By Kevin Rutherford
Don’t call it a sophomore slump. Not even close.
Alabama Shakes last showed up to Saturday Night Live for the April 2013 Christoph Waltz show, a fairly well-received episode not only for Waltz’s enthusiastic performance but also for the bluesy four-piece’s grooved-out renditions of “Hold On” and “Always Alright” from their debut album.
Nearly two years later, they were back again, tossing their name in early for GRAMMY consideration if the first taste of their upcoming new record is any indication.
Related: Alabama Shakes Announce New Album, Premiere ‘Don’t Wanna Fight': Listen
They kicked off the show with first single “Don’t Wanna Fight,” leading lady Brittany Howard’s piercing screech pre-verse preceding a performance during which she was practically shaking at points, jerking and pointing into the audience as though her words were a mission statement of sorts. Props of course to the earrings of Prince’s face, too. Lots of double takes across America.
Track two, the newly premiered “Gimme All Your Love ,” found Howard and co. toned it down a bit tempo-wise, trading the backing singers for verses so subdued there was actual silence on the SNL stage for a beat or two. But then came one of the night’s most startling juxtapositions: from the quietness of the verses arose a fuller, guitar-laden chorus, and from that a grooving outro.
Perhaps the best part of the night, though? Howard’s overstated pelvic thrusts during the goodbyes. Get ya some, girl.
Meanwhile, Kanye West, shortly before announcing his new album on Twitter, was lampooned for his recent antics via a Jay Pharoah impression during Weekend Update, calling out in particular the apology he made to Beck earlier this week after rushing the stage during the GRAMMYs after the rocker won Album of the Year.
Alabama Shakes‘ sophomore album Sound & Color hits stores April 21.
from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1E5WWbE
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