Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears "Scandolous" Lost Highway Records
it's not often i buy a cd with those FBI warnings. I just don't buy major label stuff. not as a protest, i just do not tend to buy what major labels release. it's my avoidance of crap. Music is an emotional experience for me, not a purchasing of formulated products. That said, this Lost Highway label i do recognize from Johnny Cash's recent records. As i peep their website, i see names like Lucinda Williams, Morrissey, Willie Nelson and more. if you are going to sign with a major, not bad company to keep.
Now, i know Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears are probably huge with the indie folk; and with the college kids. As i had to miss their recent visit to the Middle East, i am talking out of my ass. I have no idea what kind of crowd attended. That said, I was floored by their first full length. When it came out, i was struck by the name and bought it on a whim without ever hearing a note(remember those days...). Throughly impressed, i had a new addiction. As i found with the Dap-Kings and Ms Sharon Jones, soul could still be crafted with accuracy and passion. Now, maybe the bands' increased exposure has tainted your view of these folks, but can one complain of these guys' popularity when they are the only two active soul bands making any noise?
I mean, The Adjusters never got their props; and while The Pietasters still forge onward, they are stuck in their ground level status for the duration of their existence. But in an era of music when Raekwon and Full Blown Chaos can chart on Billboard, i officially have no idea what the fuck is going on with the popular kids these days.
...to the review!!!
BJL&HB again nail a victorious sound. They have captured the essence of soul even in 2011. I quickly liken this lp to James Brown; not simply because he is the most recognizable name of soul (i mean, he was "The Godfather") but because BJL actually thrives on the vibe that James Brown put forth onto the blessed crowds. Where as Sam Cooke came from gospel and wanted to sooth you; and Otis' songs were the Stax house band's (the MGs) showcase for his vocal talents; this music is a kin to 60's JB due to the music itself. The lyrics or words are second seat, clearly. In fact, BJL actually mumbles or pushes through prases; as JB did - so well illustrated by Eddie Murphy's hilarious mimicking.
Jackie Wilson's voice was ethereal and impeccable. Eddie Floyd was the man. Sam Cooke was flawless and in his angelic whispers. But i love my soul to be gritty, raw, sweaty; a little dirty. Joe Tex. Otis on the live tracks. Marion Black. and, of course, James Brown.
And comparing BJL to JB isn't a creative cop out, the man invented the word "tight". And The Honeybears exquisitely walk the path of the rigid musicianship That JB demanded of his band.
"Livin' in the Jungle" certainly welcomes you to the jungle. i can't imagine starting this disc any other way. it is, in fact, the Honeybears making "all that funky noise". A fantastic horn line commands you participation in this musical partnership. You ain't sitting still.
For all different reasons, I love the second song and its bellowing blues. "I'm Gonna Leave You" is a precious little bit of tough love. The growing horns swagger in over the dirty guitar loop that drains the listener. It's hot day in the bar in the south and i;m whiskey drunk cuz of that triflin' woman back home. one day i will grow a pair and tell her how it really is.
Now you can easily adore the swing of "Booty City". This song has that conniption inducing tight stomp funk. No denying how quickly you will be jumping and shaking to this crazed frenzy.
"Black Snake" continues the energy with a garage loving, fuzz worship. Maracas and peppered horns and harmonica perfectly ride the distorted bass line that is funkier "than Haitian underarms"(....thanks Redman).
Or you can check the slow distant funk of the title track, with BJL's bemoaning of the woman that done him wrong. The building horns titillate the listener. The sixties style garage fuzz of the guitar in one channel and the simmering snare capture all the right emotions. The undeniable dub approach to the production culminates in an amalgam of influences that translate this tune into pure musical gold. if this wasn't made in 2011, i do not think we could have had this gem be executed so complexly, so layered.
The rootsy, bluesy (a la Hooker or Hopkins) of "Messin" is a throwback; but backed by a triumphant stomp of drums in the background that drives it home fiercer than a subtle blues guitar plucking. nicely handled
"Mustang Ranch" moves like the Detroit Cobras reinvigorating their beloved 60's garage soul. A taunting horns line compliments that frenzied chorus riff; contrasting the tight repetition of the verses.
"You've Been Lying" has the chorus highlighted by featuring the Relatives. And while i expect this to weave another tale of love gone astray, i can hear the words of The Relatives illustrating social woes; re: bombs and guns on the streets and poisoning families(unless these are just metaphors for gossip). Nice to switch it up. Soul should be the voice of the street. The crazed lead vocals, screamed to raspy perfection coalesce well with the instrumentation of full scale assault on our senses. there is so much going on in this song. The strong swirling rock guitar and tough drums, backed with a organ, smack you to attention like a drill instructor. A definite 70's feel.
"Ballad Of Jimmy Tanks" is infectious. My favorite song, hand down. i could not sit still at work as this pumped through my Sony's, despite being at my desk. This song is a darker, low key piece. Heralding a down-trodden groove, sounded by the rhythm section; the wandering guitar line twang carries through a tale of losing it all.
Every song is a classic on this disc. This is not some college band with "soul influence". These lads would have held their own in Philly, Hotlanta, Memphis or the Motor City in any era. Tight vicious soul with a stellar horn section, thick and dripping; and funked um coupling of drums and bass. The charisma of the underplayed vocals grabs the audience. But, it is as a mechanized process that solidifies this soul machine as a winner. Wearing their blues and funk and garage influences on their sleeve, the heart of th band is soul music and all it entails to say that.
Buy it!!!
