… Sonny Knight was, and is great. He came across as the kind of guy who comes from bygone era, while effectively staying relevant. His music has life. He utilized three backup singers and a full band, he was doing it right. At the peak of the numbers in the crowd, Sonny rocked the stage like a champion. The best song of the day was “Hey Girl”, naturally, but even less familiar songs moved those in attendance. From behind the performers looking out, one could see raw excitement, and the power which Sonny sustained. His set was charged and intimate, and precisely electric. It was a pleasant and unexpected surprise, having never seen him before.
Sonny played for some time, and then the show was over. The crowd was pleased. I exited the stage at about the same time in hopes of having a one-on-one conversation with the artist. I ran around back as he was being mobbed by fans and snapped at with cameras. He took time for the adoration and with a broad smile he vanished. Sonny was something; to me, he seemed like a classic soul singer from the distant past, yet he was thriving in 2014. I wondered where his time machine was parked. Searching, I found nothing…
After Mike Skinner put The Streets to rest after 5 albums I didn’t think I would hear much from the bloke. I waited for some time, and nothing… I followed Skinner on his blog http://mikeskinner.so and watched for him to put out something new. Nothing happened… I mean, there were some new posts and interesting photos, and words, but no music. And then-a few months back, I became aware that I was literally on Mike Skinner’s personal emailing list. A message popped up from one of my favorite anti-mainstream mainstream artists. I had received an email from the man as if he had risen from the grave. I was bestowed upon some great and inspiring new sound. Kaboom!
And here it is in video form incase you missed it. (above)
This catchy tune takes a few listens to warm up to. You know I am crazy, so I sat around all day banging this shit out on loud, macbook style. My GF got a little mad, by the end I was singing along (out of tune of course) and getting scolded. I felt I knew the song and the artist a little more, I felt there was promise in this new material. May I say I am a bit excited for the full length album? I felt the video was entertaining (I had heard about this filming technique in Boulder, CO). After listening to this song, and viewing the innovative video, I realized that what The D.O.T. was doing was actually pretty good. I felt the same emotion that I had gotten from a lot of The Streets’ albums after the first and second listen, “Cult classic, not bestseller”. But sales don’t matter, the sound is important, and this song is very catchy and has an incredibly memorable melody. I woke this morning singing the chorus.
Before this message from Mike Skinner, I had little knowledge of The D.O.T., I assumed Skinner produced the songs. I had no idea who the singer was. So let me fill you in:
They have some interesting videos, venue tickets, downloadable songs, and other merchandise.
The D.O.T. project’s site is visually appealing and artsy, while remaining easy to navigate.
In all honesty I love how abstract and collectively cool Skinner is overall; most (universally), if not all of The Streets’ material is exceptionally well made, as Chuck Klosterman wrote-he (Skinner) is ‘advanced’ as an artist. The music he puts out is real and relatable, there is an essence of humanity within his lyrics and delivery. Also, Rob Harvey, of The Music, sounds great on vocals, and harmonizes well with Skinner. At times I feel that Skinner wants to put more vocals into the song; however, it sounds pleasant the way it is presented.
Happily I am intrigued and I want to hear more. If you could hook it up with a free CD, Mr. Skinner, that would be excellent, pre-release if possible??? Thanks.
Watch out for The D.O.T.’s new album “Diary” due to drop May 6, 2013.
MIND INVERSION 