September 30, 2015 Music » Album Review

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CD review: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats' self-titled album 

Stax; Release Date: Aug. 21, 2015

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If I had to pick an off-the-radar song of the summer, I'd suggest Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats' "S.O.B." From the foot-stomping, hand-clapping rhythm to its "Son of a bitch, gimme a drink," chorus, the song has garnered plenty of well-deserved attention in the Colorado band's direction. Even Jimmy Fallon couldn't speak highly enough of the tune before the band's Tonight Show appearance.

But Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats is far more than a one-hit wonder. The group finds its own niche in the retro-soul division with powerful vocals, horns and harmonies. The album also displays far more diversity than the shit-kicking punch of "S.O.B." From the swinging soul of "Howling at Nothing" and "I've Been Falling" to slow-rolling Band-esque nature of "Wasting Time" and the shiver-and-shake groove of, well, "Shake," the 11-song album showcases the seven-piece band's talent for songwriting — musically and lyrically.

There are elements of '50s rock as much as Motown soul and R&B that give the album a classic quality. It's a landmark album from a singer-songwriter who spent 10 years toiling on the folk scene before his current reinvention. He recently told Rolling Stone that this is the music he's always wanted to play, but was afraid it would come off as cheesy. When Rateliff puts his honest words and talented voice at the forefront of a solid backing band, it can only come across as genuine.

Now, if someone can get the band to Charlotte so we can hear how it all comes together live — we're ready to witness it.

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