Two sides of ‘smooth’

When it comes to contemporary music which does wonders for being “food for the soul” and can soothe, relax or accompany an evening cocktail, there are several ways of “skinning the cat.” One obvious option is to go back to the music of yesteryear, and come up trumps by listening to a crooner. And in the tradition of such artists as Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé and Martin Nievera, we have the new CD of Richard Poon. The other option is to go to the bands of today, and find those songs that exemplify their “softer side.” And this, our other CD accomplishes by highlighting its acoustic tracks.

The Best of AKA (Almost Kinda Acoustic) — Various Artists (Warner Music). These compilations of Warner have taken a life of their own, showcasing a number of the label’s better artists. While there are ready fans for the acoustic versions of Click Five’s Jenny and the Paramore track, I welcome a compilation that will make listeners aware of such artists as Paolo Nutini, Regina Spektor and Damien Rice. Nutini’s Last Request is one of my best songs of 2007, a great example of gravely-voiced blue-eyed soul. Some gems from years back, like Alana Davis’ 32 Flavors and Everything But the Girl’s Driving are also included, and this speaks well of how the label is ready to pull out materials from over a decade ago, as long as they fit in the CD’s concept. While also favorites of countless many, Edwin McCain’s I’ll Be and Stephen Speaks’ Passenger Seat are also on the CD; I just have a personal thing about these two songs as they were covered by just about every live band doing the circuit here in Manila some four years ago, but that’s just me.

I’ll Take Care of You — Richard Poon (Cornerstone Management/MCA Music). The former lead vocalist and guitarist for the acoustic band U-Turn, Richard Poon gets something of an image makeover with this new career direction. Dressed in tuxedo and with impeccably coifed hairstyle, Poon is throwing his (top) hat in the ring to be this year’s romantic crooner and balladeer. Starting off with the title track, I’ll Take Care of You, and with such selections as Moon River (as popularized by Andy Williams in the ’60s), one knows that Richard is firmly placing his career in the hands of those out there who want their music schmaltzy and sentimental. His grand album launch is set  today at the Central Plaza of Eastwood City and it’s no coincidence that this is the month of hearts and romance. When the tracks change tempo, it’s with a languid bossa beat. So this is prescient niche music, as Richard and his management are fully aware of how the appeal of this kind of music is timeless and linked to a spending crowd.