Outcast by The Mighty Sparrow

Recorded in 1963, one of Sparrow's best and most elusive albums (vinyl copies are rare and expensive). As always, Sparrow tangles with women, politics, women, local rogues, headline news, women, sports, controversy, and women.

"Castro Eating Banana" is not about Castro and not about bananas. But as the lyrics explain, confusion is understandable.

"The Village Ram" is about an animal, but the lyrics are autobiographical.

"Bunny Grant vs. Charnley" chronicles a Jamaican boxer (Grant) who in 1962 became a symbol of Jamaican identity by winning the British Empire lightweight title over Englishman Dave Charnley in 15 rounds; the match occurred two days before Jamaica became an independent nation.

"Martin Luther King for President" was Sparrow's attempt at inspiring a campaign that never happened. Years later he wrote a song lamenting King's assassination.

The original 1963 LP cover is reproduced here. The awkward typography is inexplicable, but this is how it appeared in record store bins back in the day.

He's not the Elvis of Calypso. He's not the Sinatra of Calypso. He's not the Beatles, Dylan, James Brown, or Brian Wilson of Calypso. He's the MIGHTY SPARROW. Often categorized as "World Music," for Sparrow the classification "World" is simply too small. We're working with Slinger Francisco (Sparrow) to preserve his recorded legacy. All releases digitally restored from best available sources.