1 comments about The Story of Bo Diddley: The Very Best of Bo Diddley.

1. Here in the U.S., the most innovative figure to emerge from rock 'n' roll's first generation passed his 75th birthday without notice, followed by yet another yawn upon the 50th anniversary of his first classic recordings, which are probably as influential as Armstrong's Hot Fives and Sevens were on jazz. I don't expect to see the constant flow of product we've seen by Elvis (from classy, well researched box sets covering every period of his career to the shabbiest grabs for a quick buck), but even Chuck Berry was feted (deservedly so) on his 60th birthday with a big screen tribute from director Taylor Hackford and Rolling Stone Keith Richards - who would certainly agree that Bo Diddley had as much impact on the Stones' evolution as Berry. But the neglect of the Bo Diddley legacy indeed lementable. Of the twenty or so albums Mr Diddley released on Chess between 1955 and 1974, only one (!) has been remastered for CD in the U.S. these past fifteen years, "Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger" (1960) released in a classy, expanded edition in 2004 along with a pair of Chuck Berry classics. What we have instead are the 1989 "Chess Box", a 2-CD set that has many fascinating rarities as well as key tracks covering 1955 - 69. But 1989 was very early in the CD era, and the sound quality on that set is as thin and cold as most early compact discs. Its most essential feature is the revelatory essay by the late critic Robert Palmer, which I strongly recommend to fans and those poor souls who consider Bo a limited artist best remembered for the shave-and-a-haircut rhythm first heard on his debut single. Palmer, author of "Deep Blues" gives a deep and satisfying analysis of Bo's artistry and inportance. More recently we have seen "The Definitive Collection" (1997, reissued in 2007), a decent 20 song sampler that has been superbly remastered but, at under an hour, can hardly be described as a comprehensive or generous collection. This UK 2-CD collection goes far deeper into Bo's catalog, and is a godsend to those looking for decent transfers of long out of print favorites, yet remains less than entirely satisfying. Compiled from a British perspective, we get tracks that were embraced by that country's most important rock 'n' rollers, such as 'Here 'Tis' (covered by the Yardbirds), and 'Craw-dad' (one of many Bo compositions covered by the early Stones). The mastering is decent, as are
   the liner notes, which nevertheless lack the depth and breadth of Palmer's (admittedly a high standard). Furthermore, many of the tracks included on the set, which are programmed somewhat randomly, go undiscussed in the booklet, which also provides no annotation. A track from 1956 may be followed by one from 1965, then back to 1955 and forward to 1970. Yet with no serious reissue campaign planned in his home country, "The Story Of Bo Diddley" is essential at this point in time, for there are scores of rarely heard gems that prove - if there was ever any question - just how prolific Bo Diddley was in his prime. Imagine the Stones without Bo (and check out Gus Coral's great book "Black & White Blues", with photographs documenting the Stones' first UK tour out of the clubs, in 1963, playing on a bill with Bo, who has remained a lifelong friend, as well as Little Richard and the Everly Brothers). Then recall the Yardbirds, Pretty Things, Doors, Who, or Buddy Holly. The White Stripes are one obvious contemporary band who are clearly indebted to his work. Bo Diddley is part of the DNA of rock 'n' roll, and his work is here to stay: grunge godfather, rhythm king long before James Brown, a man who proudly called what he created "Jungle Music." And let's tell Unaversal in the U.S. that his work demands the same respect - and availability - accorded Sinatra, Elvis, or Muddy Waters.
   In what I hope is a portent of things to come, Hip-O has just issued "I'm A Man", a 2-CD boxed set that collects all of his studio recordings from early 1955 thgrough through January 1958, and it is conceptually utterly different from the the import under discussion. Finally, thanks to producer Andy McKaie, we are treated to some astonishing treats from the vaults, such as two terrific alternate takes of "Bo Diddley" itself that are remarkable for both their quality as well as how different they are from the third, issued take. It's a limited edition, and highly recommended.

5 comments about Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Collection.

1. either one of these discs would be worth the price, but to get two discs of this quality of blues tunes, this is truly a bargain. song after song done by hall of fame blues artists - hound dog taylor, james cotton, albert collins, johnny copeland - that's just the artists on the first 3 songs. if you are just beginning to get into the blues, get it. if you are a big fan of the blues, get it. if you don't like the blues, get it anyway.



2. This is a great collection of songs celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the preeminent blues labels of all times. Bruce Iglauer has managed to amass some of the great blues talent under one roof, and the results show throughout this two-CD set.
   
   Some standouts are all of the songs taken from the superstar collaboration of Albert Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland entitled Showdown, which includes "Black Cat Bone," Sapphire's "The Middle Age Blues," "Drowning on Dry Land" by Roy Buchanan, and Son Seals' terrific "Going Back Home."
   
   This is a great collection to own for any blues lover.



3. The reviewer who said that SRV was not on this set obviously did not read the liner notes, which indicate that SRV played on the Lonnie Mack tracks from the Strikes Like Lightening sessions. The other artists the reviewer stated that were not there ARE, but are not the featured artist on the tracks.

   I bought this set, and the 25th, when they came out and was really wowed by what I heard. Houndog Taylor is my favorite, followed closely by Koko Taylor and Albert "Master of the Telecaster" Collins. There is some really fine musicianship, great feel, and real respect for the blues displayed on this set.
   Higly recommended.




4. Amazon keeps inter-mixing the reviews for the 'Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Collection' album and the similarly named 'Alligator Records 20th Anniversary tour' album. So I will include a review of both here to set the record straight.

   The 'Collection' album is by far superior to the 'tour' album. The collection has many artists on show and offers a bit of everything. The best tracks are AC Reed's 'These blues are killing me' with SRV brilliant on guitar, Little Charlie and the Nightcats with 'Rain', Roy Buchanan's classic 'Drowning on dry land', Koko Taylor with 'That's why i'm crying', Katie Webster with 'Pussycat Moan', Son Seal with 'Going back home' and Hound Dog Taylor and the classic 'Give me back my wig'. The album is uneven as you would expect for a label show case but well worth it as a introduction to a variety of blues styles and artists.

   The 1993 20th aniversary tour album has only Li' Ed, (the late) Kattie Wester, Elvin Bishop, Lonnie Brooks and Koko Taylor. The album does typify Alligator records music that by my definition is mostly reasonable blues without being great. This live album has plenty of energy and is listenable, but fails to scale the heights I expect of the blues.




5. Alligator records has some serious talent on it's label. Many of them are big names that you will recognize if you have been into blues for very long. I have tried samplers from other blues record labels and have been very disappointed with the mediocre talent on their label. Usually there are only one or two people -out of fourteen or fifteen - that stand out on other blues samplers. You will recognize that the vast majority of artists on Alligator Records are true talents - even if you don't like their style. This album is definitely worth the investment.

5 comments about Favorite Hymns of the Homecoming Friends.

1. One of the best Gaither CD's I've listened to. Recommended especially if you like slow, spirit-filled ballad type music



2. We just love this group, they are like family to us, their songs of praise are just so beautiful to listen to. Added this one to my collection.



3. God delivery time and a great CD



4. This is an average recording all around, but it is worth it to hear Guy Penrod on "I will sing of My Redeemer."



5. You won't find a bigger fan of Gaither music than I am. I love the new songs of today, but there is something special about the old hymns. The highlight of this album is Glen Payne and Guy Penrod singing "The Haven of Rest". This is probably a 6 star album in my opinion!!!

1 comments about Original Source.

1. Amazon's review calls this a budget release, which may be a bit misleading. This is the exact equivalent of any of the JSP blues boxes. The packaging is very cheap, but the music is major-label quality and remastered(just like JSP). This has everything T-Bone recorded from 1951 back. The major downside(if there is one) is that it ends abruptly in 1951 in the middle of his tenure with Imperial. He was with that label from 1950 through 1954, and this collection has the first half(or so) of that output. There is no real reason to end it here when this could have been a 5-CD set including all the Imperial material. His entire Imperial output is available on an excellent 2-CD set, but the first disk, and the first couple of songs on the second disk of that set overlap with the last disk and the end of the third disk of this set. If you don't buy both sets, you will have the blues when you hear what you're missing!!!!!!

No comments about Blues on the Moon - Live at Natural Rhythm Social Club.

5 comments about Nice & Warm.

1. When I first got the album, I thought it was good. The vocals are pretty good for a white guy singing the blues. There are plenty of good white blues guitarists out there, but to really be able to sing the blues well is rare. Not great singing, but expressive, gruff, and with a nice feel.
   
   Now to the guitar playing: I played this for some friends of mine who, at the time, were deeply into playing electric blues themselves. They scoffed. I was wounded. I went back and listened again and again.
   
   10 years later, I've listened to enough blues to have, what I humbly think, is a relatively objective opinion.
   
   If you heard Tab play in a blues bar, it would be a good night. The guy can throw down some decent blues. I still feel that he sings pretty well. His guitar playing, though, is that of a good hobbyist. I've heard mechanics, dentists, and plumbers play as well or better. This isn't to put him down, but go to youtube and search Robben Ford or Larry McCray. Tab just isn't in the same league as seasoned and naturally talented blues guitar players. Larry McCray's live clips in particular will blow you away.
   
   Must we compare? Actually, yes. There must be some standard!
   
   He sounds like he's trying a little too hard, or its a tad sloppy, or the phrasing is off. Hard to explain, but I don't get that sense of awe hearing him play.
   
   Take it for what it is. I call it Blues Lite- not bad, but is it worth your hard earned clams?



2. This is a great blues album. His covers of three of my favorite blues classics "I'll Put A Spell on You", "Killing Floor" and "Drowning on Dry Land" are loving, soulful tributes...and great renditions in their own right. Benoit can wring a piercing cry from that guitar that makes your spine shudder and brings tears to your eyes.



3. A co-worker of mine made me a tape of 'nice and warm' as a parting gift. I didn't know who played it or the name of the tape. I only knew it was blues. After listening to it I was floored. I was thoroughly impressed. His guitar playing was rawest, raunchiest, sweetest, and most refreshing sound I had heard in ages. His licks make my skin crawl with goosebumps. My favorite line is (paraphrased) "I feel like I'm drowning in dry land... and that's a bad way of going down". If you like blues and even if you don't love the blues, you'll be glad you got your hands on this hot CD.



4. THIS ALBUM CONTAINS SOME OF THE CHUNKIEST, MEATIEST BLUES GUITAR COMMITTED TO DISC. AT TIMES THE LEAD BREAKS CAN BE OVERLY FRENETIC & EAR -DRUM DISTURBING BUT WHEN TAB RETURNS TO THE GUTS OF THE TUNE THEN ITS A GUITAR LOVERS FEAST. VOCALLY HE IS NOT EARTH SHATTERING BUT CERTAINLY MORE THAN ADEQUATE. AS A FIRM BELIEVER THAT SLOW BLUES ARE A NECESSARY EVIL I MERELY BIDE MY TIME THROUGH THE LESS UP TEMPO NUMBERS THIRSTING FOR THE START OF ONE OF A NUMBER OF BRILLIANT "KEEP STILL IF YOU DARE" BLUES BOOGIE SMORGASBORDS. THIS ALBUM LEAD ME TO PURCHASE ALL OTHER TAB BENOIT RELEASES.GET YOUR LISTENING FANGS INTO THIS AURAL DELIGHT AND I'M SURE YOU'LL FOLLOW SUIT. THE VERY BEST MOMENTS ON THIS ALBUM ARE WHAT MAKES MUSIC SUCH AN ADDICTION TO ME IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHEN AN ALIEN LANDS ON EARTH UTTERING "WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT MUSIC? " AN EARFULL OF THIS WILL SOON CONVINCE HIM HE SHOULD REMAIN ON THE PLANET FOR GOOD. PURCHASE NOW TO DO YOURSELF A MONUMENTAL FAVOUR.



5. If you like electric blues with hot guitar riffs, you will love this CD. This "unsung hero" of amrerican blues rock will not dissapoint you, especially on the title track "nice and warm", "down in the swamp", and others. Give it a try!

2 comments about Back to the Blues.

1. I know it doesn't make much sense that my favorite Sue Foley CD should be a collection of outtakes from her 1st two albums, but
   it sure is. Her cover of Dylan's "Positively 4th Street" is magnificent.



2. As a fan of Foley's since 1990, I am often puzzled by people who say they prefer her sometimes too slick work since leaving Antone's. This cd of hidden gems is dynamite stuff. For vocals check out the deep blues of "Gone Blind" with guest Kim Wilson and the rocking "Come On." As for instrumentals, Sue always amazes and her taste is first rate in covering a pair by Earl Hooker. Backed by her great road band at the time, Sue is in top form. Long-time fans will find this one a must, and initiates will receive a fitting introduction to a superb young talent. Oh, and she is simply a knockout on stage-- so catch her when she is near your town.

3 comments about Blues Masters, Vol. 15: Slide Guitar Classics.

1. This CD isn't the best anything. It's just a good starter cd for the new Blues listener, and a good listen for the more experienced. So I'll rate it a good. It probably deserves three stars but I'm a sucker for slide guitar so I gave it four.



2. This is another fine entry in Rhino's lengthy Blues Masters series. It isn't the definitive word on slide guitar blues, of course, or on any of the artists represented, but as a sampler it works very well, featuring a lesser-known (but very good) rendition of "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James, and well-chosen cuts by Muddy Waters, J.B. Hutto (the tough boogie "Too Much Alcohol"), and Robert Nighthawk (a superb medley of two of his best songs, "Anna Lee" and "Sweet Black Angel").
   
   The compilers at Rhino have included the Allman Brothers' version of Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues" rather than the original, "Shake Your Moneymaker" by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Canned Heat's take on "Rollin' And Tumblin'"...I would probably have gone with McTell's own "Mama T'Ain't Long Fo' Day", which is one of the most beautiful acoustic slide guitar blues tunes you'll ever hear, but that's just me.
   
   Robert Johnson is missing, and Son House is, too, but the compilers try to make amends by including some lesser-known tracks which should appeal to the experienced blues fan, like James Williamson's "Homesick's Shuffle", Babe Turner's "I Am The Black Ace", Earl Hooker's "If You Ever Seen A One-Eyed Woman Cry", the harsh "Treat Me The Way You Do" by Joe Carter, and a rare opportunity to hear Chuck Berry wielding the slide on the odd instrumental "Deep Feeling". And the awesome Blind Willie Johnson is here as well, performing the eerie "Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground".
   
   Very good. But its companion volume, Blues Masters Vol. 18, is actually even better.



3. This is must buy for any fan slide guitar. From beginning to end, from Elmore James to Johnny Winter, it's non-stop blues. You'll find yourself hitting the repeat button on the CD player, so you can hear the great blues slide guitar again.

5 comments about The Alligator Records 25th Anniversary Collection.

1. Let's face it folks, with a name like Alligator Records, they've got to be good. Two CDs exploding at the seams with blues in all of its incarnations. Real country folk blues, Cephas & Wiggins, rip-it-up bayou blues, C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, wailing harp Chicago South Side blues, James Cotton, misbehavin' mama blues, Koko Taylor, guitar god blues, Roy Buchanan, thinly veiled sexual reference blues, David Hole, and whole lot more besides. 38 tracks in all, and you probably won't care for one or two of them - but whatever your 10 favorites end up being, they will surely justify the low cost of this anthology.
   
   I've been listening to blues for quite some time, since the days of the Taft administration actually. Even so, a couple of these names were new to me. More to the point, it's a treat having so many outstanding real blues artists (not to be confused with three-chord cheezers who just wandered back from the mall) playing unadulterated blues.
   
   For neophytes this anthology is really a blessing because it serves as an inexpensive, convenient introduction to the blues. Follow any of the artists here down the rabbit hole and you'll enter a whole world of blues. Johnny Winter would be a good place to start, especially because he bridged blues and rock. But purists may be intrigued by Professor Longhair, who would then lead you to Dr. John, etc. Koko Taylor is a world unto herself, man; you better nail down everything in the house before you turn her on because she can blow the spots off a leopard.
   
   The folks at Alligator Records can be relied upon to treat America's indigenous music with respect and love. It's an uphill battle, and nobody's getting rich in the process. They've labored to make this music accessible to the public, and frankly, simply documenting it is an important service. Blues musicians don't have "hits," so there's never much grease to spread around, even when times are good. The music survives because it's raw, it's real, and it satisfies in a way that processed music from the factory can't. I'm not saying you should buy this as a public service, that would be too grandiose. However, I think that when you do buy it, the rich authenticity will hook you immediately. Trust your gator.



2. Alligator Records records the majority of today's blues artists and this album is a collection of some of the best. I recommend it to anyone who loves blues music



3. ...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"




4. 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.)



5. I bought this just for the unreleased Houndog Taylor tracks. The rest is very good.

5 comments about About Them Shoes.

1. The title to this review is 'nuff said...
   Thie CD is timeless.
   I can't add much more...if you are reading these reviews,you already know the blues,so make haste thine and don't waste time and GET THIS CD, FINE!!!!!



2. I don't usually go for remakes of classic recordings, or all-star bands, but this set is exceptional. The songs come alive with great performances from every player. No filler here, with strong production. Hubert burns. Highly recommended.



3. This CD is is great from start to finish. I bought this by giving it a listen at book store, and I was hooked ever since.



4. very pleased with the new Hubert Sumlin CD, About Them Shoes. been a big fan of his due to his assn w/ Howlin Wolf and will be
   seeking out more of his stuff.



5. I don't know what I was expecting from Hubert Sumlin. Surely not a rehash of some old Muddy Waters' and Willie Dixon chestnuts that were done correctly the first time with Muddy's voice and band. This album was a big dud. Sumlin takes the songs and tries to sing them and tries to make his band sound as if they were recording in the same style and sound as Chess Studio in the 1940's and 50's. Unfortunatley Muddy had a better voice and so does Willie Dixon for that matter. All the session men sound like add-ons to the old band, not muscicians who can bring their own style and verve to this thing. Pretty weak effort by all, unless Sumlin is himself to blame, as a control freak who did not have the vision to see what he was creating,something that had already been created 50 years before.
   One redeeming quality of this cd is the final cut, an acoustic number that sounds as if some originality had been finally injected into the session. Sumlin is in need of an editor, or at least a confidant, who could have helped him with a better song selection or at least a better and more original way of handling these tunes.