Reviews (13)

Absolutely great!!
Until I heard Tony Joe White on a blues channel, I never knew he existed.I immediately ordered a CD and have almost worn it out. He is amazing..

Very glad I got this CD!!
What compelled me most to get this CD, was the fact that two of my favorite singers - Elvis Presley and Dusty Springfield, had covered Tony Joe White's songs - Elvis - "Polk Salad Annie", "For Ol' Times Sake" and "I've got a thing about you baby". Dusty - "Willie and Laura Mae Jones". I had heard a little of TJW, before and I liked what I heard. TJW is a very talented singer and songwriter. To be honest, I couldn't put TJW's versions of these songs, above Elvis or Dusty, but I would say that his versions are just as good. TJW has been underrated, as a singer, in my opinion. All of the songs on this CD are very good and I would recommend it to anyone who likes good bluesy soul and country-soul.

Good but not his best
This is a CD that should be in most people's collection.If you can'thave all of the earlier albums then this is a good sample.However as withany Greatest Hits CD's this one has some good stuff on it and some okaystuff on it. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that it ismissing some of the songs that more define TJW than some of these.Songslike "For Le Anne" or "The Father" or his great versionof Dylan's "Copper Kettle". I was surprised that the titletrack, and one of his few instrumentals, "Home Made Ice Cream"did not make the cut.That song is not only short but as TJW as you canget.Read more

Subjects:  1. Country-Pop    2. Country-Rock    3. Oldies    4. Pop    5. Pop-Soul    6. Pop/Rock    7. Popular Music    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll   

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

Although this is his first nationally distributed album, Eric Lindell is probably already tired of hearing himself tagged as "blue-eyed soul." But there is truth in that description. Sounding somewhat similar to Delbert McClinton and, with his lanky frame and scraggly beard, looking a bit like a tattooed young Bruce Springsteen/Tom Waits mashup, Lindell has the pipes, the style, and the songs to break out of his bluesy niche and into the mainstream. Recorded at various times in California and New Orleans with a revolving cast of musicians, Read more

Reviews (6)

Better Than I expected
Fell in love with the first song that I heard on the radio (Change in the Weather).Love every song on the CD. It's a fun CD.

simply excellent
This is an absolutely excellent collection of songs.While it is reminiscent of other blues artists, and there might even be a very slight touch of Grateful Dead influence, the sound is fresh.You won't be disappointed.

AddictingMusic
One of the best pieces of music I have heard in awhile.Not your traditional blues, more of a blend of a number of different types of music.Each song is different, but the CD has a certain rhythm that has you humming long after the CD ends.My favorite is "All Alone", great slow dance song that makes you want to pull that someone special in close and whisper in her ear.Another song, "Uncle John", is another one of my favorites, that has toes tapping and singing along.Highly suggest this CD to anyone who loves music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Pop    4. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Like the late Chris Whitley (to whom the banjo-driven "Handful of Arrows" is dedicated), Kelly Joe Phelps initially built a following through the sharpness of his chops, but would rather be known for the strength of his songs. Thus this stripped-down exercise in musical intimacy draws attention to lyrics set to homespun melodies, with an occasional fiddle, pedal steel, melodica, or keyboard augmenting Phelps's acoustic accompaniment. Though there's a stately grace to country-tinged tunes such as "The Anvil" and "Tight to the Jar," some of his wordcraft is so oblique and self-consciously poetic that it resists translation.From the opening of "Loud as Ears": "Old, dark ruby coats his throat / gloves a feathered mind / sharpens up her fountain pen." Huh? Yet the music is always eloquent, and there's a tenderness to Phelps's Dylanesque phrasing. With three instrumentals among the dozen tracks, he pays tribute to Dave Van Ronk on "MacDougal," with the sort of ragtime picking that made its way from the Mississippi Delta to the Greenwich Village folk scene. Read more

Reviews (2)

Would have been better as an instrumental
This guy is an amazing musician, he rolls his fingers all over that guitar like rain rolls of a rooftop.The music is out of this world and all one can do and sit there and marvel in it.
tunesmith retrofit
so much yearning in that voice -- bottom and top -- no other guitar player can make the instrument swim such deep currents --each release of his is full of surprise and nuance -- and his stories sit with you -- they're full of eyes. "Spanish Hands" and "Crow's Nest" are highlights...
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Folk-Blues    4. Modern Acoustic Blues    5. Pop    6. Slide Guitar Blues    7. United States of America   

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   

Reviews (4)

Amazing Set has only one flaw
Too bad a track listing sheet w/ release date or recorded date & label info isn't included for every track.Other than that, this is a real work of art.

A Truer Title Can't Be Found
This is really the stuff dreams are made of.
The Dead Sea Scrolls of Neurotic Obsessives!
This collection of 78 sides from the 20s and 30s contains rarities from the vaults of a handful of America's most obsessive record collectors. The songs themselves deal with things most Americans still face today - digging ginseng, being terrorized by bulldogs, talking with Jesus, loving chicken, etc. The artists are mostly obscure but you don't need to be a Georgia Potlickers completist to appreciate the music.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Jazz Collections    3. Pop    4. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (8)

Ray Charles Sings for America
This is a great CD.The songs are by far some of his very
Ray at his Patrotic Best
I am the typical patrotic American and I just loved this collection of Ray Charles. Everytime I hear it I get chills up an ddown my spine and a tear in my eye. I would recommend this to every and all Americans.

Only one
Yes a definite Legend!! There a singer in the U.K. named Elkie Brooks, I always felt a duet between Ray Charles and Elkie Brooks, would have been something else. Alas! not possible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop    3. Popular Music    4. R&B   

Editorial Review

In this 2003 performance from the Read more

Features

• Live
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

Not Perfect, but VERY Good!
Ms Tedeschi's rendition of "Angel From Montgomery" is worth the price of this CD.WONDERFUL!!!As great as Bonie Raitt does with the old John Prine tune, Tedeschi does better.Soulful and full of emotion.You feel the emptiness and the desire for that reprive. Just great!

Like a live best of
With material from all her earlier CDs and a Sly and Family Stone cover not previously available, this serves as a live greatest hits or best of. I've seen her a few times live and this is very represenataive of her concert work also. The guitar work is fine but you can see the later material is emphasizing her vocals more than her playing.

Susan Tedeski Rocks!
This is a fabulous CD of some of Susan's best songs!GREAT music with GREAT vocals as well as GREAT "jammin"!!!When you play it in your car, play it loud with the windows down to really appreciate it!!!!You'll be "jammin", too!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. R&B    6. Roots Rock   

Reviews (5)

Great Canned Heat Compilation and Great Sound
This CD is great!It contains the very best and most comprehensive collection of Canned Heat singles.And, the recorded sound is extraordinary...much better than the original releases in most cases.If you like Canned Heat, whose legend continues to grow, then you will LOVE this CD.

The Bear is There
This album is by far the best compilation out there, if you wish a good solid concise overview of one of maybe a half-dozen bands who could make po bedevilled blues lovers like me and my friends git down on our knees and cry! real tears! because they were (and remain, dead or alive) one of the absolute best blues bands ever. The respect these guys had for their material is evident in every song, and they practiced long and hard, obviously, to get the sound they wanted. Buy this, at any price between ten and fifteen bucks, I'd say, it's worth it. You might want to pick up "Future Blues" as well. Contrary to what some revisionists now say, that was the LP we decided was the ultimate blues album, back in the day. Noone would never top that.(After awhile on our knees, weeping again)...I've haven't heard any better since.

The Very Best of Canned Heat
For fans of Canned Heat this is the best!! ... Read more

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

Reviews (15)

Great Seasonal Album
This is one of the most impressive period albums I own.Wonderful for the holiday season.Will miss it during the rest of the year.

The Most Beautiful Sounds I Have Ever Heard
A fluid and seamless piece of heaven that transcends all classical and holiday music. This is an OUTSTANDING non-traditional Holiday CD!!!Many voices come together as one in these enchanting verses sung in languages other than English. It is just enough language mix to appease and intrigue the soul but not too much so that the listener does not understand the lyrics.For example, the English verse is sung then a verse in German and then back to English.Emmanuel is written this way.Other languages include French (Angels we Have Heard on High) and even Catalan which is a dialect of Spain. Beautiful and Precise
When I was a kid, we used to listen to this album every Christmas (on vinyl).We often contrasted it with a Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas album we also had, the Mormons good for rousing anthems, Robert Shaw for more intimate and moving and, I think, more beautiful evocations of the Spirit of Christmas.Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Easy Pop    7. Holiday    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Piano Blues    12. Sacred Choral Music    13. Secular Choral Music with Keyboard (or Continuo)    14. Vocal    15. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Editorial Review

With a slate of more than 200 shows a year, Ben Harper has never been an album-tour-album-tour kind of artist; for him and his fans, the stage is the ultimate proving ground. So after four studio albums, Harper has finally released his first official live set, a 25-song double-disc collection that surveys each of his four albums and adds a couple of well-executed, if not terribly inventive, covers. Disc one is electric and finds Harper and the Innocent Criminals tearing through their patented mix of rock, folk, soul, and blues. Yet, the solo-acoustic disc two is the true prize, putting the spotlight squarely on Harper's incredibly agile, versatile, and enormously moving voice. In this pared-down setting, Harper shows an uncanny ability to connect with his audience, offering one spellbinding performance after another. Culled from two years' worth of shows--no two songs are taken from the same concert--Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (82)

worthy
this recording doent fully convey the essence of his concerts. there are better recordings of each song one can find on morpheus or limewire. It is worth the money spent however, i just found that there were a lot more worthy performances of his out there.

To dig his music, you must bleed
Harper is one of the most eclectic and soulful artists that I've heard in my life and each time I listen to this live concert, it turns me inside out. When I am unable to understand my rage, my pain or pride, my bleeding, my state of mourning, my yearning for a lover, I play Woman in You, and I howl (shamelessly) along with Ben Harper, without censoring my fall and then my rise.
Best Live Album
If you have never heard any Ben Harper, or if you are the world's biggest Ben fan...this is the album for you!The double disc set really shows off Ben's versatility, grace, and style.This is one of my favorite albums of all time...it always makes me feel like I'm right at the show.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Jam Bands    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Import

Reviews (4)

Long John's best
I first saw LJB in a local club in West London in 1964. In those days he was the main man and a moody young guy with a big nose sang when Long John wanted to take a break. His name was Rod Stewart- I wonder what happened to him?. Another of John's sidekicks, Reg Dwight, changed his name to Elton John (the John was in honor of Baldry) and I believe had some success in later years.
Notes from Wardour Street
This album was my first exposure to Long John; my oldest friend Mike had (and still has) a penchant for scouring used record stores and came home with a slightly used, well cared-for copy.He played it for me and I was hooked.That was 33 years ago and "It Ain't Easy" still stands as my favorite blues rock album.The humor he throws into "Conditional Discharge" (and later in the title track of his next project, "Everything Stops for Tea" ) speaks on a personal level,while the power of his vocals, keyboarding and the guitars of Ron Wood and Sam Mitchell gives raw pure emotion to every track.
Contravening a breach of the Peace
Sadly coinciding with the death of LJB, this is as good as it gets.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. British Blues    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

Gentle, graceful, subtle, sweet--these aren't descriptions generally applied to the blues, but they offer a sense of Mississippi John Hurt's uniqueness and enduring legacy. Rediscovered during the 1960s folk boom after last recording in the late 1920s, Hurt cut the three albums compiled here when he was in his early 70s. His conversational phrasing sounds as natural as breathing, while his ragtime-tinged fingerpicking on acoustic guitar reveals more complexity the closer you listen. Beyond blues classics like "Candy Man" (the sly sensualist wasn't referring to lollipops), Hurt's range encompasses everything from folkish narratives ("Talking Casey," "Spike Driver Blues") to Southern spirituals ("Nearer My God to Thee," "Farther Along"). Though Hurt died in 1966, shortly after the last of these sessions, the music still sounds so fresh, you can almost hear the twinkle in his eye. Read more

Features

• Box set
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (15)

Classic Blues
This compilation of Mississippi John Hurt's Vanguard recordings are classics. These albums were recorded in the 60's after he was re-discovered by a music industry full swing into folk, blues, and "old timey" music. The audio quality is superb, the songs are timeless, and the voice is amazing. A must have for any serious blues fan. Robert Johnson is not the end all, be all of delta blues. Check out Mississippi John Hurt.

A review and a question
First my review:
John Hurt recordings should be a Schedule One drug
John Hurt is without a doubt my favorite bluesman. His guitar work is seamless. If you'd like to buy some blues for easier listening, get these. Blues is to often absrasive, but all of that disolves in Hurt's world. This music is terminally infectious, and will most certainly carry me to my grave. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Traditional    5. Country Blues    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

New Orleans-bred folk-bluesman Smither has few peers. As a musician he's expanded the six-strings-and-foot-stomps delivery of John Lee Hooker into an elegant, original style that draws as much on the sweet jazz melodies of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt as the spidery swing of country bluesman John Hurt. And his writing has a poet's eye for detail, as when he's pondering mortality on the disc's title track. There's also a gentle, sincere quality that comes through the dusty tones of his voice, until he drops it to a mean-eyed growl to capture the soul of characters like his "Crocodile Man"--loners condemned to live in the dark neglected corners of their own hearts. But for much of this album, Smither's coming from a happier place, where love and life are full of possibilities, and his blues are just another way of expressing joy and wisdom. Read more

Reviews (14)

Best CD yet from a great singer/songwriter
Be sure to check out Chris's cover of Crocodile Man!
Can listen to this over and over
I bought this CD shortly after it was released, and I don't get tired of listening to it. It's pleasantly folksy, the lyrics and tunes are interesting, and his singing voice is just different enough to keep my attention. It's a very relaxing CD, even though the songs aren't particularly slow. It's a keeper.

I want to own this music!Will shop tomorrow!
Tonight as I was driving home (again) I heard "Crocodile Man" on NPR.Although I hadn't heard anything about this album, I knew immediately that the foot-stomping artist was Chris Smither (having seen him in concert at least thrice)...but I also knew that the song was...Dave Carter's!This momentarily confused me, but I kept listening, and trying to figure out who is the female vocalist singing back-up (could it be Tracy Grammar?).Yes, Chris Smither has an amazing knack for making songs his very own, doesn't he?What an astonishing talent!If you haven't seen him in concert, I highly recommend the experience.And I'll buy the album tomorrow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Folk & Traditional    4. Folk-Blues    5. Modern Acoustic Blues    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

Harper's soulful musical mix continues to defy genre categorization and his growth as an artist continues to amaze. Read more

Reviews (123)

A combination of blues, jazz and hard rock
I love Ben Harper and this has to be his most creative CD yet.You can find Bens classc acoustic sound to high gain slide guitar to the delta blues and even some jazz.It is one of my favorites now.

Burn to Shine is a fantastic all purpose album....(4.5 stars)
Most of us in our mid-20's went through that Ben Harper phase around 2000 when he started touring campuses around the nation and the buzz built.Some of his other albums have come and gone but Burn To Shine is his masterpiece that will forever endure.It's his most even album and I still listen to it semi-regularly 5 years later.
Rockin
I had heard "Steal Your Kisses" on the radio and fiogured I'd see what the whole album sounded like.I am not disappointed.What a great artist.You can really feel the emotion in his music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Guitar    3. Guitar (Steel)    4. Jam Bands    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

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   

Editorial Review

"I've been to hell and back, I'm still looking good / I've found the fountain of youth, I've got the blues in my blood," sings Guitar Shorty on "Blues in My Blood"--one of the more autobiographical tracks, albeit one he didn't write, on his second Alligator album in three years. After working for decades with little to show for it, Shorty makes up for lost time, charging through unapologetically tough blues rockers such as "Sonic Boom," "Can't Get Enough" (not the Bad Company tune), and "What Good Is Life?" with the rough-and-tumble enthusiasm of someone half his 67 years. There are few surprises here--Shorty's throaty voice pummels through these tunes, pausing only long enough to make room for his fat, fluid leads to slice into the powerhouse rhythm section. Subtlety is not Shorty's strong point, and even when he accompanies himself on "Cost of Livin'" with just guitar and a tapping foot, it sounds like he's a caged tiger before feeding time. The title track concerns the average laborer's tough life, but this is primarily a blues album tied to the usual subjects of nefarious women doing Shorty wrong. In fact, his ex's phone prefix in "I Got Your Number" is 666. But nobody need look for profound lyrical insights when Shorty slings his molten guitar, pouring his psychedelicized solos like lava over anything in his path. Just push play and get out of the way. Read more

Reviews (3)

He is what he is.
GS is what he is. Either you like him or you don't. Or you think he's ok. That's my point. If you like his previous music, buy this disc right now, you won't be disappointed. If you don't like his previous work, don't buy this disc. If you think he's ok, wait until someone puts up a used copy on Amazon for half price. Follow my advice and you will be happy whichever group you are in.

Where'd the blues go?
Somewhere along the line Guitar Shorty lost the meaning of the word 'subtle" when he hooked up with Alligator records. He just pummels through just about every song - loud singing, guitar playing, smashing drums, etc. Where's the blues? This is a rock CD.He has had some fine releases this past decade that mixed blues and rock but now he's moved to almost all rock. This is not his forte and this big change in his sound might gain him some new fans but leaves old fans like me puzzled.GET BACK TO THE BLUES!

Shorty Stands Tall Among Blues Guitar Gunslingers
I stumbled upon Guitar Shorty's previous release 'Watch Your Back' and I have been hooked on him ever since. Couldn't wait to get my hands on his new CD 'We the People' and a 1st listen confirmed my urgency. If you like testosterone drenched blues guitar, this recording won't disappoint. The cuts are raw, the musicianship stellar and the lyrics are contemporary to the difficult times we find oursleves in. I saw him lives at Buddy Guy's club in Chicago this past April and was blown away by Shorty's Guitar playing and the talent of his band mates. An interesting note on Guitary Shorty, he helped school Jimmy Hendrix in his early days. This CD won't disappoint, you'll get more than your money's worth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues    6. Texas Blues    7. United States of America   

Reviews (3)

great, but...
This smells like a "She's left our record company so we'll put out a best of" package.Fortunately, Susan Tedeschi has done so much quality material on Wait for Me and Just Won't Burn that this disc is a blinder.The two bonus tracks are really nice. This could have been great with a little digging, but...
A 5 Star collection...but where are the extras?
Looking over the song list, this is a fine CD capturing most of her high points in one place. It would be nice to get some early demos, outtakes, rarities, for those of us that have been with her from the outset.
The BEST from the BEST!
I first heard Susan on public radio KPLU in Washington state (www.kplu.org) on their weekend blues shows a few months ago.I was intrigued by her voice and guitar talent and quickly added her "Just Won't Burn" CD to my blues collection.This CD (The Best of Susan Tedeschi - Episode One") picks the cream from "Just Won't Burn", and adds more great tracks from other albums (which I am in the process of ordering now).Every track on this CD is great.Great variety too -- hard rocking blues, covers of old standards (Don't Think Twice, It's Alright ), fantastic slide guitar on "Looking for Answers", incredible vocals on "It Hurts So Bad", "Gonna Move" - a catchy tune that brings a smile to your face, and a sweet tender song (In the Garden).I have listened to this CD over and over on a just-ending week-long driving trip and it's just great every time I listen.This CD has now joined my "desert island CD collection" as one of my top three picks (other two are "Kind of Blue" and "Time Out").I'd hate to have to pick just one of these three - I can listen to all of them over and over and over! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Mississippi John Hurt recorded 13 country-blues songs for the Okeh Electric Records company in 1928. Then he vanished. Actually, he never went anywhere. Indeed, he never strayed from his hometown of Avalon, Mississippi. He simply put the guitar down. It was the Great Depression, times were tough, money was scarce, and he needed to work. Nearly 30 years later, a blues enthusiast tracked him down, took him back to Washington, D.C., and suddenly Mississippi John's musical career resumed as quickly as it had finished. He recorded again, but these first songs from the late 1920s--with John's melancholy voice and hypnotic guitar playing at its most inspired--are his greatest musical accomplishments. Read more

Reviews (26)

Mellifluous early blues recordings!
Mississippi John Hurt recorded only 13 songs before returning to a life of obscurity and hard work on a farm.Of these 13 songs recorded in 1928, 11 were penned by John Hurt with the other two being traditional spiritual numbers ("Blessed be the name" and "Praying on the old camp ground").The recording quality of these Okeh recordings is simply fantastic, and have the best recording quality I have heard from this era.A little hiss is heard (very little) and not much else.
Avalon Blues; Complete 1928 okeh recordings
If you like to hear Mississippi John Hurt, this is a very good
sweet sweet blues
This is simply the smoothest blues i've ever heard. His incredibly fluid and smooth playing style is like a steady flow of water. Im also amazed at how one man could create such a sound with a guitar and sing at the same time. This music is also incredibly happy sounding for blues, the lyrics are rather sad, but the pretty way he sings them makes it very sweet sounding. This music reminds me less of the old delta blues (even though thats what it is) but sounds more like music from the hills, almost as if there is a folky feel to it. This is definately a great addition to anybodies blues collection, and i thoroughly suggest anybody who is interested in the blues to check this out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Pop    9. Prewar Blues    10. Prewar Country Blues    11. United States of America   

Reviews (12)

The quintessential Christmas recording
This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise.Who am I to dispute that?The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.
A Top List Christmas CD
I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year.It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection.The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements.Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best
I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers.I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony.This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite.The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control.Buy and enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Easy Pop