One more album slipped in under the wire before I move forward to 1970. In late 1969, New Orleans funk masters The Meters released their second album, “Looka Py Py”. Like their first album, this is another instrumental collection of Louisiana funk that really hits the mark. It is rated as album #415 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time.
Listening to this album is another easy pleasure, 12 songs in just 32 minutes, each with a unique funk groove that just begs you to slow down, ease back, and let the rhythm take over. The cohesion of this band is really apparent in this second album, they just play together so well. As a four-piece unit who was still entirely instrumental at this point, Art Neville’s organ line usually serves as the replacement for the lead vocal melody, while guitar, bass and drums create the rhythm and harmony backing. Ziggy Modeliste is one of the first masters of the off-beat drum sound that exemplifies what I love about New Orleans funk. What I would have given to seen this band live in their original form, on a late and hot night in New Orleans as the sounds permeate the city. Every one of these songs is great, but my two standout favorites are “Funky Miracle” and “Little Old Money Maker”. I don’t know how anyone can listen to this and not be completely pulled in.
The Meters are a treasure of American music, and one of the legendary heartbeats of New Orleans. I will say it one more time, although it might emerge again. It is an absolute travesty that the Meters and/or Neville Brothers, and the Neville family at large, is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and are not more widely appreciated for the depth and greatness of their sound. OK… rant over. Time for more funk…
A Lifetime-Plus of Music 