Listening to Alabama Shakes’ debut CD Boys & Girls reminded me of listening long ago to Big Brother and the Holding Company: Janis Joplin and a mediocre band backing her up. In this case, Brittany Howard’s powerful voice overwhelms the band behind her. Brittany used to be a postal worker. Her drummer, Steve Johnson, worked in a nuclear power plant. But now, the Alabama Shakes are a hot band. They were launched on Conan O’Brien’s show. If you like Sixties R&B and soul music, you’ll find a lot to like listening to the Alabama Shakes. GRADE: B+
TRACK LIST:
1 Hold On 3:46
2 I Found You 2:59
3 Hang Loose 2:24
4 Rise To the Sun 3:08
5 You Ain’t Alone 4:44
6 Goin’ To the Party 1:45
7 Heartbreaker 3:47
8 Boys & Girls 3:25
9 Be Mine 4:14
10 I Ain’t the Same 2:55
11 On Your Way 3:05
A bit like Carolina Black Peas. I’m on it.
A good comparison, Patti. ALABAMA SHAKES’ tour brings them to Toronto this week. I’d drive up to see them, but the show is sold-out.
Once again you found a group (there are so many) that I’ve never heard of, being out of the loop on new music (which so often sucks). She has the kind of distinct voice that sticks in the mind.
We were discussing the difference between the original “We Are the World” and the lame update and a big one is the voices. You don’t have to see the video to recognize who is singing most of the time – Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Dylan are all instantly recognizable.
Glad you enjoyed Brittany Howard’s voice, Jeff. She’s the Real Deal. I totally agree with you on the lame remade of WE ARE THE WORLD.
Nice. I think they need a little more studio production to bring the band, especially the back-up voices forward and balance things. Is the CD better? Still a great blues-R&B voice, I’ll be listening for more.
ALABAMA SHAKES sound like a garage band, Rick. But Brittany Howard knows how to belt out those songs! We’ll be hearing more from her. I really liked “I Found You” and “I Ain’t the Same” on BOYS & GIRLS a lot.
Also sold out in Detroit in May. Darn.
ALABAMA SHAKES seem to be sold out everywhere, Patti. I hope they release a live CD of their tour. Friends who have seen ALABAMA SHAKES perform live say they’re energetic!