From authoritative guides ranging from English football and travel to world music books and discs, Rough Guide has established itself as a reliable source. Their towering zydeco volume won’t tarnish that well-deserved reputation either, as this fabulous treasure trove will undoubtedly hook plenty of potential zealots into the congregation. Such a compilation couldn’t have a more perfect start than with Beau Jocque driving John Lee Hooker’s “Boogie Chillun” into oblivion. That intensity continues with Zydeco Joe’s “Jack Rabbit” who reveals his rural roots in addition to a crankin’ groove. By now the ride is in full throttle with Buckwheat Zydeco’s prophetic “Hard to Stop” and Zydeco Force’s “Madeline” with accordionist Jeffrey Broussard wheeling all over the place. Chris Ardoin’s “All About You” is nothing less than exceptional—in addition to Ardoin’s genius accordion stylings, Keith Clement takes an exhilarating ride on keyboard.

While the aforementioned cuts are relatively recent, the beauty of this collection is that very little is left out. Zydeco king Clifton Chenier unleashes his thunderous, spellbinding power on “Calinda;” John Delafose bounces through “Joe Pete Got Two Women,” a true story where all the Basile dudes once yearned to be like Joe Pete. Rockin’ Sidney is heard too with one of the cleverest songs ever written, “My Toot Toot,” while Boozoo bays about “Johnnie Billy Goat.” The collection also features accordionist Amédé Ardoin’s “Crowley Blues” and funky fiddler Canray Fontenot’s “Allons Danser,” sage selections since both are cornerstones of Louisiana French music.

Best of all, not every selection is big label stuff but many were culled from grassroots labels and independent releases with such performers as Donna Angelle, Curly Taylor and the defunct Zydeco Blazers. By now it all makes sense why this is one of the finest zydeco collections ever assembled: OffBeat’s own Herman Fuselier not only wrote the insightful liner notes, but handpicked every song in a successful ploy to achieve dancing delirium.