Daptone Gold reviewed
Various Artists
Daptone Gold
(Daptone)
Lee Fields, Naomi Shelton, Charles Bradley: these are names that all fans of classic soul music should know, but likely don’t. Along with Sharon Jones, these are vocalists who have been baring their life on the mic for years yet weren’t given the proper platform until connecting with Brooklyn-based funk, gospel, and soul imprint, Daptone – the very label that’s celebrating its best thus far with Daptone Gold.
Given the sheer amount of soulful jams the label has released in the past seven or so years, it would be hard to mess up a compilation like this. Still, even listeners who have heard a bulk of these tracks will be surprised – not just by the rarities like the bluesy “Down To It” but by how well every song here flows together. The lo-fi, heart-digging R&B of Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Band (“The World”) seamlessly combines with the upbeat soul of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (“Got A Thing On My Mind”). As many of the same musicians back up different Daptone vocalists, there’s a consistency with the warm horns, twangy guitars, and dusty drums that keeps this collection consistently funky, regardless of the mood.
— Max Herman
