Editorial Review

One of the best recordings in Chess Records' 50th Anniverary series is the first of two bookend Muddy Waters collections, Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (21)

The foundation of hard rock is right here!
If it weren't for Muddy Waters, hard rock might look totally different...if it would have even come about. So many classic bands took inspiration from Muddy or covered his songs. Just look at the Rolling Stones (who took their name from one of his songs and covered "I Just Wanna Make Love to You"), the Allman Brothers ("Trouble No More"), Aerosmith (who covered two songs on their recent HONKIN' ON BOBO), Ted Nugent ("Baby Please Don't Go"), Eric Clapton ("I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man") and many others.
"I gotta ax handle pistol/On a graveyard frame/That shoots tombstone bullets/Wearing balls and chain"
Anyone besides me love this line? Anyway...
There really isn't much to say.
I don't see how anyone could improve. In a talent competition he'd obliterate the competitors on his first note. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Revival    4. Blues Traditional    5. Chicago Blues    6. Delta Blues    7. Electric Blues    8. Electric Chicago Blues    9. Pop    10. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

Recorded for a television program of the same name back in 1983, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (109)

A Classic...
This is a classic jam performance by two masters of the Blues.
Albert King In Session
I heard the song, "Don't Lie To Me" on a local blues station one night and was blown away.I don't typically write reviews, but this album is superb.I will boldly state that I think Albert King is better than B.B. King, and I am not alone in this belief.Stevie Ray Vaughn and Albert King create magic on this album.I enjoy Albert's playing so much that I typically skip past the SRV song (second song on the album) and continue on with Albert.Do NOT miss out on the enjoyment this album will give you.The sound quality is absolutely top notch, and the songs are great.Buy it and enjoy!

Mutual Admiration Society
It is clear that these 2 men liked each other and enjoyed trading solos. However,it is alsomuch more of an Albert King showcase, with standout performances of Ask Me No Questions, Don't Lie To Me , and Stormy Monday. What I like most about it is that it sounds so much better (i.e. dynamic and modern) than most of the old Albert King albums. This album really captures thehigh energy and power of a remarkable singer and guitarist(Albert King), and you canhear the musical roots of where Steve Ray's sound came from. It was misleading to list 11 cuts on the album , since 4 are simply fragments of conversation between the 2 guitar heroes. However the songs are lenghty, for example, Blues At Sunrise runs over 15 minutes,andthose conversations add to the overall feel of a live concert , even though it is a studio recording., Theonce in a lifetime combination of these 2 icons on the same album make this a real collector's item for blues fans ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The real deal is that this is not so much a hits package as a hyped collection of songs that made the charts, album tracks, and rarities like Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pipeline" duet with surf-rock king Dick Dale. (At least SRV completists no longer have to buy the God-awful Read more

Reviews (59)

Best introductory SRV
If you are new to SRV and looking for a great sample of his best work, this is the album for you.Selections are among the most intense blues ever to burn from SRV's guitar. The recording quality is top notch - including the live cuts.

Blues Done Right
Stevie Ray Vaughan was getting better by the year,never playing the same song quite the same way twice.He was the best of his kind.King of texas blues.Mr.Vaughan came to a tragic ending in a plane crash after fighting a life threatning drug addiction.Such an abrupt end for such an amazing person.
Not as good as Volume 1, but very solid
What you have here is Volume 2 of the Best of Stevie Ray Vaughn.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Electric Texas Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Modern Electric Texas Blues    6. Pop    7. Popular Music    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop    10. Texas Blues   

Editorial Review

Marion "Little Walter" Jacobs is perhaps the most influential harmonica player on contemporary blues, and his collection is a great place to start. He was trained by Muddy Waters, but brought a more swinging feel to blues. Muddy and his band accompany Little Walter on many hits, as do Robert "Jr." Lockwood, the Aces, and other Chicago greats. In the 1950s, Little Walter's popularity eclipsed even Waters', his style a little more relaxed and pop-oriented. Walter's versions of many songs are the standards: "Blues with a Feeling," "You're So Fine," "Juke." Great stuff. Read more

Reviews (18)

This sure is blues!
Little Walter had an amazing harmonica sound and style that was all his own and could never be duplicated. Man, is this some hot stuff. His first record, "Juke", an instrumental is just, to quote another title of his, "off the wall." Yeah, there is a number that's called that which is on this CD. Absoultely what the blues is all about. Songs like "Sad Hours" and "Off the Wall" are practically Little Walter and the band sittin' around and jammin'. Check out the guitar lick at the beginning and the through the whole of "Sad Hours"; classic blues lick. Some other cool stuff is "Tell Me Mama", "Blues With A Feeling", "You're So Fine", "Mellow Down Easy", "My Babe", "Hate To See You Go", and especially "Boom, Boom Out Goes The Light." That one's a regular jam session, too. This is how music was made and appreciated to these guys. They just played as and what they felt. If you're learning about the blues, don't forget one of the supreme harmonica players of the genre: Little Walter.

Best 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 Little Walter album in their collection and you can't go wrong here. Another option is Chess's "The Best Of Little Walter" which features only 12tracks compared to the 20presented here (personally I give a huge nod to this cd based on track slection, overall sound & price on zShops). But for those of you whohave a few extra dollars around, I strongly suggest passing on both single disc releases and opt for the 2 disc set "Essential Little Walter" on the MCA/Chess label. "The Essential" boasts 46 tracks and is more comprehensive than either single disc release. It may be out-of-print, but well worth the find.

Almost 5 stars!
Great collection, but I am missing Little Walter's cover of Willie Dixon's "Dead Presidents" which is on the Chess Box Willie Dixon Collection - why wouldn't it be here? Chess owns the rights to the song, and it's a magnificent representation of Little Walter's powers as a blues musician. Other than that omission, it's perfect! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Electric Harmonica Blues    7. Harmonica Blues    8. Pop    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Californian Etta James decided against accepting filmmaker Martin Scorcese's personal invitation to sing at The Blues gala in New York in early 2003. The well-celebrated soul and blues queen makes amends here with what is one of the most blues-centered recordings in her expansive discography, bringing her big, no-nonsense voice and her feisty, proud woman's point of view to bear on classics, many identified with Chicago. The likes of Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'," Jimmy Reed's "Hush Hush," and Muddy Waters's "Got My Mojo Working" may be hackneyed choices, but she seizes each of a dozen as her own, and clearly, as she says herself, these are the blues songs that touch her the deepest. No argument here. Read more

Reviews (12)

Top Notch Blues Package
A really movin' blues collection by Ms. Etta.Found myself toe tappin' to all of the tunes.As always, she is top notch with her range, and the musical accompaniment was superb. I highly recommend this CD to all who love the blues.

Still Queen of the Blues
I attended a live performance of Etta James in Washington, D.C. in the early 1960's.I've enjoyed her music since. I was delighted when Amazon placed her latest CD, Blues to the Bone, on the market.Etta is right on, ranging from a plaintive "got my mojo working but it don't work on you," to a sultry "Lil' Red Rooster" and "Crawlin King Snake," and closing with a jocular "Honey Don't Tear My clothes."The voice is deeper but the range of expression is still there.

This lady is just simply one of the best!
This is one of Etta James' best recordings.She does more for the blues than just sing them, she makes the listener feel them.Girlfriend still has "it" and it's such a pleasure to hear her wonderful voice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

As authentic as the lines on his forehead and his droopy eyes, veteran bluesman Charlie Musselwhite gets better with age. (At 62, he's a respected survivor with dozens of albums to his credit.) On Read more

Reviews (1)

Blues Lovers Must Not Miss This CD!
As anyone who truly loves the blues already knows, the music of Charlie Musselwhite is as authentic as it gets!I've loved Charlie's music for well over a decade, and I have to say I am really excited that this CD captures his "Mississippi roots" better than any CD he has released in years!For those who are new to Charlie's music, this is the one to buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Delta Blues    3. Electric Delta Blues    4. Harmonica Blues    5. Juke Joint Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This soundtrack to the movie features an astonishing array of blues artists from three generations. Recorded during one long night at NYC's Radio City Music Hall on Feb. 7, 2003, the electricity is in the air and on stage. While it may not have been the finest blues show in history, the collection of founding fathers such as David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Buddy Guy, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Larry Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Solomon Burke, and the ubiquitous B.B. King along with their spiritual offspring (Gregg Allman, John Fogerty, and Steven Tyler) and some usual suspects like Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, andKeb' Mo', makes it arguably the most significant blues session ever captured on film.Read more

Features

• Live
• Soundtrack

Reviews (14)

The perfect CD to Drive too!
This CD is the actual performance of the DVD, which I also have and play at least once a week. You can't possibly get bored with this and you won't want to miss one song. However I highly recommend you get the 2 disc companion, so you know the history behind the making of this well produced and presented concert. Abosolutely genius!!!!!!!

Great variety of artists
This event certainly had a star studded lineup and there aremany highlights with Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes. Angelique Kidjo, BB King among the many winning performances. The only negative is a poor rap antiwar piece towards the end that just isn't a celebration of the blues or the many diverse artists that produce the blues. There may be a forum for this but this ain't it! The many highlights drown out this so 4.5 Stars.

If you enjoy the blues, you need this cd
Great music, good mix of artists.Could have done without a rapper trying to turn "boom boom" into an anti-war statement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues Gospel    3. Blues-Rock    4. Country Blues    5. Electric Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Folk-Blues    8. Modern Electric Blues    9. Pop    10. Rock/Pop Collections    11. Soundtracks    12. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (58)

SRV Is The Man
SRV has to be on the short list of greatest guitarists ever. He is amazing. This album is one of his best, it is just awesome. This man could play and this album really shows off his skills. Great album.

Healing with passion
Mr. Vaughn's recovery from addiction comes through loud and clear while he loses none of the passion and style that made him so popular to begin with. Every song is like a self-portrait of an man who has finally found the way to real success. The songs are upbeat and make you want to dance with the newfound joy of the artist.Some of the best that SRV has to offer.

SRV - In Step
I just wanted to add some info for anyone who's considering buying this but is not completely sure:
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Texas Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Texas Blues    8. Pop    9. Popular Music    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop    12. Texas Blues   

Editorial Review

Though the name "Indigenous" reflects frontman Mato Nanji's heritage as a member of the Nakota tribe, on Read more

Reviews (17)

Mato Rated with SRV, Clapton,. Hendrix??
This is what the front of my new Indegenous cd says. Early on, there was Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Then later Carlos Santana and SRV. Heres a new name to throw on the blues rock alter Mato Nanji.
Another great release from Indeginous
I thought the previous self-titled offering from Indeginous's was their best effort to date.This is right up their.Not a big departure from the last but maybe a little bit more diverse.I will say Mato's vocals have caught up to his guitar abilities on this one.His best vocal work to date.A lot of heart and soul on this one.As always the guitar work is awesome.
INDIGENOUS... THE BRIGHTEST SHINING STAR IN BLUES ROCK!
I will talk specifically about this CD in a moment, but first let me start by addressing all the comparisons you hear of Indigenous to Stevie Ray Vaughan, or more specifically comparisons of the guitar playing of Mato Nanji and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Yes, their guitar sound and style is similar, and yes there is no doubt that SRV was exceptional on the guitar. However, although there are many that do, I am not one that raises SRV to the nonsensical level of a guitar demigod who will never be equaled. That is simply ridiculous. And lets be real, there are many examples of music artists who receive this conspicuous importance only after their untimely deaths. We all loved SRV and may he rest in peace. Now, fortunately for us Mato Nanji is alive and well, and I am just going to come right out and say it, Mato is every bit the guitar player SRV was, and dare I say better? And I in fact much prefer the songs and music of Indigenous, and the guitar playing of Mato Nanji. Mato's guitar playing just has a sound and fluidity, which to me just sounds much better than anything I've heard from SRV. Mato's guitar playing is powerful, skillful, soulful and if you really love great blues guitar music you may often find the combination of Mato's voice and guitar playing a moving experience to listen to.
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Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Modern Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Texas Blues    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Features

• Live

Reviews (28)

"Mr. Crapdock on the kickoff......"
When I initially heard this the moment it came out I loved it having seen Cream in '67&'68 and following Sir Eric through his many changes since 1966.This is the best you can get mixing the country/blues styles of Delaney & Bonnie with the rock/blues/soul of Clapton.And Bonnie can really belt it out as she does on many of this CD's numbers.I love that the backing band are the Dominoes who hadn't officially formed yet.I wish that this could be remastered and re-released as the entire show and maybe even a DVD because I have a copy of the Denmark show which is fantastic!!

A Holy Relic of the greatest era of Rock
So many people have discovered this album by accident, usually attracted by 'with Eric Clapton' under the title. Some great raunch and R&B on this album, it's a blast to listen to. A little sloppy at times, but that's what live shows were like before everyone copped an attitude and shows became choreographed and epic fireworks displays.
Why don't more people know these guys ?
D&B were the preiminent white R&B singers. They counted as fans Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Dave Mason, etc. etc.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Soul   

Editorial Review

Jeremy Spencer was part of the creative heart of the original, pre-Buckingham/Nicks Fleetwood Mac--a talented songwriter and slide guitar foil to the estimable Peter Green, blessed with the sweet, high voice of a teen idol. Thirty-five years after his departure from the band to find God, and twenty-seven since his last solo recording, Spencer still has that angelic voice and a touch on slide guitar that makes Read more

Reviews (5)

Precious is right....
Precious Little is simply a wonderful blues album.The slide guitar work on it is amazing and Jeremy Spencer's voice has held up remarkably well.After all these years, Spencer seems inspired again.I hope this album is a taste of more good things to come.
worth the 35 year wait !
Amazing.35 years after literally dissappearing from the music scene, Jeremy Spencer pops up with a brilliant new album. His voice hasn't suffered and his slide playing is better than ever. Mellow and bluesy, these songs will transport you back to the late sixties when Fleetwood Mac ruled the British blues scene. Reminds me of the Kiln House album and Spencers solo record from the late sixties.The backup band does a great job on all the tracks, but it's Spencers slide guitar and vocals that take center stage. Some blues, some 50's style rock, all Jeremy! One can only hope he decides to tour.

Closed my eyes and I was young again
I read that Jeremy Spencer released a CD and I couldn't wait to get to the store.It exceeded ALL my expectations.The slide and that voice, I closed my eyes and heard, with excitement, the sounds I heard when I first got turned onto Fleetwood Mac in 1969.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. British Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Editorial Review

The blues master's 80th birthday gift to his fans is his third all-star collaboration. Its dozen tunes are a mix of classics and obscurities from King's past. They include commendable versions of his signature "The Thrill Is Gone," with Eric Clapton trading vocal lines and licks, and Howard Tate's "Ain't Nobody Home," with Daryl Hall answering King's gritty growl. There are obscurities, too, like "Tired of Your Jive," with a jocular Billy Gibbons, and "Hummingbird," transformed into a melodic gem with the assistance of John Mayer.Read more

Reviews (20)

B.B. Doesn't Need Help Like This
B.B King may be one of the best bluesmen alive but a collaboration album like this is not his forte'. This formula was put to much better use some years ago by John Lee Hooker with two very good albums ("The Healer" & "Mr. Lucky")with a MUCH better selection of guests.
The best
Listen to it constantly.Went to his birthday concert.At 80 he is still rockin!

In great voice... and a few songs really hit the spot.
B.B . King can pretty much do whatever he wants at this point; he really has nothing left to prove. The fact that this CD can still reach for some higher level with the obligatory guest star packaging is a feat in itself. While I feel some of the choices here lack inspiration, (Clapton or not, do we need another version of "The Thrill is Gone?")there are a few cuts that stand out and they are worth a listen.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Memphis Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Soul-Blues    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

In a brief interview that precedes this CD's four bonus tracks--all unreleased gems from the original 1984 sessions--Stevie Ray Vaughan makes the point that "music used to be more based on common everyday occurrences like a train's sound going down the track ... a horse walking." Then he comes on with a version of Freddie King's "Hideaway" that chugs like a locomotive. There's also a heretofore unheard slide-guitar-powered "Give Me Back My Wig" and a blueprint of what became Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (34)

Unoriginal, but enjoyable
Whether you know it or not, you've heard an LP like this before. But the difference between Couldn't Stand the Weather and other similar LP's; you'd be hard-pressed to find a better guitarist than Stevie. That being said, don't expect to shelve your Allman Brothers Band so you can devote your life to the music of SRV. However, you should expect to enjoy this every time you hear it.
Hendrixian Genius
For a person who has so many opposite characteristics to Hendrix - white, right handed, slightly overweight Texan - he sure shows alot of similarities to the legendary guitarist; proof that looks, race and location have no effect on good music.His playing style consists of the same adventurous stage ploys- playing behind the back, through the legs, and everywhere else- while also containing the ability to go from hard hitting romps to soulful ballads and still be the master of the instrument.Hendix covers by SRV always stand up well to the original and stand as a tribute to the first master."Voodoo Child" holds it's ground extremely well, but no one can do the opening wahwah riffs as well as Hendrix.After a only decent opening, the song opens up as a masterpeice that hits harder than the original.
****1/2. Even better with bonus tracks
While not quite matching the greatness of Stevie Ray Vaughan's debut album, "Couldn't Stand The Weather" is a terrific album in its own right.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Electric Texas Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Modern Electric Texas Blues    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Texas Blues    10. United States of America   

Reviews (4)

MUST SEE MUST HEAR
I HAVE ALL OF ALBERT'S CD'S I HAVE SEEN HIM LIVE 3 TIMES. HE PLAYES A FENDER STRAT THRU A VIBRO KING AMP.HE CREATES A TONE UNLIKE ANY OTHER. YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PICTURE STEVIE RAY ON STAGE. A VERY TASTEY TREAT FOR ANY LISTENER.

Mr. Cummings' best effort (so far!)
Within all the blues-rock guitarists out there, I believe that Mr. Cummings deserves to be considered as one of the best and his second album published by Blind Pig Records surely proves it. After three CDs in which the accent was stronger on the rock side of his music, this time the balance has moved towards the blues and the final result is excellent. Not a bad song to be found in here, they are all good and you will not be tempted to press the skip bottom of your CD player at any time. Up-tempo, classic Texas blues, shuffles but also slow numbers in the menu. And it is especially in the slow ones that Mr. Cummings gives his best as in "Let Me Be" and "Rumors" that for me are the two best songs of the album. I would say that Working Man is his best effort so far, so if you are already his fan you shouldn't miss a second and buy it, if you are new to Albert's music this is the best point to start from. Without any doubts a full 5 stars CD!

Another excellent blues cd from one of the new stars
ALBERT CUMMINGS seemed to capture the feel of SRV very well on his previous CD and it was excellent ( even if a bit derivative ). This one is a lot less SRV and a lot more CUMMINGS. Not one dud track and a consistenly high standard throughout. Definetly one of the best of the current crop of white electric blues man. If you like the guitar and the blues, this is a must have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bass    2. Blues    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Drums    5. Guitar (Electric)    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Pop    8. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Stinging urban blues by way of Texas and Memphis distinguish Robert Cray's major-label debut, which followed three strong independent releases. Here he fleshes out his sound with bursts of brassy Southern soul courtesy of the Memphis Horns, but keeps his pungent, steely guitar solos out front in an engaging dialogue with his plaintive vocals. Released in 1986, Read more

Reviews (32)

Robert Cray's Smoking
Robert Cray is last in the line of great bluesman. He took the torch of BB King and Albert Collins and made something special. It is a rocking blend of stax, r&b, and memphis soul. There really is no one to compare it to, today. His singing is outrageously soulful and a throwback to Bobby Bland. His guitar playing is literally unparalleled, even with his relavtively short solos. There isn't much he can't say with one note, and white blues players simply pale in comparison.
fantastic breakthrough album
Very few albums truly merit a "5 star" rating (handed out on amazon.com like they're going out of style nonetheless, but I digress). However, in the genre of modern blues and soul this is certainly one album that deserves all the credit it has received. Every track here is catchy and will get your head bobbing - the melodies and grooves are that good. On top of that you have Cray's fantastic guitar tone and licks, as well as his strong, soulful voice. Not much here is new (after all this is the blues we're talking about) but Cray manages to make each song sound distinct and uniquely attractive. Blues purists may sneer, but music lovers who value good melody and passionate vocals will love it.

Outstanding release !
When Robert Cray came onto the scene it was a time for Metal and even though I was and always will be into Metal this Album was a breath of fresh air.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Retro-Soul    7. Rock    8. Soul-Blues   

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

With his chocolaty cool, soulful Memphis croon and sure sense of melody, Robert Cray has never been considered a straightahead bluesman. His often interchangeable albums have instead stayed closer to R&B, adding compact, stinging lead guitar to songs about matters of the heart. That formula remains, with minor variations, on Cray's 14th release, rather confusingly named Read more

Reviews (12)

Robert just Grooooooves!
Ok, I want to write this review in regards to Robert who to me has the most wonderful voice ever! I say this because as a guitar player He makes you realize just how good he can be and versatile in his playing, But its his voice that blows me away every album he does he gets just better! This album is different and he shows this on "my Last Regret". It makes me want to sip some whiskey at an all night blues club and groove until the sunsets! It brings back the originality of blues and what it is to play blues. Hes a master and all his albums have gems on them. this is no exception, its a great album and if you like Robert(and his band) or blues remember hes been around a long time and keeps pushing out killer albums. Poor Johnny and Twenty about a soldier in iraq is very appropriate. and sad because im a veteran and have felt used up and wondered where do i go from here.. and have had trouble dealing with my life after the army!. I can serve my country and fight but cant get a job at a wal-mart here!. promises they dont keep anymore is so true ! This is a true album and one of Roberts and his bands best! he really thought about these songs!Him and his ole Fender!im a fan of his for life!he soothes me!and cools me! from "i know you will"! hes just cool!

Three and a half stars
More of the same from Mr. Cray & Company. Noteworthy that the album is strong all the way through; not the usual front-load & then drop-off you get from most artists. Twenty, his "protest song" is effective because it's not pedantic, but in Robert's usual "slice of life" style. They even throw in a waltz time. Read some of the other reviews here as well. We're pretty much all saying the same thing.

Average Robert Still Great
Like Van, or the Stones, Robert Cray has a formula that works for him. I am a huge fan and have been since day 1. I like the silky, smooth vocals and Stax/soul feel to his brand of blues. He does however need to branch out a little. Maybe back to some Chicago blues or swing a little but he has sounded a tad 'repeated' on the last few discs. I'd like to see his voice highlighted more (EX. "Don't Break This Ring"...from 'A Shame and a Sin', incredible) and his guitar work put to the forefront. Yes, a little repepitive but 'already done' Cray is better than most stuff out there. Love to hear a live album from him!! Check yourself back into the 'Done We Wrong' motel lyrically, leave the politicalmusings to others. Don't get me wrong, a great disc, but no new charted waters musically. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues   

Editorial Review

Of all the side projects cooked up by for