Give the People What They Want by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Whereas The War On Drugs’ sound harkened back to 80s classic rock (as discussed at #13), the band at #12 goes back even further, to the 60s and 70s. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are a product that sounds so familiar, you could be excused if you thought the songs on Give the People What They Want were all covers. But you’d also be wrong — these songs are all from the new millennium, written and recorded in 2013.

A fantastic blend of horns, backup singers, and powerful lead vocals by Sharon Jones, you can’t help but happily bounce in your seat when listening to them play. Jones has a storied history herself, having been nothing more than a backup singer throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. She spent her days as a corrections officer at Rikers Island and an armored car guard for Wells Fargo. Knowing this information lends credibility to her words. When she wails “Get Up and Get Out,” you really feel compelled to do so.

The Dap-Kings have their own storied history, having been playing together as a group since the turn of the millennium. You’ve heard them many times over, although you might not have been aware of it. They were Amy Winehouse’s backing band on most of her amazing 2006 album Back to Black. They also appeared (uncredited) right here in the Top 31 of 2012, as the backing and pervasive horn section for David Byrne and St. Vincent’s collaboration Love This Giant.

In a normal year, this album would be in the top 10 for sure. It will certainly stand the test of time. I may regret putting it at #12. Either way, it’s fantastic, and you should be putting it into your ear holes right this minute.

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13. Lost in the Dream by The War On Drugs
14. Warpaint by Warpaint
15. Heal by Strand of Oaks
16. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
17. This is All Yours by ∆
18. Brill Bruisers by The New Pornographers
19. Only Run by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
20. Augustines by Augustines
21. El Pintor by Interpol
22. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
23. Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes by Thom Yorke
24. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
25. Voices by Phantogram
26. Morning Phase by Beck
27. Hungry Ghosts by OK Go
28. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
29. Cosmos by Yellow Ostrich
30. Teeth Dreams by The Hold Steady
31. With Light & With Love by Woods

2009-2013 Top 31s