Blind Pig Artists: 20th Anniversary Collection
One would expect a label's two-CD collection, no matter how assiduously  picked, to have some low points. It's inevitable, one might think; even the most selective  record labels have produced some duds. But on the20th Anniversary Collectionfrom Blind Pig Records, such low points are non-existent. It's a testimony to the label's  exacting standards and the many reels of quality blues they've recorded over their first 20  years. There's something for everyone on this set, from traditional acoustic blues (check  out Johnny Shines's rendition of "Blues Come to Texas"), to modern rockers (Jimmy  Thackery and the Drivers' "Drive to Survive," for instance). Many up-and-coming artists  are featured here, including Deborah Coleman ("My Heart Bleeds Blue") and Debbie  Davies ("Howlin' at the Moon"), counterbalanced with plenty of old hands such as Carey  Bell ("That Spot Right There") and John Lee Hooker ("Terraplane Blues"). There's even  a rousing "La Vierge" from zydeco accordionist Al Rapone. All in all, while it's possible  that not everything here will appeal to every taste, there's definitely something here for  everyone. --Genevieve Williams