With their dueling guitar leads and harmonies built on a double drummer foundation, the Allman Brothers Band cast the mold for the southern rock sound that would proliferate in the '70s. Virtuoso musicians, their songs drew upon a number of southern influences, including country, the blues, New Orleans jazz, and even gospel, creating a sound that was distinctly theirs. Decade of Hits is a great catalog of the Allman's at their guitar wielding best. The sweet, infectious harmonies on the instrumental "Jessica" have become a classic reference point in themselves. Next to the tragedies that plagued them--two motorcycle deaths, heroin addiction--the Allman's are probably best known for the heroic "Ramblin' Man." Written and sung by the now legendary Dickey Betts, the song contained everything that made the band great: intricate guitar harmonies, a strong melody, and just enough twang to keep the thing tight. Decade also contains Allman staples "Melissa," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," and "Southbound." --Steve Gdula

Muddy Waters, <em>The Definitive Collection

There has never been a better showcase for improvisational rock than this 1971 concert recording, and few (if any) live rock albums are in its rank. With only two studio albums (and plenty of touring) under their belt, the Georgia sextet tore into the Fillmore East with road-tested buoyancy. Titanic guitarist Duane Allman was at the peak of his powers, pushing his foil, Dickey Betts, to unsurpassed peaks. Vocalist-keyboardist Gregg Allman would have been a star in any other setting; here he's merely one more component in a brilliant ensemble. Duane Allman died shortly after At Fillmore East shipped, and the Brothers haven't scaled such heights since. But, then, neither has anyone else. --Steven Stolder

This Columbia Legacy reissue of the 1965 release is one of the few recordings available of one of the blues' founding fathers. It contains some of his best songs, which have unsurprisingly become classics of the Delta blues genre: "Death Letter," "Preachin' Blues," "Levee Camp Moan," "Pony Blues," and "Downhearted Blues" are all here. Though not as comprehensive as Father of the Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions, this CD is an excellent introduction to this seminal artist's work, revealing the creativity, passion, skillful guitar playing, and rich singing that helped form a whole new kind of music. <I>--Genevieve Williams

This two-CD box contains all 41 recordings Johnson made, including 12 alternate takes, and each cut remains a classic. This set's release in 1990 caused quite a stir, selling more than 500,000 copies, and, on the basis of endorsements from Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, introduced a great number of rock fans to Delta blues. Amazingly, Johnson built his enormous legacy on the strength of just two recording sessions: the first session, in November of 1936, produced among others "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Cross Road Blues," and "Walkin' Blues," making it perhaps the most influential single session in blues history. <i>--Marc Greilsamer

Starring JOHNNY DEPP as John Dillinger & Score By Elliot Goldenthal <BR>Soundtrack features "Bye, Bye Blackbird" performed by DIANA KRALL

In the action-thriller Public Enemies, acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp) -- the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public.

Soundtrack includes six tracks by Academy and Golden Globe Award winning composer Elliot Goldenthal and 8 interpolations of blues, jazz and standards. Elliot Goldenthal's work includes such film scores as Aliens 3, Batman Forever and the Academy Award winning Frida. Highlight of the soundtrack is a a newly recorded version of the standard "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" sung by the incomparable Diana Krall. Other interpolations are by contemporary bluesman Otis Taylor.

Music Tracks include: <BR>"Bye Bye Blackbird" - performed by DIANA KRALL
"Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground" - performed by Blind Willie Johnson
"Love Me Or Leave Me," and "The Man I Love" - performed by Billie Holiday

Not the Remastered Version.

No Description Available<br>No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD<br><b>Artist: JAMES,ELMORE<br><b>Title: SKY IS CRYING-HISTORY OF
Street Release Date: 04/06/1993
Domestic
Genre: BLUES TRADITIONAL