This is by Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, outta Denver, from 2015. You’ve probably heard it on a radio near you. It’s a fine, stirring, uplifting tune that happens to be about detox.
I don’t know much about Rateliff, but the first time the song grabbed my attention and I started listening seriously, my eyes widened and I was thinking “sounds like delerium tremens.” Several people who are very close to me are alcoholics — all now sober at least for the moment, thank goodness — and so I’ve seen the dark side of that street but I’ve only ever read about delerium tremens. Well, and now enjoyed a song about it.
Anyhow, it’s a fast song with a great tune and wonderful arrangement, and Rateliff’s voice stands way out among the male popsters, the ones on my radio anyhow. It’s rich and textured and super tuneful. All else being equal, I’d generally rather listen to women sing, but I sure do like this guy’s chops.
This is part of the Song of the Day series (background).
Links · Spotify playlist. This tune on Spotify, Amazon, iTunes. It turns that Rateliff is a strong,committed performer, too; here’s a well-shot well-performed pairing of S.O.B. and the old Band number Shape I’m In. If he comes anywhere near me, I’m going to go see the show.
Comment feed for ongoing:
From: Rob (May 06 2018, at 10:27)
Naw, thats just detox he's talking (singing) about. DTs are a whole 'nuther beast entirely. Sonofabitch.
Judging by the his looks (and I've seen the Night Sweats live as well as the YouTube vids), and the name of the band, and some of his stage patter, well, I'd say he knows whereof he speaks, mos' probably. Good times.
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