The Detroit Cobras
Right Now EP
scum stats: 500 on colored vinyl (available at the merch table) 1000 on black vinyl
At this point the Detroit Cobras exist more so as an idea than anything else. And to me...that's totally okay.
With the passing of Rachel Nagy in 2022, the band lost the only lead singer they'd ever had, through more than 25 years of being together and having cycled through dozens of other members. Guitarist Mary Ramirez is the only constant member left in the fold. New singer Marcus Durant takes an unenviable task of having to fill Rachel's shoes and does so with his own style.
He's existing in a plane that is neither rehash or imitation, but better in line with a continuation of an approach, an ethos, that is quite honestly refreshing in light of the entire situation.
The songs, historic unheard classics covered in a no frills, straight ahead rock and soul style...they hold up here. And the band carries the weight ably. Good feelings and good vibes.
The band is on tour in Europe now and that's likely the only place you'll ever get the colored vinyl of this sumbitch. I don't even have one.
If you'd like to score a free copy of the black vinyl, place a comment here before midnight central time July 4th. Write about whatever...just make it good. Possible topics: how to continue creativity in the light of a dear soul's passing - an idea that transcends it's actual implementation - particular love for the Detroit Cobras - why a random 7" in the mail would make your day.
Oh, every night
You keep me runnin’ around
Made up my mind, I’m gonna settle down
Every time I feel a little bit free
I hear those blues, midnight blues
I’m hearing Detroit Cobras for the first time through the Spotify snippets above. Gotta say that’s some finger poppin’, booty movin’, throw-back, bone shakin’ style that never fails! The tracks time out short ‘n’ sweet. I’ll bop on over to the ’Tube and nod in time to more of this timeless, step-off sound. As for how this sound can relate to loss, I feel a celebratory wake with the Cobras as the soundtrack can work. Feel-good tunes to remember the good times.
As a soldier who understands the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, I recognize the profound impact and enduring legacy that band has left behind.
My music collection is helps me cope with this messed up world. This would be a great addition.
I already have this record coming so I will pass on this contest. If I may, you need to channel your love and respect of the recently passed. They would never want you to quit what you love in order to mourn someone who is moving on to the next stage of their being. This is all dependent on beliefs and whatever the hell happens after the heart stops and the energy is gone from the flesh. Who knows, you could run into this energy somewhere in the future…………. You owe it to him/her/plant or animal to do the best you can to never forget that love and to use those memories as tools for the future endeavors. Let them live on, not die on you own self-pity and loneliness.
Sorry for being blunt but sometimes it must be said………………..