Caribbean Limbo Music

Melody's last album for Cook Records. Cook info lists the recording date as 1962, but the release date as 1963, which means it may have been delayed. Probably a contractual obligation - it's a compilation of previously released instrumentals recorded by several Cook artists, but with Melody and another artist named Sam providing commentary. The album appears to have been compiled with the intent of producing a limbo dancing album, but it is much closer to easy listening. It's easy to assume this was done to suit the tourist market who would expect calypso to be more laid back. Interestingly, this style of commentary is similar to the 'toasting' style that would be popular in Jamaican reggae. Available in both Stereo and Mono. The Stereo version makes particularly inventive use of the stereo field, and is nothing like the 'vocals on left, instruments on right' standard of the time.