Remedies cover

Remedies

Dr. John · 1970

40 min · 6 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of New Orleans rhythms and eclectic styles that capture the spirit of the city’s musical heritage.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mardi Gras Day — This track stands out for its lengthy celebration of New Orleans' vibrant Mardi Gras culture, blending traditional sounds with Dr. John’s distinct style.
  • →
    Loop Garoo Start here — The opening track features infectious grooves and showcases Dr. John's signature piano work while setting the tone for the rest of the album.
  • →
    Angola Anthem — A powerful, extended piece that combines political commentary with beautiful musicality, reflecting on themes of justice and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Remedies showcases Dr. John's unique fusion of styles while celebrating New Orleans culture through its vibrant compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong rhythmic groove in 'Loop Garoo', establishing a lively New Orleans vibe that persists throughout.
  • The final track, 'Angola Anthem', shifts to a more somber tone, contrasting with the earlier upbeat tracks and providing a reflective closure.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with cultural storytelling
  • wave-like pacing with climactic moments
  • celebratory rhythms for social gatherings
  • reflective moments amidst upbeat energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, quick songs
  • dislike extended musical explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents Dr. John's unique sound and cultural significance in New Orleans music.
Themes
Mardi Gras celebration· Louisiana prison system· New Orleans storytelling
Career context
Released in 1970, Remedies is Dr. John's third studio album, following his breakthrough with Gris-Gris. At this point in his career, he was cementing his unique sound that fused funk, jazz, and blues while gaining critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

Tracklist

  • 1 Loop Garoo Start here 4:42
  • 2 What Goes Around Comes Around 2:57
  • 3 Wash, Mama, Wash 3:42
  • 4 Chippy, Chippy 3:32
  • 5 Mardi Gras Day 8:11
  • 6 Angola Anthem 17:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata