Thomas Brenneck, guitarist for Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Amy Winehouse, busts out some sweet lo-fi soul on his debut as the all-instrumental Menahan Street Band. Intricately arranged, with an orchestral touch, the album is filled with tasty textures, while being driven along by raw drums and powerful horns (the latter heavily sampled by Jay-Z for his "Roc Boys" track). Recording at home on an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8-track, with plenty of old-school tape saturation to go around, Brenneck wrested a surprisingly big "room" sound out of his bedroom. Put this on at a party and folks will be guessing you dug up some long-lost Motown or Stax outtakes. (www.daptonerecords.com) -Leigh Marble
Menahan Street Band: Make the Road by Walking
REVIEWED BY Leigh Marble
ISSUE NO. 69 • February 13, 2014