LIGHTNING HOPKINS
Best of (Arhoolie)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Sam "Lightning" Hopkins helped define Texas country blues during World War Two, and I've heard that he recorded for more than 20 different record labels over a career that spanned six decades. Most of the tracks on this new compilation were recorded for the Gold Star Label in Houston, Texas between 1947 and 1950, and they're a great introduction to Arhoolie's collection of Lightning Hopkins' work. It's great to hear Lightning sing "Have You Ever Loved a Woman," and I enjoy this country version just as much as I do Eric Clapton's. Lightning is known for his uncomplicated country style and stories about the rural South, but I found his upbeat Zydeco organ playing positively infectious on "Zolo Go." Hopkins' more popular songs are included in this collection, including "Mojo Hand" and "Grosebeck Blues." An excellent introduction to Texas country blues played by one of the masters.

Track List:

Whiskey Blues * Come on Baby * Grosebeck Blues * Mojo Hand * Going Home Blues (Going Back and Talk to Mama)* Jesus Will You Come Be Here * Tim Moore's Farm * Have You Ever Loved a Woman * Big Mama Jump* Mr. Crow and Billy Quinn * Unsuccessful Blues * Bald Headed Woman * Zolo Go * Please Settle In Vietnam * Short Haired Woman * The Dice Game * Once Was A Gambler

© 2001 - Eric Steiner