Magic Sam - West Side Soul
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Free Music Notes for West Side Soul
Free Music Review: Man, what an album
Hit: 5 Stars
I can't really disagree with anyone else. This is a great album, maybe not the greatest, but it's certainly on par with B.B.'s Live at the Regal which I also love. Magic Sam really expresses the melancholy that I like about the blues (on That's All I Need especially). This feeling became less important (but was still there) as the blues morphed into rock and roll. That's why I prefer the Stones to the Beatles. In their best songs, the Stones still have it, the Beatles really don't.No matter what my mood is, the best blues just seems to fit. If I'm feeling good, then I can slip into the groove and relax. If I'm feeling low, then the blues lifts me up. It doesn't make me "forget my troubles" (a phrase I've always hated) but just helps me feel the mood without wallowing in it.
If you like this album, I'd also recommend Otis Spann, he doesn't have the swagger of his one-time boss Muddy Waters but is more relaxed and reflective like Magic Sam.
Free Music Review: Greatest album?
Hit: 5 Stars
It is hard to assess the blues as an album-oriented art form, but I feel safe in stating that West Side Soul is the finest record ever produced in any genre of music. Everything on this CD is perfect - from Sam's mind-bending guitar work to his truly impressive vocal abilities to the rock-steady rhythm section. Not to be overlooked is the second guitar work of Mighty Joe Young. The song selections seamlessly befit Sam's boogie-laden sound, making for a relaxed and overall natural listening experience. If there's one album to own, it's this one.Free Music Review: A must have for any Chicago Blues fan
Hit: 5 Stars
While maybe not quite as well known as his brethren of the West Side Sound - Freddie King (Freddie moved to Chicago as a teenager) and Buddy Guy, Magic Sam deserves a place in the Pantheon of Blues. His sense of ryhtym and timing are second to none and his soulful vocal delivery will send shivers down your spine. On this disc he shows his mastery of a variety of styles from old standards like Sweet Home Chicago to boogie tunes like I Wanna Boogie to minor blues tunes like All of Your Love with its searing vocals and guitar runs.Free Music Review: Not for Dilettantes
Hit: 5 Stars
I own this album in an original vinyl edition and couldn't resist this review. This album is probably as far from 'slick' as it is possible to get. On the other hand, if you appreciate the earthy, fundamental power of the postwar Chicago Blues sound presented by a raw new talent, you will like this album. This is not blues served up for a white, suburban audience sipping chardonnay: this is the reason you started listening in the first place.Free Music Review: I don't usually rate albums this high but it is worth it
Hit: 5 Stars
This is one of my all time favourites and greatest surprises. I just decided to try old Sam out and found what I think is one of the greatest and most original sounding bluesmen ever. He has the voice of a soul singer and the guitar playing of someone who has heard B.B. King at his Best. His tone is distinct and his right hand man back-up guitarist Might Joe Young is perfect accompaniment. After several listens you realize that the whole band with him is grade-A. And they are subtle unlike many blues bands, Sam has the floor. That's all I need is a Soul tune. Almost every other song is a perfect blues song in my opinion. When I first heard him do Otis Rush's My love will never die, it was sealed. Sam is one of the most potent bluesmen when he wants to be. The crisp guitar leads and amazing vocals, and the great interplay with the other musicians and the composition, its all here and tops. I recomend this one to the most hard core electric blues fan or even to somebody who doesn't know the music at all. This just should work for anybody. It is just like it says in the liner notes - ''Regardless of your previous taste, if you are reasonably Turned on'' or whatever with humanity and life, you will like the album. The sound quality is good but could be better and that is pretty much the most minor complaint, and the only one I could think of.