2010′s been a splendiferous rockin’ good time, and we look forward to dragging the fifty-second weekend of the year into 2011 with much, much enthusiasm. The only difference between this weekend and  weekends one through fifty-one is that at least one evening will end with glasses of champagne and kisses at midnight. Except for those one or two weekends in August. Hmm. Anywho, check out our picks for this weekend, and we’ll see you next year!

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After nearly fifteen years – resulting in three albums, twelve singles, and numerous collaborations – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings’ have served up another fantastic album, entitled I Learned the Hard Way. Working a tried and true  formula of varied tempo and musical temperature harkening back to the Motown era, their sound is all at once hot and smooth. Sixties and seventies soul and funk  is still quite the underlying current of countless modern acts. Of course, it takes a special talent to live and breathe the sound so effectively, transporting listeners back in time while existing in an era that is eyeballs deep in auto-tune.

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Lovers of soul and funk and funky soul should be happy that Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings are back with a new album – I Learned The Hard Way.

Set for release April 6, you can already listen to Sharon Jones’ fourth album with the retro soul/funk Dap-Kings right now at NPR.org.

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Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are bringing back the funk and soul into our homes with their fourth studio album, I Learned The Hard Way, which is slated for release on May 4.

Known for being revivalists in the way music can sound without using digital equipment many use today, their style not only goes back to the 60s and the 70s but their technique and integrity hold up strong in correlation. The upcoming album was produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth. If that’s not taking it back for you, we’re sure not what is!

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Until last night I had never been to the Hollywood Bowl, but I am already planning my next trip. What a fantastic venue. Usually I prefer a smaller venue when I’m seeing a show, but when my friend was buying tickets and asked if I’d like to go, I figured I would check it out. I’d heard two Feist songs before last night I’m sure anyone can guess which two; I was going for Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. For those of you who haven’t heard the powerful Ms. Jones and the soulful sounds of the Dap Kings, I highly recommend checking them out.

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