Album of the Day

The Meters moved from the small Josie label to Reprise Records for CABBAGE ALLEY, a step up in distribution that brought a wider audience to New Orleans' greatest funk band. The group's Josie hits had largely been instrumentals but much of this 1972 collection, co-produced by the estimable Allen Toussaint, features the sturdy vocals of Art Neville. Though there's no shortage of funky grooves, The Meters broaden their sound considerably in both material and arrangements; the socially conscious “Lonesome and Unwanted People” and a Neil Young cover (“Birds”) touched on singer-songwriter territory, while Leo Nocentelli's fiery guitar leads on tracks like opener “You've Got To Change (You've Got To Reform)” reveal the influence of hard rock. The playing is terrific throughout CABBAGE ALLEY, further solidifying The Meters' reputation as one of the tightest bands on the planet.