ISLAND SOUNDS
Retrospectives from Kalapana, Helemano

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Reflection and recapitulation are the operative words for this week's CD samplers.

A top pop group offers a second volume of hits, and then some; a reggaemeister takes a big bounce in his element.

"KALAPANA: BEST OF, VOL. II" by Kalapana; OTB Records.

Genre: Adult contemporary.

Distinguishing notes: Kalapana has survived changing trends in music, departures from the musical line-up, inclusion of new blood, even death. This second packet of Kalapana gems — a total of 15, including new versions of old tunes and a cluster of hits — is both nostalgic evidence of the breadth of talent in the group and evidence of the group's long-lasting universality. The sound may be dated but, as Malani Bilyeu's song puts it, "Many Classic Moments" exist and continue to keep the Kalapana fire burning. From Macky Feary's "Juliette" (about a tape recorder, not a girl, as if you didn't know) and "Way That I Want It To Be" to Bilyeu's "True Love" and "Another Day," the classic Kalapana posture — embracing lyrics, soothing harmonies, romantic melodies — is upheld.

Who can forget "Kona Daze," with its allusions to sunshine and surf and eternal fun-shine, or Kirk Thompson's jazz-oriented "Blacksand," an old friend worthy of a new handshake? Kenji Sano's "Spencer St." is another of the group's good-time, good-vibes flair.

The outlook: Should be an instant classic not only here, but in Japan, where the group remains super hot.

Our take: Kalapana remains a band for all seasons, with an accent on summer.

"Juliette" by Kalapana. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

"REGGAE HITS: THE BEST OF BUTCH HELEMANO & THE PLAYERS OF DISTINCTION" by Butch Helemano & the Players of Distinction.

Genre: Reggae.

Distinguishing notes: Compilation discs — this one, a two-record, 36-song package — are generally popular with fans. Helemano, last heard from in a small non-musical role in "The Big Bounce," tackles a gamut of songs, not necessarily his hits, but fodder for those who move to the reggae groove. The fare includes Helemano's originals, some fresh, some familiar, with ample variety to suit the mood and the mode of his Players of Distinction. "Higher Education" is a melodic, easy-to-appreciate track; "Stand by Me" is a natural clap-along entity; "Hui O He'e Nalu" has an unmistakable Island stamp; "You and Me" and "Rock With You" are pumped up with Helemano hyper-energy.

The outlook: Put this into your CD player and you have enough hearty party music for well over an hour.

Our take: This one's strictly for the reggae crowd.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.