Albert King - Stax Profiles (2006)

As part of the Stax Profiles series, blues guitarist Albert King is spotlighted with material recorded in the late '60s and early '70s for the Memphis-based label. Since this midline compilation only contains 11 cuts, it's easy to dwell on what was left off. For instance, where is "Laundromat Blues," "Cross Cut Saw," "The Hunter," "Blues Power," "Phone Booth," or "Personal Manager"? Gathering the hits wasn't what Fantasy Records executive and Albert King fanatic Bill Belmont had in mind when selecting these tracks. Although previously released, a few of these cuts are slightly different or expanded, such as the full-length "I'll Play the Blues for You, Pts. 1-2" backed by the Bar-Kays; a live version of "Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong" recorded at the Fillmore Auditorium in 1968; and "She Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride," a track popularized by the Blues Brothers, who introduced it to a younger audience. Without a doubt, the main jewel of this set is the previously unreleased version of "Born Under a Bad Sign" recorded on December 6, 1983, and featuring King disciple and then up-and-coming guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. For whatever reason, this version was left off the King/Vaughan collaboration In Session.

Tracks:
01. Born Under a Bad Sign
02. Lovingest Woman In Town
03. She Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride
04. The Sky Is Crying
05. Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong
06. (I Love) Lucy
07. Can't You See What You're Doing to Me
08. Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
09. Angel of Mercy
10. Oh, Pretty Woman
11. I'll Play the Blues for You
Download links: