[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
PINOY GROOVE EXPERIENCE (Philippine Popular Music Revisited):
Anthony Castelo “Kailangan Ba” (1978)
Anointed “The Philippines’ King of Love Songs,” Anthony Castelo began his career as a member of vocal groups from Philippines and eventually in Los Angeles, California. His pleasing baritone and, most likely, his very agreeable good looks caught the attention of the Philippine recording industry. Among those was Tito Sotto, who was the executive producer on Castelo’s 1978 self titled LP on Sunshine Records through Vicor Music Corporation.
I found this record on a thrift store dig. When I finally had a chance to listen to it I went straight to “Kailangan Ba” because the previous owner had put a check mark next to it. Good call, previous owner. I never heard the song before, but something about it I found infectious beyond nostalgia. 1978 was the year I left Philippines for the US. Maybe I did hear this song as a kid. Feels like I did. A muffled jeepney stereo driving through Quezon City? Piped through the SM PA system, perhaps?
Primarily a crooner of love ballads, Castelo set aside the histrionics and concocted a breezy late 70’s gem. ”Kailangan Ba” has an easy going melody and airy lyrics that is quintessentially Pinoy Pop elevated by a summery groove and a delectable keyboard break at the 2:10 mark. Despite the subject matter of a lover leaving one for another, the track has a head out the car window vibe that is undeniable.
Hope you enjoy. More music to come.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
PINOY GROOVE EXPERIENCE (Philippine Popular Music Revisited):
Anthony Castelo “Kailangan Ba” (1978)
Anointed “The Philippines’ King of Love Songs,” Anthony Castelo began his career as a member of vocal groups from Philippines and eventually in Los Angeles, California. His pleasing baritone and, most likely, his very agreeable good looks caught the attention of the Philippine recording industry. Among those was Tito Sotto, who was the executive producer on Castelo’s 1978 self titled LP on Sunshine Records through Vicor Music Corporation.
I found this record on a thrift store dig. When I finally had a chance to listen to it I went straight to “Kailangan Ba” because the previous owner had put a check mark next to it. Good call, previous owner. I never heard the song before, but something about it I found infectious beyond nostalgia. 1978 was the year I left Philippines for the US. Maybe I did hear this song as a kid. Feels like I did. A muffled jeepney stereo driving through Quezon City? Piped through the SM PA system, perhaps?
Primarily a crooner of love ballads, Castelo set aside the histrionics and concocted a breezy late 70’s gem. ”Kailangan Ba” has an easy going melody and airy lyrics that is quintessentially Pinoy Pop elevated by a summery groove and a delectable keyboard break at the 2:10 mark. Despite the subject matter of a lover leaving one for another, the track has a head out the car window vibe that is undeniable.
Hope you enjoy. More music to come.
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