douglas R. Cook | signal mtn, tn United States | 01/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's unfortunate that the "music fan" (guess that's vague enough) from Iowa chooses to use Delbert McClinton to vent her sexism-based frustrations--and that her silly "Herb Albert meets whatever" review is the first thing you see. I've seen Delbert a half-dozen times over the years. Always with a date, who expected an enjoyable evening on equal footing, and enjoyed such. One of my best friends from high school, one of the most independent-minded women I know, has gone on Delbert's Blues Cruise 3 or 4 times and speaks of him as a Saint. She and her husband know Delbert and his wife on better than casual speaking terms. Unquestionably, as with anyone singing blues-based music about real people, political correctness is really not a big priority. And clearly, more than a few of Delbert's tunes were written with tongue decidedly in cheek, though most have the ring of real life. I think, when he gets down to the serious stuff of life, his view of women is respectful and reasonable in today's odd world. As for Bonnie Raitt, you might listen a little closer to some of her songs, and particularly covers of old blues from the likes of Sippie Wallace and Bessie Smith (as opposed to, say, Helen Reddy). Clearly these women (and Bonnie) could dish as well as take--and that's as it should be. Our friend from Iowa needs to relax, actually listen and enjoy the music, instead of trying to filter everything through her fine-gauged sive of political correctness. Delbert McClinton has been one of our great blues/R&B singers and harp parctitioners for more than four decades, and this is an excellent cross-section of his musical wares. I suspect, based on the resurgence of his career in the past few years, he can survive a few misguided brick-bats from the corn belt. (Not that I got anything against the corn belt, ya understand.)"
Vintage Delbert, a must for any McClinton fan!
doc_rock | 10/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Ultimate Collection is just that, the Ultimate Delbert Collection. It provides a great cross section of Delbert's wide ranging style. From the funky blues of "B Movie" through the country twang of "Two More Bottles of Wine" ending up in the jazz/pop feel of "Shot from the Saddle, Delbert defies catagorization. Enjoy!"
Blues Boogie Specialist
rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 08/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"McClinton certainly has endured for years now with his Tex boogie, rock blues! This established songwriter, harmonica player supreme, and talented guitarist as well as vocalist has established quite a lengthy reporitoire of good stuff, collected here for all fans.Recalled seeing him on I-Man in the morning, and wanted to obtain some of his better stuff, and am satisfied that this CD is just such.'Especially enjoy Giving It Up, B-Movie Boxcar Blues (great harmonica licks) and I'm Dyin' As Fast As I can."
Ultimate Boogie
Ralph McLain | USA | 03/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First time I heard Delbert was in the oil fields of Alaska 30 below zero with a walkman! Boy did he warm up my day! People were wondering why I was dancing all day. This is a great collection of music. Would like to go on one of his Blues Cruises. If you like this try Davey Pattison new solo Mississippi Nights! Have fun!"
You've Got To Go Crazy For Delbert
doc_rock | 11/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Delbert is one of the greatest live acts you can see and this CD captures the feel of Delbert's early years. The music covers all of Delbert's influences- Blues, Country, Rock, Cajun, and Classic R&B. Delbert is rockin' the house on this one!"