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OLDIES SUNDAY (Christmas): Orchestre Tropicana D’Haiti – 24 Decembre (1988)


It’s that time of year again! Despite Covid 19 taking over everything including the holidays, some of us are still showing a lil Christmas spirit. We’ve always made space for some Christmas songs on the blog, and this year’s no different. On Oldies Sunday Christmas Edition, we head on over to Haiti to kick things off with the Orchestre Tropicana D’Haiti with the track, “24 Decembre“!

Released in 1988 through Louis Records, Orchestre Tropicana D’Haiti brought together beautiful instrumentation and vocals that celebrated the Christmas season and promoted unity and family throughout. “24 Decembre” or “December 24” is recognized as Christmas Eve, and Caribbean folks celebrate it through parties and a “Grand Market” where shoppers get their last minute gifts, or take in various events throughout. Though performed in Haitian Creole style of Compas, the music can still be felt by anyone who is around who hears it. “24 Decembre” is featured on the band’s 1988 album, “25ème Printemps (25th Spring)“. With over 40 years in, Orchestre Tropicana D’Haiti is still performing and entertaining many with their selections.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Baba Brooks And His Band – Guns Fever (1965)


One of the key elements to a good song is its production. While lyrics can do so much, the rhythm channels them to those who can hear. Today on Oldies Sunday, we want you to move to the rhythm. Going back in time, we check out legendary Trumpet Player Baba Brooks and his Band’sGuns Fever“.

Arranged by Baba Brooks and released through Treasure Isle and Island Records in 1965, this Ska number was purely instrumental sprinkled with bits of scatting and gunshot sound effects. Baba signature Trumpet could be heard throughout the high tempo track that you can’t help but dance to. No words, just vibes. “Guns Fever” went on to become one of Baba’s well known releases, and Baba and his Band went on to work with the likes of The Skatalites, Derrick Morgan, Stranger Cole, Alton Ellis, and many more. The 60s was filled with beautiful instrumentals, and Baba Brooks had a hand in plenty of them.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Lady Patra – Queen Of The Pack (1993)


There are many Queens, but there is only one Queen Patra! Today she celebrates Lady Patra’s birthday, and we honour her on Oldies Sunday by highlighting her classic “Queen Of The Pack” single!

Produced by Clifton “Specialist” Dillon and Tony “CD” Kelly and released through Epic Records in 1993, “Queen Of The Pack” was Patra’s way of promoting female empowerment as she showed that she can stand on her own, is strong, smart, and beautiful, and she runs things! Patra had no problems standing out in a male dominated Dancehall scene, and it paid off for her. “Queen Of The Pack” was one of Patra’s most memorable singles, and was featured on her 1993 debut album of the same name. It was later remixed by Producer Salaam Remi, and covered by Dancehall Artist Destiny Sparta in 2016.

Since “Queen Of The Pack”, Patra went on to release more singles, took some time off from music to complete her degree in History & Political Science, returned with more music, and flexed her entrepreneurial muscle with her Chateau 7 restaurant in Kingston. You can shuffle the deck all you want, but the “Queen Of The Pack” will always be on top! Big up Patra, and Happy Birthday!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: The Chosen Few – In The Rain (1972)


While the Caribbean and parts of the world are experiencing rainy days, today’s Oldies Sunday focuses on a different type of rain. Today’s selection comes from the Reggae Band The Chosen Few with the track, “In The Rain“!

Produced by the late King Sporty and released through Micron Music Limited in 1972, this is a cover of The Dramatics’ 1971 hit, and one of a few Reggae versions done. With many references to actual rain, The Chosen Few are speaking about heartbreak and needing to go out in the rain so no one can see them crying. A song for those who have been experiencing breakups and hurt, The Chosen Few delivered something that comforts the listener. King Sporty’s production on this blends Reggae, Funk, and Soul for something really special. The track was featured on The Chosen Few’s 1976 “Night & Day” a.k.a. “The Chosen Few In Miami” album. We featured it last year in our Youtube video titled, “Rainy Day“, feel free to check it out below.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Half Pint – Victory (1987)


Today’s Oldies Sunday is dedicated to all who celebrating wins whether big or small, and for those working towards their goals. The fight to greatness continues. Today’s selection comes from the great Half Pint with the track, “Victory“!

Produced by Mass Hugh for his self titled label and released in 1987, Half Pint sings for those who are in the struggle trying to make success a possibility. He points out to those living in poverty in places like South Africa, Jamaica, America, England, and Canada. With the help of Jah, Half Pint wishes a sweet victory for everyone, and make the world a better place. The single was featured on Half Pint’s Victory” album that was released in the same year through RAS Records. “Victory” was a hit for Half Pint, and is one of his more memorable tracks.

THANK YOU HALF PINT FOR THIS CLASSIC!

If you’re celebrating a win today, we’re happy for you! Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Hopeton Lindo – Slaughter (1991)


When you hear the whistle, you know you’re gonna hear a big tune! Today’s Oldies Sunday selection comes from Recording Artist Hopeton Lindo. Stepping in like a General, we check out “Slaughter“! Produced by Mikey Bennett, the single was released through Two Friends Records in 1991. On the track, Hopeton kicks it off with his famous whistling before delivering some bad bwoy lyrics to those who think they’ll get the upper hand when they confront him. A song that’s fitting for any Sound Clash, Hopeton Lindo was ready to send all opponents to the cemetary when they step into his area for battle. “Slaughter” was a popular track for Hopeton, and was featured on his critically acclaimed debut album, “The Word” in 1992.

Since “Slaughter”, Hopeton Lindo went on to make more music, and did some production as well. He was responsible for penning the classic JC LodgeTelephone Love“, and Deborahe Glasgow’sChampion Lover” with Co-Writer Home-T. Once again, when you hear the whistle, you’re gonna hear a big tune! Kuff him!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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