VA - Memphis Blues Bands And Singers: The 1980's (2001/2020)

This is the final disc in a 20-volume series of discs released on the High Water label, which was actually established for this purpose by the University of Memphis. As a tool for scholarly research, this disc is quite valuable but as a listening experience it leaves quite a bit to be desired. Those who weren't participants in the Memphis blues scene of the 1980s can draw a couple of conclusions from this compilation: many of the bands on the scene at that time weren't terribly good, and none apparently had access to good recording facilities. The first few tracks (by the Fieldstones and Little Applewhite) are especially poorly recorded, and sound dull and muted. They're also among the least inspired songs on the album. The Hollywood All Stars manage to cut through the sonic murk with such biting performances as "Long Way from Home" and a fun instrumental rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In," not to mention the brightly rocking "Mary Jo." But things don't really pick up again until the Blues Busters come in with the nicely arranged and powerfully performed "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson." But all of the artists sound like they're fighting to be heard from underneath the sonic wet blanket that covers even the most exciting songs. Recommended for academic purposes only.