Louie and the Lovers were four Mexican-American high school students from the small agricultural community of Prunedale, California. They spent their time listening to groups like Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Byrds, writing their own songs, and playing local gigs. They attracted the attention of Tex-Mex legend Doug Sahm, who was so taken by them that he agreed to produce their legendary first and only album, Rise.
Royal Oakie is a rollicking roots rock tune about a swimming hole where people gather to party and have a good time. It has that straightforward 4/4 CCR quality to it. Lead singer Louie Ortega has a twang in his voice that's like a lower and smoother John Fogerty crossed with Willie Nelson (?)...kind of a nasal sound, sometimes it makes me think of Ethel Merman (weird, huh?), like when he sings wine at 0:50. Maybe you can think of a better example. The chorus is a fun singalong that makes me wish I were hanging out at Royal Oakie pond with these guys.
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