This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
In the Anglocentric music scene, we’re all used to hearing foreigners delivering tunes in dubious English. But seldom do you get to hear English performers speaking in tongues.
Evangeline Made, a tribute to the accordion-and-fiddle sounds of traditional Cajun music, turns the tables for once. This set features 14 Louisiana classics rendered en Francais by a who’s who of contemporary country, rock and folk artists. CCR’s John Fogerty yelps out a jiggy Diggy Liggy Lo, Patty Griffin huskily intones the dark waltz Pa Janvier, Laisse Moe M’en Aller, Richard and Linda Thompson contribute some guitar-based gems, Rodney Crowell kicks up his heels on Blues de Bosco, Nick Lowe gamely belts out Arrètte Pas la Musique and, most unexpected of all, former New York Doll David Johansen gruffly delivers an authentically down-home Ma Mule without making an – well, you know — of himself. I don’t parlez well enough to critique the pronunciation, but the message is certainly clear enough: Laissez les bon temps rouler!
