Intriguing CDs to look out for
2012 in its infancy offers record labels a fresh start in parading CD’s of high interest to a choosy market. Here are a few of them, one featuring the voice of a veteran, another boasting a set of current acts, and a third carrying the distinctive voice of a young legend gone too soon.
OPM stalwart Basil Valdez, who has not released an album for quite some time, returns with a new one that emphasizes once more his distinguishable vocal sound and style. The ten-track self-titled CD, put out by Vicor Music, brings listeners to a compilation of familiar songs rendered the Basil Valdez way. Many of the tracks are classics released long after his high-profile discography was already sealed safe and sound.
Carrier single is opening track “Kanlungan,” the famed piece often thought to have been penned by original singer Noel Cabangon but was actually written by the latter’s former bandmate Romeo Dongeto. Even Willie Revillame’s “Ikaw Na Nga” ended up like a classic 70’s track in the care of Basil’s voice.
The revered singer behind enduring ballads like “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” “You” and ”Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka” will launch his latest CD this Sunday, January 15 over ASAP aired on ABS-CBN 2. Interestingly, Basil, to probably pay homage to his mom’s surname, puts his middle initial S (which stands for Salvador) on the CD, quite amusing considering the strong recall his name has without it. Artists/writers often drop their middle initials for nicer tone so Basil must have felt that counter flowing is a cool little trick.
Other knockout choices in the album are “Muntik Nang Maabot Ang Langit,” “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana,” and “Pagdating Ng Panahon” which was recorded a capella in collaboration with The Company.
Amy Winehouse lives on in new album
She may have joined the ‘stupid club’ of self-destructing highly acknowledged musicians dead at the relatively young age of 27. But her posthumous, third album proves she’s truly a genius in her own right, as countless fans would agree.
The collection serves as a fitting homage to her ingenuity as evident in the 12-track, MCA Music release “Lioness: Hidden Treasures.” The CD features previously unreleased numbers, alternative versions of classics, and new compositions. Her duet with Tony Bennett for the 30’s jazz standard “Body & Soul” has already enamored fans especially that it is Amy’s final studio recording.
“It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse and when you listen to our recording it is a testament to her artistic genius and brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known,” said Bennett.
Buyers get to hear Amy’s versions of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “Girl From Ipanema,” and her reggae take of the 60’s hit “Our Day Will Come.” Her composition “Tears Dry” can be heard in its original form done in November of 2005.
Closing piece “A Song For You,” connected to her favorite Donny Hathaway, was completed in one take at her London home during the spring of 2009, with just her guitar and powerfully raw voice.
Best of 2011 compiled
While it has become a difficult task for local acts to score a hit song, a compilation of major international hits heard in 2011 shows that sellers still come by even in this age.
Called “The Hottest Hits… Ever,” the package puts in one CD tunes popularized last year, led by “Moves Like Jagger” (Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera) and “Party Rock Anthem” (LMFAO) – two tracks everybody kept hearing as soon as they got aired. Artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, amd Lil’ Wayne have their respective entries in the collection which likewise includes young voices Selena Gomez (“Love You Like A Love Song”) and Greyson Chance (“Unfriend You.”)
“It’s still about good songs,” says one label executive. “I believe in the power of packaging. But without the right songs to back an artist up, the face will eventually fade.”
By YUGEL LOSORATA
mb.com.ph
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