John Lee Hooker: The Legendary Modern Recordings 1948-1954
Here's proof that one man can rock a house. These 24 songs are stone simple: built upon Hooker singing to his boogying guitar and stomping foot. But their energetic performances and irresistible grooves remain a model of blues perfection. They include the hits that made Hooker a star around Chicago and Detroit: "Boogie Chillen," "Crawling Kingsnake," and "I'm in the Mood." More than a ticket out of his factory job, these singles became the foundation of a career that spanned half a century. They were also quite daring for their day. Producer Bernie Besman used techniques like doubling and tripling Hooker's voice on tape, and occasionally (on "I'm in the Mood," for example) had Detroit blues guitarist Eddie Kirkland duplicate Hooker's lines as he sang and played them. For Hooker fans, this is ground zero in all its fiery glory.--Ted Drozdowski