Lil Wayne and Same Ol Two Step, Gotta Be Me (Shrimpo Music)

Lil Wayne and Same Ol Two Step, Gotta Be Me (Shrimpo Music)As Chris Ardoin, J. Paul and Curley Taylor keep pushing zydeco to its progressive left; Lil Wayne and Same Ol Two Step keep it firmly staked close to where it once sprouted. The third CD from Same Ol Two is its most consistent yet and more traditionally bedrocked in the Opelousas-Lawtell school of zydeco than its previous two offerings. Every song is uptempo, performed with an exuberance that gives the sense of being there. Additionally, there is a great deal of conviction in Wayne Singleton’s vocals, which is always a good sign since it means he believes in what he sings about. Along the way, he reveals autobiographical snippets about his life, what annoys him in the clubs (“Don’t Park Your Body”) and honors one of his mentors, Roy Carrier, by emulating his free-wheeling style on “Roy!”

Though it’s a satisfying, feet-happy dance record, it’s also one that can be easily listened to, especially given the subtle finishing touches, like the cool, descending guitar chords and gliding keys. A band that has finally found its course, Same Ol Two Step is hardly same ol’.