REVIEWS+

Bayou Underground

Tracing the Mythical Roots of American Popular Music
Bayou Underground: Tracing the Mythical Roots of American Popular Music. ECW, dist. by IPG. Oct. 2010. c.256p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 9781550229622. pap. $17.95. MUSIC
COPY ISBN
In this part travelog, part music history, and part personal reminiscence, prolific rock writer Thompson (Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell: The Dangerous Glitter of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed) conjures up images of a mythical Louisiana. He uses 18 rock 'n' roll songs as a backdrop to weave a tale of voodoo queens, riverboats, swamps, crocodiles, prostitutes, and pirates. To add flavor, he sprinkles food recipes, such as Alligator Broulettes and Hummingbird Cake, throughout. In some cases—e.g., Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited," the Animals' "The House of the Rising Sun," and Dr. John's "I Walk on Gilded Splinters"—the songs fit perfectly with Thompson's tales of lore. In many other instances, the songs he selects have little or no connection to the chapters and only tangentially illuminate the roots of rock.
VERDICT Though Thompson clearly knows his music history, he seems to force his approach on the reader and adds little to the understanding of rock or Louisiana history.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?