Sweet Dreams: Anthology
One of the tragic figures in blues-rock, Roy Buchanan possessed chops that matched those of any of his more acclaimed contemporaries, including Eric Clapton. His recording accomplishments, however, were problematic. Despite forecasts of stardom that corresponded with his 1972 solo debut (the Arkansas- born virtuoso made his debut as a sideman 15 years earlier), Buchanan never found the perfect forum for instrumental expression. After years of frustration, he hung himself in a jail cell in 1986 after being arrested for drunk driving. This 2 CD anthology stands as the definitive overview of Buchanan's career, mixing the best of his '70s and '80s records with a generous assortment of unreleased tracks.--Steve Stolder