For the sixth Numero release, the group plunges the archives of music from the small Central American nation of Belize, a country which tends to associate itself more with the Carribbean countries than the surrounding Mexico and Guatemala and nearby Honduras. Its disco, R&B, and funk captured here more resembles reggae and soul influenced tourist-friendly party music.
When the songs aren't instrumental, like the opening "Disco Connection" by Lord Rhaburn (which is obviously a disco tune done by a fully rounded group) or the downtempo dubby version of the Godfather theme by The Professional, they're sung in English. The lyrics are simple, whether it's the croon of American expatriates in "The Same Old Me," ("I'm your man and you're my woman" - yeah, it's simple and sounds strikingly familar/derivative, but it's done with so much conviction, I can't help but fall in love) one of three compilation appearances by The Web, or the simple refrains from "Shame Shame Shame" and "Can't Go Halfway" by the Harmonettes.
Once again Numero must be commended for their quality choices. There isn't a weak song on here. Jeff Lipton once again has a hand in restoration of the sound and the fidelity is remarkably fantastic. The accompanying booklet of stories briefly touches on what is known about some of these groups: the membership, the pockets of fans in North America, their waning success with the death of vinyl, and, of course, the proverbial problems with distribution. It briefly talks about the importance of 1961's Hurricane Hattie, a storm which levelled the city and forced people to leave and, in turn, bringing music back after traveling abroad. Also included are a number of scans of the records' picture covers, images of musicians when available, but I'm once again a little let down by the lack of time reference for the music.
With only 16 songs, the collection doesn't even hit the 60 minute mark. It's a sign of how little there actually is to be found from this lost scene.
samples:
- Jesus Acosta and the Professional - Guajida
- Nadia Cattouse - Long Time Boy
- The Web - The Same Old Me
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