Few albums have been overtaken by unfortunate events as profoundly as Behind The Levee, the Subdudes’ now ironically-titled second album since their 2002 reunion. Understand, it’s a very nice record that won’t disappoint fans of the Subdudes’ second-line blue-eyed Creole soul. But it’s still difficult to hear songs evoking good times down in Louisiana without wincing. From the very first song: “Are they drinkin’, are they dancin’, are they havin’ a ball? Are they making plans for the next Mardi Gras?”
Yeah, well, here’s hoping those levees hold up well enough for Mardi Gras to go down come February.
If you can get past that, Behind The Levee is as swell and sunny and fun as anything in the Subdudes’ catalog. They’ve made some of the most purely likable records of recent times, and this is another fine addition to the list. John Magnie’s accordion is to the ‘Dudes what Steve Nieve’s piano is to Elvis Costello & the Attractions, the glue holding everything together (although Steve Amede’s lowdown, low-tech percussion makes a great adornment).
Top it off with Tommy Malone’s soulful yelp on “Time For The Sun To Rise”, complete with a lilt evoking Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”, and it’s enough to bring on a craving for gumbo.
