Whiskey & wimmen : John Lee Hooker's finest

"Whiskey & Wimmen: John Lee Hooker's Finest, a new 16-track compilation from Vee-Jay, does just that. Vee-Jay was just one of many record labels that Hooker worked with over his multi-decade career, and this collection-primarily focusing on his most prolific period in the 1950s and `60s-includes songs originally released on three other labels, as well ... While we may not know exactly how much Hooker may have indulged in the titular vices outside of the songs featured here, distilling an album that's supposed to celebrate his musical legacy to a colloquialism like "booze `n' bitches" seems diminishing and superficial. The compilation-and Hooker's storied career-could have just as easily been summarized with other song titles like "Time Is Marching" (especially considering this centennial). Even putting criticisms on the packaging, titling and liner notes aside, John Lee Hooker's music stands the test of time. The tunes in this collection of his foundational bluesareessential listening for new listeners and familiar fans, alike.

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"You can hear attempted recreations of his delivery all over records by the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Canned Heat, Fleetwood Mac and countless others ... Those looking for the perfect John Lee Hooker primer need look no further".

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