Words by Eddie STATS Houghton
The masters of records over at Strut have been on our favorite-label list for a minute. Though they are most notorious for their compilations of essential Afrofunk and Brazilian jams on the Nigeria 70 and Black Rio series, respectively, they have also delved into Caribbean waters with calypso, salsa and funky nassau reissues. Tropical Discotheque, their latest project, has brought them firmly back into our jurisdiction, though it would be more accurate to say that it represents the best of all worlds since it is basically an excuse for the UK-based Sofrito DJ collective to dig into their collection for everything from highlife and Congolese rumba to cumbia and calypso. The best part is, you don’t have to take our word for it because if you’re in NYC you can go check Tropical Discotheque in the flesh at Public Assembly this Saturday (flyer after the jump) for the full Sofrito experience.
Actually that’s not the best part. The best part is that to promote the event Strut has given us both FREE TICKETS to giveaway AND exclusive rights to post the super-duty tough Cari-disco classic “Dat Soca Boat,” from ultimate calypsonian The Mighty Shadow, just to give you a taste of what’s in store.
Stream the Shadow track below or download here.
[audio:http://largeup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Dat-Soca-Boat.mp3|titles=Dat Soca Boat]And a pair of tix to Saturday’s jam goes to the first person who can name the OTHER Caribbean disco throwback from the Tropical Discotheque compilation has been posted here on LargeUp. Put your answer in the comments section or email to eddiestats@largeup.com — ANSWER MUST BE RECEIVED BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS TOMORROW FRIDAY 3/4 TO QUALIFY. Get loose now.
