Produced by: Carter Al Tharp and Michael Doucet
Recorded at: Southlake Studio; Metairie, LA, February 1991
Special guests: Richard Thompson, electric guitar on tracks 3 and 5
1. Sophie
2. Tortue Perdue
3. Conja (New Orleans 1786)
4. Vieux Crowley
5. Sur le Pont de Lyon
6. Cajun Telephone Stomp
8. Le Reel de Nez Pique
9. 'Ti Monde
10. Le Chanky-Chank Francais
11. La Valse de La Poussiere
12. Tasso/McGee's Reel
Unlike some of their future albums, there seems to be no greater theme to this collection. Most of the songs were written by Michael Doucet, and I'd say that the songs on this album show what a great songwriter and composer he would become later in the 90's. Let's get started with the individual tracks:
1. Sophie
I loved this song the very instant I first heard it. It goes at a very fast pace, with great vocals and fiddle by Mike. It has what I would call a "rock and roll soul" and makes you want to dance. Just like a lot of BeauSoleil songs. This is a perfect song for summer.
2. Tortue Perdue
This is a typical song for "Cajun Conja," a fast, rollicking two-step. Although it sounds like many of the other songs, Michael's vocals add that special touch that makes it stand out on its own.
3. Conja (New Orleans 1786)
This is one of BeauSoleil's rare historical songs. The song content is about the voodoo culture in New Orleans, and the style of music reflects that. Also, it's mostly in English for some reason. But that's okay, because Michael can sing good in both languages.
4. Vieux Crowley
I'm listening to it right now as I type. It's one of their better two-steps, and it's on their "best of" collection for a reason. Jimmy Breaux and his accordion are the heroes on this one. It's a fast, driving song that's made for the dance floor. I think it sounds like what you'd hear from other popular cajun bands, with the emphasis on accordion. This is a particular favorite of mine.
5. Sur le Pont de Lyon
Quite an interesting track. The instruments take a back seat to the storytelling and vocals on this song. As far as I know, it's an old Medieval French ballad. It's certainly different than most of the group's songs, but it works. BeauSoleil is known for taking small musical side-treks like this once in a while. Good guitar by Richard Thompson, too.
6. Cajun Telephone Stomp
In this song, the tradtional ways of the Cajuns conflict with the modern technology of the answering machine. It's another one of those great two-steps, with great vocals by Mike, as always. It's just a good song. A really good song. The translated lyrics make it even more fun.
7. La Nuit de Clifton Chenier
A good one for dancing with your sweetheart. It's not a song in the style of Clifton Chenier; instead, it's a song about his music. This is a great, romantic, moody song. Beautiful instrument playing by the guys, especially Mike and Jimmy. This one will grow on you.
8. Le Reel de Nez Pique
A short little fiddle song. I can't exactly categorize it with any particular style. It has a mysterious, foreign attitude. It's kind of like an intermission into the last part of the album. Pretty cool, though.
9. 'Ti Monde
Good music, but DANG what awesome vocals! That's what's going to make this song stick in your head. It's kind of a jazzier, slower track, good for relaxing on a lazy summer day.
10. Le Chanky-Chank Francais
Soulful fiddle playing on this track. This is David's only turn on lead vocals on the album, but he makes up for it with style and passion. This is yet another two-step, and the two-steps are what make this album so great.
11. La Valse de La Poussiere
Pretty much the only waltz on the album, but it's a good one. Mike has, once again, outdone himself on vocals. I'd say it's one of their better fast waltzes.
12. Tasso/McGee's reel
This is a medley of two songs. Tasso is a traditional song, and it has the soul of country music. McGee's reel is a faster, fun-loving track. The interesting thing is that it sounds a lot like a Swedish folk song that I have on one of my CD's. I was blown away when I noticed the difference. This is yet another upbeat song on this wonderful, upbeat album.
In terms of enjoyment, I'd put "Cajun Conja" up with some of BeauSoleil's top albums. In terms of style, it's an introduction into the modern era and style of BeauSoleil. In fact, I think I'll say that this album should be in the hands of any BeauSoleil fan, and it wouldn't be a bad album to start with either. Go out and try to find it at a record store in your hometown, or do as I did and order it on the internet. Happy listening.