As Nathan Rateliff and crew strut their way through “I Never Need Get Old”- a ballad with classic Dan Penn/Spooner Oldham baggage firmly strapped to its middle, they set a high bar of expectation.  And the classic soul sentiments that follow, set in a band sound respectful of the past but not obliged to copy it, clear that bar track after track.  Rateliff has the pipes to drive this outfit, and is particularly notable in a two-part setting as on the afore-mentioned track and on a superb “blue-eyed” take on the Sam and Dave sound- “Trying So Hard Not To Know”.  Other standouts include “Look It Here” and “S.O.B.” One of the year’s best so far.