New band, Alabama Shakes, out of Athens (‘Bama, not GA) has been showing up on many a Best of 2011 list.  If you haven’t heard them, check out main focal point, singer Brittany Howard, on WNRN out of Charlottsville, Virginia, as she channels a little Janis Joplin and then whistles like a (Andrew) Bird on Boys and Girls.   Then after check out Hold On performed on “Live From the Shoals” at Pegasus Records, and You Ain’t Alone.  You heard it here first: that ain’t no Brittany. On the former, we hear a great Muscle-rock groove, coupled with Howard’s virulent vocals.  On the latter, you’ll see more Joplin crossed with The Marshall Tucker Band (and a big borrow from their great song, Can’t You See).

We’ve been a little retro-grouchy about some of the throwback sounds that are prospering these days (Black Keys, etc.), so we’re going to reserve judgment on Alabama Shakes.  But what we’ve been hearing and seeing seems heartfelt and soulful.  Now we’ll just settle in and see if this thing can grow some legs and wings to add invention and evolution to the nascent talent.