Hometown Christmas Album Vol. 2 is a pleasant
surprise among the usual seasonal releases. It is mostly up
beat, conveying the typical joyfulness of the West Indian
Christmas season. The Trini parang rhythm, however, is the base
for many of the tracks. But much about West Indian culture is in
the lyrics. They speak to the easy assimilation many have made
in the colder climate track one; reveal the calypso influence
of double entendre on tracks two and eight; and depict community
spirit on tracks three, six and seven. Track five is hilarious
with its satire on the parang talk that is characteristic of the
season.
But some of the traditions are changing through uncouth
behavior as described in Jus So track ten. This
coarseness is aptly demonstrated by the tasteless track nine.
Skipping over that one vulgarity, the four instrumental versions
of earlier tracks encourage a replay of the vocals. De Parang
Band is special and despite its title, it will bring warmth
for Vincies who will miss Nine Mornings ensembles on the road.
Guyanese, too, will warm up thinking about the flute and kettle
drum masquerade bands when the listen to both versions Dem
Fellas Eat. Everyone, though, will relax to the cheerfulness
of the music on this Christmas compilation.
[eCaroh /Ron - November 2006] |