Customer Reviews: Read 40 more reviews...
  Perfect for the SRV noob. November 22, 2008
33 songs for under 20 bones! Does it get any CHEAPER? While most hardcore fans won't find much in this set that they don't already have, this is perfect for new listeners. AT that price who can pass it up? I know I sure did!
There is a mix of material here, including live performances, and the sound is excellent. So sit back, crack open a cold one, and crank it to 11. The neighbors will be putting their ear to the WALL. I love online shopping! Gotta go, the MARTians just arrived in their spaceship. That's a bold statement. Wink Wink! ;)
The Man October 20, 2008
What else can i say other than Stevie ray Vaughn is the MAN and everyone should listen to all his music.
Hotter Than Houston In August July 4, 2008
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Some of the tracks on this splendid, reasonably priced 2 CD-set could peel paint off road signs. Self-taught, unable to read a note of music, Stevie Ray Vaughan displays technical virtuosity that at times seems almost Faustian, it's hard to believe that what you're hearing is even possible. Most of all, SRV is a complete Texas blues package, his singing is excellent, his command of the blues idiom so total one imagines he must have dreamt blues as well as lived them - everything works, right down to the outfits and soul patch.
In a sense, SRV was the brightest hope of a next generation of blues masters. He picked his idols wisely, patterning himself after Albert King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, among others. However, there are also strong rock overtones here, most notably the influence of Hendrix who he clearly worshipped. The several Hendrix covers attest to this - they are actually not the best parts of this effort although Little Wing is marvelous. The others prove that SRV could recreate the Hendrix sound - which in itself is an amazing achievement - but add nothing new.
SRV was discovered by legendary virtuoso Johnny Winter, who retains the title of Texas blues heavyweight, and also frequently crossed over to rock. There will be those who will claim SRV outstrips Winter, I can't agree, but I would say they belong in the same sentence. In life, Vaughan was unable to outlive irony. Decades of chronic drug and alcohol abuse took him to death's door where he made the decision to get clean. He did, and was enjoying success as a sober man, only to die in a helicopter crash. It's a tragic story, but he certainly left us with some incendiary, thoroughly satisfying music. I guess that really is why they call it the blues. Highly recommended.
Great Album February 15, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This album is a must own for any one who enjoys anything by SRV. There is a reason they called it the essentials!
Unparalleled January 14, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
There's just nobody else out there that can do it like Vaughan. This is a great sampling of his recordings, too, and makes a good starting point for those just getting into Vaughan's music.
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