Rejuvenation [Remastered] - Meters (The)

Advantages: inteligent varied original
Disadvantages: their last record as a group

...Some are born great,as the saying goes ,others have greatness thrust upon them,and in the case of The Specials it seems not only did they achieve greatness with their debut album "Specials",but had even more greatness thrust upon them by an over expectant music press and ravenous fan base all eager for more of their punk/ska riotous rapture ,however in the spirit of true greatness and wanton defiance they delivered "More Specials" in the autumn of 1980,and in direct conflict to its title could well have been called "Less Specials " In the twelve months which had elapsed between their debut and this daring follow up the musical landscape had changed a great deal ,the fury of punk which gave rise to the groups foundations was now a fading memory as new sounds and movements splinterd into a varied buffet of sounds and movements... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good Early stuff
Disadvantages: Doesn't cover everything

...The Meters were a fantastic band and were pioneers of the art form. They worked with Dr. John and Allen Toussaint on 'Right Place', a classic New Orleans record, and wrote one of the Funkiest albums of all time, 'Rejuvination'. This record covers some of their earlier work. 'Cissy Strut' is an absolute classic. Its a killer riff and is so simple. Everything in the band clicks. Song after song on this album is very simple but funky as hell. 'Sophisticated Cissy' and 'Ease Back' are also classics. They also do a couple of covers on the album, one being 'Sing a simple song' by sly and the family stone. There extremely tight and precise style suites the record and helps to make this an interesting compilation from one of the best New Orleans bands ever. This is a great place to start, and i highly recommend it.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: interesting very very interesting
Disadvantages: too "interesting" in places

...production, and is mostly of its time ,but its influential blueprint echoed for many a year on the likes of Depeche Mode and The Pet Shop Boys ,that small production i mentioned couldnt be better suited for a truly epic rendition of "Youve lost that Loving Feeling ",the song is stripped to its ragged underwear as the songs sentiments become all too apparent ,leaving it to shiver in the cold and despair of a love gone bad ,for a second it might be that Mr Oakey,s joking ,but no, he,s feeling it for real ,a masterstoke of song choice and possibly the best version ever . As far as the re-mastering goes its a case of gaps being filled for fans and collectors ,but very well presented and chosen,especially the long losr early single "The Dignity of Labour "in all its 4 part glory ,at time ,s sounding like a synthesiser in the microwave... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful