Year’s best

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

MAN ON THE SIDE  By Paul John Caña Year’s best

Anybody who comes out with a best-of-list in music for the year is just begging for major nitpicking and criticism from self-proclaimed music fanatics. But no one will dispute the fact that, despite the general slump in music sales worldwide, 2008 was a fantastic year for music, especially OPM. So in the interest of stoking the fires of debate (and at the risk of being on the receiving end of some mudslinging and eyebrow-raising), I present this space’s list of the top albums churned out by local music stalwarts in 2008 (in no particular order): 1. Bipolar by UpDharmaDown—As if people needed a reason to prove “Fragmented” wasn’t a fluke. But if there was any band who completely ignored, even demolished the so-called sophomore slump, Armi and co. are it. At times sensuous and energetic, hyperactive and laidback, “Bipolar” is the must-have OPM record of the year. 2. Self Titled by Itchyworms—While other bands’ humor and schtick become hackneyed after a couple of outings, the well of “intellectual idiocy” (if there is such a thing) and spontaneous, genre-defying, finger-snapping happy music of Itchyworms is far from dried up. If “Freak Out Baby” doesn’t make you bob your head and make you believe that Manila sound is alive and well decades after it supposedly died out, nothing will. 3. Your Universe by Rico Blanco—Much has been said about Blanco and his storied career with Rivermaya, but now that he’s ventured off into the unknown of a solo career, the genius is more pronounced, the accolades are more deserved. Led by explosive single “Yugto” and the heartbreakingly tender “Your Universe,” the album gives us an intriguing glimpse into the head of one of OPM’s most inspired artisans. 4. Marks The Spot by Sandwich—Hard to believe Sandwich is a decade old this year, but with the way they’re unleashing onto the world their brand of unapologetic Pinoy pop-rock, they might as well be fresh-faced newbies with untapped talent bubbling under their hairdos. “Betamax” is hands-down one of the best singles of the year. 5. Villains by Wolfgang—Just in time for the holidays, the original bad boys of Filipino rock/metal have regrouped and released a classic Wolfgang record. Straight-edged, uninhibited and all-business, could “Villains” signal the much-awaited comeback of the superstar grouping of Basti Artadi, Manuel Legarda and Mon Legaspi (with Francis Aquino filling in for Wolf Gemora)? We’ll have to wait and see. 6. Pocket Guide To The Otherworld by The Camerawalls—From the ashes of the dissolved Orange and Lemons rose the phoenix that is The Camerawalls. Delivering the year’s best indiepop record, Clementine and his cohorts are carrying the torch of pure, unadulterated indiepop music, and here’s hoping we hear more from them in the coming year. 7. Shinji Ilabas Mo Na Ang Helicopter by Pedicab—There’s no denying the strange, hypnotic appeal of the single “Ang Pusa Mo,” but there’re more gems to uncover in the boys’ irreverent, dance punk-posturings on their second album. Amid the humor and wit, Raimund Marasigan and his mates continue to make themselves relevant, appealing and fun. 8. Endings of A New Kind by Taken By Cars—You either hate them or you love them, but, “Uh Oh,” there’s no stopping Sarah Marco and her boys from staking their claim as arguably the hippest band in town. Part dance, part punk, part everything, “Endings . . . ” is without a doubt, all cool. 9. Reasons For Unrest by Intolerant—Missing a little muscle in your annual music haul? Intolerant supplies the kick in your otherwise smooth aural assembly. All those glowing reviews from international press can’t be wrong; Joey Dizon and co. finally release the definitive OPM metal record in years. 10. The Peel Sessions by Prank Sinatra— I considered a lot of other albums for this 10th and final spot of the year’s best (The Dawn, Rivermaya, Ciudad, Ang Bandang Shirley and Bayang Barrios all put out equally strong releases this year), but Iman Leonardo (a.k.a. Prank Sinatra)’s collection of lo-fi, acoustic musings on life and living is noteworthy for its simplicity, honesty and the fact that it’s yet another DIY effort. Kudos to Leonardo for sticking to his guns and producing music he truly believes in despite the incredible odds. It doesn’t take an insider or a critic to determine that that’s really what creating and sharing music is all about. Happy holidays everyone!