A Different Kind Of Blues is a compilations that just gets it right.
As the title suggests, the two CD set represents the path less travelled for fans of the blues, featuring 42 tracks from the 60s and 70s.
Rather than delivering the typical tracks from the usual culprits, it is clear that compiler Dean Rudland has invested a lot of time in carefully selecting the tracks.
There are many highlights here, spanning from acoustic numbers such as R.L. Burnside’s ‘Skinny Woman’, to more electrified jams like Junior Kimbrough’s sombre ‘I Cried Last Night’ to the very funky ‘Can You Get to That’ by Funkadelic.
To add to that, there is the wild instrumental number ‘Some Kind of Nut’ by F.L. Wray & The Moon Men, and the left-of-centre ’25th Century Quaker’ by Captain Beefheart.
Even tracks from the legends of the blues will surprise here. Muddy Waters’ obscure and electrified ‘She’s Alright’ is the stand-out, sounding like a template to The Black Keys’ brand of blues.
Although there are no dud tracks to speak of, a few selections are puzzling.
Gary Glitter’s classic track ‘Rock & Roll Part 2′ appears far too mainstream for this collection, whilst the Sonics’ classic 60s garage-punk remake of ‘Have Love Will Travel’ would have been much better placed than Richard Berry’s tame original.
There is something for even the casual blues fan – particularly for those with a love for modern blues revivalists.
With future compilations from Festival Records in the pipeline (including a country compilation), listeners are sure to be treated to plenty more hidden gems.
