This week, on New Music Friday, I’m recommending the brand new LP from Nathaniel Rateliff and his band the Night Sweats.

This record is the most exciting thing I’ve heard in a long time. It’s a perfect melting pot of pure American music, mixing a little bit of folk with a dash of singer-songwriter introspection, a bit of bar band swagger, some white boy blues, barbershop harmonies, classic R&B, a little bit of gospel, and a whole lot of Southern Soul.

It’s the soul influence that stands out the most. Nathaniel Rateliff’s voice is reminiscent of Van Morrison, but the band is pure Stax Records, fitting since the the album comes courtesy of that legendary label, home to Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Booker T. & the M.G.’s.