Search - Various Artists :: Hellhound on My Trail: Songs of Robert Johnson

Five Plus Stars

political idiot | california | 06/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While blues music has always been an ever-evolving art form, there are essential elements deeply rooted in the genre that simultaneously offer continuity and growth to blues form. Content of lyric, song structure, melody and instrumental dynamic, controlled arrangements, the walking bass line, the metronomic "anti-fill" drum discipline, authentic emotional vocal inflections, microtonal sensitivity and control, creative lead lines and memorable riffs in a 12 or 16 bar box, etc. are all elements that make great blues music. The beauty and subtle complexity of a properly executed bottleneck slide guitar composition, for example, is sheer joy. Alas, high volume, sloppy song writing and structure, foot pedal gadgets, and fancy studio techniques have dominated modern blues music to the point of homogenization. What passes for modern blues is often reworked rock `n roll. It seems that few modern blues artists, producers, and engineers today care about producing a blues recording that is true to the art form. Listening to the modern yet authentic interpretations of Robert Johnson's music on this disc makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy because the talent and treatment of Johnson's material is of such high quality; so reverent; and so well arranged and executed. Sad because we rarely get to hear great original music from modern artists that is of this caliber. I don't think it is because the talent doesn't exist. It may be that the business of making music combined with the boutique aspect of the blues art form has relegated it to the ultra-specialty pile where few gems are ever heard, or even attempted. This is a fantastic compilation of modern artists interpreting the great songs of Robert Johnson. These are authentic, heart-felt interpretations of a blues legend's music. This release will most assuredly be a strong Handy and maybe even Grammy nominee. Thanks to the talented blues artists and Telarc for this release."

Truly as good as it gets!

RalphO | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not an alternative to the original recordings of Johnson by any means. But, definitely a potential to re-discover them and to gain an enhanced appreciation via recordings with 100% better fidelity than the originals. (That is - assuming that you have a decent sound system and fidelity is of importance. Believe me, Telarc's Pure Digital Mastering will put these guys in your living room!). At least this was my experience with "Hellhound. . .", especially with the more straight forward re-interpretations. In fact most of the tracks are acoustic & straight forward covers, which is the difference between this CD and other "Tribute" albums. Incidentally, If you like or love this cd, you'll also want to check out "Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues" released by Shanachie a year before Telarc's "Hellhound. . . " and the perfect companion CD. I always play them back-to-back ."

R.Johnson's tracks well revisited!!!

Ricardo Neves Gonzalez | Petrópolis-R.J. Brazil-bluesfan@ig.com.br | 05/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All of the people that lives at nowadays,have the fantastic opportunity to hear those magnific lyrics and songs of the legendary,Robert Johnson,played by a sort of the best bluesmen of our actually days.And it resulted in a fantastic record,by Telarc,called Hellhound on my trail.This cd is fantastic,really a gem and a must have for bluesfans everywhere.All the entire cd was worked with rare competency,and the presences of Joe Louis walker,Eric Gales,James Cotton,and others enriched this like only few others did!!!The quality of sound is well,and the atmosphere is inebriated with Robert Johnson's spirit,all over the tracks!!Great cd!!!!"