Various Artists, Pure Swamp Pop Gold, Vol. 10 (CSP Records)

Various Artists - Pure Swamp Pop Gold, Vol. 10Compilations such as these are generally vehicles to promote a label’s roster and thereby garner sales. That’s true here, as the majority of these crooners and swooners have been CSP mainstays for some time. But what’s remarkable is the series’ sustainability—now in its 10th volume in less than a decade. Van Broussard’s “Hold My Hand” hails from his early days and indicates that his voice remains ageless. Three powerful tracks from Kenny Cornet are on par with Broussard’s, thus placing him among the swamp pop elite. Also unveiled are three unreleased dandies from Cajun Cousins’ award-winning songwriter Ivy Dugas, who’s been trying his hand at various projects in recent years. Tracks from another non-CSP artist, Aaron Foret, fit right in while Gary T.’s “Angels Don’t Fly” could easily be a Nashville radio staple under the right circumstances. With nary a dud cut to be had, Pure Swamp Pop Gold, Vol. 10 is a quality addition to CSP’s long-running series.