Locked Down [+Digital Booklet]

Dr. John | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: March 30, 2012
• Release Date: March 30, 2012
• Label: Nonesuch
• Copyright: 2012 Nonesuch Records
• Record Company Required Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
• Total Length: 42:27
• Genres:
  • Rock
• ASIN: B007M458CW
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,063 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Free as a Bird April 3, 2012

By Rudy Palma

Format:Audio CD

A ball of fire continues to reside within Dr. John, casting a poetic divergence between the artist and the title of his new set of tunes. "Locked Down" is a blazing fusion of highly literate, funky, southern-fried Americana, blues, pop, soul and R&B that shows the venerable New Orleans-born musician in full creative force, with each detail invigorating, precise and carefully-honed.

One can only hope that Nonesuch (this marks Dr. John's debut on the label) will know how to market the album correctly. "Locked Down" has the power to please not only lifelong appreciators of his verve and dexterity but has the power to reel in new listeners as well.

The life force that has Dr. John sounding remarkably invigorated at this later stage of his career has much to do with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, who assembled great players such as drummer Max Weissenfeldt and bassist Nick Movshon. They support him and this solid collection of tunes with passion and professionalism, causing the ingredients to slip into place like puzzle pieces.

The fast-moving set of ten tunes sounds ripe for the 70s LP album market in more ways than one. "Getaway" pulses with longing, grit and a hurts-so-good desperation that is downright infectious. "Kingdom of Izzness" is downright groovy and chilly, as is the dark social commentary of "Ice Age," while the entrancing poetry of the title track is anchored by steady percussion and hearty guitar licks.

There is a lifetime of experience in his voice and playing. When Dr. John sings a line such as "Don't take the easy road - there's no short cut" from the quietly insistent "My Children, My Angels" it comes with a specific and heavy weight attached to it that is instantly resonant.... Aspiring musicians who want to know what a lifetime of devotion to their craft could culminate in would do well to heed that advice and pay mind to the music which surrounds it.

Dr. John is every bit as part and parcel of American music as Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen. He has always offered more than mere entertainment, and "Locked Down" makes it clear that he remains very much present and in full voice, articulating important truths for those wise enough to be listening. This is music made purely for the pleasure of the craft, and that pleasure is perfectly infectious. Read more ›

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastical Izzness from the good Dr. April 3, 2012

By Sir Sleeps a lot

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the most interesting Dr. John record in my opinion since "Gris Gris". Though not a showcase of his piano chops as much as his 70's stuff, the songwriting and production is so good, its just incredible. The african beats make a great accompaniment to Dr. John's voice. I was hoping for something new from this album, and it really delivers. A couple of rock-oriented singles, like "Locked Down" but overall some really complex and awesomely rhythmic sound textures.

I am a huge fan, as a native New Orleanian, and to be able to see the Dr. still laying down fonkyness at his age uplifts us all. Thanks to Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys for helping bring the Dr. back to where he needs to be, the Big Shot at the center of the NOLA universe!

Buy this. You won't regret it.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great layered music April 4, 2012

By GJC

Format:Audio CD

Although not as "swampy" as "Gris-Gris" this album captures the thickness, the humidity, the layers of New Orleans. Every song is a mix of a catchy groove, with appropriate psychedelic coloring, and even traces of almost Trip-hop/Hip Hop beats, all under the great Doctor's growl. Truly a musical gumbo that although made in 2012 feels at home in the any late 60s and early 70s playlist. Also the fuzz and slide guitar work ain't bad either.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gris-Gris in a New Gumbo April 4, 2012

By Tom

Format:Audio CD

Those of us who are true fans of Mac Rebennack know of the prodigious talent he brings to every project. Dr. John has been with us for a long time, and when he embraces the Night Tripper, he brings the listener to a deep place.
This is not "Gris-Gris", his great debut album - which is probably a lot deeper than the general public would want to go. It is not "Gumbo", as Dr. John used the original mid-Fifties musicians he played with in the Big Easy way back when to present New Orleans R&B to a new generation. You just can't reproduce that sound today.
But for a modern audience with modern ears, "Locked Down" presents the man hisself. Just as with Muddy Waters' project "Hard Again", we can hear acolytes who could be his grandchildren support the master as he once again shows everyone how it's done.
Get your passport to the electric swamp. The good doctor will heal your ills.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. J Meets Black Keys - BOOM April 5, 2012

By Veto Twain

Format:Audio CD

Blown away. Didn't know what to expect with this one. Old fan of the good Dr., and a big fan of The Black Key's cool, jacked, raw, stripped down, and groovy fuzz. A friend said I had to listen, and that it "would shock me, and not disappoint". We've all heard that one before, but wow, if they weren't spot on. Vocals, key's, and a killer guitar, not to mention terrific production. This freakin' rocks. I could not have imagined a comeback like this sounding as fresh and hot. From the first song, Dr. John delivers his best in many years, and for those wondering if it will sound dated, not a chance. Wait 'til the radio starts riding it. In some ways, I ALMOST wish this was his first album, just to see what a response he'd get unaffected by preconceived notions of genre or style.

This one will put him back on the map. Watch for Grammy's, big reviews and a healthy dose of new fans finding out who the good Dr. is.

Amazing. What a surprise. What an album.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Woulda liked better sound for "Locked Down"... June 23, 2012

By Toby Zintz

Format:Audio CD

I was relieved to read two other reviewers comment on the sound quality of the Dr. John's "Locked Down" and that it wasn't just me or my disc. There is a noticible lack of clarity in the playback, which had me twiddling bass and treble knobs to no avail. Very tinny. This is a real shame for an album which has been so well received. I believe producer Dan Auerbach would have done his idol more justice by insuring better sound reproduction in the end product.

That letdown aside, I like "Locked Down" very much. I enjoyed the varied instrumental experimentation. Auerbach put in his personal touches without taking over the recording. He takes the venerable Doc in some varied directions, yet still leaving him to do that voodoo that he do so well. In command of the keyboard(s) and growling his way through a gumbo of social commentary, personal introspection and just plain "fonk"; Dr. John has cranked out a very satisfying and accomplished collection of music.

It would be interesting to know if the vinyl version suffers from the same audio defect. Has anyone heard it?