Reinvention mode for Basil S. Valdez

Basil S. Valdez

“Basil S. Valdez”

Vicor Music

What appears to be a fanciful conceit to formally add his middle initial “S” (Salvador) to his already famous name, actually means a lot to this new record of covers. It finds the veteran pop balladeer in reinvention mode— interpreting “Kanlungan,” “Muntik Nang Maabot Ang Langit,” “Paano Na Kaya,” “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” and five other pop hits with a distinct, warm and soothing tone that infuses the old material with a refreshing element.

The programmed music is forgivable, because Valdez’s singing is all that matters. He stays close to the original versions, but, like all great singers, he taps into his heart and soul and puts his own stamp on them, making all comparisons moot.

The last track, an acappella rendition of “Pagdating ng Panahon” with The Company, glistens with amazing creativity. Gosh, Valdez even manages to lend class and elegance to a Willie Revillame hit.

Slapshock

“Kinse Kalibre”

PolyEast Records

Fifteen years is a long time, but Slapshock has not gotten tired of cranking out a hybrid of metal and punk which, whatever one calls it— thrash, hardcore punk, extreme metal, metalcore—essentially means one thing: The music rocks hard.

Chi Evora’s rumbling double-bass drums, Lee Nadela’s pumping bass lines and Lean Ansing’s slashing guitar riffs are unleashed in unrelenting, rapid-fire speed as Jamir Garcia howls like a wolf gone mad.

The songs are basically about catharsis—purging pent-up emotions, hang-ups and painful experiences via primal-scream. Never mind the grammatical lapses in some of the lyrics; rock ’n’ roll has never been known to follow rules.

But those who can’t stand the noise and shouting will be glad that there are breaks where Garcia actually sings like a pop idol, perhaps illustrating that, after venting their anger and frustration, people are still pretty decent creatures.

Charlie Green

“Rainbow”

Viva Records

Justin Bieber is not the end-all and be-all of teenybopper pop. There’s Charlie Green, Filipino-British finalist in the 2008 “Britain’s Got Talent” singing tilt, who is now 15.

Green’s third CD, his second with Viva and produced by the Hollywood-based Christian de Walden, showcases a talent ripe to explore multiple musical genres.

The title track and other originals like “Liquid Ice,” “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,” and “Just My Type” bounce with infectious pop-dance energy. “Infatuation” has a charming Latin flavor.

The covers are no less interesting. Green employs a simple, straightforward but still engaging approach to “Daydream Believer,” “Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” “Don’t Stop,” “Sukiyaki,” “Kumusta Ka,” and a duet with Mexican star Danna Paola on “Somo Novios (It’s Impossible).”

The producer’s decision to have live musicians deserves applause, and Green rocking out on a Fleetwood Mac tune finds us tapping our toes. Pocholo Concepcion