As I write this, large parts of the world are enjoying the start of Spring.
Birds chirping, flowers blooming, sun shining! Here in Boston however, we are
still deep in the throes of winter, having just emerged from yet another massive
snowstorm. I’ve been listening to a lot of new music lately, so I thought it
would be good idea to share some of these tunes; to either complement your joyful
springtime vibes or to help you combat the lingering winter blues.
First up:
Leave Me Alone - Calypso Rose ft. Manu Chao (Kubiyashi Remix ft. Machel
Montano)
This energetic new installation from the queen of Calypso herself,
the indomitable Calypso Rose, has
taken the Carnival 2017 season by storm. The living legend joined forces with “King
of Soca”, Machel Montano and
Franco-Spanish musician Mano
Chao to produce an exhilarating song, full of the vibrant pulsating rhythms
for which the genre is known.
The institution of Carnival has come under scrutiny in recent
months, given the sexual harassment of women during parades and the wider
discussion regarding violence against women in the Caribbean. “Leave Me
Alone” has come at the right time, emerging as an anthem for women who just
want to have a great time and celebrate the effervescence of Caribbean culture
in peace.
“Leave Me Alone” has old school calypso
vibes, new school swagger and an international dimension that makes it both familiar
to soca junkies and a perfect introduction for Caribbean Carnival newbies. Manu
Chao’s gentle guitar and subtle Spanish inflections complement the exuberance
of Rose and Montano; culminating in a song that is at once comforting, fun and
ultimately thrilling – the true spirit of Carnival!
