The Draytons Two Raw Spouge (1973, WIRL)
Yes, you're seeing that right. This is real. This is a thing that really happened. "Raw Spouge" is the name of something. Specifically: this thing. This 1973 album by Bajan (from Barbados) duo The Draytons Two. There they are, standing near a canon in matching suits. They have afros and sideburns and soul patches. They are perfect. Raw Spouge, you guys. Raw Spouge.
Of course there's a story. There's a reasonable explanation. I will tell you it, if you want. I will understand if you don't want an explanation. If you just want to stare at the above album cover in numb disbelief and let it wash over you for a minute, I don't blame you. It's mesmerizing.
Take your time.
LOOOK AT IIIIIIIITTTTT.
"Oh yes, that's right, I am a human on the planet earth. Oh yeah, I remember. That is a tree. Those furry things are called dogs. I am a me. I am in the middle of a task of some kind. What was it? Reading a blog. I think I am doing something called reading a blog. This is called life. This is what I am doing. It feels different now, like maybe I'm different, but I remember this. Life. Okay. Let's do some of life now."
Welcome back, guys.
Any questions?
Yes. This album is REALLY called "Raw Spouge."
No, unfortunately, it doesn't mean what you want to think it means. This album is not about semen. The canon pictured is not an overt phallic symbol except insofar as all canons are. And these guys are not standing next to this canon, smirking, as if to say, "This canon will blast jizz on you, 'Raw Spouge,' if you will, and so will we." At least I don't think that's what's happening. On purpose.
"Spouge" was a kind of abortive genre of Caribbean music started in Barbados in the 1960's by a guy who performed under the name Jackie Opel. I don't think he named the music style after ejaculate, but I don't know. Wikipedia doesn't say.
What is "Spouge" music? Basically it's calypso and ska together. It was a kind of analog forerunner to Soca music, which is hugely popular in the Caribbean today. What does Soca sound like? It sounds like this. Did you click on that link? Please. Do it. You will NOT regret it.
What is "Spouge" music? Basically it's calypso and ska together. It was a kind of analog forerunner to Soca music, which is hugely popular in the Caribbean today. What does Soca sound like? It sounds like this. Did you click on that link? Please. Do it. You will NOT regret it.
Anyhow, yeah, that is... not... great. It's fantastic, yes, but also not great.
Spouge is okay, though. I mean, it's mildly tolerable. It's upbeat. You know, as pop-ambition world musics not influenced by drugs go. You could do worse than to put Raw Spouge on at a barbecue. Just FYI. If you want to slather your barbecue in Raw Spouge. I don't think your guests would object too much. Try it.
