Available only until the end of the year, Live at KEXP Volume Eight features one-of-a-kind, exclusive live tracks from some of the past year’s greatest artists -- some well known, others just discovered. All of the bands featured on this compilation have donated their profits to support listener-powered KEXP, and all proceeds benefit the station.
The opening track is a romping rendition of “Hang Loose” by Alabama Shakes, one of the young breakout bands this year. Their 2012 debut album, Boys & Girls, released on ATO in April, brought singer Brittany Howard to the forefront, with her raw and emotive voice, seemingly soulful beyond her years. But it’s also Alabama Shakes’ adept and dynamic southern rock that has led to their appearances on Letterman, Conan, and Later... with Jools Holland. We were lucky to catch them early on, just as their self-titled EP was firing up, for a live set of gritty, bluesy rock live in the KEXP studio. “Hang Loose” is the perfect prelude to Live at KEXP Volume Eight‘s wide appeal.
Check out the song as it was performed during this session below and support listener powered KEXP by picking up a copy of Live at KEXP Volume Eight for yourself here.
