The Rougarou's Deep Cuts: A Crate-Digger's Guide to NOLA Funk & Soul
Alright, you've heard "Cissy Strut." You know Dr. John. You've let the good times roll with Professor Longhair. That's the NOLA you see on the postcards, and we love it.
But that's not the whole story.
The real soul of this city lives in the B-sides, the rare 45s, and the underappreciated veterans who laid the groundwork for the funk you hear today. It's the sound spilling out of a corner bar in the Treme, the gritty rhythm of a Mardi Gras Indian practice, the raw energy of a punk show that decided to pick up an accordion.
The last playlist was the party. This one is the secret after-party. This is the Rougarou's personal stash.
The Vibe, Part I: The Gut-Bucket Funk
Before the funk was polished for the radio, it was raw, greasy, and low-down. This is the sound of the legendary Sea-Saint studios after hours, the stuff that was too wild for the mainstream. These are the artists who were laying down grooves so heavy they could crack the pavement.
Eddie Bo – "Hook 'N' Sling, Pt. 2": Eddie Bo released more singles than any other New Orleans artist besides Fats Domino, yet he remains one of the city's most underappreciated veterans. This track is pure, uncut funk—the sound of a party that's just starting to get out of hand.
The Explosions – "Hip Drop": A definitive track from a collection of rare and undiscovered funk gems, "Hip Drop" is the kind of infectious groove that has been sampled by hip-hop producers for decades.
Chocolate Milk – "Action Speaks Louder Than Words": The eight-piece band that followed in The Meters' footsteps at Sea-Saint Studios. They had a bigger sound, with a full horn section and group vocals, but the groove was just as deep and southern-fried.
Ernie & The Top Notes – "Dap Walk": A sought-after track that captures the raw energy of the era. It's the kind of song that makes you want to strut down the street, even if you have nowhere to go.
The Vibe, Part II: The Gritty Soul
New Orleans soul isn't just sweet; it's got grit. It's the sound of real life—heartbreak, desire, and doing wrong for all the right reasons. It's the music that plays when the lights are low and the air is thick.
Aaron Neville – "Hercules": Forget the ballads for a second. Produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint, this is Aaron Neville at his funkiest. A luminescent track that is the quintessential second-line soul.
Irma Thomas – "She'll Never Be Your Wife": The undisputed "Queen of New Orleans Soul," Irma Thomas sings with a conviction and erotic tension that is unmatched. On this track, she brazenly lays down the law with a strength that's both powerful and deeply soulful.
Jean Knight – "What One Man Won't Do Another Man Will": You know her from "Mr. Big Stuff," but this track is pure, sassy confidence. It's a declaration of independence you can dance to, reminiscent of her best work on Stax Records.
Willie Tee – "First Taste Of Hurt": A pioneer who helped lay the groundwork for New Orleans' own brand of funk, Willie Tee ruefully sings about being lonely and alone. The vocal performance is full of vulnerability, but the groove is undeniable.
The Vibe, Part III: The Swampy Outliers
The sound of Louisiana isn't just one thing. It's a gumbo of influences, where genres bleed into each other to create something entirely new. This is where things get weird.
Johnnie Allan – "South to Louisiana": A pioneer of Swamp Pop, a genre born from Cajun musicians discovering rock and roll and R&B. This track is his love letter to his home state, a perfect blend of swampy rhythm and rockabilly swagger.
The Zydepunks – "...And The Streets Will Flow With Whiskey": What happens when you combine the Cajun/Zydeco you love with the punk rock you grew up with? You get The Zydepunks. This is the sound of a wild folk dance breaking out in the middle of a mosh pit. It's high-energy, rebellious, and pure New Orleans.
The Lonely Lonely Knights – "So Over the Shape I'm In": A modern garage rock band that captures the raw, "cobalt-dense" energy of the city's underground scene. This is the sound of the Ninth Ward after midnight, a fixture at the legendary Saturn Bar.
This is the real deal. The sound of the city and the swamp, beyond the beaten path. It's the music that fuels our boils and our brand.
Now you're in on the secret.
If you happen to want some chargrilled oysters while you listen. We are at Urban South Brewery weekly starting 11/2
