The good folks at the Trans-Air label (the dudes that brought you the excellent West Indies Funk volumes and the fantastic Disc-O-Lypso LP) switch their focus on to the more soulful side of the Caribbean with their very first West Indies Soul comp. Not to say their previous releases weren't soulful (nor that this one isn't funky), but for the most part this release is just dripping in sweet sun-touched soul with a bit of tropical fusion. You can easily hear the 60's soul influence on most of the cuts here, and even some old school rocksteady vibes hidden within a few tracks as well. Features rarities from like tracks from The Guiness Casanovas, Soul Vendors, Lloyd Williams, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, Mark Holder, Troubadours, Judy Mowatt, and more. 16 tracks total.

• music label: Trans Air

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 02/2012