Brooklyn-based rocksteady/reggae band The Frightnrs have been steadily refining their sound since 2010. If you watched the 2013 Brooklyn Rocksteady documentary or listened to the soundtrack, you’ve heard their sweet sounds. Daptone Records announced yesterday that they’re releasing a limited run of 45s featuring The Frightnrs covering Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” You know Daptone Records as the home of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings and the Amy Winehouse record “Back to Black. The B-side is a dub of the song produced by Victor “Ticklah” Axelrod who, among many other accolades, played on that same Amy Winehouse record.
I was fortunate to see The Frightnrs many times while living in Brooklyn and they never disappointed, keeping parties going all hours of the night. Needless to say, this is a goto jam for any reggae, rocksteady, or even lover’s rock fan. Your heart will twist and turn as singer Dan Klein pleads, “I would rather go blind, then to see you walk away from me.” This is one of those perfect soul-wrenching reggae recordings you’ll play over and over again.
This 7-inch is available on orange and black vinyl, promises to ship the week of June 22, and is available here. It’s an instant classic, so get it while it’s still available.
Now that you’ve got the bug, head to The Frightnrs’ Bandcamp page and grab their previous two EPs.
While were at it, we should revisit the original version of this song. Listen to Etta James pour her hear out.