Deep, inscrutable acoustic country blues recorded by the exceptional ears of George Mitchell back in 1976.  Cecil Barfield’s unique and varied vocal style is what really sets him apart.  For example, hear how he transforms Frankie Lee Sims’ “Lucy Mae Blues” hit (a slightly different version than on this LP, but you get the idea): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWMaO5dWA2g and his take on “Baby Please Don’t Go”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IME8M7i26Xg .  This here is a reissue of the LP that Southland Records issued back when Barfield was recording under the pseudonym of William Robertson. 

“Originally released in 1997 in Germany in a press size of 500.  These original copies were seized by the government shortly after the records release. Only 150 or so were sold before the seizing, but since copies have leaked out of whatever dank German bureaucratic basement they were relegated to. Still, a very hard record to find for years, now back in print.  Our current reissue was remastered from the original tapes & has superior sound quality to the original.

“Culled from Michael’s unreleased output between his ‘First songs’ LP from 1964 & ‘Armchair Boogie’ in 1972.  All tracks feature just Michael & guitar.  Absolutely beautiful folk music by the singular Snock - in our opinion, one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time.” – Mississippi

Discographical survey of the great Abner Jay, who was known as the last of the minstrel musicians. Mr. Jay recorded for a number of labels such as Peacock and LMI, but mostly issued his music on his own private press Brandie Records label. Fans range from Anthony Braxton to Greg Cartwright. Compliled by 50 Miles’ friend (and Ebay arch-rival) Jay Martin.

“Compilation culled from Abner's self released LPs & 7”s featuring hits such as ‘I’m so depressed,’ ‘Cocaine,’ ‘Vietnam,’ and ‘The Reason Young People Do Drugs”. Abner Jay was a one man band singer/songwriter deserving of a wider listening audience than he received in his day. This is the first vinyl release of his material since the 1970's. Great soulful folk & R&B music. LP includes a press photo of Abner, transcriptions of his spoken word pieces, a reproduction of an informative pamphlet about Abner & a press statement penned by Abner himself. Tip on jacket.”

Track listing:
I’m So Depressed
Cocaine
Vietnam
St. James Infirmary Blues
Cleo
Woke Up this Morning
My Mule
Ol’ Man River
Don’t Mess with My Baby
I am Georgia Bound
The Reason Young People Use Drugs

Serious business from one of the all-time greats of north Mississippi blues, recorded in 1964-65. “His is an art of almost hypnotic intensity, his involvement with his material is total.” – Pete Welding. Reissue of Arhoolie F-1027.

Restocked, lower price.  Another lovely and uplifting collection of pre-war gospel from Mississippi Records.  I’m an especially big fan of Kid Prince Moore’s poignant “Sign of the Judgment,” Mother McCollum’s charming “When I Take My Vacation in Heaven,” (also seek out her “Jesus is My Air-o-plane”) and Alfred G. Karnes’ very hot, string-snapping gospel guitar.

Track listing:

Bukka White – Promised True and Grand
Kid Prince Moore – Sign of the Judgment
Bessie Johnson – Great Reaping Day
Blind Joe Taggart – The Storm is Passing Over
Blind Mamie Forehand – Wouldn’t Mind Dying
Willie Williams – Where the Sun Never Goes Down
Bo Weavil Jackson – Fight On, Your Time Ain’t Long
Mother McCollum – Take My Vacation in Heaven
Edward Clayborn – Your Enemy Cannot Harm You
McIntorsh and Edwards – Take a Stand
Alfred G. Karnes – Bound for the Promised Land
Louise & Joseph Spence – Won’t That Be a Happy Time

“A selection of international songs including Calypso, Flamenco, Thai ballads, Indonesian instrumental and more. Designed as a sort of sequel to our ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore’ compilation. Cover art by Chris Johanson.” – Mississippi.  Vocals often get the spotlight here, lots of nice floaters, which makes the yodel gymnastics of the Dezurik Sisters all the more surreal.  Paste-on front + back covers (check out their construction here: http://powwow.typepad.com/taktak/2009/09/mississippi-records-mata-la-pena-vintage-record-sleeve-project-summer-2009.html)
 
Track listing:
Unknown – Pamahei
Canajas – Danza Mora
The Tiger – Down the Road
Roberto y su Orquestra Tipica – El Amanecer
George Ku Trio – Kuu Lei
The Dezurik Sisters – The Arizona Yodeller
Nelly Luis – Carrito Pasajerito
Unknown – Jagaang Tigang
Ernest Rodgers – Willie the Chimney Sweeper
Hawaiian Orchestre – White Birds
Manuel Vallejo – A Mi Mata la Pena
Blind Mamie Forehand – Honey in the Rock
Hiran Ny Tanoran Ny Ntao Lo – Oay Lahy E

“A compilation of international 78's compiled by Ian Nagoski (compiler of the Black Mirror CD on Dust To Digital). 14 amazing songs ranging from Calypso, Indian vocal music, Jewish Cantorals, Native American chants etc.  Co-released by Canary Records.” – Mississippi.  Very nicely done with excellent notes by Nagoski, whose work I’ve greatly admired since his stint writing for Halana back in yonder days.