Anthology
Though his audience isn't as big as it used to be, George Thorogood has, at the very least, attained minor-legend status. After all, was there anyone who sawTerminator 2anddidn'trecognize "Bad to the Bone" from the very opening riff?  Thorogood is the punk-rock god of the blues, thrashing out Chicago riffs with confidence, even though he's never been technically brilliant--his interpretation of "The Sky Is Crying," included onAnthology, is pedestrian at best. But Thorogood has always made up for in enthusiasm and energy anything he might have lacked in technique. It's likely that more people have heard his versions of "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," "Reelin' and Rockin'," "Who Do You Love?," and "If You Don't Start Drinkin' (I'm Gonna Leave)" than the originals. Purists will never be impressed by Thorogood, but in many ways, it's guys like him who are the best ambassadors for the blues: they're accessible, they love this music, and a good time is always guaranteed.--Genevieve Williams