Showing posts with label album review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label album review. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Mister Tililing: (Not Just an) Album Review


Oo, naman! Kilala pa rin namin ang Tanya Markova!
Only Tanya Markova can make THE original payaso music! They are our childhood, youth and the insanely brilliant schizsos within us. Their comedy of sarcasm and parodies never fails.


In one of Tanya Markova's gigs at 70's Bistro, I got the chance to grab a copy of their album 
Mister Tililing.





There is a total of 17 tracks composed of funny, weird, disturbing, 
and satisfyingly good songs and antics. They are as follows:
1. Tililing, Tililing 
2. Bermuda Love Triangle
3. Hello, Hello, Hello
4. Eskeleton
5. Ang Darling Kong Zombie
6. B.U.N.G.O. (Mag-asawang)
7. Metal Hospital
8. Pandemonium
9. Nari Tuna
10. High-end
11. Belated Happy Birthday Song
12. Nakatutok
13. No Eating Below the Belt
14. Lagalag
15. Mr. Tililing & Kuya Dark Contract
16. E.O.W. (End of the World)
17. Liwaliwba

The initial track reminds me of the ringing bells of the Pinoy well-loved dirty ice cream that kids and not-so-old-kids get really excited about, which is followed by some sort of intergalactic voicemail that reminds me of the sarcastic, creepy Night Vale. Mister Tililing is creepy and witty!



I spent a good time laughing and humming along with this album. Sobrang nakaka-LSS! It was more than my money's worth. The signature Pinoy sound is still on track, the strikingly out of the ordinary kind of weird lyrics and feeling are definitely there. It is good-old-Tanya Markova music version 2.0. What do you expect from Tanya Markova? I honestly expected so much and this album is way beyond that expectation.

The satiric take on Pinoy ads, love-struck Pinoys, zombie hype, elitism, senseless extravagance, hypocrisy, a good laugh on Pinoy gullibility and all things uniquely Pinoy, plus those newly-acquired Pinoy color. This is not the hugot you hear almost everywhere, but the reality that hits you hard on the face, and laughs at your shock. They got the not-your-everyday love songs that will surely leave you smiling at the satisfying music and witty lyrics. Forgive me if I will not deal with the specifics of this album because it is better to listen to it without any idea what's in store. But I can definitely assure you that this is a must-have for the collection!

By the way, they are working on their next MV with the directing skills of Sir Jiggy Gregorio.
Here is the teaser for the song, Ang Darling Kong Zombie

#ThrowbackTanyaMarkova

What makes Tanya Markova is what we are as Filipinos:

Our love for romanticism shoved down our throats by Disney, which every Pinoy kid grew up with, is undeniable. Everyone, not only girls, read and watched a fairytale or two. We have always dreamed of that happily ever after when we were kids, and sadly, some people didn't grow out of it. Disney stories are our first book, first movie, and a dream to set foot on when finally we can afford to travel. This is the romantics that we are--- our seemingly inherent attitude of seeing the "rainbow after the rain." Our positivism in everything that even if we've lost so much, we still focus on what we have. Thus, we are labeled one of the happiest people. We can't help a good laugh at everything. The romanticism that fills the Filipino culture translates to the very core of our society: in the arts, religion and even in politics. and so we have a circus of a society now.



Our fascination with photos and the emotions we usually have towards our subjects reflects our Pinoy idealism of beautiful. Ever wonder why we all go gaga over beauty pageants? Other countries don't have the same dedication to win crowns at international beauty contests. It is rooted in our eyes for the aesthetics which is seen in our devotion to images that Catholics even dress them up for occasions. We also patronize the grandeur of celebrations which is seen in festivals all over the country. They may not be practical, but that's culture. I hope our love for the aesthetics would extend to our Original Pinoy Music.



We can never deny our endless pursuit of knowing the paranormal world. Remember the stories of exorcism, the spirit of the glass tripping you had with your barkada, the dream of getting a third eye and the ghost stories literally everywhere? I guess this is rooted in the Filipino culture of lower mythology that speaks of the colorful literature and story-telling affinity that Pinoys grew up with and inherited from the firsts of our generation. We are not Pinoy if we do not believe the superstitions, Pinoy monsters, and the spirits that we even honor and remember on one of the most important holidays we have - All Saint's/Souls Day. Hi, Linda Blair, my old friend!



It will always be Pinoy curiosity that is picked when showbiz or the entertainment industry is on the table. Pinoys love TV and the people they frequently see in it. As so the allusion of the biggest stars that we know in this song. This is the fanaticism that we are all very aware of. Now, fanaticism is no longer limited with entertainment since politics started marrying showbiz. The election that relies on popularity vote turned voters into members of fandoms, which I personally think divides the country more. This dedication that we possess towards the people we idolize may be good at some personal points, but when abused (which often happens), is mostly against the common good. Here's a lighter take on that.



Last, but not the least, Pinoys are social media addicts. This is because we value community and relationships more than anything else. With the exodus of Pinoys to work their a** off abroad, there is this dire need for communication to cushion the blow of isolation and homesickness. We love the social media for its capability to keep us connected. Maybe we should soon establish an Idot's Guide in responsible use of it though.



This is my favorite music video. This speaks of Philippines: its poverty, the deepest of our realities behind violence and criminality, the romance we see in the middle of all chaos, the hypocrisy of our perceived social responsibility and the exploitation of the already bereaved society that we have.



Tanya Markova is disturbingly good, a good kind of weirdness, our deep-seated dreams and frustrations, the surreal realities, our youthful imagination, the rich Pinoy culture that we tend to dismiss over foreign musings. Their music is filled with local color which is the foundation of regionalism in literature. From the music to the lyrics, the humor and the wit---their craft will not be fully appreciated without being a Flilipino first. Just as how we differently interpret and remember moments associated with the following words we grew up with:

"sumayaw ng boogie at chacha ng walang musika"
"tumingin sa salamin at kinausap ang sarili"
"nakangangang kumanta sa harap ng bukas na electric fan"
"mapangiti sa jeep ng walang dahilan"
"magsalita mag-isa"
"abakada"
"nanay, tatay, gusto kong tinapay..."
"abrakadabra"

I love Tanya Markova because it is Original Pinoy Music in every sense of those words.
Original. Pinoy. Music.
Proud Pinoy!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Nagmamahal (sa) BennyBunnyBand: Album Review

It's been awhile. I know. Forgive me. Adult life.
A month ago during the BennyBunnyBand Tshirt Launch, I got a copy of their EP. If you haven't heard the music of this amazing trio, Kuneho Rock, I had a brief fangirling post about them previously.

After playing their tracks day in and day out, which made my daughter start humming Dear Laarni one day, I've finally found my strength to get up the hospital bed and write a review.

Their EP has six (6) tracks:

Dear Laarni
Ikaw Na (Ang Anghel, Bow!)
5-10
Pam ToGetHer
I'm Coming
P.S. Laarni

Their songs began with "ligaw" songs, upbeat and weirdly nice to hear. Well, that is Kuneho Rock, unique and weird, but good. That is best noted in Dear Laarni which focused on this guy trying to win a girl's heart. Filled with the common words of a seemingly lovestruck guy in a hurry for a yes from his lady love, Dear Laarni poses more on the humorous side of things rushed and ecstatic with young love. With the fast, literal breath-taking singing of lead Benny Giron, and a lot of voice maneuvers, the song made the rhythm like pulsating heartbeat with unpredictable highs and lows, fasts and slows. Ah, young love. That's Dear Laarni.

Ikaw Na (Ang Anghel, Bow!) is another ligaw song with an upbeat, but rather slower rhythm---something you can pick for a good night gig of harana. This song aimed to use all compliments for the girl from flowers to angels. This poses as an all-out pa-impress, boladas to get that yes in a very Filipino kind of way. The signature Kuneho Rock is still in place and the colloquial lingo of the lyrics makes it more relatable even to youngsters who are ready to strum their way towards their girl's heart.

5-10 is another ligaw song, but this time, hitting a higher level of wooing. This could even pass for an Ode, which is a praise song. Placing the girl on a pedestal, the guy had to present himself so little. It may be sincerely done as he has very low self-esteem, or it's just another Pinoy type of flattery which belittles oneself to praise another. Whatever it is, this is simply another rocking piece that would make your heart melt, ironically, in fast beats.

Pam ToGetHer is more of a ballad that tells a story, like "one normal day, I met this girl..." kind of story. This focuses on Pam, a girl, maybe as beautiful as Helen of Troy that everyone seems to fall on their knees just to get her attention. This song works less on the lyrics, but focused on the instrumentals. It's beat is as rad as Dear Laarni, and it's fun all the way. You really don't need to know what happened to Pam and her suitors to enjoy the music. It's that one song that would make you dance even in your lowest of moods.

I'm Coming is my favorite. According to Benny, this is their most serious song so far. Yes. Serious and heart-warming. It was rather short compared to the other songs, but there is a reason behind that. The first two verses were all about the extreme anguish of longing for your loved one. The person may be in a far away place, or can be emotionally far. So it could be a make-up song, actually. It can also be for LDR. Whatever pleases you, just enjoy the music. These verses have a quite long instrumental in between which gives the slow pacing of thoughts and the sadness despite the upbeat music, each verse shifting to another thought. This is followed by a long "haaaahh...." that marks the faster pacing of rhythm and the increasing intensity concluded by "Malapit na!" This intensity became a surge of emotions and excitement on the couple's nearing moment to meet. The same intensity was sustained and ended by a climactic "Mahal ko...nandito na ko." Then an abrupt stop after several plucking. Does it sound familiar? Yup. Though this song is a very heart-warming composition, it has its sexual undertones. Thus, this suits a good make-up...song.

P.S. Laarni will break your heart into pieces, chopped, minced and seasoned with salt. It was a song you won't expect from the band---tear-jerking especially if you have imagined yourself to be Laarni on the first song. And my first thought when I heard this song, "How could you be so cruel?" Yes, it was a cruel song, for a saksak-puso-tulo-ang-dugo kinda cruel. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Maiiyak na naman ako.

I guess that's it! This band is great in live performances and in everyday sound tripping. My kid even memorized Ikaw Na and dance to it while brushing her teeth. But don't take my word for it. Grab your copy of the BennyBunnyBand's EP! But not now. Sadly, they are still reproducing physical copies after it was sold out.

Don't fret! They have Dear Laarni, Pam ToGetHer and Forbidden Song No. 2: Kamandag (Pogi Problems) on Spotify! Kamandag is the ultimate f***boi song. Just saying.

Also, you can see them perform live this coming Fete dela Musique on June 18, 2016, 4th Floor Alfresco Area, Century City Mall! Here's the schedule of the Fusion Stage:


The best thing about Fete dela Musique:


But there are more reasons to see them:

FREE OPM memes SHIRT!

How?
1. Share this photo and caption your post with "I AM GOING TO #FeteFusion2016" Make sure that your post is "PUBLIC"
2. BE THERE ON SATURDAY! Pag tinawag ang name mo at wala ka, mapupunta sya sa iba. </3

Deadline of entries will be on Friday, June 17, 2016 (8pm)
Here's the Facebook post.


Another!

WIN A FREE D&D UKULELE (Concert size) with Belcat pick-up from Ukulele Philippines.

How?
1. Share this photo and caption your post with "I AM GOING TO #FeteFusion2016" Make sure that your post is "PUBLIC"
2. BE THERE ON SATURDAY! Pag tinawag ang name mo at wala ka, mapupunta sya sa iba. </3

Deadline of entries will be on Friday, June 17, 2016 (8pm)
Here's the Facebook post.



In case you are not lucky enough to win these prizes, 
you can always take home a souvenir of this event. How?
P R E - O R D E R N O W !
Email: watunderdogsprod@gmail.com or message WAT UP or Para sa Sining on Facebook.



To get updates and to support the Pinoy Music Scene,
You may follow my favorite bunnies on Twitter: @BennyBunnyBand
Like their page on Facebook: BennyBunnyBand

See you, EveryBunny!

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

The Skin Remembers: SUDxWA Review

What happens when music meets poetry?
As Sud describes their music: close your eyes and feel.
It's time to hear to feel, people!

    Isn't it enough that Sud leaves us gasping for breath 
after their sexy music gives us the rush of eargasm song after song? 
     Yes, that saxophone that surely makes one close her eyes and sway to the sound. 
     Those strums and pressure that you wish touch you instead of the strings and keys. 
     Those beats that make you tilt your head and your body move. 
     And the voice that lovingly soothes your senses. 

        Really now. Is there something better than that? Since no one gets enough of great music, and so Sud worked hand in hand with another group who makes all feelings concrete and overwhelming through spoken word poetry. 
     Yes, that's Words Anonymous and their collab work will hit your "hugot" hard. 
    Sud's Skin is now available with 8 tracks, each goes with a corresponding spoken word composition from team Words Anonymous. More like messing up your emotions badly as you listen to all the verses that shoot through your very core, then followed by music that envelopes your pieces together so you wouldn't (or would) break down after. That is emotional reverb! 

      I have to give it to Words Anonymous for giving life to spoken word poetry which I first heard from Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. That was the time I told myself, "Why can't we have something like this in Filipino, or in English by Filipinos?" Lo and behold! We do have it! 

So here is a sample of a pair of spoken word by Words Anon and song by Sud:

Dulo't Simula by Zuela Herrera, Words Anonymous



These lines bridge the spoken word piece and the song:
"Bakit nakatingin silang lahat sa ating dalawa?"
Ngingiti ako at sasabihing,
"Mahal, hayaan lang natin SILA."

Sila by Sud



That is just one of the verses with music and music with verses 
that would surely break and mend your heart over and over again. 
Want to feel the deepest of emotions? 
Want to shred your soul and gather the strips and sew them painfully together?
 Or pinch every inch of passion within and desire for a minute or two of release? 

Grab a copy as I did. 
Experience art, poetry, music and all the rush you want to experience. 
Then feel it on repeat...because the skin remembers.



You can follow Sud on Facebook while here is Words Anonymous
Find them on twitter @SudMusic and @wordsanonph and hear to feel!