Mercury Blues

by Richie UnterbergerSpare electric blues from 1973-74 with a juke-joint feel, including a version of "Mercury Blues," tcovered by Steve Miller and Alan Jackson. Originally released on LP on Arhoolie 1073, the CD reissue adds a dozen previously unissued bonus cuts, taken from sessions in 1960, 1963, 1973, and 1974. It's competent but unexceptional country-blues with added electricity and a rhythm section, and pretty similar-sounding most of the way through. "I'm Gonna Build Me a Web," the 1963 track, stands out here as the piano and sax add some needed texture; the three 1960 songs are solo acoustic performances.