20th Anniversary Collection

Description

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 the 20th Anniversary Collection from 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