Movie Soundtrack Blues

This week we’re looking at some of the best blues tracks to appear on the Silver Screen. This list is by no means complete, so feel free to add your suggestions in the comments box.

1. Blues Traveler – But Anyway (Kingpin)
2. The Louisiana Gator Boys and the Blues Brothers – New Orleans (Blues Brothers 2000)
3. Aretha Franklin – Think (Blues Brothers)
4. Taj Mahal – Needed Time (Sounder)
5. Steve Vai & Ry Cooder - Butler’s Bag (Crossroads)

The Best Chicago Blues

Chicago Blues has spawned many a great rock and roll band. It’s influence permeates through the music of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa (among many others). In this week’s playlist, we pay homage to the Chicago blues greats – the ones that got the stone rolling.

1. Freddie King – Hideaway
2. Junior Wells – Tobacco Road
3. Otis Spann – Some Day
4. Muddy Waters – Rollin’ Stone
5. Buddy Guy – Sweet Little Angel

 

Blues Pianists

This week we’re moving away from the Guitar Gods and turning our attention to the fantastic, finger-fiddling, antics of the blues world’s greatest pianists.

1. Pete Johnson – Death Ray Boogie (the video below is not actually Pete, but it’s a pretty good impersonation)
2. Otis Spann – Aint Nobody’s Business If I Do
3. Jimmy Yancey – Rolling the Stone
4. Clarence ” Pinetop” Smith – Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
5. Memphis Slim – Everyday I Have The Blues

Modern Blues: From Black Keys to Guitar-slinging Trout

This week we’re taking a look at some modern blues artists – from the crossover sounds of the Black Keys to the reckless guitar wailing of Walter Trout.

1. Walter Trout – Dust my broom
2. Doyle Bramhall ll – Helpless Man
3. Tab Benoit – Nice & Warm
4. The Black Keys – Your Touch
5. Storyville – A Piece of Your Soul

Happy Human Rights Day!

To all those in South Africa, have an awesome Human Rights Day!

 

Roosters and Steeldrivers

This week’s playlist is a real mix from Atomic Rooster to James Hunter (any guesses which modern pop superstar covered the Steeldriver’s ‘If it Hadn’t Been for Love’?).

1. Atomic Rooster – Black Snake
2. Irma Thomas – I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free
3. Loudon Wainwright III – I’m Alright
4. The Steeldrivers – If it Hadn’t Been for Love
5. James Hunter – Don’t Do Me No Favours

Bridges and Hellhounds

From traditional hellhounds to bridges that float and burn, here’s another collection of awesome tracks to keep your week good and bluesy.

1. Joe Bonamassa – Don’t Burn Down That Bridge
2. Robert Johnson – Hellhound On My Trail
3. Matt Schofield – Don’t Know What I’d Do
4. Gregg Allman – Floating Bridge
5. George Thorogood – Night Time