Critical reaction to Bernie Mac's big-screen bow with Samuel L. Jackson, "Soul Men," has been lukewarm, but not over the hot vintage soul music it prominently features. The standout on the movie's soundtrack is a remake of "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was in)" by New York's best party band, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, who return to play the Pantages Theatre on Dec. 2 following their hot reception at the State Fair. Backed by a near-growling performance from the Dap-Kings horn men (who toured with Amy Winehouse last year), Jones turned the Mickey Newberry-penned acid-era anthem (popularized by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition) into a gritty, grinding funk romp. Bernie's probably still grooving to it, wherever he is.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
