Monday, May 2 2011
Howlin’ Wolf: Rocking Chair Blues - “Down in the Bottom”
Sexual poaching and its consequences become a life and death drama in Howlin’ Wolf’s “Down in the Bottom”.
Wednesday, December 8 2010
Shirley Collins: Sweet England
It is Collins’ hauntingly unaffected voice and odd phrasing, which come from her unsophisticated manner, that makes this disc so special.
Thursday, January 14 2010
Alan Lomax: Alan Lomax in Haiti
An important historical document, a master class in Haitian music from a bygone era, and an entertaining, life-affirming listen.
Friday, August 8 2008
Retelling the History of Black Music: The Beautiful Music All Around John Work III
Work recorded the soundtrack of people’s lives, and captured the earliest stirrings of much of the music we’ve enjoyed since World War II.
Friday, May 4 2007
Collective Impulses
The wife disposing of her ex-husband's collection. The estate sale. The stash of records sold for pennies on the dollar because the water bill was overdue. Collecting music often depends on someone else's misfortune.
