ALBUM REVIEWS - PILETTE BREAKDOWN

BillyBop.be (Internet), Belgium November 2003 The music on the Cd hangs between two era's in American music. Between the old traditional styles where music was an escape of the daily lifestyle and the modern style where people make an attempt to evade commercial tunes. Influences from western swing from the 3t's and 4t's ("Blues de la frontier" & "Tu peut pa m'arreter de rever" both without the typical Cajun accordion ) are never far away. Other influences are early accordion dancehall tunes like "Happy Hop" or "Holly Beach" ( a Laissez les bon temps rouler spinoff) or even pre-commercial fiddle music. Unlike most now days Cajun bands whom include influences of rock ' n roll into their music, the Lost Bayou Ramblers revisit the golden age of the 'bals des maisons' when music & social interaction where strongly attached to each other. But also their own material ("Pillete Breakdown", "Raine Stomp") stay close to the original tunes from their stomping grounds. This album is not for a beginner in Cajun that's for sure, but if you are into Cajun, then you know what I'm talking about.

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