The Meters: "Look-Ka Py Py"

Well well well.  My first OG Meters LP from their years on the Josie label, so hen’s-teeth rare that I just about chicken-strutted my way out of that record store when I found it.  This is one of those albums that has been discovered, re-discovered and discovered again by generation upon generation of groove-seekers.  Quite simply, The Meters laid down the groundwork for nearly every instrumental funk outfit that was to follow, and while there were other bands carving out this territory—Booker T. & The MG’s, early Bar-Kay’s, the JB’s, early Kool & The Gang, The Nite-Liters—these four guys from New Orleans were always unique, and unlike all of the aforementioned groups, their economy had as much to do with that as anything else.  No big horn sections, no large arrangements, no falling in lockstep with the common idea of their time that, to be a funk band, you had to have at least nine or ten pieces—no, this was just organ, bass, guitar and drums, and it is still almost inconceivable how much sound they got out of such a tiny combo.  Another musical aspect that set them firmly apart from many of their peers is their distinctly NOLA rhythmic approach; this sort of loose, loping, shuffling beat that was slower than a great deal of the other funk music of the era, yet still burned with a relentless heat and intensity all its own.  As far as the songs themselves on this LP go, what even needs to be said?  Classics all, standouts being the title track, “Pungee,” “Yeah You’re Right,” “Funky Miracle,” “Dry Spell.”  Plainly stated, this is one of the best and most essential slabs of instrumental funk wax you’re likely to find, so cop it!