This Ain’t No Mouse Music!

The pained look American label boss Chris Strachwitz has when he uses the term he coined, mouse music, says it all. Mouse music is soulless music made purely for financial gain. Strachwitz, who fled from Germany to the US with his parents during the war, really detests it. In his opinion, the US has a lot more to offer musically. That is why he has been making field recordings since 1960, which he releases on the renowned Arhoolie Records. This tall immigrant has worked in the most remote places with famous artists including Lightnin’ Hopkins and Big Mama Thornton, but also with the illustrious Clifton Chenier and Mance Lipscomb. His methods have ensured that thousands of folk songs were saved. This Ain’t No Mouse Music! is an airy, upbeat, musical ode to this charming treasurer who has lost none of his enthusiasm despite his advanced age.