Billboard Magazine

May 1996


SPOTLIGHT REVIEW

NOTE: Each issue, Billboard Magazine spotlights three new releases. On a particularly generous day in May 1996, they decided to spotlight Toni Braxton (platinum seller), Metallica (multi-platinum), and Galactic's debut release (shall we say, less than platinum).

by Timothy White

Ascendant stars of the eclectic, Cafe Brasil-based music scene on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, Galactic is a sensuous, swampy, and plenty-tight source of pan-cultural acid jazz like only the Crescent City could supply. As instructed at the start of this rhythmic tour de funk, 'Welcome to New Orleans... and if you're from out of town -- heh, heh -- welcome to the Third World!' A cool, young quintet consisting of bassist Robert Mercurio, drummer Stanton Moore, guitarist Jeff Raines, keyboardist Rich Vogel, and featured vocalist Theryl deClouet, Galactic takes the Big Easy's groove and dance music beyond the seminal sissy strut, merging its gritty, street-band sway with sultry Carribbean instincts, post-Stax Southern syncopation, and an earthy sense of latitude unique to Frenchmen Street. Something's Wrong With This Picture, heady On The One, street-level Mystery Tube, and three-part Everybody Wants Some are some highlights, but Coolin' Off is one party record (plus enhanced programming) that you put on to leave on.


Check out Galactic's website at http://www.fogworld.com/galactic for more info on the band and their nonstop tour schedule. You can also listen to their entire album online, in stereo and for free!


Article copyright © 1997 Billboard Magazine.
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