Album of the Day

New Orleans' musical traditions run deep, and few are more steeped in them than Mac Rebennack, a.k.a. Dr. John. His ability to make the traditional sound contemporary dates back to the bayou psychedelia of his debut, and is strongly evident on ANUTHA ZONE. Half the 1998 collection was recorded in New York with the performer's regular touring band, but half was cut in London with leading U.K. alternative rockers including Paul Weller, Jason Pierce of Spiritualized and members of Supergrass, Primal Scream and Portishead. The combination works remarkably well; “John Gris,” “Sweet Home New Orleans,” “Party Hellfire” and others invoke the Night Tripper voodoo that made these Brits fans in the first place. Released 20 years ago this week, ANUTHA ZONE was a striking comeback for Dr. John, and still transports listeners to spooky twilight zones.