Posted on: Sunday, September 25, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Lanai & Augie comedy CD random, borders on tastelessness
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Lanai & Augie, mainstays of morning drive on Island Rhythm 98.5, offer a comedy album — of sorts. It's a compilation of on-air shticks — and it occasionally plays like a radio version of "Punk'd."
A revamped Kani Makou trio puts a mellow spin on its reggae-inspired music.
And a Maui hip-hopper struts his rap sheet stuff, geared for a club audience.
"RADIO ROOTS: BACK ON THE THRONE" BY LANAI & AUGIE (2 FLIPS PRODUCTIONS)
Genre: Comedy.
Distinguishing notes: Radio deejays and sometimes stand-ups Lanai & Augie are back with a comedy disc, their first in six years. More than 22 cuts, they provide chuckles as well as moments that are borderline nasty, and much of the patter is phone-call generated — kind of a radio version of "Punk'd." A couple of tracks reflect life in the Islands, like "Sweet Balut," a sketch poking gentle fun at that Filipino delicacy, or abomination, depending on your taste buds; and "All Buss," a sort-of-sung thing about getting or being bussed. Prank calls abound, edited versions of their taped tracks off their morning drive show; the fare is spontaneous, honest but lacking punch lines (like a "written" joke). The impromptu, off-the-cuff element suits the shenanigans involving comedian Mel Cabang, who fields a bizarre request of his services for a blind and deaf charity, or the one with Carole Kai, who is totally clueless about a delivery of white linen. And is that really Christina Aguilera taking a call, too? Tidbits ricochet like wild bullets in search of a target: one on a 900 number call, requesting a threesome, is hardly the fare to air, much less release to a mass audience that might include young folk; another on a video search for Betamax tapes captures a genuine age-relevant concern; a couple of Hung Brothers Theatre routines demonstrate the zany, nuttier-than-a-fruitcake posture of the pair and their ability to ruse the victims ... until they get silence on the other end. Mildly funny, but this is not to be confused with stand-up fare.
The outlook: Not likely one you'd hear on any station other than Island Rhythm 98.5 FM.
Our take: The toilet bowl images on the back cover pretty much sums up a response. Flush it!
"COOL STATE OF MIND" BY KANI MAKOU; BIG BLUE OCEAN RECORDS
Genre: Island rhythms, world music.
Distinguishing notes: Kani Makou is Shaun Reyes, Chad Kim and Jenni Panoncial; Panoncial has replaced Shane Mahia'i, but the beat goes on. The group features alternating lead voices, the motif is Island rhythms with Jawaiian syncopation, the mood mellow and enticing. Under the direction of producer Dave Tucciarone (who also plays keyboards, guitar and bass on the session), the sound is smooth and relaxing, with occasional brass undercurrents to augment the trio's guitar and 'ukulele foundation. Happily, each member contributes original material that elevates Kani Makou's freshness quotient. Kim's title song, Panoncial's "I'm Waiting," and Reyes' "I'm Waiting" are quick favorites; there are collaborations, too, including the Reyes-Panoncial "Would You Even Try." Big Mountain's "Once Again" involves participation from Natural Vibrations' Peni. The brass refinements yield a bluesy, soulful flavor to "Roots Party," which bolster the reggae pah-teh (party) tune — something different.
The outlook: A splendid sophomore project that should connect with fans.
Our take: Slip this one in your CD player ... good vibes for cruising and dancing.
"BUBALICIOUS" BY B.U.B.; OFF THE ROCK INC.
Genre: Reggae, world music.
Distinguishing notes: B.U.B. (pronounced bee-you-bee) is an Upcountry Maui singer and hip-hopper. He sways and coasts through originals that display his easy-flowing style, occasionally melodic ("Deeper in Love"), persistently intense ("Test Di Champion"), always with a street-smart tempo and delivery ("Hit It") that puts him in the league of true rapsters. There are local sentiments and points of communion with a young crowd, notably on "Da P@k@lolo Song," and the songs and raps were produced and mixed with precision by Robbeatz (Robert Tsuhako), and a few guest troupers are featured along the way.
The outlook: B.U.B. is one of the rare ones who can both sing and rap, as he's earlier shown on his "Down and Dirty" hit.
Our take: Mostly for a club audience that wants to get down and move to his groove.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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