"If you are new to Guitar Slim, I'd suggest buying the "Suffering Minds" release on Specialty first. This collection has some real stinkers that do not show Slim at his best. On the other hand, "If I should lose you," "It hurts to love someone" are Guitar Slim at his best. Therefore, if you are a Slim fan you must have this CD."
Attitude
Blues Bro | Lakewood, Colorado USA | 11/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These days you hardly hear someone mention Guitar Slim, and thats a shame since he is one of the greatest. He had a style, unique, and bold for his time. He had voice, charisma, the songs and a guitar tone that grabs you by the throat.The sufferin mind album is better, no doubt about it. He reminds me of Lightnin Hopkins, in terms that they both had their own peculiar style and you can listen to them for hours playing nothing but the blues. Start with 'suffering mind' amd then get this one."
Rock & roll innovator
Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 03/13/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although not widely appreciated during his lifetime, many musicians based their playing style on Guitar Slim's techniques. Among others, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Frank Zappa and Stevie Ray Vaughan drew inspiration from him. Slim's lone R & B hit, the 1954 recording of "The Things That I Used To Do" is considered a direct predecessor of rock & roll.
These ATCO label sessions from 1956-58 are the last of GUITAR SLIM's brief recording career, which began in 1951. Hard times professionally along with alcohol abuse took their toll, and Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones died in 1959, at the age of 32.
The best known tracks here are likely to be "Strange Things Happening" and "The Cackle." Session personnel and studio dates included-- no bio or song description, however. This collection is recommended for all blues and rock & roll guitar fans.
TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 38:47"
Be Thankful!
Ecologist_1 | 01/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the more enlightening CD purchases I have ever made. The power of the performances leaps out at you, depsite the poor production quality of the recordings (by modern standards). Guitar Slim must have been one of the best live acts in his day. Too bad, like so many others, we had to lose him so soon. In this age of prozac pop, we could use a few Guitar Slims! I am just thankful that a product like this is available."