Track of the Day: Sha La Das “Open My Eyes” (2018)

There are some record labels that always seem to be on the money. For me, Brooklyn’s Daptone Records are one such label. These are the guys that unleashed the talents of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and Charles Bradley onto the world, and reminded listeners of the power of soul and funk. Now they’re turning their attention to doo wop, with the recent announcement of Love In The Wind, the debut album from the Sha La Das – a father and sons four piece from Staten Island.

The record’s first single, ‘Open My Eyes’, dropped to coincide with the announcement, features a number of the musicians that have helped define the Daptone sound, including members of The Dap Kings, Charles Bradley and Menahan Street Band. At the heart of the single, and the record, are the Schaldas. Father, Bill, a veteran of the doo wop and R&B groups of the era, and his four sons: Will, Paul and Carmine.

‘Open My Eyes’ is a nostalgia tinged beauty, with some strong soulful harmonies and tight instrumental backing. This song is a definite vibe. Recalling sun-kissed summers at the beach, it’s the perfect soundtrack to cast off the winter blues.

Love In The Wind is released through Dunham Records, a Daptone imprint on September 21st. Follow the band on Facebook, and find out more at the Daptone official site.

Simon Clark

Books Editor. An admirer of songs and reader of books. Simon has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. All errant apostrophes are his own.