The content of this post originally appeared in the “JNL” section of the Janesville Gazette daily newspaper in the mid-1990s.

The Tailgators’ new album wonderfully manages to combine the sounds of early rock ‘n’ roll, blues and Cajun country music. It starts off with “Hog Groove,” a song that harmonizes a tenor saxophone, electric guitar and
accordion. It’s a nicely written song with not-so-great lyrics but great rhythm and harmony. “Tico Tico” sounds like something you could do the tango to; it has no words but uses a guitar and drums. It’s not all that bad, but not really something you would expect on a Cajun — country album.

“Stop That Rappin'” has the rhythm of ’50s rock. The whole thing sounds like it could be recorded by Chuck Berry, right down to the lyrics. “Talk to Me” is about a man who wants his girlfriend to marry him. The lyrics are
good, the music even better. “Howlin’ for My Darlin'” probably has the best written lyrics of all the songs on the album, plus a couple of good guitar solos in the middle. “Onion Eyed Joe” has kind of humorous lyrics, and I’m
guessing the Tailgators had fun writing this one. “Deuces Wild” doesn’t have any lyrics, but it does have a sound like the Beach Boys — a lot of bass drum and mostly treble on the guitar. It’s clearer, easier to hear and has a more twangy sound. Through and through, the album was pretty good. If the Tailgators work on it, they could become well known in the business of country music.