THE nostalgia brought by one of the most successful, influential, critically-acclaimed, and significant Pinoy rock bands in history was once again on a hype over the weekend after the hit musical, "Ang Huling El imbo," a 2018-stage adaptation of some of the most loved songs of Eraserheads, was streamed online for free for a limited time.
For die hard "EHeads" fans, it was a trip down memory lane. But for those unfamiliar with the band's melodic guitar and keen wit-melodies, the musical was somewhat a baptism of fire.
More than 30 years since the band rose from the underground scene, their music has lived on for generations until now.
Here's a guide slash critique of the whole EHeads discography -- from their first demo tape until their last album before they called it quits in 2002.
Pop U!
Before the 'Heads became an iconic band, no record label actually wanted them. Their demo album, Pop-U!, an invective word play for "f**k you," was a total reject. Hoping to have their songs published, the band shopped around record labels and radio stations, only to be thumbed down at every turn. The early demo contains early versions of the band's future signature hits, including "Pare Ko," "Tindahan Ni Aling Nena," "Milk and Money," "Wishing Wells," "Scorpio Rising" and "Toyang." Yes, it sounded so poorly recorded, but hey, it's a rare gem prize possessed by friends and some early fans who got to score its limited cassette copies released during the band's underground era. Although a digital copy of the demo surfaced online, which can also be heard on YouTube, still, lucky for those who got to have the original one.
Ultraelectromagneticpop!
The album that brought the underground Pinoy college rock scene to mainstream success, Ultraelectromagneticpop! is a pun on ultraelectromagnetic tops, a weapon from the hit anime serial Voltes V. Despite of its raw and discordant sound, yet a step up from its demo because of it being mixed and released under a record label, the band had still scored many several hit singles, which became an ultimate karaoke jam such as "Maling Akala," "Pare Ko," "Toyang," and "Ligaya." With all honesty, Ultraelectromagneticpop! is not their best, but it's certainly of significance.
Circus
It was a sudden round of success, which shaped their pantheon status. Unlike any bands that slump into a sophomore jinx, the 'Heads proved they were more than one-hit album wonder. True enough, Circus was a reflection of how they showed massive improvement -- musically and songwriting wise. The record is a salivating chunk of an artistic offering, setting bar higher for themselves. It's no lie that hits like "Alapaap," "Minsan," "Magasin," and personal fave "With A Smile" are still solid as gold.
Cutterpillow
The 1995-released album had catapulted the band further to stardom. Cutterpillow is band's highest selling album and the third biggest selling album in OPM history and the biggest for any Filipino band or group. How is that so? The album is a total package -- eclectic yet consistent, strong, and sheer epic-ness. No wonder most iconic tracks are in this album, not to mention the timeless "Ang Huling El Bimbo." Also not to discount: "Superproxy" (with the late Francis M), "Overdrive," "Torpedo," "Huwag Mo Nang Itanong" and many more. Cutterpillow is an output of diversity and creative chops, making it the strongest 'Heads album ever recorded.
Fruitcake
Probably one of the band's most ambitious album -- a Christmas-themed slash semi-musical accompanied by a separate storybook, also entitled Fruitcake. Just like the holidays, it also had a merry lineup of tracks, with star-studded musicians on vocals and instruments, including Rico Blanco and Agot Isidro. The entire listening experience could be a bit of a drag, considering it's 73 minutes long. While it was a cusp from the previous releases, it sadly didn't outshine the band's early works. But it ain't something Santa would frown upon.
Bananatype
A five-track extended play (EP) of nothing but feel good E-Heads vibe, which was hugely absent from its predecessor. Actually, the EP could have been released into a complete album. Nonetheless, the album was a back-to-basic feel good vibe with bests "Harana," "Police Woman," and "Tikman."
Sticker Happy
As provocative as the nude lady playing an upright piano in the middle of a field in the album cover, the heavier guitar effects, inspired by techno and sampling, accompanied the band's bold musicality mashed with mature lyricism. Sticker Happy sent a message to its fans that they aren't just some sellout band stuck in the jangle pop monotone. They went too provocative, wherein "Spoliarium" was believed to depict the rape of the late bold star Pepsi Paloma, which the band never denied nor confirm. Personal faves would be "Kaliwete" and "Para Sa Masa."
Aloha Milkyway
Another feel-good EHeads, containing five new songs -- "Julie Tearjerky," "Tamagotchi Baby," "Saturn Return," "Scorpio Rising," and "Milk and Money." The rest were some of their previous hits. Basically, a compilation album of how far they've come as a band. The album was also an aloha to some Asian countries, as it was meant for international release.
Natin99
Among all the albums the band had produced, Natin99 is among those that hasn't aged as well. Trivia: this is the only 'Heads album recorded in a non-linear approach. Most of the musical parts were recorded separately in the band's respective home studios and pieced together in the mixing. It's reflected on the album cover. The theme of unity can somewhat be felt as everyone took turns on the mic. Natin99 served a fresh listening experience from its predecessors, maybe it had brought up the band's musical creativity. But it also had its lackluster, maybe because at that time, the band themselves were struggling on their musical direction.
Carbon Stereoxide
Darker compared to its predecessors, Carbon Stereoxide is one hell of a badass record. The chunky, power-chord riffs offered by most tracks, had fueled the 56-minute run of the entire album. Admittedly there were hits and misses on this album. Some tracks can be totally scrapped off. While it can be tagged as messy (but not all), everything was raw and loud at the certain places. This was also rare feat that Ely Buendia channeled his inner post-grunge vocals. As strong as it gets, it still felt weak in some points. While it is not certain if this had led to the "graduation" of Ely from the band, nonetheless, it was a worthy attempt that the 'Heads had stepped up from its former direction.
Please Transpose
Recruiting Kris Gorra-Dancel (from the band Fatal Posporos) as Ely's replacement had fan's brows raised. While Kris' vocals was a bit too candy for the 'Heads, it added no pressure, thus Please Transpose, a five-track EP was served. It has a mixed influence of indie pop and classic alternative vibe, comparable to Garbage and Natalie Merchant. Kris' energetic and self-styled vocal prowess blended well on the band's experimental direction, but still not good enough to level the previous ones. Although the title itself was already a lukewarm message that the 'Heads will soon retire. True enough, the album served as a cap off for the band's 13-year journey, and the group eventually transposed by renaming themselves as Cambio. And that's another story. You can check Cambio out on YouTube, though.