Drew Landry and the Dirty Cajuns, Tailgaten Relief & Hurricane Companion EP (Independent)


With all the natural catastrophes, horrific tragedies and political bungling plaguing Louisiana over the past several months, it’s a wonder there aren’t more than sonic commentaries crawling out of the woodwork. But the good news is that not much has escaped roots troubadour Drew Landry, who isn’t afraid to look the devil in the eye and take a swing at it. Two songs of this seven-song EP make interesting, if not biting, observations about hurricanes Katrina and Rita with such whistle-cheering lines as “Ole Dick [Cheney] flew in from DC for a photo opportunity and landed right here at the gates of hell” and others too numerous to count. Additionally, the world-weary voiced Landry spins gripping yarns about backwoods, poaching Cajuns and dealing with the aftermath of ecological devastation. The themes are heavy, but on “Tiger Fan,” Landry provides comic relief with the faithful, chronically betting LSU fan who’s so ardent, he’s got tiger stripes on his “underoo.” Compared to his auspicious debut, the production is much better and Landry’s sidemen supply killer fuzz-toned guitar licks and wailing harmonica howls. Recommended, especially for those who disdain Fox News.