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Hellish Calypso

Various Artists
Hellish Calypso
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Why "Hellish"? The liner notes explain that it's in part because of the very apparent "pear-shaped atrocities" a listener hears in out-of-tune melodies and unintelligible lyrics. But this is a "basic misconception" of what makes good music. While calypso orchestras can play on "true pitch," they often choose not to because love and politics are "targets for the jeering crossfire of calypso" and the musicians are "laughing while playing" or disguising "unspeakable lyrics into the mouthpieces of the horns they blow." Incidentally, the tuning isn't so bad, and the lyrics, while pointed, are quite easily understood. With song titles like "They Ballin Me Name" and "Donkey Must Wear Pants" sung by King Fighter, Wrangler and Viper, this is a must-hear.

Track Listing

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101
They Ballin' Me Name King Fighter 3:16
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102
Indo Law Na Say No King Fighter 3:16
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103
He No Dead Yet King Fighter 3:23
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104
Chinese Wife Mighty Wrangler 2:35
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105
Life in Hawaii Mighty Bomber 2:53
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106
Kiss of Fire Mighty Bomber 2:50
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201
Donkey Must Wear Pants Nat Hepburn 3:19
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202
Limbo Teacher Mighty Wrangler 3:00
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203
Bongo Man Mighty Wrangler 2:49
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204
Gloria Mighty Bomber 2:54
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205
Can-Can Girls Mighty Wrangler 3:15
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206
Dog Better Than Man Viper 3:08

Album Info

Catalog Number

COOK01122

Year(s) Released

1962

Label/Collection

Cook Records

Genre(s)

Caribbean; World

Country(s)

Trinidad and Tobago

Instrument(s)

Vocals
Download Liner Notes

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