Review: The Fabulous Bagasse Boyz You Can Dress ’Em Up But You Can’t Take ’Em Anywhere

This new bluegrass record is set up like an old-time radio program, complete with an announcer between the songs. It’s a charming shtick, reminiscent of recordings when Johnny Cash would shill for biscuit flour companies on the radio, but after a while I want the band to get on with it. The Fabulous Bagasse Boyz can throw down a country stomp like they do on “Big Mamou” or “East Virginia Blues” or intelligently reinterpret a song—Cat Stevens’ “Here Comes My Baby” being my favorite track on the album. The gags about being “sponsored by white socks and moist towelettes” might get a chuckle from A Prairie Home Companion diehards, but just like when I hear Garrison Keillor’s crew hamming it up, I want to fast-forward to the music. myspace.com/thefabulousbagasseboyz

Essential Tracks: “Here Comes My Baby,” “East Virginia Blues,” “Big Mamou”

Recommended if you like: Del McCoury Band, Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison, Hee Haw re-runs.