Sweet Talk is a 15-track collection from
Mighty Sparrow's 35-volume
Millennium Series (number 11). One of the true kings of calypso,
Sparrow puts his smooth baritone to a host of soul and R&B tunes done here in classic island style. In order to be so prolific,
Sparrow has had to make a few production concessions. In true D.I.Y. fashion, the mighty one croons over a host of drum machines and cheap synthesizers which emulate horn sections and basslines. And indeed, had anyone else made this record, these concessions to quality in the recording studio would be nearly unforgivable. In
Sparrow's case, however, it's part of the charm. Some of the tracks here are older cuts from the late '70s and '80s; while others are redone versions of earlier tracks; and still others are new. One f the true standout performances on
Sweet Talk is a serious, reggae-soul version of "Sock It To Me Baby;" in a cross-crossing medley with "Sweet Loving;" a
Sparrow staple. Here the soul of the nugget meets the deep, smoky groove of the original with a chunka-chunka guitar ramble reminiscent of
Earl "Chinna" Smith; a horn section's worth of Stax/Volt; and a rhythm that moves from cut time to four/four on the backbeat. This isn't the only track here that's worthwhile, but it is clearly the standout. "Love Me All Night;" "Darling Don't You Know;" and "Lu Lu," are other noteworthy tracks in this very satisfying testament to
Sparrow's contribution to Caribbean popular culture. ~ Thom Jurek