From Main Street in Ville Platte, Louisiana, via London, England, comes this magnificent down home collection of early Cajun singles, comparable only to the jukebox at Shorty LeBlanc’s fishing camp. Made up of 28 sides recorded between 1957 and 1960, the tracks included were originally issued on the Big Mamou, Vee-Pee, Swallow and Jin labels. Since only as few as 200 of the original singles were pressed, and being that many titles have never been previously reissued, it’s easy to realize the importance of this release.

If you’re old school Cajun you’ll recognize names like Lawrence Walker, Austin Pitre, Adam Hebert, Aldus Roger and Sidney Brown. However, even the most die-hard fan of Cajun music probably has never heard of Leo Fontenot or Milton Molitor, the latter who supplied “Midway Two Step” and “Manuel Bar Waltz,” Floyd Soileau’s entreé into the record business. Both home recordings, they swing along nicely with a subtle steel guitar adding a vintage touch. Most of the artists found here contribute “Specials” (two-steps) and all are performed frantically. Walker’s “Osson Two Step” is a typical example with hoarse shouting, wailing accordion and busy fiddle. The waltzes are also pure French and swing along nicely, especially Rodney LeJune’s standout “99 Year Waltz.”

Warning: If your Cajun palate has been whetted by the likes of Wayne Toups, Steve Riley and Bruce Daigrepont, this release might be too real for your taste as the recordings contained here are primitive and the musicians don’t always play the correct notes. However, if you mix your Cajun music with a shot and a Budweiser, you’d better hunt down this solid release.