Calypsos From Trinidad: Politics, Intrigue & Violence in the 1930s – Various Artists / Arhoolie CD-7004

Description

Arhoolie CD 7004

In June of 1937 certain events took place in Trinidad which were to affect that Caribbean island colony’s movement towards independence. This collection of topical commentaries offers an opportunity to not only reflect upon the common struggle Trinidad shared with the rest of the industrialized western world as it tried to extricate itself from the effects of the Great Depression, but also on a series of dramatic events such as the 1937 oil field strike which eventually contributed to the black majority’s gaining access to the institutions of government and financial power. For details see enclosed 24 page booklet.

Re-issue of historic 78 rpm records edited and annotated by Dick Spottswood.

1. Iere Now And Long Ago – Atilla the Hun & Lord Beginner
2. Money Is King – The Tiger
3. The Gold In Africa – The Tiger
4. Bargee Pelauri – The Lion
5. Send Your Children To The Orphan Home – The Lion
6. Paramaribo – The Caresser
7. Ah, Gertie – The Caresser
8. Treasury Scandal – Atilla the Hun
9. I Don’t Know How The Young Men Living – The Executor
10. Shop Closing Ordinance – The Executor
11. Too Botheration – The Growler
12. The Rats – The Tiger
13. Down The Road – The Tiger
14. Try A Screw To Get Through – The Tiger
15. The Strike – Atilla the Hun
16. Miss Marie’s Advice – The Tiger
17. Where Was Butler? – Atilla the Hun
18. The Governor’s Resignation – Atilla the Hun
19. We Mourn The Loss Of Sir Murchison Fletcher – Lord Executor
20. Mr. Nankivell’s Speech – Atilla the Hun
21. Commission’s Report – Atilla the Hun
22. Sedition Law – King Radio
23. The Five Year Plan – Atilla the Hun

REVIEW

“Calypsos contains classic protest songs from the pre-independence era in Trinidad; The Calypso singers include The Lion, The Tiger and Atilla the Hun – all popular singers in their time. After a while the melodies begin to sound similar due to the common practice of fitting words to an existing tune, only altering it slightly from the original. Permeated by a catchy rhythm and punctuated by brass strings and piano the calypso songs depend on the lyrics for their uniqueness. Calypso composers prided themselves on their ability to play with the subtleties of the language while telling a story or promoting a certain point of view. The collection was edited and annotated by Dick Spottswood and the booklet includes historical notes and translations of the often thickly accented English lyrics.”

(Elaine Bradtke — Sing Out!)