2005's Top 10 Pinoy Rock Albums

Yup, you got it right. This is all about pinoy rock. Showing the top 10 albums that shook the pinoy rock scene (In my own view). But first let me elaborate the conditions where 1 album should be here in my top 10 list.

1. It should be released dunring 2005
2. At least a song or single from that album should be heard in radio stations.
3. I should have a copy of it.

Why should I have a copy of it? Coz if I'm gonna include an album that I don't have in my shelf, this top 10 would be biased. This might even show that I'm not listening to my CD collections or maybe hearing one single in a radio staion and I don't have a copy of that album will be a total bias. But then I will include some albums that should have make the top 10 and what to look for this year of 2006. So here we go!

10. Greyhoundz (Apoy) - Their self released album. This is the first time they made a DIY album and also the first album without Allen Cudal (RIP). Still the same band you heard before, with fierce and intense sounds. Got a good collaboration in the song Koro.

9. The Late Isabel (Doll's Head) - Fianlly, an album that everybody get thems in a high gear. Not because this band delivers sonic assualt on your ears. This is the first band to be in the Gothic rock genre (As far as I know) or the only one who released a full lenght album.

8. fuseboxx (fuseboxx) - One of the prominent bands that won the Red Horse Muziklaban. Their distinct sound of progressive rock, plus the use of the keys here are unique will definitely get your attenion.

7. Brownbeat (2 Week Panic!) - Before it was Put3Ska who was moving the ska scene in the country. After the band bisbanded, Skarlet continue to create ska with Brownbeat All-Stars. Now just called Brownbeat, though its only an EP (5 or more tracks) they still made a mark in the music scene that ska is here to stay.

6. Monsterbot (Rhomboids) - A very good indie album. Diego Mapa's playfull guitar effects and the synthetic and grove/funk effects of Carlo Navarro on the keys make this band worth to hear.

5. Pedicab (Tugish Takish and For Hire) - If you can consider a rock band with its not so rock sound, but a hybrid of disco and funk (which the band called as d'unk) atmosphere in every song. Then Pedicab is for you. Their online release album For Hire (from indieculture) was a good one too. Though only 2 tracks, it shows what this band has to offer. A lot of fusion and experimental music. Good thing I got the For Hire album downloaded before the said site stopped distributing it.

4. Itchyworms (Noontime Show) - All about the life of peopl hooked on noon time shows. Every song just shows how to be a fan, stalker, studio contestant and how stupid these TV host can get and also their dancers.

3. Orange and Lemons (Strike Whilst The Iron Is Hot) - Whoever said that Pinoy Pop is dead is dead wrong. Yeah Pop or the OPM scene is saturated by revivals, winners from so-called reality singing contest and men turned gay pop stars. But this band really show the true meaning of Pop or OPM. Original Pinoy Music.

2. Kiko Machine (Kiko Machine) - A mix of funny and witty songs with ofcourse a rock attitude. This band really loves to be funny and be unique when it comes to their songwriting skills. Their wits really will make you laugh and admire them. From Pulp all the way to Gabi.

1. Dicta License (Paghilom) - This is the best album I got during 2005. Full of social awareness and political angst. Though the later one is not really visible in every word, but in every message it want to send to the youth or people. This time, the ubings really need to make a move for change. Very inspirational.

Albums that could have made it:
1. Drip (Far Side of The World) - One of Terno Recorings's best released album. A mix of house, chill-out, trip-hop and electronica makes this album great. Too bad it was released 2004.
2. Wolfmann (Diner) - Electronica at its finest (RIP Wilfred). Also realeased in 2004
3. Chillitees (Extra Rice) - Until now, their website said the album will be released next month. If this could have make it on time, this will definitely be a hit.
4. Johnny Alegre Affinity (Johnny Alegre Affinity) - Jazz. Pinoy Jazz at its best. I don't have a copy
5. Lampano Alley (Songs from the Alley) - Blues rock. Really cool. But released in 2003.
6. Gloc 9 (Ako si Gloc 9) - Lyrical Assault. Almost Twista rap style. Too bad I don't have a copy of this.

What to watch this year:
1. UpDharmadown - Will release their album this 28th at the Terno Au Go Go gig. (Crosses fingers)
2. Sino Sikat - A fusion of jazz, soul, funk and rock. People dub them as the Pinoy Soul of the music scene.
3. Juan Pablo Dream - No album yet. But they are definitely a very good 60's Soul musicians.
4. Sun Valley Crew - A hip-hop group turned band since the addition of Raimund Marasigan (Squid 9/Cambio/Pedicab/Sandwich) on the keys and Mong Alcaraz on guitars. I heard another one from a defunct band will be added. So let's see how this people will blend to bring good hip-hop beats

As you can see, 2005 was the greastes or maybe one of the best for most people for the pinoy music scene. Yeah all of the albums were rock. But if these musicians or artist will stop pigeonholing themselves in one genre and try to experiment what the fusion movement (Sino Sikat, UpDharmaDown, Daydream Cycle, Pedicab) is doing, the music scene here in the country will prosper. So let us just cross our fingers and see whats in store in 2006 for these artists.