Sino Camo?

In 1998, Philippine singer Lito Camo released his first studio album "Sino Camo?" (trans: Who Camo?). Camo's music is largely folk-based, relying heavily on acoustic guitar, but the music is also distinguished by a tuneful, lilting pop sound, as heard in the opening "Kung Ikaw" (trans: If You). He composed all ten songs on the album, and session musicians perform on all of the instruments. Much of the music takes its cue from popular Filipino pop/rock band, the Eraserheads, widely credited with spearheading a rock renaissance in the Philippines in the mid-'90s. In fact, many listeners might think the Eraserheads are singing "Kung Ikaw," as well as "Window Shopping," "Ikaw Na Nga" (It's Really You), and others. Several songs are straightforward love ballads rendered with a Filipino touch. An example is the easy-listening "Bakit Kaya?" (trans: Why Is It?), which features Camo accompanied only by soothing acoustic guitar and a bit of percussion (no drums). "Hey Babe" is another relaxing love song, and Camo is once again accompanied by acoustic guitar, though a cello-like sound is also heard, as well as a tender piano line. "Dahil Sa 'Yo" (trans: Because of You) opens slowly, but then the pace quickens and the song is transformed into a rollicking pop song, once again owing to an Eraserheads influence. An electric guitar also crops up in spots, and it is particularly strong on "Low Batt" (trans: Low Battery). "Minamahal" (trans: My Love) has a Beatles-like quality to it, as heard in the imaginative, orchestral-styled arrangement (probably played on synthesizer).