Jamaica is the Place to Go

This two-CD set follows 2013's Mento, Not Calypso! by further exploring the 1950s mento scene. Often overshadowed by Trinidad's golden era of calypso, acoustic mento – featuring banjo, sax or clarinet and deep percussion – is one of the prime precursors of ska, rocksteady and reggae. It soon becomes apparent however, that most of the best mento was included on Mento, Not Calypso!, leaving slim pickings for this release.

One obvious problem is that many of the 48 tracks too closely resemble Trinidad and Tobago calypsos, and lack much of the panache, lush arrangements and lyrical wit of the latter. There are also too many poor quality inclusions and some jazz tunes which are out of place. However, it is a joy to hear the Laurel Aitken cuts, with their tight arrangements and upbeat, pre-ska energy. Another notable artist is Lord Foodoos: his ‘Lousy Mother in Law’ has a strong, convincing vocal, while his most famed cover, ‘Back to Back, Belly to Belly’, has a jangly, stitched-together charm. The standout track perhaps is ‘Love, Love Alone’ by Unidentified, which sounds like some old guys in a Jamaican bar doing what they do best: singing and strumming for their daily bread in a haunting and delightful way.