| Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights |
|
|
| Written by Kyle Matteson | |
| Friday, October 5, 2007 at 12:32 AM | |
 Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings100 Days, 100 Nights Daptone Records www.myspace.com/sharonjonesandthedapkings Since it's nearly impossible to read a review of 100 Days, 100 Nights without someone mentioning a certain twenty-something beehived Brit, I will just defer to a fantastic NY Times article where Sharon basically calls the attention a blessing and a curse. I must admit however, that I personally was excited about the prospect of Sharon & The Dap-Kings getting more press and fans out of the Dap-Kings' involvement with Amy Winehouse's breakout second album. Sharon and her band are just too damn talented, and it doesn't matter how word is spread. When I was first introduced to Sharon Jones a few years ago, I had totally pegged her second album, Naturally, as being from the '60s. Imagine my surprise when I looked online to purchase it and found out it was released in 2005. Even though her sound is vintage with a hint of retro feel at times, Sharon's authenticity and the Dap-Kings' masterful musicianship are able to make it sound fresh while still paying homage to the greats of both Motown and Stax. Much of this new album is more raw and soulful sound than the previous two albums, which both had a handful of extremely catchy and at times poppy songs. The album starts off with the title cut, which opens with a New Orleans-inspired horn intro that sets the darker mood of the track, and the album overall. That's not to say that this album lacks any incredible pop hooks, one of the record's highlights, "Tell Me," is reminiscent of "Nowhere To Run" and wouldn't sound out of place blasting from an AM radio in1965. As on the previous two albums, the Dap-Kings' razor-tight rhythm & horn section keep the ball rolling. The album's main lyrical themes mostly hover around heartbreak, lost love, and the pains that come with any relationship, whether good or bad. Sharon's delivery of the lyrics are so impassioned and heartfelt that they will make a believer out of even the harshest cynic. While it's hard to pick out a standout vocal performance on this album, it's hard to deny the raw power of "Humble Me". I'll admit it: I do really enjoy Amy Winehouse's Back To Black , but it's pretty obvious to me how important the Dap-Kings were in making the album as good as it is. Sharon Jones' impeccably soulful voice and intense delivery match up to the raw talent and musicianship of the Dap-Kings perfectly. Not to say that youngsters like Amy or Joss Stone are phonies cashing in on the vintage soul/R&B sound or aren't talented; there's just an undeniable air of authenticity with Sharon that is impossible to ignore. I have a sneaking suspicion that had Sharon been making music when R&B / Motown were among the most popular musical styles around, she would have been a huge star, but we should just treasure that she is keeping a relatively timeless sound alive. Stream "100 Days, 100 Nights" Download "100 Days, 100 Nights" "How Do I Let A Good Man Down?" from Naturally live on Canal PlusComing Up: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings on Friday, November 16, at First Avenue. 8 p.m. 18+. $12-14 |
|
| Last Updated: Friday, October 5, 2007 at 11:05 AM |
Backstage Blog
