Huddie Ledbetter (The Mount Everest Of Blues Singers) - Leadbelly

Advantages: A great music CD for blues enthusiasts and indie rock alike.
Disadvantages: None

...This ten song CD album is the first offering by Devils River who are a trio from Southport, UK. Described as a power trio this band have a unique sound but it is clearly infused with influences from many of the blues greats such as Hendrix, Leadbelly, and SRV. There is a rough blues edge to some well crafted songs but the best thing about this CD is the energy and soul, you can feel the music as you listen, this isn't just another bland pop offering nor a manufactured soulless blues CD as many pretenders out there produce. The mini booklet that folds out has some great pics in a collage of the band and various bits and bobs, something to look at while listening. Well worth the money and I can't help but feel that this band are going to go on to bigger and better things in the future, definitely ones to watch for.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Brilliant and Original Compositions
Disadvantages: A Bit Rough around the Edges For Modern Tastes

...in by that city’s large circle of artists, musicians and left-wing activists. He teamed up with some of the greatest folk-blues musicians of the day and recorded with the likes of Huddie Leadbetter, Sonnie Terry, Cisco Houston and Pete Seeger. In 1940 Alan Lomax recorded songs by, and conversations with, Guthrie for the Library of Congress but the singer still carried on recording with his old Texas band, The Almanac Singers (later to become The Weavers). New York proved to be too restrictive for Guthrie and he soon hit the road and headed down south where his performances were greatly welcomed. This was to end, temporarily, when he was drafted to the Merchant Marine and then the Army for the duration of World War II. His guitar at this time bore the legend ‘This Machine Kills Fascists’ – something later copied by 60s folk / pop singer Donovan... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: 30 songs, 2 CDs, rare, superb
Disadvantages: Some are B sides for a reason!

...Ok so i hold my hand up. I bought this album more because i wanted a quality CD version of the song Yellow Ledbetter rather than because i wanted to closely analyse all of the PJ songs that fell just short of making albums. But i'm definitely glad i bought it. I was probably born about 3 or 4 years too late to be a Pearl Jam fan when they first came crashing onto the scene. But my older sister made sure that i learnt to love them. This is a collection of B sides and rarities that have been cut (and 'Lost' - hence lost dogs!) by PJ over the many years since they began. The likes of 'Wash', "Sad" and of course, one of their greatest ever tracks "Yellow Ledbetter" are all mightily superb and worth more than just a listen. However, despite me being a massive Pearl Jam fan, some of what's on here isn't so hot...i guess they were made B... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful