Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves

Eli “Paperboy” Reed and his band The True Loves made their way through Philadelphia and New York City last week, leaving audiences thirsty for more of their classic rhythm and blues stylings. I missed the Philadelphia show at M Room, instead catching dream-poppers A Sunny Day In Glasgow at Johnny Brenda’s, but there are some reviews floating around out there from the show.

Reed and his band dish out a blend of old-school soul a la Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Al Green. Not only does the band’s music recall classic soul, but flyers and packaging are done with vintage flair. Album artwork looks very much like classic 45s. To me, great soul music is all about the voice, and Reed’s got it. I think Heart On A Stick put it best by saying that he [Reed] “has a voice that could pop corn…Or bake a whole potato. Eli “Paperboy” Reed’s voice could season, stuff, roast, and carve a whole turkey, pour gravy over it, divvy up the leftovers, do the dishes, send you on your way. Eli Reed has a voice that might quadruple your laundry bill, in ways both exciting and embarrassing.”

The Brookline, Massachusetts singer grew up listening to his dad’s collection of classic gospel, soul, and R&B records which had a big influence on his voice. Reed also discovered the history of Delta Blues personally after moving to Mississippi following High School where he also learned about performing. Singles like “The Satisfier” are written in the style of Chicago soul artist Syl Johnson, while Reed cites Sam Cooke as a major influence, just have a listen to “It’s Easier.”

Eli “Paperboy” Reed and The True Loves play a slew of SXSW dates before a supporting tour with emo outfit Say Anything in April. The debut long-player also comes out in April on Q-Dee or Q Division, something like that.

[MP3]: Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves  ”Take My Love With You”
Single; 2008