Happytown

Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 6, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B0000584XU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,931 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Updating a traditional music form is a perilous task, and more often than not the soul of the older style is lost in the attempt. Happytown, a CD by accordionist Steve Riley and his band the Mamou Playboys, is a textbook example of how to use modern studio techniques like sampling and drum loops and still maintain a distinctly Cajun feel. The first two tracks, the instrumental "Creole Stomp" and "Big Boy Waltz," which is sung in French by Riley, prove they can play rollicking, old-style Cajun music that would set the feet of the staunchest traditional tapping. But by the third track, the spooky, slide-guitar-drenched murder ballad "Gros Jean/Big John," Riley and his companions are off on an exploration of new sonic territories. Selections such as "Seems to Me," which features heavily processed vocals and a sample taken from an Alan Lomax field recording, and "Pointe aux Chênes," a pungent piece of swamp rock, show that in the hands of skillful musicians like the Mamou Playboys an adventurous musical spirit doesn't need to cancel out a respect for tradition. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old band member likes Happytown, February 10, 2001

By 

Schwazaloo (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Happytown (Audio CD)

I'm biased because I was on the inside for seven years. But I can give you a basic idea: 1) Unless you've spent a lot of time listening, it is hard to tell the difference between good and mediocre bands in Cajun music. After 12 years, this band is still the best and getting better (always the critics choice). Think of it this way: if this were wine it would be the $100 bottle. The more familiar you get, the more you will appreciate these guys. 2) You won't hear any accordions slapped on covers of rock-n-roll, or lyrics laden with alligators, crawfish, bayou moon and fais do do or blue fiddles. This is the self-expression of forward-looking musicians who deeply respect their heritage. It is not tourism. 3) This is a deep record that gets more fascinating with each listen. At times you may want to dance, but it is a complex journey of mood and emotion. 4) If you like this record, it means that you get the power of rhythm, that you are fascinated by unique regional musics, that you believe there is excellent music outside of the mainstream music industry, that you are not stuck on nostalgic musical re-hashings, that you demand the highest sonic quality and production, and that you are respected by your friends as having great taste in music. Do you get it yet? Of course, as I said, I'm biased.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Chicago Fan, April 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Happytown (Audio CD)

This is a great band. Over the years that I have been going to see them live, and in listening to their CD's, I have realized the depth and range of their impressive talents. Happytown is a layered composite of songs that reveals its excellence with each listening. This CD has been "stuck" in my player since I bought it. From the bouncy, joyful dance tunes to the atmospheric almost eerie emotions of other songs; it proves this band is packed with talent and the ability to wed new sounds and ideas with traditional Cajun music. This all sounds a little heavy but trust me - these guys are great fun! Buy this CD - you won't be disappointed!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gets better with each listening, May 13, 2002

By 

Bliss 149 (Olive Branch, MS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Happytown (Audio CD)

It's pretty cool to see a review here by Peter Schwarz, former drummer for the band - a very talented guy himself. I have to agree with Peter that this is a complex record. I have all the CD's from this group and at first I wasn't sure I liked HappyTown. It's not an "easy" record and I wouldn't recommend it for the casual Cajun listener but for those of us who lap this stuff up like dark brown gumbo, it's one of the best.