Lake Street Dive's Soulful "Side Pony"

Lake Street Dive, a band fronted by lead vocalist Rachael Price, has been thrilling fans since 2004 with their unique sound at energetic live shows and a series of widely seen internet performance videos. Their current disc, Side Pony, is an enjoyable disc featuring an array of styles encompassing rock & roll, jazz, soul & even a hint of funk & disco. The album kicks off with “Godawful Things,” a jazzy, upbeat number that showcases Price’s powerful voice and features support from Bridget Kearney’s spirited bass playing, and Mike Calabrese’s sometimes rhythmic & solid as a rock drums. Things get even more spirited from there: the funky “Call Off Your Dogs” and “Can’t Stop” are sweet slices of 70s dance grooves with an r&b sheen. There's also an emotional ballad entitled "So Long" & the jazz/pop-infused, innuendo-laden title track.

The soulful vibes continue on “How Good It Feels” and "Mistake" and then “Hell Yeah” turns up the volume with a rocking number featuring great guitar work from Mike "McDuck" Olson, who’s also showcased on “I Don’t Care About You” & “Spectacular Failure.” Price’s vocals are strong & powerful, and in a few instances, they remind me of Bonnie Raitt or Grace Potter. However, she also retains her own unique style. This is a band that's tight & focused, and yet also feels as if they’re loose & spontaneous. A very difficult trick to pull off, and Lake Street Dive does it very successfully. Side Pony follows their fine 2014 release Bad Self Portraits, and it sounds like the band is having a hell of a lot of fun. You will, too. Side Pony is now available in stores & at online music sites. Here are links to the videos for the songs “Call Off Your Dogs,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMEPgLxvNPk, "I Don't Care About You," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotrCGpwqLI, and a cover of the Hall & Oates classic “Rich Girl” from 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Oc1UE7SS4.