New music by Blue Ketchup

My sister never fails to introduce me to these fabulous new Pinoy bands. Blue Ketchup is one of them.



I specially like Indyanera which has some rhythmic pianos and a bossa-feel. There are more videos on youtube and you can download some of the MP3s from thedigitalpinoy (registration required.)

Dear Kuya by Sugarfree

Rating:5/5
Ikaw ba'y nalulungkot at nag-iisa? Pakinggan mo itong kantang Dear Kuya ng Sugarfree (mp3) para sa mga malulungkot na OFW tulad mo.
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Dear Kuya,
Kumusta ka na dyan? Anong balita, malamig ba dyan? Dito mainit pero kung bumagyo, para bang lahat ng tubig sa mundo ay nandito. Matagal na rin mula nang ika’y magpasyang subukan ang swerte, at abutin ang yong mga pangarap sa ibang bansa kung saan ikaw ay laging mag-isa. Kami tuloy dito nag-aalala,

Nasan ka man ngayon, ano mang oras na ika’y may kailangan, tawag ka lang sa amin at parang nandito ka na rin.

Oo nga pala, kung nasayo pa ang checkered na polo ko, sa yo na yan. Hanap ka na rin ng maraming mapapaglibangan dahil balita ko mahal daw ang sine dyan. Dambuhala raw mga pinapakain dyan. Tataba ka malamang. Miss mo bang magtagalog? Kuya pag may kumausap sayo galingan mong mag-ingles. Galingan mo kuya.

Dear kuya,
hinahanap ka ni mama at daddy. sulat ka palagi. Miss ka namin, pati nga kapitbahay nagtatanong san ka raw nagpunta? san ka raw nagpunta? Nasan ka na? Kuyaaaa...!

"Manila High" by Kala

Rating:

With its playful electric piano, wah-wah guitars and oh-so-grrroovy beat, Kala (supposedly short for kalabasa) has that quintessential 70's Pinoy vibe but gives it a modern treatment that's a very refreshing change from today's bubblegum pop.

When I had a friend of mine listen to a couple of songs, he remarked "dapat yung mga ganitong banda ang sikat eh"

And rightfully so! Their music touches a chord not just because of the oh-so-Pinoy themes they sing about but also because of the laid-back, steady and smooth feel.

Jeepney captures the grit, glamour and that possibility of finding someone. The words are stark and honest and they draw you into a story. No brooding, existential and pseudo-intellectual banter which is why it's such a fun song! How can you not listen to a song that begins with: "Excuse me miss, mawalang galang na.. kanina pa kita kasi napapansin. Magkakilala ba tayo?"

Check out Kala at multiply, Kala at Friendster, watch a music video or join their mailing list. Don't take my word that they've got great music so listen to their songs but make sure to support Pinoy talent and buy the album!

Five pawikan points for Kala! Plus points because guitarist JP Tanchanco is a La Sallian. Extra points because of Brian Tanchanco's playful keyboard stylings.

Desert Sunrise by Brett Dennen (lyrics and chords)

Rating:
I know it's baduy to post song lyrics in blogs but once you hear Brett Dennen's Desert Sunrise MP3 (five pawikan points!), you'll understand why I spent a night to transcribe this and get the chords. It's about how she's like sunrise on a desert.

Desert Sunrise by Brett Dennen
(play with a capo on the 1st fret)

CM7 G Em D/F#
a desert sunrise you warm my soul
painting me in shades of clay, covering me whole.
and I'm a lizard sunbathing in-- your radiance; oh I crawl out of hiding.
so sweet, so sweet you are.
if I could only have a taste, wrap my lips around your flavor.
just because you are you, just because you are... So beautiful

refrain
CM7 Bm Am Bm
and I've been waiting all this life in the company of one
and I know I am young but I don't wanna be alone
if you could only just consider the two of us,
and I know darling I could be so good to you

G D/F# CM7 Am
see you rising on the horizon
bringing light into the day
and I'm coasting on your rhais.
when I awoke you spoke to the mist of the mystic bliss casting shadows
oh no my dismal yesterdays.

II.
G D/F# CM7 Am
do you remember that you told me darling: that I was so real
ill tell you all-- my tears for you are real
well cross that bridge again someday, I know we will, I hope we will.

CM7 G Em D/f#
a desert sunset, a lullaby.
if I could give it all to you if you'd only let me try
sing so sweetly, its my only wish
music drips from your lips like sweet sips of a summer's kiss summer raindrops
precious tongues twist.

repeat refrain
repeat II

CM7 G Em D/f#
a desert moon rise into the night
before we lay our heads I wish to walk under the splendor of starlight
sing so sweetly is the sweetest sound
and I become weak in the knees and I drop down to kiss the ground
and all my cares lie far below
in this earth I wish to die, in this hearth my fire grows.