Charles Bradley
Victim of Love (feat. Menahan Street Band)
Album · R&B/Soul · 2013
Where Charles Bradley’s 2011 debut LP sounded like it was recorded in 1971, his 2013 sophomore album plays like it was unearthed from a 1973 time capsule. Working again with Menahan Street Band leader Thomas Brenneck, who discovered Bradley busking around New York City, Victim of Love is a natural evolution. “Strictly Reserved for You” opens with a Memphis-flavoured horn section and vintage fuzz-guitar leads buzzing under Bradley’s soulful croon. This time around, his melodies are noticeably more uplifting. Both “You Put the Flame on It” and the amorous ballad “Let Love Stand a Chance” resonate with the sunny soul of classic Stax vinyl. Those craving Bradley’s signature melancholy musings should turn to the lovelorn title track and the funky “Love Bug Blues”.
Victim of Love (feat. Menahan Street Band)
Charles Bradley
Where Charles Bradley’s 2011 debut LP sounded like it was recorded in 1971, his 2013 sophomore album plays like it was unearthed from a 1973 time capsule. Working again with Menahan Street Band leader Thomas Brenneck, who discovered Bradley busking around New York City, Victim of Love is a natural evolution. “Strictly Reserved for You” opens with a Memphis-flavoured horn section and vintage fuzz-guitar leads buzzing under Bradley’s soulful croon. This time around, his melodies are noticeably more uplifting. Both “You Put the Flame on It” and the amorous ballad “Let Love Stand a Chance” resonate with the sunny soul of classic Stax vinyl. Those craving Bradley’s signature melancholy musings should turn to the lovelorn title track and the funky “Love Bug Blues”.
