New Release: Cover Yo’ Azz! by Cowboy Mouth

Known initially for their big hit “Jenny Says” from three decades ago, New Orleans’ band Cowboy Mouth has stood the test of time and released a new album called Cover Yo’ Azz!, a collection of covers from some of their personal favorites.

Lead singer/drummer Fred LeBlanc (no relation to Matt) maintains his 90s energy, making these replications fresh and wonderful without attempting carbon copy versions. The first track is a unique version of the Paul Anka-penned hit “My Way,” made famous by Frank Sinatra and infamous by Sid Vicious. LeBlanc’s vocal lead-in is smooth with an acoustic feel. That is, until it morphs into a Cowboy Mouth rollercoaster ride.

The band covers a wide range of classics from The Who, The Replacements, Cher, R.E.M., Queen, and more. The vibrance and energy of these songs is shocking, dare we say nearly as good as the originals? I digress. Decide for yourselves. And it’s not only straight up rock ‘n’ roll, with other tunes from Fats Domino, Rodney Crowell, even Hootie & The Blowfish guitarist Mark Bryan. This is a potpourri of LeBlanc’s faves and recorded with a genuinely CM flavor.

The still-living Roger Daltrey is channeled on the Who’s 1973 Quadrophenia hit “The Real Me,” with a blazing bass (or is that guitar) reminiscent of the mighty John Entwhistle. The Mats’ “Can’t Hardly Wait” is a smashing tribute to the Minneapolis band who were shot out of a rocket in the 80s, with vocals a smidge better that Westerberg’s. No horns, but still awesome. The brilliant cover of Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves” is a rare take on the artist’s hit from 1971, already her seventh solo album with hubby Sonny producing. This version is louder and more energetic than the original.

R.E.M.’s “Perfect Circle” from their debut LP Murmur is shiningly adapted, with special care taken in reproducing the original piano parts, but heavier efforts on the rhythm section. From an R.E.M. fan, it’s a worthy effort. The Ian Hunter–Mick Ronson collab “Just Another Night” is true to the original, with all that 1979 energy.

The band strikes a country-rock stance on Queen’s 1978 classic “Fat Bottomed Girls” from theirJazz album. Another tour-de-force version of a song we’ve all heard thousands of times. LeBlanc once described the band’s sound as, “If the Neville Brothers and The Clash had a baby, it would be Cowboy Mouth.” Catch the Louisiana Music Hall of Famers on the road now through November across the good ol’ U.S. of A.

For more information on Cowboy Mouth music and tour dates, visit their website. Listen to the album below, as well as the playlist or originals. Crank it up!