It’s been some
time between CDs for the Voodoo Kings. The last time we heard from them was in 1999 with Gone
To The Dogs, a 6-track CD that left me wondering why this band was still kicking
around Chicago. And American Lights has done little, if nothing, to diminish my
curiosity. I say this because the new CD had me reeling!
Yes, I’m going to go on and on about how much I like this CD. Sometimes CDs come
across my desk that I listen to over and over again, and this is one of them - so here I
go! The opening track "American Lights" gives you a good indication of who the
Voodoo Kings are, or should I say, what they sound like. Either way, their mix of
roots-rock-funk is infectious, and thankfully lead-singer/guitarist Michael
Kranicke’s voice falls on the rock/funk side of the street and not the roots side.
Maybe it’s just me, but most roots/rock singers sound like they’re regurgitating
a golf ball! (I’m just telling you now, roots fans, email yourself!!)
So are you with me? Ok, 12 songs here and not a bad one on the disc. This band mixes these
different styles as easily as a cross dresser goes from pants to pumps, no shit! Although
the CD remains consistent, there are stand out songs, like "When I See Her,"
"Animal," "Can You Feel Me," and "Memphis Nights." As with
any CD, you will have your favorites and I will have mine, but all and all, the CD goes
down as smooth as shots of Vicks Formula 44 after you’ve run out of beer!
So where do we go from here? Well back to the songs, they write great songs! I have said
this before, and I will say it again, it comes down to the songs! What I haven’t said
before is that the Voodoo Kings’ songs, over all, are some the best that I have heard
from a local band, and trust me I have heard a lot of local bands! Yes I have my
fav’s, but I can’t live in denial. Let me go out on a limb here and say that as
far as roots-rock-funk bands go in the city, it would be hard to beat the Voodoo Kings. I
can say this because I have seen them live, as well as listened to their CD, and their
live show blew me away!
Now this is where you come in, or as I like to say, here’s how you can ‘do your
part.’ If you like roots/rock or funk, then check out the Voodoo Kings’ web site
or, better yet, go see them live. You will love this band. Yes, the Voodoo Kings are that
good - hell that great! With out question, a must see (and hear) for anyone who wants to
get their funky roots/rock groove on!
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