Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights Album Review

Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings
100 Days, 100 Nights
Album Review

There is a real, abiding problem when trying to capture the soul of a great singer and band in the studio, when that band eats up live performances as a starving man would a chicken sandwich. This third album by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings continues their funk soul groove with their best album so far, however it still doesn't touch their live set - how could it when they don't have an audience to work with?

Backing band The Dap-Kings have been around a lot, recently - working with Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson has brought them a lot of attention. But it is Sharon Jones and her music that really makes use of this tight band - soul that could be some Stax classic drips out of this record. And it is an essential sound that has allowed many to claim with real reason that she is spearheading a soul and funk movement. It is an organic, vibrant sound - the sound of vintage records brought bang up to date. Jones' voice loses some of its power in the studio, but it's got a lot to lose. If the '60s Stax or Motown sound has any appeal to you, there is no modern album better than this.

4/5

Mike Rea