Stirrin’ It Up by Gumbeaux Rouge: A Cajun Kick in the Ears You Won’t Forget
Alright, let’s get this straight—Gumbeaux Rouge isn’t here to mess around. Their 2008 album Stirrin’ It Up is like a spicy gumbo of Pop/Rock, Folk, Zydeco, and just enough Cajun grit to make you wanna stomp your boots through the floorboards. Released under Jim Records (because who needs fancy labels when you’ve got soul?), this thing hits hard and doesn’t apologize for it.
Now, full disclosure—I’m not about to sit here and pretend every track on this sucker blew my mind. But two songs? Oh yeah, they stuck with me like rice on red beans.
First up, “Every Thing’s Falling Into Place.” This tune slaps harder than a crawfish boil paddle. The groove grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey buddy, pay attention!” It’s got that perfect mix of swampy swagger and radio-ready polish. You can tell these guys know how to craft a hook without losing their roots. And man, does it work. I caught myself humming it while stuck in traffic last week, which tells you something. If a song can survive rush hour rage, it’s golden.
Then there’s “Move It On Over,” a cover so good it makes you rethink why anyone else ever bothered trying. George Thorogood did it justice back in the day, sure, but Gumbeaux Rouge takes it to another level. They strip it down, add some accordion fire, and turn it into a barn-burning anthem that feels like Saturday night at a Louisiana juke joint. By the second chorus, you’re either dancing or dead inside.
But here’s the kicker—the rest of the album ain’t half bad either. Tracks like “That Look On Your Face” and “I Just Had To Try” keep the energy cranked high, even if they don’t quite hit the same highs as the standouts. There’s no filler, though; every cut brings its own flavor to the table. Even the slower numbers have a raw honesty that keeps things interesting.
Here’s the deal—Stirrin’ It Up isn’t gonna change your life or anything. But damn if it doesn’t remind you what real music sounds like. No auto-tune nonsense, no overproduced beats—just pure, unfiltered fun. Listening to this record feels like hanging out with old friends who don’t give a rat’s ass what anyone thinks. They’re just here to play loud, drink cold beer, and maybe start a little trouble along the way.
So go ahead, crank this one up the next time you need a break from whatever crap modern playlists are shoving down your throat. And hey, if you find yourself tapping your foot or singing off-key at the top of your lungs, don’t say I didn’t warn ya. Now excuse me while I go hunt down where I left my accordion…
