The Mighty Sparrow

"Caribbean Party," the title of a song by David Rudder, sums up the spirit of this carnival-esque compendium. Artists range from current soca-pop star Rudder to the great Calypsonians Lord Pretender and the Mighty Sparrow. Various elements of the carnival festivities are represented here, including the morning Jouvert celebration (in a track by Hunter and Laventille Rhythm Section) and calypso competitions, but the collection transcends the yearly bacchanal to include tracks for jumping at the dance hall, like Sharleen Boodram's "Joe Le Taxi" and Shadow's "Bassman."