Every year around the anniversary of this whole "Record of the Week" experiment I try to jump on a release from the wonderful Soul Step Records, a solid, wonderful, inspirational independent label that is now run from Nashville.

So this year I reached out directly to the label and was graced with a copy of this boss LP by Katie Schecter that while previously released digitally, is yet to have been released on vinyl. I'm breaking news here like TMZ...wooohoo!

The vibe here is chill with a slightest sprinkling of an edge. The Daptones are the backing band here and the sounds they lay down are in line with their previous work behind Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse. Not-so-secret secret weapons? I'd make that argument.

Soul funk grooves that are propulsive without overpowering, classic without feeling retro, dutiful production that reeks of timelessness as opposed to re-enactment. I feel like artists attempting this come across my desk QUITE often. But the rate of actual success is low low low. So kudos to the crew on this album, much respect for the exquisite piece of art they've dropped into the world.

"Bad For Business" hits the mark. It's a solid album put out on a local independent label that is worth your time and attention. If you do me any favors here, just try one...Google "independent record label xxxx" and fill in your city or state or municipality and find an outfit that you've never heard of and buy something that looks interesting.

I know a bunch of folks have already gone down this route when the pandemic started, but it certainly never hurts to be reminded.

Thanks to all of you who still read my ramblings here! I feel a little less connected to you all without the comments section...but I am told that is being worked on and should return shortly. But the number of times I've had folks reach out and make mention of something they've read here in this space, even just in the past couple of weeks, has really, really brightened my day.

If you keep reading, I'll keep writing. Here's to another 5 years, at least.