This was originally released by Chess in 1966 to capitalize on the then-current folk music boom. The music, however -- a collection of Howlin' Wolf singles from 1956 to 1966 -- is full-blown electric, featuring a nice sampling of Wolf originals with a smattering of Willie Dixon tunes. Some of the man's best middle period work is aboard here; "Killing Floor,""Louise," the hair-raisingly somber "Natchez Burning," and Wolf's version of the old standard "Sitting on Top of the World," which would become his set closer in later years. [Cub Koda]
Few folks are as aptly named and few albums are as aptly titled as this one. Wolf was a powerhouse of a singer, a blues belter who positively growled his words. Backed by a Chicago blues band of unrestrained force, the result is some of the strongest and long lasting recordings in the history of electric blues. Guitarist Hubert Sumlin deserves much of the credit. His piercing wails punctuate tracks such as "Killing Floor,""Three Hundred Pounds of Joy," and "Sittin' On Top of the World"--yet Wolf is always center stage. These tracks were cut between 1958 and 1966, and include both Wolf's sterling originals as well as a trio of Willie Dixon numbers tailor-made for the big man. [Rob O'Connor]
"Some folk built like this
Some folk built like that
But the way I'm built
Don't you call me fat
Because I'm built for comfort
I ain't built for speed
But I got everything
All good girls need"
Some folk built like that
But the way I'm built
Don't you call me fat
Because I'm built for comfort
I ain't built for speed
But I got everything
All good girls need"
.jpg)