It’s not often you hear falsetto in a blues recording. This was one of the many standout traits that made Skip James a glowingly original artist of the Delta region. More importantly, his odd style of guitar tuning influenced some of rock’s legends, including Eric Clapton. “Cherry Ball Blues” is a lamentation about losing love, a theme repeated over and over in rock n’ roll and any genre of popular music.
“Cherry Ball Blues“ (play/download mp3)
Blind Lemon Jefferson had a natural gift of crafting catchy-chord progressions and an accessible vocal range that complements every recording he ever made. “Rabbit Foot Blues” is one of his most popular titles, even earning a commissioned album cover. This mp3 was ripped from the original 78, and the crackle and hiss of this recording makes you feel like you’re listening to an original pressing of “Rabbit Foot Blues.” Enjoy!
“Rabbit Foot Blues“ (play/download mp3)
Kokomo Arnold’s left-handed slide guitar playing and his vocals, delivered with the intensity and conviction as a sermon from a Sunday preacher, made his records sound 20-years ahead of their time. Recorded in 1934, “Sissy Man Blues” has a place in gay-music history, with the famous, and perhaps the most lucidly sung phrase on the record, “Lord if you can’t send me no woman/please send me some sissy man.”
“Sissy Man Blues“ (play/download mp3)
Mississippi John Hurt sings on this thinly veiled song about domestic violence in “Nobody’s Dirty Business.” According to John, the sadism works both ways. Eventually his woman leaves. But John writes her a letter begging her to come back. She eventually returns and I suspect the dynamic keeps cycling over and over again. An important message brought to you from way back in 1935 – sometimes relationships just plain old don’t work out.
“Nobodys Dirty Business“ (play/download mp3)
This is an absolutely beautiful recording of the The Mississippi Sheiks’ song to agency, “I’ll Be Gone, Long Gone!” Recorded at the hight of their popularity, this cut’s fidelity lets The Sheiks’ unique blend of country and fiddle music really shine.
“I’ll Be Gone, Long Gone“ (play/download mp3)
78's Channel | Free Music Locker
Finding these musical gems and sharing them with the world is my calling. A lot of my posts are significant songs from our past. Thanks to the most modern technology you can listen to this wonderful music using our player or download them.
I hope by posting these music treasures, their magic will be kept alive. Individualism and creativity will be recognized forever, and should be heard.
