(February 19, 2021) Many have heard the familiar phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Sometimes this theory can apply to artists who want to establish their identity in building upon a loyal fanbase. Lake Street Dive formed in 2004 shaping a very respectable career on their ambitious mix that could be best described as a tossed musical salad – pop, soul, jazz, or whatever the mood may dictate. But after coming off the 2018 self-produced Free Yourself Up that reached #8 on the Billboard Top #200, they were still willing to be challenged further for their next project. And their choice was producer/musician Mike Elizondo, whose Midas touch sparked several Grammy nominated works from Carrie Underwood to bluesman Gary Clark, Jr. Between Elizondo and the diverse skills from Lake Street Dive, including the vocal swagger of Rachael Price, the pairing was worth the artistic risk for the Boston, Massachusettes-based band.
(February 19, 2021) Many have heard the familiar phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Sometimes this theory can apply to artists who want to establish their identity in building upon a loyal fanbase. Lake Street Dive formed in 2004 shaping a very respectable career on their ambitious mix that could be best described as a tossed musical salad – pop, soul, jazz, or whatever the mood may dictate. But after coming off the 2018 self-produced Free Yourself Up that reached #8 on the Billboard Top #200, they were still willing to be challenged further for their next project. And their choice was producer/musician Mike Elizondo, whose Midas touch sparked several Grammy nominated works from Carrie Underwood to bluesman Gary Clark, Jr. Between Elizondo and the diverse skills from Lake Street Dive, including the vocal swagger of Rachael Price, the pairing was worth the artistic risk for the Boston, Massachusettes-based band.
After a long absence from Soul Tracks, First Listen welcomes back Lake Street Dive with their debut single from their upcoming CD, Obviously, entitled “Hypotheticals” (Nonesuch). After a fascinating intro from Price, the band locks into a groove-heavy R&B vibe. From Bridget Kearney’s funky acoustic bass trimmings to the spacey synthesizer solo, Lake Street Dive and Elizondo are firmly on the same page. And the lyrics about yearning for a positive romantic outcome are ear tantalizing: “Hypothetically, yes / Theoretically, forever / We'll see what happens / But I hope we will never be apart.” Lake Street Dive’s decision in reaching out to Elizondo for “Hypotheticals” is absolutely elevating, and gets us even more excited hear the rest of Obviously.
By Peggy Oliver
Lake Street Dive - "Hypotheticals"