Eli Paperboy Reed Hits And Misses: The Singles
- Americana |
- Greatest Hits |
- R&B |
- Soul
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Label: Yep Roc
On Hits And Misses: The Singles, Eli Paperboy Reed collects songs that were initially released as 45s exclusively at his shows, including covers from various genres and three original tracks not found on any album.
Eli Paperboy Reed's Hits And Misses: The Singles is a remastered collection that combines rare tracks, his own original songs, and cover versions. One standout is his unique interpretation of Motörhead's iconic "Ace of Spades." Reed transforms this hard rock classic into a soulful revival with elements like Hammond organ, brass horns, electric guitar, his signature vocal style, and a lively rhythm that gives the song a fresh perspective without sacrificing its power.
The album also features Reed's distinctive R&B take on Steely Dan's 1972 hit, "Do It Again," which transports the original song back in time, adding a noirish quality to it. Additionally, there's a cover of Latimore's 1974 hit, "Let's Straighten It Out," where he showcases his powerful vocals, creating a more intense version compared to the original, which was almost spoken-word in style.
Apart from the covers, Hits And Misses includes one of Reed's original tracks, "IDKWYCTD (I Came to Play)," a high-energy anthem which can be heard in Disney's Marvel series, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. The album also offers Reed's takes on classics like Bob Dylan's "To Be Alone With You" and Merle Haggard's "I'm Gonna Break Every Heart I Can," making it a diverse and engaging musical collection.
Hailing from Massachusetts, Reed's formative years saw him deeply involved in the juke joint scene of the Mississippi Delta. During this time, he honed his skills as an organ and piano player in the church of the renowned gospel singer Mitty Collier in Chicago. Over nearly two decades, he has released eight studio albums that garnered widespread critical acclaim. NPR described his music as "inspired, raw, and powerful," while Uncut praised its "urgent, electric energy."