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Calypso Travels

Lord Invader
Calypso Travels album cover
Calypso Travels product shot

New vinyl reissue remastered from the original 1960s master tapes, packaged in classic Folkways-style tip-on jackets with original liner notes.

Lord Invader was one of the most iconic and well-regarded calypso musicians of the mid-20th century. Coming from humble beginnings in the musical hotbed of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Invader gained notoriety for his unique voice and lyrical prowess. Calypso Travels, his final album released just before his death, was produced in New York in 1960 by Folkways founder Moses Asch. The album showcases Lord Invader’s talent for biting lyrics that reference contemporary happenings, such as the rise of Fidel Castro, his experience at the 1956 World Fair in Belgium, the arrival of the Little Rock Nine in 1957 desegregating the public schools in the United States, and his touring experiences in Europe in the 1950s. An icon of Caribbean music, and one of the major forces exporting it to the world, Lord Invader epitomizes the spirit of calypso – boisterous, acerbic, and joyful.

This reissue is part of the Smithsonian Folkways Vinyl Reissue Series, bringing to light hidden gems from the extensive collection and revisiting some of the most iconic and influential albums released by the label. We are offering Calypso Ballads along with the vinyl reissues of Gambian Griot Kora Duets, and Tuareg Music of the Southern Sahara as a Vinyl Bundle with Bonus Folkways Slipmat.

Track Listing

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101
Me One Alone Lord Invader 04:38
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102
As Long as it Born in My House (Lieutenant Joe) Lord Invader 02:51
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103
Beautiful Belgic Lord Invader 02:52
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104
My Experience on the Reeperbahn Lord Invader 03:09
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105
Auf Wiedersehen Lord Invader 02:29
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106
Crisis in Arkansas Lord Invader 03:13
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107
Fidel Castro Lord Invader 04:37
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201
Carnival Lord Invader 04:13
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202
Te We Lord Invader 03:06
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203
Beway Lord Invader 04:35
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204
Cat-O-Nine Tails Lord Invader 03:05
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205
Steel Band War Lord Invader 03:28
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206
Women Trying to Rule Lord Invader 02:49