It was a pretty weak week (homophones!) so this will probably be a brief brief (homonyms!) of new music.
Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls
I'd been looking forward to this album for a while now. This is the debut album of a fantastic Southern band that mixes soul, R&B, and rock. Everybody should check this band out, if only to hear the lead singer's voice, which isn't like anything in music right now: capable of switching from Janis Joplin to Aretha Franklin, she's just got a ridiculously powerful voice. Critical response to the actual album seems a little muted, which may be a function of the ridiculously high expectations brought on by some really strong live performances the band has given. Some of the complaints are valid - the production on this album isn't the greatest - but I suspect after the initial slight letdown, this album will be viewed more favorably, as this band is just too good. Oh, and you heard it hear first, this band's inevitable horn section-accompanied album (I'm guessing it will be their third album) is going to be goddamn mind-blowing. These guys are definitely the winner of the week.
Selections
You Ain't Alone (this is actually one of those aforementioned superior live performances)
Hold On
