The Meters

Kickback LP

LP | $18.98

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Keyboardist/vocalist Art Neville launched his solo career while still in high school in New Orleans, recording many memorable songs including the carnival perennial “Mardi Gras Mambo.” Forming around Neville in 1965, the Meters original lineup included guitarist Leo Nocentelli, bassist George Porter, Jr. and drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste. Their primordial funk sound was instantly recognizable on their own recordings as well as on many backing sessions they did for other artists. With the addition of younger Neville brother Cyril on vocals and percussion, the Meters moved on from the Josie label and signed with Warner Brothers.

Despite high profile tours with the Rolling Stones and celebrity superfans like Paul McCartney, the Meters never forgot their funk roots, even when covering the rock hits of the day. Kickback collects 11 tracks from their Warner Brothers period, 5 of them previously unissued, to create “the Meters album that never was.” Speaking of rock hits, the album includes their syncopated takes on “Honky Tonk Women,” “Come Together” and “Love the One You’re With.” The music of their hometown is well represented with “Big Chief,” “Jambalaya” and “Down By the River.” But whether they are grooving on an extra funky version of “Hang ‘Em High” or one of their original compositions, their instrumental and vocal interplay is undeniably brilliant.

All members of the Meters continue to play in various configurations, both as the Meters and with a variety of groups. In the years since their initial formation, their influence has spread worldwide, from Jamaica’s reggae to North America’s fervent jam band movement. Many of the songs from Kickback still pop up in sets by the Meters and their various offshoot bands. Isn’t it time you went straight to the source? This Sundazed album has been sourced directly from the original analog session tapes and pressed on pristine vinyl for your listening pleasure. The second line forms here!

TRACK LISTING AND AUDIO SAMPLES
1. Big Chief
2. Come Together
3. Hang ‘Em High (previously unissued version)
4. What More Can I Do
5. Keep On Marching (Funky Soldier)
6. Jambalaya
7. Down By The River (previously unissued)
8. Honky Tonk Woman (previously unissued version)
9. All I Do Everyday
10. Love The One You’re With (previously unissued)
11. A Mother’s Love (previously unissued)