Channeling Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, the Specials, and Aretha, the Cat Empire knows how to make a crowd move, how to shake a groove to its barest elements, and how to write songs that stick to the head like gator glue. But not content to leave that well enough alone (and mighty, mighty well it is), the Cat Empire further deconstructs and elaborates on their hardy R&B brew with subtle electronic scratches, glitch damage and goofball play. Listening to their third album, So Many Nights, recalls a panoply of classic white soul LPs: Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen, ELO's XX, and Lee Michaels' sloppy/stupendous "Do You Know What I Mean," as well as soft headed soul wonders like Aretha's "You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Women)" mashed perhaps with a soul soiree from Teddy Pendergrass or Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

It seems no expense or idea was spared in this gorgeous recording, from the lush string orchestra of "Panama" (which recalls Paul Buckmaster's classic work with Elton John), the wiry jazz bass of "Fishies," and the "Late In The Evening" Latin styled drumming of the irresistible of "Sunny Moon," to the maddening Supertramp inspired vocal of "Til The Ocean Takes Us All," a slab of ska infused humor. No doubt about it, The Cat Empire embraces the past as they travel to the future. But their seer like skills wouldn't matter if their songs were drivel, but again, the band separates wheat from chaff with consummate ease--just what you'd expect from silky soul stylists.

Founded in Melbourne, Australia sometime in the early ‘00s, The Cat Empire released their self-titled debut album in ‘03 to a rousing chorus of accolades including double platinum sales and seven ARIA nominations (the Aussie equivalent of the Grammy). The follow-up Two Shoes was recorded in Havana and released in ‘05 to more massive critical and popular acclaim. The large-ish band hit the circuit in the U.S., kicking crowds on Leno and Letterman, from Glastonbury to Central Park's Summerstage. Recorded in Melbourne with legendary producer John Porter (Roxy Music, BB King, The Smiths), So Many Nights captures all the grittiness of the band's live gigs, coupled with the sincere, intimate soul of a lonely night spent pining for lost love.

The Cat Empire - So Many Nights   (MP3, 3:32)

The Charlatans' You Cross My Path: I remember when The Charlatan's Tim Burgess was cute, before a band member killed himself, and when they kicked the kind of hard and heavy soul unseen in London quarters since the Stone Roses or Black Grape reared their drug drilled skulls. Proclaimed as their best release since 1999's Us And Us Only, The Charlatans storm the gates on You Cross My Path. No tie required.   

"You Cross My Path"