So, I was driving last saturday morning and on a local college radio I heard a track that grabbed me right away. Crossover-style, great voice, etc. That radio stations sometimes plays a soul track or too, but it's always Marvin Gaye / Al Green or anything featured in a movie soundtrack, so I was surprised to hear an unknown.

I arrived to my house and looked at the radio playlist, and there it was: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way. I went and look on my Manship guide and didn't find it. Then I went to eBay and saw several copies of the LP, all going for 15-20 bucks. Strange...

So, did a bit of research and was amazed to find out the album was released april 6th, 2010! It had such an amazing sound, I was fooled. Anyway, apparently they recorded it using an Ampex four track tape recorder, and using only instruments and equipment available up to the mid 70s.

Anyway, here's the track. I'll also upload a nice R&B cut. The rest of the album is funky soul and ballads, and it's quite good. It's available as CD, Vinyl and digital download if you fancy...

SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS - I LEARNED THE HARD WAY - DAPTONE LP -

currently no 15 on the billboard top 200 pop album charts in the USA . getting recognition at last:thumbsup:

dave

Edited April 20, 201015 yr by dave pinch

The Title track sounds like a bit of a rip off

of I'd Rather Go Blind

to me.

Kegsy

Actually,

It was recorded on an Ampex 8-track system.

In addition to the vintage Ampex, they also used vintage instruments.

It's a great release!

This is the fourth Sharon Jones album I've bought. It's very good but I don't think it's her best. Maybe they focused more on the sounds than the songs on this album?

My favourite track is definately "If You Call".

The title track "I learned The Hard Way" is also nice but there's something just a bit derivative and contrived about it.

But my favourite Sharon Jones track of all is "Tell Me" from the 100, Days, 100 Nights album. I really can't understand why it isn't more popular.

Best wishes,

Paul

This is the fourth Sharon Jones album I've bought. It's very good but I don't think it's her best. Maybe they focused more on the sounds than the songs on this album?

My favourite track is definately "If You Call".

The title track "I learned The Hard Way" is also nice but there's something just a bit derivative and contrived about it.

But my favourite Sharon Jones track of all is "Tell Me" from the 100, Days, 100 Nights album. I really can't understand why it isn't more popular.

Best wishes,

Paul

I will try and get that too, Paul, thanks.

This is the fourth Sharon Jones album I've bought. It's very good but I don't think it's her best. Maybe they focused more on the sounds than the songs on this album?

My favourite track is definately "If You Call".

The title track "I learned The Hard Way" is also nice but there's something just a bit derivative and contrived about it.

But my favourite Sharon Jones track of all is "Tell Me" from the 100, Days, 100 Nights album. I really can't understand why it isn't more popular.

Best wishes,

Paul

know what your saying Paul but the production is just excellant. I love the new lp all tracks you know me love a bit of contrived mate!!!

Great band, amazed you hadn't heard of them before. All their LPs have a mixture of throwback soul and funk, with a superb band and top notch vocals. All worth a purchase.

Gets Released in the UK this coming Monday.

Gets Released in the UK this coming Monday.

...and available at a record store near you!