Some of the tunes here tilt toward novelty, including "Betty Boop," which also name-checks Shirley Temple. But the willfully silly "Cajun Fair," about a woman in a "neon sweater" and "alligator underwear," rollicks right over gripes about superficiality, as do aural gags à la "Hippie in My House." Even better are comparatively substantive tunes like "Blues Fallin' Down," replete with several thoroughly charming guitar breaks, and "Don't Care If I Do," a cheerful lament featuring such bons mots as "Your name fits 'round my neck just like a noose."
Yes, Midnight Rodeo is a throwback. But the pleasure it provides is as current as today.
