Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - Roll with You

Put on Roll With You, the new album from Boston-based sou band Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves, and chances are you ll immediately feel the urge to either dance or cry. ''That first response to a record is the most important,'' says frontman Eli Reed. ''If a record comes on and makes you want
to dance right away, then you re doing a good job. If a record comes on and makes you want to cry right away, you re also doing a good job. I think this album does both.'' Roll With You
is a vital, gospel-tinged mix of sweaty, up-tempo numbers and aching, lovelorn ballads that connect instantly thanks to the passion of this young performer and his equally young band. The True Loves may employ classic soul stylings but they make the music their own by performing it with the youthful abandon
that only a group of seven talented guys in their 20s can muster. Product Description

Real, even if retro

When I first heard a few snippets I was immediately struck by the precision, the soulfulness, the voice. A full listen confirmed those impressions. While reminiscent of some of the greats, and obviously inspired by them (Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, others most of us may not have even heard of), Paperboy Reid & the True Loves sound like themselves. The sound is clearer and cleaner than 60s recordings, though faithful to the instrumentation and approach of classic soul of its ilk, and Reid has a voice that has its own soul and its own sound. He doesn't sound like his famous mentors; he sounds like Paperboy Reid. Without in any way diminishing the stars of the 60s who paved the way, it's safe to say this guy has greater vocal range. In time, I'd like to hear exploration of issues beyond love, lust and betrayal, but until then this is just fine. August 29, 2008

Genuine soul sound from a white boy

When you hear the music the first time you are taken back to the days of Sam and Dave. This guy was not even born yet but he must be the reincarnation of one of them - or both! I have seen Eli live in Amsterdam and can vow for the quality of his voice. Supported by a great horn section, solid bass and solo guitar this creates a full, fat sound which you want to listen and dance to all night long. August 12, 2008

Breathing new life into great music

From the opening song, the Paul Buttersfield-like Stake Your Claim, Reed lets you know he is prepared to wear his influences on his sleeve. Yep, the sweet gospel soul of the great Sam Cooke, the rhythm 'n' blues of Otis Reading and Wilson Picket and the funk of James Brown and more are on Roll With You. And that's one of the problems - it's a bit like a retro cover band, only the songs are originals.
Not to be too critical, though, it's certainly cool the big 1960's soul sounds - Stax, Motown and Muscle Shoals - are having new life breathed into them. These are young blokes in their 20s, but they are better than just OK players. The rhythm section demands you move and the power horns stand you hair on end at times - and they have all the raw excitement and edge of youth.
Reed has a good voice, but if he aspires to be an Eddie Hinton, he will have to improve his song writing. Though a bit weak lyrically, the sound is fairly sweet. For a 24-year-old, blue-eyed soul singer, it's a pretty fair effort, but if you want to hear the best of rhythm 'n' blues, listen to the original masters.
August 2, 2008

paperboy delivers

one of the better entries in the retro-soul genre!blue-eyed soul-shmoo eyed shmoul! like mitch ryder and the detroit wheels before them,this is a great soul band!if you heard a great rock band that had black people in it,you wouldn't call it brown-eyed rock! do the boom boom! July 24, 2008

Soul Heralds Reed

Picked this minor gem up a week or so ago and have now played it about 10 times. I give it 5 stars here but 4 1/2 would be a truer indication. That's not to say there's anything wrong with this album; it's a ripper. However it does lack overall musical originality. All but two tracks are originals by the Paperboy (or co-writes) and are pretty good songs in the traditional soul/R&B style of yesteryear (think Otis and Aretha etc). The two covers are superb. "Carry Your Love" is the swinginest, grooviest, danceablest! song to hit the platter since Amy "Bottleshop" Winehouse's "Rehab". If you can't dance (or even tap the old feet) to this you're either brain dead or a rap fan (or both). Even the Pope, who is rockin' them down under at the moment, might do a little shimmy to this track.

Other pluses for the album are the sound, the arrangements and the playing; all exceptional. Throw in a great retro cover and Eli's passionate voice and you have a super little package which will take you back to the 60's Stax albums you used to play at dance parties.

If you liked the sound of 60's Soul and R&B, then this is for you. If not, then buy it for someone who did. July 21, 2008

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