Audio CD review:
Leadbelly - Midnight Special

Leadbelly - Midnight Special

Band: Leadbelly Title: Midnight Special Rating: Release Date: 14 February, 1992 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Irene 2: Irene 3: Matchbox Blues 4: Midnight Special 5: Governor O.K. Allen 6: Frankie & Albert 7: Ella Speed 8: Red River 9: Get Up In The Mornin' 10: You Don't Know My Mind 11: I'm Sorry Mama 12: Take A Whiff On Me 13: DeKalb Blues 14: Roberta 15: Careless Love

Editoral Review By then, the much-traveled, oft-jailed Huddie Leadbetter had assembled a repertoire that was laden with what would become signature Leadbelly tunes. The first title in the three-volume Library of Congress Recordings series of the titanic singer and 12-string guitarist, Midnight Special consists of recordings that date back to 1934. Featured on this 15-track anthology are a couple of his most famous songs, including "Irene" (here presented in two versions) and "Midnight Special. " The autobiographical "Governor O. K. Allen" (about the singer's plea for a pardon), the cocaine-inspired "Take a Whiff on Me," and the ballad "Careless Love" add to the appeal of this touchstone set. If you're interested in laying the groundwork of a Leadbelly collection, this is as good a place to start as any. --Steven Stolder .. You can see a complete list of all Leadbelly discography, or go back to the Leadbelly tabs