Meters Look-Ka Py Py CD

Reissue of 1970 album by this funky New Orleans-based r& b group led by Art Neville & produced by the mighty team of Allen Toussaint and Marshall Sehorn. Contains all 12 cuts from when the Rounder label originally issued it, plus two previously unreleased bonus tracks, 'Grass' & 'Borro'. The album was their third overall & first for Rounder. 1999 release.

The Meters: Leo Nocentelli (guitar); George Porter, Jr. (bass instrument); Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste (drums); Art Neville.
Personnel: Art Neville (organ); Ziggy Modeliste (drums).
Liner Note Author: Bill Dahl.
The second album by Art Neville's band continues the sound that made them New Orleans legends. In addition to the title track, there's plenty of funk aboard in songs like like "Pungee," "9 'Til 5," "Rigor Mortis," "Funky Miracle," and "Yeah, You're Right." This 1999 reissue also features two previously unreleased bonus tracks, "Grass" and "Borro." ~ Cub Koda
The Meters' great 1960s singles anticipated the coming of funk. They made short, catchy tunes and scored occasional hits, particularly the single "Look-Ka-Py-Py," one of 12 outstanding tunes on this CD. These were the ultimate party/dance records, and they also showed the link between traditional African rhythms, New Orleans shuffle, second line sounds, soul, and funk. Marvelous rhythm music at its hottest. ~ Ron Wynn
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. Other notable juicy moments include the percolating "Little Old Money Maker" and the previously unreleased soul nugget "Borro." By far the oddest track on LOOK-KA PY PY is a cover of "Oh, Calcutta!" that sounds more suited for a Memphis after-hours club than the Broadway stage.
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. Other notable juicy moments include the percolating "Little Old Money Maker" and the previously unreleased soul nugget "Borro." By far the oddest track on LOOK-KA PY PY is a cover of "Oh, Calcutta!" that sounds more suited for a Memphis after-hours club than the Broadway stage.

Rolling Stone - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...the playing--like that of the crack soul bands of the Fifties and Sixties--is clear, unhurried and certain...display[s] a songsmith's penchant for hooks and structure."
Q (Summer/01, p.125) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...This largely instrumental album...demonstrates an admirable work rate they have proven more useful as hip hop sample fodder than an intro to the band..."
Q (2/00, p.101) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...hard-to-find, MGs-inspired instrumental albums....magical skeletons of jigsaw funk...[a] must-have..."
Dirty Linen (6-7/00, pp.87-8) - "...Displays all of the swagger and funk of a sweltering New Orleans summer night romp....the premier instrumental band of swamp-rock and soul....Chunky African rhythms, slow-cooked shuffles, and some backbeat boss basslines..."
Living Blues (5-6/01, pp.91-4) - "...Excellent....The music is exceptional, a potent mixture of clipped jerk rhythms and simple laid-back funk with syncopated accents....a virtual blueprint for '70s street funk..."