Search - Various Artists :: Alligator Records 35x35

Genuine Soul Rockin' Music

doomsdayer520 | Pennsylvania | 09/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though this package only compiles material from Alligator Records, you probably won't find a more fascinating tour through the history of the Blues over the last 35 years. Of course, Alligator has a knack for signing up the most interesting Blues maestros. This compilation shows the development of cutting-edge Blues over the namesake era, ever since Alligator's inaugural release with Hound Dog Taylor in 1971. During much of this era, the Blues was still progressing, before settling into the respectful revivalism of recent years. In the 70s, Alligator was at the forefront with new artists who added flavor to tried-and-true styles, like the sinister Son Seals or the groovy Lonnie Brooks. Also during that decade, Alligator brought several veteran masters back into prominence, with powerful new material by the likes of Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Professor Longhair (noteworthy for his authoritative New Orleans style). As this compilation rumbles along, we hear a surprising amount of experimentation and progression in the 1980s, as interesting new artists expanded the basic template of the Blues, including some great finds like Lil' Mo & the Blues Imperials and Little Charlie & the Nightcats. The songs here from the 90s and 00s show that even the genius artists at Alligator followed the trend in Blues to solidify the classic template, with technical chops becoming more important than innovation - notwithstanding intriguing gospel-inflected works from the Holmes Brothers and the queenly Mavis Staples. But thanks to the impeccable expertise and taste exercised by Alligator when signing masters both new and old, this compilation is a must for any fan or historian of modern Blues. [~doomsdayer520~]"

A great collection for anyone

Music Fan | Fairfield, California | 04/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're just getting into contemporary blues or you've been listening for awhile, you're going to love this collection. Alligator has been one of the class acts of the indie labels for a long time and these discs give you an idea why they are so well thought of. 35 artists doing the first track from their first Alligator release. Marica Ball, Coco Montoya, Lonnie Mack, Johnny Winter, William Clarke and the list goes on with not a weak cut in the carload. These type of samplers are great if you're just getting into this type of music since you do get a wide selection of artists and styles. Alligator has released double disc anniversary sets in honor of yeas 20, 25, 30 and now, 35. They're all great to listen to, so grab one or all of them and have yourself a party with genuine houserocking music from people who know how to do it."

A great range of great artists

Scott Woods | Columbus, Ohio United States | 06/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This double-CD set has great artists, great selections from the artists, and a killer set of liner packaging. You get some choice information and showings by legendary cats as well as non-household names, with explanations as to why they were great (as if the music wasn't doing that job already). And at the price, you can't beat the value."