(MCA)
You're gonna have to ask somebody else about this.
I dig some of King's early R&B sides like "Three O'Clock Blues" and "Hully Gully Twist" but generally I am not a huge fan of this slick, smooth kind of electric blues that he's laid down for most of his career. I've actually never been a big fan of this sound -- Albert King and Buddy Guy do nothing for me, either -- and for years I assumed this meant I wasn't into "the blues," but then I discovered the likes of Blind Willie Johnson, John Lee Hooker, and the rougher-hewn Howlin' Wolf. Only when sitting down with a theoretically grand piece like "The Thrill Is Gone" does it really strike me that I for some reason just can't hear the beauty or passion in it. I know King's guitar style is hugely influential and vital and that he is one of the Greats, and I have absolutely nothing against him nor would I deny any of his accomplishments. But his music, his most beloved and celebrated music, bores me to tears. It's my fault and I'm sorry. I realize it's great music and I should love it but it whooshes by me and leaves no impression, much like other luminaries I would name if I didn't already fear this post was too alienating. I intended to review this compilation and hopefully either come to appreciate it or do a better job of explaining why it isn't my thing, but I just don't have much to say. Forgive me?
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