I'm listening to the CD right now and it's really good.
I'm a huge galactic fan... I've seen them around 70 times, have hung out with them, am on the discussion lists, have a ton of shows on disc. So, I know them inside and out.
They are on tour right now and it's definitely worth catching them. Check out the tourdates at galactifunk.com. Also, there's a short story on Mercurio in the BP with Wooten on the cover. I think it's this month's. He uses a '63 P with Dean Markley flatwounds, a small stone, a tube screamer, an EH microsynth, and ampeg amps. He's used different effects in the past, but that's what it said in the BP story.
They are an interesting band in so many ways and really worth checking out. I want to respond to your posts, though:
1) Rob Mercurio doesn't have much to work with: that is true and he says it in the BP story. However, he's really good at holding it down and callling the changes and directing the band. And he's written a lot of the songs based on those bass lines. He and the guitarist are both from DC and formed the band together. He plays very simple stuff, but it's all about his attack and approach and how consistent and driving he is in the live setting.
2) Stanton is the ****: he really is. Both of his solo albums are great as is the new Garage A Trois CD (Stanton, Skerik, Charlie Hunter, and Mike Dillon). Still, all of Galactic is great and they tend to shine differently from show to show. There always seems to be a standout performer. In some shows, the guitarist doesn't seem to be doing much and you wonder if he's even into it. The next night, though, he'll own the show. It's like that with all bands, I know, but it can be pretty dramatic with them.
3) the live album is better than their live shows: Well, that may be your experience, but they can be really great. No joke. Some of the best stuff ever. The live album is good, but like all live albums, it's not as good as their best stuff.
4) the new CD. It's not as funky as a lot of their stuff. They are a band that went from being a meters cover band to more of a rock/blues band to a space funk band and now they're getting more into the hip hop groove. With this CD it's a lot sparser and they brought in producer Dan the Automator Nakamura who has done a lot of hip hop production. So, if you get this CD, it's good, but just a taste of what they do live.
5) check 'em out now: You can hear one of their best shows ever on nugs.net. Go to:
http://www.nugs.net/stash.asp?cmd=shows&artist=29 and listen to the 6/22/03 show. All kinds of guests: North Mississippi Allstars, Skerik, Les Claypool, Kang, Robert Randolph, Lil Rascal's Brass Band, Eric Krasno, and DJ Logic.
Long post... we love 'em tonight.
J-R
