Tropic Highlife
A place where all tropical vibes gather to build a soundtrack for a daily beach get away. Some songs are new, some are old, some are from long lost records and some are just for fun. Sun tan lotion, shades, beach balls and sea breeze.
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Send me your soundsAre you an artist or music affcionado who wants to recommend a track for the site? Drop us a line through our Soundcloud and we will check it out! All songs must be of some sort of tropical or beach vibe to them.
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Subtropics
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My fingers would travel down the serpentine path of your crooked and twisted vertebrae. Those bones which would beautifully protrude out...
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Site of the Day: Tropic High Life
Tropic High Life Building a beach soundtrack one song at a time. Worth a February visit.
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Hyrule Terrarium - by Jude Buffum | Flickr
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Worried that you might steal all of my tongue, I became afraid to speak. Afraid you would steal my every thought, I ceased written...
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Protesters in Benghazi, Libya
Photo via A7fad Almokhtar
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Datahowler invites you aboard his spacecraft for an interstellar journey into sound. Focusing on themes of outer space and time, Datahowler’s debut...
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An unidentified woman smokes Marijuana at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011
LAGOS, Nigeria — To a whiff of marijuana...
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Oregon Bike Trails - High School Love
The first album I ever owned was a Beach Boys 25th anniversary 5-cassette box set. I was probably about...
Phyllis Dillon - I Can't Forget About You Baby
Phyllis Dillon’s “I Can’t Forget About You Baby” is a sultry rocksteady reggae cut that will have you playing it over and over again. Her voice is so captivating even in these old recordings. Reggae is often characterized by harsher male voices but Dillon’s sweet voice glides nicely over these sweet rhythms. Also hold out for the key change and pay attention to that slamming bass line.
21 Plays
Arthur Lyman - Kalua
Arthur Lyman’s “Kalua” is a sweet sounding tune that will relax your toes right into the sand. Arthur Lyman was born in Kauai, Hawaii and knows the sound of the islands quite well. I have been to Kauai many times and can say that this song instantly reminds me of how the quaint towns are, especially with the church bells ringing in the background. This song comes from the album Taboo which I found for fifty cents in a dusty record bin. It has a volcano spewing lava on it which is pretty awesome.
30 Plays
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Redemption Song
What could actually be better then Joe Strummer (The Clash) covering Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”? The answer is nothing. Both of these men have passed on to the next life and have left behind huge discographies of music, all which changed the world. This song was released after Strummer’s death and recorded by Rick Rubin. Because of Strummer’s untimely death it is unclear whether this was finished or not but either way it’s beautiful. Joe Strummer + Bob Marley + Rick Rubin = Beautiful Music.
60 Plays
Ben Harper - Blessed To Be A Witness
Ben Harper “Blessed To Be A Witness” has been a song in my collection that has always comforted me in times of strife. It’s percussion, vocals and message is so soothing. While the tone is religious like many of Ben Harper’s songs it still seems to hold a great power whether you are religious or not. So to those of you who are struggling hopefully this brightens your day like it does mine.
271 Plays
Cymande - Zion I
Cymande “Zion I” is an uplifting percussive groove which the melody is only carried by bass and group vocals. The flute solo is what takes the cake for me though. A beautiful song to uplift your spirits.
Cymande is similar to Osibisa in that they formed in London and were all transplants from other places where their upbringing influenced their music. The members of Cymande were from Guyana and Jamaica though instead of Africa. Over time I have stumbled across all of their records and have doubles of some even. Cymande has been featured in Spike Lee films, sampled by De La Soul, The Fugees and Masta Ace. Cymande has even been in Transworld Skateboarding films and in Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground.
154 Plays
Amazing Rhythm Aces - Never Been To The Islands
The Amazing Rhythm Aces “Never Been To The Islands” goes out to all the people who don’t know what the experience of island life feels like, which I believe is most of us. My father showed me this song. He is a man who dreams of the islands often as well. I fell in love originally because of the linear drumming through the song. Linear drumming is when you only play one piece of the drum kit at a time. A snare and a hi-hat never hit at the same time even. It’s a beautiful rhythm and provides this catchy groove through the jam session. The Amazing Rhythm Aces were from Tennessee which comes through in this song, but they capture the island spirit so beautifully.
40 Plays
Osibisa - Che Che Kule
Osibisa “Che Che Kule” is an infectious jam that will have you chanting along within minutes. Osibisa was a band formed in London in 1968 by four African musicians and three Caribbean musicians who all managed to be in London. Two of the members were from Ghana and have experience playing Highlife. Many of the members have passed on but are known for their diverse rhythms and beautifully painted artwork. Osibisa was one of the first world bands I discovered while record digging. They opened a whole new world of exciting music to me and I will forever be grateful to them.
44 Plays
Alton Ellis - Rock Steady
Alton Ellis “Rock Steady” is one of my favorite jams and the historical heritage that goes along with it is something special. Alton Ellis is considered the godfather of Rocksteady Reggae and this is the title track “Rock Steady”. Not to mention this is one unbelievably soothing jam.
150 Plays
The Ventures - Reflections In A Palace Lake
I don’t think The Ventures need much of an introduction. This song “Reflections In A Palace Lake” is off their album Super Psychedelics. The best part about this album is just has tons of pot leaves and mushrooms on it. Haha. This song is very dark and sinister. So have a super evil island Friday.
51 Plays
Thomas Mapfumo - Nyoka Musango
Thomas Mapfumo also known as “The Lion Of Zimbabwe”. This man is responsible for making Chimurenga music popular. Chimurenga means “revolutionary struggle” often used to promote struggles such a human rights and social justice. This song “Nyoka Musango” means Enemy In The Jungle. I stumbled across this record and originally didn’t enjoy it all but I purchased it to fuel my obsession of all music from Africa. Eventually I fell in love with it and have continued enjoying. The overlapping rhythms in this song are so beautiful and strong. Also Mapfumo’s voice is god-like and strong.
20 Plays
