August 6, 1998
Albert King is a titan, a complete blues original, and one of the most influential guitarists in any genre. Playing his electric guitar left handed without restringing (in effect, upside-down), he achieved a biting tone that has been often imitated, but never equaled. One of the few blues guitarists with a completely unique, immediately identifiable style, his lines are crisp and incredibly clean - he chooses his notes with exacting care, tossing off precise phrases and saying more with three economical notes than most guitarists say in an entire solo.
This compilation gathers the cream of King's work with Atlantic and the unerring Stax label from the late 60's. His solo on "Personal Manager" was appropriated by Cream, and not only has everyone from Hendrix to MC5 covered his classic "Born Under A Bad Sign", even proto-punkers The Stooges used its bassline for their howling "Dirt". Not bad for a bluesman from Arkansas.
What makes this collection even more compelling is King's backup band. His stint at Stax gave him access to Southern Soul's tightest unit, Booker T & the MG's. This is the band that arguably invented funk and gave not only King but Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave their distinctive sound. Their work with King verges on the telepathic, contrasting his spiky solos with their brand of sweaty, soulful rock steady, with punchy horns, intricate drumming and snaky bass that make these tracks even more irresistible.
King's voice too, is as big and full as his guitar lines are acidic, adding rich authority to classic cuts like "Crosscut Saw", "Laundromat Blues" and "Kansas City". As Keith Richards once put it, "The blues is grown man's music." Sexy, soulful, passionate and mature, this is one of the finest single blues albums ever waxed.
- Jared O'Connor
Grown man's music