143) Gris-Gris : Rolling Stone

Mac Rebennack was a New Orleans piano player on songs for Professor Longhair and Frankie Ford who moved to L.A. in the Sixties, where he played on Phil Spector sessions and encountered California psychedelia. Rechristening himself Dr. John Creaux the Night Tripper, he made this swamp-funk classic. Gris-Gris blends New Orleans R&B, voodoo chants and chemical inspiration. The groovy Afro-Caribbean percussion and creaky sound effects aren't just otherworldly -- they seem to come from several other worlds all at once. John's secret: Even at his most Dr. Demento moments, he never lost sight of his hometown's earthy funk.

Total album sales: Under 500,000

Peak chart position: N/A

Next: N.W.A.

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