Customer Reviews

1313 Hoodoo Street

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I think this is the Wild Magnolias best, and that arguably makes it the best New Orleans Indian tribe CD.

And that says a lot, because though this genre is virtually unknown, it is low-down, funky, thick, rich and not aimed at pop success. Instead it's aimed at making the carnival goers at Mardi Gras go crazy and maybe winning a few more converts to the Magnolias music.

Unbelievably exciting stuff. Compulsively danceable, and will bring a smile to the face of the most bitterly heartbroken person you know.

It's got Caribbean/African style polyrhythms and New Orleans style have-a-party-right-now attitude and tons of soul and funk.

In a word, terrific.

I was hooked from the first time I heard a Wild Magnolia song, Honda Wonda. Bo Dollis' distinct, guttural growling voice shakes the marrow of one's bones; it's wonderfully powerful and primitive and whoo-hoo, just screams GOOD TIMES, BABY!

This is such a wonderful part of American culture that came from a hellish history of slavery and the African diaspora, yet only a small fraction of Americans will ever know about it. A shame, because once you learn about it you want to experience more and more of its history.

It's all about Nu Awlunz, baby! The city almost destroyed so many times by natural wonders, by manufactured petrochemical messups and humankind's dumb folly and greed. Yet, to paraphrase Maya Angelou, still she rises.

Long live Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias! God bless all the Mardi Gras Indians to defy the odds and Carry On!