Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves - 'Roll With You'
Soul is all about the voice and Eli Reed has a corker. A rabid historian of all things soul-related (not to mention gospel, blues, country and R&B), Reed self-released ‘Eli “Paperboy” Reed Sings Walkin’ And Talkin’’ in 2004, before launching into some lengthy trial-by-fire touring. The relentless demands of live performance have obviously paid dividends, as the Boston-based singer’s second effort ‘Roll With You’ is a ripping helping of 60s-style soul supported with seemingly unstoppable energy by his sterling band The True Loves.
The album opens with a bang, ‘Stake Your Claim’ making its mark with an edgy, compulsive impetus that demands to be danced to. It also makes immediately clear that Reed has a powerful pair of lungs, hollering with a gutsy howl that soars with beseeching assurance. His easy confidence is matched in kind by the band, the sax and brass trio of Paul Jones, Ben Jaffe and Patriq Moody operating with punchy synchronicity, while Andy Bauer’s drumming is solid as a rock. They’re an impressively tight outfit.
Lyrically things aren’t quite so outstanding - or rather they simply seem serviceable imitations of those of the soul greats being emulated. With titles such as ‘Am I Wasting My Time’ and ‘(Am I Just) Fooling Myself’, it’s clear that girls, heart-break and promises of undying affection are the order of the day. Which is all fine and dandy (and indeed refreshingly unaffected), but somewhat monotonous after a while. That said, Reed captures the style perfectly - just leave your sense of irony at the door.
‘Roll With You’ was recorded in Boston at the Q Division Records in-house studio. Although producer Ed Valauskas hasn’t fallen into the trap of excessively smoothing over the rough edges and unusual protuberances of the band’s sound, the recording nonetheless does feel somewhat streamlined. Not that this matters a great deal of course when the music is as immediately appealing as it is. ‘Roll With You’ is the genuine article and looks likely to cement Eli Reed’s reputation as one of the best young purveyors of soul around.