Various Artists
Don't Worry, Sing The Blues
Atomic Theory 1131

This sampler from the Atomic Theory record label features seventeen cuts by such artists as: Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin, R.J. Mischo, Teddy Morgan as well as a track each from Al Rapone (Rock Me) and the Butanes Soul Revue (I Ain't Drunk.)

The Butanes' "I Ain't Drunk" may be the last track on this 17-song blues collection, but it's first when it comes to illustrating the set's woozy appeal. With barefaced blue-collar chutzpah, the Butanes whip up a pro-drinking anthem that would do any working stiff proud and packs such a wallop it could give even the most sober socialite a contact buzz. Like the Butanes' moment (and the barflies hollering along on the live recording of "Drunk"), this compilation brings together a gang of voices - Willie Murphy, the James Solberg Band, Lamont Cranston, R.J. Mischo, Lynwood Slim and others - that have been cultivated in life's most interesting petrie dish: bars, nightclubs and pubs. In that sense, this sampler is something of a historic event in that it brings together some of the Twin Cities' most well-traveled blues dogs (and a few out-of-town ringers) on one CD. But it also speaks to the variety of the blues stripes there are out there, from straight blues, to jump-blues, rock blues and even a testimonial from "The First Man (Who Ever Had the Blues)."

Jim Walsh

With all due respect to Bobby McFerrin, I like the title of this fine compilation better than his hit song of a few years ago. Don't Worry, Sing The Blues collects 17 songs originally released on various albums from the Minneapolis-based Atomic Theory Records. This is a very cohesive collection, highlighted by veteran Minnesota blues bands Lamont Cranston and their offspring The Hoopsnakes. The former contributes a real, high octane blues in "Play The Blues," while the latter does a fun novelty tune in "The First Man (Who Ever Had The Blues)." Among the other artists represented here are Jimmy Rogers, James Solberg, Willie Murphy, Lynwood Slim, and Al Rapone.

The above compilation also contains one cut from The Butanes Soul Revue. If you like that song, then you'll want to pick up One Night (Atomic Theory), captured live in 1990 when Minneapolis band The Butanes added a bigger horn section and a few extra singers for a rousing night of classic soul. I can never have too many versions of O.V. Wright's "A Nickel And A Nail," and this band does well by this soul chestnut, with strong singing from their female vocalists. But the pick of the litter here is the red hot slow, soulful, gospel-influenced blues "Without You."

Mark Miller