Imelda Papin revives Bakit

Unless it is in some other form like a live recording or a duet with another artist, singers do not usually revive their old hits. Much as they would want to, this is not often permitted in their contracts. This clause aims to protect the copyright owned by the record’s original label. And more logically, why rerecord something you already own?

Because she was responsible for making it into a big hit nearly 25 years ago, it can be said that although she did not write the song, Imelda Papin certainly owns Bakit. Better known as Kung Liligaya Ka Sa Piling ng Iba, the composition by Jun Manalili was one of her early hits and is considered a major factor in her success as a singing star. To this day, no performance by Imelda will be considered complete until after she has sung Bakit.

Now, that became a problem. Entranced by her rendition, listeners would next make a beeline for the nearest music store in search of the album that contains Bakit. They never found any. This is because Wonderland Records, with whom Imelda was under contract when she recorded the song, has already ceased operations and never sold its catalogue to another label. And because Manalili has not allowed any other singer to record the song, there was no copy of Bakit available anymore.

A few months ago, Imelda decided to do something about the problem. When she got the opportunity to record a new album of covers for Universal Records, Bakit became the lead cut. It is definitely a superior version. Not only has recording technology greatly improved since she first did the song, but as a more mature artist, Imelda is now also better equipped to express the emotions required by Bakit. So those who once experienced being turned away in the record shops when they asked for Imelda’s Bakit, you are now sure of getting a much-improved version when you purchase the album Nag-Iisang Imelda.

Aside from Bakit, Imelda’s latest also includes her interpretation of other well-known jukebox love songs by other artists from the past. These are Tunay at Huling Pag-Ibig, by the late Willy Garte, Sa Mata Makikita by Roel Cortez; Muling Ibalik by the First Cousins, Tanging Ikaw by Zander Khan; Hindi Ako Laruan by Mimi Baylon; Guhit ng Palad and Dalawa Kaming Api by Vernie Gonzales, Ikaw Lamang also by Imelda; and the first single release Tutulungan Kita, another hit by Roel Cortez.

Imelda is one of those artists who has taken great care of herself and now looks and sounds even better than she did during her early days as a singer. It was a good decision for her to do Bakit again and introduce the song to a younger generation. Now, she also makes me wonder if there is a chance that she will one of these days rerecord her other hits from the ’70s. Among these is the George Canseco classic Babaeng Makasalanan, which was the song that earned her the title of "Jukebox Queen." There are also Huwag, Apoy and many others. It would also be interesting to hear her sing the hits of her then "rivals" like Didith Reyes, Claire de la Fuente and Eva Eugenio.

Lani’s new live album

Stocking stuffer: From out of a more current time is Lani Misalucha: The Crossover Live Tour. Part of Viva Records’ live album series, this is the two-volume recording of the pop diva’s sold-out performance held last Sept. 8 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Lani is in top vocal form and she proves her versatility by going through a wide variety of numbers. These range from her own take on Puccini’s Nessun Dorma to Geri Halliwell’s It’s Raining Men to Jaya’s Hiram. There are also several medleys including one of the hits by Whitney Houston like I Will Always Love You and Didn’t We Almost Have It All that Lani does very well.

The cover art also shows Lani looking her most beautiful and the photos from the concert are great. However, I cannot for the life of me understand why they had to do away with composer credits for many of the selections in the album. Only pirates used to be considered capable of this oversight. Despite that, this is still one album you will surely enjoy and one you should consider giving to special people in your Christmas list.