Customer Reviews

Bayou Ruler

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys did not record this in LA, but rather in L.A., strangely enough. In an attempt to add a little more energy and sophistication to their sound, the band brought in C.C. Adcock as a producer and went for a little slicker studio setup. Although I miss a little of the purity of some of their earlier stuff, Bayou Ruler is an excellent CD, a great mix of the old and the new. From the title cut, which sounds like The Mamou Playboys meet the Beatles in New Orleans, to cuts such as "My True Love," which sounds like Friday night at the VFW in Lafayette, all the music on this CD makes you want to get up and dance, and that is just what Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys do so well--honor the Cajun tradition of dance music while adding their own energy, enthusiasm, and contemporary sensibility, thus expanding the whole Cajun tradition by stretching its limits, all the while tugging at it with love and respect.

These guys are one of the best bands in America--all their CDs are excellent, and their live shows are a blast. C'mon, people--check 'em out!

I totally agree with the previous review. This is some of the best cajun music out of southern Louisiana. I saw them live at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival this last May. These are some of the best musicians I have ever seen. Obviously, the previous reviewers have no consept of true Cajun music or the culture itself. My advice for you one star reviewers is to get a life and go down to Cajun country and experience their culture, you will walk away with one incredible experience. I don't know what cd you one star reviewers are reviewing but it can't possibly be this one!

Oh my lord, what I wouldn't give for an oyster po boy, and then beignets at the Cafe du Monde! The next best thing is listening to Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys so many miles away. My heart is with the people of Louisiana.

This review is for fans searching for a "classic" Cajun CD. This is not, there is considerably less french lyrics and use of the accordion. However, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys dip into other areas of sound that make this CD fresh and exciting, just not traditional. Still worth getting.

I do not normally write reviews, but I don't want anyone basing their buying decisions on a reviewer who insists that a band stay within certain musical boundries. True, this disk shows some new directions, but it still exposes its roots. This is one fine recording from start to finish. Whether it pulls from rock, R&B or a little British pop, it still makes me want to hop in the car and head south. "Yeah, I'll take a Catfish Po-Boy and an Abita Amber"

--but it couldn't have been Bayou Ruler by Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. The synthesis of styles and genres makes for an innovative, exciting piece of work that reminds me a little of the Clash in the London Calling days. It's a fun listen any day of the week. Folks, if a musical genre can't grow and evolve, young artists (and fans) will desert it and it will die. I can't wait for these guys to get back in the studio!

It is the worst music I heard all year.All the other cd's by Steve Riley have been great.Hopefully he will stick to traditional cajun music.We need people like him to carry it on into the future,and to make sure it dosent die.The whole cd was bad! Dewey Balfa and other great musicans would not be proud.

This attempt at a "new and contemporary sound" has a first-rate Cajun band sounding like a third-rate lounge act. The Balfa Bros. must be spinning in their graves.

I've enjoyed some Steve Riley but this CD was a disappointment. In their search to expand the genre, I think they got lost. The result isn't good cajun, zydeco, swamp rock, or anything new.

I was induced by rave flashing notices on the amazon music page and added it to my cart. I don't know why we need these guys when we have recordings from Clifton Chenier et al.