another amazing compilation from Mississippi records that, like everything they put out, was quickly snatched up and is now out of print. the 3rd installment in their "series" of gospel blues collections, this one favors post-war sounds of the 60's and 70's, with warm analog recordings and mostly minimal arrangements on electric guitars. the first track "eternal life" by the Mosby Family Singers is a total scorcher, with deep sultry lead vocals, gorgeous harmonizing and piano-drenched rhythm that comes off almost like a laconic version of Nina Simone's "sinnerman". the solo voice of Laura Rivers' "thats alright" is powerful and earnest, with a mysterious voice barely audible in the background and the perfect amount of room ambience to create a haunted home recording vibe. other tracks are electrified gospel sermons, calling to mind the grittiness of rev. Charlie Jackson on tracks like White Family's "help me jesus" and Joe Townsend's "going over the hill". the album finishes out with an anonymous and seriously pretty fucked up rendition of "we shall overcome" as sang by what sounds like a few giggly children who just sucked down some helium. another classic comp from Mississippi that hasn't left my regular rotation for months.
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thank u so much. been searching for this...u rule! Karl
ReplyDeleteoh thank you thank you thank you. i started listening to sinners crossroads on wfmu and that song has been KILLING ME for months. now i can listen to it non-stop!
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