MANILA, Philippines?What's in a name? As a factor in deciding to buy Kenyo's album, "Radiosurfing," not much. The photo of Mcoy Fundales, front man of the defunct Orange and Lemons, was enough reason to pick up the CD.

But not only is "Radiosurfing" practically an all-revivals album; it is also the least creative revival album we've run into in quite a while. Note that it is the age of the local tribute album (to Apo and Eraserheads) and revivals (Regine Velasquez's creative remake of "Mac Arthur's Park" and "Blue Suede Shoes" among many other songs, and KC Concepcion's take on Rihanna's "Umbrella"). Note, too, that there's more to revivals than merely recording an old song and adding instruments. There are many aspects to a song that can be played around with, renewed, re-created, to make new hits out of old ones.

Plugged versions

Save for one original piece, "Radio," where Fundales' lyrics and Kenyo's music remain reminiscent of Orange and Lemons, there isn't much space for the band to stretch its wings. Interpreting Florante's "Sana" and Rey Valera's "Ayoko na Sa 'Yo" Fundales ends up just singing plugged versions, i.e., more instruments and nothing else. The same may be said of "Putting on the Ritz" (in fact, why revive this at all?).

Granted, Fundales' voice and Kenyo's sound are perfect for the cheesy song picks, among them "Love Me" by Michael Cretu, "Reality" and "Your Eyes" by J. Jordan and Vladimir Cosma, "Let Me In" by C. Cannon and Mike Francis. There is a rendering of "Kiss on My List" by Janna Allen and Daryl Hall which is different, but "Don't Worry be Happy" by Bobby Mcferrin?

Yes to mimicry

The album ends with "HBK", a remake of "Hello" by Lionel Richie and "Cuts Like a Knife" by Rockwell combined. A pain, with Fundales screaming his head off. Given the almost total mimicry that this album banks on, one should settle for the originals.

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Picks of the week

We have two picks of the week- Sarah Geronimo's "Just Me" from Viva and The Priests' 5-track sampler (the complete CD will be out in November from Sony BMG).

Three Irish priests recently signed a ?1-million contract with the major label. Judging from the sampler, every pound may just be worth it. As rendered by The Priests, Latin Catholic worship staples such as "Ave Maria," "Panis Angelicus" and "Pie Jesu" sound like love ditties - which the songs may just be for them.

The album will be launched, fittingly, in the Vatican. As for air play, there is at least one program where we're sure it will be appreciated: "Dr. Love Radio Show," dzMM.

Sarah is earnestly working at dissociating herself from the tiresome birit style of singing and it shows here. And we're happy. Her voice has taken on a new and impressive timbre that sometimes leave the compositions wanting.

She can go in the direction of Celine Dion or Fergie or the best possible form of Sarah Geronimo - the choice is happily hers - and she'll sound great in any case. We just hope she decides soon.

Kellie Pickler grows

NASHVILLE, Tennessee ? Although Kellie Pickler's first album garnered three hits, went gold and made the singer a certified country star, it wasn't the debut that she would have crafted, had she had her way.

"Small Town Girl" (2006) was put together in a hurry to capitalize on her sudden fame as an "American Idol" finalist.

"It was so rushed and ... now that I can be honest about it, there are songs on there I would never even cut," said the North Carolina native of the CD, which included the hit "Red High Heels."

Her new self-titled sophomore effort is arguably the introduction to the real Kellie Pickler. The 22-year-old picked the producer, the songs, and even the cover art of the CD, released this week. She also co-wrote half the 10 tracks.

Said Joe Galante, chairman of her label group, Sony BMG Nashville: "This time ... she was able to really focus on her writing. And she has had the experience of being on the road and seeing what audiences react to. She had a plan in her head of the record she wanted to make." AP