"This remastered edition of Skip James' 1964 Biograph LP GREATEST OF THE DELTA BLUES SINGERS is a testament to how well his material as aged over the past four decades. James first recorded for Paramount in 1931 and then virtually disappeared until 1964 when (among others) John Fahey rescued him from obscurity. It had been nearly 20 years since James was convinced to perform at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival. His reception prompted him to enter the recording studio for the first time in 30 years. The result is this amazing album. Twelve stellar songs featuring James' haunting falsetto and stunning picking. There's an eerie quality to James' music that will give you chills. One listen will convince you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
A Blues Classic Remastered!
David Mandau | Takoma Park, MD | 09/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It might not be readily apparent, but this is not a compilation but a straight reissue of Skip James's finest album, originally recorded in the mid-'60s. Actually, it's not quite a straight reissue--in addition to the remastered sound, it has a new (and superior) cover and a shuffled track order. It also has very good liner notes that I think were included in the original release. According to the notes, half the albums are new version of classic tracks he recorded for Paramount in the '30s. The others are completely new songs. This is a seminal blues album that belongs in ANY blues collection."
The other side of the Delta
Frederick Schenker | Evanston, IL United States | 02/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Skip James was a contemporary of Robert Johnson who possessed an eerie falsetto voice and pristine fingerpicking. James quit music entirely after making some legendary sides in the 30's and this recording was his first in over 20 years. The title track, his anthem for the Great Depression, was featured on "Oh, Brother Where Art Thou?" when Chris Thomas King played it by the campfire. This album intimately captures James' haunting playing and offers a chance to hear an original master in a high quality recording."
Haunting blues...
B. Bowman | Jersey, United States | 12/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Skip James recorded the songs on this CD in 1964, the same year he was "rediscovered" and performed at the Newport Folk Festival. This is simply one of the most direct blues recordings I've heard. This is just Skip James, nothing is added to the performances. Skip James frequently sings in a melancholy falsetto and accompanies himself on acoustic guitar tuned to minor keys. Even when he sings in a lower register he sounds like he is mumbling or talking to himself, which makes the music seem turned inward, as opposed to shouting out the blues to the world. This is dark, deep, brooding blues, and is such a great listen. The sound quality is great too and it sounds like he is right in the room with you. Skip James sings of his battle with cancer on "Washington D.C. Hospital Center Blues" and of course sings about woman trouble on songs like "Devil Got My Woman", my favorite song on this CD. This is one of my favorite acoustic blues CD's, there are times when only Skip James can hit the spot. The way he delivered his vocals was unique and combined with his guitar playing made for some incredible music. If you are a fan of acoustic blues Skip James has to be in your collection, and this disc is a great place to start."
A Masterpiece in the Annuls of Blues
BluesChild | 08/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where would the Delta be without Skip James? Deeper and more soulfull than Robert Johnson's Crossroads, less preachy and more down-to-earth than the Death Letter Blues of Son House, Skip James strikes a beauiful minor chord in the soul. His soft hand on the guitar blends with the sweet eeriness of his voice in such perfect musical and emotional harmony as to command the casual listener to catch every note with the ear and savor each chord with his heart. A must-have in any respectable blues collection."