Culled from the excellent Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977, It’s no overstatement to say that this little known single might rival “Hold On, I’m Coming” in being among the top soul songs ever recorded. I’ve had it on repeat for the last week.
Tag: mp3
The third track off of The National’s Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers has long been a favorite of mine, and not only because of its mysterious title. "90-Mile Water Wall" doesn’t seem to fit into any specific genre, rather it plays out like an epic Western, a lonesome figure silhouetted by twilight in a harsh winter, espousing the hurt of a love lost. For all the gorgeous songs this band has produced (and there are many), this may be their finest unimpeachable arrangement.
Alabama Shakes literally burst onto the music scene in 2011 and are now headed to release their debut album in April under ATO Records. Boys & Girls features Brittany Howard and co. playing some solid soul grooves with Janis Joplin meets Otis Redding vocals that ache more than you could expect from a woman in her young 20’s. It’s sure to be one of the best albums of 2012, but for now enjoy the stellar live cut “Always Alright” which (somehow) didn’t make the album.
Always Alright- Alabama Shakes (Live From San Francisco’s Independent)
Let me know what you think of this little number. I was going for a old soul vibe, the kind of feeling that’s meant for the late evening, early morning hours where the night gets the best of you.
The Art of the Mixtape 