Hellish Calypso / Various Hellish Calypso / Various CD

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.

1. They Ballin' Me Name 2. Indo Law Na Say No 3. He No Dead Yet 4. Chinese Wife 5. Life in Hawaii 6. Kiss of Fire 7. Donkey Must Wear Pants 8. Limbo Teacher 9. Bongo Man 10. Gloria 11. Can-Can Girls 12. Dog Better Than Man