That's My Story, John Lee Hooker

That's My Story, John Lee Hooker, 1960, :44

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

The king of Delta blues delivers a restrained, ruminative set of folk blues.  His voice is as haunting as ever, but some of the songs lack that rolling beat that Hooker is famous for.  In its place are softly moaned lyrics and the space between sparse notes.  Hooker's skill and craft are impeccable, but I decided to rate this one a three simply because this style of restrained blues isn't quite my style.  Favorite tracks: "I Need Some Money" (actually an adaptation of Berry Gordy's "Money (That's What I Want)," with what seem to be a few added lyrics; "I'm Wanderin';" "No More Doggin'."

At Last!, Etta James

Day themes are on hold. Currently doing one album for each year, 1960-2020. Today: 1960.

At Last!, Etta James, 1960, :29

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near-universally acclaimed, this album showcases Etta James' singing talents; she's easily the equal of Aretha Franklin.  Here she belts out raunchy blues (Willie Dixon's "I Just Want to Make Love to You"), croons pop standards and torch songs ("Stormy Weather," "All I Could Do Is Cry"), lets out an "Ungh!" like James Brown, and throughout growls, croons, and belts in equal measure.  She lays her heart out on her sleeve on fearless songs about heartache and losing love, a soul singer in perfect control of her instrument.  While music people know James' worth, she deserves to be as commonly venerated and ubiquitous as Aretha.  Favorite tracks: "At Last," "My Dearest Darling," "Tough Mary."