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Join the World Cafe through performances and interviews with celebrated and emerging artists.
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The Alabama Shakes

The Alabama Shakes The Alabama Shakes
Photo Credit: Plymouth Images
December 31, 2012 - The Alabama Shakes made many best of 2012 lists! The Shakes' style is marked by Howard's powerful voice and the ensemble's irresistible energy: they enthusiastically blend rock with soul, country, blues and roots, earning critical as well as popular acclaim for their electric performances and foot-tapping self-titled debut.


The Alabama Shakes were picked as an XPN Artist to Watch and featured as a World Cafe: Next artist in October, 2011. Their deft, gritty, and joyous soul revival has earned them fans all over. Their New York City debut "left a CMJ Music Marathon audience literally screaming for joy," according to Times critic Jon Pareles. Praise has been particularly high for lead singer Howard, with comparisons of her vocals to that Janis Joplin and Otis Redding. Since the release of their organic and eponymous debut EP, The Alabama Shakes have entranced a growing number of listeners with their diverse and energetic tunes. It's clear that this young quartet with a sound that conveys decades of experience are here to stay.

Listen to the band talk with David Dye about the Muscle Shoals scene, and Brittany Howard talk about the music she grew up with. They play live, including the title track of their upcoming CD, "Boys and Girls."

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Session Set List:
GOING TO THE PARTY
I FOUND YOU
HOLD ON
BOYS AND GIRLS
Recent Release: Boys And Girls
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Label: ATO Records
Band Origin: Athens, Alabama