I Learned The Hard Way

It is not necessary for me to analyse this album further than the previous reviewers - they have covered every aspect.However I feel that the previous albums gave me more of a buzz when I first heard them. It could be that, previously, I was excited at hearing new material in the "soul" genre again.Ms Jones is an accomplished singer in the mould of early soul queens. Raw at the edges, she oozes, screams, shouts the heart felt passion. I always think that the best albums are made when the artist(s) enjoy themselves. The band certainly sound that way and impart the feeling to the listener.This is not "Motown" in any shape or form - that's not to denigrate "Motown" but this music is not as commercial - pop it is not! As for comparisons to Amy Whitehouse, Joss Stone et al they are purely superficial. Ms Jones is the real McCoy. She reminds me of a female James Carr.All I need now is a new album from Ryan Shaw and my day will be complete.If you want to hear 60s - not 70's or 80's - soul music then this is for you.

This is a fantastic album. Real musical talent. A 21st century take on that traditional 60s 70s soul vibe. The playing is superb Sharon's vocals are sublime. The production sounds so authentic. No over production- we can hear each instrument and each voice. No excessive bass or dodgy weedy vocals buried in the mix. This is the real deal. A terrific album. Shaon's passing is a sad loss to music.

Previous reviewers have detailed the content and doubtless some people will always question the validity of the Daptone worldview, where it's forever 1969, so I'll simply note that this is Sharon Jones' best album yet; she's eased back on the funk workouts and concentrated more on her peerless soul balladeering, and tracks like 'If You Call' equal anything which came out on Hi, Stax, TK, Goldwax or other legendary labels during the golden age of Southern soul.

I have been buying classic soul records since the late 1960s and to be honest this singer and group take me back to a time when excellent lyrics, strong vocal delivery and tight instrumentation were typical of the club scene. Shut your eyes, turn the volume up high and enjoy! Brilliant sound. Recommended to anyone who loves Atlantic, Stax and Tamla!

Gone too soon - the unequalled Miss Sharon Jones!

Sharon and the gang sure know how to get the groove on and the heart pumping.You'd be fooled to thinkin this was 40 yrs old,its a Modern Classic.

What can I say just brill brill brill go buy this your selfs if u like to get up and shake ur thang this shoul do it !

Great LP From The Late Great Sharon Jones