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Other than an occasional song here or there John Lee Hooker does not "speak" to me, a term that means something to me in the blues context. Legends are like that.So given the above comments what is classic here, according to my tastes. Well, frankly, it is a question of tastes. Why. I have poured out kudos to the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Skip James, Son House, Bukka White and an assortment of other legendary male acoustic and electric blues guitar players in this space. "Boogie Chillen" and "I'm In The Mood" are exemplars of Hooker's boogie guitar style. But I know enough about the blues to know that John Lee Hooker will "speak" to others. This happens.
Others may like the much covered "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer". He always had more than enough black and white bands (Canned Heat, for one) clamoring to back him up and certainly his lyrics (with a few "politically incorrect" exceptions common to the genre) drove his message home. I have not, until now, mentioned the name of the legendary blues artist John Lee Hooker, although he belongs up there with those other above-mentioned names. Well, hell just the lyrics alone to "I'm Bad Like Jesse James" rates as one of those here or there songs Hooker songs I mentioned above that I liked. Sure his guitar smokes when he is on. But we never connected at that "soul" level the way Wolf, Son House or the recently discovered (by me) Bukka White do. (This may be the best way to state my case- George Thorogood's version "speaks" to me).
Get this album. To let that boy boogie woogie. You want to show everyone how cool you are. Just owning it makes you cooler. Be forwarned, it's not always time for the Blues, but for those who are prepared, when the time arrives, you will be able to drop 'Big Leg, Tight Skirt' and all will be right with the world.
It should be noted that the version of "I'm in the mood" on this album is different than the Chess side he recorded with the Chess brothers (I actually prefer the more polished Chess side). Some of John Lee Hooker's best known songs are compiled from his many years and albums onto this budget CD, with not one being one you will skip over. But regardless, each song is representative of a different time in his life, as this legendary bluesman recorded over 100 albums during his lifetime, one of the most prolific bluesmen in history. From "Boogie Chillen'" to "Boom, Boom," they are all here. Even the songs which made others famous, such as "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer." "I'm Bad Like Jesse James" is a favorite of mine, with this particular song showing his inimitable rambling style so strikingly, a style which over the years can be found less and less. A must own for any lover of the blues.
It was my first purchase of an album by John Lee Hooker and I was not disappointed, a great choice. I would definitely recommend it.
"Boogie Chillen'" is noted as his first hit (1949). He describes three guys he knows who will take care of the bad guy. This is indeed "The very best" of John Lee Hooker. This song became visible after the Animals covered it and reached a wider audience. This is classic John Lee Hooker.This is a nice introduction to the work of one of the legendary blues singers. The guitar playing is extremely simple--but almost hypnotic in its effect. And he gets mad (like Jesse James).
Pretty graphic. It captures music from different times in his career, from his first "hit," "Boogie Chillen'" to "Boom Boom" to "I'm Bad Like Jesse James" to "Terraplane Blues."I'll mention just a few to illustrate. He goes through a few scenarios, warning off the cad. The simple riff is described by Hooker as "just an old funky lick I found." One theme is how boogie woogie is just trying to get out of him."Boom Boom" features a good ensemble playing well together. A nice set of lines well sung:"She walked that walk and talked that talk;And whispered in my ear,And tell me that you love me.I love that talkWhen you talk like that."His distinctive voice well serves this song."I'm Bad like Jesse James" begins with the central tag line for the song: "I'm mad, I'm bad like Jesse James." This is a story-telling song, telling what the singer is planning for someone who fooled around with his wife. The rhythmic drum playing works well, accenting the development of the story. Those interested in learning more about the blues would be well advised to consider this CD.
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