Customer Reviews

Deluxe Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Alligator Records' "Deluxe Editions" are usually very good overviews of their artists' output for the label, providing excellent introductions to men like Son Seals and Lonnie Brooks.
This one is less that it could have been, though...Collins has had material released on several other labels, and the track selection is imperfect, but as an introduction I guess it's okay.

"Ice Pickin'" remains Albert Collins' best record for Alligator, and "Live 92/93" would also be a fine place to start. But there is some really good stuff here as well, like the supremely groovy "If You Love Me Like You Say", the slow "Blue Monday Hangover", and Collins' own "Master Charge". Collins was an adequate singer and an excellent guitarist with a highly personal style, and his music often smacks of soul and R&B.
This compilation is not as good as it could have been, though, and the annotation is nothing to get excited about either.
I'd pick up "Ice Pickin'", "Live 92/93" and "Frostbite" instead.

Albert Collins was a man of style. His Telecaster seemed to sing, right along with Albert's gritty and passionate vocals. It takes some right talent to make your guitar seemingly speak, and Albert does just that on this album. Gone far before we were ready to lose him, his music lives on. A standard by which other blues artists are measured to as well.

The album starts off with the fun, drinking song "I ain't drunk" where Albert says he isn't drunk he's just drinking, but don't tell his woman! Albert can also take you way down into the blues tunnel of despair with tracks like "Blue Monday Hangover" which is a slow, bottom of the barrel song, and "If Trouble Was Money", which features a wailing Albert Collins as he sings about something we can all relate to. Albert's guitar work remains strong, and scathing. White hot, both the album and the Master of The Telecaster.

I recommend this album because it encompasses all that is Albert Collins. It is definitely the best blues bang for your buck when searching for what Albert Collin's album to purchase. He ain't drunk, he's just drinkin', so sit back relax and have a few rounds with Albert.

This compilation is sensational. If you don't own any of Collins' albums, this is a great way to introduce yourself to the man. Every song reflects Collins almost underappreciated ability as a songsman. From "I Ain't Drunk" to a live, smokin' "Cold Cuts," there isn't a disappointing track on here.

Albert Collins will put some zip in your step. If you have some mindless job to do, turn on Albert Collins, crank it up, and get to it. Most of his music evokes energy, such that no matter how tired you are, you are never too tired to listen to "Too Tired". His music makes you want to move. Great wake up in the morning music.

One thing I like about Albert Collins, is the quick intro's and then he moves on to the heart of the song. I don't like long slow put you to sleep song intro's.

Another thing I like, his vocals are not over done. He leaves plenty of instrumental time in his songs.

Collins defined what is now called the Texas blues guitar style, using non-standard tuning, and slashing out blocked chords and sharp flurries of treble notes to produce what is known now as the ICE or "ice-cold" sound from his Fender Telecaster.

If you want to trace Albert Collins roots, try listening to Gatemouth Brown.

With this CD, we'll always be able to say that Albert Collins was (and still is) cool. As a compilation album released after his untimely death in 1993, the tracks on this CD present the listener with Albert's style of cool, from past to present - and there is very little change, if any.

I really can't say what track I like most on this CD because to me, they all rate 5 stars. I love singing along with Albert on every track, and enjoy his little story-songs immensely. You really get the feel of what being "blue" is like, living through the lyrics (or stories in some cases).

Snap this one up quickly before they stop releasing it!

Peace Out.

Although this recording lacks the energy of live recordings of collins, it still is a wonderful album. We miss you Mr. Iceman!!

If your main passion and joy is electric blues, then the most important reviews for you to follow are Shaq's, "The King Of The World Blues Reviewer". I've checked other reviewers on some blues CD's, and their history also lists reviews of psychology books, movies, etc. Shaq reviews nothing but da blues! With that being said, let's get down to business. Albert Collins, is one of my six all-time favorite electric blues guitarists! One of the problems in building a collection of Albert's work, is a lot of the CD's are recorded under older, limited technology, and the volume and clarity isn't too good. This Deluxe CD, is loud and clear! The subject matter on this CD ranges from the "fun & humorous", opening song "I Ain't Drunk" ("I'm Just Drinking!"), which I always play as my last song, after tail gating with my buddies, as we drink our last beer, before heading into the stadium! You have the definition of classic blues, both vocally and instrumentally, on "Blue Monday Hangover". You've got an absolutely, clever, humorous, toe tapper (Written by Albert's wife Gwen.) "Master Charge". There's not a loser on the CD. SHAQ BLUES TRIVIA (No other blues reviewer adds such enjoyable tidbits!) Make sure you watch the movie "ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING". It's great for all ages. My son, Shaq Jr, and I, have it on our top ten Father and Son movie list. Albert Collins steals the show, (In a small cameo.) with his performance as (surprise) a blues singer in a black nightclub. You can see every ounce of his personality, that comes out in his music, on his face. We miss you Albert, but you still have us smiling, laughing, and loving your blues!

Outstandin

WHAT CAN YOU SAY BUT A GREAT COLLECTION OF BLUES BY ALBERT ON ONE CD. FROM "DONT LOSE YOUR COOL" TO "IF YOU LOVE ME LIKE YOU SAY".IS JUST A REMINDER OF THE GREATNESS OF ALBERT COLLINS