I’ve often talked about music in this newsletter, with an emphasis on the blues, both because I’m obsessive about it and because fans ask me questions about this genre of music all the time after the success of my blues-heavy novel, Gone to See the River Man. This is particularly true of fans in foreign countries who are unaware of the rich history of this breed of American music.
I’ve also been very touched by readers who’ve shared their own playlists inspired by my novels—goth mixes for The Prettiest Girl in the Grave and death metal playlists for The Night Stockers, and so on. With this in mind, I’ve decided to occasionally share blues music in the form of tailored mixtapes featuring songs that have inspired my work—and not just the world of Gone to See the River Man, but also a variety of other writings.
Welcome to River Man Radio.
Now and then, I will put these mixtapes together to share with whomever is interested. These will simply be one-hour-long playlists made through Spotify. Listening to them is totally free. Even if you don’t pay for Spotify, you can still play the songs but will just have to hear a couple of their commercials. Or you can remake the mix on iTunes or wherever you check out music.
I’m doing this because my love for the blues is so strong that I cannot resist the urge to share it with others. Most of my readers understand this about me, and many have messaged me for blues recommendations, so this is my passionate response to that.
I put a good deal of thought into each mix I make, wanting the songs to flow well while also providing a rich tapestry. With each playlist, I will give some information about the songs in the newsletter that announces their release. Here is the track list for the first episode.
RIVER MAN RADIO Ep. 1
Catfish Blues - Jimmy Duck Holmes. This track is from my favorite of his albums, Cypress Grove, which is a modern blues masterpiece. I have mentioned it before in this newsletter, but felt the need to reiterate. Haunting and hypnotic, this song reflects the heart of southern blues with gusto.
My Love Will Never Die - Otis Rush. From another flawless record, Mourning in the Morning, which I’ve also mentioned here previously. This song is a standout track, filled with longing and heartache, and empowered by Rush’s exceptional vocals and guitar performance.
Bottom of the Sea - Muddy Waters. This one is from Waters’ rock period during the late ’60s. It is a wandering track that comes together in the last minute for a powerhouse of blues rock like no other, reminding us that Waters was not only a blues master but the true king of rock ‘n roll.
It Hurts Me Too - Elmore James. Another one I’ve mentioned before., and with good reason. This ballad is a blues standard but has never been done better than it was by James on this second recording. His slide guitar skills are showcased with this song, which tells of a man in love with a taken woman.
Insane Asylum - Koko Taylor and Willie Dixon. The undisputed Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, belts out a passionate duet with the masterful Willie Dixon for a grim song about true madness.
Goin’ Down South - R.L. Burnside. From Burnside on Burnside, the best live blues album ever made. Playing with Kenny Brown and his grandson, Burnside recreates one of his acoustic standards into a roaring, electric jam.
Smokestack Lightnin’ - Howlin’ Wolf. This is a must for anyone curious about the blues, and a standard for any fan of the genre. Wolf, one of the greatest blues musicians of all time, created this song using a variety of ancient blues lyrics, making this song the epitome of the blues experience.
School Boy - Big Mama Thornton. A sultry, swaggering song of desire from one of the blues’ most legendary ladies.
Breaking My Heart - Robert Belfour. Another modern master. Belfour’s strumming guitar has more power behind it than most electric ones you’ll hear, and the simple lyrics about a woman who “don’t treat me right” are blues perfection.
Ghetto Woman - B.B. King. A gloomy ballad about poverty in urban America by one of the greatest voices, and best guitar players, in blues history.
Rising Wind - Floyd Jones. Sadly, very few recordings exist of Mr. Jones, but the ones that do remain feel like the songs of old ghosts. This track could even be considered a murder ballad, as the lyrics describe a man buying a knife with the intention of killing the man who stole his woman, and perhaps the woman too.
Cut You Loose - Buddy Guy. Another legend in the business, Buddy Guy is my favorite guitar player of all time. Tracks like this one showcase why.
When My Baby Left Me - Furry Lewis. A haunting acoustic ballad about love and loss by the perfectly gravel-voiced Furry Lewis. Can’t make a mixtape without the closing ballad!
I hope some of you will enjoy River Man Radio. It’s a simple labor of love, but the more popular it is, the more often I’ll do it. I know these mixes won’t appeal to everyone and that’s okay. Everybody has their own taste, and this is a just a hobby of mine. But for all those who have expressed interest, I trust you’ll enjoy the experience.
So sit back in a dark room, pop a beer or an edible, and let these songs take you deep into their worlds. You might just find its a world you’ve been needing, or perhaps even a place your heart has been for a long time but will now have a voice for.
Until next time, keep reading and rockin’ out, and try to be happy.
Your pal,
Kris
Excellent list of recommendations. Thanks for sharing.