled from assorted and unlikely sources. Humor that ranges from the cerebral to the inuman sessions at the corner sari-sari store. Then there are the themes that are sometimes current, Celfone Wallet or eternal, Pompiangan Na. What makes Solid different though is that there are more love songs than usual. This proves that should the times require, Parokya ni Edgar will be very able to supply the need for the serious or romantic.
No use describing every cut. As in the case with every album by Parokya ni Edgar, you have to listen to the CD and react personally to the songs. These are Track No. 1, Macho, Nakaka-inis, Alone with You, Akala, Eman, Amats, Anti-Matter, Pompiangan Na, Don’t Think, How to Make a Love Song and Iisa Lang. Bonus Tracks are Nescafé, Lastikman and Boys Do Falling In Love. Also present are interludes or inserts as these are referred to in Solid about topics like Siga Cigarettes and Celfone Wallet.
It was a lackluster year for Filipino pop music. The bands that made the music scene so exciting only a year ago have taken the easy path, preferring to mine the oldies by doing cover versions. Some did stick to their originals but showed no improvement at all in their work. They had better come up with new hits if they want to be big stars again or simply survive. In a setting such as this, it is nice to know that Parokya ni Edgar is still up to the demands of their craft.
Hopia, Mani Popcorn 2
However, if you are one of those who like listening to bands perform versions of old favorites, the second volume of Hopia, Mani Popcorn is now available. The first one had Manila Sound classics updated pop rock style. More of the same are found in Part Two and should give young listeners another chance to appreciate the works of the great songwriters from three decades ago.
Hopia, Mani, Popcorn Two has Juan de la Cruz Band’s Titser’s Enemy No. 1 by Giniling Festival; Dina Bonnevie’s Bakit Ba Ganyan by Imago; Cinderella’s Bato Sa Buhangin by the Juan Pablo Dream; the Boyfriends’ Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal by Melany; Superstar ng Buhay Ko also by Cinderella performed by Swissy; Rey Valera’s Kung Kailangan Mo Ako by Session Road; Tillie Moreno’s Saan Ako Nagkamali by Chilitees.
The Rainmakers’ Binibini by Brownman Revival; VST&Co.’s Awitin Mo Isasayaw Ko by Pedicab; Rico Puno’s Kartada Diyes by Color It Red; Kamusta Ka, also by Valera done by Blue Ketchup; Tayong Dalawa, another one by Valera, performed by Kiko Machine; Basil Valdez’s Iduyan Mo by After Image and Mike Hanopol’s Laki sa Layaw by Cueshé.
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