Amy Winehouse and
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings' emergence has reminded listeners of rock & roll's soul roots, recalling days of
Beatles covers of
the Miracles and
the Marvelettes. Bring back dance music with a backbeat. And if you want something hardcore, take a walk on the wilder side with these San Diego vets.
Lady Dottie, aka Dorothy Mae Whitsett of Alabama, is one of those ex-gospel crooners (like so many original soul stars) who belts like she can outlast anyone at any age (she's in her sixties, but sounds 30). And her
Diamonds add Chess blues, rave-up R&B, and garage so untamed that they sound like
the Yardbirds and
the MC5 backing
Big Mama Thornton -- and
the Sonics when covering (as
the Sonics did)
Richard Berry's "Have Love, Will Travel." All-night dance (toga?) party! ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover