The Meters
Fire on the Bayou (Rhino)
Our dive into the Rhino Reserve series continues with this funk gem from beloved New Orleans outfit The Meters.
According to the press release, "In the midst of the Rolling Stones’ 1975 U.S. tour, New Orleans royalty, The Meters, released their sixth studio album, Fire on the Bayou. This staple funk record boasted tracks like 'Mardi Gras Mambo' and Hank Williams’ rendition of 'Jambalaya.' Fire on the Bayou remains a cornerstone of New Orleans funk."
This writer can't pretend to be an expert in the field of New Orleans funk, or The Meters in particular, but the album is incredible. The lacquers have been cut from the original analog masters by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, and pressed on 180 gram vinyl.
There's certainly a weight to the title track, and the insistent "Talkin' Bout New Orleans." "They All Ask'd For You" is a delightful throwback, full of childlike joy. But the whole record is a pleasure, including a sleeve photo that looks like the guys are hanging out on a New Orleans swamp, while their name is written in a font that looks like it's burning around them.
