Eli Husock, better known as Eli Paperboy Reed has been making retro-soul records for about 20 years now.
I have a love/hate relationship with "retro-soul," the Daptone family of artists and the whole mess in general. Just like you can't come from England, sing three part harmony and end a song on a major 7th to be The Beatles (see Oasis), you can't record in mono, employ a horn section, growl your vocals and be Al Green. At the heart of it all, there needs to be a song, and well, some authenticity. As Mick Jagger once said, and I am paraphrasing, "Why listen to us play I'm A King Bee, when you can listen to Slim Harpo?"
I understand the appeal of these old retro-soul records, but why not listen to Lee Moses, Cal Wayman and O.V. Wright first?
Sharon Jones pulled it off in spades. Many others have not.
This brings me to Eli Paperboy Reed.
He can sing his ass off. But his records have been hit or miss, which is why the recently released collection on YepRoc, "Hits & Misses: The Singles" really works for me. It has just the right amount of ironic covers---Motorhead, Bob Dylan and Steely Dan---and some of Husock's better originals. It plays well, like a real Al Green or O.V. Wright record and not a bunch of guys from Bushwick with a vintage overhead mic and Smith Brothers beards, trying their best to be The Hi Rhythm Section without living a second of the life.
Here are two of three covers, and if you dig them, dial up his cover of Dylan's "To Be Alone With You."
I also included one of Reed's originals, "Anytime You Want Me," which I think is pretty damn great.
4 comments:
I had a chance to see him live at the old Village Gate back when he was being hyped as the next (male) Amy Winehouse.
I walked out of the show before he went on, however, because something the record company did with the drinks check pissed me off.
Hey -- what can I tell you, it was a different time.
Anyway, I remember liking his album, and I'll give him a listen again -- thanks!
I've liked a number of things over the years but not enough to go all in. You're right, this collection has enough of all the right stuff to make it a cohesive and enjoyable listen. Thanks for the recommendation.
Saw him in Seville about 4 mos ago. His concert was eclectic to put it mildly, but he did play some tunes from this collection. I thoroughly enjoyed the concert, but about half the crowd left early.
I'll definitely check out more of his stuff! He can sing his ass off.
So, does this mean singing "I Will Survive" at the top of my lungs at every single wedding I attend doesn't make me Gloria Gaynor?
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