The Excitements

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合計収録時間 : 00:00:00
Spain isn't exactly renowned for its old-school R&B, so it comes as something of a surprise that Barcelona six-piece the Excitements have produced one of the most authentic old-school soul records of the year. Produced by Mike Mariconda, their self-titled debut may be a covers album, but by selecting 12 relatively unknown tracks from the back catalogs of the finest Detroit, Memphis, and Chicago soul singers of the '60s, there's a freshness and raw energy that's often lacking in similar acts' more ubiquitous material. As the tight grooves on Nelson Sanders' Northern soul favorite "Love Is Here to Stay," the strutting brass-band arrangements on the bluesy instrumental "Fat Back," and the twanging rockabilly guitars on J.J. Barnes' "Won't You Let Me Know" will attest, the musicianship on board is impeccable from start to finish. But it's the passionate and often explosive vocals of soul sister Koko-Jean Davis that steal the show, whether it's showcasing her best Tina Turner impression on the storming R&B of Little Gigi's "Take the Bitter with the Sweet," whipping up a frenzy on a rollicking performance of Barbara Stephens' "Wait a Minute," or transforming the Falcons' soul classic "Let's Kiss and Make Up" into a rough-and-ready slice of psychedelic rock & roll. Faithful renditions of Nathaniel Mayer's "From Now On" and Jimmy Dee's "If It Wasn't for Pride" drift into tribute act territory, but overall, the Excitements live up to their name on an impressive first offering that suggests Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings may now have some unlikely competition. ~ Jon O'Brien