5 comments about Bayou Deluxe: The Best Of Michael Doucet & Beausoleil.

1. Excellent intro to cajun songs or a good addition to a mardi-gras party . They have lively and upbeat music with one of my favorite:"travailler c'est trop dur".



2. I bought this for a Cajun dinner party. It provided a good background of Cajun music with some variety without being "over the top". I have since listened to it as part of a mix of music via random selection on my CD player and have enjoyed it that way as well.



3. I listened to, and subsequently purchased this recording after reading another Amazon reviewer's review of a contemporary Zydeco CD. The reviewer said that he/she liked the Zydeco recording, but ordinarily preferred traditional Cajun music, such as that of Michael Doucet. This is great--wonderful upbeat tunes with great vocals. It's fun to try to decipher the lyrics, and it reminds me of learning to read Shakespeare for the first time. Once you get used to it, it's fairly easy. If you're a fan of the various Zydeco groups and haven't yet discovered Doucet, check it out.



4. Beausoleil has cranked out many albums over their existence. This particular album encompasses a fifteen year period in which we see them grow from traditional rebels to modern masters of mixing genres. You'll hear a little bit of everything on this disc. From heavy French and Caribbean influence to good time rock, Beausoleil ties it all together nicely with the fiddle play of Michael Doucet. I've personally dubbed his style "lazy fiddle," and I have no intentions of that sounding derogatory. I love to listen to Doucet bend and peel notes off of his fiddle.
   
   Some of my favorite tunes on this album are "Le Jig Francais," "Travallier, C'est Trop Dur," and "Je M'Endors." Everything else here is also very wonderful.
   
   This band is one of the best modern Cajun groups around, but don't expect them to stick to the standards. They often tear off into uncharted territory with their music, and for that, I have to commend them. They've managed to keep an artform alive that seems to fade quicker as the years go by. Luckily, they have managed to introduce the younger folks to the roots of our culture and have cultivated quite the interest in these older masters such as Dennis McGee and the Balfa Brothers.
   
   Introduce Cajun music to your friends via this album, but be sure to back it up with the aforementioned legends and greats such as Nathan Abshire and Joe Falcon and throw in some of the younger acts such as the Lost Bayou Ramblers and Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys. It won't hurt to put in a little Creole flavor with Amede Ardoin and Canray Fontenot, either.
   
   Highly recommended.



5. Ever since I saw Belizaire the Cajun and fell in love with Armand Assante, I have been in love with Beausoleil/Michael Ducet. The Music is wonderfully Cajun and my favoriet songs from other soundtracks are on this CD. When I lost it to my ex I knew I was going to have to get another because of all the wonderful music. I never thought I would fall in love with a style of music like Cajun, but Doucet is the best by far. True Cajun stylings and the French Canadien lyrics make this CD the best of all the Beausoleil compilation CDs. I have others....I probably will own more. A must buy for someone looking to dip their musical ears into something as unique as Cajun.

5 comments about Deluxe Edition.

1. I picked up this CD on a whim since I have most of her music on vinyl and I have to say for a CD its very very good. They really captured her energy, power and detail with this pressing. If your new to Koko pick up this CD, I am sure it won't be your last.



2. This was a gift for my daughter and she is thrilled with it. Koko
   at her best....SG



3. Before marrying "Pops" Taylor, Koko Taylor was Memphis native Cora Walton. She had a number of hit songs on Chess records in the 1960s. After her time at Chess she went without a record label until she signed with Alligator Records; this 2002 collection is taken from those seven studio albums and one live album.
   
   DELUXE EDITION consists of 15 songs, including one live recording (track 8) and one previously unreleased track (track 7), recorded 1975-1999 (most from '78-'93). Disc packaged in clear jewel case; total running time: 64:07. Booklet includes track information, but it is not easily discerned. There is also a six-panel fold-out with a mini-poster on one side; the other side is an assortment of captioned photographs, a discography (that does not provide release dates), and a short essay. Sound quality is excellent.
   
   Track listing & info:
   01. I'm a Woman [1978] mid-tempo, from "The Earthshaker"
   02. Beer Bottle Boogie [1985] up-tempo, from "Queen of the Blues"
   03. Born Under a Bad Sign (with Buddy Guy: vocal & guitar) [1993] mid-tempo, from "Force of Nature"
   04. Mother Nature [1993] mid-tempo, from "Force of Nature"
   05. Hey Bartender [1978] up-temp, from "The Earthshaker"
   06. I'd Rather Go Blind [1981] ballad, from "From the Heart of a Woman"
   07. Man Sized Job [1998/1999] up-tempo, previously unreleased
   08. Let the Good Times Roll (LIVE) [1985] mid-tempo, from "Live from Chicago - An Audience with the Queen"
   09. Voodoo Woman [1975] up-tempo, from "I Got What It Takes"
   10. Wang Dang Doodle [1978] mid-tempo, from "The Earthshaker"
   11. Stop Watching Your Enemies [1987] slow-tempo, from "Jump for Joy"
   12. Sure Had a Wonderful Time Last Night [1981] Jazzy up-tempo, from "From the Heart of a Woman"
   13. Come to Mama [1985] mid-tempo, from "Queen of the Blues"
   14. Time Will Tell [1987] ballad, from "Jump for Joy"
   15. Blues Hotel (with B.B. King: vocal & guitar) [1999] up-tempo, from "Royal Blue"
   
   Familiar songs include "Born Under a Bad Sign", Etta James's "I'd Rather Go Blind", "Come to Mama" (recorded by Ann Peebles), "Let the Good Times Roll", and a remake of her own 1965 hit "Wang Dang Doodle".
   
   This is a really fun CD. Koko Taylor is very deserving of the title "Queen of Chicago Blues" and any other accolades she receives. She has a powerful voice, as amazing as Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson, Big Mama Thornton, and Etta James. Long live the queen!



4. If you have stumbled across this page because you are looking for a great blues CD to add to your collection, then congratulations--you have found it. If you buy this CD, or any other CD by Koko Taylor, you will be rewarded with moving songs that hit you right in your gut. In other words, this is not background music. This is music for when you actually want to listen to music. Koko need only sing one note and I have chills from head to foot. Not a lot of artists can do that to me. This is the real thing.



5. Koko Taylor has been hailed as "Queen of the Blues" for almost forty years. Born Cora Walton in Mississippi in 1935, she made her first recordings for Chess Records in Chicago, but signed with Bruce Iglauer's Alligator Records in 1975 when Chess went under.
   This 2002 compilation brings together 14 songs from her first seven Alligator albums. And the good people at Alligator have included a new song, of course...if they can make a few thousand diehard fans buy 14 songs they already have in order to get one new one, they'll do it.
   
   Still, "Deluxe Edition" is a really fine collection.
   The opening track is a somewhat predictable rip-off of Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy", and a couple of numbers are a little bit too polished for their own good.
   But most of what is here is top-notch. Koko Taylor has a deep, powerful voice which was simply meant to sing the blues, and she excels on tough, swaggering grooves like "Come To Mama" and "Beer Bottle Boogie". The previously unreleased "Man Size Job" is one of the highligts of this set, and Taylor is equally convincing on soulful R&B numbers, dirty mid-tempo blues grinds, and a smouldering rendition of Etta James' soul ballad "I'd Rather Go Blind". It's just too bad that one of the best songs of her career, "Find A Fool, Bump Her Head", is missing.
   
   As I said, great compilation. The only "problem", if you will, is that almost all of Taylor's original albums are so good that you are actually missing out on a whole lot of good music if you only ever buy this compilation.
   But "Deluxe Edition" is a really good place to start, no doubt about that. Just remember that albums like "The Earthshaker", "Force Of Nature" and "I Got What It Takes" are equally fine...

5 comments about Delta Hardware.

1. I saw Charlie Musselwhite live years ago and he was superb - the joint was really jumpin'. However I find he's just not the same on CD and perhaps he's even getting worse. There's a couple of good standard blues tracks here, and some energetic playing, but even so it sounds tired and old hat. The electricity isn't there. And of course you can't put the best tracks on to a personal compilation because ratty EMI is into Copy Control big time. Their loss, maybe they'll eventually realise it's working to their detriment. There are many TELARC Blues CDs that are more exciting than this.



2. I've owned this CD for about six months and really dig it. I'll add a little disclaimer: This is really only for true blues enthusiasts, but then again, I don't know who else would be looking at reviews of a Charlie Musselwhite CD. I just saw this band at The San Jose Jazz Festival two nights ago, 8/11/07, and they authenticated live everything that you hear on this CD, and much, much more. Charlie to be honest doesn't have much of a voice, but it's actually perfect for the genre of blues in which he dwells; call it the "Blues Storyteller Voice", if you will. And man, can he make that harmonica scream. I've heard more technically proficient harp players, but I don't think anyone plays it with more feeling than Charlie. But possibly the best thing Charlie has going for him right now is his new guitarist, Kid Anderson. The guy was getting rave applause after every single solo the other night, and he often took over the song. But that's exactly what Charlie needed, a very strong instrumentalist to keep things interesting during a 90 minute set, and when Charlie takes off on the harp after an Anderson solo, it makes it that much more exciting. If you're a blues lover, catch Charlie if he comes through your town. But the Amazon review was right on, every word of it. Don't wait to see the band live; if you love the blues, especially blues harmonica, pick this one up. Charlie is the real deal.



3. I bought this based on the enthusiastic Amazon reviews and the fact that I like blues rock. This is my first Charlie Musselwhite and I was a bit disappointed. His vocals are laconic and the guitar is rarely gripping. The opening song has a good hook, but the rest is pretty forgettable. If you like blues harp, I'd recommend Kim Wilson's solo efforts over this. Still, it's a solid listenable album, and they may be more vivid in concert.



4. This is one for Blues Harp lovers! Great old school blues mixed with some modern style. I've heard Musselwhite play on a Blind Boys of Alabama CD and absolutely loved his style. This collection is different and yet equally as awesome... moreso if you consider the sheer volume of great harpin'. C.M. is a virtuoso of the harp. Buy this for the pure enjoyment of hearing what amazing sounds can be blown through a simple harmonica.



5. Charlie Musselwhite is supposed to have said, that he only knows one song, he just plays it slower or faster or in a different key. Well if that's the case he disguises it well and has managed to release over twenty albums of this song. This latest release is right up there with the best of them. This is no nonsense, no frills earthy blues, from the driving Church is Out and Blues for Yesterday, to the dark sounding Black Water. Buy this CD and just listen to that harp cry! It's a great driving album, but the problem is, there are only ten songs most of them two or three minutes long, so its finished before I get home. Ok just stick it on again!!!

4 comments about Down In Louisiana.

1. I first became aware of Sonny Landreth in 2005 when he played the annual winter blues series at our local theater. Prior to that I had heard the name, and knew he occasionally played with Jimmy Buffett, but other than that was not familiar with his work. When it was announced that he was coming to town a friend of mine insisted that I go check him out. I did and they guy blew me away. Landreth is probably best known for his prowess on slide guitar, but he really can play just about any style. He hails from New Orleans and to this day there is still a lot of Cajun blues influence to his music. "Down In Louisiana" is a very early Landreth release back when he was paired up with vocalist / harmonica man Mel Melton in the mid 80's. The music is very much Cajun zydeco blues and quite a bit different from what Landreth would do later. This is all fun danceable Zydeco music with Landreth's incredible guitar and Melton's searing harmonica leading the charge. True Zydeco normally has an accordion as it's lead instrument. There is no accordion to be found here, but Melton makes up for it by subbing harmonica dynamics where the accordion might normally be. There is nothing cerebral or to heavy about all of this. The songs are all upbeat pleasurable numbers like "Ay Ai Ai", "Sugar Cane", "The Parish Line" and "If I Ever Got Lucky". The best song on the album "Congo Square" has become a Landreth fan favorite over the years, and is still a main feature in his live show. Fans of later day Landreth may not get this early release, but it is a fine representation of the man's roots and is about as much fun as anything I own on CD.



2. Still a favorite, this Sonny Landreth CD is a keeper. "Congo Square" is hypnotic and makes you want to dance! So glad to see it's still going strong. I'm taking a copy along with me to share with friends in Europe. The band I'm in loves playing "Everybody's Breakin'..." and it's a big hit whenever we play it! Sonny is a guitar master and brings his roots to his songs to share with a wider audience. If you haven't been bitten by the Zydeco bug yet, Landreth is a great into the music (along with Buckwheat Zydeco). Get up and dance!! This music was made to party!!!



3. This mans technique defies description and he must've exercised alot of patience in order to acquire it. There hasn't been a slide player like him EVER! He holds down chords whilst still playing a slided note and quite frankly what he plays with a slide most players can't when fretting normally. Although I have total respect for other slide players past and present (e.g. Hound Dog Taylor, D. Allman, Lowell George, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Rogers etc...) Mr. Landreth seems to have taken the whole thing 10 steps further.Cajun Zydeco features highly in Sonny's repertoire. He started in Clifton Cheniers band as a teenager and never looked back.
   This recording was done in the early 1980s when Landreth was in his mid 20s.
   There isn't one bad track on this c.d. You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm on every track. "Congo Square", which is Sonny's anthem, is a standout track and listen to his sweeping slide on the slow accordion blues "If I Ever Get Lucky".
   "Ay, Ay, Ay" really is alot of fun and is full of zydeco energy."Sugarcane" is very much in the same veign.
   This man should be a huge star in the category as Mark Knopfler but i think his modesty and humility prevents him from being so.



4. It is good to see this album available again. This is Landreth's most clearly Cajun recording, and the most similar to what he used to play with zydeco king, Clifton Chenier. There is no accordian here, the blues influence is not quite as strong as in real zydeco music, and there isn't much here with a Cajun waltz feel to it, but as long as you aren't looking for a pure sound, that shouldn't bother you. This album is just some fun, upbeat music with some killer slide guitar playing and some fine harmonica playing from Mel Melton. This is not an album of guitar solos like South of I-10, and this is not a melange of styles like Levee Town, so if you are looking for either of those things, don't expect to find them here. All you will find here is some good, fun music. If this is the kind of thing you are looking for, also check out Clifton Chenier, particularly any of the Red Hot Louisiana Band recordings from after Landreth joined the band in 1979. For those looking to broaden their horizons on this type of music, consider listening to Leftover Salmon's "Ask the Fish" album to hear the sounds of polyethnic cajun slamgrass. Also, Anders Osborne's "Ash Wednsday Blues" is a fine mix of rock and New Orleans sounds. Finally, for another New Orleans twist on blues, try John Mooney's "Against the Wall" (which also has some damn fine slide guitar playing).

5 comments about The Best of the Shelter Years.

1. I loved the Shelter period, the Federal period, lord they're all good and kudos to Freddie for evolving.
   
   Very nice track order here. Note that Amazon has misspelled the name of final track which should be 'Boogie Funk'!!



2. I love Freddie's early stuff the best, but this is a must have for Freddie King fans. Some of the songs here are some of my favorites, especially 'Going Down' and "Palace of the King". Freddie's guitar work on this latter stuff is just killer, very hot solos and some good mellow guitar work on songs like "Same Old Blues" and "Reconsider Baby". Highly recommended for all blues fans.



3. I bought this CD primarily, because I don't own any other Freddie King CD's, had decided to try him out and this was the only one available at my local record store.
   
   Having listened to it for several days now I can write a one word review: FANTASTIC!
   
   I've read the other reviews concerning this CD and have learned that Freddie, like most other musicians, apparently evolved and changed stylings somewhat over time. The work during his Shelter Records time certainly does have a 70's sound. And it does have a definite Leon Russell footprint, in production and sound, including Leon's signature piano tinklings and his gospel-esque background vocals on many cuts. But what's wrong with that? The answer is: Absolutely Nothing!
   
   This CD is great from start to finish. Freddie unleashes some wonderful guitar riffs and his vocals are straight from blues heaven.
   
   In short....... if Freddie's early stuff is half as good as his efforts later in his career, than I'm in for a quite treat when I can locate some of them.
   
   Point is; you can't go wrong with this CD. Shelter era, Pre-Shelter era..... It's all Freddie King!



4. I absolutely love this album. Track after track King proves himself to be a blues guitar giant who had much influence over the next generation of guitarists. One important factor that makes many of these songs as good as they are is that King's voice is marvelous and does a great job of supplementing his guitar work. His guitar phrases are beautifully done. King's sound is really nice- it's almost a tight sound, and very invigorating. I love ninety percent of the tracks on this album, it's one of those albums where each song really is great, track after track. I highly recommend this album.



5. Yes, as another reviewer mentions, I also prefer the older Freddy King stuff... BUT, I could not live without 'Goin'Down', and _this_ cd is the best place to have it on. These truly are the best Freddy tracks from the Shelter period,( the tracks that I skipped over before are gone now), and the new mix is noticeably better. To complete the rehab, the pamphlet notes,(by Bill Dahl, who also compiled the set), are more complete and worthwhile than anything on the originals.

4 comments about The Best Blues Album in the World Ever.

1. Although the title is totally hyperbole, this is an excellent collection of blues tunes of various eras and styles.

   I am a relative newcomer to the blues, so a compilation like this is right up my alley. It lets me get a taste of different aspects of the blues, and to discover artists that I would not have otherwise been exposed to.

   Represented here are some of the early delta bluesmen (Lightnin' Hopkins "Abilene", mislabeled as "Shotgun Blues"), the early electric blues (Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy"), the '60's revival (B. B. King's "3 O'Clock Blues"), the great female blues singers (Koko Taylor's smokin' "Wang Dang Doodle"), the British blues bands (John Mayall's "Spinning Coin"), contemporary American blues rock (Johnny Winter's "Illustrated Man"), and lesser known contemporary artists (Colin James' infectious cover of "No More Doggin'").

   Throw in selections by Albert Collins, Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, J. J. Cale, and others, and you have a blues compilation CD that may not be "The Greatest in the World", but one that both novices and long time blues fans can enjoy. Highly recommended to anybody with ann interest in the blues.




2. Calling your album the "best ever" takes balls, but this CD stands the test. From classics like Muddy Waters' 'Mannish Boy' or Little Walter's 'My Babe' to hot female singers like Etta James and the dynamic Koko Taylor to oldies radio station's staples like 'Reeling and Rockin'' by Chuck Berry and classic rock blues like Gary Moore's 'Still Got The Blues', this CD covers a lot of ground.

   If you want an introduction to the blues and can only buy one CD, this should be it! If you already love the blues, you'll love hearing these songs again and remember them like your first kiss. Either way, this CD will put sadness in your heart or heat in your loins, sometimes in the same song!




3. Not even close to the best ever. The actual title should read: "The Best Blues Album For Which We Were Able To Get Rights To The Songs Quickly" or something like that. The fact is this double disc set is just a grab bag of songs with absolutely no thought put into it whatsoever. With a few exceptions, disc one is practically a throw away. Larry McCray, Kinsey Report, Gary Moore, and Terry Evans et. al. are all ok modern blues artists but hardly deserve to be on a blues album titled "The Best Ever" -especially one limited to only two discs.

   This is a Virgin release, so poor understanding of the genre is to be expected. However, to boldly exclaim that this is the best ever compilation is a rather ostentatious position -even for the Virgin people. The best ever blues compilation would certainly be a difficult undertaking. However, this set completly ignores the likes of giants like Big Maceo, Tommy Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson I & II, Robert Johnson, Tampa Red, Lowell Fulson, Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, Roosevelt Sykes, Robert Nighthawk, Jimmy Witherspoon, Floyd Dixon, and so many many more important and entertaining historical blues artists. The most shocking eversight is the absence of T-Bone Walker!

   Really, I think this is a waste of your money. Even on its own level the flow is odd especially on disc one. Disc two has a better grouping and flow of great blues artists and songs, but still not worth the price. There has yet to be a true "best of" compilation to be released, so for now I suggest you may want to explore the best attempt to date. It is a four disc box set released on MCA in 1996 called "Mean Old World."




4. I really enjoyed these CDs. it gives a good mix of old school and new school blues so to speak. From todays best to the acoustic sounds of yesteryear, this CD entertained me for a very long time with some great blues.

5 comments about The Complete Aladdin Recordings.

1. I love the assembly of songs, but to me they all seem too clean, too tame, and too "studio" ...versions of songs which he did better on other recordings. I have it and I'll keep it, but there are better sessions out there.



2. Learning at the knee of legendary Bluesman Mance Lipscomb, Sam "Lightnin" Hopkins blazed an incendiary trail through the urban Texas landscape.

   These early tracks show the base upon which he built through the 60's and 70's. His concerts were often legendary, including one unforgettable night when he played at the University of Houston, on the same night as Abbie Hoffman was giving a speech across town at Rice University, at a far more ballyhooed event.

   I know for a fact, because I saw them, and I was one, that most campus politicos chose to attend to Lightnin' instead of Abbie. Us Texans do know our roots.

   Unforgettable moments of his concerts included such nicities as his swigging from a half-pint of Bourbon, and playing for as long as the tips came in. Late in the evening, his foot would become loose and begin pounding out the rhythm of the bass lines which his drop-thumb played. And a sly grin would sneak across his life-worn face. This was when he would impart his greatest wisdom to us.
   He's a legend who has been missed.




3. Many bluesmen have come and gone, but certain ones seem to have been around forever. Their music predates the fancy new singers, and while those new guys rise and fall, the old bluesmen stay the same, unchanged by time and just as beautiful and appealing as ever before.

   Lightnin' Hopkins is one of those classic blues singers. Like Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, and all the rest, Hopkins is one of the founders of the blues - whoever plays the blues today is merely standing on the shoulders of these legends.

   This collection of Lightnin' Hopkins recordings is truly worth investing in. The quality of the music cannot be contested, and the enjoyment of listening to them cannot be underestimated. And you can't beat the price! Where else can you get over 40 classic blues tunes for this price?

   If you enjoy classic blues: get this album, sit back, and watch the world around you slow down for a while.




4. There is a lot of John Lee Hooker here, and a lot of other stuff as well...

   There early stuff has the wonderful gritty feel of Hooker's early pieces like "Teachin the Blues," but then the two start to part company.

   Lightnin' has an endearing high pitch vocal style that immediately seems wrong for a classic blues musician, but grows on the listener until you cannot imagine the music any other way.

   The later recordings make use of fun upright piano and slightly rocky tempos.

   Not as earthy as Hooker, not as blue as Muddy, not as orchestrated as B.B., Lightnin has nicely balanced sound that may not always stictly qualify as blues.

   Please note: this is a two-disc set! For $12! Ka-Ching.




5. Sam Hopkins was a throwback - a vanishing breed, the troubador, the street musician...and his music was/is intensely personal. Lightning's lyrics and delivery combined with his guitar licks and irregular measures are unique. It's not music to boogie to although I have; it's music to reflect on, to enjoy Lightning's wry humour and observations. Rough around the edges but that's part of its appeal. Most fans will tell you that he was like no other.

5 comments about Third Degree.

1. during the 80's johnny winter made some of his best recordings of all time! '3ard degree' is one of his best blues of his 80's stuff startin' with "mojo boogie" other great blues cuts inclued 'tin pan alley' 'i'm good' 'third degree''shake your money maker'are just a few of the great red hot blues on this cd!!! highley rated for great guitar blues! this is 1 of johnny's finest!!! get it now!!!!!!!!



2. Seasoned Texas bluesman Johnny Winter has really given us blues fans (and JW fans) a real gift with his 1986 album 3rd Degree. This album is pure blues from start to finish, in various blues styles and settings. Johnny was 42 years old when this album was released, and he sounds as good or better than he ever has. The first song, Mojo Boogie is electric slide guitar boogie and sounds perfect. Love, Life, And Money is minor key, slow blues, with Johnny's blazing guitar and world-weary vocals. This stuff is authentic blues, people. Mr. Winter is not just a student of the blues, the man lives it, and you can hear the proof right here in these songs. He goes acoustic, playing his National steel guitar (including slide) on Evil On My Mind and Bad Girl Blues, and acoustic blues has never sounded better than this! See See Baby, I'm Good, and Broke And Lonely are all faster uptempo blues, sounding almost like the rock n' roll Johnny used to play in the early 1970s with his band, Johnny Winter And. Shake Your Money Maker features more electric slide guitar. The title track is down and dirty slow blues, and like every other song on this superb album, it is awesome. This is the real thing, blues from a master bluesman, in a variety of settings, with friends like Dr. John stopping by to help out. If you like the blues, this is Blues 101 with Johnny Winter teaching the course!



3. If you like the blues and when the name Johnny Winters comes up you think of him as a bluesman that tinkered with rock for awhile, then you will not be disapointed with this CD, this is one of his best, great guitar work, great lyrics, mixed well. This is true JW blues guitar at its best.



4. I just read a review of this album which was written in 2000 and it described johnny as a feeble old man in concert. It is now 6 years later and he is on a nationwide tour. I was planning to take a roadtrip to pittsburgh to see him in April. I now have doubts about this. Can someone who has seen him on this tour tell me if he is worth seeing at this stage of his life?



5. Everything about this gem from Johnny Winter is utterly superb!
   Firstly, the cover is magnificent. It says it ALL. The music contained is beyond comparison, you gain the sense of commoraderie amongst the musicians and they really seem to be enthusiastically involved . Every track is blindingly good.There's an updated version of "Broke & Lonely", a song which he first did way back in the very early '60s. Winters version of Eddie Boyds "Third Degree" is the best version ever done. "Mojo Boogie" blazes from start to finish. Johnny is supported by a tour-de-force band which includes Dr. John on piano. The slow blues songs on here really burn with intensity-- Thankfully by 1984 Johnny had quit using the annoying "phaser'sound that he employed on many of his recordings although he did still use the device on live concerts. The guitar tone for this c.d. is pure and clear.
   Some of you may not like extended guitar solos...but not me, especially when it's Johnny Winter. As far as i'm concerned he can make the solos last all day long.
   Buy this one. You will not be disappointed.

5 comments about Endless Boogie.

1. This is a quality John Lee Hooker album. The tunes are great, quality backing band (with Steve Miller on Guitar for most tracks), and excellent sound quality. This album reminds me a lot of another great JLH album 'Never get out of these blues alive' (buy it if you can find it). This is a smoking boogie blues album. Buy it and enjoy.



2. This was one of the first cds I had ever bought back in the early 90s. It was $9.99 even way back then. I have since bought or recommended this cd to all my friends. Its hard-core and AWESOME. #3 - Kick Hit... is stupendous from its first few chords. Then he hits you with #4 Standin' at the Crossroads... then some Sheep out on the Foam and In my Dark Room are slow methodical blues that just makes your head swing. I'm going to go home right now and crank this bad boy. Buy it. But beware, you'll rave about it to everyone who will listen and end up buying more for birthdays and holiday gifts.



3. be aware that the BGO release omits 4 tracks, about 23 minutes, while the MCA release has all 11 tracks.
   Missing tracks include the House Rent Boogie (later covered by George Thorogood), Standin' At The Crossroads, Doin' The Shout, A Sheep Out On The Foam.



4. A true standout, especially when you compare the performances on this album to some of Mr. Hooker's other work. The studio musicians all seem to blossom here, with J.L.'s incredible vocals, in creating this classic. It ranks with my personal top 10 alltime albums, way up there. Universal and current messages abound, and is a lot of fun too (check out "House Rent Boogie"..."Hit Kix U").



5. I bought this album soon after its initial release in 1971 and was blown away. It holds up even after 30 years and will continue to do so. Some critics have dismissed this album as another example of aimless jamming by some white guitarists in awe of a blues icon. I completely disagree. Sure, many of the tracks are over 5 minutes: and yes these are jams. But they anything but chaotic and unstructured as some listeners have suggested. There are fine contributions from the likes of Steve Miller, Mel Brown and the late Jesse Ed Davis (listen to Davis' snake like notes and brittle playing on the jam Pots on, gas up high). For the blues mood in extremis check out Kick Hit 4 hit Kix U and Sheep out on the foam. The rhythm section of Gino Skaggs (you want to learn blues bass playing, listen to this cat's clean playing) and Ken Swank (fine drumming) on most tracks (late Carl Radle and Jim Gordon of Derek and the Dominos appear on the remainder) is rock steady. I emigrated to Canada as a 15 year old in 1971 and this was the album that got me into blues. I have worn out two double albums and have presented copies to numerous friends to illustrate how joyful blues music can be. Its wonderful that the CD is available once more to delight blues fans every where. The 5 stars are for the content and for the seminal role this CD has played in shaping my musical education.

1 comments about Crucial Acoustic Blues.

1. I love the Alligator label and their compilation albums are always a treat! Kudo's to Bruce Iglauer his taste is excellent!