This set collects songs from Clifton Chenier's seven other albums on the Arhoolie label. They date from 1964 to the 1980s (Chenier died in 1987). All of the 15 selections are sung in his first language, Louisiana Creole French, and he's accompanied by his Red Hot Louisiana Band. This set gives ample justification for his title: the King Of Zydeco. Chenier's accordion and vocals are full of wit and warmth. He can dazzle with joy and he can move with blues-filled passion. A few tracks are live, and all capture the essential interplay of the ensemble. Their subtle rhythmic layering is hypnotic and famously danceable. The band personnel varied throughout the years, but one mainstay was his brother Cleveland Chenier on rubboard. ZYDECO SONT PAS SALE is an excellent introduction to the music of Clifton Chenier. Released in 1997, 15 tracks, including:
01- Zydeco Sont Pas Sale (Snap Beans Not Salty)
02- Blues De Ma Negresse (Blues About My Black Gal)
03- Cher Catin (Dear Baby)
04- Going La Maison (Going To The House)
05- J'ai Conet C'est Pas Ma Femme (I Know She's Not My Woman)
06- Jole Blonde (Pretty Blond)
07- Mo Veux Connaitre (I Want To Know)
08- Je Suis En Recolteur (I'm A Farmer)
09- Je Me Reveiller Le Martin (I Woke Up This Morning)
10- Je Marche Le Plancher (I Walk The Floor)
11- Louisiana Two Step
12- Weetee Ta Robe (Take Off Your Dress)
13- Zydeco Two Step
14- Breaux Bridge Waltz
15- Tu Le Ton Son Ton (Every Now And Then)