Lake Street Dive and Mavis Staples

We love a bit of Lake Street Dive here at TSATF Central. It turns out that the band's performance were regarded as one of the highlights of the Newport Folk Festival a couple of weekends ago. From a number of accounts it was a quality set, and it makes we wish I could have been there to see it.

Their set was elevated from the great to the transcendent when gospel soul legend Mavis Staples came onstage to duet with the band on their track "Bad Self Portraits". Lead singer Rachael Price looks to be in absolute heaven with a smile so wide it almost meets her ears!

Take a look at the clip below, courtesy of Chris from the Boston Through My Eyes blog. This is truly goose-bump material. It's a true shame that American National Public Radio (NPR) didn't record the band's set; instead preferring to go with the Jeff Tweedy/Jack White/Ryan Adams-type big name artists to showcase.

Take a listen to this inspiring performance. Sing along with Mavis, and smile along with Rachael!

Lake Street Dive: "Bad Self Portraits"

"Bad Self Portraits" is the latest album by Boston-based rockers Lake Street Dive.

Describing their sound is something problematic. The All Music Guide describes them as: "... a fascinating blend of influences and complexity: jazz at heart, with an alternative D.I.Y. sensibility and a passion for classic rock and garage aesthetics."

Yep, I'm none the wiser either.

What it boils down to is this: a four piece band, with a soulful lead singer in the form of Rachael Price, whose voice would make Amy Winehouse jealous. A double bass player, which adds to their striking sound, plus a garage rock attack in the rhythm section (at times) tempered with a southern fried groove.

In short, you HAVE to listen to this album. The band are so hard to describe but strikingly easy to listen to. Disparate influences rarely blend so well. From the first track (the title track, and lead single) "Bad Self Portraits" the warm and fuzzies start instantly.



Despite having a feel that could be describes as retro, it's a song with a thoroughly modern topic: the "selfie". The spin on it of course is the selfie after a breakup. However it has a killer hook and a seductive groove that lets you forget the pain of the lyric.

The pacing of the album has a few issues. It starts off right out of the gate with crackers like "Stop Your Crying" but the quality of the songs sags a little towards the end, before finishing off brilliantly with "What About Me" and the slow burning "Rental Love". It's still a great record for almost any occasion. Recommended!

Enjoy!