Rum when I call you, come! More rum for me, this is the refrain of many Chutney songs of the past - and of course the scorn of a woman. I guess when it comes to Tabanca, the benefit goes to Rum! However, before I get into the song I was confused about the posting on Imix. It was posted in the Chutney genre which left me a little confused. Then I saw that it was done by Maha Studios, the lyrics celebrated rum so to conclude it is Chutney - Wrong!
This is not a chutney song. This song carries the signature Soca drum pattern. This is a soca beat with ole school chutney Soca lyrics. Backie knows his craft and if you listen well (damn you don't have to listen too hard) how can one call this Chutney?
Lyrics:
I am not in favor of any song that celebrates or glorifies rum but damn, Tabanca can cause a man to do very strange things. Hey it is another celebration of the rum God... but once again we have an excuse to take another one. I understand the writer's journey but there is nothing to celebrate regarding these lyrics unless, of course, you love rum.
Vocal Performance:
Blackie, as I mentioned before, knows his craft and does a good job with some hastily put together lyrics for a musical track. I can't believe that the lyrics came first (no this is not a case of the chicken and the egg and which came first).
Music/Production:
The music and the general production for this one is good - the instrumentation is on point and 'musically vivid'. I can't fault Maha Studios for the music done on this track... just the lyrics have left me in conflict with the general sense that a certain sector of Trinidad's society can only produce music laced with lyrics about rum.
Replay Worthiness/lasting appeal:
I doubt that this song will get much airplay; in terms of replay value this one will be a bust. I don't see any radio station playing this one regularly.
Production Notes:
Title: Benefit
Singer: Irvin "Blackie" Blackman
Singer: Irvin "Blackie" Blackman
Produced By: Maha Studios
Mixed & Mastered By:
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). Lend me your ears... Enjoy!
Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).