#356 Dr. John, 'GRIS-Gris' (1968)

Written By Brett Schewitz
Previously #143

Previously #143

The perfect record to follow Tom Waits. One can argue that this record even had a major influence on Waits’ record. Dr. John, a New Orleans native, delivered a debut album soaked in gumbo & Creole rhythms with an undercurrent of voodoo. Due to drug problems and trouble with the law, Dr. John aka Mac Rebennack recorded the album in Los Angeles, albeit with musicians from the Crescent City.

The album transports you to NOLA. You can imagine stumbling into a bar on Frenchmen Street on a sticky, hot night in the late ‘60s and hearing this album being played in full. I wish I had, to be honest. Whip yourself up a Hurricane Cocktail and get down to the GRIS-Gris.

#rs500albums

Brett Schewitz
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#355 Black Sabbath, 'Black Sabbath' (1970)
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#357 Tom Waits, 'Rain Dogs' (1985)