Press Play Holiday Edition: Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings

Tis the time of year when RSU Radio receives holiday themed albums from artists of all genres. No album excited the staff here at the station more than the arrival of It’s A Holiday Soul Party, from Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, which became available on October 30th. 

For those not familiar with them, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are a group who play soul, R&B and funk music. They formed back in 1996 and are extremely popular with music fans around the world as well as other musicians. Their 2014 album, Give The People What They Want, was nominated for a Grammy as “best R&B album of the year”.

Over the past decade, they have collaborated with the likes of Amy Winehouse, David Byrne, St. Vincent, and most recently, with Mark Ronson on his album, Uptown Special, which many people feel is the best album of the year. The band is led by Sharon Jones, a talented soul and funk singer who grew up in Brooklyn and was influenced by the likes of legends Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and James Brown. 

It’s A Holiday Soul Party marks the group’s 7th full length release – all of which have been produced by Daptone Records out of New York City. The 11 track holiday album is a wonderfully fun soul and funk compilation that would be great to share with the family for the merry season that is upon us. It contains original songs, written by the group, as well as some covers. The group’s renditions on traditional songs like “White Christmas”, “Silent Night” and “Please Be Home For Christmas” will change how you remember these classics. Probably the greatest song on the album, however, is an original track called, “Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects”, which they actually released for the first time in 2009. 

It’s A Holiday Soul Party is one of the more original and unique holiday albums to hit the airwaves at RSU Radio. It is sure to become a household favorite for you and your family so be sure to give it a listen. 

Click here to listen to “Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects”.