I’m pretty sure I was born in the wrong era; my wardrobe consists of whimsically-printed circle skirts, cat-eyed sunglasses, and lips that are perpetually painted a bright shade of red. Needless to say, modern vintage tunes melt my proverbial butter and speak to me in a way like no other music can. It’s difficult to narrow my current obsessions to only three offerings, but these songs have claimed the top spots in my playlist as of late:
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: “Howling At Nothing”
If you know me (and if you don’t, we should remedy that!) you know I’m obsessed with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. While it’s challenging to choose only one song from the band’s recently-released self-titled debut album, I can confidently declare that “Howling At Nothing” is my favorite selection. It has a swinging groove that brings back fond memories of the music on which my parents raised me; the song just makes me want to grab someone and dance, so if you happen to be near me when it comes on, consider yourself warned.
J.D. McPherson: “Head Over Heels”
J.D. McPherson is the business, and his vintage rockabilly sound is the epitome of true roots-rock. He released his latest album “Let The Good Times Roll” earlier this year, and it’s chock full of tasty morsels; I’m definitely obsessed with “Head Over Heels,” a hot rod of a rocker complete with McPherson’s growling vocals, driving piano, and reverb-y guitar.
Leon Bridges: “Come Home”
Last, but good Lord, not least, is “Coming Home” by soulful newcomer Leon Bridges, who released his debut album, also called Coming Home, this summer. This 26 year old wunderkind has perfectly captured the spirit of 1960s-inspired R&B, and I simply can’t get enough. Bridges even performs in vintage clothing; a writer from Fort Worth Weekly described him as someone whose “music sounds like he looks.” “Coming Home” is one of those tunes that will make you close your eyes, place your hands over your heart, and sway to the music. SWOON.
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