Manila's Finest

There is pressure in following up a best-selling debut album, and Philippine ska band Put3ska undoubtedly felt it when recording 1996's Manila's Finest, the follow-up to 1995's Put3ska, a critically acclaimed and best-selling effort. All in all, Manila's Finest is a worthy follow-up. While the music doesn't match the same level of charm and excellence achieved in Put3ska — it would be hard for any album to match that level — there are enough worthwhile and enjoyable moments to make the album rewarding. "My Boy Lollipop" is a remake of the delightful 1960s hit by Millie Small. Put3ska's version is also enjoyable, as female lead singer Myra Ruaro stamps the song with her own spunky, indelible style. One of the album's best songs is "Home Is Calling," a moderately paced outing which features a beautiful, sensitive melody. This song has the potential to one of the best ever made in the Philippines, except that the lyrics, which concern the environment, are wrong for this song, as the tender melody cries out for lyrics about love. "Louisa," "Dr. Hugo," "Can't Stop Me Now," and "Tainted Love" are also fine outings and feature catchy horn riffs, although the horn solos on "Can't Stop Me Now" could be better. Still, the album is a fine follow-up.