For the most part, the artists featured here are among the most well-known and influential performers in the genre. The centerpiece of the collection is the late Clifton Chenier, the undisputed king of zydeco. Led by Chenier's enthusiastic shout and furious accordion, his band blows through two selections, "Sa M'Appel Fou (They Call Me Crazy)" and "Zydeco Cha Cha." The latter is a zydeco classic that still sounds as bold and irresistible as ever.
Chenier's son C.J. is also featured, upholding the family tradition with no small measure of skill on the raucous "My Baby Don't Wear No Shoes." Another second-generation talent is Stanley Dural, better known as Buckwheat Zydeco. His "Hot Tamale Baby," propelled by an impossibly frenetic rhythm section, is another high point.
