You've never heard anything like Joseph Spence. The inimitable Bahamian singer and guitarist (and stonemason) recorded sporadically in the '50s, '60s, and '70s, displaying matchless guitar technique that, insisted the man who supervised this 1971 session, surpassed "the musicianship of almost all nonclassical guitarists." On top of his expert albeit unconventional playing, Spence growled, murmured, and scatted his way through a distinctive repertoire that included sea chanties, hymns, and pop tunes. This spontaneous 21-song album was recorded in a Boston apartment with Spence playing a borrowed Martin D-18. Surrounded by a circle of devotees, he comfortably sails through the likes of "Sloop John B." (it was a folk song before the Beach Boys got hold of it), "Will the Serpent Be Unbroken" (notice the revised title), and Spence's personal anthem, "Out on the Rolling Sea." In a single word: singular. --Steven Stolder

When a 47-year-old stonemason living in the Bahamas met with writer Sam Charters and his tape recorder, he couldn't have known the history he would make. These field recordings have since inspired, shaped, and boggled a generation of acoustic guitarists. You can hear Spence's intricate and polyrhythmic percussive style in players as diverse as Ry Cooder and Leo Kottke. Although only nine tracks long, this CD is seminal folk blues, and includes Spence's improvisational, almost Cubist, reworkings of traditional, mostly spiritual, tunes: "Brown Skin Gal," "Face to Face I Shall Know Him," "Lord Is My Shepherd," "When I Lay My Burden Down," and what might be called his signature tune "Comin' in on a Wing and a Prayer." --Roy Francis Kasten

You've got to hand it to the Baha Men. Not only have they made a good living plying freewheeling, playful island music, they've been smart and lucky enough to have a dozen-odd songs placed in movies and television. Perhaps the most surprising thing about Baha Men's Greatest Movie Hits is that several of their admittedly lightweight numbers are more memorable than the films they accompanied (My Father the Hero, anyone?). In addition to the ubiquitous "Who Let the Dogs Out," we get tunes from Scooby Doo ("Scooby D"), Shrek ("Best Years of Our Lives"), an Elton John cover borrowed from Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course ("Crocodile Rock," naturally), Big Fat Liar ("Move It Like This"), plus several TV shows and kids' flicks. The key word here is joyful--whether the men are singing, rapping, howling, or literally barking like dogs, the mood is up, up, up. The perfect patio platter. --Kim Hughes

The original island classic calypso songs that have long been a treat for visitors to the Bahamas comes alive in this album.

K.B. is known for his story telling while incorporating the Bahamian sound of Junkanoo, Goombay and Rake & Scrape into his music. This ablum contains many big hits including his top hit "She Fat". All the songs on this album were written and arranged by K.B. K.B. was formerly lead vocalist for the Eggo Tripp Band. He has opened for many international acts.

Stevie's second album contains the style that has made him one of the most popular singers in the islands today. The album starts with the crowd pleaser "Hold Ya Head", a song heard throught the Bahamas everywhere. It is follwed by "Why Did You Leave Me" a song release in the summer of 2000.

Two medleys on the album will keep you on your feet dancing, but one of the songs that Stevie especially likes is "Love Ya Mamma" a song dedicated to his mother.

Stevie's style is so distinctive, that no comparison to any other artist can be made or would want to be made.