I’ve taken to seeking out local record stores everywhere I go. Crate digging in small-town antique shops and finding classics in big city record stores has added a new layer of sentiment to my collection.
So, naturally, when the kids from The Cave embarked on a field trip to the great city of Montrèal last month, there were vinyls to be sought.
Full Disclosure: I was mostly there for the food. And, I could go on, and on, and on about that for days…but you’re not here to read about my poutine adventures. Suffice to say we ate. A lot. But, in an effort to restore balance, we also walked. A lot. Our pedestrian travels took us to a couple of local record shops, like Beatnick Records on Rue Saint-Denis. We spent hours in there, I’m not even exaggerating. It’s amazing! The staff is fantastic. They know things, marvelous things. Like exactly where – in the meticulously organized piles and stacks – to locate the album you’re looking for, which, in this case happened to be Coming Home by Leon Bridges.
There is so much I enjoy about this album. Bridges may be fresh on the scene, but there is nothing really new about his musical style – it’s like a revivial of 1960’s soul and R&B (he’s often compared to titans like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding). The sound is nostalgic, and yet prevailing. Something about it is oh so refreshing. Mr. Bridges possesses a wonderful voice, smooth and dreamy; and he is accompanied by a group of skilled musicians, complete with a saxophonist and crooning lady backup singers! The arrival of Leon Bridges and his band is proof that raw talent is still alive and well. Among my favorite songs on the album is the title track, Coming Home. It’s catchy, and gushy, and stirs up a desire to slow dance in the kitchen, like any proper love song should, am I right?
If you haven’t already, check this album out!
