The Meters

The Meters define the steamy, hard-edged New Orleans funk sound much as the Section is
synonymous with the soft-focus, blue-eyed soul of Los Angeles studios. Both work from
clearly defined traditions: the rhythmically intricate ensemble philosophy of Dixieland
survives in the Meters, while the Section is a group of virtuoso improvisation-alists who
epitomize the "cool" (now "laid-back") Latin-jazz ambiance perfected by Wes Mo... More >

Outside of New Orleans the Meters are a cult band. All they accomplish by going pop/disco is the loss of their critical rep (whatever that's worth) and the erosion of their sales base. Yet leaving Allen Toussaint for David Rubinson was evidently the right move--he respected them so much he was even sparing with the Tower of Power. A very good commercial funk record, right down to covers that go with their natural beat--one from Peter Tosh and one from Allen Toussaint. (Grade: B+)