Editorial Review

If there is a recording that is required listening for every blues fan, it's this one. Robert Johnson wasn't just King of the Delta blues; he was one of its founding fathers, and these re-mastered tunes are as timeless and important today as they were all those years ago. The songs that passed into the blues canon, to be covered by countless guitarists over the years, are here: "Crossroad Blues," "Preaching Blues," "Come On In My Kitchen," "Walking Blues," and more. And on this particular version of this often-reissued recording, there's an additional treat: a previously unreleased version of "Traveling Riverside Blues." Absolutely essential. Read more

Reviews (28)

good stuff
The initial burst of lo-fi sound alienates everyone at first, but if you get past that the legend is there.Robert Johnson is as every bit as good as he gets credit for and songs are song with a full throated passion and the music features almost every great blues guitar lick ever recorded.Even if you never get past the crappy recording, this is a must listen just for the historical importance of Robert Johnson.

King of the blues!
Excellent transaction, this CD was in perfect condition. I've spent hours of amazing fun listening to this amazing artist. thanks so much for such a great transaction!

How to get the really complete "Complete Recordings"
As other reviewers have commented, this album is great (and is the compilation which in its original LP form triggered the whole British blues boom that lies at the foundation of much modern rock), but you should really get the Complete Recordings instead.However, you will also want the newly discovered alternate take of Traveling Riverside Blues, which is on this CD but missing from the "complete" set.The solution is to get Elijah Wald's book "Escaping the Delta", which gives a fascinating analysis of Johnson's work within the context of his time and environment.Apart from being essential reading for any Johnson fan, it comes with a bonus CD that includes the missing track.Problem solved! ... Read more

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   

Reviews (20)

Worth Having
Probably more interesting for who he is, rather than the music itself.There isn't a song on this recording that isn't done better elsewhere - but Willie wrote 'em and adds his own style and emphasis to each one.The backing is by un-named session players who deliver stock riffs, for the most part.I agree with another reviewer that the harp playing is really good, though I disagree on the piano playing, which comes off as tinkly and pedestrian.Willie is best on "Back Door Man", on which he really rips and which fits his voice to a "T".It's worth the price for that tune alone.The best-balanced song might be "Seventh Son", with a really nice shuffle/swing to it.I was particularly disappointed in "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Little Red Rooster", but given recordings of the original artists (the tunes given to them BY Willie), the bar was pretty high.

The Ultimate Blues Masterpiece
You don't have to look very far to have proof this is a good album. In fact, just look at the tracklist of just about any rock album from the '60's and '70's. Chances are, you'll see a Willie Dixon song off this album. Out of the nine tracks, a good seven have been covered by famous rock bands, be they Jeff Beck (You Shook Me, I Ain't Superstitious), Led Zeppelin (You Shook Me, I Can't Quit You Baby), Cream (Spoonfull), the Doors (Backdoor Man), the Allmans (Hoochie Coochie Man) or the Stones (Little Red Rooster).
He Is The Blues...
Willie Dixon is one of the few that could name an album "I Am The Blues" and not have it be a brash overstatement. Where would the blues be without the songs on this collection, every one of which he wrote himself. The proof is the number of artists that have covered his songs over the years: The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Magic Sam, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Sam Cooke, just to name a few. Willie Dixon was an integral part of the Chess records label and the Chicago blues scene, but also could deliver as a performer. Unlike the Amazon reviewer, I found this collection to be worth getting. While Dixon may not be the greatest blues singer ever in terms of technique, he delivers with heart and feeling, which is what the blues is all about. The backing musicians are talented too; my only complaint is that the personnel and the recording dates are not listed in the liner notes. Aside from that though, this disc is a chance to hear a blues legend play some of his best known material, and if you are a fan of the blues (as I am), you will enjoy this one. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This rocking trove of stylistic innovation spans Elmore James's peak recording years, from 1951 to 1963. In the charging fury of his slide guitar and his screaming voice one hears the echo of fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Robert Johnson, whose local Delta performances in the mid-1930s first inspired young Elmore to play guitar. Johnson's "Dust My Broom"--which became James's signature song and the foundation of his recording career--kicks things off here with the slashing guitar work that helped define the electric-blues idiom, followed by his instrumental showpiece "Hawaiian Boogie." Drenched in Delta-driven emotion, his fiery vocals are well represented on "It Hurts Me, Too" and "The Sky Is Crying", and the classic "Shake Your Money Maker" is one of several dance numbers powered by the raw, driving intensity that marked James's recorded legacy and influenced every slide guitarist working in his wake. Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent Retrospective.
I was a little kid when Elmore James cut most of these tunes and I heard them way back then from a variety of friends and family that picked up the 45 rpm singles.After a while, I moved on and only occasionally was reminded of what a great catalog of rockin' blues Elmore compiled.Then, in the late 60's, I kept hearing more and more bands covering Elmore's tunes. Jimi Hendrix on Bleeding Heart, for example.Then in the 70's the Allman Brothers on Done Somebody Wrong.A few years later, it was George Thorogood on It Hurts Me Too, then Stevie Ray on The Sky Is Crying.This is plenty of proof of just how enduring Elmore's influence is.Each time I heard a cover, it took me back to those old records.Now Rhino has this compilation with most but not all of my favorites and in pretty decent sound - excellent considering the vintage of these recordings.Great stuff.

****1/2. A fine Elmore compilation, but not quite the best
This Blues Masters release from Rhino Records is probably the second best available Elmore James compilation - at least if you want to stick to the single disc overviews.
One of the Founding Fathers of Rock & Roll & Boogie Music
This album is all the classic Elmore James cuts;starting with the ORIGINAL version of "Dust My Broom" with Sonny Boy Williamson on Harmonica. If you really want to hear one of the founding fathersof Rock & Roll & Boogie Music;you got to get this CD!!! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Along with Robert Johnson, Son House, Charley Patton, and others, Blind Willie Johnson was one of the founding fathers of the blues. This 16-song collection features some of his best, most classic work, a distillation of the 30 songs he recorded (all of which are available on Read more

Reviews (14)

Dark Is The Night . Planet Earths anthem.
I'm surprised at some reviewers who diss this man. I feel sorry for them because they obviously don't know what life is all about. Maybe they've forgotten what The Blues means.(to the majority of you who are educated i offer an apology as i explain the obvious) Can we recall originally they were comforting field hollers, merciful petitions to God, descended from ancient African tribalism. The more primitive sounding the bluesthe more authentic it is because it's a vibrant message about LIFE on earth, the pleasure, the pain, the suffering. Blind Willie Johnson IS the Blues!His sound is the closest to the source.It may not be Keb Mo but even Keb, Clapton and all the electric blues giants know Blind Willies contribution was essential. For that reason "Dark Was The Night (cold is the ground)" was chosen as a track which was sent aboard 'Voyager' into the depths of outer space.Please note....it wasn't BB King, SRV, Clapton or K.W Sheppard that was chosen. I wonder why this is?
Great early blues/gospel
Blind Wille Johnson recorded just between 1927-1930 and never again.What a loss as this is powerful moving and influential music. The style is early blues, somewhat of a Son House style, but the lyrics are gospel and his playing has influenced Eric Clapton and many others.A very nice bonus here is that the condition of the recordings is excellent compared to many Charlie Patton, Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson cuts of that era. Genuine classics here.

An Overview of the Great One!
This is a 5 star Single CD disc of the Great One;Blind Willie Johnson. I think they done a great job of selecting his most important cuts over the 3 year (1927-1930) recording period;all Great and the BEST THERE IS!! Robert Johnson is also great but NOBODY matches the Soul and Intensity of Blind Willie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Texas Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Gospel    4. Blues Music    5. Blues Traditional    6. Pop    7. Prewar Gospel Blues    8. Slide Guitar Blues    9. Texas Blues   

Reviews (2)

Genuine houserocken christmas cd
this cd was given as a gift and it was a big hit!

the blues and nothing but the blues!
If you like the blues, look at this lineup of artists.There are no bad songs on this 59 minute CD."Genuine Houserockin' Christmas" is one of the best CD's I've heard for a long time.It's worth more than 5 stars, that's for sure.I know I'll play this one year around. Koko Taylor is awesome.For Zydeco fans, there is even "Zydeco Christmas".Lonnie Brooks is fantastic.I think my favorite is "A Bluesman's Christmas", a song about a bluesman who is on the road and can't be home.I would say a couple songs are not what you'd play for your fiance's parents when they came to visit.Great party music.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Creole    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Modern Acoustic Blues    8. Modern Electric Blues    9. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    10. Piano Blues    11. Piedmont Blues    12. Pop    13. Prewar Country Blues    14. Retro-Soul    15. Slide Guitar Blues    16. Soul-Blues    17. Texas Blues    18. V/A Compilations    19. Xmas Vocal Collections   

Reviews (3)

Not enough respect for the Queen of the Blues
I own a blues bar, and feel qualified to say that the producers have effectively snubbed the one woman who has done more for woman in Blues than any other for the last 35 years -namely by not show - casing Bonnie Raitt on her own- her vocals, slide guitar and songs have inspired all of these artists - at least Susan Tedeschi acknowleges that -
The "Chicks" Can Play ... And Sing!
What's so nice about this set, especially disc 1, is the sensational singing and playing of many unknown Women of the Blues. Although a huge blues fan and a big collector, several of the performers I had not heard of, such as the Lara Price Band, Alice Stuart and Carolyn Wonderland. But I have now, and they are sensational! I immediately went out and bought a cd of Stuart and Wonderland and Beverly Watkins. This is a big time gem of music. SENSATIONAL. Under $15.00 at most places, so, so worth the money. Have a quick listen to the samples and you'll be hooked and off to the store.

nice selection
CD 1 is the electric or "contemporary" cd with deborah coleman, joana connor, ana popovic and 12more. CD2 is the acoustic or 'traditional CD" WITH RORY BLOCK, SUE FOLEY, JO ANN KELLY and 11 more. No matter how deeply you're into the blues, there's going to be some artists and songs that are new to you and you'll probably like more than one artist you never heard of before.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Texas Blues    3. Blues    4. Blues Collections    5. Delta Blues    6. Electric Blues    7. Electric Delta Blues    8. Modern Acoustic Blues    9. New York Blues    10. Pop    11. Prewar Country Blues    12. Prewar Gospel Blues    13. Slide Guitar Blues    14. Texas Blues    15. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (3)

well satisfied
cd was as advertised and arrived in good condition, in a timely fashion.this is the first used product i have purchased on the net and i am very satisfied with the results

Great and varied harping!
Wow!A friend recommended this CD to me (as I am beginning to play), and what a treat this was.Terrific variety in style, and superb playing all around.Especially helpful were the extensive liner notes to the CD, listing each artist and going into their background as well as details about the songs.Really enjoyable reading.I just can't say enough about it if you are looking for a good sampling of harp songs.:)

A fine sampler for the casual blues fan
Rhino's "Blues Masters" series is the best of its kind, and while this one disc obviously only scratches the surface of blues harmonica playing, it does feature a lot of good music.
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Subjects:  1. 40's    2. 50's    3. Blues    4. Blues Music    5. Blues Revival    6. Blues Traditional Collections    7. Blues-Rock    8. Chicago Blues    9. Electric Blues    10. Electric Chicago Blues    11. Electric Harmonica Blues    12. Electric Memphis Blues    13. Harmonica Blues    14. Juke Joint Blues    15. Memphis Blues    16. Modern Electric Blues    17. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    18. Piano Blues    19. Pop    20. R&B   

Editorial Review

Ignore the low fidelity of this 26-track compendium, and you have one of the most interesting gospel compilations ever released. Most of these songs were recorded among a variety of "race" labels between 1926 and 1936, mostly for Paramount and Vocalion. Copious liner notes provide the needed details for each track, along with an essay by label chief/folk legend John Fahey. Soundwise, some of these tunes are indeed primitive--there are more hisses and pops than a Mongolian BBQ. But underneath the surface noises, in tracks by Elder J.J. Hadley (a.k.a. Charley Patton), Washington White (a.k.a. Bukka White), and Blind Roosevelt Graves, there's something magical. Apparently, '26 to '36 saw a newfound interest in sacred street singers that, in turn, inspired record labels to hire blues artists to work under aliases. Whatever the motivation, these tracks are testimonies to a nearly lost era of great musicianship. Read more

Reviews (6)

Just buy it, you'll life will be better for it...
Albums like this make me feel great and really bummed out at the same time. Great because this music is as pure, raw and unpop as you can get, just amazingly real, but bummed because real music like this is gone and dead. At least we have these records of a time before proffesionalism and corporations destroyed music (and everyother art form).
The music's great, find better copies of the 78s to transfer
Obviously the music presented here is really great. My only beef is the really poor condition of some of the 78s used. I know this stuff is really rare, but I bet there are cleaner copies of these records out there. Is it supposed to be important that these are John Fahey's 78s? It's not to me. I don't have much music of this type, but I found a much cleaner copy of the Jaybird Coleman track on an old Biograph LP called "This Old World's In A Hell Of A Fix." Even dubbing the version off this LP would have been better that the severely damaged copy of the 78 used for this CD. I wonder if their Charley Patton CD box set was also produced with poor condition 78s like these?

Another Outstanding Revenant Compilation
Revenant has issued some of the best old music compilations: Dock Boggs' "Country Blues," the Stanley Brothers' first recordings, the Anthology of American Folk Music Vol. 4 (not to mention the upcoming super-definitive collection of Charley Patton recordings: "Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues).Great, obscure music, and inventive, eye-catching packaging.Read more

Subjects:  1. Black Gospel    2. Blues Collections    3. Country Blues    4. Gospel    5. Gospel/Christian Music    6. Pop    7. Prewar Country Blues    8. Prewar Gospel Blues    9. Traditional Gospel   

Reviews (4)

The classic 1960's Arhoolie sessions!
Although these are not as powerful as her Peacock recordings of teh 50's, one should not overlook her Arhoolie sides fro mthe mid 60's(to late 60's).Ball b' Chail is a classic, as well as the Gospel tinged Wade In The Water and Sweet Little Angel(covered fro meveryone from BB King to Etta James).This is a powerfu lset of rockin' blues, and a couple of slower ones too ,but for the most part this is great jump blues and the msuic swings, stomps, and jumps, as well as rocks!Even the slower stuff rocks!Big Mama dodn't recrd too much that wasn't worth listening to ,and aside from her Peacock recordingd. these are her msot essential sides, and are a major highlight of a long lustrious career as a blues diva!Also Mama Thornton has influenced everyone from rock singer Janis Joplin to new blues diva Candye Kane.Thornton was a powerful singer, and this cd should not be overlooked, and should be essential to blues fans.Even myself, strictly a fan of rockabilly music, love all of Thornton's work from the 50's and 60s'.

Exellent rockin' blues and rollicking r&b and jump blues
This cd features Mig mama Thornton hollerin' her way thru a versitile set of jump blues, slow drags, and rockin' blues.Although if you want to make a 1st purchase of Mama thornton start with Hound Dog-The Peackock Recording, as a 2nd purchase you can't go wrong with these somewhat later sessions.Lot's of fun, rough and roudy blues.

there ain't enough stars in the universe .
There just ain't enough stars in the universe when it comes to Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Texas Blues    3. Juke Joint Blues    4. Pop    5. R&B    6. Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues    7. Texas Blues    8. West Coast Blues   

Editorial Review

Mississippi-born blues singer and guitarist William Lee Conley Broonzy had two fairly distinct careers, each of them triumphant and influential. In the 1930s, he brought the rural blues of his Delta homeland to Chicago and added elements of jazz and hokum to create a more sophisticated, urbane, exciting style, essentially helping to pave the way for the Chicago blues sound. By the 1950s, when the electric Chicago sound he helped foster began to blossom, Broonzy had all but left that style behind. Instead, he began to perform traditional folk songs (and the occasional topical original) with only his voice and acoustic guitar and he became a key figure in the burgeoning folk boom. This highly appealing set comes from the latter period and finds him to be a scintillating and smooth vocalist, one capable of generating great emotion without losing his polish. His guitar work is subtly brilliant as well, a silky blend of single-note runs, forceful bends, tricky double stops, and articulate chords. It all comes together in effortless, unassuming fashion. Read more

Reviews (4)

Broonzy's acoustic best
This "Trouble In Mind" compilation from the Smithsonian is the best collection of Broonzy's later period acoustic work. I think this is a better collection than the other 'best of' compilation ("Absolutely The Best" on Varese Records). The remastering on these tracks is excellent and they are the best sounding recordings of Broonzy I have ever heard. The songs here are all of his classics. The only thing that's disappointing is that they left off the track "Never Satisfied", which would have made this the ultimate collection of Broonzy acoustic blues songs. Highly recommended!

Complete album
I preferBig Bill's acoustic work over his electric work. This is a collection of acoustic songs from the last years of his life. He sings blues, folk, protest songs, gospel...all of that in this great collection. Extensive liner notes and the printed lyrics and notes for every song makes this CD a true gem. Includes some live recordings as well.

A great cornerstone to start a blues collection
Smithsonian Folkways did a great job capturing the essence of Big Bill Broonzy's sound. I've heard other albums and this is my favorite. The music is taken at the latter half of his career and establishes Broonzy as a master of the country blues/folk sound. A great album any blues fan should own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Chicago Blues    3. Blues    4. Blues Music    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Pop    8. Prewar Blues   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (4)

Red Hot
Yeah, volume one has CrossRoad Blues.But this compilationhas "They're Red Hot."Johnson at his most upbeat.

Amazing remastered sound!!
I am really pleased that this second volume has come out at last, as I remember getting both volumes when they came out first time round as LPs with their beautiful artwork, which has been faithfully reproduced.But what has really amazed me is the quality of the remastered sound, even better than that on the first volume which was very good.Every nuance of Johnson's voice and guitar work has been reproduced, so youreally feel you are there in that San Antonio hotel room. Included on both volumes are alternative versions of songs which are fascinating to hear, as they are quite different in parts and (to me) show that Johnson was very prone to improvise, which is contrary to the view expressed in the sleeve notes.

Go for the complete set
When you are talking about Robert Johnson, alternate takes are not just alternate takes. This is a genious of the highest order, that was barely captured on disc, in a world then ruled by Jim Crow. Therefore, you want to listen to every single note he put on record eventually. Besides, many of the alternate takes are completely different than the released versions, sometimes different rythms, different words, and some alternates are even better than the released versions. I dont see the point in these King of the Delta Blues CDs when you can go for the Complete 2 CD box set. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Traditional    3. Country Blues    4. Delta Blues    5. Pop    6. Prewar Blues    7. Prewar Country Blues    8. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

Nearly essential for anyone interested in old-time music,Read more

Reviews (5)

Some not so pretty, but mostly Great. I want more from Old Hat!
Inspired by my recent review of Sam Ku West's cd of Hawaiian steel guitar from 1927 and '28, and his version of Memphis Blues contained therein, I decided I need to review this disc which contains a killer Memphis Blues by the Mobile Strugglers.
Stunning recordings, rare music
It's pretty amazing, this late in the folkloric/historic reissues game, to find a whole album's worth of "undiscovered" old-timey music that is of such a high caliber.Old Hat Records, a tiny North Carolina indie label, packs its discs with some of the best music in the style that you're ever likely to hear.(You might also want to check out the "Lost Provinces" and "Folks, He Sure Do Pull Some Bow" CDs...)This disc highlights a rare style of African-American fiddle music, featuring rare recordings by the bands that dotted the southern landscape 'way back when.These groups mixed stringband styles and jazzy jug-band blues and, not incidentally, made some of the catchiest music ever.In addition to great sound quality and great material, the CD is handsomely packaged; the insert booklets include some really cool archival photos, as well as extensive liner notes of the sort that have been woefully absent on similar recent reissue efforts.

An album to live with
This has rapidly become one of my favorite discs.Excellent selection of tracks, excellent transfers, excellent booklet.My only complaint would be that the text in the booklet is not in thesame order as the tracks on the disk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Memphis Blues    3. Blues Collections    4. Blues Music    5. Country Blues    6. Delta Blues    7. Early American Blues    8. Jug Band    9. Old-Timey    10. Piedmont Blues    11. Pop    12. Prewar Blues    13. Prewar Country Blues    14. Ragtime    15. Rock    16. String Bands   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

Will Interest Lovers of Roots Music
A generous 24-track helping of some of record collector extraordinare Joe Bussard's favorites.The examples included run the gamut of early 20th centruy roots music ranging from Hillybillymusic to Blues, Jazz, Jug Bands and beyond.
A total package
I had not heard of Joe Bussard before this collection though I consider myself an avid music enthusiast and budding collector. After having heard this disc (and having read the extensive liner notes) I'm more than a little green with envy over Bussard's collection.
Treasure trove is right!
This title aptly describes this CD of Joe Bussard's collection of rare hillbilly, jazz and blues tunes of the 20s and 30s.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Chicago Blues    3. Blues    4. Blues Music    5. Blues Traditional Collections    6. Classic Jazz    7. Country Blues    8. Cowboy    9. Dixieland    10. Harmonica Blues    11. Hot Jazz    12. Jug Band    13. New Orleans Jazz    14. Old-Timey    15. Pop    16. Prewar Blues    17. Prewar Country Blues    18. Slide Guitar Blues    19. String Bands    20. Swing   

Editorial Review

Best known for his work as a songwriter, producer, and talent scout, singer-bassist Willie Dixon essentially built Chicago's Cobra and Chess labels with his sweat. Although this double-disc set does include five performances by the man from Vicksburg, Mississippi, himself, it's really a testament to his songwriting prowess, packed with recordings that made his tunes classics of blues and early rock & roll. There's Howlin' Wolf tearing through "Spoonful," "Little Red Rooster," "Evil," and "Back Door Man." There's Muddy Waters belting "You Shook Me," "Hoochie Coochie Man," and "I'm Ready." There's Bo Diddley delivering "You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover" and Koko Taylor launching her career with "Wang Dang Doodle." The set features excellent liner notes, and its only disappointment is that its label-centricity excludes Dixon's work for Cobra with then-youngsters Otis Rush and Buddy Guy. --Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (12)

old master of the blues
the willie dixon chess set is a window into the early blues
Willie Dixon was a maestro of imense proportions
I never have understood how some people have an inate quality for music and some don't. Well , Willie was one of those that definately did. It is hard to imageine the blues without the likes of Willie Dixon: the writer, the musician, the producer, the businessman. I listen to his work over and over again , each time learning new nuances I did not hear before.
Great Introduction to Chess Blues
This box is a fantastic introdution to post-war Chicago blues and the key figure behind Chess Records' success, Willie Dixon.I am a huge fan of the Chess box sets, and this one is my favorite.With seminal tracks by blues icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Bo Diddley and Koko Taylor as well as lesser known artists and Dixon himself, this CD is definitely on my deserted island list.If you're only going to have one blues CD in your collection (which would be a tragedy), this is the one to buy.Best of all, for the quality and quantity of music, you can't beat the price! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Revival    4. Blues Traditional    5. Box Sets (Audio Only)    6. Chicago Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Electric Blues    9. Electric Chicago Blues    10. Electric Harmonica Blues    11. Harmonica Blues    12. Jive    13. Modern Electric Blues    14. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    15. Piano Blues    16. Pop    17. R&B    18. Retro-Soul    19. Slide Guitar Blues    20. Soul   

Editorial Review

The premise behind this compilation is somewhat unusual: classic tracks, yes, but classic tracks recorded by John Lee Hooker... and friends. Charles Brown, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Los Lobos, and Bonnie Raitt are only some of the performers who appear here, and the tracks, selected from recordings made by the prolific guitarist since 1988, show that Hooker hasn't lost his touch. Among the highlights, there's a smokin' duet with Raitt on "I'm in the Mood," a rendition of "Boom Boom" with a guest appearance from Jimmie Vaughan, and a reprise of Hooker's 1956 hit "Dimples" with Los Lobos backing up. Mention must also be made of the lone solo track on this CD, the acoustic "Tupelo," which hearkens to Hooker's Delta blues roots. There are also three previously unreleased tracks, which are probably the real reason to get this compilation. Read more

Reviews (13)

***1/2. Polished latter-day Hooker
Author Stephen Thomas Erlewine once said something like this about "The Best Of Friends":
Super CD
Absolutely a gem no doubt about it. You will not go wrong with this cd.

Some Blues Greatness Here
If you love the electric blues and blues slide guitar, this is a must-have album for your collection.Many of the songs are instantly recognizable blues patterns that have set the style for generations of blues and rock superstars.John Lee Hooker is on a par with B.B. King, Robert Johnson and other classic great blues artists.The repertoire of session musicians from the likes of Carlos Santana, Jimmy Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt, and Eric Clapton are not to be missed.John Lee Hooker set a blues standard - get this album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Detroit Blues    5. Electric Blues    6. Juke Joint Blues    7. Modern Delta Blues    8. Modern Electric Blues    9. Pop   

Reviews (4)

The true roots of the blues
In the late 80`s early 90`s,I began collecting early blues discs.It seemed to me that Yazoo seemed to have the most varied collections so I started there.Charley Patton`s King of the Delta Blues was a very shocking and yet positive discovery for me,then I found this one.Imagine my suprise when I picked this baby up.I was floored....it`s a who`s who of the first wave of counry blues artists that were recorded in the late 20`s and early 30`s - Tommy Johnson,Son House,Willie Brown,Bukka White,Kid Bailey.....just incredible.
showcase of the blues' greatest strength
Any fan of the blues will appreciate the enormous influence Charley Patton had over the blues players of the delta, and this appreciation can only be increased by the songs presented here. One of the best blues CD's I've ever owned!Essential!
This is a wonderful blues CD.One of the best I've ever purchashed.It includes great performances by legendary blues figures such as Tommie Johnson, Willie Brown, Ishmon Bracey, Son House, Kid Bailey, Bukka White and others.This is the true Mississippi Delta Blues from the late 20's and 30's.The guitar work is mesmorizing and is a blueprint for rock and roll.There are 5 Tommie Johnson cuts, recorded for Victor, that are superb.He was as good as Robert Johnson, in my opinion.Yazoo captures these classic recordings with all that old Mississippi dirt with some scratchiness, yet the sound is vibrant and alive.Willie Brown's "Future Blues" and Tommie Johnson's "Canned Heat Blues" are worth the price of admission alone.Essential! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20's    2. 30's    3. Acoustic Blues    4. Blues    5. Blues Music    6. Blues Traditional Collections    7. Country Blues    8. Delta Blues    9. Folk-Blues    10. Pop    11. Prewar Country Blues   

Reviews (5)

Excited about the Fonotone set!
I was lucky enough to get to attend the release party for the Fonotone Records box set last Thursday in Atlanta.I got to meet Joe Bussard and hear a band from Tennessee whose family is on the set.I couldn't have had a better time.I bought a copy of the Fonotone set at the show and have been listening to it non-stop all weekend.What a great job Dust-to-Digital did in presenting this music, and what a great job Joe Bussard did in recording it.

A Weak Effort Of A Box Set By Any Standard
Being a fan of pre-war old-time music and post-war field sessions by Lomax and other, I thought that this box, even though pricey, would certainly be worth it.I was, unfortunately, wrong.Though there are some mighty good tracks to be had with this set, it really could be boiled down to one or possibly two discs.Most of the material is tepid and folky and very affected sounding, completely unlike the pre-war material and and authentic field-sessions. Some of the guitar performances byBlind Thomas (Fahey) and B. Sam Firk (Stewart) are inspired but those with vocals by them are downright awful.Plus, adding to the unnecessary cost is the hard-to-read notes and the mysterious bottle-opener...

Hee Haw ain't got nothin' on this!
The Fonotone Records box takes me back to a time in music history I never had the chance to experience.So glad Dust-to-Digital has offered such a diverse sampling of a truly influential era in Southern music history; a chance to connect even further with my Southern roots.
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Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Bluegrass Collections    3. Bluegrass-Gospel    4. Blues Gospel    5. Country Gospel    6. Field Recordings    7. Folk-Blues    8. Jug Band    9. Old-Timey    10. Pop    11. Prewar Gospel Blues    12. Rock    13. Slide Guitar Blues    14. Songster    15. Southern Gospel    16. Spirituals    17. String Bands    18. Traditional Bluegrass    19. Traditional Country    20. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Originally released on Impulse in 1966, Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (12)

Top Notch John Lee Hooker
This is a great John Lee Hooker and probably one of the best blues albums period. The sound quality on this album is top notch (this is not true with all John Lee Hooker material or blues in general). This also includes some of Hooker's best songs, including "It Serves You Right to Suffer" and "Sugar Mama".
It serves you right to suffer
This is the real deal. John Lee Hooker with some of his strongest blues and at a rock bottom price. YOu can't beat it with a stick!

One of John Lee's best...
Don't let the price fool you, this is not some bargain bin compilation, this was an official release from John Lee Hooker, and a great one. This disc is one of his strongest efforts from the 1965-1974 period. There isn't a weak song on here. "Shake It Baby" is one of my favorite John Lee songs and has an awesome high scream from him towards the middle. "Decoration Day" is another classic as is the title track. This CD captures all the moods of John Lee Hooker, the slow and brooding, the uptempo boogie, and everything in between. I would have spent three times as much on this great disc, but for $7 this is a STEAL. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This is probably the best Wolf compilation there is in terms of comprehensiveness and digestibility. The problem with collecting the works of prolific artists is that there's so much material; fortunately, Chess made some good selections. Chronicling Howlin' Wolf's career from Memphis, through Chicago, and on into his later years. There are snippets of interviews, as well as the classic tracks you'd expect: "All Night Boogie", "Howlin' For My Darling", "Evil", "Forty Four", "Spoonful", and "I'd Better Go Now." This box set is a bit much to swallow if you're not already a fan of the Wolf, but if you are, this is a great way to get his best work in one place. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (8)

long album but worth every song
this album is amazing. it's very long, but the songs never get old. i wish i could have seen the wolf in concert. that would be a great chance because he's my favorite bluesman. of course, robert johnson, blind blake and muddy waters come pretty close too but none can sing like the wolf. the best song on here is 'i asked for water (she gave me gasoline)' it's full of humor and makes me laugh every time. what's even funnier is in 'howlin wolf talks part 3' when he tells the interviewer why she g