Straight outta’ Austin, Texas come The Stone MG’s with a new single, called “I Need You,” which will officially drop on November 5.
Made up of S.J. Warman (guitars, bass) and Rodney James (vocals), The Stone MG’s push out beefy garage rock flavored with yummy soul gusto, infused with a retro sonic aura from the late ‘60s.
According to The Stone MG’s, “’I Need You’ is about addiction. The song takes us on the journey of addiction as it takes over, corrupting and distorting reality for the user. When Rodney James sings ‘Shelter undercover, desire never satisfied,’ the background vocals personify the persuasiveness of the addiction: ‘If you scream you love me, I’ll be your whore and give you the only thing worth dying for.’”
Frankly, for me, The Stone MG’s conjure up memories of Vanilla Fudge and Grand Funk Railroad. In other words, muscular white soul music atop a potent groove. Moreover, James’ voice is reminiscent of Michael McDonald, with its tight rasping timbres and rich expansive tones, only tougher and more heavy-duty.
“I Need You” opens with a mighty rhythm riding rounded, hollow drums, a braying organ, and a pulsing bass line. James skintight voice enters backed by radiant harmonies. When the guitars kick in, the music attains a booming dynamism that invades your inner organs, demanding you move your hips to the pulsation of the beat.
Warman’s guitar punches the air with brawny riffs and forceful accents. A neighing sax arrives, imbuing the tune with tangible soul energy, cool and dominant. As the sax brays intense colors, James’ voice escorts two allied layers of scrumptious harmonies, giving the song a wall-of-sound chorus.
The lyrics ache with tumescent desire and need.
“I need you / And everything you do / Can’t see through / All those things you do / I need you / Like all the dreams that won’t come true.”
“I Need You” is outstanding! The Stone MG’s deliver impressive rocking-soul-music, the kind that occupies your body’s fulcrum. If you don’t like this song, go see your doctor. You’re not well.
