It’s a cold December day here in Portland, Oregon. There is even a little snow on the ground, which isn’t unheard of, but fairly uncommon. Christmas is only weeks away and as many prepare for the holidays I’m sure Christmas music plays in the background.

In contrast, I’m not quite ready for the cold and I haven’t yet begun the transition into winter. I will shortly, I love the holidays, but today I dream of warm weather and tropical drinks. I can’t help but hear the Caribbean’s siren song. It reminds me of an infectious calypso album that’s a perfect accompaniment for my daydreaming.

Back in May I heard a review of Kobo Town’s second album, Jumbie in the Jukebox on NPR.  It was one of those albums you hear and immediately love. A unexpected gem. I encourage you to listen to the song previews on iTunes. I’ll be surprised if you don’t want to buy it for yourself.

What the Critics Think

Kobo Town brings Neil Young’s angst and Jerry Dammers’s instincts to traditional calypso themes. His upcoming Cumbancha release is a pithy combination of social commentary, dubwise soca, and calypsonian wit. –The Village Voice

He’s a powerful singer and an impressive multi-instrumentalist, playing guitars, bass and percussion, and he’s helped by producer Ivan Duran, best known for his work with Garifuna singer Andy Palacio. There are echoes of soca, dancehall, ska and reggae here, along with sturdy brass work, and the lyrics are suitably intriguing. He praises calypso as a news medium, covers topics ranging from the death penalty to tourists who take photos of Caribbean poverty, and ends with an apocalyptic calypso with echoes of TS Eliot. Impressively original. –The Guardian (UK)

The music of the Toronto band can drift between classic Caribbean pop styles and even verge on hip-hop, but the singer’s perspective remains sharply focused, wry and witty. Jumbie in the Jukebox is a seductive invitation to musical time travel and one that’s hard to resist. –NPR’s All Things Considered