Valerie June

Valerie June is opening for Sharon Jones and the Dapkings on their upcoming US tour, she sounds pretty damn cool..... check this tune out... mean guitar.

Sharon Jones live clips

Two live clips on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon from Sharon Jones and the Dapkings, taken off their new album Give the people what they want, out this Tuesday.  Above video is for the song Retreat, which has a great animated video for it. Sharon sat in the previous night with The Roots, watch that here (US-only).

The clip below - for Stranger to my happiness - also has a brand new music video, but unfortunately someone dropped the ball and it was initially only viewable in the US, via Vevo. HUGE disappointment for your on-US fans, Dapkings. Several days later it's now freely available on Youtube.

I know there's probably sound financial reasons for doing it exclusively thru Vevo, and making it US-only. But it defeats the whole idea of people sharing music they love, which is one of the great things about social media. Making it hard for fans to get at your music is frustrating.

I recently had a similar battle, trying to find somewhere to buy an MP3 off Caramel, the new album from expat NZer Connan Mockasin. The album is released thru UK/US labels, and you can buy the CD and the vinyl (with download code) in NZ record shops easily. But digital? 

I checked  and found iTunes NZ, Amplifier.co.nz, Juno Download, Bandcamp, and Beatport didn't have the MP3s available for NZ. I tried buying the MP3s off the US label's site, that didn't work either. I ended up buying it off Bleep.com. We're talking about an album that's been out since early November. The label hasn't even got it on Bandcamp. I know it's not the artist's responsibility for this stuff, but it is dead easy to make your music available ANYWHERE. If I can't easily buy your music, I will forget about you. That reflects negatively on the artist - no one blames the label for this sort of mess. 

Stream: Sharon Jones’ new album

Via Consequence of sound: "Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will release their new album, Give the People What They Want, on January 14th via Daptone Records. In anticipation, it’s available to stream in full via NPR.org.

The album was originally set for release last August, but was delayed after Jones was diagnosed with stage-one bile duct cancer. Following a successful operation and ongoing treatment, she’ll support the album’s release with a full-fledged North American tour this [Northern] spring."

Here's hoping we'll get to see her and the mighty Dapkings again in New Zealand later this year.

There's also a brand new video out too, for their song Stranger to my happiness, but it's blocked for viewers outside the US... stink one.

Sharon Jones back on deck

"There's good news to report regarding Sharon Jones, the vocalist of the Brooklyn-based soul ensemble the Dap-Kings, who was diagnosed with stage-one bile-duct cancer in June. According to a press release, Jones is "doing much better" and the band plans to release its postponed album "Give the People What They Want" January 14 2014 via Daptone.

Jones and the Dap-Kings also announced plans for a return to the stage, as they're set to play New York's Beacon Theater Feb. 6.

Last month, Jones announced she was recovering in upstate New York following a successful surgery in June to remove the cancer. In August, she began a six-month regimen of chemotherapy.

“The entire Daptone Family is overjoyed and inspired to see Sharon’s recovery,” says the band’s bassist and bandleader Bosco Mann, via a news post on the band's official site. “Without a doubt, this album is the greatest thing we’ve ever recorded and I’ve been anxious for the world to hear it. Everything will culminate in February at the Beacon. That moment when Sharon walks out to join us on stage again is going to be insane.” Via Billboard

From Daptone: "This past spring, we had just announced the August release of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings’ Give the People What They Want when Sharon Jones was diagnosed with cancer.

The scheduled release and supporting tours were immediately put on hold and all efforts were quickly shifted to her treatment and recovery. It brings great joy and relief to announce that after a successful operation, ongoing treatment, and the continued support and love of friends, family, and fans, Sharon Jones is back.

Give the People What They Want is scheduled to drop January 14th, 2014, followed by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings’ triumphant return to the stage on February 6th at the Beacon Theater in New York City, their first show in nearly a year. Ticketing information will be available soon."

 

Give The People What They Want tracklisting
1. Retreat!
2. Stranger To My Happiness
3. We Get Along
4. You'll Be Lonely
5. Now I See
6. Making Up And Breaking Up (And Making Up And Breaking Up Over Again)
7. Get Up And Get Out
8. Long Time, Wrong Time
9. People Don't Get What They Deserve
10. Slow Down, Love