Television

Shut D Fonk Up finds raffish New Orleans legend Dr. John growling amiably as Chili Pepper Anthony Kiedis raps; the song, saluting Graham Central Station and the Ohio Players, keynotes an album celebrating '70s funk. The doctor's been there before: In the Right Place (1973) gained him a Top 10 single in "Right Place Wrong Time," a finger-snapper cut with the Meters. On Television, he again proves himself Professor Longhair's wittiest piano heir, and with guitarist Hugh McCracken heading a swift ensemble, Dr. John lends Crescent City swing to snappy grooves Covering Sly's "Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Again)" and the R&B gem "Money (That's What I Want)," he personalizes those classics. His nine originals sizzle, too.