For some reason, when an Australian artist lacks inspiration or sufficient incoming revenue (I don’t need to name the guilty parties do I?) they release an album of soul covers.

In a remarkably perceptive review of Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed and the True Loves CD Roll With You, Bernard Zuel wrote:

… R&B, it comes down to sex. Having it, wanting it, missing it. If you have that sexual undercurrent, you prickle the skin, pop the sweat glands and move the body; if you don’t have it, you’ve got pop music. It’s why Otis Redding had it and Jimmy Barnes doesn’t, why Renee Geyer can live R&B and why the sweet-voiced Guy Sebastian can’t, no matter how many Stax classics he covers

Even though Zuel was in praise of Reed’s album I was a little skeptical. Soul and R&B revivalists seem to come at regular intervals and disappear with the same frequency. But the accursed radio station ABC 702 kept playing his songs on the various show I listen to driving to and from work.

the songs weren’t bad. I became intrigued and got to the point where I decided to give the album a go. In fact, since I got the album off iTunes, the decision is that Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed and The True Loves’ Roll With You is indeed mighty fine.

Big brassy horns, clean funky guitar and Eli’s remarkable soul infected voice make for one great band that put the rhythm and blues back into R&B and soul. It sounds like the real deal yet is not derivative.

The ballads have that aching and yearning that tug at your heart and the faster tunes stomp along propelled by fat horn blasts. It is joyous, good time music with no pretensions.

I have this CD ready for the car this week and I doubt I will take it off. Don’t just take my word for granted. Check out videos below. You’ll be glad you did.