The CompanY lighthearted anew

I looked at the line-up of the new Lighthearted album by The CompanY  and I wondered.  Do we need another version of Let The Pain Remain.  Willy Cruz wrote the song for Basil Valdez nearly 40 years ago and it has been covered so many times. Or can we stand another version of Hotdog’s Manila? What about Side A’s Forevermore?

I find the sight of those titles alarming as it shows that artists today see a lack of good materials in recent works and would much rather go back again and again to the ’70s or ’80s eras for songs to fill up their albums. Of course, it cannot be denied that a beautiful song only grows more beautiful over the years and The CompanY certainly chose some of the best. So while I decry that idea that the quality of songwriting around here could be deteriorating, I also admire The CompanY for making such excellent choices. 

So after several spins of the album, my incredulous, not again beginning has changed into whole-hearted admiration for the results. I say yes, we can stand listening to these songs again and again, again because it is The CompanY singing these oldies and the group can make anything sound new again. Honestly speaking, in terms of the arrangements and the singing, the group’s Lighthearted OPM 2, is ranked among their best. 

I am reminded of Hugo Montenegro but with a different contemporary vibe.  The young will love this collection. It is hip and great for quiet hanging out moments. As for their parents, it is so sweet and romantic, they will surely be daydreaming for days and days. Do make sure you check out the album.

My top faves are Let The Pain Remain and Akala Mo which was composed by Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo and first sung by Aiza Seguerra. I am sure you too will be able to easily pick out favorites in the album. Also included are Beginning Today by Liza Dy and Chat Zamora, originally recorded by Agot Isidro; May I Have This Dance, first a solo recording by Marvic Sotto who also wrote the song with Joey de Leon; Sa Isip Ko by Dennis Garcia and also a big seller for Agot; Each Day With You by Franklin Kleiner and Benedict Say and recorded by a very young Martin Nievera; Sa Isang Tingin by MJ Magno originally recorded by Nina; and Ikaw by Medwin Marfil of True Faith for Sarah Geronimo.

The CompanY is made up of Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Jay Marquez and Moy Ortiz. As a special treat for their followers, the group is giving a free concert at the Music Museum in Greenhills. Just buy a copy of the Lighthearted OPM2  album for P295 and you will get a free ticket to their album launch show at the Music Museum on Oct. 24. Call 721-0635 or 721-6726 or better yet go to the Music Museum now.  Albums with tickets are also available at the Viva Kiosks in Trinoma, Quezon City; Glorietta, Makati and Market Market in Taguig.

You can also catch The CompanY also when they sing Pagdating Ng Panahon with Pilita Corrales in the A Million Thanks To You Duets concert at the Fiesta Pavillion of the Manila Hotel on Nov. 13. The CompanY is one of the featured artists in Pilita’s star-studded Duets album.  Other duet guests in the album are Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Basil Valdez, Regine Velasquez, Joey Albert, Chad Borja, Sarah Geronimo and Vic Sotto.

Speaking of concerts by local artists, here is a chance to watch the famous Aegis in concert. The legendary band will be at The Music Hall on Metrowalk tonight at 8. Thrill once more to their exciting rendition of their big hits like Luha, Halik, Sinta, Mahal Na Mahal Kita and Basang-basa Sa Ulan. Entrance fee is only P400. Call 451-1786 or 470-2222 for tickets.

Still on Original Pilipino Music

Here now are last week’s Pinoy MYX countdown of hit videos: Simpleng Tulad Mo by Daniel Padilla; Awit Ni Ginny by Toni Gonzaga; Ikaw by Yeng Constantino; Bahala Na by James Reid & Nadine Lustre; Halika Na by Maja Salvador featuring Abra; Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako by KZ Tandingan; Dito Na Lang by Kyla; This Love Is Like also by Toni; Mahal Kita Pero by Janella Salvador; Hanggang Kailan by Angeline Quinto.

Para-Paraan by Nadine Lustre; Akin Ka Na Lang by Morissette Amon; Pumapag-ibig by Marion Aunor featuring Rizza Cabrera and Seed Bunye; Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako by Michael Pangilinan; Everything Takes Time by Hazel Faith dela Cruz; Porta by Mayonnaise; Aking Pangako by Kjwan; Have I Told You Lately by JM de Guzman; Nahihibang by Join The Club; and Tayo by Kley.