Acoustic Noel

Noel Cabangon turned 50 years old last Christmas Day and I think it was really nice that he chose to make the release of Acousticnoel one of the highlights of his celebration.

Acousticnoel by Noel is an all-covers album. That means, it is made up of old, time-tested Filipino tunes. But before I get into my usual rant about artists these days forever milking the goodies of the Manila Sound era for want of good, original materials, I would like to commend Noel for making an effort to this time, be different. 

Despite his newfound status as a mainstream pop idol, Noel chose to mostly stay away from obvious choices. I mean the usual suspects of Canseco, Valera, Cruz and their timeless treasure troves. This part is here represented by Tuyo Na’ng Damdamin by Jim Paredes for the Apo Hiking Society and Araw Gabi, a wedding song that is my favorite among the works of Ryan Cayabyab. 

These two songs are excellent choices that adapted well to his style and have emerged as the best cuts in the album. I say there is really no need to wonder anymore why we keep reliving those Filipino songs from those long ago days. Here again is proof that there was indeed something extra special, so Filipino and so enduring in the music of that time.

But there are other goodies in Acousticnoel. I like it that Noel chose to once more be the edgy rocker for the rest of the album. This is a welcome throwback that recalls his early days as a folk rock singer and something that distinguishes him from other balladeers doing old covers. A lot of them can stop shows with those love songs but not many of them can rock. But Noel does and he rocks it very well in the album. That includes him playing great recording quality acoustic guitar for most of the cuts.

Noel has a varied, well-chosen line-up for his rockers. It is a wide swathe that goes from Asin’s Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata to Ely Buendia and Huwag Mo Nang Itanong; Himala by Rico Blanco for Rivermaya; Harana by Eric Yaptangco for Parokya ni Edgar; Makita Kang Muli by Jimmy and Cymbee Antiporda for Sugarfree and the most fun of all and one I have not heard for quite a while, Bilanggo by Mike Villegas, once recorded by the Rizal Underground. 

Cheers also go out to the great backing band that Noel put together to record the album. They rock but every sound is in its proper place. Leader and arranger of most of the cuts is Bob Aves who also plays the octavina. The other members are Mikko Rivera on piano and keyboard; Kakoi Ledesma, mandolin, lap, steel and electric guitar; Simon Tan, acoustic bass; and Nino Regalado, drums.

Completing the song line-up are Nandito Ako by Ogie Alcasid and Aaron Paul del Rosario and Pagdating Ng Panahon by Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo. And then there are Awit Ng Bahaghari and Nag-iisa, Wala Ka Na, two new very good, original compositions by Noel. 

 Speaking of Original Pilipino Music, here are the songs on top of Pinoy MYX Countdown on MYX a week ago.  Given that we have now advanced a few weeks into this year, these are surely some of the artists who will figure prominently in the countdowns of 2014. Here goes the list:

Tayo by Sarah Geronimo; Midas by Abra featuring Jaq Dionisio; Bawal Sa Gamot by Banda ni Kleggy; Unshakable by Slapshock; Kailangan Kita by Sponge Cola; Ang Parokya by Parokya Ni Edgar featuring Gloc-9 and Frank Magalona; Magda by Gloc-9 feat. Rico Blanco; Lucky In Love by Paolo Onesa; Rakista by Join The Club; Ikot Ikot by Sarah.

Meron Nang Iba by Silent Sanctuary feat. Ashley Gosiengfiao; Sembreak by Moonstar88; New Romancer by Sandwich; Changes by Save Me Hollywood; Crooked Faces by Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus; Tibay Ng Pinas by The Dawn; Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko by Midnight Meetings; Heather’s Prayer by Saydie; Selfie Song by Davey Langit; and Ngiti by Young JV feat. Gary V.

Out there in the malls, Odyssey Music & Video lists down the following titles as last week’s best-selling albums: Best Of Praise And Worship Music by Various Artists; Bente by Parokya Ni Edgar; Higher by Angeline Quinto; Liham At Lihim by Gloc-9; Vice Ganda Platinum Edition by Vice Ganda; By Popular Demand by Various Artists; Hulog Ka Ng Langit by Regine Velasquez; Low Key And Fantasy Collection by Various Artists; Koleksiyon by Ogie Alcasid; and Expressions by Sarah.