For fans of The Coconuts who haven’t yet dug into their origin story, this is an excellent place to start. Kid Creole was the brainchild of August Darnell, a Bronx-born composer and an absolute genius with big band sounds, Latin jazz textures, and cuttingly clever lyrics; The Coconuts were the band’s trio of backing singers. It was difficult to choose between Tropical Gangsters and their excellent 1981 release, Fresh Fruit in Foreign Places, but this record includes some of my favorite singles from the group, including the stupidly good “Annie I’m Not Your Daddy,” previewed below. Elsewhere, find stomping, four-on-the-floor disco (“I’m A Wonderful Thing, Baby”), samba-funk breezer “I’m Corrupt,” and closer “No Fish Today,” a smirking account of class struggle cleverly packaged as a breezy tropical funk sailboat soundtrack. Steel drums, lush string arrangements, irresistible percussion, and an omnipresent sense of humor, this is ideal May listening.
Loved stumbling into The Avalanches sample on Stool Pigeon. The whole album was a great listen. Thank you for sharing.
I’m on school hols (I’m a school librarian) stuck indoors with a rancid summer cold so I stuck this album on my record player and to cheer me up about two hours ago and I’ve just put side 2 on for another spin! I’d forgotten how brilliant this album is! My sister had a huge poster of the album cover in our room when I was little and I remember her playing the singles a lot.
So great to hear your complimentary words and thoughts on (I agree) a very creative collective. This album is often overlooked as a ‘novelty’ or a concept but it just is what is is: a funky fusion of exotic sound and fierce attitude.