Kami nAPO muna (Tribute to APO Hiking Society)

August 23, 2006 at 9:18 am (music)

The long wait is over. The most celebrated composers/singers of older generation are back, not with a new album, but with an album giving tribute to Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo & Danny Javier. With the album launch last night, and the album turning gold after 1 week… I’ll make my own review.

ANNA – TOP SUZARA

The former Freestyle frontman is back, after his hit single “Sabihin Mo Na”. I personally feel that he was just included in this tribute because he is in the Universal family. Nyoy Volante would’ve even be a better fit, anyways… Nothing unusual about this one, except that this song is one of the most popular and affectionate song the trio had made.

BAWAT BATA – THE DAWN

One of the groups that have been much alike the APO, they have been here for quite sometime now, and they never lose their spark. With Buddy Zabala in fold, there is no stopping this group. Fresh from their acclaimed indie film “Tulad Ng Dati”, they seriously rock here. As usual, Francis Reyes’ riffs are awesome, so as the hard-hitting JB Leonor. They really made this children song very rock-ish!

BLUE JEANS – ROCKSTEDDY

This Teddy Corpuz’s band has really come into waves recently, there are no magic on this track, no exemplary vocal performance and the band just simply knows how to play.They got a song from APO that depicts teenage problems and they really felt what the song is all about. It’s good that they are singing an APO song.

DI NA NATUTO – SOUND

A different rendition of a song sung by various artists, Garvy V. is one. At first, you think it’s bossa, next will be reggae, disco… then a total different genre. This track is one of the downside of this album, really got confused listening to this one, eventhough it is one of my favorite APO songs.

PAANO – SHAMROCK

Headed by million-dollar vocalist Marc Tupaz, this group who sang the main theme from “Capt. Barbell”, did not deviate from their music from this one, they showed how “safe” they play their music. No extraordinary guitar riffs, no vocal display given to this APO heart-warming song.

PAG-IBIG – KITCHIE NADAL

This former Mojofly lead really knows how to rock, baby. Remember, how she sang “Ligaya” from the E-Heads tribute? this song is not too different from that. She was enjoying the song, singing gleefully as if she was with me. Hahaha! Dream on!

BAKIT ANG BABAE – <S>ANDWICH

I really feel <S>andwich needs a frontman other than Raims. Don’t get me wrong here, <S> lovers. It really feels awesome to hear him sing a song or two, or doing back-ups. But maybe I was just used to hearing this band with rocker vocals from Marc Abaya. Oh, well… Rivermaya did it, when Bamboo left, and Rico Blanco took his spot, and they were phenomenal after. Maybe it’s on my part, but I’ll stick with that.

BATANG-BATA KA PA – SUGARFREE

I’m a big Sugarfree fan, influenced by my older brother. Gone are days when they are tagged as E-heads wannabes. They have managed to transform into their own brand of music. With the departure of drummer Mitch Singson, and newcomer Kaka Quisumbing, this will be a huge test for these guys, on how they will maintain Sugarfree music. But with this single… I say, they pass with flying colors!

KABILUGAN NG BUWAN – DRIP

Majority of albums nowadays have fillers, and this tribute album is no exception. With a song done by a new band, this will be a text run for the band.

KUMOT AT UNAN – BOLDSTAR

Another filler. The song suits the band. Hmmm… need more explaining? You’ll get sleepy when you start listening to it. Try it. Zzzzz…

WHEN I MET YOU – BARBIE ALMALBIS

Not a big Barbie fan, both doll and artist. But I really love this original. Unfortunately, it surprised me, it was fast paced on a different level. I was looking for the arrow that will hit me bull’s eye. Too bad, I expected too much.

NAKAPAGTATAKA – SPONGE COLA

What is the diffference between Sponge Cola’s rendition of “Pare Ko” and this one? Nothing. They ruined both. Here is a great band doing their own songs, not covering it. Try sticking to your own songs.

PUMAPATAK ANG ULAN – PAROKYA NI EDGAR

I’ll try not to biased because PnE is my most favorite band. Yes, I admit, they are not the best musicians around. But they manage to stay around. Maybe they have passed their wackiness to Kamikazee but they still display light and simple lyrics that we Filipinos love and endear. Back to the song, it was tailor made for them. The easiness and good vibes of singing in the rain with them is what you can feel. A very nice rain song.

DOO BIDOO – KAMIKAZEE

The band of the hour. Performance and entertainment personified. Followers of Kamikazee won’t be appalled by Jay’s live act. They have been like this all along. They gave Dubi do a different meaning. One has to wonder, did APO really intend to do it that way? Check out the video too.

EWAN – IMAGO

The most surprising and refreshing song in the album. A very, very cool intro. The voice of Aia will linger in your ears., so soothing. Imago is due for recognition. I’ll bet on that.

AWIT NG BARKADA – ITCHYWORMS

A virtual unknown band years ago, but lady luck suddenlt changed when they jumped into the commercial wagon. Their cheerful rendition of a friendship driven song will definitely make their stocks higher.

YAKAP SA DILIM – ORANGE ‘N LEMONS

See Itchyworms. Song composed by APO sang by OnL, or is it the other way around? Just don’t like the video of this. Clem, McCoy & Co. are still trying to be Beatle-esque, but way, way far from it. Change the ‘do and wardrobe, guys!

PANALANGIN – MOONSTAR 88

How can I forget this track, thanx Ryan! The comebacking group from UST. A refreshed sound that we all have been missing, not in a MYMP kind of way. Looks like Maychelle Baay is in for another round of rock ‘n roll and this time sweeter. And singing a song many artists have covered wouldn’t hurt this band.

ISLA ERA – MAHIRAP MAGMAHAL NG SYOTA NG IBA

Another song I missed, thanks again Ryan. A song most guys are singing nowadays. Hmmm… does it hurt? You can’t seem to understand what is that something that strikes whenever you hear this song. Its in the message, but in a cheerful kind of way. Isla Era have somewhat restored the feeling of loving someone who has loved someone else. Well, that is love!

OVER-ALL RATING: BUY IT