Here we have Aloe Blacc and friends with a Parisian coffee shop a cappella version of I Need A Dollar. This performance is part of the Take Away Shows series put together by La Blogotheque, which is really worth checking out. Aloe Blacc has a crew with him to provide the finger snaps, hand claps, and Hey-heys that give this version its smooth rhythm and throwback vibe. For my money it’s better than the record.
You don’t have to take my word for it though. Listen to the applause at the end, then remember this: That applause is from French people, just trying to get a coffee or a glass of wine, and they’re applauding an American. You go to a restaurant or cafe in Paris, bang on the table, start hollering in English, and see what response you get. I’ll bet my dollar against applause.