Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings are already well known as one of the most exciting acts in the nation for both their explosive live shows and their prolific output of gritty studio recordings. Their breakout release, 100 ... more »Days, 100 Nights, sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. This Spring the band will release I Learned the Hard Way, their fourth full-length on Brooklyn?s independent Daptone Records. The record marks a bold step forward for a band who almost single handedly stewarded today?s return of soul music to its more traditional sound.
Produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth in Daptone Records? House of Soul studios, the record drips with a warmth and spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of Muscle Shoals and Stax. Sharon?s raw power, rhythmic swagger, moaning soulfulness, and melodic command set her firmly alongside Tina Turner, James Brown, Mavis Staples, and Aretha as a fixture in the canon of soul music. From the lush Philly-Soul fanfare that ushers in ?The Game Gets Old? at the top of the record, to the stripped down Sam Cooke-style ?Mama Don?t Like My Man? at the tail, the Dap-Kings dance seamlessly through both the most crafted and simple arrangements with subtlety and discipline. I Learned the Hard Way is the ?Daptone Sound? at its best.« less
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings are already well known as one of the most exciting acts in the nation for both their explosive live shows and their prolific output of gritty studio recordings. Their breakout release, 100 Days, 100 Nights, sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. This Spring the band will release I Learned the Hard Way, their fourth full-length on Brooklyn?s independent Daptone Records. The record marks a bold step forward for a band who almost single handedly stewarded today?s return of soul music to its more traditional sound.
Produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth in Daptone Records? House of Soul studios, the record drips with a warmth and spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of Muscle Shoals and Stax. Sharon?s raw power, rhythmic swagger, moaning soulfulness, and melodic command set her firmly alongside Tina Turner, James Brown, Mavis Staples, and Aretha as a fixture in the canon of soul music. From the lush Philly-Soul fanfare that ushers in ?The Game Gets Old? at the top of the record, to the stripped down Sam Cooke-style ?Mama Don?t Like My Man? at the tail, the Dap-Kings dance seamlessly through both the most crafted and simple arrangements with subtlety and discipline. I Learned the Hard Way is the ?Daptone Sound? at its best.
"Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings appeared as backing musicians on much of Mark Ronson's "Version" and Amy Winehouse's "Back to black". Their sound is similar to both; retro Soul with lush strings, darting horns, and Jones's stirring vocals, a cross between Candi Staton and Betty Wright.
Listening to their fourth disc "I learned the hard way" is like a trip back to the sixties. The title track could have sprung from the vaults of Motown. "Better things to do" is a funky live-sounding jam, while the soulful ballad "Give it back" has a beautiful wall of harmonies.
The groovy "Money" finds her lamenting "money, where are you hiding" and "why won't you stay around?", sentiments some of us share now. :-)
"The reason" is a horn driven instrumental, the swinging "She ain't a child no more" has jangly guitars and rich harmonies, "I'll still be true" is an incredibly beautiful organ/horn-drenched ballad, while "If you call" is a melodramatic Blues ballad with chiming guitars, organ, and explosions of horns. "Mama don't like my man" is more stripped back showcasing the harmonies and powerhouse vocals.
This CD is a much needed breath of fresh air, and while I doubt it will trouble the charts much, I highly recommend it. For those who love real music."
Album of the Year!
Waffle On One | 04/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I know its only April but this is hands-down the album of the year! I've been following Sharon & the Dap-Kings for years and its great to finally see them getting the attention they deserve! Coming off 100 Days, 100 Nights, I was wondering if they would be able to step-up their game and man did they deliver! This is how soul/r&b should sound - Sharon's voice is strong and pure and the production quality is unreal. What the Daptone crew can deliver out of that house in Brooklyn is amazing.
I'm always torn as to whether or not I want my favorite (secret) artists to make it mainstream, but I can honestly say I'm happy for Sharon and the gang as she deserves it! From performing on Michael Buble's new album to the Up In The Air Soundtrack its nice to see credible artists making it! Do not miss the chance to hear this record!"
The rhythm and beat- Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
Dennis A. Brennan | New York | 05/17/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are a refreshing new CD. They
bring some fantastic vocals on each tune as Sharon sings some
great songs along with the musical back up of the Dap Kings.
The voice of Sharon musically blends in with all the
instruments that the band uses to create a true harmony, raw
feelings - high energy and some great sounds. These are songs
that you will play over and over as you enrich your musical
enjoyment. Sharon and the Dap Kings are in rhythm with each
other - allowing the group to elevate their game.
Wow what more can I say - now I want to see Sharon Jones and the
Dap Kings live in a performance in New York City."
Not a good recording
trying to be helpful | 08/01/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"There is something wrong with the recording. It was extremely apparent when the album Naturally came on immediately afterwards in my itunes. The band sounded way, way better doing these same songs live in studio on KCRW recently, so it's not the music, which is fantastic. I don't know very much about recording, but it seems like the vocals are too high and the music doesn't have that "full" sound that their other recordings do."
A Very Good CD.
PHILLIP M. YOUNG | WAY DOWN SOUTH LOUISIANA | 05/25/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had never heard of Sharon Jones and Tne Dap King before even though they've been around for quite a while now.I really like their message,sound and overall presentation of these seemingly 60's blues numbers.I'm glad that I perchased this CD and all my friends want to know who is this talented group.I truly think that you will like what they have to offer."