Some time ago, a friend of mine introduced me to Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys with a couple songs. However, I feel like my real introduction to the band came when I saw one of its high-energy performances at the San Juan Capistrano Library. When I was given the opportunity to review the new album (produced by CC Adcock), it was too good to pass up.
The second song on the album ("Chatterbox") is instantly memorable. This is the first time I've ever heard a song that sounded like a mix between Cajun and garage. The fuzz in the guitars and vocals in this song give it a real gritty garage feel while the Cajun part of it will get you moving.
Another surprising song is "Non, je ne regrette rien." It is surprising not merely because I don't expect a Cajun band to cover a song by Edith Piaf. It's also surprising because of the pronunciation of the r sounds. Mamou gives a real Cajun feel to the pronunciation in this song. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on French diction (I'm married to a French woman), but it is surprising to me to hear rolled r sounds in a French song.
This album moves between foot-stompers that make you want to spread some salt on the floor and dance, and sorrowful waltzes. In the press release for this album, the band members explain that the album was born when the BP oil spill caused the people of Louisiana to show again that they are survivors. Fiddler David Greely calls the phenomenon "survivor joy." As you might expect from Cajun music, there is a lot of joy. Just try to sit still when you hear songs like "Grand Isle" and "C'est Trop." But the flip side, the hardship that causes that survivor mentality, comes through in "Valse de Chagrin" and C'est Ennuyant." You could say that it's just part of the duality that exists within all of us.
This is just a good album. It will make you feel a variety of things. But then, that is the point of music, right? To make you feel something and to help you get through the ups and downs of life. Do yourself a favor and get this album. Oh, and don't be surprised if it ends up in your heavy rotation for a good while.
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