Search - Albert Collins :: Deluxe Edition

A mediocre overview of Collins's Alligator years

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 12/05/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Alligator Records' "Deluxe Editions" are usually very good overviews of their artists' output for the label, providing excellent introductions to men like Son Seals and Lonnie Brooks.

This one is less that it could have been, though...Collins has had material released on several other labels, and the track selection is imperfect, but as an introduction I guess it's okay.



"Ice Pickin'" remains Albert Collins' best record for Alligator, and "Live 92/93" would also be a fine place to start. But there is some really good stuff here as well, like the supremely groovy "If You Love Me Like You Say", the slow "Blue Monday Hangover", and Collins' own "Master Charge". Collins was an adequate singer and an excellent guitarist with a highly personal style, and his music often smacks of soul and R&B.

This compilation is not as good as it could have been, though, and the annotation is nothing to get excited about either.

I'd pick up "Ice Pickin'", "Live 92/93" and "Frostbite" instead."

Capo'd Telecaster Wails Passion & Blues!

Brendan Munoz | 04/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert Collins was a man of style. His Telecaster seemed to sing, right along with Albert's gritty and passionate vocals. It takes some right talent to make your guitar seemingly speak, and Albert does just that on this album. Gone far before we were ready to lose him, his music lives on. A standard by which other blues artists are measured to as well.The album starts off with the fun, drinking song "I ain't drunk" where Albert says he isn't drunk he's just drinking, but don't tell his woman! Albert can also take you way down into the blues tunnel of despair with tracks like "Blue Monday Hangover" which is a slow, bottom of the barrel song, and "If Trouble Was Money", which features a wailing Albert Collins as he sings about something we can all relate to. Albert's guitar work remains strong, and scathing. White hot, both the album and the Master of The Telecaster. I recommend this album because it encompasses all that is Albert Collins. It is definitely the best blues bang for your buck when searching for what Albert Collin's album to purchase. He ain't drunk, he's just drinkin', so sit back relax and have a few rounds with Albert."

Never "Too Tired" for Albert Collins

Conrad B. Senior | Easton, CT United States | 10/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert Collins will put some zip in your step. If you have some mindless job to do, turn on Albert Collins, crank it up, and get to it. Most of his music evokes energy, such that no matter how tired you are, you are never too tired to listen to "Too Tired". His music makes you want to move. Great wake up in the morning music.



One thing I like about Albert Collins, is the quick intro's and then he moves on to the heart of the song. I don't like long slow put you to sleep song intro's.



Another thing I like, his vocals are not over done. He leaves plenty of instrumental time in his songs.



Collins defined what is now called the Texas blues guitar style, using non-standard tuning, and slashing out blocked chords and sharp flurries of treble notes to produce what is known now as the ICE or "ice-cold" sound from his Fender Telecaster.



If you want to trace Albert Collins roots, try listening to Gatemouth Brown."