Galactic set to release new album on Mardi Gras 2012

Almost two years to the day after the release of the critically acclaimed New Orleans sampler platter Ya-Ka-May LP, Galactic is slated to release a new record on Mardi Gras day 2012. The new record is fittingly titled Carnivale Electricos and explores the connections between Carnivale Music in both New Orleans and Brazil.

In keeping with the band’s tradition over the last couple of albums, this new record will be stacked with special guest appearances: Big Chief Juan Pardo and the Golden Comanche, Cyril Neville and Ivan Neville, Mystikal, Mannie Fresh, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson and Moyseis Marques.

Relix is currently sharing the first taste of the new album as the site is hosting the world premiere stream of “Hey Na Na,” which features David Shaw of the Revivalists and New Orleans vocalist Maggie Koerner. The band offers these thoughts on the song: “The background vocals were inspired by Dr. John’s “Gris Gris” album. We think it has a “Ride Your Pony” (Lee Dorsey) combined with a cool fuzzed out party rock guitar—a new take on the New Orleans formula.”

Looks like the annual burndown shows during Mardi Gras at Tipitina’s will be a proper record release party – as if you will need any extra reason to celebrate.

Galactic is set to close out the year with a pair of shows at Tipitina’s. On 12/30 the band will be joined by Mannie Fresh and on 12/31 the Eric Lindell Trio will open and Anders Osborne will join as a special guest.

Rehearsal Video from the Ya-Ka-May Tour

Wesley Hodges writes about music for Live Music Blog: NOLA and NolaVie.