Twenty years after indie pop rock band Orange & Lemons dropped their debut album Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream on compact disc via Terno Recordings, that much-lauded album filled with OPM pop gems has gotten the vinyl treatment.
Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream is now out on vinyl courtesy of Plaka Express Records as a two-record numbered set in colored vinyl and a gatefold jacket. The records are not only numbered but each record comes in a different color (the first disc is orange while the second is green) together with a four-page insert that contains liner notes, song lyrics, and pictures of the band.
When the band reformed as a three-piece outfit in 2017, they re-recorded their debut album which was put on once more on compact disc on Lilystars Records which is owned by the band’s vocalist, guitarist, and chief songwriter Clem Castro.
They attempted to put it out on vinyl the following year through a crowd-funding effort but experienced a setback in its release.
Intro to one of Orange & Lemons’ friends in journalist and music producer Rick Olivares who in early 2022 offered to help put it out on vinyl. Olivares served as vinyl project head with Bong Cabral as the executive vinyl producer.
Now, in a moment of serendipity, the best-selling and popular Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream is out at the same time as its 20th anniversary.
“The birth of this album is an important landmark in my life as a songwriter and a musician,” Castro said while waxing nostalgic. “From the original takes to the re-recording that is now on vinyl, it is a testament of our early days of indie pop music.
Prior to the initial release of the album on CD, the singles “She’s Leaving Home” and “Isang Gabi” became staples of airplay on the now-defunct NU107.
When the album came out, it sold very well and received massive radio and television airplay they were soon signed to a major record label where they put out their second and third albums.
“The actual anniversary will be by December of this year,” added Castro during their first show of 2023 at the 70s Bistro. “But still, it is the anniversary year and it’s a good way to start this year for both us and the fans.”
Reflected drummer Ace del Mundo, “We waited a couple of years for this and now it is out. We can’t contain our excitement because it is another first for us. As a band, we would like to show fans another way of enjoying the nostalgia of ONL’s music from the pop, hiss, crackling, and whatnot of vinyl. Vinyl is in and expects releases from us in this format.”
Ace’s brother, JM, who plays bass for ONL, was emotional about the release, “Sobrang amazed ako sa vinyl release na ‘to. Kung isa kang probinsyano, hindi mo in-expect mga ganitong pangyayari sa banda namin at ngayon may plaka kami. Lalo na mga titos na kami.”
On his part, Plaka Express Records’ Cabral said,” I am thrilled to be able to release such a monumental original Pilipino Music album. It celebrates our country’s vibrant, eclectic culture, and our local talents’ capability to produce world-class material. This album has something for everyone from catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and emotional songs.”
“It’s a good 20th-anniversary gift to the fans even if it is a belated Christmas present,” summed up Castro.
Fans can purchase the two-LP set of Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream from Plaka Express Records’ Facebook page and website. Its retail price is Php 2,800.
The band’s next release on vinyl is their fourth album, La Bulaqueña, which was released on all streaming platforms last year.