The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

11/15/2007

Gris Gris Gumbo Yaya: Dr. John is the Last of the Best

Dr. John is of no relation to George Clinton

My father is an avid record collector and one of my favorite albums I remember him playing is Dr. John the Night Tripper's, Gris Gris. As a child I found it scary, with its' exotic cover and the eerily, echo-y Creole choruses. Today, the effects are similar but I would describe this album as uniquely haunting, unlike any other album I have ever heard or probably ever will hear. Recorded in 1968 this debut album is an eccentric mix of blues, Mardi Gras pageantry, and New Orleans R&B. If you have never heard this before, check out these mp3's. I'm sure you will like what you hear so buy this album and don't try to burn a copy or steal this record- Dr. John will make a voodoo doll of you and stick pins in it.