Originally intended as a triple album, The Sun, Moon & Herbs was
chopped up, whittled down and re-assembled into this single-disc release,
and while Dr. John never liked this version much, perhaps this single
disc is testament to the "less is more" theory. The seven cuts
are all quite lengthy and the spells Dr. John and his consorts weave are
dark and swampy. "Black John the Conqueror" comes from old Cajun
folklore which the good Dr. has modernized and given a beat. The swampy
"Craney Crow" is the younger sibling of his earlier "Walk
on Guilded Splinters" and has a similar effect on the listener. "Pots
on Fiyo (Fils Gumbo)" combines Latin American rhythms with lots of
Cajun chants and spells. The vocals are nearly incomprehensible and actually
serve as another instrument in the mix. "Zu Zu Mamou" is so
thick that you can almost cut the music with a knife. Here, the atmosphere
takes on a whole other meaning altogether. The Sun, Moon & Herbs is
best listened to on a hot, muggy night with the sound of thunder rumbling
off in the distance like jungle drums. Dr. John was definitely on to something
here, but just what is left up to the listener.
(by James Chrispell, All
Music Guide)
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