Album: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

100 Days 100 Nights

Since 2005's Naturally, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings have established themselves as the first choice for producers in search of authentic retro-soul vibes – most notably Mark Ronson, who used them to spectacular effect on Amy Winehouse's last album. 100 Days 100 Nights is every bit as good as its predecessor, The Dap-Tones proving equally effective on Northern Soul stompers such as "Keep on Looking" and "Tell Me" and the oddly-titled "When the Other Foot Drops, Uncle" – and also deftly turning their hand to other regional styles, as with the Toussaint-style horns that bring a New Orleans flavour to "Answer Me".

Jones herself is a commanding presence, whether playing the sultry sex-kitten of "Let Them Knock", or the wronged woman of "Something Changed", where the pain seeps through her voice in the manner of Irma Thomas. Best of all is the title-track, on which the band shifts effortlessly from soul to blues modes as Jones delivers her verdict on masculine failings with Amy-sized disdain.

Download this: '100 Days 100 Nights', 'Nobody's Baby', 'Be Easy', 'Something Changed', 'Answer Me'