We are in LUV with the Alabama Shakes, especially lead singer Brittany Howard’s rock-em sock-em vocal style. This girl can SING. Watch her belt out the band’s hit “Hold On” (off the debut album Boys & Girls) on Letterman last night–as you can see, Dave was very impressed.
There is much-deserved hype swirling around this band right now, and seeing them live is a must. I was fortunate enough to catch them on Tuesday night here in NYC at an MTV taping, which was great since the venue was really small. Brittany often performs barefoot, is a great rhythm guitarist, and will impress even the most jaded of New Yorkers. At the ripe old age of 23, her soulful blues really grab you in the gut, and when she sings about heartache, you believe she’s experienced it. “Are you scared to wear your heart out on your sleeve?” she asks. Aren’t we all, but Alabama Shakes let you know it’s alright, since “You ain’t alone.”
