Normally, for Poptastic Day we post something closer to the cheezy side of the musical spectrum or something so popular it’s buried itself in our musical memory. However, today, I have someone many of you may not have heard before or realized who you were listening to.

Better known as Dr. John, The Night Tripper or just Dr. John, Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr. has released more than 25 albums since the late-60s, sung commercial jingles and the theme to the television show Blossom, and worked tirelessly as an ambassador of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage.

Rebennack is, at least for me, most poptastic when exuding the the quasi-voodoo persona that more or less made his name in the pyscho-funka-delic late-60s and early-70s. His work is simply superb and, at his best, is mesmerizing.

If you don’t believe me, have a listen to the Poptastic Day sampling – in chronological order no less!

   Dr. John – Iko Iko off Gumbo (1972)
   Dr. John – Right Place, Wrong Time off In The Right Place (1973)
   Dr. John – Litanie Des Saints off Goin’ Back To New Orleans (1992)

Listen to “Iko Iko” and tell me you don’t want to get up and dance, that “Right Place, Wrong Time” isn’t funky as hell, and “Litanie Des Saints” doesn’t haunt you already.

Go on, do it!