Look-Ka Py Py

iTunes Review

The Meters’ sophomore studio album surfaced in 1970. It plays with the prowess of a greatest hits compilation — every single song here is simply outstanding and worthy of single status. The slow- burning title-track opens to reveal how Booker T. & The M.G.’s played a huge part in influencing Art Neville’s versatility on the Hammond B-3 organ; he could go from a key-paddling rhythmic style to unhinged, grinding leads at the drop of a beat. Even in moments of minimalism and restraint, songs like “Rigor Mortis” can’t explain how a band this tight can also sound so loose. Drummer Joseph Modeliste’s knack for second-line rhythms are especially prominent on “Thinking,” where even the most rhythmically challenged of people can learn how to clap on the two instead of on the one. “Funky Miracle” makes good on its title with one of the best illustrations of the Meters’ chemistry in kinetic motion, especially the relationship between their rhythm section and guitar, which Leo Nocentelli plays, sounding as if he had invented a style that could be called “lead rhythm.”