{"product_id":"manic-revelations","title":"Manic Revelations","description":"Audio Mixer: Tony Hoffer.\u003cbr\u003eRecording information: Native Sound, Cherokee Street, MO.\u003cbr\u003ePhotographer: Nate Burrell.\u003cbr\u003eAt the end of Manic Revelations, Pokey LaFarge sings \"I will never change\" -- a sentiment that he's spent the entirety of his sixth studio set disproving. Ditching the old-timey routine that's been his stock in trade since 2008, LaFarge embraces the open-hearted soul of the '60s, a sound that's nearly as retro as the pre-WWII folk, country, and jazz that populated his earlier albums. The shift in sound was propelled by his outrage over the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of his hometown of St. Louis. Tying this political unrest to the civil rights movement of the '60s, the musician decided a revival of classic soul was the best vehicle for his message. Manic Revelations does benefit from its hopping swing and full-blooded horn section, which gives the record a considerable kinetic kick. LaFarge's reedy voice can sometimes produce a wave of cognitive dissonance -- he's still singing like he's supporting himself with a banjo -- but there are also moments where the two aesthetics merge seamlessly. With its muted trumpet wails and spooky Cab Calloway shuffle, \"Mother Nature\" walks a fine line between prohibition and juke joint blues, while \"Good Luck Charm\" is a jaunty folk number punched up by the horn section. Such hybrids speak to LaFarge's musical invention, but don't forget that, at its heart, Manic Revelations is a protest album. He may evoke old sounds but all his songs are about the present, and that means Manic Revelations isn't a stylistic exercise: it's compelling commentary. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine","brand":"MovieMars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45998676574495,"sku":"888072024304","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/7833\/0399\/files\/9386638908a37e994461c0dd8ddd85ae.jpg?v=1777748667","url":"https:\/\/www.moviemars.com\/products\/manic-revelations","provider":"MovieMars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}