On paper the entire track listing makes you think this could be the greatest steel drum album ever, covers galore with mostly R&B and funk. I mean holy crap, they’re covering Gwen McCrae’s “90% of Me Is You” which wasn’t exactly obscure but it’s not “Yellow Bird” either. I’ve been trying to figure out why this falls short of, say, the Dutch Rhythm Steel and Show Band (both groups cover Kool & the Gang’s 'Funky Stuff'). Obviously the Cavaliers have the sparser and minimal sound, steel drums plus a drum kit and that’s it. Their cover of “The World Is a Ghetto” works better, partially because so much of what carries the mood of the composition is in the melody rather than requiring a stronger rhythm section. Also peep their cover of 'Oye Como Va' from the 'Steel Vibrations' LP, sampled in 'Body Movin'' by the Beastie Boys. Heat is a dusty steel drum-funk gem, scorcher!

A Smokin' record, indeed.There's loads of funky bass lines, heavy drum breaks and yes, the mighty steel drum. Almost every track is killer, with my sound outs are Catapillar, Funky Stuff, It Sure is Funky and The World is a Ghetto. I just found a second copy that I know some of DJ friends would kill me for (so I've been told!) A must have, even twice!!

heavy funk lp!