That's right I said it.

http://www.npr.org/2011/10/24/141649447/alabama-shakes-on-world-cafe-next

These kids might just be headed for big things. Hella goog.

NOICE!

http://soundcloud.com/alabamashakes/i-found-you-ep

Goog indeed. Thanks Chris

Bowery Ballroon 10/20/2011

Unpacking The Rapid and Rightful Rise of the Alabama Shakes

Great article on the 'Shakes. Can't wait to see them during the DBT NYE run.

It goes like this...

I've heard/seen this band's name a bunch, so tonight I pulled up the EP to see what was up. Had heard nothing about what they sounded like and within two songs was IMing Phil that this was some mediocre Janis Joplin starter kit steez. In now way exceptional, but they'll get some mileage because we're entering the SXSW leadup where the bloggo-industrial complex needs a band(s) to champion.

His verdict: "Alabameh Shakes"

I'm not gonna waver. This band isn't in any way exceptional.

This sounds like rock & roll to me. And they play better than Big Brother & the Holding Company.

Only heard a bit of these guys and they sounded like a group with all the parts that should add up to my liking them but it was just kind of bland and uninspired for some reason. Nice enough but in no way exciting for me. Like I read about this great voice and then when I heard it, it was strong and powerful sure, but it had that polished, controlled sheen that for me makes it miles away from the comparisons I'd read. But, I'm open to hearing more and maybe they'll grow on me or eventually do something I do like more. They've got some chops and are tasteful enough. Maybe they just haven't come across any songs that suck me in yet, or they have and I haven't heard those. Or maybe NPR rock is a new genre I'm just not particularly interested in it.

they made it on All Songs Considered Albums of the Year list as well

I like what I've heard, love that voice

That's the real comparison, with less of the Blooze and more of Teh Rawk.

Listen to that live show -- I haven't heard the EP, but they blew me the fuck away.

Yeah, the live show is where its at apparently. Also, I'm pretty sure that EP was a slapdash throw-together so they'd at least have something to sell at shows and to pop up online so when people asked about them.

they need to fire the drummer and guitar player, and get new ones

TheeIncident - I'm sure ATX is eating them up. Their agent is based there.

I've not heard much around town, but since I left the day to day media humdrum I'm not the best barometer of who's making things happen .

They're playing the tiny Continental Club on Jan. 21.
That show will prolly wind up moved to Mohawk or somewhere like that by that point. If it stays @ Continental Club I'll go check 'em out.
I'm way more into live shows than records these days anyhow.

http://teamcoco.com/video/alabama-shakes-hold-on
+
http://teamcoco.com/AlabamaShakes

Here are links to a couple of live performances on Conan. Pretty impressive sound.

This EP didn't stand out for me, but the album has got its claws in. It's definitely not gonna grab anyone by the ears and refuse to let go, but it doesn't seem designed to. It wants to stand in its own universe, conjuring up a thousand artists from decades ago while really sounding like none of them specifically. There's a nice sense of drama to the song structures that really pays off after a few listens, and the lady can sing, probably better than she wants to. The even though the comparisons to Joplin are incredibly lazy it kinda boggles the mind that a band like this gets sneered at for falling short of fuckin' Joplin while other bands get celebrated for their clueless amateurism. Anyway, I give the album a thumbs up, which is too bad, 'cuz I would've truly enjoyed hating it.





And guys, c'mon, everybody plays better than Big Brother and the Holding Company.

There are a couple of clunkers towards the end but overall, I like the album as well. All of the songs from the EP are pretty much exactly the same with the exception of "You Ain't Alone" which they added some extra mustard to and damn if it isn't the centerpiece of the album. I guess that Zales money was well spent.

Thrilling info alert.

I heard a shakes track played on BBC radio one today which was a pleasant suprise. Not really my cup of tea but it was a welcome break from the usual radio crap that I endure at work.

I didn't even know there was a full length. HASALINK?

2012 thread, but I can reup if need be.

I like it well enough. Truth be told I thought I would enjoy it more, I think they're capable of something huge.

i saw them on friday. pretty good show.

one of my friends talked with them and said they are completely thrilled/overwhelmed with the flood of attention and their popularity trajectory. but she also mentioned that they're still pretty much kids who are pinching themselves over everything that's happened in the last six months, or so.

late to the party on this one, but really enjoying the full length.

I agree the Janis comparison is lazy, but there are a few moments where she does go full Janis. But most of the time she sounds like what I wish Jack White would sound like. (I did not know that Jack was a fan when I came to that conclusion)

I just saw an announcement that they are headlining shows on back to back nights at the Hollywood Palladium -- a 4000 capacity venue -- in July. When did they get that big?

They sold out here in Boise rather quickly for a show on March 1........ 1,000 capacity venue.

They sold out a 3,000ish venue in Philly on a Monday night. They were good, but not quite ready to headline a crowd of that size. They didn't have the set list or stage presence to make the whole room electric. But they were very good, I look forward to seeing where they go from here.