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Mink DeVille

Mink DeVille (1974–86) was a rock band known for its association with early punk rock bands at New York’s CBGB nightclub and for being a showcase for the music of Willy DeVille.
Mink DeVille: A Musical Journey Through Genres
There are few artists that mix genres quite like Mink DeVille. Led by Willy DeVille, the band has a unique, timeless sound that spans rock, soul, R&B, and even Latin music. While they never quite received the recognition they deserved during their heyday in the '70s and '80s, Mink DeVille's music lives on thanks to its influence on musicians from Tom Waits to Bruce Springsteen. In this article, we'll explore the band's history, best songs, and critics' reviews of some of their famous concerts.
Willy DeVille formed Mink DeVille in 1974 in New York City. The band was a hybrid of different musical styles, all filtered through DeVille's gritty, soulful voice. Their eponymous debut in 1977 had a punk edge while still incorporating influences from Latin music. The band's later albums, including Le Chat Bleu and Coup de Grace, experimented with jazzier and even Caribbean sounds.
One of Mink DeVille's defining qualities was their ability to tell stories through their music. Songs like Spanish Stroll and Cadillac Walk are classic DeVille - the former a mixture of Spanish and English lyrics set to a slow, sultry beat, the latter an upbeat rock track with an unforgettable saxophone riff. It's clear that DeVille was an artist who appreciated and incorporated different musical styles into his work.
Mink DeVille's live shows were a highlight of their career, and the band often played to packed crowds in Europe. In 1981, the band opened for The Rolling Stones at their concerts in Germany, introducing their music to even more fans. Critics often noted how DeVille's live shows were more like performances, with Willy fully embodying the songs he was singing. The band's live album Live at Montreux 1982 perfectly captures the magic of one of their shows.
Despite their influence and critical acclaim, Mink DeVille was never as popular as some of their contemporaries. Some critics argue that this was due to their habit of switching genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole them into one specific category. Others point out that their music was simply too unique for mainstream audiences of the time. Regardless, their legacy lives on - their influence can be heard in the work of artists ranging from The Black Keys to Gogol Bordello.
One of Mink DeVille's greatest strengths was their ability to make music that was at once raw and polished. Their songs are full of emotion, with DeVille's voice challenging the listener to connect with the stories he tells. By blending different genres, they created a sound that was both classic and modern, one that still resonates with listeners today.
Mink DeVille is an artist who truly defies categorization. Their music is a testament to the power of blending genres and taking risks. Despite not receiving the mainstream success they deserved, their influence can be heard in countless artists today. If you're looking for a band that's both timeless and innovative, look no further than Mink DeVille.
Mink DeVille is an artist who truly defies categorization. Their music is a testament to the power of blending genres and taking risks. Despite not receiving the mainstream success they deserved, their influence can be heard in countless artists today. If you're looking for a band that's both timeless and innovative, look no further than Mink DeVille.

LISTEN THE BEST MINK DEVILLE SONGS IN STREAMING

2022-11-01

The Musical Journey of Mink DeVille

Sometimes, the most influential and trailblazing artists in the music industry tend to fly under the radar. Mink DeVille is certainly one of those artists. Despite gaining popularity in the New York music scene in the late 1970s, his name is not always top of mind when discussing icons of the era. But that doesn't diminish his impact on music. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the life and career of Mink DeVille, from his early beginnings to his most famous albums and beloved songs.

William Paul Borsey Jr., more commonly known as Mink DeVille, was born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1946. After growing up in nearby New York City, he formed his first band in the 1970s, called Billy DeVille and the Royal Pygmies. He quickly gained a reputation as a unique artist, blending R&B, rock, and soul with an innate theatricality that was both captivating and compelling.

In 1977, he changed his stage name to Mink DeVille and released his first album, Cabretta. The album was an instant hit and featured some of his most famous songs, such as Spanish Stroll and Mixed Up Shook Up Girl. DeVille's musical style was equal parts gritty and glamorous, blending old-school R&B and rock with a soulful, new-wave energy. His use of a B3 Hammond organ and horn section added to the unique flavor of his sound, making him stand out above the rest.

Over the next few years, Mink DeVille continued to release influential and celebrated albums, such as Return to Magenta and Le Chat Bleu. These albums featured a mix of original songs and cover tunes, all executed with DeVille's unmistakable flair. By the time he released his 1981 album, Coup de Grâce, the musical landscape was changing and so was DeVille's sound. His music became more polished and often veered toward a more refined pop sound.

Despite the change in musical stylings, Mink DeVille's final album, Sportin' Life, was still a reflection of his unmistakable sound. The album featured collaborations with famous artists like Tom Waits and Dr. John. His use of strings, brass, and a more subdued rock sound served to showcase his versatility as an artist.

Although Mink DeVille may not be as well known as some other artists from the era, his impact on music is undeniable. His unique musical style, blending old-school rock 'n roll and R&B with a theatrical, yet soulful, sound is still celebrated and admired by fans today. As this retrospective on his life and career has shown, Mink DeVille's influence on the music industry is not to be underestimated. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers who appreciate his unique contribution to the industry.
Tag: Mink DeVille, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF MINK DEVILLE - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Are You Lonely Tonight
2 - Gunslinger
3 - Spanish Stroll
4 - This Must Be The Night
5 - Cadillac Walk
6 - Little Girl
7 - Soul Twist
8 - Guardian Angel
9 - Demasiado Corazon
10 - Savoir Faire
11 - Mazurka
12 - Bad Boy
13 - Desperate Days
14 - Party Girls
15 - Maybe Tomorrow
16 - Slow Drain
17 - Just Your Friends
18 - Rolene
19 - Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl
20 - Demasiado Corazon [too Much Heart]
21 - She's So Tough
22 - Venus Of Avenue D
23 - Each Word's A Beat Of My Heart
24 - Let Me Dream If I Want To (amphetamine Blues)
25 - Just To Walk That Little Girl Home
26 - One Way Street
27 - I Broke That Promise
28 - You Better Move On
29 - You Just Keep Holding On
30 - Heaven Stood Still
31 - Let Me Dream If I Want To
32 - "a" Train Lady
33 - Confidence To Kill
34 - Can't Do Without It
35 - That World Outside
36 - Just Give Me One Good Reason
37 - Love & Emotion
38 - Turn You Every Way But Loose
39 - Cadillac Walk - Remastered
40 - Teardrops Must Fall
41 - River Of Tears
42 - Love Me Like You Did Before
43 - Around The Corner
44 - She Was Made In Heaven
45 - Lipstick Traces
46 - Lilly's Daddy's Cadillac
47 - End Of The Line