A World Waiting to be Born

The concept of TALKING WITH THE BLUES is based on a view of the various US states as blues regions. Even casual blues listeners are familiar with the fact that there is Chicago Blues or Mississippi Blues and the gripping social history of the music is very much marked by its geography. But there is much more that just those two places and to this day blues music stays committed to local styles. Moreover, many US states are endowed with a unique cultural identity grown out of the prevailing social, historical and ethnic realities. Reflections of these specific identities are also expressed in the blues.

More than many, more-fêted stars, Jennifer Lopez seems emblematic of 00s pop: slick, blinged-up, powerful and ambitious enough to overcome such peasantish problems as a lack of innate aptitude for the form. And, for a while, her attitude worked to superb effect: she's the quintessential "more great songs than you initially assume" artist, with Love Don't Cost a Thing, Whatever You Wanna Do, If You Had My Love and – best of all – the Murder remixes of Ain't It Funny and I'm Real all high-water marks. But even her most passionate defenders couldn't have expected her to be relevant in 2011, with her most recent material seeming to indicate a decline of interest on both the public's part and her own…

The Allmusic review of this compilation's original release boasts a Four Star rating and they call it "An absolutely first-rate album…The sound is excellent… An essential record, even for non-fans of the group". And you simply can't argue with that. But hey, why stop there; ".The sounds are melodic yet raw, and very, very soul-oriented, with a lean and muscular edge to the playing and singing alike - overall, the music is reminiscent of The Band in its prime years, only smoother when they need to be, with some interesting touches, such as their brilliant covers of the Beatles' 'Let It Be' and Ray Charles' 'Yes Indeed'." Yes folks, it really is that good. For those only familiar with the Cate Brothers' big 1975 hit 'Union Man', this welcome reissue of the long unavailable 'Arkansas Soul Siblings' collection - now lovingly repackaged - will be akin to visiting a long lost friend.Once again, this Broadside reissue has been re-mastered by the revered Tim Turan - so it now not only looks better than ever, it sounds like never before, too! - Review from Amazon.com