Barbie's Cradle

Originating in the Philippines, Barbie's Cradle arose from the breakup of Hungry Young Poets, whose lineup had featured vocalist and guitarist Barbie Almalbis with drummer Franklin Benitez and bassist Ricci Gurango. The three musicians had already spent three years performing as a unit when Hungry Young Poets, known for the singles "Firewoman" and "Torpe," dissolved. Gurango launched a separate band, whereas Benitez and Almalbis stayed together to form Barbie's Cradle and recruited Rommel Dela Cruz on bass. Warner Music Philippines released the self-titled debut album in 1999; its dozen tracks yielded the singles "Goodnyt," "Tabing Ilog," and "The Dance." The label followed with Music From the Buffet Table the next year. That fourteen-track set contains one hidden song as well as a Tagalog-language cover of Hotdog's "Langit Na Naman," a version that also appears on BMG's tribute album to Hotdog.