JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Country songs with calypso beat-Chesney monopoly?

Is it just me, or does it seem that Kenny Chesney pretty much has a monopoly on country songs with a capypso (island) beat? Ever notice that there are no women singing songs like that? Why? I recently wrote a song with that beat and wondering if I am viotating some "unwritten" rule.

Hank Snow had songs with a calipso beat. One song entitled CARIBBEAN is an example.

I think Roger Miller did, too.

Joe

Hi Donna:

Some folks don't consider Jimmy Buffett (sp?) a country singer but to me, all of his songs are exactly that with a Caribbean twist... and I believe Kenny recognized the "wave" Jimmy had started and decided to cash in as well.

No, I don't think anybody has a "lock" on this sub-genre but it has become a little "over-worked" lately. It would take a pretty unique song to "chart" now. (Not intentionally raining on your parade, though... cause anything is possible these days, LOL!)

Dave

http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/DaveRice

I actually heard a new one today at lunch that threw in a little calypso feel, but they did it just one time through the chorus near the end. I think they just did it to break up the monotony of the song. IMO, the chorus repeats just a couple of times too many at the end.

I think it's fairly new, maybe called "Chicken Fried." Not sure, but I believe that's it.

I've wondered the same thing about Chesney, Dave...if that's just the style he wants to write (maybe he lives in the keys?) or if he's angling to take the Parrot Head throne one of these days.

Jeff

When I went to college in 1975, my roommates/friends didn't like me playing JB's Living and Dying in 3/4 Time -- "Too Country!" Every time I hear one of Chesney's beach songs it just sounds like he is just walking in Jimmy's footsteps. However, since he does them pretty well, why not?

Kevin

Hi Jeff and Kevin:

Before I forget, Jeff... welcome to JPF. Hope you'll like it here. Lots of great folks to bounce ideas around with.

I'm pretty sure Kenny does have a home away from home down in the keys or Carribean. I think I saw it on one of his videos on TV about a year or two ago. Maybe it was just an "image" thing.

Kevin, I agree... and he sure does them well too! If I were as good and the idea intrigued me... why not! LOL!

Best,

Dave

Thanks for the warm welcome, Dave!

Donna, written or unwritten, rules were made to be broken, right? The world may be itching for a female calypso-singing Chesney/Buffett.

Jeff

i wrote one too for a female...we've pitched it extensively, had an inside track for a movie opp and parted ways with the plugger who had the in so we're back at square one with it, here's a link if ya wanna listen...write great, be well...moker

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6161904

The Bellamy Brothers had several country hits with songs using Calypso, Reggae and Tropical beats. That was back in the late 70s and the 80s.

Alan

Ah, SideGuy, ya beat me to it! Who could forget "Get Into Reggae Cowboy" by The Bellamys!

Jimmy sorty started out in Nashcity..even had a Co- with Lefty Frizzell..in his early days. Ya should never forget that Country's Pedal Steel Sound orginated with the Hawaiian Guitar "Islands" Sound from the 30-40's era.

Alan Jackson's co- with Jimmy on "5-O'Clock Somewhere" kinda marks Jimmy's "Return" to Nashville...& Jackson's move towards an Island Sound on at least One Hit...& a Big One at that.

Dunno of any "Rules" that Haven't Been Broken these days...even Kid Rock's got a Country Song on the air currently...so...Good Luck to ya, Mz Donna D!

Big Hugs,
Stan

I haven't forgotten it. But I've tried! Actually, I really liked the Bellamy Brothers, but that was probably my least favorite of their repertoire.

Hey all

Here's another 80s country song with an "island sound" check it out sometime

"Joe sure knows how to live" Eddie Raven ..."

Here is one that I wrote that Heather sings.


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=831131&songID=6508697

Tom

Derek,

I have that CD...it's one of my favorites and that particular song is one of the best on the CD. I've been an Eddie Raven fan for a long time. Too bad he never was a bigger star.

Alan

Hey Al

I have it on a time life country compilation cd... It's also one of my favorites... I'm also lost on why he wasn't a bigger star, but I'll always be a fan
Derek

Derek,

Almost every song on that CD is is as good as "Joe Sure Knows How To Live". The main cut on the CD is "I've Got Mexico". Another really good song by Eddie Raven with a slight tropical sound.

Alan

Kenny Chesney lives on the island of St.Thomas. So that's where his tropical themes come from. As for any "rules", I am the consummate rebel and rule breaker. I just find it very interesting that there are no female songs on the radio with that beat....YET

Donna:

Thanks for reminding us about Kenny's Island home. I just knew it was down there somewhere. LOL! (Another senior moment!) You know, it is strange that few (if any) well known female stars have picked up on the island/beach beat. It's a well known fact that women are smarter than men... maybe they know the tide for this sub-genre has receded.

Tom:

Thanks for providing the link to your song.

Well, I know it's supposed to miss us up here in Glen Rose (maybe a glancing blow) but I'm gonna get started putting together my emergency kit for Hurricane Ike's approach. I can already see the "bands" of clouds swirling around counter-clockwise and the rains have begun. Let's see... candles, drinking water, batteries, gasoline in the old jalopy, food that won't spoil in case the power goes out. They say that half of Texas is going to be without power for awhile. In some areas... maybe weeks. At least I'll be able to write a song or two.

See Ya!

Dave

http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/DaveRice