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Editorial Reviews
From the Artist
According to Iglauer, "Alligator should be the label that's exposing the next generation of blues artists and bringing their music to the next generation of blues fans. I want the future of the blues and the future of Alligator Records to be one and the same."
Product Description
Alligator Records is home to some of the world's foremost blues and roots rock talent and is regarded by fans and the media alike as the top contemporary blues record label in the world. The Washington Post said, "Alligator is the premiere blues label." The Chicago Sun-Times added, "Alligator is numero uno among indie blues labels, with artists representing the best in contemporary blues."
Alligator Records celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2011 with the release of The Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Collection. The 2-CD set clearly lays out Iglauer's wide-ranging blues vision. From the ragged glory of Hound Dog Taylor to the raw Chicago blues of Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Lonnie Brooks and Eddy Clearwater to the harmonica workouts of Charlie Musselwhite, William Clarke, James Cotton and Rick Estrin to the guitar pyrotechnics of Guitar Shorty, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Michael "Iron Man" Burks and Tinsley Ellis to the front porch roots-rock of JJ Grey & Mofro to the gospel soul of Mavis Staples, the one constant is Alligator's dedication to releasing what has been dubbed "Genuine Houserockin' Music."
From the early days of recording only Chicago blues artists to the addition of national and international artists to the label's commitment to younger roots acts who are creating new blues for a new millennium, Alligator continues to forge ahead. Even after 40 years, Alligator is committed to discovering great new talent, proving that the passion, soul and redemptive power of blues and roots music is alive, well and genuine, capable of rocking the house for many more years to come.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
57 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
In addition to containing authoritative blues and roots music, this two-CD set comes with an attractive, low-cost retail price, 160 minutes of completely re-mastered music, 38 recordings released between 1978 and 2011, and cleverly-written mini-biographies about the artists in the 32 page liner booklet.
With a guitar that is loud and in-your-face, Coco Montoya delivers a kickin' and killer track. Lil' Ed Williams' rollicking energy is boundless, and his guitar is a fireball. You'll experience images of live wires crackling while Johnny Winter's slide guitar is explosive. Guitar Shorty's savage blues are angry with fierce attitude. Tinsley Ellis is fueled on rock power. The Holmes Brothers emit redemptive vocal harmonies. Luther Allison releases an emotional and expressive lament. Rick Estrin's nimble as a cat vocals and classic harp are the core of The Nightcats' bouncy sound. The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, dishes out traditional, electric blues with commanding sass while her throaty vocals roar.
If you want to know what pure Chicago Blues sounds like then listen to the aggressive music of Son Seals. Lonnie Brooks' booming voice, sassy guitar, and enthusiastic rhythms are as fulfilling as a bowl of gumbo. Like a spontaneous, wild party thrown by your College roommate, Hound Dog Taylor creates a welcome racket that you can't resist joining. Two of America's roadhouse kingpins - Roy Buchanan and Delbert McClinton - create the definitive version of a Willie Dixon standard. New Orleans piano master, Professor Longhair, creates a party out of the great Louisiana pastime of cooking. Albert Collins and guests are represented via a track from the best-selling disc Showdown! Alligator's varied roster of remarkable artists isn't bursting with acoustic performers, yet Buddy Guy and Junior Wells prove acoustic blues can be rejuvenating. Although there was no room in the liner to list all the impressive sidemen on these sessions, they include: Billy Branch, Johnny B. Moore, Sammy Lawhorn, Pinetop Perkins, Abb Locke, Johnny B. Gayden, Ken Saydak, and countless others.
Driven with a fervent passion for music and using the same hard work ethic as its artists, Alligator Records has begun the careers of new stars e.g., Corey Harris, rescued the careers of existing stars e.g., Lonnie Mack, and ensured the careers of living legends e.g., James Cotton, continue to evolve. This collective body of works celebrates the legacy of their "Genuine Houserockin' Music" artists.
Tim Holek
With a guitar that is loud and in-your-face, Coco Montoya delivers a kickin' and killer track. Lil' Ed Williams' rollicking energy is boundless, and his guitar is a fireball. You'll experience images of live wires crackling while Johnny Winter's slide guitar is explosive. Guitar Shorty's savage blues are angry with fierce attitude. Tinsley Ellis is fueled on rock power. The Holmes Brothers emit redemptive vocal harmonies. Luther Allison releases an emotional and expressive lament. Rick Estrin's nimble as a cat vocals and classic harp are the core of The Nightcats' bouncy sound. The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, dishes out traditional, electric blues with commanding sass while her throaty vocals roar.
If you want to know what pure Chicago Blues sounds like then listen to the aggressive music of Son Seals. Lonnie Brooks' booming voice, sassy guitar, and enthusiastic rhythms are as fulfilling as a bowl of gumbo. Like a spontaneous, wild party thrown by your College roommate, Hound Dog Taylor creates a welcome racket that you can't resist joining. Two of America's roadhouse kingpins - Roy Buchanan and Delbert McClinton - create the definitive version of a Willie Dixon standard. New Orleans piano master, Professor Longhair, creates a party out of the great Louisiana pastime of cooking. Albert Collins and guests are represented via a track from the best-selling disc Showdown! Alligator's varied roster of remarkable artists isn't bursting with acoustic performers, yet Buddy Guy and Junior Wells prove acoustic blues can be rejuvenating. Although there was no room in the liner to list all the impressive sidemen on these sessions, they include: Billy Branch, Johnny B. Moore, Sammy Lawhorn, Pinetop Perkins, Abb Locke, Johnny B. Gayden, Ken Saydak, and countless others.
Driven with a fervent passion for music and using the same hard work ethic as its artists, Alligator Records has begun the careers of new stars e.g., Corey Harris, rescued the careers of existing stars e.g., Lonnie Mack, and ensured the careers of living legends e.g., James Cotton, continue to evolve. This collective body of works celebrates the legacy of their "Genuine Houserockin' Music" artists.
Tim Holek
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you like blues music you cannot go wrong with this 2 disc compilation put out by Alligator Records. Is this ever the cream of the crop in some of the finest blues performances they have available. There is not a song on here that is less than stunning and as a fan of blues even I was in complete awe by some of the scorching, blistering guitar work you will get here. Whether you're an established fan of the blues or a newbie looking for a place to get started, this set satisfies both needs. If you want me to list standout individual performances you can forget it. For the price you can't go wrong! This isn't depressing blues music, it is good rocking, hard and heavy upbeat blues so shell out the money, crank it up and keep the house rocking. Even a casual fan of the blues is going to love this. Five stars is not enough!
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download
Alligator Records is a national treasure, providing a forum for musicians whose music does not neatly fit into radio categories. The Collection provides a showcase of releases over the past 40 years; it should also be used as a launching pad to explore each artist's individual catalogue. Check out the power riffs of Son Seals, the fire of Luther Allison, the strength of Lonnie Brooks, the brittle ice picking of Albert Collins and the subtle string bending of Roy Buchanan (yes, considered to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones). If funky rhythms and nasty grooves are more to the liking, turn to Anders Osborne and JJ Grey & Mofro. Tommy Castro, Smokin Joe Kubek & Bnois King - the list goes on. Most importantly, use each of these incredible samples to explore the past releases and current concert tours of artists who don't cut corners and give their best with every song.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Essential
If you don't buy this album you need help! This is a must have blues double album from the best in the business. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Critique
Great Album
Having been introduced to Alligator Records by a friend, I have found this an excellent introduction into a whole new realm of artists. Fantastic album with some great sound. Read more
Published 3 months ago by A. Risson
Alligator Records 40th Anniversary (2xCD)
I always listen to every CD I purchase so always know what I am getting. This CD is a superb beginning for those who want to start collecting Blues.
Published 3 months ago by s
Great Sampler From A Top Notch Blues Label
Alligator Records is a label that specializes in blues and has some great artists in its roster.
This 40th Anniversary Collection is a really good sampler of the label's... Read more
This 40th Anniversary Collection is a really good sampler of the label's... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mark Anderson
Excellent Blues Collection
Very good value for a great collection of blues. Some old, some new, all worth listening to. If you want to have an antohlogy with many different performers, this is the one. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Walt
A Must Have
What a great album. So many favorites but all good songs. All the Kings Men and Last Dirty Deal just awesome. Read more
Published 5 months ago by bb
Crazy Alligator
A fine example of a very good compilation of awesome artists and songs. Yes Alligator always puts out fine Blues compilations !
Published 5 months ago by Carlitta Rose
alligator records 40th anniversary collection cd
I ordered this CD twice,,,had to send the lst l back,,,,received the 2nd l and some of the songs skip on it.... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Blaze
Alligartor Records 40th Anniversary
Good collection of songs. However, in some places it got a little too long. A nice Blues collection, but no my favorate.
Published 8 months ago by Chris
Even More!
I've been told my current collection is rather impressive, this set has a lot of stuff I don't have, unlike a lot of compilations which usually have one or two I've never heard.
Published 8 months ago by David Green
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