The Alabama Shakes

I usually find new bands by word of mouth from friends and such..or by scanning certain blogs..but sometimes I stumble upon a new (to me) band by accident..meaning..I was looking for something else and and instead I discover some really great music.. Such is the case with the band The Alabama Shakes.. While searching for live music in New Orleans I happened to click on a picture of a band because they looked interesting… turns out Alabama Shakes are more than interesting..their live performances that I watched on Vimeo are amazing..From Athens AL, the Alabama Shakes, once known as simply “The Shakes”, are a four person band propelled by the raw energy of lead singer Brittany Howard.. They are “old school” soulful, funky, sweaty sweetness..and the best of what rock n roll is when it’s pure and uninhibited…check the EP out on Bandcamp..

*December 15th they will be playing a show at The Hideout in Chicago..I can’t wait!
Check their FB site for the rest of their schedule

This video is stunning!

Alabama Shakes – “You Ain’t Alone” from Outlaw Laboratories on Vimeo.

Alabama Shakes – I Found You by The Wounded Jukebox

Alabama Shakes “Hold On” by backdownsouth

I am not a hater..really! In fact I actually see some redeeming qualities to the whole Beibermania. Well on second thought not the mania but the fact that he presents a relatively safe alternative to some of what’s out there for the Tween and under set to absorb musically. I remember the N’Sync hysteria a few years back. Being the loving older sister that I am I heroically sacrificed my both my eardrums and my credibility as a connoisseur of all things music to take my little sister to one of their concerts. It was the strangest thing I have ever witnessed. We had great seats but I never saw the stage..The little crazed Tweens stood on their chairs and screamed in a high-pitched tone that was the equivalent of one million nails running down a chalkboard, for the entire show!

Beiber fills that role for today’s kids. He is by far more popular with girls over boys of the same demographic. This is a problem for him because he is only appealing to half  the population and unfortunately his group is kinda known to be a notoriously fickled fold. That being said I hope I’m wrong but I fear he will go the same way as N’Sync, The Backstreetboys, New Kids on the Block and just about every other Tween girls favorite group.

Now I guess you could argue that the Beatles at one time fit in this category and they are one of the best bands ever. There are many reasons why the Beatles are and always will be beyond the “boy band” title.. Number one the had a mass appeal, two, they wrote their own music and played their own instruments, yeah they were pretty faces but they didn’t come from the visual age of music. The music had to be good back then, image was a factor but not the driving force. I guess a closer comparison would be Elvis, but still Elvis had a mass appeal, girls swooned and guys copied his look. Ok, I guess that could be true of Beiber too but then Elvis took music traditionally thought of as music for African-Americans and introduced it to a wider audience..oh wait Beiber does that too.. Well this just blows my theory to bits..ok I think I got it, Elvis sold out concerts even when he became a little less than the sexy swivel-hipped superstar he once was..

So if Beiber gets all fat and bloated and still sells out arenas he will then be both literally and musically as big as Elvis..

Well one thing I know from the days of  Barney which I saw plenty of when babysitting my little sister who is now twenty-one is if  you can’t beat them “sing and dance” along.. I remember this news show had a feature on a woman they called the one of the most popular children’s singer of the time . None of the adults knew who she was, at that moment my then two year old sister walked in the room looked at the TV and said “That’s Xuxa!” From that point on I made it my business to watch what she was watching.

So back to the Doodlebops. In my adult mind I have to say the male “Bops” seem a little effeminate to me but would a kid pick up on that? I don’t think so. I never thought it strange that Bert and Ernie lived together and slept in the same bedroom. To me they were just “roomates.” I think you have to look at things through a child’s eyes. I mean pay attention but don’t be overly critical, because kids aren’t. That being said I think the Doodlebops are cool!

Chad McNamara plays Rooney Doodle, who is blue, and plays the guitar.

Lisa J. Lennox plays DeeDee Doodle, in pink and purple from head to toe she has a very beautiful, melodic voice. DeeDee also plays the piano and likes to do magic tricks.

Jonathan Wexler plays Moe Doodle, in red and orange he loves to pull the rope, play hide and seek and play the drums.

I find that much of the newer music I am listening to these days is not the stuff you can dial in on the radio but rather more independent in nature. I’ve been in this phase for about five years now, maybe a little longer. Some of the musicians I got into back in the beginning have found mainstream success…good for them! Others remain on the underground circuit. Still I like what I like, nothing becomes less hip in my eyes (or ears) because it becomes more popular..or not. Good music is good music.

I’ve been watching American Idol off and on for  four years. I don’t know why? It goes against almost everything I believe in musically, I guess it’s my guilty pleasure. Well some seasons I watch all the way through and others I can’t take. But whenever I watch AI, I blog about it here.

Tonight the Idol contestants took on the songs of The Rolling Stones. Before the competition began I had a feeling it was going to be a total car wreck. I just don’t think that most of them are capable of doing a Stones song with any degree of believability. With the possible exception of Lee Dewyze, and two or three others, I doubt any of them really know much about the Stones music outside of the major hits. I am just hoping none of them do a bad Mick Jagger impression..and honestly any impression of Jagger would be a bad impression.

Michael Lynche – “Miss You” – A soulful twist on the song, good vocals although he was flat at times, mostly  near the end of a phrase. Good, but kind of strange, stage presence. The first spot is hard he was good but not amazing. His falsetto was perfect. I’m glad there was no Mick Jagger impersonation in his performance, but his dancing is still kind of whack. I think it’s his size that throws it off for me.

Didi Benami – “Play with Fire”- I like her vocals , smooth and sultry, reminds me of Adele and others…not totally original. Great song choice and I like the rendition..my bet, Randy will call her pitchy.. A little nervousness in her voice at times but really good.. I think she went a little outside of her range and pushed it a little too much at the end.

Casey James- “It’s All Over Now”- This theme was made for Casey, good performance, nice slide guitar, bluesy vocals were a good choice. It kind of disguises the fact that he is not the strongest singer.  I have to say he is easy on the eyes! Great camera presence, not so great stage presence.. Like Simon, I want to see him work the stage more..but right now he seems like one of the most professional of the group.

Lacey Brown – “Ruby Tuesday”- I don’t remember this girl at all. I have to say I think she was not too memorable tonight either. The vocals were solid but did not dazzle me. In fact the whole song dragged along, it made me feel like I needed a nap.  Nothing too much to write home about.. Ellen eluded to sitting down stage thing, it was weird and awkward in the middle of the song..maybe the song made Lacey sleepy too.

Andrew Garcia- “Gimme Shelter” – Oh no! Andrew sans guitar. I’m nervous. I thought for sure he would do an original acoustic arrangement. But instead he went for a pure vocal/stage performace. He looked awkward on stage . The vocals were not great . He went too far from his strength. I like him but I did not like his performance tonight.

Katie Stevens- “Wild Horses”- Good performance, I guess?  I have not heard herbefore. But she has a richness in her voice that is beyond her years. I’m not sure how far she will go but a nice traditional delivery and she picked a good song.

Tim Urban – “Under My Thumb” – Not the strongest vocalist Tim went with a little reggae tinged feel to the Under My Thumb, this is a good way to disguise less than impressive vocals..but it didn’t work and he got pummeled for doing an original arrangement. On the plus side He is very telegenic, a good thing on Idol. I’m sure he pissed off any Stones fans that watch Idol. (if there are any ) but the good news for Tim is his fan base probably doesn’t know the original song anyway.

Siobhan Magnus “Paint it Black”- One of my favorite Stones Songs.. I smiled at this choice. She has a little Adam Lambert in her delivery.. The vocals were good but the drama was outstanding! .. She commanded the stage better than anyone so far.. Siobhan is quirky and talented, an interesting performer and one to watch for sure. I like her, she could be the standout this year.. I am spoiled from last year and I like a performance with my vocals on Idol. Siobhan delivered for sure.

Lee Dewyze – “Beast of Burden” – I am predisposed to like singers like Lee D. The raspy Workingmans’ vocals..and the  understated arrangement were perfect.. I liked his performance but I understand Simon’s point about
going for it a bit more with the performance.

Paige Miles – “Honkey Tonk Woman” – The girl has mad vocals. I like her delivery but this was a predictable song choice. Still I’m glad it wasn’t “Satisfaction”..I heard she had laryngitis and if that is true she pulled out solid performance.

Aaron Kelley- “Angie”- Nice performance. If I had to compare him to the other kid, Archuleta, I like him more, but it’s hard for me to get into that youthful voice.

Crystal Bowersox- “You can’t always get what you want.”- Okay basically it’s game over for me.. Hands down Crystal was the best. Such a natural. So great vocally. Souful, and powerful in all the right places. I loved her performance and her presence. She is the best tonight and maybe all together.

By the way, I was wrong it wasn’t a train wreck.

Every track sounds fresh, contemporary and most importantly different.. So many CD’s that try and fill that market today can’t seem to deliver a complete CD that touches tastefully on the subjects of Love, Relationships and Romance. Even fewer still can do it with enough variation in the material to hold your attention.. This CD does that masterfully, put it on and listen to every song, it is a complete work of art and artistry.

Track by Track Listen

This is more of a description of how I felt about each track while listening to them, rather than a review..

Scroll down to hear some classic Smokey Robinson tunes as well as a couple of songs from the newest CD. “Time Flies when You’re Having Fun”

Don’t Know Why – Recorded by Nora Jones a few years back. I loved her rendition but I love Smokey’s too. Using a full palette of vocal coloring, Smokey goes from a breathy verse to, just the perfect amount of raspy tenor. Note his delivery of the line, “My Heart is Drenched in White”. Also great, is his lower register which works perfectly here, and his vibrato is used in all the right places. Is it me or has his voice gotten even better over time, it just seems more textured than ever … (note: the icing on the cake is Smokey’s delivery of the word….Forever….I love how he sustains that note…magic!)

Time Flies – I love the lyrics to this song and isn’t it so true..Time Flies when You’re Having Fun.. I can’t help but think this is somewhat autobiographical. Hard to believe that Motown is fifty years old and Smokey’s been a part of that legacy since its inception. I think this song is lyrically my favorite on the disc, but it is so hard to choose just one. Take this line for instance ;(Father Time won’t you slow down tonight, Mother Nature is taking her course) I love that line.. Sounds like poetry to me.. Oh yeah it’s the work of the great poet William “Smokey” Robinson.. Fantastic!

I just can’t get enough of the vocals on this tune, for example the line “I don’t want to leave her yet” Mr. Robinson’s vocals are as pure as ever but on this tune seemingly, and purposefully delivered with a tinge of painfulness in his voice, colored with the perfect amount of his signature vibrato, remarkable. The orchestration is wonderful and the guitar accompaniment is spot on. This should be an instant classic in my book. This song is storytelling at its finest.

Love Bath—Hmmm’ a “Love Bath” never thought of that before, could be very interesting (smile). This is a contemporary more upbeat vibe, I dig it.  A very sensual song with .. just a hint of suggestiveness..and that kids, is what sexy is all about.. take note.

You’re The One For Me (feat. Joss Stone) I love Joss and this is the best duet I’ve ever heard her sing.. Not too over the top vocally but instead, nice and controlled. I was worried because on paper Joss seems like a powerhouse of a singer as compared to Smokey’s smoother tone, but then I remembered this is a man that sang a duet with Rick James so no worries here…(smile).  In fact this duet is the perfect blend, superb. This song is a nice RnB groove and should get radio airplay. But you know radio is so format driven it’s hard to say if it will find its way onto the dial. Again I have to say, this is one CD I hope gets some recognition and awards. I guess by today’s standards it would be considered Adult Urban Contemporary…but I so hate labels..what it is, is soulful and superb

One Time- A smoldering funk-filled and sexy tune.. a nice funky bass infused groove. A classic in the pocket, restrained feel. Nice soulful vocal moans by Mr. Robinson and the breaks are perfect.. and dig the end (Try, me…Try Me) I love his delivery on that line.

That Place- Make what you will of  just what or where “That Place” refers to, (smile) depends on where your mind goes (smile) I choose to let “That Place” take on a more genteel definition.. But then I listened again with the more suggestive meaning, and I liked it that way too!! (bigger smile) Anyway, nice guitar riff that starts at the beginning, and stays put throughout the tune, it sets a nice tone, a great relaxed mid tempo groove.. I love the organ coloring the background, very musical, again I have to mention how wonderful Smokey’s vocals sound here. No vocal tricks on this tune just straight ahead and a really nicely delivered tune.

Satisfy You –“I would if I could find 100 other undiscovered ways to satisfy you”.. how sexy is that! Mr Robinson gives another masterclass on how to say it without saying it.. he is truly bringing sexy back with this one, in fact with the whole CD!!! Again, I have to mention the music, which is fantastic, has anyone noticed that many of the newer artist don’t use full instrumentation? The beat is the root but you still need more to color your song. It sounds to me like this entire CD was recorded live with all the musicians and Smokey playing together, not tracked one piece at a time because the interplay between vocals and instruments is perfection.. almost like a jazz record. I know I got off topic but this tune really showcases that to me.

Girlfriend - This is the song I heard on “Live from Daryl’s House” that made me go to iTunes and purchase the CD.. Great hook on this song.. I found myself singing it all night after I first heard it. This song to me has a classic Motown type vibe but still with a contemporary feel. Sort of what a Motown song would sound like now if they were still the Motown they once were… anyway I Love it!

You’re Just My Life – (feat. India Arie) This is a song that I just want to sit back and listen to the lyrics on over and over again.. Truly, poetry set to music.. beautifully artistic. I would love this as a written piece of poetry or prose and I truly love it as a song.. “You’re just my life, that’s all…” that line is just lovely. India Arie and Smokey really are a perfect pairing on this poetic tune, both are masterful at poetic phrasing, which is the perfect treatment for this type of song….This song is a great tribute to dedicate to someone you love, there are a thousand Valentines cards within the lyrics, if you listen… Smokey’s writing made me smile on this tune, he must have a little cupid dust he sprinkles on the tip of his pen every now and then.. (smile)

Whatcha Gonna Do - Sultry and smokin’, suggestive but classy as always. Love the timbre of his lower register that he uses on this tune… There is a little Latin feel from the onset, an acoustic guitar that sounds to me like a nylon (Spanish) guitar and the bongo and shaker are just the right vibe.. the instrumentation is great..love the piano. And I love the backing vocals, I think Smokey is doing those as well..perfect perfect perfect…

Please Don’t Take Your Love- (feat. Carlos Santana) Ok, who else can, or ever has, delivered rhyme in three languages in one song. Mr. Robinson is the definition of cool. I had to smile a bit as I dissected this tune.. I love the heavier bluesy feel to this song that is delivered by Carlos Santana’s’ incredible guitar work.

The bonus track is a remake of the Jackson Five song I Want You Back.. This song surprised me, with such a stripped down and funky treatment. I must have played it four or five times in a row on first listen, just trying to dissect what makes it so perfect. The vocals are front and center, complete with raspy understated growls and the soulful moans towards the end are masterful. A little different than what I have come to expect from Mr. Robinson but I have to say everything is tight and the groove is right…

…a little more on the CD

I just have to reiterate how amazing the musicianship is on the album, the mix is perfect. Smokey’s vocals are so welcome to hear again, it’s been too long since I’ve heard him. The quality of the recording is also top notch, the feeling of a jazz album is what I get. I am almost sure at least some of the tracks, had to be recorded old school style, which gives it that organic feeling that you can only really achieve when musicians play and record together in the same space not tracked separately, playing at different times and places and then mixed together. Still there are enough new school tricks to make it sound fresh and new.

I found the liner notes over at the Barnes and Noble website:  That’s what I dislike about some places that sell electronic copies (mp3’s), no liner notes to read, iTunes does offer liner notes in PDF form. Anyway what a great array of musicians who play on this CD. Two of my favorite guitarists, Phil Upchurch and also Paul Jackson Jr. Also Ricky Lawson, who I first heard on tour with Stevie Wonder, is on drums and Ready Freddie Washington, who has played with everybody over the years, including Herbie Hancock, on bass. There are many many more familiar names so if you are a liner notes geek like myself, check it out. I posted a link here. Liner Notes

By: Stephanie McCampbell

Time Flies When Youre Having Fun

Andrew Duhon

soulful delivery his CD, entitled,  Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You is what I am absorbing right now.  If I would compare him to anyone current I might say Amos Lee. But lyrically he is unique, and that’s what drew me into his music.  According to his bio information, Duhon’s early inspirations, were as a result of his fascination in high school, with the works of Emerson and Thoreau as well as poets Walt Whitman and Robert Frost.  In my opinion there is a certain honesty that comes through in his lyrics and his vocals perfectly accompany that quality.

His CD, released in 2009 is entitled: Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You which you can find out more about over on his website.  What song stood out for me? All of them, seriously,  but if you must be guided check out “Train” and listen, listen, listen, to the lyrics..that’s where the magic happens..

Here is a tune from that CD performed live, and also another unreleased demo song.

“Riverman- Performed Live”
Download audio file (Andrew_Duhon-Riverman.mp3)

“Dreaming When You Leave” studio demo

Scared to Death of Dying

Scared to Death of Dying
Everybody’s got their dreams. Some just wake up before theirs has told the truth. Others chase them ‘round like children but grow old before theirs has shown their youth. Yea nobody’s got forever. And a dream can make forever feel too soon. It’ll make you scared to death of dying, too scared to even move. I ain’t got songs on the radio; I’m not sure I’d be happier if I did. But I’ll sit and sing a song for you. I’ll make whatever people want to give. And I watch folks around me trembling at the faults they can’t seem to forgive. I might be scared to death of dying, but I ain’t afraid to live. Oh setting sun if you’re coming back this way, won’t you bring me back tomorrow? Oh setting sun if you’re coming back this way, won’t you bring me back tomorrow? ‘Cause I ain’t got much to promise, but I’ll give you all that I know how to give. I might be scared to death of dying, but I ain’t afraid to live. Well my path don’t need a battlefield. This road I walk is dangerous as it is. They put his name there on the war memorial that he and I would skate along as kids. Mr. General he might call me up and call me son, but I ain’t one of his. I might be scared to death of dying, but I ain’t afraid to live. ‘Cause I’d rather miss my home than miss what might be my one chance to run ‘long the lessons of my father, to watch the setting of his only son. He might be tough to look at ‘round midday but he’ll grow gentle when the evening comes. I might be scared to death of dying, but I ain’t afraid to run. Oh setting sun, if you’re coming back this way, won’t you bring me back tomorrow? Oh setting sun if you’re coming back this way, won’t you bring me back tomorrow? ‘Cause I aint got much to promise, but I’ll give you all that I know how to give. I might be scared to death of dying, but I ain’t afraid to live.

Have you been to Daryl’s house yet?

One of the most intriguing and best uses of celebrity webcasting I’ve come across, has to be Daryl Hall’s  “Daryl’s House”.  Yes, that is Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates.. Sara Smile, Rich Girl two of my  all time favorite tunes. But the idea is that Daryl jams and talks music with some of his friends…Friends like, Smokey Robinson! ..in the latest show from August. Check the archives for other shows including Nick Lowe, Plain White T’s, and of course John Oates..

What I like is it’s just about artists playing and talking music no big production, no fluff..just the music, great conversation and fascinating behind the scenes stuff. In the “Smokey Robinson episode, the band learns Smokey’s latest song “Girlfriend” on the spot and plays it live, this is what real music is all about..  Another favorite was “Sara Smile” with a segue into another classic tune.. and the conversation while eating dinner was insightful and funny.

www.livefromdarylshouse.com

Keb' Mo' Modern Day Bluesman

Keb’ Mo’ is a modern day Bluesman with a reverence and understanding of the past and a good grasp on the future of this genre.  He can perform an understated Delta Blues tune and also do an modern original tune with the same convincing dedication to his craft. More importantly, he is also a songwriter that dips into many different genres including mixing modern blues with reggae, folk, calypso and even pop.  Although he explores many types of music the constant thread that runs through all his work are the simple rhythms and lyrics that are profound and compelling. He is the quintessential traveling Bluesman, who worked as a sideman for many years lending his fantastic slide guitar work  to many projects.  He released his self-titled debut album as Keb’ Mo’ in 1994, featuring two Robert Johnson covers, and 11 songs written or co-written by Keb’Mo’, which showcased his earthy vocals, guitar and banjo work.. For a taste of his sound, check out the media below, especially his rendition of “America the Beautiful” a soulful version of this song that is now my second favorite rendition, of course Ray Charles owned this song years ago but Keb’ Mo’ is now a close second and today being September 11th I think it is a great tribute.

When I have blogged about the passing of other musical luminaries. I usually look back on their career and almost always I discover something about their musical legacy that I had not previously known. I knew this time that would not happen easily. I knew that, because from the inception of popular music in my life, Michael Jackson has always been there. He was the first artist I even remember being aware of; his music from the early Jackson Five days filled my house as a kid. My first album was  “Third Album” by the J5. My first concert was in 1971, at the age of five, when I got to see the Jackson Five, with my Mom and three of my friends. I always had the cool Mom..Thanks Mom!

I sort of returned the favor by taking my younger brother, sister and Mom, to see Michael during the “Bad” tour.. I am a concert veteran but I have to say that was the best concert experience I have ever had! The energy was palpable. I could even say it was, in a way magical. .

Michael Jackson had the ability to entertain you so thoroughly that you had to shed your cool and just be “in the moment”, release yourself to the groove..

He was music. More specifically, he embodied the beat of music; there for you to hear, yes, but also there for you to see! Yes, you could see the beat through Michael Jackson…Many performers danced but he made you “wanna dance” Even the coolest among us had a Michael moment or two where we mimicked his moves, while listening to his music..maybe in private but we had it.

Michael Jackson’s light shone so bright that he truly was a superstar. So often the term “superstar” is thrown around, and in some way it has sort of lost its power these days. But only a few truly deliver, or actually have that luminous presence that warrants the celestial reference.. and among these few, Michael Jackson was a SUPERNOVA the biggest and brightest star, of them all. I am thankful for his musical legacy…

I never really cared to listen to all the discussion and speculation about his private life. I’m sure in the next few weeks many will choose to focus on the negative rumors and other unproven hearsay. That’s just the way our world works; in fact anyone who rises to a certain level of notoriety always has to endure a certain level of torture by the press. But no one endured more than Michael Jackson. He was for many years the subject of wild rumors and unproven allegations but he never publicly showed any disdain or bitterness.

Instead he embraced the giddy fans that were in awe of meeting him.  I have seen countless encounters captured on video of folks just grabbing, and hugging him, even some knocking him down in their exuberance. But he seemed to take it all in stride, truly a special soul. So at this time while the vultures are circling and some are trying to grab their 15 minutes of fame off of his legacy, I’ll do what I have always done..Listen to the music!

His greatest musical gift to us might be that he was able to revolutionize popular music, he created something new, something we had never seen or heard before. His music has stood the test of time, never sounding old or outdated; it is both intricate and simple. You can hear the level of dedication that went into creating and crafting the sound, absolute perfection, a level of perfection that I wished existed in pop music today.

I don’t want this post to become a diatribe on the current state of Pop music or even more so RnB, but I hope that while right now, Michael Jackson’s catalog tops the charts, this rediscovering of his artistry inspires the public to ask and crave more from their music. I hope it will inspire today’s young artists to raise their game and really work to learn and perfect their craft, and hopefully create something new and interesting.

Michael Jackson’s music was pop, infused with funk, soul, hip-hop, rock, and even gospel.  In fact Michael Jackson’s music cannot be categorized, there is nothing else like it, that fact played a huge part in how he was able to transcend racial barriers and in a way, destroy those barriers between various cultures and make us see that our commonality was bigger than our differences. His medium was his music, but his message was one of acceptance and embracing of all cultures. I hope that message and his music endure as his legacy.