Reviews (2)

Infectious music with no cure
I want to play cuts from these 2 discs and their other CD, SOUL SANCTUARY on a daily basis. I guess I'll be over it in another 2 weeks, once it runs its course.
west coast blues goes to another level
road to rio is the best album of 2006.not just blues album,but,
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop   

Reviews (3)

You Can Smell ThisFUNKAll The Way Down the Street!
and i mean that in a good way!.this set is BLAZIN!.music gumbo is what i like to call it..i got this set too...WOW!....i definitely recommend all Funkateers to pick this up.truly amazing.

No-Brainer Purchase
Finally somebody got it right- to release the best, spaced-out funky-ass rhythm & blues jams from this wildcat often called a "genius" by his peers. The red carpet was rolled out for this lush 2 CD 31 song set (6 previously unreleased!) digitally remastered with a 28 page booklet and a plethora of photos spanning the years 1976-1994. The music matters most but the packaging must be praised. The foldout digi-pack even contains pics of both the front and back of each of the albums covered here. Before becoming a pimpin' funkster Watson was a manic, Texas blues stringer known for his rapid-fire guitar fingers and the classic "Gangster Of Love" (way before Steve Miller copped the phrase). He reinveted himself in the 70s and this set focuses on this fruitful period. All the big hits and key album tracks are here: "Superman Lover" (R & B #19), "Aint That A Bitch", the unstoppable "A Real Mother For Ya" (#5 R & B #41 Pop), "Tarzan", "Funk Beyond The Call Of Duty", "It's About The Dollar Bill", the updated "Gangster Of Love" (#32 R & B), "Booty Ooty", "Lone Ranger", "Love Jones" (#28 R & B), his comeback hit "Bow Wow" & more. Most interesting perhaps are the "new" cuts. When asked by biographer David Ritz about stuff in the vault Watson was quoted as saying: "There's gold in them there hills!". He may be right. "Baby's In Love With The Radio" is a loose funk jam with Watson's laidback vocal delivery- recorded in 1976. On "ET" Johnny says his baby is just like that alien freak! I doubt he means in looks cuz she's a "supernatural" chick. "Feel The Spirit Of My Guitar" is Johnny's muatation of the Peter Frampton track. My favorite is "Don't Be What UC", which has a groove similar to George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" (and especially Snoop Dogg's "What's My Name?"). Here Johnny's tell y'all to stop trying to emulate folks and be yourself. There's also a track unreleased from the "Love Jones" sessions ("Before I Let You Go") and one recorded but unissued from 1994 ("Ain't Nodbody's Business"). But it's just icing on an already triple chocolate cake. The cover sticker says "You don't know *@#& until you've heard this funk!". Damn straight.

superBad FUnkateer
if SuperFly met Richard Pryor's Mudbone then He would have Morphed into Johnny "Guitar" Watson. Johnny Guitar watson mixed R&B,Funk,Blues,Pop into a Stew.this Brother knew Groove&Simplicity. He made it all work while maintaining His cool.He was also a One Man band.Played a Variety of Instruments.talk about a Cat changing musical lanes?? back in the 50's&60's Johnny Guitar Watson was a strong Blues Based Cat.but when the Funk of the late 60's&Early 70's ruled Johnny Guitar watson not only got on board,but also brought His own Brand. this collection captures all of His timeless Jams.He willCrack you up,but also make you think.He was a Pre-cursor to Hip-Hop as well.RIP to a Brother who did his talking with His Guitar. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This Boston-bred blueswoman's follow-up to Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (62)

Who says it won't burn
An awesome Cd.The disc opens with the Al Green influenced memphis soul number Alone, whichalone is worth the price of the disc.Followed by the late Paul Pena's Gonna Move featuring some tasty slide by husband Derek Trucks.(Must be nice to call on the best slide player in the world for your CD) Other highlights include a wicked version of Don't Think Twice It's All Right and a blistering I Fell In Love.Also included are a tip of the hat to Atlanta music legend Bruce Hampton and a smoky Blues on a Holiday.
No Problem
No Problem...that's what I like in a sale.The used CD I purchased was perfect condition and was on time.

Dam girl - you are good!
Ok, i love Susan's music. seen her in person, loved her. i'm an all out fan. her first CD was awesome, and this is good too. (ok, maybe i like the first one better, not sure why) she is blues and rock and jazz, and so very hot. buy it, you'll be glad. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Modern Electric Blues    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

Like Stevie Wonder and Allen Toussaint before him--and Prince and D'Angelo afterward--Shuggie Otis was a musical visionary whose early 1970s recordings showed he could do it all, writing, arranging, performing, and producing some of the decade's most satisfying, innovative, and, unfortunately, overlooked music. This reissue of his 1974 Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (18)

Inspiration Information
WOW! BRILLIANT! GENIUS!
Wow...
This is a great compilation of songs. It is one of the few CDs that I permanently keep in my five disc CD changer. It is one of the few CDs that I can listen to 'ad nauseum' and not get tired of it.
A place between time and space...
Inspiration Information is a watershed album! Not only does this album defy classification, it is arguably one of the most deviceful musical efforts in modern auditory history. It is, without doubt, one of the most creative pieces of art that I own. Otis created an alcove all his own; definitely a byproduct of free reign in the studio, as the music is all over the place, yet right where it needs to be at exactly the right moment. Inspiration Information is a hallmark example of the types of auditory beauty that emerge from creative carte blanche.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Funk    4. Pop    5. Psychedelic    6. Psychedelic Soul    7. Soul    8. Soul/R & B    9. West Coast Blues   

Reviews (15)

Essential blues
You would probably already know that Mike Bloomfield is considered one of the best and most influential white blues guitarist ever lived. Unfortunately, due to several circumstances, and mainly to his character (apparently he was not the kind of person you would get on easily together) and his life style, his musical legacy is spread across several different albums recorded with several different bands and several different solo efforts. Due to the above, even his playing has been wonderful (most of the time) but sometime not so good either. This collection, covering 5 years of his career, includes some of his finest blues recordings, some of which previously unissued gems. If you never heard of him, I believe this is the right point to start with. Hearing him playing the blues at a so young age for sure will make you thinking about what a major star he would probably have been if his life weren't ended so tragically. This is a magnificent collection of great blues that should not be missed by any serious blues fan.

Mikey, We Miss You
If you liked Super Session, Electric Flag, or many other smokin' guitar WhiteBoyBlues bands, this CD is essential. B'Field is possibly one of the finest guitars of all time. This particular CD has a lot of incredible tracks, and very few mediocre ones. This one is a must for those of us who love a killer guitar. Lots of great Bloomers
The early demos are not very indicative of what Bloomers did later but I guess I'm glad its here. The other stuff is great if this is the only Bloomfield album your going to buy. Otherwise I would just buy all the REAL albums and forget the "greatest hits" package. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues-Rock    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    6. Pop    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (4)

Pretty close.
This single-disc compilation makes a pretty good introduction to the legendary folk/ blues musician, Lead Belly. The sound quality is good and comparable to the more recent collection Absolutely the Best, and this CD contains many of the same standards as that album, including "The Bourgeois Blues," "In New Orleans," "Goodnight Irene" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night," as well as additional classics such as "Yellow Gal," "Blue Tail Fly" and "The Boll Weevil Song." The only thing stopping this collection from being indisputably more definitive than Absolutely the Best is the unfortunate absence of "Midnight Special," a song famously covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival in the late 1960s, and probably one of Huddie's four or five most popular songs. My suggestion? If you're willing to shell out a bit more, then get this album along with Lead Belly Sings for Children, also available on Amazon. The latter contains the aformentioned "Midnight Special," as well as a number of wonderful children's songs, spirituals and medleys.

Almost
You can't go wrong with this compilation.For a longer review, see the other reviewer's remarks.Remember no "best of" is best without "Midnight Special", recorded by a kajillion other artists. (Is there a Leadbelly estate?)Be prepared though for the sellers of any compilation including that song to stick a gun in your ribs for the CD(s). If you can afford more money, skip this one for the one with ...you get up in the mornin', you hear the ding dong ring...

One of the very best single-disc Leadbelly compilations
This Cleopatra disc is a great place to start for those just getting acquainted with Huddie Ledbetter. It's not definitive, of course, but these fine transfers of Leadbelly's best-known songs will satisfy most casual fans, and while "Take This Hammer" (a part of the "When The Sun Goes Down"-series) is probably a little more accessible for the casual listener, you can't beat this disc as far as the song selection goes.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Traditional    5. Folk-Blues    6. Folksongs    7. Pop    8. Songster   

Editorial Review

The producers of

Features

• Box set

Reviews (15)

Astoundingly good
If you have ever been to New Orleans, you must have this collection - the best "compilation" of any genre I've ever heard. No city sweats music like New Orleans, and this set really captures the sounds, flavors, and even the humidity like nothing else. So whether you love New Orleans and its culture, or just think you might, or even if you are just curious, buy this and turn it up.

Beyond Marvelous
I knew almost nothing about the music of New Orleans, aside from abit of jazz and blues and a few classics.I ordered this box set on a whim, and was absolutely blown away.
Not Definitive, But Very, Very Good
I listened to this great box set almost daily until Katrina hit. After that, I stopped for awhile because it brought back too many painful memories. Slowly, I am inching back to it again.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. New Orleans Blues    4. New Orleans Brass Bands    5. New Orleans Jazz    6. New Orleans R&B    7. Piano Blues    8. Pop    9. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Houma homeboy Tab Benoit may have snuck up on some blues fans, but his status as the best and brightest of modern Louisiana bluesmen is now too obvious for any to ignore. His swamp-saturated sound and incisive Telecaster attack, also heard on the Read more

Reviews (11)

Gumbo blues
Tab gives one of his best album performances with raw edged blues, Louisiana-style.

In New Orleans the Blues will Never Die
Guitarist Tab Benoit's newest presents a lively aray of cajun flavored sounds -- from straight ahead blues to Zydeco.In the wake of the Katrina disaster it will contribute to our resolve that the spirit and sounds of New Orleans and the Bayou will be seen and heard again.Laissons les Bons Temps Roulez!

AWESOME!!!
This is Tab's best studio CD since Standing on the Bank. I Smell a Rat is the BOMB! Tab is mistaken for a "new" artist. He has been recording since 1992 and only plays smaller venues. This is part of the reason for his limited notariaty. The other part of the equation is his determination to play only blues and not go commercial (rock) with his music. I own every CD he has put out. Each one shows his progression as a guitarist and performer. I think Fever for the Bayou is a return to his earlier music with out all the extra instruments and vocals. If you ever have the chance to see Tab live, do it. The show will blow you away! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Electric Blues    4. Electric Texas Blues    5. Louisiana Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Texas Blues    8. Pop    9. Swamp Blues    10. Texas Blues   

Reviews (26)

Big Trouble is great
My favorite is still Family Party, but that's probably because I've had it for years--I bought it even before my son was born.We enjoy Big Trouble, we just have to listen to it more often to really get to know the songs.We especially like the title song--that poor kid, in such big trouble because the monsters have wrecked his house!

Great, Upbeat Music for the whole Family!
I used to work at a toy store and believe me we had to play some really bad music, but when this cd was on, the time just flew by. Now I listen to this music with my son. It is really upbeat and is something I would recommend when you need to pass the time like when you're in the car or cleaning up. The songs are creative, not the same old sing alongs you get on all the other kids' music cds.

this is so funny!
I HAVE THREE CHILDREN WHEN I PUT THIS CD ON WE LAUGH AND IT'S EVEN FUN FOR ADULTS! I THREW HER OUT THE WINDOW! MY SON WHO WE GOT THIS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY LOVED HEARING THIS ON HIS SCHOOL BUS!HE TOLD ME THAT HE WANTED THIS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY.WELL THANK GOODNESS AMAZON HAD IT AND FOR CHEAP! I NEVER KNEW THAT ORDERING COULD BE SO FUN AND FAST! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Children's    3. Children's Folk    4. Childrens    5. Contemporary Folk    6. Pop    7. The first family release from Trout Fishing includes "When I Was a Dinosaur," "Day Care Blues," and "The Window." The Philadelphia Daily News described the album best. "Songs that treat kids as smart, cynical and obstinate.   

Reviews (4)

Best of Delbert
If you like Texas Twang this one is for you. Great music with rockin' sound. Delberts history with other musicians thru the years is unbelievable but after you hear his music you can believe. The guy the taught John Lennon to play harmonica.Country rock at its best

Whew!
mr.mcclinton's rendition of al green's "take me to the river" left me bug-eyed,drop-jawed andsoaking wet.i thank heavenitself for this man's presence on our planet.

smooth, rough, fantastic
I find his music captivating. His voice is special. He has the ability to surround himself with the best in the business. What a rock! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Progressive Country    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

What Read more

Reviews (119)

The Birth of a Future Guitar Legend
I was introduced to Shannon's music when I saw her open for Lennon on their Acoustic tour in early 2006. It was just her and her guitar, with Paul Lamm on bass and she blew the roof of the place. This woman is amazing and she will be huge next year when her new album comes out!
amazing
I love this woman's voice, wish she would come out with something more recent. This CD has been on heavy rotation on my player for the last two months and does not seem to be moving. Love the raw sound and guitar. Amazing.

A Real Talent But Not Entirely What I Expected
I bought the CD based on the Amazon Recommendations associated with past purchases of blues music, but am surprised to find that it has a strong country sound. Shannon is an amazing talent with a shockingly sound and mature voice, and several of the songs are fabulous, but the tunes with the country sound are off-putting to me. It is a great CD, but proceed knowing that some have a blues-y sound and some have a country sound. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock   

Reviews (8)

IT'S ALL IN THE STARS
good side:lyrically brilliant, musically captivating, wonderful vocal deliveries
Lame-O
I saw Jackie open for Susan Tedeschi a week ago and for the first two songs I was impressed by how talented this guy is.He can play everything and he can play everything very well.He has a great voice with great control, but he's got no soul.The music is very cheesy and predictable.After a few songs, which all start sounding the same, I was so bored that I was regretting buying the tickets to see Susan.I acutally felt sorry for the musicians that he hires because there's no way anyone that I know would want to play this without getting some $$.
Jackie Greene continues to evolve... and impress
Jackie's country, gospel and blues influenced folk music continues to evolve here on "Sweet Somewhere Bound", and he produces his best album in his first attempt under his new label, Verve. Jackie's previous album, "Gone Wanderin'", showed promise and had good individual songs, but meshed together badly as an album and suffered from repetition in places.
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Roots Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (20)

The woman with the voice
I saw Ruthie at the Great Waters Folk festival in Wolfboro NH.She was amazing!After her performance one night I went to buy some CDs.Ruthie's were flying off the table.Despite stacks of them, they were gone in minutes.While looking at others to buy I kept hearing people coming up to the table making the same request, "I want the woman with the voice."Even though there were many much more famous singers there that night, eveyone knew exactly who these customers were looking for."Sorry, we're sold out and waiting for Fed Ex to bring more.The woman behind the counter told me they sold 1000 of her cd's in one day!
Ruthie Foster shares her soul
I've seen her live, I've shared a cup of coffee with her, I've gained inspiration from her because she is lays it out all the time.Runaway Soul captures Foster's incredible soul and voice.We are lucky she is willing and able to share her gift.

Good Yet Different Listening Pleasure
This woman makes you want to sing along while tapping your toes as a witness to a simple yet grooving gospel, soul, blues tune....Both cds took me for a walk with Ruthie ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Blues    3. Country & Western    4. Folk    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop    7. Rip roaring Soul and blues vocals spilling over a folk goblet.   

Reviews (9)

This guy deserves to be heard
It's not surprising that Blind Lemon was the most popular bluesman of his era for when you have the pleasure of hearing him for the first time you are subconsciously captivated by a voice which is obviously blessed with such rare subtle harmony that it can only be desribed as other worldly. Excellent overview
Taking the place of Yazoo's previous compilation, 1985's "King Of The Country Blues", this fine collection of Blind Lemon Jefferson's prewar singles is just about the best on the market (unless you want to spring for JSP's superb four-disc boxset "The Complete 94 Classic Sides"). One of The Original Bluesmen
Along with men like Frank Stokes, Charley Patton, Furry Lewis, Mississippi John Hurt and Cryin' Sam Collins, Blind Lemon Jefferson was one of the original bluesmen. Although it's commonly thought that he was born in 1897, more recent research has suggested that he was born in 1893. During the years of his adolescence, the blues was first beginning to take shape. Songs like "Black Horse Blues," "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean," "Matchbox Blues," "Corinna Blues," and "Rabbit Foot Blues" are all absolutely essential to anyone's blues collection, or to their general understanding of American music. Jefferson's strange and unconventional vocals controlled and dictated what he played on guitar. His guitar playing was highly influenced by the Flamenco playing of Mexican workers whom he lived near during his life. His lyrics are bright, original, often sarcastic and humorous, and great poetry. Unfortunately, both this disc and a Yazoo Blind Blake disc that I have, often skip when I play them. Better luck to others who purchase this Jefferson disc! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Texas Blues    3. Blues    4. Blues Music    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Field Recordings    8. Pop    9. Prewar Blues    10. Prewar Gospel Blues    11. Texas Blues   

Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

The Best!!
Ruthie Foster is THE BEST pure singer I have ever heard.When she sings Walk On and/or Oh Susannah - chills...
Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!
A couple of weeks ago on a stiflingly sultry afternoon at the Texas Book Festival I heard in the distance this incredible voice singing the old Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready."I moved quickly toward it and caught the last two minutes of Ruthie Foster's one hour set at the Entertainment Tent.In those two minutes, the gritty spirituality of her bluesy gospel rendition of that classicgave me the chills, and, I confess, watery eyes.She shook me. I told my wife that she was the greatest singer I had ever heard, and I'm not sure that I would qualify that even now. I ordered two of her CD's as soon as I could get to the internet and Amazon.com.The studio produced "Runaway Soul" is truly great, and I highly recommend it, but "Stages" is as close to perfection as any human has a right to expect.I agree with the other reviewer.It's the best live CD I own, with the possible exception of "James Brown at the Apollo!"Her rendition of "Oh, Susana," is revelatory.Foster discovers beneath the hokey joy of the tradition tune a transcendently beautiful lament.It is a shockingly insightful performance.Haunting.I could go on and on about other great numbers on the CD, but won't.Just buy it and enjoy it.

Stages is Awesome
This is simply the best live album I have heard! Having seen Ruthie Foster live at the Canmore Folk Fest - Stages stays true to her performance and gives the listener insight in to the fabulous range and style of Ruthie Foster - highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1st live album from soul/blues/folk sensation Ruthie Foster. Mixing the sounds ofacoustic jazz, folk blues, power folk and coffeehouse intimacy, it's a bubbling album of passion and elegance.    2. Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (2)

Excellent....but not his best live recording
I was introduced to Delbert McClinton a number of years ago. Being a fan of Austin City Limits, I was watching his TV concert in 1989 and was blown away with his singing and his band's musicianship. A few years ago, I purchased his more recent live album and have given it a few listens, but it did not stick with me. So, when I saw this new live album, I wondered why it was issued. Well, it does add some new cuts from that time frame and Turn On Your Lovelight is just outstanding. So, if you would like to experience a great blues/rock singer in concert, consider this album. But if you don't have his live album recorded on Austin City Limits in 1989, buy that one first....it is an absolute 5 star adventure.

great concert!
This is Delbert in his environment - live, In Texas! There is not a bad song here. "LOVE LIGHT" in particular really kicks butt. Delbert is in fine voice and the band is super tight. Even though this concert is over 20 years old, it ranks as his best live recording. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (3)

nice try
nothing new here, same old worn out blues, nothing that really moves the soul,seems to play it safe, we have heard all of this 40 years ago, nice try

Understands the blues
I recently saw Janiva in Grapevine, Texas and it was a relevatory experience. This is not your slicked-up, bogus blues parlayed by so many. This is gut bucket, down in the dumps reality. Hot singing, hot combo playing, nothing produced or pretentious. If you like the blues, old school variety, KoKo Taylor, Bessie Smith, etc., you NEED this cd.

Easily Janiva's best album to date!
I first became aware of Janiva Magness when I got a promo copy of her 2001 release, "Blues Ain't Pretty" from a fellow programmer at our local community radio station. Janiva's vocals were strong, the original music was great, and I really enjoyed her cover of the Ray Charles/Percy Mayfield tune "Tell Me How Do You Feel". I was hooked from day one.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Contemporary Folk    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

This 2 CD set represents the best introduction to Hooker's trademark sound: one- and two-chord vamps delivered with a hypnotic, perpetual boogie rhythm and accented by reverberating staccato runs and intense foot-stomping. With his deep, rich voice, Hooker electrified the blues of the Delta, bringing the stark, brooding sound to the city and influencing scores of rock musicians. Most of his highlights are here: from early Modern classics "Boogie Chillen," "Crawlin' King Snake," and "House Rent Boogie"; to Vee-Jay singles "Boom Boom" and "Dimples"; to 1966 Chess work with Chicagoans Lafayette Leake and Willie Dixon;to 1971 collaborations with rockers Canned Heat;to performances with modern blues stars Roy Rogers and Bonnie Raitt. Read more

Reviews (14)

492 John Lee Hooker CD listings on Amazon and counting...
A truly original Emperor of the Blues has left behind a legacy that few of us can fathom.Where does one begin?This collection of 31 classic hits, though some 12 years premature to be complete, is an excellent start, and will literally save you hundreds of dollars if you are an avid collector.I might add that you will need that money to own every recording he's made since 1990; they are superb!You will be disappointed if you go out and buy everything out there.You can run into some pretty iffy recordings and collections, and lots of rehashed material pieced together under different titles, especially when rummaging through all the Best ofs and compilations that have been produced over the years, so it is best to stick with John Lee's early and later classics, like Live at the Cafe Au Go-Go and Live at Soledad Prison, and for more recent excellence The Healer and The Best of Friends.My favorite John Lee Hooker treasure is the The Healer Original Master Recording Gold CD B000000IS9.Beautiful.

Get Hooked
Thank you Rhino for doin' it one more time. This fabulous 2-CD compilation, nicely packaged and including a good booklet, profiles The Hook in all his glory. Perfect if you're new to John Lee and an excellent overview for those attempting to efficiently replace several worn-white Hooker LPs, The Ultimate Collection 1948-1990 provides everything except the board he's beating his foot on. Those who would weep and wail that this compilation is incomplete are losing sight of the basic truth about Hooker, he only did one thing. And it was incredibly simple. And he did it over and over and over. Most Hooker songs aren't even structured like songs, they seem to begin and end in vapor. But what happens in-between is nothing short of magical.
I'm teachin' the blues to this cat.
This is a solid collection of songs by John Lee Hooker, spanning most of his long career.It doesn't have every important track by him, but it's the best that's available. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Detroit Blues    9. Electric Blues    10. Electric Delta Blues    11. Juke Joint Blues    12. Modern Electric Blues    13. Pop   

Editorial Review

This two-CD box contains all 41 recordings Johnson made, including 12 alternate takes, and each cut remains a classic. This set's release in 1990 caused quite a stir, selling more than 500,000 copies, and, on the basis of endorsements from Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, introduced a great number of rock fans to Delta blues. Amazingly, Johnson built his enormous legacy on the strength of just two recording sessions: the first session, in November of 1936, produced among others "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Cross Road Blues," and "Walkin' Blues," making it perhaps the most influential single session in blues history.Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (108)

Wonderful
While I have to agree with some people that the second takes should've been put on the second CD, I have to say that it really isn't all that difficult to skip to the next track or put your player on random. The only reason this set didn't get my full 5 stars is because the audio wasn't cleaned up. While I don't mind the old feel of the "dirty" sound, I would prefer to have it clean, just being able to hear his voice and guitar.
of course you need this.
robert johnson is simply a cornerstone of american music. buy it, breathe it in through the ears and feel america pushing up at the soles of your feet. then have a beer. you can call that a good evening, yes sir.

Robert Johnson.....the stuff of legends!
Robert Johnson is probably one of the most enigmatic figures in the history of the blues, or even perhaps in all of American music.In his youth, he was berated and even whipped by his stepfather for not getting behind a mule and working in the fields.....he knew he had a different calling. This calling was his music.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Country Blues    5. Delta Blues    6. Pop    7. Prewar Blues    8. Prewar Country Blues    9. Slide Guitar Blues