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In 1976, alongside Cory Daye, a popular singer at the time, he formed the Latin disco group Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, where he played the bass and wrote the songs. Then, in the eighties, he became famous as a solo artist accompanied by three singers and dancers, the Coconuts. His music is unique: a sparkling Latin pop with many reggae and funk nuances. August Darnell, known by his stage name Kid Creole, became an icon of that apparently happy decade known as the eighties.
He wrote several hit songs, including the self-referential Don't Take My Coconuts, the ironic Annie I'm Not Your Daddy, and the most famous, especially for the initial funky riff, Stool Pigeon. But the single that fascinates me the most comes from the soundtrack of the 1984 film Against All Odds—for which Phil Collins won a Grammy with the title song—namely My Male Curiosity.
The song is emblematic and best represents the stylistic dictates of this artist, in my opinion, unique in the world of light music. Let's start with the assumption that the song in question is splendidly supported by the official video, which is incorporated into the film itself where Kid plays himself alongside the Coconuts. He dances, sings, and is the absolute protagonist on the screen. This is also contributed by the typically vintage outfit, reminiscent of the legendary dancers from classic American cinema.
The song presents itself as a very cheerful and lively piece, with that deep sense of irony that characterizes Kid's music from the first to the last note. The hypnotic atmosphere is characterized by the wise use of percussion and piano, giving it an air of carefree South American flavor. The subject matter of the song almost takes a backseat, yet the lyrics are interesting: the protagonist would like to end his love affair because another woman has piqued his curiosity. "We've had many good times together, sure, sure, but then there's this one who's... piqued my interest..." The irony of the music seems to blend with the eroticism betrayed by the lyrics.
"Another girl's arousing my curiosity" yes, but what form of curiosity?
"Another girl's arousing my male curiosity" ahh, now it's much clearer, dear sly Kid...
A song I invite you to rediscover, an artist I invite you to reassess if you've underestimated him until now. I looked up his name on the web and no one has ever talked about him. I attended one of his live performances this summer, 71 years old, at the square of Gabicce Monte, a haven of disco music thanks to today's Disco Diva events and the legendary Baia Degli Angeli of the past, and I can assure you he still has energy to spare. We could use more of these old guys who still push music as it should be! All references to relics like Albano and Romina Power are NOT purely coincidental.
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