Reviews (13)

Blue Stones
A good but not consistent CD consisting of Rolling Stones' tunes as performed by blues artists. The blues is supposed to strike emotional chords with the anger and sorrow and self-mocking of its lyrics and tone, but this CD in several places falls short of this requirement. Or maybe it's because the Stones' biggest hits have become such standards that new expressions seem trite. Certainly "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Junior Wells and "Honky Tonk Women" by Taj Mahal pale in comparison to the originals, while lesser known (to casual Stones fans at least) tracks such as "Sway" by Alvin 'Youngblood' Hart and "Heart of Stone" by Joe Louis Walker have a grit that brings a guttural reaction from the listener. In fact, "Heart of Stone" will remain on my play list for a long time, along with Otis Clay's wrenching "Wild Horses." I would have loved to hear "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Paint it Black" (ironic that that last is not on the CD given the CD's title), but ultimately I'm not too disappointed with the track selection.

One last thing. While I know the Stones still claim to be an active band, I think they should nevertheless put out a compilation CD of all of their best blues tracks, including both the hits and the obscurities. A full CD of the Stones playing their own raunchy blues would be a treat.

gots to have it
Some of the songs are done better than the originals (Sway, Moonlight Mile, Ventilator Blues). This cd is a must have for a Stones fan. Albert Collins? Johnny Copeland, Gatemouth Brown? It don't get no better! The Stones must have been truly flattered.

On the Cover of the Rolling Stones!
On this CD premier blues men like Luther Allison, Junior Wells, Johnny Copeland, Holmes Brothers and Taj Mahal cover some of the Best Rolling Stones Classics and adds it a twist of Blues. The first song on the CD seems to be the absolute best and the most refreshing - Luther Allisons version of the 1969 hit "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Sadly this version came to be Luthers Last studio recording ever, recorded short before his sudden death i 1997 - But truely at the Peak of his career.
An Overall great CD, worth buying for Luther Allison it self!

Umm....yeah!!!
Ok. Just think about this....

Stones? Blues? Rock 'n' Roll? What else do you need? Exactly, a nice beer and you are set. Enjoy this cd forever. It makes the blues and rock and country come together like never before. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" is simply the best rendition of any song that I have ever heard. Unfortunatly I only have enough money to buy 1 for a present or else I would buy a thousand to give to everyone. It's perfect. As a Music Educator, a Music Theorist, and a Composer, this is the finest CD that one could ever buy. Enjoy!

Dim bulbs please take note
This is just a note for all the Stones fans who don't get the blues, or even the Stones, for that matter. Love in Vain IS a blues song, written by Robert Johnson. The Stones covered it (briliantly I might add), but they didn't write it. And the artists on this album already have well developed styles of their own. Real artists take something from someone else and make it their own, exactly as the Stones did with blues tunes. The complaints below might sound more valid if they were also complaining that the Stones cover of Love in Vain didn't sound the way Robert Johnson did it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A tribute album that's not a tribute album--at least according to the text on the cover of this CD. In a way, that's correct, since Blues Power includes not merely artists who've been influenced by Clapton, but also artists who've influenced him. Many of these musicians' careers were positively affected by the advent of British blues and the blues revival of the 1960s--events in which Clapton played no small part. So it's fitting that Buddy Guy should appear here, and Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Honeyboy Edwards, and Pinetop Perkins. In addition, younger artists make an appearance, including Larry McCray, Carl Weathersby, Joe Louis Walker, Eric Gales, and Derek Trucks. And for the most part--as one would expect given the caliber of the performers--the material here is very strong. Standouts include Weathersby's hard-grooving take on "Lay Down Sally," Guy's version of "Strange Brew," Walker and Cotton's sexy "Roll It Over," and Perkins's wry "Too Bad." A few of the selections seem to be winks at the listener: for instance, Diddley covers his own "Before You Accuse Me," a song popularized by Creedence Clearwater Revival and more recently recorded by Clapton. The oddest of the lot, though, would have to be "Crossroads," one of the most covered blues songs ever, which Honeyboy Edwards here records in a style more reminiscent of Robert Johnson than of Clapton. It's moments like these that make this album as much a history as it is a tribute. Closing things off is, of course, "Layla," here reinterpreted by young guitar-slingers Gales and Trucks. The closing coda, while different from Clapton's original, perfectly captures its mood. While there are some weak moments--Koko Taylor tones down her characteristic roar for "Blues Power" for some reason--this is a strong album overall, exploring Clapton's strengths as a songwriter and as a bluesman through the eyes of contemporaries, predecessors, and followers. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Not A Tribute, But A Celebration -- And A Very Fun One
As it proclaims on the cover, "This ain't no tribute," and it ain't. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Clapton purists, and blues purists, will probably reject this with disdain. If so, they're missing out on a great CD. You're basic "tribute" album has lesser known artists doing note for note, unoriginal covers of a famous artist's work. Here, Blues legends (like Koko Taylor, Otis Clay, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Otis Rush, and Pinetop Perkins), along with up and coming blues artists, celebrate Clapton's legacy by putting their own, special stamp on his songs. Bo Diddley's take on "Before You Accuse Me" (which is, of course, a cover of a Clapton song which itself was a cover of a Bo Diddley song), alone makes this CD worth buying. Other highlights include Koko Taylor's rendition of "Blues Power," Buddy Guy's take on "Stange Brew," and Eric Gales' surpsingly good cover of "Layla" (yes, "Layla"). There are a few throw-aways, and a little too much influence of the Blues Brothers (which seems to permeate everything put out by "House of Blues"), but in general it's very much worth the price of admission. Don't miss it.

any tribute
ive gave it three because of buudy guy(strange brew) and koko taylors(blues power} eric gale/derek trucks(layla)

Buy the real stuff instead
The comment above is right on. A mildy entertaining CD that I think Ill trade in for the much better Eric Clapton "Blues" double CD.

Many of Eric's greatest tunes performed superbly.
I love this album! Many of Eric's greatest tunes performed superbely (and mostly creatively) by other excellent artists. There's great guitar work here, even if it isn't Eric himself. My favorite Clapton tune, "Old Love", is done beautifully by Otis Rush. I was so happy to see this lovely, too often neglected, song on the album. Koko Taylor rocks on "Blues Power" and the guitar work by Chriss Johnson and Rico McFarland is fabulous. "Layla" closes the album! Eric Gales sticks very close to the original arrangement but without the fire ... until, just before the coda, Derek Trucks flies in and knocks you off your feet - I would have liked more of that. Personally, I could have done without "Lay Down Sally" and "Tears in Heaven" in favor of a killer "After Midnight". All-in-all, this is a wonderful album - excellent artists performing great songs. If you are an EC fan, buy it - you'll love it. And, it will hold you until July 27th when Eric releases a double CD Blues album.

Chicago Blues Greats Pay Homage to Clapton.
For God knows how many years, blues artists have been trying to make a buck writing and performing the music of thier heritage. Back in the 60's people like the Stones, Zepplin, Doors, Janis,and Clapton recognized this music for what it was, popularized it, putting starving blues artists on the map. Now it's time for these artists to capitalize on what they have been trying to achive for decades. Blues Power: Songs of Eric Clapton has achieved this. The production is slick. Songs like Larry McCrays miss you is an interpretation of the master that shouldn't be missed. Otis Clay's, Wonderful Tonight has sole and feeling that only someone who has lived the Blues can convey. Other artists on this compilation include Chicago Blues Greats such as Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Otish Rush and more. If you love the blues this is a must have. Give something back to the people who have given you so much. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This thing is huge. At 18 discs (that's nine two-disc sets, each of which has been previously released individually), the sheer size of this anthology is a little intimidating. But when you consider this set barely even scratches the surface of all the great blues that's ever been recorded, the sheer volume of the genre really hits home. Still, this definitely isn't a bad introduction for those unfamiliar with the blues; it boasts an array of regional styles and artists--one might find John Lee Hooker, Clifton Chenier, Buddy Guy, and Lonnie Brooks all featured on the same CD, for instance--as well as some necessary classics, making a solid guided tour for the neophyte. A die-hard blues fan probably has this stuff already (on vinyl, natch); the mix is about what you'd encounter on a really good blues-radio program. Included are Essential Blues, vols. 1-3, Essential Women in Blues, Essential Blues Guitar, and more. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Compilation!
This House of Blues compilation is mainly a blues primer for those looking to explore the many select and talented blues musicians. The set contains 9 discs consisting first of three volumes of "essentials" in no particular order. These disc's mix all aspects of the genre and feature such artists as Hound Dog Taylor, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Little Milton, Luther Allison, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed and even a little James Brown. The next two disc's break the blues down into two of the more better known and easily recognized styles, Chicago Blues--featuring the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter-and Texas Blues-featuring Smokin' Joe Kubek, Lou Ann Barton, Gatemouth Brown and Lightnin' Hopkins. Then there are three discs each dedicated to a traditional blues instruments. You get Blues Guitar, Blues Harmonica and Blues Piano. Each of these three discs features individuals that have made those instruments popular among blues aficionados such as Elmore James, Muddy Waters, BB King and Bo Diddley on guitar, Charlie Musselwhite, Frank Frost and Junior Wells on harp and Pinetop Perkins, Roosevelt Sykes and Katie Webster on piano. Finally, you have one disc dedicated solely to the Woman of the Blues featuring, Marcia Ball, Nina Simone, Francine Reed and Ruth Brown. While there are many aspects of the blues not covered here, such as Mississippi Blues, Delta Blues, Country Blues, Acoustic Blues and many others, House of Blues did an exceptional job at collecting songs that will encourage listeners to seek out various performers and, ultimately new performers that have been influenced by the artists featured here. If you don't want to spring for the whole box, many of these discs are available for purchase individually in the House of Blues Series including one not in this box set, the excellent Smokey Blues featuring Mitch Woods, Charles Brown and Pee Wee Crayton.

Truly Awesome Collection!
My wife got me this set for Christmas last year because she knew I was interested in learning mor about the blues, but I didn't quite know where to start listening. Let me just say that there is not ONE bad song in this entire set. The diversity of songs and time periods is wonderful. You've got everything from early rural type blues to modern artists such as Robert Cray. There's something here for every blues lover! If you're looking for a set that'll expose you to "new" blues artists that you may not have heard and also some very well known blues masters, look no further. My only complaint about the set is that I wish there were better liner notes (some of the disks have NONE) and some indication of the chronology of the songs. Chronological order on each set would have been great. Nonetheless, this is a great set for someone just starting a blues collection or trying to find artists to buy other CD's by. You'll enjoy it I guarantee! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A great collection...
...with plenty of variety.

The 2-CD set will keep you busy listening and studying for hours.

Probably one of the better blues record companies takes at least one track from their most successful albums ( and some unreleased ), and puts it into a collection every five years or so.

Highly recommended.

My fav. track: "T'ain't Nobody's Business"

fantastic compilation!
If you love the blues (and who doesn't, except for those terminally 'mad-at-the-world' types of which I hope you're not one) then this great collection of various flavors of blues is for you! Once again, Alligator Records has put together an irresistable smorgasbord of sound for your listening pleasure. C'mon, dig in! (Just keep in mind that the audio tracks for DISC I vs. DISC II are swapped on the song samples here.)

Bring on the Dog!
I bought this just for the unreleased Houndog Taylor tracks. The rest is very good.

Its a must have. Get the 20th and 30th years also.
Its a must have. Get the 20th and 30th years also.

A great general blues collection
I received this double CD as a gift from someone who knew I liked the blues, but didn't have specific knowledge of many artists. This a a great collection to have for other people like me. Even after many repeat listenings, I can't name even half the artists - all I know is this collection really cooks. Even housecleaning doesn't seem so bad when you're listening to this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For poor, rural Americans who lived in the first third of the century, the Great Depression just added insult to injury. The economic boom of the '20s skipped over many who worked the land. Volume one of this illustrative and entertaining two-CD series from Yazoo gathers songs recorded before and after the market crash of 1929. A few familiar names surface (Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Uncle Dave Macon), and a handful of songs may ring a bell (the Bentley Boys' "Down on Penny's Farm" provided the outline for Bob Dylan's "Hard Times in New York Town" and Ry Cooder revived Blind Afred Reed's "How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live"). Most of this surface-scratched material, however, has been gathering dust for decades. It's good to have these tales of woe back in circulation, if only as a reminder that hard times can never be relegated to history books. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good album, skimpy notes
This CD is a good cross-section of rural depression era music. The highlights (IMHO) were "Hard Times Come Again No More" by the Graham Brothers and "Serves 'Em Fine" by Dave McCarn. There's not much more I can add about the music which has not been covered by other reviews. The liner notes, on the other hand, are skimpy at best. There is absolutely no discographical information, and only casual mention to even the years the songs were recorded in. Likewise, I found biographical information lacking. The CD is a great one to just toss in your car CD player on a road trip, but I'm someone who likes to know the precise time and place of an archived song so as to put it in its historical perspective. Likewise, I'm the kind of guy who listens to a song and says "Ohh! Who's that on fiddle?". I'm glad to have bought the CD, but I'll continue to mine catalogs of the likes of County records and Document records.

yet another welcome Yazoo reissue
The model for anthologies like this one is the classic HarrySmith "Anthology of American Folk Music," issued in 1952 andreissued in 1997 (by Smithsonian/Folkways). But of course the well of commercially recorded traditional music from the 1920s and 1930s is much deeper, and Yazoo's ongoing series of themed reissues, of which this is just the latest, continues to document the sounds of that golden age of homegrown music. "Hard Times," both volumes of it, dazzles us with treasures -- ballads, blues, gospel shouts, darkly comic songs -- set in frontier, mountain, Delta, and Depression landscapes and celebrating the resilience of human beings even in the worst of circumstances. A handful of songs will be familiar to old-time music buffs (e.g., the Bentley Boys' "Down on Penny's Farm," the Dixon Brothers' "Weaver's Life"), but most will be new even to experienced listeners. There's not a bad cut here. Keep 'em coming, Yazoo. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Essential for harp players
This cd is essential for all acoustic harp players, and even for electric harp players. These are the dudes that influenced Sonny Boy Willaimson II, Junior Wells, Little Walter, Big Walter, Kid Thomas, and other great electric blues harp players from the 50's on. This cd concentrates on the 20's and 30's, which is essentially the pre war blues period. Not all the songs are strictly blues there's some hillbilly, and jug style tunes too. However the main stars here are the harp players, and thier amazing solos. Jaybird Coleman might very well be the most well known of the harp players here, but they are all great and so is the sound quality. I am a harp player myself, and I recomend this to all harp players as well as anything by the logn forgotten Harmonica Fats.

Essential for Harmonicists
This is a very good collection of prewar (WW2, that is) harmonica blues. "The Train" was once essential for anyone who was serious about learning the harmonica, and Freeman Stowers gives a classic example of this in "Railroad Blues." Chuck Darling's "Blowing the Blues" is a rather sweet and whimsicla little tune that is no less enjoyable than it would have been back in 1930 when it was first released. Excellent Harp-guitar interplay. Jaybird Coleman, known today only to harcore blues fans, gets a few licks in. But the real treat for harmonicists is the legendary DeFord Bailey, who was probably the first harmonicist who was a bonafide recording star (via his appearances on the Grand Ole Opry). His "Davidson County Blues" (from 1928) shows the standard that was set for the likes of the Sonny Boy Williamsons, Stevie Wonder, Little Walter Jacobs, and all that were to follow. In either case, if you think you're hot stuff with the harmonica, listen to these masters and go back to your room and practice.

Harmonica Blues: the Original Masters
This is a "must-have" CD for those interested in early harmonica technique. It begins with a mind-blowing harmonica "train" by Freeman Stowers. This is unlike anything commonly found on post-war recordings. What follows is a wide-ranging sampling of virtuostic harmonica playing by artists both obscure, Chuck Darling, and famous, De Ford Bailey. This CD highlights harmonica techniques might otherwise have been lost. This would make a fine addition to the collection of any serious blues harmonica player. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The idea that recordings exist of bluesy, intense gospel fueled by and starring the electric steel guitar might strike one as strange. But that very thing has transpired for decades in the Jewel and Keith Dominions of the Church of the Living God, and, as this mid-'90s recording demonstrates, the results are brilliant. Sonny Treadway displays the agile virtuosity of Chet Atkins on "At the Cross" and Glenn Lee's mournful, nimble, dulcet licks on "Call Him by His Name" recall B.B. King at his fiercest. However, such facile comparisons really do a disservice to this vital sound; none of this music really resembles anything else. Particular highlights of this satisfying set's 20 tracks are the 3 sublime contributions by Willie Eason. The elderly Eason may not display the liquid bravado of others here, but his songs possess unbounded soul. His original composition "Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Poor Man's Friend" is a wonderful example of both topical material and eulogy in gospel music. His songs are sung in a baritone, preach-singing style and the playing juxtaposes strummed chords with eerie, long, looping notes that seem to hang in the air forever. The section of live religious services by Treadway, Henry Nelson, and Aubrey Ghent are stomping fun at its most sanctified. Treadway's "This Is a Holy Church" even approaches the unbridled Holy Ghost stomp of street musician Rev. Louis Overstreet. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Truth Shall Set You Free!
Mention the steel guitar and most likely you will get images of the Hapa Haole music of Hawaii in the 30s, or the twangy sounds of hard country. But there's another side of the steel guitar, one that is not as well known, but is perhaps one of the most amazing roots traditions still alive in this country, the black Pentecostal tradition of the pedal and laptop steel guitar.

The sacred tradition of steel guitar playing reaches back to the late 20s and early 30s and is tied to the history of the Holiness churches, particularly the Keith and Jewel Dominions of the Church of the Living God, headquartered in Northern Florida. Holiness churches are deeply Pentecostal churches, taking as their primary spiritual tradition the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" which they trace to the second chapter of Acts. Music in this tradition is more than just a pretty decoration for the service. It is a sacrament in itself, serving to open congregants to the power of the Holy Spirit. True Pentecostal music, whether in traditionally white or traditionally black churches is characterized by an infectious rhythmic quality and an ecstatic lyricism based on the spirituals of the south.

In the Church of the Living God, the steel guitar is the primary instrument of the worship service, replacing the more common electronic organ of most gospel music. This disc presents music from some of the Church's finest musicians. The first 9 selections are mostly instrumentals. Each practitioner approaches his instrument differently, from the almost vocal inflections of Sonny Treadway, to the more modern, jazzy improvisations of Glenn Lee, the youngest musician on this disc. Particularly amazing are the three cuts by Willie Eason, the granddaddy of the steel tradition. He uses his guitar as a backup choir to his own folksy vocals, but intersperse them with tasty fills and blues licks. Most interesting is his original composition, Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is a latterday example of the historical ballad, a form of traditional song which interprets current events through the prism of faith.

The second part of the disc is the real killer, the live services. Recorded in churches throughout Florida, these cuts offer generous selections of congregational singing, lead by the steel guitar. Many of the selections represent "praise" music, songs of increasingly fast tempo that are meant to raise the spirits...and boy do they ever. Sonny Treadway's This is a Holy Church and Aubrey Ghent's Praise Music are so sanctified that you almost levitate listening to them. The music isn't polished, but that's essential to it's spirit. The music flows without restraint. This music is as wild and free as any that I've ever heard. It is truly spirit-filled!

So if you are a fan of real down-home Gospel, or a fan of roots music, this CD is a must have. But it is also recommended to adventurous people into edgy jazz or other forms of alternative music. Certainly music like this goes a long way toward helping people understand the spirituality of movements like the avant-garde jazz movement. This is music of the Spirit and as any Pentecostal will tell you...the Spirit frees!

Fascinating, unique music
A thoroughly captivating collection of one of the most obscure offshoots of the blues/gospel music axis, this disc collects 20 tracks of African-American gospel music as performed on electric steel guitars. The liner notes trace the style back to the 1930s, when steel guitars came into vogue; the performances are by a handful of contemporary performers who come from a Pentecostal church in Florida, where the tradition is still very much alive. Blues, R&B and gospel have always had an interesting Saturday night/Sunday morning interrelationship, and these recordings inject a distinctive "white" country flavor into that mix. This is one of Arhoolie's biggest-selling and best received releases in recent years and when you check it out, you'll understand why. Cool stuff. (There have also been several follow-ups and solo albums featuring the same artists on here, but this is the disc that, to me, seems most magical.)

Spiritual Sincerity
I grew up in North Florida and the sounds and faith behind the words of this beautiful album are a revelation and a confirmation both. NPR uses bits of it as bridge music on their "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." I think it is because of the essential purity and sweetness of the music. "Little Church on the Hill" is something celestial. It evokes heaven, a place that exists only in time, not on a map. I don't listen to this every day, it is too good for that. I just listen to it in moments, and those moments, like this collection, are too lovely to convey.

FANTASTIC !
Being raised in the pentecostal church (Mt.Calvary and House of God keith Dominion). This cd is a reminder of the church services in Mt.Airy, NC. with my uncle on the steele and sweet sounds of the steele, giving direction and inspiration to the church service. GLenn Lee is remarkable,the way he blends country and blues with tradional steele playing. His interpretation of "Pass me not. oh gentle savior" is without comparison, an old gospel favorite, with a country twist. Totally original! Also his own "Joyful sounds" has the uncanny imprint of his uncle bishop Harisson, with a nice twist. Nothing can compare to the old favorite "Franklin D Roosevelt,A poor man's friend", by Willie Eason. Let's not forget the foot stomping "Live religious services on the cd. IF you don't get uplifted by these selections from both Jewel and Kieth Dominions check your pulse 'cause something is definitely wrong. Believe me you will love this cd and be uplifted. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's just something about slide guitar when it's done right, and it's definitely done right here. Streamline Special is something of a history lesson, as well; everyone from Robert Johnson ("Preachin' Blues") and Blind Boy Fuller ("Homesick & Lonesome Blues") to Muddy Waters ("I Feel Like Going Home") to Taj Mahal, whose "Country Blues" rendition is one of the highlights of this collection. There's the deceptively down-tempo "Two Timin' Woman" from Casey Bill Weldon, and Bukka White's "Special Streamline," where he does a train sound with his guitar that puts Aerosmith's "Train Kept a-Rollin'" to shame. Allen Shaw really does moan on "Moanin' the Blues," and Tampa Red and Georgia Tom's "No Matter How She Done It" is a smart, sassy, and frequently hilarious song. This isn't a definitive collection by a long shot, but it's an excellent introduction to the expressiveness and versatility of slide guitar. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is a marvellous CD
I am afraid that any words used to express my fondness for this CD would be inadequate. Anyone who appreciates blues should pick this one up without question. And if ya don't love blues, pick this one up. You will certainly not regret it. All of the artists are shining examples of the best black blues, indeed the only blues. Simpley because there is no such thing as a worthy white blues man. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A magnificent album.
As a person who is a huge fan of Dylan's songs but really dislikes his vocals, I have searched long and hard for a tribute album that I liked. Ironically, I found it in this "ain't no tribute" album. These are GREAT interpretations of the songs of Dylan. My only complaint was that there weren't more songs; a two-CD set would have been sweet. Otherwise, great.

diverse, interesting and soulful
this compilation has almost no weak spots. every tune is unique and surprising.. I especially liked the rendition of "Lay Lady Lay" It is haunting and seductive. I can't help but think that if Dylan ever listens to this disk, he'd like it.

This is an outstanding compilation of Bob Dylan's music.
This is a CD that I will listen to for a long time. Just as you're listening to the end of one song and regretting that it's over, another starts filling the room and you're filled with joy at the prospect of 3 or 4 minutes more of outstanding sound, sound you can see and feel. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the ten greatest albums of the 1990s
This is absolutely the most cohesive tribute album ever assembled, no doubt a result of Rainer's playing on most of the tracks. Throughout the album, Ptacek's National Steel slides and plunks along so thick you can almost taste it, and it's delicious. Brought together by Robert Plant and Howe Gelb, the album's contributors all do a magnificent job of adding their own souls to Ptacek's deeply personal music. Rainer Ptacek passed away a few months after the album was released, and this only adds to the haunting aura of the music. The last line of his statement of thanks in the liner notes reads, "I AM STILL REMAINING", and thanks to this collection, he will always remain a part of the heart of anyone fortunate enough to hear his songs.

Very worthy purchase, even if you don't know Ranier
I've never heard of this guy, but bought the album after hearing mention of him in articles on Giant Sand, Calexico, etc. Bought it just for the heck of it, and think it's a minor gem. The first six songs are sublime. Intelligent, quirky, serious, and a sweet group of artists.

The Best Tribute Album I've Ever Heard
This is perhaps the most amazing tribute album, but chances are that most people have no idea who Rainer Ptacek is. From hearing the songs on this album it's a damn shame. This tribute was put together by Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, along with help from Roger Plant. The songs on here are performed magnificently, and I would imagine that Rainer was quite proud of the out come. Giant Sand perfrom with Rainer on the track "The Inner Flame" that meshes Gelb's guitar methods perfectly with Rainers steel guitar, Plant & Page deliever an powerful version of "Rude World", Emmylou Harris gives us a preacher's ode with "The Good Book" that should be played in all Sunday schools, and Evan Dando of the Lemonheads delievers a heartwarming cover of "Rudy with a Flashlight". The album does stagnate a little towards the middle. However, PJ Harvey/John Parish/Eric Drew Feldman slam you awake with their thundering version of "Losin' Ground". The Drovers, in essence, become the song they do, "Worried Spirits", as they play misty and haunting melodies. The surprise tracks are LK with "I am a Sinner" and Jonathan Richman with "Broken Promises". This album is a great buy even if you have no clue who Rainer Ptacek is and if you're a fan of Rainer's you'll be happy with what the kids do with the songs. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The song titles tell the tale: "Bad Time Blues," "Starvation Blues," "No Dough Blues." The second volume of Yazoo's two-part '20s and '30s songs of insolvency series is every bit as involving and interesting as its 23-song affiliate. Artists renowned (Sleepy John Estes, Blind Blake) and remote sound off on the hardships many rural Americans endured up to and after the advent of the Great Depression. The subject matter is uniformly grim, but humor lightens the mood of many these tunes. "The poor are getting poorer / The rich are getting rich / If I don't starve I'm a son of a gun," Dave McCarn teases on "Cotton Mill Colic." Lengthy liner essays make the Hard Times discs all the more appealing for those with a partiality for both old-time music and Depression- era history. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (3)

NOT for the faint hearted
This is an 'acquired taste.' You'll need to have some prior experience with depression era lamentation style and actually enjoy that before you consider taking this trip. Uneven compilation of rare tracks from the 1930's with all the attendant technolgical glitches that implies. If you enjoy this sort of thing... then this is the sort of thing you'll enjoy!

Yeah I know... well how about this then: Do you prefer "authentic" ? This is the authentic stuff. This is Sour Mash cooked up in a copper kettle with a copper coil over a wood fire on a wooded mountainside... don't use no green wood - it makes too much smoke an' the G-men will see your hidey place. Still... Pass that jug.

contains many rare gems
The combination of black blues musicians and white songsters on the same CD is very interesting, but it does not make for coherent listening. As a blues fan I was surprised to find how there was a lot of mutual influence among white and black musicians in the South.
Most blues musicians in this CD are also great songsters - such as Blind Blake and Peg Leg Howell, but the blues of Barbecue Bob, Charly Jordan and Big Joe Williams have very little in common with any of the white songsters. I Would include songs by Furry Lewis, Blind Boy Fuller or Blind Willie Mctell instead - to add some coherence.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of good music on this compilation - from both songsters and bluesmen. I would recommend this CD to anyone interested in the Southern Songster tradition.

A Must Have
This CD along with volume 1 is a must have for fans of old time music. This music kind of gets your bones down in the dirt and puts shivers in your soul. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

She must have thought I was a real gone jerk
The CD features a great selection of "jump blues" songs from the late '40s to the mid '50s. Jump blues can be considered to be sort of a combination of swing music and the blues. Or you could just call it early r&b with horns. However you want to look at it, it was definitely a precursor to rock and roll. Many of the songs here would go on to be recorded by rock and rollers. (Elvis covered four of the songs here.) But putting the rock and roll connection aside, this music can stand on it's own merits. This is just plain fun, wild music. But don't take my word for it, listen to it and decide for yourself. Highly recommended.

Early R&B and R&R at its best!
This is a excellent example of the roots of R&B and R&R. The blues have never sounded so good! "Hand Clappin'"(#1) still uses the sounds of the big band era, and "Hoy, Hoy"(#6) brings blues and rockabilly to a new level. It is no surprise that Little Richard picked up his sound from Rudy Green's "Juicy Fruit"(#8). Wynona Carr's "'Til the Well Runs Dry"(#16)is an excellent example of the early R&B music sounds of Etta James in the late 50's. There were so many artists performing this type of music in the late 40's, but mainstream music critics never gave them their due. Many of the great rock n roll artists started their careers in blues music, including James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, and the Doors, unfortunately many stirred their talents toward mainsteam pop. Remember the names of these artists and those local jump blues bands in your community that honor their music.

Superb collection of the roots of the neo "swing" movement
This excellentCD presents a superb 15-year cross-section of an underappreciated branch of the blues. "Jump" blues seems to answer the never-posed question, where does swing end and the blues begin? For that matter, add rockabilly and electric blues, go way back to the late forties, and you have performances infinitely more powerful than Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis. These artists suddenly seem embarrassingly derivative--especially when you hear the original Big Mama Thornton version of Hound Dog. You'll wish you'd never heard of Elvis. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Compilation, Two by Tommy Johnson
Still one of the best intro CDs to the blues. I'm knocked out by Tommy Johnson; he's the first two selections here. Charley Patton, but hey - what about that pivotal Willie Brown doing "Future Blues"? The liner notes are not circumspect in describing Louise Johnson's "performance" on "On the Wall". Another treat is two by Elmore James - 'specially "Something Inside Me" which floats along like Jimi Hendrix.
I never tire of this compilation.

Weird and Wonderful
Any Mississippi Delta Blues fan would have an awful time picking just 15 representative entries. This album does a great job, falling just short by including too much new material - by new, I mean after 1940. Still, you can't argue with Robert Johnson's "Crossroad Blues" or even Robert Nighthawk's superlative "Going Down to Eli's." This captures the individuality, roughness, and anti-spritiuality of Delta Blues really well and a couple of non-obvious inclusions like Robert Petway's Catfish Blues make it a good catch. Of the Blues Master Series, this is one of my favorites. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Shining Addition to Any Collection
The consolidation of record companies is generally bad, but this 3-CD box set was only possible because MCA acquired the rights to some outstanding early "race" record labels (Vocalion, Decca) and classy early R&B (e.g. Chess). The result is an intelligent, sequenced collection that is much more than a jarring, random assortment of songs by blues masters. Starting with the Delta blues, the mix seems subtly slanted in favor of bawdy, roadhouse-style blues performances--why it's the devil's music and you can't stay away from it. Whether it's Peetie Wheatstraw, Louis Jordan, John Lee Hooker or Etta James, these performances will seduce you. Good quality sound throughout (even the old stuff), with a handsome booklet.

An excellent blues collection
I own tons of blues CD's and records but I find myself going back to this collection over and over again. The songs represent some of the strongest recordings by the masters of the blues. Whether your interest is delta blues, piano blues, jump blues, Chicago blues or smooth urban blues; you'll find plenty to peak your ear. If you're lucky as I was, you'll find some unfamiliar and great artists to lead you down new musical roads. Some of my personal favorites are: That's No Way to Get Along - Robert Wilkins, What's the Matter with the Mill? - Kansas Joe McCoy, Floating Bridge - Sleepy John Estes, Mother Earth - Memphis Slim, It Serves You Right to Suffer - John Lee Hooker- just to name a few. Since I've got a 1,000 word limit in this review it prevents me from listing every great track on the collection and all the reasons you should purchase it. Suffice to say, buy it now and you won't be sorry!

Best Collection of Classic Blues!
I have purchased a lot of Blues recordings recently, but for a single purchase, this collection would be the best. It has the one or two most recognized songs from the most prominent Blues artists from 1927 to 1969, without the "scratches" of the old '78's!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Black Pearls
A perfect introduction to now-forgotten period of music,when women were the first blues stars,this CD is also great company for a book "Black Pearls:Blues Queens of the 1920's" by Daphne Duvall Harrison.While in the book we could find historical and economical background that shaped women like Bessie Smith,Ma Rainey and Ida Cox,on this CD we can hear their voices - through the limitations of primitive recording equipment,spirit of Mamie Smith explodes in our ears from 1920.when her hit "Crazy Blues" started avalanche of blues recordings and opened a door for a new market,as then unknown teritory of "race music" whose first pioneers were women.It's interesting to compare this women to their white sisters from the same era (check "Flappers,Vamps And Sweet Young Things") - while white singers lived and performed in far better circumstances,their songs and type of singing sounds comical today as opposite to these wonderful black singers whose music left beautiful afterglow that still shines,a century later.Of course,at that time they did not know that today we will considered them artists,they were "loose women" condemned by church,often on the road,living hard life and paying their fame with a price of not having family.Popularity of this first blues singers lasted only 10 years and then they were washed away by depression which succesfully destroyed recording bussines for some time,but songs survived until present day - check wonderful Ma Rainey (whose importance as "the mother of the blues" is introduced here by 3 songs!) and Bessie Smith;compare them to other singers and hear for yourself why these two women are called "Mother" and "Empress",why their music overshadowed other contemporaries...Young Louis Armstrong could also be heard here in the full glory of his New Orleans years.Compilation ends with touching example of late Billie Holiday in the autumn of her life - althought swing era singer,Billie actually grew up listening to these women and would often quotte their old verses in her blues songs.Lyrics of her "Stormy Monday" originally could be heard on Clara Smith (Bessie's biggest compentition) 1923."I Never Miss The Sunshine (I'm So Used To The Rain"). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great stuff
Not a losing track. Top of our rotation for several weeks ... Read more

Reviews (1)

AWESOME CHICAGO BLUES!
This series is awesome stuff. Some of the very best artists Chicago had to offer on this three CD compilation. Vanguard really hit a homerun with these releases. This series is a must have for all hardcore blues fans and neophytes alike. Get them all, you will love them. ... Read more