http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2008/09/this-weeks-play.html By Ken Barnes « This week's reviews: Jeezy instructs, New Kids back on the block | Main | News roundup » This week's playlist: Rock, soul and eclectica from Brian Buzz up! This week Brian Mansfield constructs a playlist that kicks off with modern soul, quickly moves into eclectic territory and concludes with a double blast of new rock 'n' roll from legendary artists. > Pick of the Week: You Are the Best Thing, Ray LaMontagne: Nobody will ever mistake LaMontagne’s earnest rasp for a true soul voice, even when he borrows his phrasing from Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. But the horn blasts that propel this tune are pure latter-day Stax. That and a rhythm section that stays low-key but locked-in make this lead single from his forthcoming Gossip in the Grain a fine thing indeed. > The Playlist: Say Hey (I Love You), Michael Franti & Spearhead: Franti foregoes his usual politics for a love song that sounds like nothing less than a dancehall version of Iko Iko. Orange Blossoms, JJ Grey & Mofro: Intoxicating North Florida blues-rock, with hints of Memphis, Muscle Shoals and garage-band music. Minimum Wage, Lila Downs: Mexican-born Downs humanizes the illegal-immigration issue with rhythms and aspirations that speak to anybody with a soul. Vanorapa, Chiwoniso: In this charming track from an American-born Zimbabwean singer, guitar grooves play off a rhythmic foundation set by the percussive thumb piano called an mbira. All Will Be Well, the Gabe Dixon Band: This sweetly reassuring track from the band’s self-titled album recalls early Billy Joel. Yesterday Is Here, Southside Johnny with LaBamba’s Big Band: Tom Waits has found his finest interpreter in Southside Johnny Lyon, who brings a swing sound to Waits’ songs on the new Grapefruit Moon. Cry for a Shadow, The Smithereens: From their new B-Sides The Beatles, a faithful cover of the lesser-known George Harrison/John Lennon instrumental. The Man Who Couldn’t Be Moved, The Script: Irish band’s romantic single about a man’s refusal to budge from the street corner where he met the girl of his dreams has been a huge British hit this summer. The Shock of the Lightning, Oasis: The first single from the forthcoming Dig Out Your Soul is vintage Oasis, with a heart-pounding beat and a thunderous drum break. Rock ‘n’ Roll Train, AC/DC: Who cares that they really write only one song when the song’s this good?
JJ Grey & Mofro
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