The Detroit Cobras
Issue #25
Baby (Bloodshot)
By Jenny Sabella
Published: September 1st, 2005 | 1:08pm
Ah, cover bands. Just when we thought they were safely confined to smoky, dim-lit bars and small-town music festivals, they get themselves a record deal. Fortunately, after picking up the Detroit Cobras' latest release, Baby, you won't hear their rendition of "Stacey's Mom."
Hailing from the birthplace of Motown, the Detroit Cobras have been playing their versions of old R&B songs since 1994. Baby boasts the band's signature garage-rock style, complete with vocals from the always seductive Rachel Nagy. Album-opener "Slipping Around" (originally penned by Spooner Oldham) is consistent with the band's upbeat and infectious style. Guitarist Mary Ramirez also has a strong presence on the record, with her powerful riffs complementing Nagy's voice perfectly.
Other notable tracks on the album are “Hot Dog (Watch Me Eat),” where Nagy sweetly croons, "You make me want a hot dog," without making the listener burst into hysterics, and "It's Raining," a slower, sadder song originally performed by Naomi Neville.
The 20-song LP ranges from poppy, retro tunes like "Cha Cha Twist" to mellower, bluesy tracks. But even with the variety, the album comes together beautifully.
Despite the fact that the Cobras didn't originally write any of the songs on Baby, the album is a change of pace and a fun listen. Not only have they pulled off being a cover band, they also make cheesy song lyrics from the '50s sound pretty hot.
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The Detroit Cobras' official Web site
The Detroit Cobras' Myspace page
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