I guess I’m late to the party on this one, but until I was heading home from Riot Fest in Chicago on Saturday night, I’d never heard NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS. After catching their single “S.O.B” on the radio in the car, I looked them up when I got home, discovering just how badass they are. With a soulful sound that you wouldn’t expect out of a band from Denver, Rateliff’s new, self-titled record was released a last month on the iconic STAX label (via Concord Music Group). I know I haven’t covered much R&B-tinged music here on the site, but I have the STAX box set… DVD… and there’s a framed copy of SAM & DAVE’s “Hold On, I’m Comin'” vinyl above my desk. Being a kid from Chicagoland, THE BLUES BROTHERS is very much in my DNA, and that film (and the Aykroyd/Belushi records) opened that musical door for me. When I saw that Rateliff paid homage to THE BLUES BROTHERS’ “Jailhouse Rock” scene and End Credits in the “S.O.B” video, my respect was immediately secured.
While the full album is available right now, you can get “S.O.B” and a pair of live tracks for free (or with a tip) over at Noisetrade. Check out the band on Facebook.
Top Photo Credit: Malia James
