The Meters
The Meters are a pioneering American funk band that originated in New Orleans in 1965. The original lineup consisted of drummer Zigaboo Modeliste, bassist George Porter Jr., guitarist Leo Nocentelli, and keyboardist Art Neville. They are often credited as the foundational architects of funk music, having created a distinctive sound characterized by tight rhythms and syncopated grooves, which became influential throughout the 1960s and 1970s and continues to resonate in modern music.
The band's iconic tracks include "Cissy Strut," "Sophisticated Cissy," and "Ease Back," showcasing their innovative approach to rhythm and melody. Their music reflects the diverse cultural influences of New Orleans and has been celebrated for its contribution to the funk genre. Despite undergoing various lineup changes over the years, The Meters have remained an enduring presence in the music scene, widely respected for their groundbreaking work and influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
In addition to their original material, they have served as a backing band for numerous artists, cementing their reputation within the wider music community. The Meters' legacy is still evident today as they continue to perform and inspire new acts in the funk and broader music world.
Look-Ka Py Py
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
3:15
A2 Rigor Mortis
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:35
A3 Pungee
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:38
A4 Thinking
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
1:38
A5 This Is My Last Affair
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:50
A6 Funky Miracle
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:25
B1 Yeah, You're Right
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:41
B2 Little Old Money Maker
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:38
B3 Oh, Calcutta!
Written-By – Stanley Walden
2:45
B4 The Mob
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:44
B5 9 'Til 5
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:45
B6 Dry Spell
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli
2:27
Label: Josie – JOS 4011
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Bayou Funk, Soul, Funk
The Meters' album “Look-Ka Py Py” is a seminal, effortlessly funky instrumental masterpiece, celebrated for its tight grooves, iconic title track, and deep influence on funk, rock, and hip-hop, showcasing precise musicianship, fat basslines, and dry, upfront drums that perfectly capture New Orleans soul with raw, infectious charm, solidifying the band as legends.
The album flows seamlessly, with songs feeling like natural, unforced jam sessions, highlighting The Meters' chemistry. It's considered a pure, essential slice of early, primitive funk, characterized by sparse arrangements and deep grooves. It's a definitive snapshot of New Orleans music, a sound that became foundational for many genres.
Reviews praise the interplay between Art Neville's organ, Leo Nocentelli's precise guitar, George Porter Jr.'s fat bass, and Zigaboo Modeliste's sharp, upfront drums.
Standout Tracks
"Look-Ka Py Py": The iconic, wordless title track, known for its irresistible hook and deep groove, often highlighted as a pinnacle.
"Funky Miracle": An infectious, hard-stopping jam that showcases the band's tight interplay.
"Oh, Calcutta!": A surprising but perfectly delivered cover that became a staple and was famously sampled.
Its DNA runs through funk, rock, and hip-hop, influencing countless artists and even appearing in soundtracks. Considered vital for understanding funk, this second album builds on their debut with even deeper grooves, making it a classic.
In short, Look-Ka Py Py is a must-have, a masterclass in instrumental funk that's both sophisticated in its simplicity and endlessly danceable, proving The Meters were masters of the groove from the very start.
Rejuvenation
A2 Love Is For Me 3:49
A3 Just Kissed My Baby 4:42
A4 What'cha Say 3:27
A5 Jungle Man 3:23
B1 Hey Pocky A-Way 4:01
B2 It Ain't No Use 11:48
B3 Loving You Is On My Mind 3:13
B4 Africa 3:56
Written by Art Neville, George Porter, Jr., Joseph Modeliste, Leo Nocentelli
Label: Reprise Records – MS 2200
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Bayou Funk, Soul
Rejuvenation, released in 1974 by New Orleans funk legends The Meters, is a landmark funk album known for its deep, infectious grooves, tight musicianship, and fusion of funk, R&B, and soul with Mardi Gras/swamp rock influences, produced by Allen Toussaint. It marks a peak in their career, featuring hit tracks like "Just Kissed My Baby," "People Say," and "Hey Pocky-A-Way," showcasing a richer, more vocal-focused sound while maintaining their signature rhythmic precision that heavily influenced future genres.
The album is defined by the powerful rhythm section of George Porter Jr. (bass) and Zigaboo Modeliste (drums) creating an irresistible "pocket".
Infused with local sounds, including gospel, jazz, and Mardi Gras Indian chants, especially heard in "Africa" and "Hey Pocky-A-Way".
This album expanded on their earlier work with more prominent vocals (Art Neville) and subtle horns, creating a fuller sound that blended raw funk with soul.
It is considered a masterpiece and one of the greatest funk albums ever, praised for its musicianship and timeless feel. Rejuvenation remains an essential listen for funk, soul, and R&B fans, cementing The Meters' legacy as masters of the groove.
Struttin’
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:48
A2 Liver Splash
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:40
A3 Wichita Lineman
Featuring, Vocals [Featured Vocalist] – Art Neville
Written-By – Jim Webb 2:58
A4 Joog
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:12
A5 Go For Yourself
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 3:10
A6 Same Old Thing
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:52
B1 Hand Clapping Song
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:55
B2 Darlin' Darlin'
Featuring, Vocals [Featured Vocalist] – Art Neville
Written-By – Rogueo B. Davis 2:53
B3 Tippi-Toes
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:26
B4 Britches
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:50
B5 Hey! Last Minute
Written-By – Neville, Porter, Modeliste, Nocentelli 2:59
Label: Josie – JOS 4012
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Bayou Funk, Soul
The Meters' Struttin' (1970) is a pivotal funk album, praised for deepening their signature New Orleans groove with more vocals, dynamic tracks like "Hand Clapping Song," and unique arrangements ("Joog"), solidifying its status as a foundational funk record, though some consider it slightly weaker than its predecessors as it completed their early trilogy before a sound shift. Critics highlight its irresistible grooves, instrumental interplay (bass, guitar, drums, organ), and adventurous spirit, marking a key moment before their move to a major label.
The album is consistently described as funky, with persistent, "jammin'" rhythms that are well-organized and perfect for head-nodding.
It's The Meters' first album to feature significant vocals, with Art Neville taking the lead on tracks like "Wichita Lineman," adding soulful variation. Reviewers love the "dirty," raw, early '70s sound with distinct separation between instruments, like the pickin' guitar and fat bass.
Standout Tracks: "Hand Clapping Song," "Chicken Strut," "Joog," and "Tippi-Toes" are frequently mentioned as highlights.
It concludes their early era with Josie Records, noted as a strong but slightly less groundbreaking release compared to their debut or Look-Ka Py Py, though still essential for funk fans.
Its samples are a goldmine for hip-hop, and it's considered a classic, bridging their instrumental origins with expanded arrangements before their next phase.
In summary, Struttin' is seen as a vital, fun, and essential listen, showcasing The Meters' mastery of groove and their willingness to experiment, cementing their legacy as funk pioneers.