I’d Rather Listen to This Alabama Shakes “Boys & Girls” Album Than Rap

Posted by Nathan S. on 09/10/12 | Filed under Streams, Non Hip-Hop, Alabama Shakes

At this point I don't have to defend my rap nerd credentials - I'm already literally of thousands of posts deep into one of the more rap nerdy sites in existence. But believe it or not I try to spend my time listening to as much non-hip-hop as possible, and over the past couple of weeks I've found myself reaching for the Alabama Shakes' "Boys & Girls" album over every new rap release.

I first saw the Alabama Shakes by accident stumbling through last year's SXSW and was impressed, but never got around to listen to their "Boys & Girls" until I similarly stumbled across a free stream link. Two weeks later and I've still got it on repeat - holy balls lead singer Brittany Howard can sing. She sounds like a if Janis Joplin and Sam Cooke had a baby, like if Nina Simone started fronting for the Black Keys.

Full album stream of "Boys & Girls" is below, along with a iTunes link for those who find themselves properly inspired. I've also included a couple music videos for two of my favorite cuts, "Hold On" and "You Ain't Alone". Enjoy...or not. At the very least I hope it pulls you out of any rap bubble you might be trapped in.

I know it's not cool, I know it won't help my (non-existent) street cred, but in the words of Dead Prez, "If I feel it I feel it, if I don't I don't," and I feel this shit....