The Sandpebbles – Sweet Barbados

The Sandpebbles Of Barbados – Sweet Barbados

Released in 1972, Sweet Barbados captures the lively, eclectic sound of “The Sandpebbles Of Barbados”, a Barbadian group whose repertoire stretched well beyond traditional calypso. The album was issued in Canada on Emerald Records as EMS-1007, and contemporary coverage of the group's Toronto appearances described their music as a mixture of traditional calypso, Afro-Cuban rhythms and even acid-rock influences.

The Sandpebbles' approach is particularly evident in the varied selection here. “Zombie Jamboree” is a classic Caribbean calypso associated with Lord Intruder, while “Toronto Mas” brings the atmosphere of Caribbean carnival to the album. Elsewhere, the group tackle international pop material including “(Where Do I Begin) Love Story”, the theme from the 1970 film Love Story, alongside the rock-and-roll flavoured “Keep Playing That Rock And Roll”.

The album also reflects the strong musical exchange between Barbados and the wider Caribbean and North American diaspora during the early 1970s. The Sandpebbles were active on the international Caribbean entertainment circuit, and the contemporary Canadian report noted their successful Toronto engagement alongside other Caribbean acts including Byron Lee and The Merrymen. Their ability to move between traditional calypso, Latin-influenced rhythms, pop standards and contemporary material gives Sweet Barbados considerably more variety than a straightforward calypso collection.

With its combination of Barbadian calypso, Caribbean rhythms, Latin touches and unexpected pop and rock covers, Sweet Barbados is an appealing vintage Caribbean LP for collectors of West Indian music, calypso and obscure 1970s regional releases. The recordings belong to the early-1970s period, with the album documented as a 1972 Emerald Records release.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Zombie Jamboree – 3:04
2. Hey Girl – 3:29
3. Samba Pati – 3:50
4. Stick By Me – 3:12
5. Toronto Mas – 3:52
6. Keep Playing That Rock And Roll – 3:38

Side B

1. The Rope – 3:26
2. (Where Do I Begin) Love Story – 4:58
3. Little Bit Of Everything – 3:31
4. Barnabas Collins – 3:03
5. Sweet Barbados – 3:00