375 - John Lee Hooker - The Ultimate Collection 1948-1990

The sad news is that I was unable to find this exact collection. I ended up having to snag tracks from various collections to compile the list of songs available on The Ultimate Collection 1948-1990. Because of that, there is a chance that the versions I listened to are not the versions on the album that made the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums list.

Blues is one of those genres that I have a lot of respect, a little curiosity, and a good deal of general information. I've heard so many unnamed blues tracks and so many covers, that I am confident with my knowledge of the genre but lack confidence with my knowledge of the various blues artists. I really enjoyed listening to some of the blues albums on the list so far, but was disappointed with these tracks. The songs fluctuated between the spare sound of guitar and vocals that I enjoyed from Robert Johnson to some more rocking blues. Unfortunately, I don't think I got a feel on what sets John Lee Hooker apart from his peers from the collection of songs I heard.

Songs I knew I liked: "Boom Boom" and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Crawlin' King Snake," "Huckle Up Baby," "John L's House Rent Boogie," and "I Need Some Money" (which predates and is very much similar to Barrett Strong's/The Beatles' "Money (That's What I Want)", but with a slower, bluesy sound).

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: Much of the rest of the collection.