The past and present meet in four stellar covers
There’s no denying that the Eraserheads are, perhaps, one of the biggest and best OPM icons ever to exist. The band, made up of Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raymund Marasigan and Marcus Adoro, has written coming-of-age soundtracks for an entire generation. Jam sessions in high school involved some, if not at least one, Eheads song. Mostly everyone has a core memory related to Ang Huling El Bimbo and tuned in to the jukebox musical despite the (unnecessary) plot twist. And it’s highly likely that you moshed to Superproxy or belted With A Smile during a great karaoke night.
So after years and years of begging for a reunion and a few bumps down the road, the OPM royalties held their highly-anticipated Huling El Bimbo reunion concert last December 22, 2023, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. This pushed through even if frontman Ely Buendia made it look like it relied on a couple of impossibilities, two of which happened (three, if you’re a believer). But after a smashing evening of well-loved hits and nostalgia, everyone realized it was definitely worth the wait.
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If you’re still on a high after that, a couple of artists from Sony Music Entertainment shot their shots at recreating a couple of Eraserheads classics. Four Eraserheads covers were released ahead of Christmas and the New Year, in celebration of the successful concert and the band’s long-standing influence on the industry. Check them out one by one right here:
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Christmas Party by SB19
Need new tunes to ring in this major holiday for later this year? Let SB19’s Eraserheads cover of Christmas Party bring some much-needed hype into your playlists. An effective mix of R&B, hip-hop and dance-pop jumps in with the song’s original funk sensibilities, bringing a modern but exciting interpretation to this holiday classic. And hey, there’s also no harm if you listen to this even beyond its intended season.
Magasin by NOBITA
Talk about a full-circle moment. Ikaw Lang singers NOBITA grew up idolizing the Eraserheads, and now they get to participate in a major project for their idols. The band takes the classic Magasin out for a spin for their own jazz-pop touch. NOBITA slows down and pares it back while keeping it soulful—definitely a track worth listening to.
Ang Huling El Bimbo by Ace Banzuelo
Ace Banzuelo, known for his dazed and dreamy pop songs, reimagines the popular Eheads track on his terms. Ang Huling El Bimbo takes on a new form and meaning with the help of the multi-hyphenate’s musical sensibilities. With his signature soaring, arena-made synths and guitar riffs, the ballad has an additional, heart-wrenching layer that has us pressing play (and replay).
Superproxy by of Mercury, Sofia Ines and Alex Bruce
Alt-rock trio of Mercury and Any Name’s Okay vocalist Sofia Ines take a shot at Superproxy, with young rap star Alex Bruce taking over the legendary Francis M’s verse. The retro-futuristic reimagination of this iconic crossover translated into this cover, keeping the same groove and drive present in its original. Hearing this classic with two gals at the helm is, needless to say, a unique and welcome twist. Give it a listen—you won’t regret it.
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Got a pick? Let us know in the comments below!
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
