Album Review: La Cucaracha Love Everlasting by Felix Mendelssohn & His Hawaiian Serenaders
Alright, so here’s the deal—this album’s a bit of a time capsule. Released way back in 1942 in the UK under Columbia Records, La Cucaracha Love Everlasting is one of those quirky pop gems that feels like it doesn’t quite belong to its era. Maybe that’s why I can’t stop thinking about it.
First off, let’s talk tracks. The title track "Love Everlasting" hits you with this warm, dreamy vibe right outta nowhere. Kealoha Life handles vocals on Side A, and man, does she bring it. Her voice just floats over the melody like honey drizzled on toast. It’s smooth but not too sweet—you know what I mean? You could totally picture couples slow-dancing to this during wartime, clinging to hope or something. Honestly, if I hear someone say they wrote a love letter while listening to this song, I wouldn’t bat an eye. Feels like that kinda tune.
Then there’s “La Cucaracha,” which… okay, yeah, it’s as wild as it sounds. Alan Kane takes the mic for this one on Side B, and wow—he goes full throttle. It’s got this tropical-meets-chaos energy, complete with ukuleles and horns blaring all over the place. Like, imagine being at some beachside party where everyone suddenly starts doing the conga line—that’s this track. Sure, it might feel a little random next to “Love Everlasting,” but hey, sometimes life throws curveballs, right?
What sticks with me most about these songs is how different they are from each other yet still work together somehow. One minute you’re swaying gently to eternal romance, and the next you’re caught up in a cockroach-themed fiesta. If anything, it shows Felix Mendelssohn & His Hawaiian Serenaders weren’t afraid to mix things up. Bold move for 1942!
Looking back now, it’s kinda funny how albums like this remind us music wasn’t always so polished and formulaic. There’s charm in the chaos, ya know? Makes me wonder what people back then thought when they first heard it. Did they laugh? Cry? Start dancing uncontrollably? Either way, hats off to ‘em for giving us something so delightfully weird.
Oh, and fun fact—if you ever find yourself humming “La Cucaracha” at work, blame Alan Kane. Just saying.
