The unusual late May heatwave that hit Toronto has put me in the mood for some steel band music. Over in Trinidad and Tobago, they say every song sounds better on the pans – really. Right now, I know you're wondering, "even something like Cars by Gary Numan?" Yes, especially Gary Numan's new wave classic Cars. Don't believe it? Well, there was a decidedly dope version of Cars recorded live by Tobago's pan-pounding supremos the Katzenjammers for the album Panatics: Steel Band Music From The Island Paradise Of Tobago (Long View) which they put out in 1980 while Numan's robotic original version was still on the charts. Cheeky bastards! The Mighty Boosh's Vince Noir would definitely not be pleased.
However, the funky drumming on Katzenjammers delightful remake has made it a party-rocking b-boy favourite which inevitably led to a limited 7-inch repressing in 2005 on the Glasgow-based Red Hook label. But even that re-release isn't easy to turn up these days so enjoy this clip.
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