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Critic's Review
Al Campbell, All Music Guide
This Collectables reissue highlights 24 tracks Albert King recorded in the late '50s and early '60s for the Bobbin and King labels. These post-Parrot, pre-Stax tracks find the left-handed blues guitar innovator formulating his big-city urban sound with the addition of a horn section. This is strong, gritty material highlighted by definitive versions of "Let's Have a Natural Ball," "Blues at Sunrise," "I Get Evil," and "Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong," King's first hit single outside the St. Louis area, where he was working the club circuit at the time. Also included are alternate versions of "I've Made Nights By Myself," "Blues at Sunrise," "The Time Has Come," and "Why Are You So Mean to Me." Although this compilation contains first-rate performances, there is nothing unexpected for the Albert King collector. However, if you're only familiar with his Stax sessions, this disc should be the next one you purchase.
