Some may harp on the retro-obsession of the Daptone label as somewhat farcical. I think that's beside the point. A writer asks a question like "Do we really need a Sinead O'Connor album of reggae covers" and I think why not? Before considering whether Budos Band or Daptone's equally vintage-sounding Sharon Jones are timely, I'm too locked into the immediate, soul-replenishing sound (same goes for Throw Down Your Arms, I might add) to consider how current or modern-era defining it is.
This is music that just makes sense, whether it was recorded now or thirty-some years ago. It's an exceptional example of a cavernous, gritty production style that was perfected to last. And mere nostalgia has nothing on the instantaneous buttshake. We're talking classically honed funk that alternately shuffles and kicks it out. Often it does both at once. There is no reason to pass this record up if you like to have a good time. If you're hosting a party, this disc would be perfect for relaxed, yet buoyant atmosphere.
I see no reason why this kind of music shouldn't be reviving the desolate boneyard they call mainstream radio. It's more than agreeable. It's authoritatively badassssssssss. The sound sells itself so well that writing this review begins to feel superfluous. Just get it. Get Jones' Naturally too, while you're at it. With all of the great moody, ethereal, deranged, detached, and disaffected stuff we've consumed this year, it'll do us good to soak up some get-down music that isn't so amphibious. Talking bout some hot blooded funk-soul power here, just check it and you'll surely see.
1. Up From the South
2. T.I.B.W.F.
3. Budos Theme
4. Ghost Walk
5. Monkey See, Monkey Do
6. Sing A Simple Song
7. Eastbound
8. Aynotchesh Yererfu
9. King Charles
10. The Volcano Song
11. Across the Atlantic
More about: The Budos Band
