Alabama Shakes

[JSngry]

Saw them on SNL tonight, never heard them or of them before. What I'm wondering is if the singer, Brittany Howard, is a really, REALLY eccentric/fascinating/whatever one-trick-pony, or is there gonna be more there. Because the two songs they played sounded like more or less the same song, but I got hooked in both times because of Howard's voice. But again, same thing both songs. But again again, if there's a higher ceiling there in terms of....everything, then, whoa.

Time will tell?

[ejp626]

Never heard of them either, but IMO better than many recent musical guests on SNL.

I happened to be reading about a musician horribly miscast in the Off-Broadway musical, Love, Janis (about Janis Joplin). If the Alabama Shakes don't work out, she might consider auditioning the next time this show is mounted.

Only, half-kidding by the way.

[BFrank]

They've been getting a LOT of press for the past year or so. I saw them at SXSW last March and was underwhelmed, actually. Like you said, Jim, I found them very limited in scope and overall talent. Glad to know it isn't just me.

[.:.impossible]

Their hype wave seems to have come and gone for the album already. Starbucks was even stocking the disc last July. They got heavy radio play here. I like the album and hope it influences younger bands who identify to dig deeper into soul music.

That album was almost overnight Jim. They had an EP, a hit, then a record right quick.

I'd like to bet that they are working on growing the sound, but time will tell. They haven't been a band for very long at all.

I read that they had a few Grammy nominations.

Personally, I hear talent Brooks. I haven't heard them live, and I missed the SNL performance, but I hear a Muscle Shoals thing big-time.

[Noj]

A friend recommended the album to me a while back, so I picked it up. I like it, but I'd echo the same sentiments you guys have about their music. It's same-y and nothing really jumps out, but I welcome their contribution in a world starved for authenticity. Hopefully their sound will mature and just get better!

[danasgoodstuff]

Went and listened to some online video: nice voice, nice live band dynamics, but no less an affectation than...well whatever, just a more pleasant one to these old ears, but they got aways to go to get to Etta or Eddie Hinton with the Muscle Shoals guys. IMHO, etc.

[JSngry]

I was really taken by her trust in silence while singing, not just between phrases, but within them.

But again, same thing on both songs, more or less.

Oh well, they can't be that old, let's see what decisions they make going forth.Sounds like they've at least realized that there are choices to be made. No small feat in itself, that one.

[danasgoodstuff]

I was really taken by her trust in silence while singing, not just between phrases, but within them.

But again, same thing on both songs, more or less.

Oh well, they can't be that old, let's see what decisions they make going forth.Sounds like they've at least realized that there are choices to be made. No small feat in itself, that one.

Certainly, there's potential there but it could go any number of ways - time will tell, said the old man.

[.:.impossible]

Went and listened to some online video: nice voice, nice live band dynamics, but no less an affectation than...well whatever, just a more pleasant one to these old ears, but they got aways to go to get to Etta or Eddie Hinton with the Muscle Shoals guys. IMHO, etc.

Hey, I didn't say I hear Muscle Shoals... not bad for a pick-up game though! I'm rooting for them.

I'm waiting to hear from Allen Lowe before giving an official opinion.

[Chuck Nessa]

When I saw "Alabama Shakes" I instantly thought of Arizona Dranes. Silly me.