Great music, Bad sound quality
07/03/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I picked up this CD today, being a fan of Johnny Winter, despite the warning on the back of the CD which says "Sound quality may not be equal to today's recording standards". Well, they weren't kidding. This CD sounds pretty bad. This is due, however, to the quality of the original tapes, not the CD mastering. I'm sure that they did the best they could with the material, but beware, the quality is weak. The songs were taken from different shows, so some songs sound better than others. At best, it's about bootleg quality. Now on to the music itself. The note on the packaging is also right on about another thing: the performances DO kick .... They were compiled from shows in Austin and Dallas, Texas circa 1969 - 1974. Despite the shoddy sound quality, the performances are hot. Johnny is on fire on these tracks, particularly the scorching "Mother Earth". He does a little slide playing on "Black Cat Bone", and features a solo acoustic tune, "Lowdown Gal of Mine". Two blues legends also make appearances. Jimmy Reed on "Big Boss Man" and Willie Dixon on "Spoonful". Johnny Winter fans should check this out, but be warned the sound is weak. Listen to this with headphones with the volume turned up loud. Also, the recording dates aren't listed in the liner notes, but it's definitely early in Johnny's career, mostly likely the early 70s. Great Texas blues from a blues master. Just too bad the quality isn't better."
Lone Star Shootout rocks
01/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Being a fairly new Winterhead, this was one of the first of his CD's that I bought. Sound quality is not altogether bad, but the music is unforgettable. Very enjoyable, and one that you will listen to time and time again. Best cuts, backstage version of Black Cat Bone, Mother Earth, and Help me."
Rock and Blues
06/25/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Johnny Winter dominates his axe on this record. His guitar flows from great rock tunes to blues classics. Aside from his own music, he covers Sonny Boy Williamson's "Help Me" and the Rolling Stones "Jumping Jack Flash".This album fits well in my blues and rock collection. Highly recommended for all rock and blues fans."