356. Dr. John, "Gris-Gris"

 

You know how kids say things are a MOOD?  Well, this album is a whole motherfucking MOOD and the mood is "backing band at a voodoo ritual in the basement of a New Orleans flophouse."  It is really something, a weird-ass blend of Afro-Caribbean beats, New Orleans funk, some kind of swamp rock, and I don't even fucking know what else.  I wasn't sure what to make of it at first but then I just went with it and was glad I did.  There are songs that are just sort of extended musical ideas, like "Danse Kalinda Da Boom," and songs that more closely resemble what we think of as "songs," like "Mama Roux" and "Jump Sturdy."  

Although it was recorded in Los Angeles, where Dr. John (nee Mac Rebennack) was living at the time, this album is so firmly rooted in one place - that place, of course, being New Orleans - that it should have its own post office,  Even by the standards of 1968, though, it was so weird and out there that it was never really marketed properly and never charted.  

Dr. John went on to a fascinating and lengthy career.  He's one of those singular voices who pops up everywhere you look, like a popular music Zelig.  Look, there he is writing Tin Pan Alley songs with Doc Pomus!  There he is touring with Ringo Starr!  There he is singing on soundtracks ("The Princess and the Frog" and "Dazed and Confused," and isn't this like the 4th time "Dazed and Confused" has popped up here?)! Now he's playing piano on Spiritualized's "Cop Shoot Cop," wait what the fuck.

Dr. John died in 2019 at the age of 77 or 78, maybe.  "Dr. John was married twice and told the New York Times he had 'a lot' of children," says Reuters.  What a fascinating character.

Does this album deserve to be in the Top 500? You know what?  My initial impression was "no," but now that I've listened to it three times I am an enthusiastic "yes."