Down on the Bayou
This is another one of those weeks where the theme of my #threetunetuesday post sponsored by @ablaze is a little difficult for me. If you have been following along, you know that we just finished up the "K's" last week and now we find ourselves at the Letter "L". That means today we are landing in Louisiana. I've never been to Louisiana and that is part of what makes this so difficult.
In fact, my wife and I were just talking a month or so ago about how neither of us really have any desire to visit Louisiana. Of course, we want to be able to complete our map, but the whole New Orleans/Mardi Gras thing has zero appeal to us. It just seems like a really dirty area. I think if anything I would want to go walkthrough the famous cemeteries that you seen on TV and in the movies, maybe try a beignets, but beyond that, I just have zero desire to visit.
Of course I am sure the state has a lot more to offer besides just New Orleans, but I haven't seen it. Perhaps I need to go back and watch the Aerial America episode about the state and maybe that will change my mind.
As I've said, I have never been to Louisiana, so the photos I am using for this post are all from our last trip to Vegas where we visited the Orleans casino and hotel. I'm guessing you can figure out the theme based on the name. If not maybe the two photos will cement it for you.
As always, the idea of the post is that I pick three songs that have Louisiana in the title or lyrics. Simply referencing New Orleans isn't good enough though there are plenty of songs that do just that. So, now that we have that out of the way, let's get along to the music shall we?
As soon as I thought of this song I knew that I had to include it in this post. I mean, Chuck Berry is basically one of the originators of rock and roll, so it is only natural that I would include Johnny B Goode in the mix. Obviously this is a classic and while many of you might only recognize it from Back to the Future, it has clearly been around a lot longer than that. They get right to the connection in the very first line with a reference to Louisiana.
It doesn't get much easier than that does it?
I wasn't sure about including this one because first off, it's by a band named Alabama. Second, if you listen closely to the lyrics, it's actually a song about Texas, but I have a feeling there is going to be no shortage of songs to choose from when I get to that state. Since it also references Louisiana, or more specifically, a Louisiana man, I figured I would include it in here.
This is actually a really great tune by Alabama, and probably one of my very favorites of theirs. Between this and Dixieland Delight, you really can't go wrong. I think something gets a little lost in the live translation from this Farm Aid performance, but this is a good old foot stompin beer drinking country song. There is just no other way to put it.
Finally, we are going to stick in the country vein and take a look at Mel McDaniel singing "Louisiana Saturday Night". I actually try to pick songs that have the full name of the state versus just the abbreviated version you often here that sounds more like "wooziana" or "looziana". If you don't know what I am talking about just close your eyes and listen really closely and you will hear what I am talking about.
Mel is actually a pretty great artist. He has a couple of country songs that turned into pretty good hits. Oddly enough, it seems there are likely more country songs that reference Louisiana than any other genre. Except maybe the Blues, but I'll be the first to admit I am no expert on the blues.
If you are looking for some extra curricular activity, be sure to check out the song "Louisiana Woman/Mississippi Man". There are a ton of different versions out there and it's usually performed as a duet. Probably the most classic is Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Be sure to check it out if you are not adverse to country music like some people are.
I feel like this week was a little weak, but as I said, Louisiana is definitely not my wheelhouse. Hopefully next week things pick back up!
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I have been to Louisiana and New Orleans with my first wife while still in college. I liked Cafe du Monde and French Quarter...
I'd probably hit those if I ever got down there, but I don't feel like there is anything drawing me to the area.
Whenever I see a casino, I think about old people sitting in a hypnotized state. Have you ever noticed how most people who frequent casinos are elderly? Not sure if it's the same there, too.
Yeah, that is probably pretty accurate. It's been a long time since I have been to one though.
I like watching Aerial America on occasions. I have to be wide awake though. The narration will put me to sleep. I thought you picked some good songs this week. Conway and Loretta were a good duet for sure. Too bad their music isn't played on the radio anymore.
Aerial America is probably one of my all time favorite shows. So much good information there and the scenery is amazing.
It is a great show. I am just one of those people that fall asleep easily watching narrated television.
I would think the blues would have more references, then country. Then again, I'm no blues expert either. Johnny B. Goode is an awesome classic, what a great pick. Then Alabama fits perfectly. I'm not as familiar with Mel but haven't been listening to country much the last few years. When I was in rural Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas you sure heard a lot of it! Either that or Mexican Norteno music, which has never been my favorite.
I do love New Orleans and have been there several times. All pre hurricane though, I haven't gone back since and heard it's just not the same. Maybe one of these days I'll have an excuse to go there again, but nothing on the horizon that's for certain!