Galactic

Galactic, the New Orleans jazz-funk-rock collective, collaborates with hip-hop MCs such as Juvenile, Lyrics Born and Boots Riley. It's an unqualified success, with an organic, rock 'n' roll feel to "The Corner" and a gritty looseness enlivening "Squarebiz" (a tense duet between Ladybug Mecca and Nino Moschella). The feel is dirty, dank and dark without ever playing like a cartoon based on Grand Theft Auto: Katrina Stories.

Like every great New Orleans funk band going back to the Meters, Galactic are an
instrumental powerhouse that struggles gamely to make great studio records with songs
and vocals. Their latest work is a twist -- guest MCs on charging rhythms that are not quite
tunes. Results vary. Gift of Gab's rap on "The Corner" overpowers the high-stepping below.
"Squarebiz," featuring Digable Planets' Ladybug Mecca, is over-busy Prince by a... More >