Customer Reviews

Roll with You

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I stumbled upon Eli "Paperboy" Reed via Youtube. I liked what I heard and so I decided to buy the album. I bought the Japanese pressing of the cd, which includes the extra track, "walkin' and Talkin' (For My Baby)." When you first put this cd on and listen to the opening tack, "Stake Your Claim," you know you're in for a good ride. The cd throughout is incredible. My favorite track is, "I'll Roll with You." I can listen to that song over and over and over...This "Paperboy" does not fail to deliver. Keep them coming Eli "Paperboy" Reed!!!

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 your hair on end at times - and they have all the raw excitement and edge of youth.
Reed's voice works, but he's no Eddie Hinton. The song writing could be a bit sharper, too. 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.

I first saw Eli on an internet show Live From Daryl's House [...], and was thoroughly impressed. Although this album is good, the music from that show was stellar, and I wish it was available for purchase. If you like rockin' blues though, this one fits the bill.

I have been tracking down neo-soul/R&B recordings over the last decade and this one is near the top of the list. Don't let the cover fool you. This stands up well with the best of the classic 60s early 70s era soul/R&B. Great stuff!

Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves are one of the most exciting new bands to come around in quite a while. We first saw them live at the Austin City Limits Festival and just had to pick up the CD. It captures the power of their live performance and Reed's voice is as powerful as Otis Redding's or any of the soul greats. Can't wait to hear what's next for these guys.

Great original music in the soul tradition! This guy has an AMAZING voice and the band is terrific. It's been a long time since I played a couple of songs over and over.... Check out "I'll Roll With You" and "Take My Love With You".

This boy can Jam! If you are into 60's soul music, you will love this!

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.

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.

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!