Dave Chamberlain

Lets get this out right away: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings aren't going to change music the way we know it, so this recommendation doesn't go out to the friends who want to groove to minimalist two-tone improv influenced by proto-post-alternative non-rock. Jones and her traveling octet the Dap-Kings want to get you shakin' to the sixties-style funk, hard and dirty, sounding more influenced by James Brown than even the Godfather of Soul himself. The band's debut record, "Dip Dappin' With..." (Daptone Records), works like a vehicle for Jones' emotion-fired soul-girl voice, informed by everything from gospel to Aretha, but channeled with the enthusiasm of JB's masculine mojo. The sound is throwback, the energy old-school, and the influences are out there on the sleeve for anyone who's ever listened to music to hear. On the first listen, "Dip Dappin' With" is a punch to the head of soul and funk; with every successive listen, that punch lands with less power. But Jones and her band put their real energy where it counts, on stage, making it a priority to ensure that the crowd has a good time--the future of music is of little concern. If you're into James Brown or any of the mojo-soul from the sixties (Bobby James, King Coleman), or just have a yen to see a good-time band you've never heard of, then you can't go wrong tonight.

The Daptones featuring Sharon Jones play August 23 at the Double Door, 1572 North Milwaukee, (773)489-3160. (2002-08-21)

Also by Dave Chamberlain

Rock Tip of the Week
A stranger bill there could not be. Spitting stuttered lyrics over chicken-scratched beats and esoteric noise, New Jersey's Dälek shares common ground with everyone from DJ Spooky to Techno Animal.
(2002-08-14)

Raw Material
Throughout three years, the Cherry Valence earned a reputation for a blistering live show: rotating drummers--sometimes two at a time--multiple lead singers and a sound mixing the best of garage with Southern rock.
(2002-08-14)

RAW MATERIAL
Few veterans of the punk rock wars have aged as gracefully as Exene Cervenka, one-time co-lead singer of X.
(2002-08-07)

TIP OF THE WEEK
While I normally defer to James Porter regarding obscure bands from the sixties, in Love's case I actually feel qualified: the band's "Da Capo," released in 1967, lived in my hippie mom's collection of LPs, and as such it's a record I've listened to since I was 6 years old.
(2002-08-01)

RAW MATERIAL
(2002-08-01)

RAW MATERIAL
(2002-07-25)

RAW MATERIAL
(2002-07-18)

DISCOVERIES
(2002-07-18)

DISCOVERIES
(2002-07-18)

TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-07-11)

RAW MATERIAL
(2002-07-11)

TIP OF THE WEEK
(2002-07-04)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment