Hometown Christmas Album Vol.2

Review

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]