Alligator Stomp Vol. 2: Cajun & Zydeco Classics
The second volume in Rhino's series of Cajun and zydeco music compilations, this collection includes 18 cuts by Terrance Simien & The Mallet Playboys, Nathan Abshire, The Balfa Brothers, Queen Ida, Clifton Chenier, Boozoo Chavis, Beausoleil, and 10 others. Stylistically, this disc covers everything from the Balfa Brothers worthy stab at the Cajun national anthem, "Jolie blond" and D.L. Menard's traditional "The Back Door" to Clifton Chenier's cover of Louis Jordan's joyous "Choo Choo Ch-Boogie" and Rockin' Dopsie's spirited reading of Professor Longhair's "Mardi Gras in New Orleans." More fun than definitive, this is another intelligently selected installment in a very worthy series.--Robert Baird