Transistor Sound US 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: San Francisco psychedelic soul ensemble Monophonics were once described by Stax Records co-owner Al Bell as "one of the best soul bands I have ever seen", which is high praise indeed. Mirrors, which comes pressed onto clear green vinyl, is the combo's fifth full-length and first album for three years. It's a surprisingly breezy and eclectic affair, with the band variously turning their hands to bluesy, Rare Earth style funk-rock ("Lying"), Hammond-heavy peak-time business (a tasty cover of Frankie Valli's "Beggin"), spiraling instrumental wig-outs (fabulous closer "California Dreaming"), heart-aching torch songs ("My Heart Cries") and laidback, acid-fried Balearic soul (opener "Summer Breeze"). In other words, it's a fine album that sparkles from start to finish.

Review: San Francisco Bay Area soul band Monophonics's 'Beggin' is their own fine cover version of a song originally released by Franki Valli & The Four Seasons. It has been covered and sampled by a number of other acts who have done a fine job of popularising it, but this version by this large and often rotating cast of musicians is one that truly brings something different. It has a retro 60s soul sound in the gauzy guitars, while the rolling drums hit hard with extra texture from further psyched-out guitar lines. An instrumental is included for those who prefer a more direct approach.