Baby
The Detroit Cobras' third is actually two recordings in one. Their Bloodshot debut combines the full-lengthBabywith import-only EPSeven Easy Pieces. Of the 20 tracks, only "Hot Dog (Watch Me Eat)," co-written by producer/guitarist Greg Cartwright (Oblivians, the Reigning Sound), is an original, but no matter. (And title aside, it's a great tune.) The Cobras' modus operandi is, instead, to excavate R&B; obscurities and make them their own. Songwriters include Isaac Hayes ("Weak Spot"), Allen Toussaint ("Mean Man"), and Willie Dixon ("Insane Asylum"). Aside from their exquisite taste, there's another reason the Cobras are rarely described as a retro/covers act: Vocalist Rachel Nagy, who has the funky spirit of James Brown protegée Lyn Collins and the sultry sound of the Shocking Blue's Mariska Veres, and versatile guitarist Mary Ramirez. (The rest of the line-up is a revolving door of Detroit's finest.) In addition,Babyfeatures Ko Shih (Ko and the Knockouts,the Dirtbombs) on backing vocals.--Kathleen C. Fennessy