Kami nAPO Muna Album Review

Kami nAPO muna Cover

I've been, for a couple of months now, listening to the Apo Hiking Society tribute album "Kami nAPO Muna." Overall pretty good with, for me, a considerable amount of standout tracks enough to be worth buying. Here's a track by track review:

1. Pumapatak na naman ang ulan by Parokya ni Edgar - This track already appeared in an older Parokya song album. It's a clean recording but not very inspiring. I actually prefer Eraserhead's version from the Nescafe Open Up Party CD. It's got a lot more punch. Nice amendment in lyrics about texting though. Overall rating: Bah...

2. Magkayakap sa dilim by Orange and Lemons - I love these guys. Even though their style is 60's - 70's based, they have so much talent and tricks up their sleeve that it makes those retro sounds seem so fresh and new. This recording is pretty straightforward but the vocal delivery makes it fun to listen to. Overall rating: Nice.

3. Doo bi doo by Kamikazee - One of my favorite songs in the album. It's just so much... fun. It's great fun singing along "Eto na... Eto na..." at the top of your lungs. And did I mention "Doobi" is slang for a type of illegal substance in Pinas? Ah so that's why they were so happy... Overall rating: Dooobiiii!!!

4. Awit ng barkada by Itchyworms! - Another favorite. The song starts out pretty straightforward with a dash of funny background talking but at the end it goes into a loony arrangement and a very inspiring climax. Also, I think this is one of those APO songs that just works so well. Whether you're drunk to your senses singing it or not, the feeling of friendship just comes across. To me it just brings out memories of hanging out with friends in the Philippines. Overall rating: Yea... Good times...

5. Nakakapagtataka by Spongecola - A pretty good song. Didn't Sharon Cuneta sing this? Nothing crazy different with the arrangement, just good delivery. Although I have a problem with the guy doing the guitar solos. I just don't like how he plays... Even on the their cover of "Pare Ko" from the Eraserheads tribute album. Also why's the drum sound so thin? Overall rating: Pretty good.

6. Ewan by Imago - Not exactly one of my favorites but one of the fun songs on the album. A great reimagining of one of APO's most popular songs. Aia's so cute too. Now if she'll only stop dancing on stage and start playing guitar again. Overall rating: So cute.

7. Batang-bata ka pa by Sugarfree - Great cover from a great band. I love the the alternate singing part from Ebe and Jal(?) (which APO also did on the original). One of those songs that just makes you reminisce of those lost childhood days.  Overall rating: Yea... Good times...

8. Kumot at unan by Boldstar - Eh... for some reason I never got into this song. It's just so lackluster and uninspiring... Overall rating: Bah...

9. When I met you by Barbie A. - Another nice cutesy song from Barbie! Unlike her cover of the Eraserheads' "Overdrive" this one actually fits her stylistically and works very well. It's so nice listening to you just kinda melt with her voice. Overall rating: Sooo cute.

10. Bakit and babae by Sandwich - Another kickass song from Sandwich. Laid back and groovy and fun to sing to. It's so good it should be a single. The arrangement is top notch and you almost wouldn't recognize it listening to the original. I also love the nod(intentionally or not) to the Eraserheads song "Torpedo" with the churoot chut chut... Overall rating: Churoot chut chut! Yes this is good.

11. Kabilugan ng buwan by Drip - Love this song! So groovy and sexy. I love the hip-hop angle. Makes you just wanna bop your head up and down. Overall rating: Sweet!

10. Di na natuto by Sound - Bleh... I think the arrangement's overdone. Overall rating: Bleh...

11. Anna by Top Suzara -  Sounds like one of the those songs you hear on American pop radio. Even the voice sounds like that guy who sang "I'll beee.... your crying shoulder... yadda yadda..." Still a nice song to listen to when you feel like listening to those kinds of songs. Overall rating: Ok.

12. Blue Jeans by Rocksteddy - Even though it's one more upbeat tracks on the album, I'm not exactly jumping for joy. For some reason it still feels very restrained. Even when they go "Whoo!" You know who's version I like more? The Eraserheads' (from the Nescafe Open Up Party CD also)!

13. Panalangin by Moonstar88 - Another bleh...

14. Paano by Shamrock - I don't know who these guys are but I think the song pretty much saved them from sucking.

15.  Pag-ibig by Kitchie Nadal - Really nice rendition from Kitchie Nadal. I actually expected her to do something in the style of "Wag na wag mong Sasabihin" but then she comes out with something totally different sounding and understated. Overall rating: Love it.

16. Bawat Bata by The Dawn - I think this could've been a great song given the fact that the Dawn performed it but the recording just sucked. The sound is thin, guitar and bass are barely there. Where's the ringing guitar distortion from "Harapin ang liwanag"? The drums are louder than everything else in this song and they don't even sound that great. Overall rating: Coulda been better.