The Meters – Now Playing (Black Vinyl)

The Meters – Now Playing (Black Vinyl) gathers ten essential recordings from one of the foundational groups in New Orleans funk. Built around the unmistakable interplay of Art Neville’s organ, Leo Nocentelli’s guitar, George Porter Jr.’s bass and Zigaboo Modeliste’s drums, the Meters created a sound that was economical, deeply syncopated and endlessly influential.

The collection opens with “Just Kissed My Baby”, a relaxed but powerful groove that shows how the band could make every instrument feel independent while locking together as a single rhythmic machine. “Cissy Strut” remains one of the defining instrumental funk singles, driven by a guitar figure and drum pattern that have become part of the language of popular music. “Find Yourself”, “Fire on the Bayou” and “Funkify Your Life” broaden the picture, combining earthy vocals, clipped guitar, rolling bass and the loose precision associated with the Crescent City.

Side B includes “People Say”, “Tippi-Toes” and “Cardova”, each demonstrating the Meters’ ability to create memorable music from deceptively simple motifs. “Look-Ka Py Py” is a masterclass in space and rhythmic conversation, while “Hey Pocky A-Way” closes the set with a celebratory groove rooted in New Orleans street and Mardi Gras traditions.

This black vinyl LP is a strong entry point for listeners discovering the band and a useful single-disc overview for established funk collections. The Meters’ recordings have been sampled, covered and studied by generations of musicians across funk, soul, hip-hop, rock and electronic music, but their original performances retain a character that cannot be replicated. Now Playing places familiar classics alongside deeper catalogue cuts, creating a balanced sequence that highlights both their instrumental precision and their warm, communal feel. For DJs, collectors and anyone drawn to rhythm-led music, this is an essential snapshot of a truly great American band.

Every selection rewards close listening while remaining immediately useful on a lively shop, home or DJ turntable.