The Sweet Vandals are bringing back classic funk and soul, one song at a time. They are a band from Madrid, Spain, of all places. With Mayka Edjo on lead vocals, and a band worthy of the best of the 70's Atco labels, they bring a funky mixture of soul that just blows everyone away. It's hot, and really funky.Now for the album details -They mix up 10 soul songs with their own local Spanish sound and has a feeling of originality that works, from the wonderful bass work and drums to the classic Hammond organ bringing up the rear and sometimes shooting right up to the front, all recorded using old microphones and using an analog(!) tape machine. It is wonderful, from start to finish, and clocks in at under 50 minutes.Now for the music itself -From the beginning, "I Got You Man!" showcases the kind of funk and soul that probably hasn't been around except in rare cases. It's hot and fast and personal. It's a big hit in Europe, which once again shows the musical shallowness of American radio stations in not recognizing talent when you hear it."Charlie's Love" is a love song of sorts, but not the way Mayka sings it.On their cover of "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag", the band's homage to James Brown is just unique, and not just a boring retread - it still works, even as it's now from a female point of view!"You Wanna Be My Lover" kinda reminded me of what would have happened if Prince, Santana and James Brown's band all donated their flavor."You're Gettin' It" is pure soul, uncut, and wonderful. The breaks are crisp, and the Hammond organ does the job!"Do It Right" is a jam of sensational proportions. It's early Prince all over again!"Beautiful" is one of the greatest slow jams I've heard of the last 5 years. This song only solidifies what their potential as a band is, and how cohesive a soul song can be done. Not one note is a misstep, and once again Mayka makes you wonder where she is now! This love ballad brings up pieces of Janis Joplin, and the instumental break in the middle is as soulful as anyone out there could EVER do. This song is the crown jewel of this album, hands down."Come On Now" is once again James Brown and a quick jam of monumental proportions - it's like listening to a young Aretha Franklin if she had caught the soul bug early. Come-ona and come-ona and come-ona and..."That's The Way I Am" becomes a low-key subtle argument and although this kind of music may have been done before, they keep it hot and it seems like their in your room right now, performing just for you."Nite Lites" finishes out the album, and by God I hear Curtis Mayfield in there, wah-wah pedals grooving and drums slow and constant, and to be honest it's a nice groove overall to throw on when you're on the highway at 4 am, when the party's over and you just want to go out in the summer night and just lose yourself in the music. A wonderful instrumental and a good finish.Overall, what can be said? I love love loved this album, and yes, I've heard this music before in bits and pieces from here and there, from the Stax albums of the early 70s to James Brown and back, but you know what? I'm glad there's someone out there still keeping the soul explosion alive.The Sweet Vandals are the real deal, and why don't you have a copy? You're missing out on a party! Why this was looked over in 2007/8 for the Grammys is beyond me, but we are talking about American tastes, which is as original as the bland burgers sold at a local McDonalds.Anyway, go pick up a copy, if you can find one under $25.00!Thanks for reading.