Mississippi John Hurt
Rediscovered
(Vanguard)
Sure, this a belated re-packaging of an already flawless catalog. Sure, the only real
rediscovery here probably involves the record label's balance sheet. And sure, if you don't own
at least half the songs included (and, heaven forbid, if you don't own any of them), you'd better
hand over the cash and get your hands on this "best-of" pronto. Because even a
Mississippi John Hurt compilation with a cynical profit motive is still a Mississippi John Hurt
compilation, a collection of songs from the wisest, craftiest, most astonishing and most human of
all the delta blues practitioners, the honorable Mr. Johnson included. Call him folk if you must
. But just remember, it's spelled with a small "f," punk. Joan Baez and Peter, Paul
and Mary won't be covering "Funky Butt" anytime soon. And even Mr. Johnson himself
couldn't pull off "Stagolee."
Rating: 10
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