Third studio album from the New Orleans funk pioneers. I remember the first time I ever heard Khruangbin, I couldn’t help but trace their catchy guitar licks, funky basslines, and tight break-beats right back to The Meters. Sure, their international influences sprawl much further beyond the American south, but the simplicity, precision, and form parallels between the Texas trio and the legendary Louisiana group. Much like Khruangbin’s Mordechai, Struttin’ marks a distinctive shift in The Meters’ discography by introducing vocals into their songwriting. The two prior records, The Meters and Look-Ka Py Py, are entirely instrumental, aside from an occasional “aaaah ya!” or “bawm bawm bawm.” On Struttin’, keyboardist Art Neville makes his vocal debut on tracks "Darling, Darling, Darling,” "Ride Your Pony," and their soulfully smooth cover of “Wichita Lineman.” You may also recognize the vocal hook from “Hand Clapping Song,” which was famously sampled alongside Bob James’ “Nautilus” in A Tribe Called Quest’s “Clap Your Hands.”

• 'blue jay' colored vinyl
• cut from original analog master tapes
• limited edition
• original release year: 1970
• music label: Jackpot Records 2023

reviewed by SHH! 07/2021

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