What I Thought of the Alabama Shakes Show
I know what you're thinking, where is the Hip Hop in this? Well I'm more than just a one trick pony, people. I can talk about more than Hip Hop and superheroes... some times. In fact I used to get it in with the eclectic music reviews back in the day.
Today I want to give it up to a band I feel doesn't get the props they deserve. Alabama Shakes killed it with Sound & Color as far as I'm concerned. That is a 5 star album if I've ever heard one. What was a true clincher for how awesome this band is was the September 23, 2015 show they put on at the Air Canada Centre.
The first time I saw Alabama Shakes was on SNL (which I can't find a clip of so you'll have to settle for Letterman below) and I remember liking the song but also thinking, what an expressive face, this woman has!
The truth is Brittany Howard can SANG! Even though I didn't cop their debut album, Pauline made sure I got Sound & Color. That was enough to make sure I'd want to take her to go see AlabamaShakes one day. Brittany & Co. did not disappoint. Once we got a spirited performance from Toronto's own July Talk,
Alabama Shakes was so good they were able to bring to life the one song I didn't even really like on Sound & Color at the ACC. I was even prompted to dig into their first album which is a bonus.
The best part of the show was the fact that "THE SHAKES!" were able to match if not exceed the frenetic energy of my favourite songs off the album.
During "Future People" I was left speechless when the hook came in with what sounded like a full choir (it was just three talented vocalists backing Brittany's already strong voice). It was a great way to start the show and set the tone for a no nonsense clinic on how to bring the house down.
I have nothing negative to say, other than maybe Sick,Wicked&Nasty might be doing our encores all wrong. We have never made the fans wait as long as Pauline and I waited for Alabama Shakes. Having said that, we are nowhere close to the level of rock star as Brittany Howard and her crew!
-YG