The Rough Guide - "Cajun and Zydeco"

Cajun and Zydeco - the dance music of South Louisiana - are two of the most thriving regional styles in the United States. Driven on by the accordion and violin, both Cajun and Zydeco music have enjoyed a recent renaissance thanks to many of the artists featured on this Rough Guide.

The bizarre thing is, I really didn't think I was going to like this cd; I ordered it because I needed some non-mainstream music for my Music Theory class. But to my immense surprise, I found that I REALLY enjoyed the music. It has a sort of Western-ish feel to it, with the acordians, fiddles, and the distinctive twang of the French lyrics. If you don't think this type of music appeals to you, don't worry; it normally doesn't appeal to me, either. But the music on this cd is so infectiously happy and upbeat, you'll find yourself popping it into your cd player against your will. Very enjoyable rythyms, likable tunes. My personal favorites are "Balfa Waltz" (which I first heard on the Rough Guide sampler) and "Disco Et Fais Do-Do." One problem with this cd, as one other reviewer commented, is that it begins to drag on towards the end, and the music starts to blur. I love Rough Guide, but sometimes they have a tendency to stuff as much music into a cd as possible, making all the music lose its distinctivity. However, don't let that deter you from getting the cd! It really is a lot of fun, and I think you'll enjoy it. - By Starminister

trax:
1. One Step At A Time - Clifton Chenier 2. Zydeco Boogaloo - Buckwheat Zydeco 3. Balfa Waltz - David Doucet 4. La 'Tit Cord - Jimmy C Neuman 5. La Misere M'a Fait Brailler - John Delafose and the Eunice Playboys 6. Rolling Pin - BeauSoleil 7. Grande Bosco - Eddie LeJeune 8. Bayou Pon Pon - Michael Doucet 9. Two Step D'Amede - The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band 10. Disco Et Fais Do-Do - Bruce Daigrepont 11. Kolinda - BeauSoleil 12. Slow Horses And Fast Women - Nathan and The Zydeco Cha Chas 13. La Pointe Aux Pins - Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys 14. Fiddle Stomp - Wallace Cheese Read 15. Jolie Petite Blonde - Nathan Abshire 16. Chico Two-Step - California Cajun Orchestra 17. J'etais Au Bal - Jo-El Sonnier 18. Let The Good Times Roll - Buckwheat Zydeco 19. I Passed In Front Of Your Door - DL Menard 20. Nonc Adam - Beau Jocque