Something Borrowed, Something New (#27)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. A lot of bands these days are making big bucks off of music that sounds like it's more out of their parents era then their own. This week at Sound of Souls we'll take a gander at some newer tunes that would've fit right in 30-50 years ago. Your comprehensive retro music smorgasbord awaits!

Listen to Joey's Playlist here!

Staying In Love by Raphael Saadiq - I fell in love with this song instantly and staying in love with it was not tricky. Mr Saadiq sounds like he's rocking the crap out of Berry Gordy's Motown records. Goodness gracious, this song is delicious!

Junk Of The Heart (Happy) by The Kooks - Hey! It's the British Invasion all over again! I can just imagine seeing these guys on a grainy, black and white TV decked out in super uptight suits, playing to hoards of screaming girls. They even have a British Invasiony band name!

Don't Gotta Work It Out by Fitz and The Tantrums - A lot of the bands on this list just kinda dabble with a song here or there that has a certain "throw back" feel to it, while the rest of their music is more progressive and modern. Fitz, however, kicks it old school exclusively. This is a unique and bold band (no guitars) that feels like it stepped right out of a time machine.

You Ain't Alone by Alabama Shakes - Holy crap! One of my favorite new songs from one of my favorite new bands! Brittany Howard slathers the vocals on this song like one would generously apply barbecue sauce to a plump rack of ribs. Janice Joplin and Joe Cocker would be proud...

Your Magic Is Working by Of Montreal - Another tune with a total 60's vibe. The wavey vocals, distinctly 60's-ish guitar, and the trippy organ are quite the combo. Perfect for some nice sunny weather!

Are You Gonna Waste My Time by Zues - I'm picking up hints of Led Zepplin here..... Mmmmm yes, that's good. They could throw this song on KQRS tonight and the bonfire wouldn't skip a beat. Pass me a PBR!

Walk At Night by Cults - You can tell this band cut their teeth on Garage Pop and 60's girl power. Cults songs have a dreamy, cinematic vibe to them as they doo wop and shoo wop along. It'll be fun to see how this band evolves.

It's Working by MGMT - Hey, What'ya know! MGMT made a freaky song about doing drugs. Welcome to your psychedelic beach party! I poke fun at MGMT because of how far off the deep end they have gone, but this song actually is really good.

Holdin On To Black Metal by My Morning Jacket - Here we have the ever diverse MMJ delving into some hazy, psychedelic glam rock. I'm picturing James Bond sipping on a Martini (shaken, not stirred), or Austin Powers hitting on a shaggadelic Minx. Yeeeah baby!

Mykonos by Fleet Foxes - These guys would've slayed the 500,000 concert goers that attended Woodstock in the summer of 1969. Crosby Stills and Nash, America, and Simon and Garfunkel all rear their heads from time to time when listening to these modern day folk giants.

Tomato In The Rain by Kaiser Chiefs - You say tomato, Kaiser Chiefs say to-mah-to. They also make music with a serious Eric Clapton or Doors vibe.

Pull My Heart Away by Jack Penate - This was one of my favorite songs from a couple of years back. I guess you could say it sounds like it's from the 80's but it's really just on this list because Jacks voice sounds almost exactly like Robert Smiths of The Cure.

North Side Gal by JD McPherson - Holy Oldies! I swear to you, this song isn't even two years old. Little Richard and Fats Domino give it two thumbs up!

Wake Up Alone by Amy Winehouse - Unfortunately, we lost another one to the infamous "27 Club". It's sad that she had to fight her demons on such a public platform and at such a young age. During her much too short music career she blessed us with gems like this and many others. This song might be my favorite of hers.

The Last Prom On Earth by Gayngs, and Beth/Rest by Bon Iver - Pretty much everything on the radio these days seems like it is a cheap knock off of 80's pop music but these last two songs take a little different approach to the 80's craze. Gayngs goes totally cheesy and schmaltzy, while Justin Vernon channels his inner Mike and The Mechanics. Yes please!!!

I love it when bands get creative and push the envelope, but there is something to be said about tipping your cap to those who came before you.  These acts have been inspired by the all time greats and they honor them with the music they make.