"Discover the Warm Vibrance of Manila in Dean's December: No Snow, Just Pure Magic"

It Doesn’t Snow In Manila by Dean’s December: The Tale of Tropical Rock Nostalgia

Did you know? "It Doesn’t Snow In Manila" by Dean’s December is considered one of the first New Wave songs from the Philippines to gain underground fame? Before we get into why, that's a big deal, let's take a journey back to the 80s melodrama, sweltering heat, and genre-bending music scene.

History of the Song: A Deep Dive into Manila's Musical Past

Released in 1986, “It Doesn’t Snow In Manila” was the flagship track from Dean’s December debut album, aptly titled "Chemical Wedding." The album was a raw ode to the burgeoning urbanity of Manila’s streets. It encapsulated the dreams and despair of a city on the cusp of transformation, all through the filter of New Wave’s signature synths and emotive lyrics. During a time when Manila was reeling from political upheaval, this song was a beacon for the disillusioned youth.

Who's Who: The Magicians Behind the Music

Dean's December was primarily the brainchild of lead vocalist and guitarist, Binky Lampano. His brooding vocals were complemented by the sonic wizardry of bassist/songwriter Roger Alcantara and drummer Ed Tisoy. Together, they managed to craft a sound that was both uniquely Pinoy and unmistakably New Wave.

Relevance: Timeless Tropes and Tropical Locales

Why does “It Doesn’t Snow In Manila” still matter? The song speaks to the universal feeling of longing and alienation. It's about dreaming of an elsewhere that seems unreachable—a notion that transcends mere weather patterns. The poignant title itself hints at the contrasting realities and aspirations of those living within the city.

Understanding the Lyrics: Dreams on Tropical Heatwaves

The song’s lyrics capture the essence of unrealized dreams and stark realities. One could say it’s less about the physical absence of snow and more about the metaphorical absence of dreams that feel out of reach. With lines like:

“We’re sweating under these neon lights, Dreams of snow, dreams of flights, Where the night embraces the dawn, But in Manila, the nights go on.”

There's an aching desire for something beyond the mundane, wrapped in the local texture of Manila’s cityscape.

Noteworthy Lyrics: The Poetic Pulse of the Pinoy Spirit

Binky Lampano’s lyricism shines brightest in lines such as: “We hail the moon, not the monsoon, In Manila’s endless noon.” His ability to evoke a vivid picture of Manila’s sleepless scenes, contrasting the tropical setting with cold, wintry symbolism, sets this song apart as a New Wave classic.

If Manila doesn’t get snow, what else was missing from the musical narratives of the 80s? Is there an equivalent modern-day song that captures today's youth’s dreams and disillusionments?

Final Thoughts

“It Doesn’t Snow In Manila” remains a poignant, compelling piece of music history. As we consider its legacy, it's intriguing to think about what other hidden gems from around the world are waiting for rediscovery. Just like the snow that never comes, some songs linger as whispers until we finally hear them.

Additional Fascinating Tidbits

Trivia: Binky Lampano, the lead vocalist, is also a well-acclaimed blues musician. He moved to the United States and continued to perform, showing his musical versatility.

Trivia: Dean's December debut album "Chemical Wedding" was heavily circulated through bootleg copies, illustrating the word-of-mouth popularity amidst the Pinoy underground scene.

What other New Wave 80s gems would you love to uncover next time? Share your thoughts!