It's not very often that I come into a calypso album. Even rarer is a calypso album from Germany. That is exactly what I got when I received the new album from Lord Mouse and the Kalypso Katz. Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I know the history of calypso. What I will tell you is that you don't need to know anything about calypso to enjoy this album.
The album begins with "Monkey Bop," a song with a catchy melody and a rhythm that will get you swaying from side to side. I haven't played this for my kids yet, but I can see it being a real hit with them for a couple reasons. First, it has the word monkey in the title, and kids always seem to respond to things about monkeys. The other thing that would make this a hit with kids is the deep voice toward the end of the song.
Another thing I will say is that while calypso brings to mind guys in white outfits playing steel drums outside a resort, this brand of calypso inspires images of dark ballrooms and lounges where guys where something like zoot suits and the women wear long frilly skirts (the better for twirling around the dance floor).
If you're looking for a fun song, check out "Limbo Song." If you're having a party and there is going to be a limbo contest, this will be a nice change from the usual "Limbo Rock." Maybe you're not as young and limber as you used to be, but this song will get you in the mood to see just how low you can go.
As I said, you don't really have to know anything about calypso to enjoy this album. It is a swinging and fun album that will get you moving if only in the seat of your car. Go Calypsonian (Piranha Records) will be available on 1 July.