Because if you can’t bring yourself to Frenchmen Street, bring Frenchmen Street to you.
Galactic – “Hey Na Na”
If you don’t catch at least one Galactic show in your four years as a Tulane student, you’re not really a Tulane student (PSA: they’re playing at Tipitina’s on Halloween).
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smb8ahl3A10
Funky METERS – “Talkin’ ‘Bout New Orleans”
Because what other city would you want to talk about? And while you’re at it, go check out George Porter, Jr., the METERS’ bassist and singer. Or see them all jamming out at Jazz Fest in the link below.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsTg0t1nQwI
The Main Squeeze
This band is one of my personal favorites. Although they’re not actually from New Orleans, they’ve played at Crawfest and all over New Orleans plenty of times, and definitely have a NOLA-feel to their music. My favorite songs are “I’ll Take Another,” “Colorful Midst,” their new single, “Message to the Lonely,” and “Eyes of the World,” a Grateful Dead cover. They’ll be here in November playing at Blue Nile and trust me, it’s definitely a show you won’t want to miss out on.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkw_XTgw3cA
Naughty Professor – “Bill’s Bounce”
This just sounds like someone took New Orleans and bottled it up into a song.
Link: http://music.naughtyprofessormusic.com/track/bills-bounce
Rebirth Brass Band – “Do Whatcha Wanna”
This band, this song, and this video just epitomize the beauty New Orleans. You can see them every Tuesday at Maple Leaf on Oak Street.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1VBCcA76E
Soul Rebels – “504”
Enjoy yourself.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81fd98V96cA
Flow Tribe – “Walk Like an Animal”
This is one of those songs that will make you want to get up and dance no matter what kind of mood you’re in. They’ll be at Voodoo Fest with a bunch of others on this list during Halloween weekend.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y98_sRQYEzQ
Dirty Dozen Brass Band – “Old School”
Go grab yourself a muffuletta, some beignets from Café du Monde, and maybe even a sno-ball, and walk around the French Quarter listening to this song.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOsuDRHuO08
Revivalists – “Criminal”
The Revivalists are a little more rock-y and less funk-y than some of the others, but amazing nonetheless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g654n_qniHs
Sexual Thunder! – “Lies”
This band jams so well together; their outfits are pretty great, too.
Link: http://www.reverbnation.com/sexualthundermusic/song/18556321-lies
Honey Island Swamp Band – “Chocolate Cake”
I actually saw these guys in New York this past summer, and I felt like I was back in NOLA. Listen to this song and you’ll know why.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toVS7g2Va_0
Trombone Shorty
Full album link below for your listening pleasure. You can thank me later.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRb3nM6q1Vg
Dumpstaphunk
Appropriately titled “The Funkiest Video on YouTube”
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6NKBgEoEKM
Gravity A – “New Beginnings”
Gravity A is the perfect combination of rock, New Orleans funk, and electronic.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V-sA_0aFWg
Preservation Hall Jazz Band – “That’s It!”
You’ll recognize this song from the Jazz Fest announcement last year and just about everything else. Such a classic New Orleans jazz band a classic New Orleans jazz song.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZICaUybMucY