Various Artists

Caribbean Audio Odyssey is a reflection of Stag-O-Lee’s love for early Jamaican music. When one traces back the roots of SKA to the early sound systems and Mento it needs not genius to discover Calypso! Here’s 10 little jewels from the 50s - recorded in Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago and Bermuda. If you don’t enjoy ‘em, consult a doctor!

“CALYPSO, the infectious rhythms and melodies of the Caribbean area originated in Trinidad. It is really the musical expression of the Afro-West-Indian population. There are various explanations for the origin of the word “Calypso”, but it is most likely that it stems from the African word “Kaiso”, which means BRAVO. The lyrics (in a dialectic English) and the melody are usually made up at the spur of the moment. The words very often have a double meaning. The topic is sex, but frequently deals with current events of social and political happenings. The rhythms are enticing and therefore popular for dancing.” (Linernotes)
Calypso in the Caribbean includes a range of genres, including: the Benna genre of Antiguan and Barbudan music; Mento, a style of Jamaican folk music that greatly influenced ska and reggae; Ska, the precursor to rocksteady and reggae; Spouge, a style of Barbadian popular music; Cadence-lypso, which mixed calypso with the cadence rampa of Haiti and Dominican traditional music; and soca music, a style of Kaiso/calypso, with influences from Cadencelypso, Soul, Funk and Indian musical instruments.

Side A.
Marie Bryant - Don’t Touch Me Tomato
Lord Kitchener - Muriel And The Bug
Orchestral Overtures - Me Ting Is Mine
Duke Of Iron - Big Bamboo
Count Owen & His Calypsonians - Hoola Hoop Calypso

Side B.
Blind Blake - Gin And Coconut Water
The Charmer - Is She Is, Or Is She Ain’t
The Talbot Brothers - You Can’t Tell The Old From The Young
Wilmoth Houdini - Bobby Sox Idol (Frank Sinatra)
Small Island Pride - Whey You Want To Touch It For