Various - Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras

robgolbeck

Review by Rob Golbeck

Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras: A Wild Ride Through Louisiana’s Soul If you’re looking for an album that feels like a sweaty, joyous dance party in the heart of Louisiana, Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras by Various is your ticket. Released back in 1992 on Maison De Soul, this compilation doesn’t just dip its toes into the bayou—it dives headfirst with accordion riffs, fiddles, and rhythms so infectious they’ll have your feet moving before you even realize it. Floyd Soileau, the man behind the curation, clearly had one goal: to bottle up the spirit of Mardi Gras and let it loose wherever this record spins. The album grooves through styles that span Cajun and Zydeco traditions, tied together by the kind of energy only North American roots music can deliver. Tracks like “Chanson De Mardi Gras” and “Mardi Gras Zydeco” aren’t just songs—they’re invitations to celebrate life itself, no matter how messy or chaotic things get. Let me tell ya about “Chanson De Mardi Gras.” This track hits different. It starts off with this raw, stripped-down vibe—a simple guitar line paired with vocals dripping with soul. Then BAM! The accordion jumps in like an uninvited but totally welcome guest at a house party. There’s something about the way the singer belts out those French lyrics; it’s not polished or perfect, but dang if it doesn’t feel real. Real enough to make you wanna grab some beads, a plate of crawfish étouffée, and hit the streets yourself. That tune stuck with me because it’s got grit, heart, and zero pretense. Just pure Louisiana magic. Then there’s “Mardi Gras Zydeco,” which flips the mood entirely. Where “Chanson” feels earthy and grounded, this one is all swagger and strut. The rhythm section locks in tight, and the accordion player goes absolutely nuts—like, I’m pretty sure my cat started dancing when this came on shuffle. It’s impossible not to smile as the horns kick in halfway through. You don’t need to understand every word to feel the sheer jubilation pouring out of this track. It’s less of a song and more of a communal experience captured on wax. What makes this album special isn’t just the music—it’s the fact that it feels alive. Every track carries echoes of kitchen jams, porch sing-alongs, and late-night parades under strings of colorful lights. Barry Jean Ancelet’s liner notes give you a peek into the history behind these tunes, while Mike Bordelon’s artwork wraps everything up in a package that looks as vibrant as the sounds inside. But here’s the thing—I didn’t expect to tear up listening to an album called Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras. Like, come on, it’s supposed to be fun, right? Yet somewhere between the clanging percussion and wailing accordions, I found myself thinking about connection—to culture, to community, to moments we can never quite hold onto but always remember. And honestly? That’s worth way more than any shiny disco ball or overproduced pop anthem. So yeah, go ahead and spin this one. Crank it loud. Let it remind you that sometimes, the best parties are the ones where nobody cares if you step on their toes—as long as you keep dancing.

Download Various - Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras
Artist: Various
Album: Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras
Rating: 4.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: various-cajun-zydeco-mardi-gras.zip
  • MP3 size: 54.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 616 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Mardi Gras Second Line3:26
Jambalaya2:43
Mamou Mardi Gras Hot-Step3:04
Saints Go Marchin' In2:21
Hot House Zydeco2:09
La Danse Des Mardi Gras2:18
Johnny Can't Dance2:20
Da Big Squeeze2:49
Zydeco Mardi Gras3:13
It's Mardi Gras Day2:58
Mardi Gras In New Orleans2:53
Do What You Wanta3:06
Mardi Gras Zydeco3:36
Chanson De Mardi Gras2:36

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Catalog Numbers

Mds-CD-1044, CD-1044

Labels

Maison De Soul

Listen online

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  • online anhören
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  • écouter en ligne
  • escuchar en línea
  • lytte på nettet
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Formats

  • CD
  • Compilation

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Maison De Soul Records
Copyright (c)Maison De Soul Records
Published BySid Sim Pub.
Glass Mastered AtNimbus

Credits

RoleCredit
Compilation ProducerFloyd Soileau
CoverMike Bordelon
ArtworkMike Bordelon
Liner NotesBarry Jean Ancelet

Notes

  • "Mardi Gras music from Louisiana's Cajun and Creole country! - Featuring Louisiana's best Cajun and Zydeco performers!"
  • Packaged in a standard jewel case with black tray. Issued with a 4-page booklet.
  • Includes 4 bonus tracks not available on cassette [not specified which ones].
  • [Publishers:]
  • Tracks 1, 7 - Sid Sim Pub. & Flat Town Music BMI
  • Tracks 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14 - Flat Town Music BMI
  • Track 3 - Acuff Rose/Opryland Music BMI
  • Track 5 - Happy Valley BMI
  • Track 8 - Lonyo Tunes & Flat Town Music BMI
  • Track 10 - Unichappell BMI
  • Track 13 - n/a
  • © ℗ 1992 Maison de Soul Records
  • Printed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.

Barcodes

  • Barcode: 0 46346-1044-2 2
  • Rights Society: BMI
  • Matrix / Runout: MDS-CD-1044 (V) . :MASTERED: :BY NIMBUS:

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras* is like a musical time capsule. Released in 1992, it captures the vibrant spirit of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras traditions. From zydeco beats to Cajun melodies, it’s a celebration of culture and community. What’s wild is how many tracks are named after Mardi Gras itself—almost every song ties back to the festival. Plus, the artwork and liner notes make it feel personal, like you’re holding a piece of history. It’s not just music; it’s a party in a sleeve.