This album kicks off with the energetic and super-funky "Give Love." I've never seen this band live, but if that tune is any indicator, this is a fantastic live band. If it doesn't make you want to get up and move, you may want to check for a pulse. The band follows the opener with "Take the Time," a soulful tune whose sound can best be described as B-I-G. Turn up the volume, then sit back and be enveloped by the sea of sound.
What kind of sound are we talking about? Well, in addition to nine original tunes, the band covers Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield. And they do a good job of it. Not many bands can successfully pull off a cover of either of those artists. The band also features some big-time funky guitar and bass (check "Ugly" for some wicked bass lines), and some keyboards reminiscent of Booker T & The MGs.
Josh Dion is a rarity for a couple reasons. He is the drummer and lead vocalist. Not only that, but he is able to sing these songs without sounding winded at all. That's pretty impressive considering he is really pounding the skins on some of these tunes. Josh Dion Band gives a high-energy performance with huge sounds. This album really gives a good sense of their live performances. You can hear the band members talking to each other between songs, and each song just draws you in. Funk and soul fans, if you want an album that will get that booty shakin', pick up this album.
