Editorial Review

Unlike many men, Alligator Records never forgets an anniversary. "The country's largest contemporary blues label," as it rightly bills itself, has released multidisc compilations celebrating its 20th, 25th, 30th, and now 35th years. For reasons that aren't entirely clear, only tracks recorded for an artist's first Alligator disc are chosen for this chronologically presented summary of music that stretches from Hound Dog Taylor's electrifying 1971 label debut to Mavis Staples's in 2004. Although the imprint made a tentative stab at reggae in the mid '80s, its roster generally upholds the "genuine houserocking music" credo Alligator has boasted as a tagline since the early days. Whether reviving the careers of blues rockers (Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanan, Lonnie Mack, Elvin Bishop) or ageing icons with plenty of gas left in their tanks (Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Katie Webster, Mavis Staples, James Cotton, Guitar Shorty) or finding new blood to carry on the traditions (Michael Burks, Corey Harris, Dave Hole, Tinsley Ellis, Shemekia Copeland), Alligator sets the standard for what an independent label can achieve. These 35 nuggets extracted from a catalog of 225 albums only begin to tell the label's story, but there's not a weak one in the lot. Founder Bruce Iglauer's intriguing and insightful liner notes for each act add depth to the tunes, making Read more

Reviews (3)

Genuine Soul Rockin' Music
Even though this package only compiles material from Alligator Records, you probably won't find a more fascinating tour through the history of the Blues over the last 35 years. Of course, Alligator has a knack for signing up the most interesting Blues maestros. This compilation shows the development of cutting-edge Blues over the namesake era, ever since Alligator's inaugural release with Hound Dog Taylor in 1971. During much of this era, the Blues was still progressing, before settling into the respectful revivalism of recent years. In the 70s, Alligator was at the forefront with new artists who added flavor to tried-and-true styles, like the sinister Son Seals or the groovy Lonnie Brooks. Also during that decade, Alligator brought several veteran masters back into prominence, with powerful new material by the likes of Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Professor Longhair (noteworthy for his authoritative New Orleans style). As this compilation rumbles along, we hear a surprising amount of experimentation and progression in the 1980s, as interesting new artists expanded the basic template of the Blues, including some great finds like Lil' Mo & the Blues Imperials and Little Charlie & the Nightcats. The songs here from the 90s and 00s show that even the genius artists at Alligator followed the trend in Blues to solidify the classic template, with technical chops becoming more important than innovation - notwithstanding intriguing gospel-inflected works from the Holmes Brothers and the queenly Mavis Staples. But thanks to the impeccable expertise and taste exercised by Alligator when signing masters both new and old, this compilation is a must for any fan or historian of modern Blues. [~doomsdayer520~]

A great range of great artists
This double-CD set has great artists, great selections from the artists, and a killer set of liner packaging.You get some choice information and showings by legendary cats as well as non-household names, with explanations as to why they were great (as if the music wasn't doing that job already).And at the price, you can't beat the value.

A great collection for anyone
If you're just getting into contemporary blues or you've been listening for awhile, you're going to love this collection.Alligator has been one of the class acts of the indie labels for a long time and these discs give you an idea why they are so well thought of.35 artists doing the first track from their first Alligator release.Marica Ball, Coco Montoya, Lonnie Mack, Johnny Winter, William Clarke and the list goes on with not a weak cut in the carload.These type of samplers are great if you're just getting into this type of music since you do get a wide selection of artists and styles.Alligator has released double disc anniversary sets in honor of yeas 20, 25, 30 and now, 35.They're all great to listen to, so grab one or all of them and have yourself a party with genuine houserocking music from people who know how to do it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues    3. Blues Collections    4. Blues-Rock    5. Contemporary Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Electric Harmonica Blues    8. Electric Texas Blues    9. Harmonica Blues    10. Modern Acoustic Blues    11. Modern Electric Blues    12. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    13. Modern Electric Texas Blues    14. New Orleans Blues    15. Piano Blues    16. Pop    17. R&B    18. Slide Guitar Blues    19. Soul-Blues    20. Swamp Blues   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (20)

Not a bad song on here
A lot of Albert King's stuff has been turned into dull blues-rock cliches, but you can't blame him for that.This album is an incredibly satisfying experience.The songs are all well-written and arranged perfectly.Albert King may not have been the most versatile guitarist, but his playing always sounds good and he knew what to play and when to play it.Crosscut Saw and Personal Manager have two of the greatest guitar solos I've ever heard (I also like Albert's habit of saying things like "Watch this", "heads up", and "Woo!" during his solos).The Hunter is catchy like the flu.I Almost Lost My Mind is one of the prettiest blues songs you'll ever hear.If you like blues you will love this album.

Albert King: Born Under a Bad Sign
A great introduction to Albert King, this is a collection of Stax hits for release on the radio, so all the tracks are short, not much stretching out!I am a blues guitar player who is having a ball learning these songs.This great bluesman had a unique style that influenced Clapton and SRV.I didn't care for tracks #'s 7, 10, 11.I highly recommend this CD!

Excellent, though tracks are very short
Albert absolutely wails on both guitar and vocals. Not a single moment is wasted, though the opportunity to waste moments isn't really allowed. The album, especially Albert's playing, is truly breathtaking and thus the only complaint is, as another reviewer said, that they fade the tracks out right when it sounds like Albert is heating up. Still, this album is very highly recommended and it's influence on rockers/blues-rockers can be heard more clearly than that of nearly any other blues album. If you are familiar with Cream's seminal Disraeli Gears, then you will especially enjoy this, as Clapton's work on that album is heavily inspired by this album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Although Alligator Records no longer exclusively traffics in "genuine houserockin' music," as long as the label continues releasing albums from Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials it won't have to change slogans anytime soon. The sixth release from the veteran foursome is another rollicking, electrified romp through old-school Chicago boogie blues. Lil' Ed Williams is the nephew of, and was schooled by, slide guitar legend J.B. Hutto, so it's no surprise that the Blues Imperials' sound is driven by the high-octane, raw, bottleneck attack popularized by Hutto and the great Elmore James. Both are covered here, and even though Williams's originals adhere to the standard blues format, the energy generated by this live-in-the-studio recording could power a small city. You can practically see the sweat dripping down Ed's fez-covered head as he charges through the humorous yet driving "Icicles in My Meatloaf" and the fast shuffle of "Broken Promises." Slow blues such as "You Just Weren't There" and "Nobody's Fault But My Own" maintain a tough edge while providing a change of pace to the party-hearty rave-ups that dominate the album. The no-frills production is crisp and crackling. It captures the excitement of the opening version of Holland/Dozier's rocking soul shouter "Leaving Here" as well as the heartfelt emotions in the country-influenced cover of Billy Joe Shaver's "Tramp on Your Street," the disc's most surprising track. The blurred shot of the band in action on the cover perfectly represents the music inside--which, as the album's title accurately suggests, rattles, shakes, and rolls. Read more

Reviews (4)

Is Awesome!
This is the first CD that I got from this band, I must say is great. This is the best blues CD that I ever bought in months. It has a lot of energy on it and a great sound. So great job for Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials. I can't wait to see the playing live.

Your basic raw, Chicago Blues cd
This is enjoyable but nothing special. It is raucous, raw, electric blues played by artists having a good time. Saw them on Conan, loved how Lil Ed jumped on the table. They are probably a fun band to see in an intimate setting. This is what the White Stripes wish they souded like...having a legit, blues creedo

Alligator Records Does it Again
I received my copy of Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Rattleshake. Man it blows me out of my seat. I have so far played it through three times. It keeps on getting better and better. The play listis superb; a mixture of jump, some slow classic delta, Hank Williams style country, a little bit of Texas Gulf Coast and Chicago style blues.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Modern Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    4. Pop   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (25)

A great soundtrack with noticable omissions
La Bamba (1987.) The soundtrack to the Ritchie Valens biopic of the same name.
OLDE REVIEW.La Bamba
Sound track other than the primary cut, LaBamba .Did not seem the same as the movie.Would not recommened the sound track.Was purchased as a gift.

Yo no soy marinero.
This is a solid soundtrack.Los Lobos do a good job of duplicating Ritchie Valens' old songs (although there was no accordion on the original versions).The other cover songs, by Howard Huntsberry, Marshall Crenshaw and Brian Setzer, are also well done.Bo Diddley does a great remake of his classic "Who Do You Love".The last two songs by Los Lobos are not Ritchie Valens songs, but they are okay.If you liked the movie, you will probably like the soundtrack, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 80's    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Americana    4. College Rock    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Heartland Rock    7. New Wave    8. Pop    9. Rock & Roll    10. Rockabilly Revival    11. Roots Rock    12. Soundtrack    13. Soundtracks & Film Scores    14. Tex-Mex   

Editorial Review

If the Butterfield Blues Band's groundbreaking debut earned the respect of the group's elder influences, this one won over (and guided) the blues boys' psychedelic peers. Highlighted by the 13-minute-plus title track (an Eastern-influenced jam cowritten by guitarist Mike Bloomfield), Read more

Reviews (24)

Seminal Blues-Rock-Jazz Fusion
The Jazz-Rock fusion movement of the late 70's (Weather Report, Spyro Gyra, Tony Williams) was born on this album.If I could only keep one record in my collection, this would probably be the main contender for that position.This album is a musical safari including a remarkable variety of musical idioms in a Blues context that goes way beyond Blues.Obviously, the East-West track is the pinnacle of this exploration.Listen closely and you will hear East Indian, Calypso, New Orleans Jazz, Bluegrass, and 4 or 5 other distinct musical styles each in a separate movement with very striking transitions.When I first got this album as a sophmore in college in 1966, I used to put on the East-West title track in the late afternoon and drift off into a wonderful, dreamy nap carried off in a magical concoction of World music as I think no one had ever heard before.
The Greatest Album of All Time
Simply, It's The Greatest Album of All Time. Ciao, /jtm/

blues at its best
In my opinion there has never been a finer blues band than Paul Butterfield. I had East-West back when it first came out on vinyl and now (finally) have it on CD. If you can find a better blues track than East-West, buy it. If you haven't heard it, treat yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Electric Harmonica Blues    6. Harmonica Blues    7. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    8. Pop    9. Popular Music    10. Rock    11. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This is Sonny Boy Williamson II, whose 1940s Mississippi Delta radio broadcasts for Read more

Reviews (13)

Sweet purchase!
I was looking for an intro to the man that all of my favourite artists looked up to, and i found it in this album.20 something tracks of pure old school blues and soulful harmonica.A must for any old blues fan.

TheRealSonnyBoyWilliamson
Although, it's a fact that Sonny Boy did use the name, taken from John Lee Williamson who was known in Chicago around 1941, to promote some productswhen he was doing the KING BISCUIT TIME, in Helena, when J L Williamson came down south in 1942 to put an end to the imposter, it seems Big Sonny Boy chased him away from there. Every one said that Rice Miller, (the name he was known by) could play Sonny Boy's stuff better than he could play it. Sonny Boy was a crude Harp player, mostly playing acoustically, sitting down, using his feet like a drum. However, he could work a harp from high end to low end and improvise in a heartbeat. Unfortunatley his recording career started late, which is the main ingredient in this collection, "HIS BEST". It covers almost 10 years of some of his best songs, giving the listener some what of a history lesson on a man who came around last and went away first, leaving some unbelivable music, that is still being copied by present day artists. The late Paul Butterfield said, one of the best harmonica songs ever done was Sonny Boys, "Trust my Baby". I think that gives anyone who's been around harp players, an idea of how much of an impact Sonny Boy had on the entire Blues History and Community. A great collection of songs from a Master Musician and Showman.
Best "Sonny Boy" Single Disc Compilation Available, But....
For someone on a budget who is interested in the music of this legendary artist, look no further than this single disc album. The sound and track selection here are excellent. Anyone interested in the blues needs to have at least one Sonny Boy Williamson album in their collection and you can't go wrong here.But for those of you who have a few extra dollars to spend, I strongly suggest passing this single disc release and opt for the 2 disc set "The Essential Sonny Boy Williamson" on the MCA/Chess label. "The Essential" boasts 45 tracks an is much more comprehensive than this release. It may be out-of-print, but can be found for sale in zShops or eBay at a very reasonable price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Chicago Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Electric Harmonica Blues    7. Harmonica Blues    8. Pop   

Editorial Review

"Sounds nice," Bo Diddley tongue-in-cheekily observes of his music in "The Story of Bo Diddley," one of three self-named tunes on this 20-track examination of his classic '50s and '60s Checker Records sides. Not only was the former Ellas McDaniels rhythmically sharp enough to have a beat named after himself; he had a great guitar sound and a seemingly endless supply of shaggy-dog stories, lover-man boasts, silly jokes, and complaints with which to fuse them. Read more

Reviews (15)

Excellent
Bo-Didley's names says it all? Best collection of his music. I will recommend to anyone who is fan of people who have tried Bo's style like Stones, Eric Burden etc., to give a listen to this. An excellent investment for your music collection.

Go Cat Go!
I am shocked that more haven't given a review. Bo Diddley is a master!Same as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, this guy can rock like no other.

Shave and a haircut, two bits
The first time I heard this cd I hated it; shelved it away for YEARS. Then one day I was looking for something new to listen to and figured I'd give this another shot... and it stayed in my player for WEEKS.
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Subjects:  1. Blues Music    2. Electric Chicago Blues    3. Guitar    4. Oldies    5. Pop    6. R&B    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. United States of America    10. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (48)

Great Album
The two opening cuts are great!Deja Voodoo sold me on this album it's self.Kenny was a lot younger at this time, and you can tell he was still trying to find his identity as a picker (he found it on the Live On album IMO).
BUY IT!
You will love every song on this album.It could be a greatest hits, except I don't beleive we've seen all the greatest from Kenny...yet.He plays, you listen, pure perfection!

Change can be good
Okay everyone before you go slamming someone for making changes in their style and sound I suggest that you strap on a guitar yourself and try playing the same thing over and over and over again and try to remain enthusiastic about it..
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Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Heralded as one of the greatest live blues albums ever recorded, this set catches the singer-guitarist as his star was in ascent: in 1964 playing Chicago's answer to Harlem's Apollo Theater--the Regal. King's performance is visceral. He sings so hard that gravel flies even in his clearest high notes. And his trademark single-note guitar lines are sharp and steely, matching his voice with trembling vigor. He offers early hits like "How Blue Can You Get," "Worry, Worry," and "You Upset Me Baby" to what's essentially his adopted hometown crowd (by his own account, King had already played the theater hundreds of times). They give him a hero's welcome. In fact, the audience's screaming enthusiasm is distracting. But rarely has a love-fest of this magnitude between a performer and fans been documented. --Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (41)

Regally Overrated
I can't believe the touch of B.B. King. I enjoy his playing immensely. I know this album gets buried in accolades. But I don't like it. The quality is poor and, differing from other's opinions, the crowd noise takes away from the music. B.B. said, in so many words, that Live at the Regal was far from his choice as his best recording. Typically, he said he wouldn't argue with success--and left it at that. There are so many good albums by B.B. You can't go wrong for $4.65 for the "Ultimate Collection". Sure it doesn't have them all--but it has quite a few of his great songs, including a few from Live at the Regal. I would steer clear of this selection. Or I'll send you mine for free!

You Really Have To Hate Music To Not Like This
One of the first things people notice when listening to B.B. King's Live At The Regal album is that the response of the audience is rapturous, almost like the congregation at a Pentecostal church. There's a reason for this. This is simply the natural response of anyone hearing the King of the Blues at the peak of his powers.
A Blues Timemachine
Absolutely one of the finest live albums of all times.I bought this album because it was listed as one of the top 100 guitar albums of all time in Guitar Player Magazine.You get lightning in a bottle here with BB King at the height of his powers.The audience is alive and you can feel the young woman hyperventilating and swooning to BB King's rendition of some blues classics.His voice is flawless, still velvety smooth, especially when compared with later live albums by BB King.There is the perfect mixture of BB King's introductions or setups for each tune, guitar, vocals and audience reaction.The sound is immaculate, balanced and clear. His guitar playing is efficient and his timing is perfect.It makes you wonder why more recent "live albums" lack the spontaneity and quality found in this recording.The only regret is the album is not longer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. R&B    7. Soul-Blues    8. United States of America    9. Urban Blues   

Editorial Review

The title's baloney. Sure, some of Buddy Guy's most blistering guitar playing has been captured on his '90s recordings for Silvertone, but with albums like Muddy Waters's 1964 Read more

Reviews (17)

The Master of the Blues
Buddy Guy is "The Master of the Blues." He glides his fingers over his guitar like the wind showing his expertise with every note. I've seen him once in person and he made a lifetime impression on me. Buddy's Baddest will fill you with the energetic life force of a Buddy Guy concert.

nothing succeeds like success
Buddy is loved by all, from Eric Clapton to the man on the street. Why is that? Well, he used to be great, at some point previous to 1970. I guess Clapton is deafened by history. And everyone else?, well, it's a 'fun' show, I guess. To my ears, Guy sounds out of control. His vibrato, his intonation, his timing, all grating and amateurish. I know only his fans come here, andI'll get all 'no help' votes, but maybe somebody can be saved by the truth.

The #3 bestblues guitarist?
buddy guy always seems to get third billing behind eric clapton and b.b. king, but this collection of songs is certainlyan excellent sampler of why he is always mentioned in the same breath with those other 2 lads !!!!! it is an excellent introduction to one very exciting and inventive blues guitarist (go visit his nightclub in chicago and check out all the autographed guitars on the walls)
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    7. Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (9)

Blues For The Lost Days
Well, I've heard the music, watched the DVD, and read the reviews and after doing so am slightly amused by the somewhat overwrought enthusiasm for Buried Alive In The Blues. Sure, I like the music and enjoy the commentary, but this CD is more nostalgia and an affirmation of a musical style than a bold statement.
back to the sixties
The music on the cd is great, but the real value lies in the dvd, which takes you back to the development of the 60's "white" chicago blues scene with actual footage of icons like Muddy Waters and Mike Bloomfield (with The Electric Flag). All the musicians are interviewed at length, and there are great comments from B.B.King and Buddy Guy. The dvd is actually good enough to be shown as a documentary on public television, and it also includes "concert" footage of about half the songs featured on the cd.
Father, Sons and one Heck of a Daughter
The folks at Amazon always discourage referencing previous reviews for various reasons--but big one certainly is that those other reviews sometimes seem to just disappear.And then you've got egg on your face.Why does this happen? Usually, I understand, it's because the author of same has opted to delete his or her critique (maybe there was a change of heart or maybe just too much hate mail).Sometimes an irrelevant or morally reprehensible tract in the guise of a review might be successfully challenged by another customer, but I suspect that's rarer.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Chicago Blues    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    8. Pop   

Editorial Review

Many believe this 1967 landmark, Sam Maghett's first full-length studio recording, is the greatest blues album ever made. While that assertion is awfully difficult to substantiate, these 11 gems (plus one alternate) certainly deserve hyperbolic praise. These cuts have a dramatically direct emotional appeal, a blunt, unfiltered artlessness that's rarely been achieved in an electric setting. Sam's spirited vocals come from his heart and his belly, not his brain. His guitar work is smoothly melodic, à la B. B. King with a bit more bite, frenetic and energetic like Buddy Guy, but with more taste. Since this Mississippi native died at age 32, this album sits in a mystical place in blues history: In many ways, it is to Chicago blues what Robert Johnson's meager output is to Delta blues. Read more

Reviews (23)

They don't get much better than this........
In the history of the blues, there are many great names whose lives were cut far too short (Robert Johnson dying from strychnine comes to mind), and Magic Sam is another great bluesman whose life ended far too soon, dying at the age of 32 from a heart attack.But simply because they lived a short time on this earth in no way means their music will fall by the wayside; if anything, they are legendary in part because of this.
All of Magic Sam's Magic on Display
On West Side Soul, Magic Sam, who died tragically in 1967 at the age of 32, teases and perplexes us with what was and what could have been.
Magic Indeed
There are only two ways that someone could not like this album: 1. he/she lacks the capacity to feel emotion ie has no soul.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    8. Pop   

Reviews (11)

REAL blues and REAL good
I just listened to some audio clips of an inept but very popular young guitarist (if we can call him that)who was trying (poorly) to play the blues.Then I pulled out this excellent CD, stuck it in my computer and cleansed my ears of noise pollution.
I'LL PLAY THE BLUES FOR YOU !
This is the best compilation to pay tribute to the late, great blues legendAlbert King ! There should also be tributes to : Charles Brown, Freddie King, Amos Milburn, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Little Milton, Little Willie John, Little Johnny Taylor, Z.Z.Hill, Johnny "Guitar" Watson.Rest In Blues Heaven !!

Highly Recommend!!!!
Over the years their have been countless compilations of albert king's Stax recordings. But this Rhino's very best of Albert King serves justice to the legendary guitarist most greatest hits including Born Under A Bad Sign, Crosscut Saw, Let's Have A Natural Ball, Blues Power, and many more. Albert King was Stevie Ray Vaughan's biggest influence and he has soon became mine after listening to this incrediable album. You will learn to appreciate a long but forgotten guitar hero Albert King. Enjoy~ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues    6. Urban Blues   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (7)

Poor Blues Collection
As a long time Blues player, I was very disappointed with this set from two perspectives:poor quality recordings on the CD itself (I expected a better digitally mastered sound, and the imprinted sound volume was sorta lower than normal) and the actual collection of selected songs (not overly representative of the best Blues by these artists or Blues in general).I had seen part of it on PBS TV and bought the collection w/o first listening to it.So after spending the big bucks for it, I was sorely disappointed and do NOT recommend it for anyone serious about the Blues.It's just an okay set.There are many other higher quality collections online. Check them out first.

Excellent Blues Compilation!
This is a seriously excellent sampler of blues.It gives a great introduction to the genre for those that are either new to the blues or are interested to expand their knowledge of the classics.Of course, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix make their way onto this CD.BB King and John Lee Hooker are on it, as they should be.I was disappointed not to find a single song by Albert King - I think he made a serious contribution to the blues.Otherwise, it's an interesting and mostly quite a worthy selection.

Blues Rocks!
This album is a wonderful compilation of different artists singin' the blues.From John Lee Hooker to Etta James to Susan Tedeschi to Stevie Ray Vaughan, many different types of blues are included.How can you go wrong with this?I wanted to start a blues collection, and I'm so glad that I bought this one.Everyone should get this for a rounded collection of blues!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues-Rock    4. Chicago Blues    5. Modern Acoustic Blues    6. Pop    7. Soul-Blues    8. Soundtrack    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores    10. Television Soundtrack   

Editorial Review

This package combines blues giant Howlin' Wolf's first two albums, themselves compilations of his singles released between 1951 and 1962. Apart from two tracks cut in Memphis with Ike Turner, these Chess Studios recordings are landmarks in the development of electric Chicago blues. The Mississippi Delta native's gruff persona towers over "Smokestack Lightnin'," "Red Rooster," "Spoonful," "Evil," "Wang Dang Doodle," "Back Door Man," and others that have become standards since being "discovered" by the Rolling Stones, Clapton, The Doors, et al. Almost as influential as Wolf's bottomless growl are the guitar playing of Hubert Sumlin and the writing and direction of Willie Dixon. An exceptional twofer value for such a weighty slice of American musical history. Read more

Reviews (23)

Doesn't Get Any Better
My friends, this is the real deal, it just doesn't get any better than this. This is Howlin' Wolf at his gritty, slashin', terrifyin' best, and just about nothing matches the greatness and intensity of the Wolf at his best. Nearly every track is a classic and all of them are superb. "Red Rooster" "Wang Dang Doodle" "Spoonful" "Back Door Man" "Evil" "I Asked For Water..." are among the most well known clasics in the entire genre, but every track is top notch. His voice was truly original (even tho Capt. Beefheart managed to imitate it uncannily well) and likely shocked the pants off the first to hear him. This is such down and dirty, greasy, slicin' blues that it's impossible to think of it as being as "old" as it is. The Wolf was so far ahead of his time that time still hasn't caught up. Though he's had many admirers among rock stars, such as the Stones, he's really never quite received the fame and recognition that he deserves for having been such a genius. THe musicians are wonderful, Hubert Sumlin may be the nastiest blues guitarist ever to grace a track, but it is the monumental, legendary, godlike Wolf who stands out the most.

Amazing music, terrible packaging.
Let's get my only gripes out of the way now--a drunk monkey could've come up with better packaging than what comes with this 2-albums-in-one set. The cover art is sloppily integrated and cheap, the albums are oddly in reverse chronological order (the self-titled album was released in 1962, Moanin' In The Moonlight in 1959), the liner notes are minimal given Chester Burnett A.K.A. Howlin' Wolf's importance to modern blues and the sound quality is so-so (Chess offers a remastered single disc titled His Best, if this bothers you). They even left off a track due to what they claim is CD length limitations, which is B.S. since the whole thing is under 70 minutes and most of the existing tracks are under three. Who are they trying to kid?
Essential Wolf
This is the most essential single Howlin' Wolf CD there could possibly be and would make an excellent first purchase for a Howlin' Wolf novice. It comprises The Wolf's first two long-player releases, both what we would now regard as compilations, and was put out by Chess/MCA in 1986.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Chicago Blues    5. Electric Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Pop