While I was doing some research on Alabama Shakes, I came across their stuff on the Live Music Archive. What a surprise! They are a young band, and it was a brilliant decision to let people record them and upload those recordings to the Live Music Archive. Free marketing. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find.

1. Alabama Shakes – “Rise to the Sun”. This is, without a doubt, my favorite song on the Boys & Girls record. Some great, understated guitar riffing that helps make the song as emotionally powerful as it is. Full show: January 31, 2012 – KEXP Studio, Seattle, WA

2. Alabama Shakes – “Boys & Girls”. This version sounds a bit more full bodied to me than the studio version on the record. Both are great. Nothing gets me like some good electric piano, and this one has it. Full show: January 24, 2012 – KCRW Studio, Santa Monica, CA

3. Alabama Shakes – “How Many More Times”. Get your fresh Led Zeppelin here. Five From the Archive fans know I’m a bit OCD for good covers of great songs. This one qualifies. Zep! Full show: April 7, 2012 – Ram’s Head, Baltimore, MD

4. Alabama Shakes – “I Ain’t the Same”. This and “Heat Lighting” (next) are from the encore at their recent Bowery Ballroom show. Both include some banter with the crowd from Brittany Howard (singer/songwriter/rhythm guitar player). Full show: April 11, 2012 – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

5. Alabama Shakes – “Heat Lightning”. You will want to listen to this one right after the “I Ain’t the Same” above. It’s not on the Boys & Girls record. Full show: April 11, 2012 – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and the author, Fred Rockwood.