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Soul Fixin' Man was the first Luther Allison album recorded on American soil in 18 years, and it reminded the stateside blues community why this Paris-based expatriate was once considered one of the very best of Chicago's second blues generation. He builds upon that reputation with Blue Streak, a follow-up which is even bluesier and more guitar-oriented than its predecessor. If the previous disc emphasized Allison's Wilson Pickett-like singing, this new one focuses on his Albert Collins-like picking. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Soulful vocals and Icy crisp guitar Blues!
When this cd came out in 1995 it was one of the top albums on Guitar World's magazine year end list and for good reason! Excellent production, deep stirring vocals, Icy guitar playing and an excellent band added to a great cd! A favorite on The Crazy Coyote Blues Power Show 1490 KOTY AM (1490koty.com) Yakima Nation Radio in south central Washington state.

This will be one of your favorite CD's
Luther Allison's Blue Streak is simply one of the best blues albums around. There is not a disappointing track on the entire CD. From the infectious wood-block beat of "What have I Done Wrong" to the heart-wrenching "Cherry Red Wine", Allison poured his heart and soul into every cut. The combination of Allison's powerful vocals and virtuoso guitar playing blend perfectly; neither takes the back seat to the other. If you have never heard Luther Allison, give this CD a listen. Then, like me, you'll be a fan and want to have all of his CD's. Rest in peace, Luther.

In your face and about time!
Buy this album! Luther Allison is the real deal. As an avid blues lover, I can put this album in the "essentials" category of modern blues. Kind of like one of those "If I were stranded on a desert island" kind of records. You will not be disappointed. Luther sings with grit, determination, and a been-there attitude. Plus, his guitar will kill you! Not much more to say except: BUY IT!!!!

Better than "Restless"
Watch out! "Restless" gathered much more acclaim, but this CD is just as good if not better! There's a lot of heart and soul, as well as electric blues on this one. It's too bad Luther passed away just as he was really hitting his stride.

an intense orgy of eletrical guitar climax
One of the ultimate albums to own in your blues collection. Luther pours his soul into the songs and drags you in with him. A must for anyone who loves music. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Jimmy Reed's hits from the original master tapes
This was Jimmy's best selling album ever but the title is very misleading in that these are all studio recordings, not live recordings, which means they weren't recorded at Carnegie Hall, but the tracks are in the order he performed them at a Carnegie Hall concert one week prior to recording the first dozen in the studio of this double album.This is actually the first time all of the original master tapes of this album were used as the songs recorded in mono were on all previous issues in rechanneled stereo while the true stereo tracks on this disc have always been in true stereo on every release.Steve Hoffman searched high and low for the first generation tapes of each song on the album in the Vee Jay vaults and as a result, Audio Fidelity has issued the definitive release of the album.Audiophiles and casual blues fans who like quality sound must pick up this issue of Jimmy Reed At Carnegie Hall as it contains most of his biggest hits in the best possible quality sound due to the work of Steve Hoffman. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Awesome live blues guitar
Albert was at his best live...This is awesome guitar playing and Albert's singing is awesome as well. One listen to this and one realizes that Albert King is truly THE master of the blues guitar. ALL songs are excellent! "Don't throw your love on me so strong" is the VERY BEST BLUES GUITAR PLAYING I've ever heard and that includes SRV, Hendrix and the rest of King's followers. He was the BEST!!! Thursday Night and Live Wire/Blues Power are also MUSTS!!!

Hot Blues!
Albert King recorded this CD on Wednesday June 26, 1968, one day prior to his more popular and better known release, "Thursday Night In San Francisco". This disc represents the first day that Albert performed at the Filmore as the headliner. Prior to that time, he had appeared as the opener for Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Albert's "best" performance that evening, as well as the next day, (according to Stax anyway) was originally released by Stax on the "Live Wire/Blues Power" CD. The songs contained on both, the Wednesday and the Thursday CD were thought to be a cut below and were not included. Fortunately for us, Stax took another look at the material, albeit 22 years later, and released the remainder of the material as it occurred on two separate discs. In order to gain a full understanding as to what occurred on those two nights, King fans should purchase all three of these excellent recordings. As with the other two discs, King's performance is outstanding.

Live proof that Albert King's blues guitar voice is unique.
This album is typically overlooked by blues fans, even Albert fans, but it's a note-perfect document of how to deliver a live blues performance. Albert has such total control of the blues guitar vernacular unique to him that he can ply a range of emotions through a subtlety of pitch, dynamics, and timing that is probably unmatched. The uninitiated listener mistakes this control for repetitiveness, but the flawlessness of Albert's delivery makes his blues guitar voice undeniably compelling nonetheless. All the evidence is on this record. ... Read more

Album Description

Reissue of classic album by this folk-blues band fronted by Corky Siegel and Jim Schwall, remastered and featuring the original artwork. This album, originally released on Wooden Nickel Records in 1973, features 10 tracks, including 'I Think It Was The Wine'. 1999 release. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My favorite.....
Ok, I couldn't wait to review this one. This is my favorite Siegel-Schwall album. It's the one I would take with me to a desert island, if I had to choose just one. Why? Well, the songs are all so well played and the writing is the most mature of all thier records. Jim's "I Think It Was The Wine" is a great story song and features one of the best guitar solos he ever played. Just superb. Corky gets a harp solo in there too and it compliments the song so well, it just sounds seamless. "Just Another Song About The Country Sung By A City Boy", besides being the longest song title in the band's canon, laments the spread of urban sprawl, unchecked growth, pollution and traffic choked city streets. "Reed Zone" (Psychiatric Institution Blues) is a number about a fellow bent on suicide ('Bring me my shotgun babe, bring me my sleeping pills') and Big Bill Broonzy's "When I've Been Drinkin'" tells the story of a fellow who's had a few too many and just wants to sleep it off. Jim's acoustic finger picked guitar and vocal and Corky's harp accompaniment combine to make this a standout track on the album. This album also features drummer Shelly Plotkin's only vocal and songwriting appearance on a Siegel-Schwall record ("Good Woman"). All in all, a great album and a satisfying listen.

Oh, yeah. Jim Schwall told me it's his favorite too, so there ya go.

blues chicago style
A great album in the chicago blues style. One that stands the test of being as enjoyable to listen to today as when it was new. an ideal choice for the lover of this style of blues and anyone who just wants a feelgood listen. I have worn out two copies on vinyl and am looking forward to hearing it again on the cd reissue. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

What the blues is all about!
This is the first review I've ever written so I'll be brief. If you don't like music don't buy this album, that is the only excuse I can think of not to buy this album or any of Tab's stuff for that matter.

Mr. Himes needs to spend more time in New Orleans contemplating why he is wasting everyones time writing reviews. I'm sure he doesn't like Stevie Ray Vauhn, Cool John Ferguson or BB King either. What an idiot! If you don't like the blues don't review the blues. This album is awsome.

Tab's third
One of my favorite Tab albums. His own material is great, and he covers the "Alberts" to a T. This guy (from Houma, LA by the way) has with "Standing on the Bank" recorded a master piece. But he is even better live. Catch him at the Rock-N-Bowl on a Saturday night, and get blown away. He plays really hard - usually pops at least 4-5 strings per show. And on home turf he doesn't want to quit, and will go as long as they let him. Go see him when he comes to your town!

Great Stuff!
I don't generally comment on other peoples reviews but after reading Mr. Geoffery Himes review, I avoided this cd and opted for "These Blues Are All Mine" instead. Then, Tab Benoit came to town and put on a little show. Not only was he a fantastic performer, but I realized that several of the tunes he was playing, and which had the audience in a frenzy, were all songs off of this cd. In fact, at the show, Benoit sold every copy of this cd that he had brought with him. Shortly after the show, I came back to this cd and reread Himes review. What is this guy smoking? The cd is excellent and may well be the best that Benoit has produced.

Benoit's mastery of the fret board is astonishing and, as one writer commented, "the man knows more chords than Six Figures Mandel and is able to make them all sound like Uncle Paul could play them".

Oddly, and again contrary to Himes comments, Benoit's least likeable song on this cd is "Rainy Day Blues" with Willie Nelson. Not that it is a bad song, but it just doesn't fit with the rest. Don't make the same mistake I did and rely on Mr. Himes, buy this cd today.

Gooffy Himes review earns less than 1 Star!
Pay no attention to Mr. Himes' Blues Snob review! Tab Benoit delivers great, gritty blues guitar and vocals throughout this CD. This IS the blues Geoffy! Don't believe it? Just catch Tab's live show some Saturday night in New Orleans and watch him pack'em in. If the blues is about energy & passion...Tab is a FIVE STAR BLUESMAN!

Great Guitar Album
I started listening to Tab Benoit several years ago and his music is GREAT. His live shows are better...If you enjoy great guitar music and thought out lyrics I highly recommend any Tab Benoit album. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Live collection?
All the best live albuns are those which brings a complete show, with something special and different from a studio recording (B.B. King recorded two historic live albuns, "Live In Cook County Jail" and "Live at Regal"). This is why a collection of live recordings sounds a little bit strange. But we are talking about B.B. King, a legend of music and a great entertainer, and this album brings a good sample of his energy and charism in stage. This album covers a wide range of years in King's career, and it's a good introduction for those who are starting to appreciate blues.

Midnight Blue
Unbelievably scorching 2CD set of the best live blues you're likely to hear in your entire life--as most of the other reviewers allude to, the first CD is the killer; ostensibly because it covers B.B.'s early years.

It's especially useful for those of us who don't fancy the idea of buying every single one of his live albums due to limited budgets, and it's equally useful in a 'greatest hits-live' notion.

The second disc suffers a bit by comparison--the duets come off as novelty status at best, but that doesn't mean B.B. isn't phenomenal for his part. Check out 'Sweet Little Angel', 'Don't Answer the Door', and 'Worry, Worry' for a classic blues primer.

Classic BB.. Superb collection of blues by the King !
This 2-CD set is full of classic blues numbers performed exquisitely by BB. All performances are live and that adds to the excitement and sheer beauty of the music. Every number, on both CDs are worth listening to. Most of the music, specially on CD one, is superb. Stuff like, "Sweet Little Angel", "Buzz Me", and "Baby Get Lost" evoke sheer joy. The number two CD is not quite as good as the first simply because there are duets with other artists. However, if you want to listen to great blues music and sample the work of an American great don't hesitate to get this set.

B.B.'s at his best live. This is the best of him live. Enjoy
This is great big band B.B. The classics, like Chains and Things and The Thrill is Gone, are a little heavier than their studio counterparts, and they sound great. But an even better argument in favor of this two-disc set is that there isn't one bad song. Some are better than others, but they're all good.

Great for B.B. fans, spectacular for those that want to be. Enjoy.

B.B.'s best 'live' sets!
Great performances of the bluesman,that won a Grammy this year! If you want to know something about the work of this eternal King,then buy this cd,and you'll not be disappointed! Really the first cd,is better than second.It's more bluesiest! But all the two are good and you get a view of B.B.'s peformances,on stages all over the world,and the guests performances,enriches the work.Perfectly,sensual,emotional..... ... Read more

Amazon.com

More fun than any tribute album has a right to be, Stoned Immaculate is clearly a labor of love that manages to embrace the spirit of the Doors without regressing into parading a line of Jim Morrison impersonators through the studio. Much credit goes to producer Ralph Sall, who--in addition to setting up collaborations between the surviving Doors and an array of artists from John Lee Hooker to Days of the New--also breaks out the beats and samples to create a few "new" Doors tracks. While Sall is no Fatboy Slim (despite the winking nod to "Bird of Prey" during the fadeout of "Under Waterfall"), his reconstructions add texture and variety, especially when the late William Burroughs steps up to the mic. But the true highlights here are the more organic collaborations: the three remaining Doors backing Bo Diddley and Ian Astbury; an unexpectedly great "Love Me Two Times" from Aerosmith; and Stone Temple Pilots helping Kreiger and Manzarek "Break on Through" even harder on a track that threatens to transcend the original. Hell, even the weaker contributions beat out Jose Feliciano. Come to think of it, if the Doors are still auditioning Morrison replacements (Kevin Coyne and Howard Werth no longer being available), STP's Weiland, Creed's Stapp, or the Cult's Astbury all acquit themselves well enough here to warrant an offer. -- Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Cosmos of Doors, in music and words
In a cover CD, the musicians should to some extent preserve the basic texture of the songs. Forget fully punkified or fully disco Doors, or electronic boredom or totally altered feel. Yes to imagination and originality, improvisation and interpretation, perhaps somewhat altered structures, and of course spirited performance. On Stoned Immaculate, this is accomplished. However, about one-third of the CD features remixes of studio session music, much with Jim Morrison's singing and/or poetry or chants, and often overdubbed by recitations of Doors lyrics or poetry by other artists, and special effects. Following the "Roadhouse Rap" by Jim, none other than John Lee Hooker (Crawling King Snake, yes!) chants with real feeling as a terrific studio session rendition of "Roadhouse Blues" rolls and rocks. The effect is overwhelming. Jim's words and chants, Doors music in "Under Waterfall"--gorgeous. The Doors in "The Cosmic Movie," Jim speaking, background, oh, such a trip! Other tracks with William S. Burroughs, Perry Farrell, and Exene getting into the act. This stuff is excellent, and alone justifies getting this CD, but the overall very strong quality of the covers combines with that to make Stoned Immaculate a must.

Indeed, the little so-so cover material is far outweighed by the very good and excellent tracks. Bo Diddley does a terrific bluesy, and sort of soulful, version of "Love Her Madly," opening with a variation of the "Who Do You Love" riff. Aerosmith's "Love Me Two Times" is quite well known as a strong cover version of Robby Krieger's great hit, but there is much more, and many numbers have at least one surviving Door joining in. "Wild Child" and "Hello I Love You" both have heavier textures and more forcefulness than the originals. But Days of the New makes the strongest contributions among the cover groups. Its version of "L.A. Woman" is superb, very hard-driving and with fabulous singing by Travis Meeks, as well as original ideas. The group also performs the last track, fittingly, "The End," the strongest cover of all, and most original. Robby Krieger and John Densmore are among the musicians. With Robby's and the other guitar sounding more eerie and sitar-like and Ron Wagner's tablas, this track has compelling atmosphere, subtly preserving and magnificently embellishing the original. Just what one is looking for. It's all cosmic--The Doors, Jim Morrison, and so many in their orbit, in words and music, past and present.

A Rousing Success
Let me start by saying I'm 18 years old so I can't claim to possess the amazing Doors experience that some of the older fans received by actually seeing them in person. All I have is the albums (and the bootlegs wink, wink), and along with Zeppelin and Aerosmith I consider them the Holy Trinity of Rock N Roll. Encomium is the tribute cd by which all others should be measured, so how does this hold up? Pretty darn well I must say! Several good points were raised regarding some of the weaker points on the album, which is why I didnt give it a five. I'm not too familiar with Train, but wow, they just butchered "Light My Fire". I happened to like the Smashmouth version of "Peace Frog." It seemed to be just the right merging of pop music and that Morrison vibe we all love. Yeah, some of the sampled stuff is a bit unnecessary, but look at the high points: STP's cover of "Break on Through" is a sonic assault that currently has me questioning which lead singer I like singing it better, the highest compliment to a cover I can give. Creed's arrangement of "Rider's on the Storm" transforms a mellow song into a rising crescendo much in the vein of "Stairway to Heaven." Outstanding stuff! Other highlights include Aerosmith's raw "Love Me Two Times," the hard-hitting "Wild Child" performed by Ian Astbury of the Cult, and Bo Diddly turning in a funked out intepretation of "Love Her Madly." As it states within the liner notes, this is an influences album, and any fan of The Doors should buy this just to see how omnipresent Jim and the gang truly are in today's music scene.

Good Tribute, Could Have Been Better.
The Doors remain one of the most influential bands of all time and so it seems fitting that big names like Creed, Stone Temple Pilots and Aerosmith would pay them tribute, and they do it with flare and gusto. The album is a great exhibit of the theater, poetry and sound The Doors brought to rock music. Yet, this album could have been much more. First let's look at the performances. Stone Temple Pilots open the album with a stylish, energetic "Break On Through" that serves as great modernization of the song but also a loving homage to the original. One of the band's stellar tracks (especially when you look at their recent material). Creed follows with another masterful cut, their "Riders On The Storm" pulses and builds, it is a perfect hybrid of the Creed sound and Doors spirit. Robby Krieger here adds a great slide guitar solo. Train kills the mood with a horrible "Light My Fire" that totally loses the timeless essence of the original and makes the lame assumption it is nothing more than a hippie tune. Smash Mouth delivers a fun "Peace Frog" that keeps the spirit of the original with a little modern fusion of what one can see as hip-hop and semi-Punk feels. Days Of The New also delivers with an exhilarating, edgy "L.A. Woman" (eventhough I would have preferred Iggy Pop here considering he was the original rumored name for this song). Aerosmith burns and grinds with an awesome "Love Me Two Times" that stands as the best cover of this song ever performed. The Cult proves to be a metal band of great magnitude with "Wild Child," a burning cover that retains the tribal feel of the original. Ian Astbury delivers one of the best vocals on the record. Some have given a bad look towards the combination of John Lee Hooker's vocals with Jim Morrison's for "Roadhouse Blues," this is not a bad track though. It's a great blues jam with the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea on bass. William S. Burroughs delivers his last recording here, the grandfather of Punk reads a loving homage to Morrison in the form of his poetry. Oleander (whatever happened to them?) gives a not so-great "Hello I Love You" (U2 would have been perfect here). Ian Astbury of The Cult performes an unwanted "Touch Me" while Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction and Exene Cervenka of X read some more Morrison poetry (why not sing a duet?) while Bo Diddley presents a rather boring "Love Her Madly." Days Of The New finish with a rather fresh, alsmost hypnotic "The End." It seems that the first half of the album works while the second feels lazier. Oh, the Burroughs track is great and "The End" rocks, but do we honestly want "Touch Me?" Why not "People Are Strange," "The Crystal Ship" or "When The Music's Over?" Even a Blondie "Moonlight Drive" would be welcome. "Five To One" was recorded by Marilyn Manson but was kept to be used a B-side for his "Holy Wood" album (great track too). "Under Waterfall" and "The Cosmic Movie," remixes of Doors samples are interesting, but not as interesting as it would have been to see maybe U2 or Pearl Jam deliver a track. If one looks at the current Ramones tribute album, one sees what this one was missing: More bands performing. Hell, where's Jim Carroll? Iggy Pop is sorely missed as well as all of X and Jane's Addiction, or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Garbage could've done a track. The plain truth is, a fanatic Doors fan like myself expects more from people who supposedly want to keep Jim Morrison's legacy alive (is Bo Diddley really the best way to introduce "Love Her Madly" to a new audience?). I say a re-make is needed, Danny Sugerman and Ray Manazarek, the most feverent keepers of the flame, should've thought of more to add. Reportedly, a new Doors album is in the works, let's hope some of the mentioned abscentees can make it.

When the Stoning's Over
Okay, now whats with all this dissing of Tarin's cover of Light my Fire? I'll admit, it doesn't compare with the original, but it's a hundred times better than Jose Feliciano's wretched mangling! I mean, at least Train seems to understand the lyrics! And everyone here is bashing STP, Stappy, and The Cult for trying to imitate Jim, but Train just makes the song all new and different! Enjoy it for Mojo's sake! (Although I dearly miss the Organ intro)
Now the others...
STP's Break on Through blew my socks off! It's possibly better than the original! Wild Child is better than the original, and vies with Break on Thru for #1 song on the album! Riders on the Storm is excellent, as is Smashmouth's Peace Frog. Exene and Farrel give an interesting spin on Celebration of the Lizard, but it is lacking in Jim's trademark screams, moan, whines, and wails that made me jump in my seat the first time I heard it.
Love Her Madly is excellent, Touch Me is a good cover of a so-so song. Hooker's Roadhouse Blues is uninsired. the band sounds top notch, but all he does is repeat what Jim says, and not very interestingly.
LA Woman and The End are also excellent, and Love me Two Times is AWESOME!
In all, an excellent album, but misiing some of my favorite. It needs a cover of the Crystal Ship (Tori Amos! She could have handlesd the piano solo beautifully!), Soul Kitchen (PAUL MCARTNEY(!) or U2) and Five to One (Yes, we all know Manson did a cover, but how about getting Eric Clapton to give it a whirl!)

All in all, a worthy buy.

The Lizard King is Smiling...
A smokin' tribute album, but even more IMHO...I bought it just to see what the "new breed" was doing with these classic songs. ...I was floored to hear Scott Weiland fronting the original members with a new version of Break on Through, my first experience with the Doors some 30 years ago. A very trippy, psychedelic interpretation! Then Scott Stapp and Creed just tore up "Riders on the Storm" and created a new and wonderful hybrid-every bit as fresh as the original! Patrick Monahan did "Light My Fire" (albeit a shorter 3 minute version) with a bouncier beat to it. Just so tasty! Smashmouth interpreted Peace Frog with acceptable results, a good choice for the singer, I feel. Steven Tyler sang "Love me 2 Times" as though he was born to it... I guess he was, really. A little studio magic on the Doors/"Under Waterfall" with some spoken word samples and remixing-again, very bouncy and accessible with a Haight Ashbury feel to it. Tastey! Ian Astbury does "Wild Child" w/ Ray on keys. Again, a very powerful voice and a great interpretation. ...William Burroughs (who I was unfamiliar with heretofore) did a wonderful reading of Is Everybody In? with some studio mixing. Bo Diddley and the late John Lee Hooker also get a time up at bat...I've got to reserve my biggest praise for Travis Meeks and the now defunct (original line-up anyway) of Days of the New...Wow, what a voice and a feel this kid has! Just 19 and a powerhouse singer. He sang La Woman with the band and finished the album with The End (backed by the surviving members of the Doors. It's eerie and a little unsettling. He sings the song with similar angst as Jim, but with a modern proceeded to buy a copy of everything he's done, all 3 DotN CDs and the video). I'm a convert to Travis and his music and this compilation will be getting some serious rotation on my truck deck! The Lizard King lives! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great early release
Very bluesy - slower than his later releases. Hopefully he will come back to this style as he matures and after he's done experimenting with other sounds.

Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick
This is not Jonny Lang at his best -- his best is probably mostly available when you see him in person. At very nearly his best on his album Lie to Me, Jonny is backed by absolutely masterful musicians while playing fantastic arrangements.
That said, this album of Jonny in his younger days is still better than most of what is coming onto the market these days. Smokin' is enjoyable listening, if nothing else. If you're like me, you'll be happy just to have some new tunes to listen to. If Jonny continues to improve and mature as a blues artist, as I expect he will, anyone who buys this album will be glad to have a piece of his history in the making.

Review for "a music fan from Lafayette IN".
Lang is not from Minnesota. He is from some Dakota or another. His father brought him up to be a "Hit". He has been groomed since he was 10. If you think he is an old "Blues Master", then you have bought into the Blues revival hype. He has some great sounds. My point was that he is not a Buddy Guy that did not know where his next meal was coming from. People like
Buddy Guy starved on the street. He came to Chicago with nouthing but him. He gave licks to Hendrix. If you like canned music like his you would really enjoy the "Monkeys". Same effect same choice of musical hype. My review was meant to say that he "is not a blues person". He was "schooled" to sound like he does. If you want to hear blues... listen to Muddy Waters, ect. If you want a trained person to emulate blues, listen to him. At least I posted my name..."Music Fan" is pretty generic and hidden. Are you to worried and paronoid to post your real name?

For Ken deLanguillette
This is a re-issue of Lang's first CD issued on an independent label. So, it is true that this is a high school kid playing the blues, because that's exactly what it is. Judge this CD in its original context - an unknown blues talent cuts his first CD on an indie label that gets noticed by the big labels. This is not where Jonny is at today.

A Great Blues Talent
This is my favorite Jonny Lang CD. I enjoy the down-home bluesy feel to the songs. "Loise" and "Nice & Warm" are my absolute favorite songs. If you are a fan of the blues, or a fan of Jonny's, this is a MUST purchase for you! You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

exelent blues & funk
i fell in love with this cd the first time i herd it the song lonesome, the guitar is unbleivable he could have such a soft touch when he wanted to the whole cd is well above average.it is one of those you can't quit listening to i will never get tired of listening to this. i have 35 albert cd's this is in my top 5!

The best and most rocking/interesting album by Albert King
I'm sticking my neck out here and saying that this album is the album which I would recommend above all of the others. I own the majority of the albums and I was shocked at how much rawer and grittier this is than most of the recordings on Kings other albums.
Kings playing is more complex than normal too.
This is King playing with the Bar Kays and the MG's.

Highlights are many, but Driving Wheel is sharp and intense and Finger on the Trigger is now my favourite track by Albert. Next up, go check out 'Burglar' by FREDDIE KING!

Sweet Fingers
Albert King was the coolest guitar player of the blues scene, and his marvellous solos and licks were blended with the funkiest grooves of the early seventies. That's FUNKY LONDON, a collection of great, uplifting songs. The first 4 songs were recorded circs 1969, the others in 1973, but the high quality is the same. "Sweet Fingers" is simply a divine instrumental number, pure happiness and joy translated to guitar phrasing. "Finger on the trigger" is an energetic rock-a-rolling blues, "Bad Luck" is an ultra-funky one that ends in a sensuous jam. "Lovingest woman..." is an extended slow blues, and the way King built the emotional intensity during his 3-minute-plus solo is masterful. Actually, all the solos in this album are a lesson for blues players. The licks can be simple, sometimes you can anticipate what's coming, but the tone of the guitar, the incredible voice-like quality of the phrasing... it is just what I always dreamed to listen in a blues recording. As I wrote above, the band relies on soul and funk, this is not a "pure" blues album. But the band is so tight ("Cold Sweat" is outstanding), the feeling so good, I think anyone interested in early seventies black music and rock can have a great time listening to this album. Also recommended are I WANNA GET FUNKY and THE BLUES DON'T CHANGE. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This guest-studded CD relaunched Buddy Guy's career and set him toward the pinnacle of contemporary blues. Despite turns from Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and others, it's Guy who burns brightest--and loudest. He delivers roaring, exuberant performances of classic R&B ("Mustang Sally"), old-time blues ("Black Night"), and house rockers ("Where Is the Next One Coming From"). Most poignant, though, is his seven-minute instrumental "Rememberin' Stevie," which not only rekindles the fiery spirit of his own youth, but pays sensitive tribute to his late friend and admirer Stevie Ray Vaughan. This is the blueprint for Guy's current performing style. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Ambassador of Blues
There are two giants that keep on promoting the lifestyle of the blues. The first is B.B. King. The other? Buddy Guy. Here is a man that knows the meaning of the blues. At times he was too poor to afford guitar strings, and used wire instead. How he has any pads left on his fingertips to play, I'll never know. But, he does play here, and it is very good.

There is no doubt that this is an excellent album with the first notes of the title track. Guy makes his guitar cry throughout his solos, and his voice is full of soul and pain. It doesn't slow down after that. He then turns around and does the John Hiatt cover of "Where Is the Next One Coming From" with Mark Knopfler and the Memphis Horns backing him up. Again, an A effort from the blues master. Jeff Beck appears on "Mustang Sally", and then teams up with Eric Clapton to provide additional licks on Louis Jordan's "Early In the Morning". This whole album is nothing but high-powered blues. The album culminates with the powerful "Rememberin' Stevie", a tribute to the late great guitar master, and Guy's dear friend. The tune is hauntingly beautiful and Guy bears his soul for all to hear.

This album is what the blues are about, solid guitar playing, strong vocals, and feeling. If you're a big blues guitar fan, this is a must have for your collection. You can't go wrong with it.

Chicago Blues Meets Memphis Soul
This is the one that put Buddy back on the blues map. With the help of several well-known friends, including Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton (who once called him the greatest live blues guitarist), and the great Memphis Horns, Buddy burns on the more uptempo tunes like the soulful groove of "Where Is the Next One Coming From" & a definitive version of the classic "Mustang Sally". Buddy's gritty, passionate vocals are intense without being totally over-the top, & the background vocals are perfect. The slower tunes are not the old, tired, by-the-book standard slow blues, but are leisurely, rolling blues, focused as much on piano & horns as on Buddy's guitar. He closes things out with "Rememberin' Stevie", paying tribute to his own biggest fan.

Great comeback
Excellent production and mixing, crisp, clear sound, and a strong track list makes this one of Buddy Guy's strongest records, his best latter-day album alongside "Slippin' In".

The track list spans classic electric blues, Memphis soul, and, well, John Hiatt. Guy's cover of Hiatt's "Where Is The Next One Coming From" is okay, but doesn't really add anything new to the song, and we don't need another version of "Early In The Morning", especially not this bland one.
But Guy's eight-minute rendition of Eddie Boyd's classic "Five Long Years" is a delicious, smouldering slow blues, and he lays down a great "Mustang Sally" and a fine rendition of Big Jay McNeely's slow, mournful "There Is Something On Your Mind".

His expressive tenor voice suits the slow, tortured blues songs on this set very well, but Guy performs equally well on the powerful, swaggering title track and the mid-tempo "Too Broke To Spend The Night", two of his best self-penned songs for a long, long time. "Too Broke" in particular is strongly reminiscent of Guy's sizzling 60s recordings for Chess, and Buddy Guy's reading of Willie Dixon's "Let Me Love You Baby" is among the highlights as well.

This is a really fine album, deservingly winning Guy an Emmy in 1991. The sometimes erratic veteran plays some tremendous electric guitar, and the self-penned material shows that Buddy Guy's muse is not spent after all.
Definitely recommended.

Fails the test of time
I have owned this album for 12 years and it has not in general passed the test of time. Buddy Guy for me is generally too abrasive and not that great a guitarist. There are some worthwhile tracks such as Where is the next one coming from, Let me love you and particularly Rememberin' Stevie. However there are too few tracks to justify buying the album again.

finally.... buddy gets the recognition he deserves!
to a casual blues fan, buddy was living in relative obscurity till he released this cd in 1991. hardcore blues fans like myself already knew how great a singer/guitarist he was since he came on the scene back in the late 50's. then he came crashing thru with this cd! no longer would buddy guy be the best kept secret in the blues genre. his famous wild string bends are on display at the start of the cd on the title track, and throughout. his guitar playing on "too broke to spend the night" is incredible, showcasing blazing speed. his string bending technique is in full effect on "rememberin stevie", his tribute to the late stevie ray vaughan. the song starts slow and winds up gradually. just a beautiful instrumental track. other highlights include eddie boyd's often covered "five long years" and willie dixon's popular "let me love you baby". stevie ray also covered this song on his last cd before he died. i also enjoyed jeff beck's guitar work on "mustang sally". buddy's singing and playing are top-notch on this cd. no filler here. this cd started a run of successful work thru the 90's with silvertone records. it's amazing what he has accomplished here in his later years. thanks buddy for giving us all this great music to listen to. god bless! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One could conceivably argue that Hound Dog Taylor was a blues punk; he favored energy, excitement, and above all, fun over minor considerations like, say, tuning. It's that exuberance that carries the day on this best-of collection. It's all material from Taylor's too-brief stint at Alligator in the 1970s (he died in 1975), but it's all good blues--blues good enough to launch a record label. Taylor's guitar is grungy enough to get a starring role in a Seattle band circa 1990, and while his voice never quite rises out of a monotone, it's still oddly expressive. Fast, furious, and brimming with energy, Taylor is the perfect cure for the wintertime blues. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fun, energetic blues-n-boogie
The music of Hound Dog Taylor and his bass-less band the Houserockers must the place where rock n' roll and the blues meet at the end of a dark alley.

A slide guitarist of the Elmore James school, Theodore Roosevelt Taylor played raw, nasty-sounding music long on energy and short on subtleties. Other blues guitarists used distortion before Taylor, but he explored it to depths only previously investigated by white rock guitarists, blasting his particular brand of tonal mayhem through cheap Japanese guitars and Sears & Roebuck amplifiers.

This collection gathers (most of) the best tracks from Taylor's all-too-brief recording career (he died four years after setting foot in a studio for the first time), including the supremely groovy semi-slow blues "See Me In The Evening", the blustery instrumental "Walking The Ceiling", the funky "She's Gone", and takes on Elmore James' "Wild About You Baby", "Shake Your Moneymaker" and "The Sun Is Shining", and Tampa Red's "It Hurts Me Too" (in an incredibly fuzzy, sloppy rendition which somehow still manages to sound compelling).

Taylor's best original song is here, too, the catchy boogie of "Give Me Back My Wig", and a hidden bonus track at the end of the CD, which features Taylor on-stage telling one of his patented incomprehensible jokes. One minute and 47 seconds of lunacy that's as much fun as the music that preceded it.

"Deluxe Edition" doesn't collect everything of Taylor's that is worth a listen, and a couple of selections are very much debatable, but as an introduction it works very well, and it does manage to include virtually all of his very best songs.

The best electric blues you'll ever hear- PERIOD!
Maybe I'm biased because I've seen him too. 1974 in a tiny bar on the south side of Chicago. His smile lit the room. I'll never forget it! And that sound! It's just never been matched. Listen for yourself.

Don't bother reading reviews: just buy it!
even if you think you have all the Hound Dog you need, you need this disc. Stop reading and order it. (I gave it only 4 stars because a) most of the material is available elsewhere, and b) there's always room for improvement.)

Hound Dog Rocks The House
This is a remastered set which serves as an anthology of Hound Dog Taylor's work on the Alligator label. It also contains a couple of unissued tracks and some live cuts. Hound Dog Taylor was a rather obscure blues musician with a few rare singles issued when Bruce Iglauer saw him play at Florence's in Chicago during the early seventies. His music was so energetic, raucous, and raw that Iglauer decided he had to start a record label to record the unjustly obscure Taylor. With much hard work Alligator records was formed and recorded four albums by Taylor before he died. The gregarious Taylor had a trio consisting of himself on guitar and vocals, Brewer Phillips on rhythm guitar, and Ted Harvey on drums. Taylor could play slide guitar like the reincarnation of Elmore James and was adept at either the raucous boogie numbers for which he is well known or slow burning blues numbers. His style influenced such people as George Thorogood, Studebaker John, and Lil' Ed. This disc contains many highlights such as "Give Me Back My Wig", "Take Five", "She's Gone" and "See You In The Evening." A couple of my favorites "Sadie", "It's Alright", "Taylor's Rock", and "Gonna Send You Back To Georgia" were not included. However the disc is still excellent. Lovers of high energy blues and slashing slide guitar playing will become addicted and purchase the rest of Hound Dog Taylor's discs. The Hound Dog Taylor Tribute album on Alligator is also great and contains performances by a number of the musicians who were influenced by Taylor.

Beware of the Dog
I have a collection of about 300 blues cd's and this is one of the grittiest of my entire collection. He doesn't make it sound pretty or even clean. This is the straight dirty stuff. His energy and enthusiasm for the blues makes him one of my most favorite artists. Definitely an essential for everyones collection. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A guitarist's guitarist
From a fellow guitarist's perspective, this album is a masterpiece. The well-placed silence between mesmerizing, shimmering guitar licks is deafening. Otis is masterful at telling a story or setting a mood with the confluence of his anguished singing, espressive guitar-playing, and impeccable timing. What sets him apart from other, perhaps flashier, guitarists, is the patience he shows while telling a story---i.e., the spaces between guitar playing, the patience in holding a note. His phrasing on the guitar is simply hypnotic. One of his secrets is that he puts on a silky-smooth vibrato while deftly bending the string---a difficult task for many.
I wish more current blues musicians played like this---less busy noise going-on,...
His other indispensable studio album is "Cold Day in Hell," which has even sparser, intense playing, and perhaps a better, upfront tone.
For a great LIVE album of Otis, I would suggest TOPS, or else LIVE IN EUROPE.

His Best, one of the best blues albums ever
The instrumental rendition of I wonder why is reason enough to buy this album, Otis Rush's best. The only other work by Rush found on album that compares with the taught intensity of these performances were the studio sessions he did for Sam Charters and the Chicago, The Blues Today! series issued back, I believe, in 1966. Lots of people have covered Ike Turner's stomper, Tore Up, but nobody's started it with the weaving, amazing 10-note lick Rush pulls out. Every song on the disc works; He's had numerous versions of his old classic Three Times a Fool, but with tight horn backing, Right Place, Wrong Time's version is far and away his best. If you want the best of swinging Chicago R&B, match this up with Hideaway: THe best of Freddy King; Buddy's Blues, the complete Buddy Guy Chess Records recordings; and West Side Soul, by Magic Sam. And above all, get the reissued Chicago, The Blues, Today! series for a real schooling in Chicago chops.

One of the greatest blues CDs
Rush's Right Place, Wrong Time is one of the greatest modern era blues recordings and may be the best electric blues album recorded after 1970. It starts off with the best cover I have ever heard of Ike Turner's Tore Up. Rush's soloing on this tune is amazing in its fire and creativity. Rush is a master of getting a hook and taking it as far as it will go. He follows this with the song that that the CD is named after; it is a classic "West Side" of Chicago tune that makes excellent use of the horn section and shows that a slow blues can be dynamic and spiced up. Rush includes an instrumental cover of I Wonder Why which smokes. This is the type of blues CD that you rarely hear recorded anymore. Rush can solo with anybody, but he is original and he gets the fire from his passion and not from volume or from playing a million notes. I put this album in the same league as Magic Sam's West Side Soul, which is my favorite studio album of all time. It is a mystery as to why Rush hasn't received more acclaim and it is a travesty that this album didn't get a big push from a major label. Every tune on it is a classic. Buy it!!

The Otis Rush album to own
I'll put this one first, even before the Cobra recordings. This albums showcases the guitar work of the master a whole lot more than the Cobra recordings. The vocals are just as passionate, and the track selection is very good. In a few words: this is one of the best blues albums of all time. Its a shame that is not an easy album to find.

The Master!!!
OK, Otis Rush is my favorite and of all his studio work this is his most legendary, but with VERY GOOD REASON! If you like the blues and you don't know Otis Rush yet, do yourself a favour and buy this album. It features Otis' brilliant guitar playing and impassioned vocals. In Robert Palmer's Deep Blues the legendary Muddy Waters says that Otis has a voice like the old timers, and his guitar playing helped inspire Clapton early on. Otis' gutar cuts and weaves through these tracks, and his voice is warm and impassioned. Check out his version of "Rainy Night In Georgia" which deserves to be more famous than Brook Benton's. I think it's the albums hidden gem, because many of Otis' signature tunes that he still plays live to this day take up the rest of the album. Stop reading and buy it! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Is he the ¿Little Milton¿ of the new millennium?
I personally believe that Lucky Peterson is one of the major stars in the Soul-Blues business. Double Dealin' is a great CD that, from my point of view, proves it beyond any doubts. From the opening guitar driven title track to the end, this collection shows the immense talent of Mr. Peterson: great organ player, great guitarist and least but not last great singer too! The influence of the great Little Milton, with whom he played keyboards for long time, is evident throughout the entire album however he always manages to keep his own identity and personality. Personally I prefer the more "blues" orientated tracks like "Double Dealin'" where he unleash a stunningly powerful guitar solo, or the slow "When my blood runs cold", however no one of the songs included in this CD would rate less than 4.5 stars. Best song of the album is the cover of the classic "Ain't doin' too bad" that by itself worth the price of admission: simply a masterpiece! In conclusion this is a great album that would please soul-blues lovers but also blues purists and that confirms once again the great qualities and the immense potentialities of this great artist. Well done Lucky, 5 stars!

Some Smokin' Guitar!
Lucky Peterson has been on the scene since he first released "1-2-3-4" when he was only 6 years old. Now 38, Peterson has become a fairly accomplished and versatile musician. In addition to releasing some solo material, he has found time to perform as a session musician for Etta James and Otis Rush. "Double Dealin'" continues to show that Peterson is a bona fide blues man. The CD contains plenty of soulful lyrics in the style of Bobby "Blue" Bland and scorchin' guitar playing reminiscent of an early day Buddy Guy.

Lucky to discover Lucky
The first time I heard the title track Double Dealin was on the Blues Channel on my DSS. I wrote down the name and album title and bought the CD.
It has been a long time since I bought a CD and loved every song.
Luckys choice of songs mixed with his vocals and knock out
guitar playing just grabs you by the soul from the first song to the last.
Buy it, turn it up and enjoy!!!

Lucky Smokes!
Bought the CD about 5 months ago in Memphis at the Airport. This CD is fantastic. Great vocals. Good Tunes. Smooth sounding B3 Organ. Searing and I do mean SEARING guitar work. This guy should get MUCH more publicity than he does. The album art kicks! If you don't have it, buy it. Period.

Surprizingly pleased...
Several weeks ago , I attended the Long Beach Blues festival. Linded up for the afternoon was Jimmy Vaughn, Koko Taylor and for a real treat at the end of the day, two guys named Diddly and Berry. But among this royalty was Lucky Peterson. This dude put a smile on my face and a dent in my wallet as I picked up four of his CDs on the way out. A true showman of monumental propotions, I would recomend this gentleman to any lover of the blues and boogie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This CD is awesome!
I have had this C.D. for at least 6 years and it is still one of my favorites. I also happen to like the introductions that the other reviewer found annoying...it makes me feel like I am at the show. I bought my CD at the House of Blues in New Orleans and it brings back great memories of my trip. Several of my friends have heard the CD and wanted to buy it.

inane prattle has me crying the blues
While the music here is solid and the packaging first rate, the incredibly annoying voiceover to announce which artist is up next interupts the music's flow and is enough to make one hit the eject button. And that's after the first listen. Trying to get through it again and again is next to impossible. To add insult to injury, because the VO is tacked onto the back of the tracks, RIPing the disc and removing the offending noise isn't a workaround unless you want to start editing audio files.

Gimme music without interruption.

Most excellent.
This set provides the listener with a broad variety of blues sounds, and is perfect for the person who can't decide on just one artist. Two thumbs up, five stars, and all that stuff too. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Ew!
This utterly forgettable album features must-have classics like "Bo Diddley Stubbing His Toe On A Wah-Wah Pedal" and "Extremely Annoying Female Backup Group Seemingly Made Up Of Banshees".

Everything is chaotic and obviously under-rehearsed, and Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf are clearly uncomfortable trying to sing songs they aren't familiar with.
Only for completists.

A Big Blues Fusion
From the moment the first track plays you can tell there's gonna be alot of hard blues action. to me all seven tracks are considered classics.

A classic
The First track, "Long distance Call" is a classic. The others are kind of weaker repeats , but the whole thing rocks.

Dispensible
This '60s blues summit was a chaotic disappointment. It's interesting as blues history more than as blues music (the female chorus is particularly annoying). Look for some prime Muddy and Wolf instead.

Gotta have this!
I've got this on LP in the states, but I no longer live in the states. I thought I could find it on amazon.com and nearly cried when I couldn't. This is one of the coolest/finest musical experiences there is to be had. It's not well known at all, and it's some thing that deserves to be handed down before it's gone forever. ... Read more

Album Description

The greatest living chromatic harmonica player, tears it up at BB King's in Memphis. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A superiaor rockin' blues band
Well this band Rod Piazza and the mighty flyers, have mroe in common with boogie beboppin' swing, then blues, but this genere is now being referred to as "Rockin' blues", and Piazza a talented harmoica player, who really makes his harp rock and wail, does rock good enough to attract a rockabilly crowd following. Honey Piazza(Rod's wife), is the real treasure of the band, adding boogie woogie rockin' piano riffs, that are out of thsi world. a great cd, a rockin blues band, and yes you can dance rockabilly style to this band!!!

Almost like being there
I have seen this group perform twice at an intimate club in Mishawaka, IN. They are awesome. Words cannot describe how they get the joint jumping. I am looking forward to seeing them again. I see they are due to return to Mishawaka and also play at Buddy Guy's in Chicago. I will definetly be there. This CD captures as well as is possible how great they sound. I have played it over and over and still get goosebumps when I hear Rod blowing that harp and Honey slamming out a boogie.
If you cannot see them live, get this CD. If you have seen them live you must have this CD.

Awesome Awesome Awesome
I used to play this CD all the time until it was stolen from my car (along with many other CD's). I have been looking for it ever since and am very happy to have found it. Play this anytime you need to be energized!

The best live blues album
I got the cd from a friend of mine. The first time I heard it I was in love. What a sound, what a style!! This man makes a crowd go wild!!!, even on cd!!

Amazing Live! performance.
I saw him at Biscuit & Blues, San Francisco... and his harp playing is really amazing, diatonic and chromatic. He even used a cordless mic and played around the hall! His wife boogie style piano solos were incredible. I purchased this CD there (and a modified harp mic) and it returns me back to those moments everytime I listen to it, five stars!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Texas Size Gospel Greatness!
You will feel like you have been to "Heaven" and back after you listen to this concert!Be warned: Make sure you have time to listen from top to bottom because you will not want to turn this one off!

THE GREATEST CONCERT I EVER ATTENDED
THIS WAS THE BEST CONCERT OF MY LIFE AND THE POWER OF THE LORD FILLED THE WILL ROGERS AUDITORIUM.FOR THOSE WHO ARE JUST NOW BEGINING TO LISTEN TO THE HOMECOMEING FRIENDS THIS IS A GREAT ALBUM TO HERE THOSE THAT WENT ON TO BEWITH THE LORD INTHE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS

Prepare to hear some beautiful music
You'll not hear more heartfelt music anywhere.This rendition of "Amen" gave me chills, and I was singing "Blood Bought Church" for days.I could just listen to this one over and over. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wells' Brings Passion to Standards and Originals
"Best of the Vanguard Years" by Junior Wells is filled with personal, political and romantic tunes. Essentially a sampler album, you are treated to the best of Wells. Every original song is now a standard, and every standard he plays became his.

Upbeat in many places, but firmly rooted in soul and classic blues, Wells steers the vocals and his harp firmly through Buddy Guy's guitar. Born Amos Blackmore, you'll see that Wells wrote most of the tracks, with Guy pitching in on "Slow, Slow" and "Shake It Baby."

His tribute to John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, considered the first great blues harmonica player, is four minutes of a passionate, prayer-like call to a lover while he honors his mentor.

Wells' rendition of Willie Dixon's "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man," could've been sung back in the 40s. He rips the lyrics so well that you forget Dixon isn't there. When George Thoroughgood sang "Bad to the Bone," I'm certain he used this as a template for both the riffs and words.

"(I Got A) Stomach Ache," is one of the standouts on the CD. Sung playfully, Wells has the vocal meter perfectly in line with Guy's picking.

"Rock Me Baby" will be familiar. BB King made his signature, but you can hear Wells' harp-intense original. BB does it well, but don't miss this one.

"Slow, Slow" is just that. He takes us down long, stretched notes, with a gentle drum providing the background. Turn it up to get the nuances, especially some of the guitar picked behind the song.

In his 1966 release "Vietcong Blues," Wells makes a statement against the way America was treating soldiers and their families in the early 60s.

"My landlady said you got a letter here
And I began to sing the blues
It was from my brother
Don't you know the boy's laying down in Vietnam
Lord they say, you don't have no reason to fight baby but
Lord knows you think you're right"

I fully recommend "Best of the Vanguard Years" Junior Wells.

Anthony Trendl

This will linger in your hearts forever...
Junior Wells is one of the finest bluesman to have ever lived, and if you like Chicago -style electric blues, it really doesn't get any better. I would place him in the elite along with Muddy Waters, and Little Walter. Junior claims direct blues lineage to another all-time great named Sonny Bow Williamson, and he learned his lessons well. He's the real thing.

His vocals are excellent, expressive, and blue...as is his harmonica playing. The album starts with a tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson with a great rendition of Help Me. His vocal intonation and pacing of these lyrics is excellent. The album proceeds alternating fast and slow songs. For fast songs I particularly like Checkin On My Baby, Country Girl, and It's My Life Baby. And the slower songs I like best are Stormy Monday, and Viet Cong Blues. The album also gives some between-the-songs dialogue with the audience...which is oh so interesting insight.

The songs are all pulled from other albums. So if you are to own just one Junior Wells album, this would be it. He's the real thing, and so is this album. It's something that I think will linger in your hearts forever....it's a crazy little thing...it's the blues...as only Junior Wells can play them.

Best cuts of the blues out there
Junior Wells was one of the greatest harp players ever and is often underrated because he had some problems with alcohol and kind of lost it near the end of his life. However, this disc displays his distinctive harp work as well as emotional vocals complemented by Buddy Guy's guitar. There are two previously unreleased cuts which I think are the best cuts on the CD. Slow, Slow is also one of the greatest chromatic harmonica minor blues I've heard. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Buster's Boogie
What?
I couldn't think of a title which made sense.

Anyway, "Natural Boogie" (which should probably have been spelled "natch'l") is Hound Dog Taylor's second album, and it rocks with at least as much fire as its predecessor.
Taylor and his Houserockers, drummer Ted Harvey and excellent second guitarist Brewer Phillips, lay down a superbly groovy rhythm on "See Me In The Evening", one of his very best songs, and they do a fine take on Elmore James' "Shake Your Moneymaker" (retitled "Roll Your Moneymaker" and credited to Taylor himself!).

Other highlights include the unusually low-key "Sadie", and a great cover of another Elmore James-tune, James' Chess-single "Talk To My Baby (I can't hold out)".
Not all of the handful of instrumentals on this album manage to keep one interested for very long, and there isn't excactly a lot of musical variation here, but when it all gels, "Natural Boogie" really rocks, and the three-man band dig some deep grooves.
Recommended.

Don't get any better than this
This was Hound Dog Taylor's second cd and it goes from 0 to 100 mph in a few seconds! This is the most electrifying ,boogie blues album made; Just doesn't get any better than this!

One Of The Cornerstones Of Any Blues Collection
Warning: The music of Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers may be hazardous to the health of young children and small animals. Gutsy, raw, abrasive, no-frills, and gutbucket are all adjectives which have been used in a vain attempt to describe their take on the blues, but none of those words seem to do it justice. This album is as good a starting point as any to come up with your own description, showcasing Taylor battering his thriftshop guitar into submission in a fireworks display of slide virtuosity, The Houserockers struggling to keep up. A blockbuster...

The Hound Dog is Barking
Put this cd on and imagine it's Saturday night in a small club on the south side of Chicago. It's noisy, crowded and hot, you've got an ice-cold beer in front of you, and there's this 3 piece blues band on stage hammering out some of the best, no-frills blues you've heard. God's own slide-guitarist is leading the group. The other two guys are trying to hang on for dear life (and doing a darn good job of it). You wouldn't want your younger sister listening to these guys play "Roll Your Moneymaker," but someone else's sister, well, that's another story. This is the real deal.

Boozy, raw, muscular slide playin'! Definite foot stompin'!
This entire collection is about havin' fun. You can tell Hound Dog is having a blast just by the energy put out by this record. You can almost see his smile as he rips through foot stompin' song after song. If you like powerful, raucous slide playin' with a no holds barred attitude, get this record NOW! If you don't, go listen to Bonnie Raitt! No crybabies allowed! DJM ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Capo'd Telecaster Wails Passion & Blues!
Albert Collins was a man of style. His Telecaster seemed to sing, right along with Albert's gritty and passionate vocals. It takes some right talent to make your guitar seemingly speak, and Albert does just that on this album. Gone far before we were ready to lose him, his music lives on. A standard by which other blues artists are measured to as well.

The album starts off with the fun, drinking song "I ain't drunk" where Albert says he isn't drunk he's just drinking, but don't tell his woman! Albert can also take you way down into the blues tunnel of despair with tracks like "Blue Monday Hangover" which is a slow, bottom of the barrel song, and "If Trouble Was Money", which features a wailing Albert Collins as he sings about something we can all relate to. Albert's guitar work remains strong, and scathing. White hot, both the album and the Master of The Telecaster.

I recommend this album because it encompasses all that is Albert Collins. It is definitely the best blues bang for your buck when searching for what Albert Collin's album to purchase. He ain't drunk, he's just drinkin', so sit back relax and have a few rounds with Albert.

MASTER OF THE TELECASTER
WHAT CAN YOU SAY BUT A GREAT COLLECTION OF BLUES BY ALBERT ON ONE CD. FROM "DONT LOSE YOUR COOL" TO "IF YOU LOVE ME LIKE YOU SAY".IS JUST A REMINDER OF THE GREATNESS OF ALBERT COLLINS

...But I Was Cool
With this CD, we'll always be able to say that Albert Collins was (and still is) cool. As a compilation album released after his untimely death in 1993, the tracks on this CD present the listener with Albert's style of cool, from past to present - and there is very little change, if any.

I really can't say what track I like most on this CD because to me, they all rate 5 stars. I love singing along with Albert on every track, and enjoy his little story-songs immensely. You really get the feel of what being "blue" is like, living through the lyrics (or stories in some cases).

Snap this one up quickly before they stop releasing it!

Peace Out.

A Classic Ice Cool Recording
Although this recording lacks the energy of live recordings of collins, it still is a wonderful album. We miss you Mr. Iceman!!

Great Blues
Outstandin ... Read more