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Pax Terra Unwarranted

Tag: PT

  • Record Review: Beat of the Bahamas

    Pax Terra

    Disclaimer

    These are my personal opinions and experiences of the records. I encourage anyone reading this to listen on their own time to experience the record themselves. Also, don’t be shy about sending me your own take. I’d be glad to hear what you think! There will be a section at the bottom for you to reach out to me or leave a comment.

    Pre-Listen Overview

    Reading record cover I see that this album was created to attract tourism to the Bahamas. After doing some research I learned that Bahamas Airways was an actual transport service bought out by bigger airlines. Maybe this was used to give tourists a feel of how there experience at the Bahamas would be. The sound of the album is described as Calypso go-go. Being from Baltimore City, I am familiar with go-go culture here is the U.S., but this seems like it’s going to be different. I’m excited.

    Side One

    The beginning of side one is high energy. The percussion is place very well behind the vocals. The horn and guitar solos give track 1 a change of tone as the song plays. This is definitely dance music. Track 2 is less intense, but it still has a dance rhythm; and the lead vocalist definitely sets the tone. You can sense his connection to the music. So far, side one gives a vibe of freedom and dance. Track 3 changes the tone to a more slow paced, like a serenade. This is something I would’ve loved to see live. A fruity drink, beautiful women, and great weather. These tracks are short and high energy; which definitely gives great structure for a live set. Track 4 is a women’s response to track 3. The lyrics give a story of fun, maybe unwarranted, but a damn good time none the less. The pace and rhythm of the band gives the lyrics so much life. Track 5 gives more attention to the band overall, allowing the background vocalists to have a more prominent presence. The instruments also get bump with pop-up solos between verses. The last track of side one is slow paced; giving the lead vocalists a chance to show her beautiful voice. So far, the album is high energy and sexy. This album was definitely geared toward tourists because I want to go to the Bahamas. Side one was a party on vinyl. I enjoyed that.

    Side Two

    Side two starts high energy as well. The tone of the album changes in track 1 of side two. The vocalist is telling stories of oppression from an impatient landlord. Expressing harassment of the landlady for late rent payment. Honestly, it’s funny how you can sense a story of cat and mouse. The horn solos are prominent and on time adding to the party vibes. Track 2 is calmer, the lyrics of this album give a picture of the common life of the Bahamians. Carrying baskets on their head, dancing, and being outside. I can relate growing up in Baltimore City where I spent a lot my formative years outside. Track 3 is no different; high energy and giving the life of the Bahamian people at the time. The energy is definitely low on this track, but the party is there. Lyrics of men and women relationships gives an inside perspective to the listener of everyday interactions of the Bahamians. Track 4 presents a different vocalists, which is a theme for this album. I can sense the connection this band had with each other. I can say that this band sparks my interest very much. The recon of different members, each getting their chance to shine is awesome. I would’ve love to see them live if it were possible. Maybe there is a band in the Bahamas that still plays with this high energy, fun style. Who knows? Track 5 is also high energy and fast-paced. The last track of the album was high energy and I didn’t want the music to stop. Side two wasn’t as much of a party as side one, but the energy was there the whole album. Even with the difference in tone, I enjoyed side two just as much. Great album and a recommended buy for my crate diggers out there.

    Summary

    This album was amazing and is now one of my personal favorites. I am going to add this to my set of records to play for crowds of people. This was definitely some type of advertising for Bahamas Airways, but it was authentic. Giving the real life perspective of the citizens and the struggles of the community. I come from people who like to party, so I can relate to the energy and playful lyrics. This was more than music; it was an experience. This is one I’d go back in time to witness live. Aside from my dopamine trip, the songs were short and felt like they slipped away just as I got comfortable. Which makes sense for marketing purposes. The format of the album was live. I see this being played on a beach setting. The vibe was impeccable. I’m going to the Bahamas.

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  • Record Review: Jimmie Lunceford in Hi-Fi

    Pax Terra

    The cover of the vinyl. The cover had a brief, interesting summary of Jimmie Lunceford’s band development and touring experiences. This is a one vinyl record.

    This is my first Record Review, so I would like to set a disclaimer. These are my personal opinions and experiences of the records. I encourage anyone reading this to listen on their own time to experience the record themselves. Also, don’t be shy about sending me your own take. I’d be glad to hear what you think! There will be a section at the bottom for you to reach out to me.

    Side One:

    At the beginning of the record, I hear a lot of upbeat rhythm and lyrics. I can hear the influence of romantic relationships through the lyrics and overall tone of the instrumentation. The lyrics are definitely about a “lover boy” and his mysterious lovers. I can hear their curiosity and interest bleed through the instrumentation as well as the lyrics. In track 4, “Uptown Blues”, there is an immediate downshift in tone. You can hear why this track was titled “Uptown Blues”. The prominent horn says it all followed by the slow tempo of the other instruments and low vocals. In my opinion, this was a great representation of blues because of the slow tempo and lack of lyrics. This shift of emotions brings a richness to the album especially with track 3, “Charmaine”, being so bright and romantic. Side One ends with a slower tempo track, “Well All Right Then”. This gives the energy of transition to the next side. Side One was bright and romantic. Let’s flip it!

    Side Two:

    The opening of Side Two feels like a club setting with drinks and beautiful women. I can only imagine. I can hear a subtle shift in culture due to the rhythmic horns like the 1920s. The slowed tempo makes it distinct and bluesy. The dispersed vocals and the guitar that follows the melancholy of the lyrics adds to the vibe. The lyrics are harsh and expose the feelings of a man with a promiscuous women. The energy isn’t entirely saddened because of the fast tempos and the upbeat horn solos. The last track of Side 2, “Rhythm is Our Business”, shows the level of pride and commitment these musicians had. Hearing band members be names on the record shows how creative Lunceford was at promoting the band members. As a owner of a production company, I get how creative you have to be in marketing.

    Summary:

    This album was high-energy and somewhat romantic. I sensed the shift in the tone of music transitioning out of the “speakeasy 1920s”. In my opinion, this was a roller coaster of curiosities and emotions of a man for multiple women. I like the energy of the album especially the placements of the shifts. There were some indications that this music was written with multiple genres of music in mind. The blues, RnB, and orchestral arrangements. Overall, I consider this unique and maybe a game changer for its time. I definitely would like to hear more music from this era to get a better glimpse of the album in its prime. Was this worth buying in the mid 1930s -1950s?