Play: Capt'n Calypso's Hoodoo Party

AMG Review of Play: Capt'n Calypso's Hoodoo Party

Ned Raggett
All Music Guide

Assembling a coterie of friends and players as the Blackhands -- notably including a trumpeter, one Dave -- Childish turned in a loose and lively romp through originals and covers both, yet one more collection of rough and tumble wiggery from the man. Recorded at a single date -- and perhaps in fact recorded at a party, but who can say? -- Hoodoo is the sound of folks playing for their own enjoyment and having a fun time while they're at it. It's not quite rock, not exactly calypso, definitely not lounge, and not really big band jazz, but somehow the Blackhands make it all sound like a fusion of same, like a record dropped somewhere out of the thirties or the late forties into the present. Childish sends his vocals through some light effects, or maybe it's just the mike, giving it a mid-century scratchiness. His banjo takes the basic lead, but Dave's trumpet provides the flair, and even if it's not always note-perfect, that's hardly the point. Vocals from Ludella and Kyra provide nice contrast, sometimes taking lead and sometimes pairing up with Childish in duets, while Seamus on accordion adds more fills and fun to it all. Everything kicks off with the old standard "Rum and Coca-Cola," delivered with an infectious glee -- the punchy drums from Richard add to the entertainment. Other oldies include the calypso number "Underneath the Mango Tree," as featured in Dr. No, "I Love Paris (in the Springtime)" and the Champs' legendary instrumental "Tequila." The one song sure to do in any punk-rock purists lurking about is "Anarchy in the UK" -- yep, the Sex Pistols anthem, given a hilarious and energetic run-through. Hearing Childish play the opening riff on banjo is reason enough to give an ear.