THE METERS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The Meters are a fine band that embody the famous sound of New Orleans in their work. They are claimed for singles like 'Cissy Strut,' played by Leo Nocentelli, and the celebratory gem 'Hey Pocky A-Way' both of which are classics that make a mark with funk lovers cross the ages. Their fantastic album Now Playing includes all these and many more delights on black ice vinyl courtesy of Rhino. Deep cut and steamy funk tracks like 'Fire On The Bayou', the raw and sleazy 'Just Kissed My Baby' and 'Look-Ka Py Py' all prove they have great versatility to their sound.

Review: Jackpot's revisit to The Meters' early days continues with this limited blue vinyl pressing of their third album, Struttin'. Not even waiting a year after their second album Look A Py Py, the New Orleans funk pioneers knew they were onto a good thing and hopped straight back to the studio to lay down another 12 loose and limber joints which helped shape out the sound of the Bayou. The likes of 'Chicken Strut' and 'Hand Clapping Song' make a strong case for the shape of music that was yet to come, soon to be remoulded in a tidal wave of hip-hop sampling, but still so def in its original, raw and rolling form.

Review: The original Bayou sound pioneers from New Orleans, The Meters are all-too-often overlooked when it comes to the origins of the funk. At least now Jackpot are embarking on this reissue run of their early albums, giving some seriously seminal grooves a fresh airing. Hot on the heels of their self-titled debut, Look Ka Py Py arrived in 1970 with production from Allen Toussaint and featured another suite of instrumental jams which dug deeper into the band's sound. Hanging right behind the pocket, these simple but abundantly rich rhythms have lived many lives out in the wild through generations of sample culture and beyond, but sometimes you've got to go back and savour the source.