Curtis’ Prime Slices Of The Week (5/4-5/10): A. Swayze & the Ghosts, Mavis Staples

A. Swayze & The Ghosts – “Reciprocation” [single] – (indie punk rock)

I actually heard this song a few weeks ago but didn’t fall in love with it until now. This song plays for a whopping ten minutes but in no way does it feel like it. Even though the song is fairly simple in structure, it really feels necessary that it goes on as long as it does. The vocals and words over the beginning feel so perfect and natural that I’m begging to know where this band has been before now. Over the span of the song the singer starts out as calm and seems to be driven further and further into insanity by a dead relationship. The recording is very raw and it more sounds like they’re playing a show than anything. The ending really gets me with the repetition of “Why am I Waiting for you?” and I think it sums up the song perfectly. Please check this band out.

Mavis Staples – “Anytime” [single] – (R&B/soul)

Mavis Staples is one of those artists that won’t stop performing or writing until they’re dead and this newest single proves she shouldn’t. It sounds like it’s straight out of the late 60’s with the sound and the groove her and her band have. The chorus is simple enough that you’ll have it memorized after one listen and it’s just so good. The guitar work is very tasty with little bluesy licks scattered over the song. I really don’t have much else to say about this song other than I think it’s a super fun and lovable song and you gotta check it out!