The Meters - Look-Ka Py Py (1970)

«The Meters defined New Orleans funk, not only on their own recordings, but also as the backing band for numerous artists, including many produced by Allen Toussaint. Where the funk of Sly Stone and James Brown was wild, careening, and determinedly urban, the Meters were down-home and earthy. Nearly all of their own recordings were instrumentals, putting the emphasis on the organic and complex rhythms. The syncopated, layered percussion intertwined with the gritty grooves of the guitar and organ, creating a distinctive sound that earned a small, devoted cult during the ‘70s, including musicians like Paul McCartney and Robert Palmer, both of whom used the group as a backing band for recording. Despite their reputation as an extraordinary live band, the Meters never broke into the mainstream, but their sound provided the basis for much of the funk and hip-hop of the ‘80s and ‘90s.» (AMG)

«Although the Meters had scored a pair of hits on the band’s self-titled debut ("Cissy Strut", "Sophisticated Cissy"), the instrumental quartet was still busy churning out sessions at the New Orleans studio of Allen Tousaint and Marshall Sehorn. Between backing such names as Lee Dorsey and Betty Harris, the band cranked out a follow-up that was even funkier than its debut. When these songs aren’t busy getting basted by Art Neville’s succulent-sounding organ ("Pungee") or spiced up by guitarist Leo Nocentelli’s licks ("9 ‘Til 5"), the rhythm section of bassist George Porter, Jr. and drummer Ziggy Modeliste keeps the stew cooking with plenty of bouncy grooves ("Funky Miracle".) The best example of the Meters’ ability to reside squarely in the pocket is the infectious title track, which is inspired by a misfiring auto engine and dominated by Modeliste’s whip-smart time keeping. […]» (Channel4)

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