John Lee Hooker — Spellbound
Album: Don't Look BackAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2527
Length: 3:51
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'I cane help it...' woo boy; that is the shite!
AUTHENTIC. Hell yes.
One can only reasonably take so much of that.
I love how this great song has been in the RP rotation for years, the album's been out there for decades, it's in English, but the lyrics are still unavailable. I like to think everyone who tries to jot down the lyrics to post somewhere ends up grooving along to the lyrics and forgets to write them down. Spell bound.
Pjesnik wrote:
Šta će ti riječi, svi razumemo engleski... :)
No lyrics available? What's AI doing these days?
Šta će ti riječi, svi razumemo engleski... :)
No lyrics available? What's AI doing these days?
HAVE MERCY . . .
how how how how
opaceo wrote:
Never realized how much does sounds like ZZ Top’s Lagrange
Maybe ... not sure the date Spellbound was composed. Can't find any indication it was on any previous JLH albums and he is listed as the composer on the credits for the album. This album came out well after Tres Hombres (1997 for Don't Look Back and 1972 for Tres Hombres) so it's possible this is a tip of the cap to ZZ by JLH.
Wow... you're... let's just say... uninformed. JLH has been doing this blues shuffle style longer than all of us have been born.
Never realized how much does sounds like ZZ Top’s Lagrange
Maybe ... not sure the date Spellbound was composed. Can't find any indication it was on any previous JLH albums and he is listed as the composer on the credits for the album. This album came out well after Tres Hombres (1997 for Don't Look Back and 1972 for Tres Hombres) so it's possible this is a tip of the cap to ZZ by JLH.
Wow... you're... let's just say... uninformed. JLH has been doing this blues shuffle style longer than all of us have been born.
ImaOldman wrote:
Actually it was 50 years ago, time flies when you're having fun!
I had the privilege of seeing John Lee in a small club about 40 years ago, it was a religious experience...
Actually it was 50 years ago, time flies when you're having fun!
Stop - listen - with your ears… this old man had been singing and playing this music since the 1930s by this point. He helped create the fucking genre.
shake your hips.
The organ player is like "okay, we're gonna get our money's worth out of this thing".
dwlangham wrote:
orthomd wrote:
Never realized how much does sounds like ZZ Top’s Lagrange
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
Maybe ... not sure the date Spellbound was composed. Can't find any indication it was on any previous JLH albums and he is listed as the composer on the credits for the album. This album came out well after Tres Hombres (1997 for Don't Look Back and 1972 for Tres Hombres) so it's possible this is a tip of the cap to ZZ by JLH.
orthomd wrote:
Never realized how much does sounds like ZZ Top’s Lagrange
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
Maybe ... not sure the date Spellbound was composed. Can't find any indication it was on any previous JLH albums and he is listed as the composer on the credits for the album. This album came out well after Tres Hombres (1997 for Don't Look Back and 1972 for Tres Hombres) so it's possible this is a tip of the cap to ZZ by JLH.
yippee!! it must be Friday!
dwlangham wrote:
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
that's pretty funny ... and true. peace.
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
that's pretty funny ... and true. peace.
Billg - that transition from Have a cigar is NOT ok. I never have a negative say about things like that Bill but that was shameful.
Typesbad wrote:
... and we're left to guess where this comment belonged! Somehow I don't think JLH changed his pronoun...
Good lyrics, and she sings the hell out of them, but I'm usually done with this song before she is.
Good lyrics, and she sings the hell out of them, but I'm usually done with this song before she is.
I'm Spellbound. I heard this on the X
4 words: boom boom boom boom
In Chicago, we were so lucky to have an out-of-the-way club called The Quiet Knight and that is where I saw John Lee Hooker play including once with Mick Jagger as a surprise walk-on. We saw Jackson Browne play there before his first album came out and Bonnie Raitt when she was just a college girl getting started on the circuit. Hooker was amazing.
From ZZ Top to JLH? I don't get the connection...
c.
c.
edit: Rock in Peace, Mr. Hill.
you can do a lot with 1 chord
SnapDragon66 wrote:
It DOES help wash out the bile that arose during that garbage.
4 Non-blondes', What's Up, to this. Superb!!
It DOES help wash out the bile that arose during that garbage.
4 Non-blondes', What's Up, to this. Superb!!
Boogie on.
Fan-frickingtastic 👏🏻
orthomd wrote:
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
Never realized how much does sounds like ZZ Top’s Lagrange
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
HE STOLE THAT RIFF FROM ZZ TOP 
Just kidding.
Just kidding.
ImaOldman wrote:
I had the privilege of seeing John Lee in a small club about 40 years ago, it was a religious experience...
Same. Once in Mpls, once in Milwaukee. He and the Coast to Coast Blues band kicked it. So glad I got the chance.Merci RP
Never realized how much does sounds like ZZ Top’s Lagrange
Love this but, Bill, you played it 18 tracks ago? Local server glitch maybe...
Love the groove! I have loved blues music for most of my adult life, but no other artist has been able to alter my mood to align with the song he is crooning quite like John Lee Hooker. What an amazing gift he possessed! Hope to meet and listen to him up close in heaven one day. . . it would make the journey so much worthwhile.
MrStatenIsle wrote:
I'm assuming that comment is tongue in cheek, if not you're a no nothing idiot
Whoa, I hear where ZZ got La Grange from. Oh wait, released 1997! The other way around!
I'm assuming that comment is tongue in cheek, if not you're a no nothing idiot
OMG this is SOOOOOOO Smooth! MrStatenIsle wrote:
The initial groove of the song is based on a traditional boogie blues rhythm used by John Lee Hooker in "Boogie Chillen'" and by Slim Harpo in "Shake Your Hips". A failed lawsuit by the copyright holder of "Boogie Chillen'" resulted in the court ruling that the rhythm was in the public domain.[6] The line "a-how-how-how-how" is quoted from John Lee Hooker's song "Boom Boom".
Whoa, I hear where ZZ got La Grange from. Oh wait, released 1997! The other way around!
The initial groove of the song is based on a traditional boogie blues rhythm used by John Lee Hooker in "Boogie Chillen'" and by Slim Harpo in "Shake Your Hips". A failed lawsuit by the copyright holder of "Boogie Chillen'" resulted in the court ruling that the rhythm was in the public domain.[6] The line "a-how-how-how-how" is quoted from John Lee Hooker's song "Boom Boom".
God is in the house!
Whoa, I hear where ZZ got La Grange from. Oh wait, released 1997! The other way around!
DocStrangelove wrote:
serve you right to suffer.
blues is so boring.
serve you right to suffer.
I had the privilege of seeing John Lee in a small club about 40 years ago, it was a religious experience...
Only John Lee Hooker can get away with this and make it great!
blues is so boring.
lol
OHMish wrote:
Great track, esp. that organ!
Great track, minus the organ
Great track, esp. that organ!
There are a lot of awesome tracks on this album, why playing the only (self-) cover?
bb_matt wrote:
You are joking, right? I almost spilled my beer when I read this. That riff is ancient! I won't spoil it for you, but another famous band lifted it too. Tumbling Dice by the rolling stones, way before zz. Now do your home work and search out the original, if you can find it. I'd say the chances are slim. ;)
I imagine he was joking (or somewhat lost with the history of blues music), but it is not The Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice" which shares this riff, it is their cover of Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips", which appears on the same Stones album. It was addressed a few times in this thread. "Tumblin' Dice" bears little resemblance to either song.
You are joking, right? I almost spilled my beer when I read this. That riff is ancient! I won't spoil it for you, but another famous band lifted it too. Tumbling Dice by the rolling stones, way before zz. Now do your home work and search out the original, if you can find it. I'd say the chances are slim. ;)
I imagine he was joking (or somewhat lost with the history of blues music), but it is not The Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice" which shares this riff, it is their cover of Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips", which appears on the same Stones album. It was addressed a few times in this thread. "Tumblin' Dice" bears little resemblance to either song.
Sublime, from the first 'pop' of that bass line.
Wonderful Billy. Thank you from the other coast.
Skydog wrote:
?
Maybe not on PR but on RP yes.
PR playing black music?!?
Oh yeah, I forgot they did play Al Green a couple of days ago.
Oh yeah, I forgot they did play Al Green a couple of days ago.
?
Maybe not on PR but on RP yes.
BillG wrote:
No Stevie Ray Vaughn. Lots of Stevie Ray Vaughan, though :-)
No Stevie Ray Vaughn. Lots of Stevie Ray Vaughan, though :-)
Oh. That Stevie Ray.
aspicer wrote:
Avid fan eh? Hmm......you do know that John Lee Hooker was born over 30 yrs before Billy Gibbons and was one of Gibbon's influences.
From wikipedia re: the ZZ Top song La Grange
"The initial groove of the song is based on a traditional boogie blues rhythm used by John Lee Hooker in "Boogie Chillen'" and by Slim Harpo in "Shake Your Hips". A failed lawsuit by the copyright holder of "Boogie Chillen'" resulted in the court ruling that the rhythm was in the public domain."
Dare I say he is ripping off the ZZ Top riff?! Not many comments on that.... 
And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?
And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?Avid fan eh? Hmm......you do know that John Lee Hooker was born over 30 yrs before Billy Gibbons and was one of Gibbon's influences.
From wikipedia re: the ZZ Top song La Grange
"The initial groove of the song is based on a traditional boogie blues rhythm used by John Lee Hooker in "Boogie Chillen'" and by Slim Harpo in "Shake Your Hips". A failed lawsuit by the copyright holder of "Boogie Chillen'" resulted in the court ruling that the rhythm was in the public domain."
He's just so cool
Slim f'ing Harpo for F's sake. Can it with this zz top fixation already and learn your blues history already!
MJ_STRONG wrote:
No Stevie Ray Vaughn. Lots of Stevie Ray Vaughan, though :-)
Awesome now how about some Stevie Ray Vaughn...cant believe there isnt any on the playlist
now how about some Stevie Ray Vaughn...cant believe there isnt any on the playlistNo Stevie Ray Vaughn. Lots of Stevie Ray Vaughan, though :-)
Awesome now how about some Stevie Ray Vaughn...cant believe there isnt any on the playlist
now how about some Stevie Ray Vaughn...cant believe there isnt any on the playlistPR playing black music?!?
Oh yeah, I forgot they did play Al Green a couple of days ago.
Oh yeah, I forgot they did play Al Green a couple of days ago.
aspicer wrote:
La Grange from ZZ Top
Dare I say he is ripping off the ZZ Top riff?! Not many comments on that.... And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?
And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?La Grange from ZZ Top
Great track, minus the organ
aspicer wrote:
You are joking, right? I almost spilled my beer when I read this. That riff is ancient! I won't spoil it for you, but another famous band lifted it too. Tumbling Dice by the rolling stones, way before zz. Now do your home work and search out the original, if you can find it. I'd say the chances are slim. ;)
Dare I say he is ripping off the ZZ Top riff?! Not many comments on that.... And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?
And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?You are joking, right? I almost spilled my beer when I read this. That riff is ancient! I won't spoil it for you, but another famous band lifted it too. Tumbling Dice by the rolling stones, way before zz. Now do your home work and search out the original, if you can find it. I'd say the chances are slim. ;)
Dare I say he is ripping off the ZZ Top riff?! Not many comments on that.... And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?
And I'm an avid JLH fan, but a bit blatant...?Great set Bill. Music Mixer Extraordinaire!
Rotterdam wrote:
What ? Do you dislike all blues singers?
No, the most i like, but this one is terrible!
What ? Do you dislike all blues singers?
No, the most i like, but this one is terrible!
helgigermany wrote:
What ? Do you dislike all blues singers?
Awful voice!
What ? Do you dislike all blues singers?
old_shep wrote:
counting just JLH, or including ZZ Top and the others?
How many songs can one get from the same three note riff?
counting just JLH, or including ZZ Top and the others?
Calls for more o the good stuff. Slainte mhath.
How many songs can one get from the same three note riff?
Awful voice!
Did somebody really, intentionally rate this a "1"?
now that's a top tapper !
I like!
I like!
I heard papa tell mama, let that boy boogie-woogie!
Bill has a nice groove going on tonight.
This song cut out about halfway through, really bummed.
Has to be "Most Excellant"Now that's the stuff!
the blues noodling on this track reminded me of a collaboration between JLH and MilesDavis on a movie soundtrack, maybe called 'The Hot Spot', starring Don Johnson, 80s noir & sultry sexiness.
oldfart48 wrote:
jlh b.8/22/1917 you figure he is copying who?....(himself)
A certain BadAss Trio from Texas has freely "sampled" The Hook.
They do it well, but that driving guitar and the
"HOW.HOW.HOW, HOW...is pure John Lee Hooker!
jlh b.8/22/1917 you figure he is copying who?....(himself)
A certain BadAss Trio from Texas
has freely "sampled" The Hook.They do it well, but that driving guitar and the
"HOW.HOW.HOW, HOW...is pure John Lee Hooker!
tpa29970 wrote:
na, just drown him.....
My teenage son was listening with me this morning, and he said "What a stupid song." It's difficult to frame a cogent argument which supports the proposition: "No, this song is bad-ass." I guess he'll figure it out in about 10 years.
na, just drown him.....
Um, most music is about either love, sex, or loss... sometimes all three. If you spend your entire life being offended at people expressing joy about sex then you're going to live a rather closed, sad little life... in my opinion.
Cynaera wrote:
Cynaera wrote:
So, I'm driving my 1974 Plymouth Satellite, packed full of very conservative people, and the John Lee Hooker song "I'm In the Mood" starts playing on the radio (AM - no FM on this rig), which was cranked up because of Katrina and the Waves, and suddenly, the whole car-group goes silent. Apparently, they didn't understand "THE BLUES."
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
Apparently the lyrics don't matter. Why else would he sing them as annoyingly unpronounced as this.
kingart wrote:
It's sort of a similar blues/boogie rhythm to Hooker's "Boogie Chillen", but it's probably considered a standard blues rhythm by now.
This piece has a vague familiarity about it...hmmmm.....where have I heard it before? Or did that other two-man band hear it from John Lee? Or did John Lee hear it from another? Is it all a big karmic circle of going around and coming back?
It's sort of a similar blues/boogie rhythm to Hooker's "Boogie Chillen", but it's probably considered a standard blues rhythm by now.
This piece has a vague familiarity about it...hmmmm.....where have I heard it before? Or did that other two-man band hear it from John Lee? Or did John Lee hear it from another? Is it all a big karmic circle of going around and coming back?
Cynaera wrote:
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
So, I'm driving my 1974 Plymouth Satellite, packed full of very conservative people, and the John Lee Hooker song "I'm In the Mood" starts playing on the radio (AM - no FM on this rig), which was cranked up because of Katrina and the Waves, and suddenly, the whole car-group goes silent. Apparently, they didn't understand "THE BLUES."
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
suesblues wrote:
Classic blues
this is the great thing about the Blues - great rhythm just gets you dancing, best music to dance to! thanks JLH, good song
Classic blues
oldsaxon wrote:
..seems more like ya find it echo-ey..?..
my my my my...I find find find...this this this...repetitive repetitive repetitive....
..seems more like ya find it echo-ey..?..
my my my my...I find find find...this this this...repetitive repetitive repetitive....
Oh goody, blues hour. This is when everyone in my trailer park traipses over to 7-11 for a fresh suitcase of Old Milwaukee.
this is the great thing about the Blues - great rhythm just gets you dancing, best music to dance to! thanks JLH, good song
nalle wrote:
1974 Plymouth Satellite, no kidding. For sale?
I gave it away about ten years ago, to someone who needed a vehicle more than I did. Not sorry about it, but I do miss it sometimes. It had bench seats and four doors and an A.M. radio (no stereo.) It was given to me when my other car shot craps. I'd sure be interested in knowing where that ol' girl ended up...
1974 Plymouth Satellite, no kidding. For sale?
I gave it away about ten years ago, to someone who needed a vehicle more than I did. Not sorry about it, but I do miss it sometimes. It had bench seats and four doors and an A.M. radio (no stereo.) It was given to me when my other car shot craps. I'd sure be interested in knowing where that ol' girl ended up...
Cynaera wrote:
1974 Plymouth Satellite, no kidding. For sale?
So, I'm driving my 1974 Plymouth Satellite, packed full of very conservative people, and the John Lee Hooker song "I'm In the Mood" starts playing on the radio (AM - no FM on this rig), which was cranked up because of Katrina and the Waves, and suddenly, the whole car-group goes silent. Apparently, they didn't understand "THE BLUES."
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
1974 Plymouth Satellite, no kidding. For sale?
So, I'm driving my 1974 Plymouth Satellite, packed full of very conservative people, and the John Lee Hooker song "I'm In the Mood" starts playing on the radio (AM - no FM on this rig), which was cranked up because of Katrina and the Waves, and suddenly, the whole car-group goes silent. Apparently, they didn't understand "THE BLUES."
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
I still have a hard time (no pun intended) listening to JLH, because his music just offends me. I KNOW that "the blues" don't just include being in the mood for love, but it seems to me that sex is the primary topic in most of his stuff.
I know I'll wake up tomorrow after having been haunted by nightmares of people posting their anger/outrage/hostility at me.
Been lovein the smoken blues for the last few days... how about some Freddy King!!!
tpa29970 wrote:
Congrats cc_rider! reel' em in!
My teenage son was listening with me this morning, and he said "What a stupid song." It's difficult to frame a cogent argument which supports the proposition: "No, this song is bad-ass." I guess he'll figure it out in about 10 years.
Your excellent proposition is argument enough, quod erat demonstrandum.Congrats cc_rider! reel' em in!
cc_rider wrote:
I think you may have just committed a crime by Austin standards. Good news is, there's redemption available... a wonderful world of JLH music awaits you.
Wait, what?
I heard this, and just figured this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his, stole the riff from ZZ Top.
I'm wrong? My bad.
I heard this, and just figured this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his, stole the riff from ZZ Top.
I'm wrong? My bad.
I think you may have just committed a crime by Austin standards. Good news is, there's redemption available... a wonderful world of JLH music awaits you.
This and 'The Waterfront' from Hooker's The Real Folk Blues are both amazing.
JL Hooker's got me spellbound...
Perfect for a rainy afternoon.
tpa29970 wrote:
Give him 5
My teenage son was listening with me this morning, and he said "What a stupid song." It's difficult to frame a cogent argument which supports the proposition: "No, this song is bad-ass." I guess he'll figure it out in about 10 years.
Give him 5
cc_rider wrote:
Wait. What? Wait. What? "this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his" Wait. What? Wait. What?
Wait, what?
I heard this, and just figured this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his, stole the riff from ZZ Top.
I'm wrong? My bad.
I heard this, and just figured this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his, stole the riff from ZZ Top.
I'm wrong? My bad.
Wait. What? Wait. What? "this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his" Wait. What? Wait. What?
jruhnke wrote:
I heard this, and just figured this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his, stole the riff from ZZ Top.
I'm wrong? My bad.
ZZ Top's "La Grange" is a song about the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
"Spellbound", from which the great guitar lick comes from, is a John Lee Hooker song.
Hooker...whorehouse.... Coincidence? I think not.
Those ZZ Top boys. Layers upon layers of meaning with those guys.... ; )
Wait, what?"Spellbound", from which the great guitar lick comes from, is a John Lee Hooker song.
Hooker...whorehouse.... Coincidence? I think not.
Those ZZ Top boys. Layers upon layers of meaning with those guys.... ; )
I heard this, and just figured this 'John Lee Hooker' guy, whoever he his, stole the riff from ZZ Top.
I'm wrong? My bad.
grind grind grind away
Only on RP would you hear Depeche Mode then John Lee Hooker. Truly eclectic. Love it.
My teenage son was listening with me this morning, and he said "What a stupid song." It's difficult to frame a cogent argument which supports the proposition: "No, this song is bad-ass." I guess he'll figure it out in about 10 years.
RP forces me to admit to myself that it's possible I don't completely hate some of the things I thought I hated. 10.
ZZ Top's "La Grange" is a song about the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
"Spellbound", from which the great guitar lick comes from, is a John Lee Hooker song.
Hooker...whorehouse.... Coincidence? I think not.
Those ZZ Top boys. Layers upon layers of meaning with those guys.... ; )
"Spellbound", from which the great guitar lick comes from, is a John Lee Hooker song.
Hooker...whorehouse.... Coincidence? I think not.
Those ZZ Top boys. Layers upon layers of meaning with those guys.... ; )
Only a 6 from me. I love his stuff but this just doesn't even approach the brilliance of some of his other recordings.
Had JLH on my mind. Fate . . .
buddy wrote:
At least Billy acknowledges the original blues greats. Don't know if Hooker got a co-writing credit on LaGrange. He probably should have.
Excellent! And now we know where Billy Gibbons got that "La Grange" lick from....
At least Billy acknowledges the original blues greats. Don't know if Hooker got a co-writing credit on LaGrange. He probably should have.
Take a look at that cool ass mofo.
What a blues stud.
What a blues stud.
I love Fridays with RP!!!!!
Lets do this on Mondays too!
Lets do this on Mondays too!
Dude!!!
This is different JLH ... I like it more than most. Most of his other stuff I like but it sounds so much the same to me; this doesn't.
calypsus_1 wrote:
yeah
no comment - 9.
yeah
I don't know what it is, but John Lee Hooker's sound has always struck me as more "modern" than most other blues singers, almost more like rock music. Or maybe the pieces I've heard from him have all been recent recordings.
cool...
andrewimft wrote:
I agree completely... I think he's awful. Not sure about his early career, perhaps he wrote some good songs, but the last 20 years is just coasting, incredibly repetitive style, awful.
Others have been forgotten, somehow Hooker gets the press and accolades— Willie Dixon for example is a fantastic song writer, and was a fine elderly performer. I saw him in his '70's and he was still terrific.
Sorry you both feel that way. I understand that from a melodic or versatile perspective, JLH is limited. Yet from a pure telling sound of the blues, few can compare. So I think he deserves his fame, even if many others don't get their due.
I agree completely... I think he's awful. Not sure about his early career, perhaps he wrote some good songs, but the last 20 years is just coasting, incredibly repetitive style, awful.
Others have been forgotten, somehow Hooker gets the press and accolades— Willie Dixon for example is a fantastic song writer, and was a fine elderly performer. I saw him in his '70's and he was still terrific.
Sorry you both feel that way. I understand that from a melodic or versatile perspective, JLH is limited. Yet from a pure telling sound of the blues, few can compare. So I think he deserves his fame, even if many others don't get their due.