Search - Robert Johnson :: King of the Delta Blues Singers 2 (Reis)

Johnson has never sounded better

Lee C. Grady | Madison, WI USA | 09/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is some of the best delta blues ever recorded, but enough has been written about that. The reason to get this compilation and its companion "King of the Delta Blues Singers [vol. 1]" is for the wonderful remastering. The sound on these two issues is far better than the 1990 "Complete" box set (and better even than the remastered 1997 version of that set). Both volumes of "King of the Delta Blues" employ minimal noise reduction. While this leaves some high end hiss and low end rumble, it makes the recordings clearer, more full bodied and natural sounding than any versions of Johnson's recordings that I have ever heard. His voice and guitar do not sound as thin as they do on previous issues. I also prefer the sequencing on this CD over the "Complete" set, which has back to back alternate takes. The only thing you miss out on with "King of the Delta Blues" volumes 1 and 2 are a handful of alternate takes which appear only on the "Complete" box set. Highly recommended!"

Amazing remastered sound!!

blues_anorak | Hants United Kingdom | 01/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am really pleased that this second volume has come out at last, as I remember getting both volumes when they came out first time round as LPs with their beautiful artwork, which has been faithfully reproduced. But what has really amazed me is the quality of the remastered sound, even better than that on the first volume which was very good. Every nuance of Johnson's voice and guitar work has been reproduced, so you really feel you are there in that San Antonio hotel room. Included on both volumes are alternative versions of songs which are fascinating to hear, as they are quite different in parts and (to me) show that Johnson was very prone to improvise, which is contrary to the view expressed in the sleeve notes."

The best Robert Johnson Transcriptions

sh | 01/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been listening to various releases of the Robert Johnson recordings and these reissues (this disk and the companion first volume)of the Columbia transcriptions are by far the best. At the cost of leaving in more of the hiss and scratches, the timbre of Johnson's voice has more depth, is less muffled, and sounds much more like a real human voice. The character of the voice and the nuances in inflections are more readily apparent. Of course, not the quality of modern recordings but a quantum leap above the other issues of the Johnson Recordings available, which have been so heavily manipulated to "sound better" that Johnson's remarkable voice sounds like it's been strained through socks in comparison.



If you have any interst in the blues, these versions of these landmark recordings will you closer to Johnson's voice and guitar work."