Sharon Jones with her band, the Dap-Kings successfully recreated the sounds of classic r&b for modern audiences beginning in the mid-1990's. Although we sadly lost her in 2016 to pancreatic cancer, Jones has remained an unforgettable force in the soul revival movement. To honor the band's artistry and showcase her extraordinary gift for song interpretation, a new compilation album has been released with the clever title, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Was In)". This record features many of the covers Jones and the Dap-Kings had made over the years that were given a funky polish.
We have the band's robust versions of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately", Prince's "Take Me With You" and what is probably one of their best known songs, "This Land Is My Land", written and originally recorded by Woody Guthrie.
I have to admit there were some songs I hadn't heard the original versions before like the Marvelettes' "Here I Am Baby", Dusty Springfield's "Little By Little", "Inspiration Information" by Shuggie Otis and the title track from Mickey Newbury, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)". Yet all of these covers are given smooth and soulful new life by one of the most dynamic vocalists in music. You will not be able to keep still while listening to the powerful voice of the one and only Miss Sharon Jones along with the swinging grooves of the Dap-Kings. Here are a few selections of my favorite covers from the album:
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