Several CDs from St. Croix have been released in the past couple of months. All of the music was recorded for the Christmas festival but for one reason or another most of the albums were not released until January or February.
Xpress Band’s new album is called The Next Level. As usual, it is well crafted featuring upbeat tunes like Back It Up and a variety of Calypso and Reggae rhythms. Xpress also released a limited edition Electric Slide CD single – a must for parties .
Prince Galloway’s Millennium Kaiso is more lyrics based with songs like Santo Domingo Sammy and Dih Plain Truth. Mighty Pats new album Are You Ready to Dance features social commentary songs like Donkey Crazy and Child Molesters. Liquid Sound Brass’’s Culture Mix 2000 features a wide variety of styles and rhythms. Image Band's We Are One features Tribute to Milo. Backyard Production’s St. Croix Festival ‘99/2000 showcases various artists like Pat Raggy, Mean Dean, and Lady Mac.
The Ten Sleepless Knights new album is Melee-nium Madness!! featuring Image Band’s Rude Brass. This something different – Quelbe Music with brass and it sounds great. The songs are Y2K Party, Tin of Mavis, and In My Days and a twenty minute millenium medley featuring songs like Dem Gel, German Diesel Plough and Stand Back Gel.
The most anticipated albums were the last to come out; VIO International (Violators) and China Dan. These albums feature the high energy drum and chant music the youth prefer. Whether you like this sound or not, the guys are getting more technically advanced every year. China Dan’s album is called Kill da Talk and features Wuk It Up, Jump, Ho Down plus last year’’s collaboration with Vio, Calabo. With Rhythmorphisis, VIO demonstrates why they are considered one of the two top bands in the Virgin Islands. The album is pure rhythm and makes no excuses for being a kick butt party album.
Many of these albums will be in limited supply so it is best to pick them up now while they are available.
For a full range of Caribbean music, check out www.parrotfishmusic.com.
Mr. Fish