Customer Reviews
Absurd - By: Ms. Cj Glover, 02 Aug 2008 
I have not bought this album & the reason why is that Robert Johnson recorded 29 songs not 28 & for some absurd reason they have not included "Last Fair Deal" on this supposed "complete" collection. Therefore I advise anyone wishing to buy Robert Johnson recordings to get a real complete recordings instead of this sadly incomplete one.
Interesting - By: Brian O'Hanrahanrahan, 11 Mar 2007 
There is no doubting that Robert Johnson is one of the most influential musicians ever - Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Dylan etc have alll acknowledged his influence, but don't be expecting a work of art when you buy this CD. Because it isn't. As a historical document (trying not to sound too pretentious here) it is excellent. Johnson was a very troubled man, as you can tell by his lyrics ('Hellhound On My Trail' is probably about an angry husband chasing him).
You may recognise some of the songs here. 'Cross Road Blues' was covered by Cream (as 'Crossroads') & Led Zeppelin used the lyrics on 'Travelling Riverside Blues' on 'The Lemon Song'. Johnson was a very original man, a very talented man, & there's a chance that he'd still be alive today if he hadn't been murdered, but if you are into the blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore etc, then don't expect this to hold a candle to them.
R.I.P.
Legendary - By: Spider Monkey, 24 Feb 2007 
Robert Johnson has inspired so many artists, it would be remiss to not have him in your collection. The recordings are a little dated, but it takes nothing away from the rawness of the music & the story telling in the lyrics. You can hear that Clapton, Jimmy Page & the Stones have been influenced by this artist more than any other when they perform their blues & rock music. The way he plays guitar will leave you breathless as you try to work out how he plays so many notes, accompanying himself, whilst sounding so spare & raw. You have a version of each recording he put out, in one package. If you desire alternative takes try the complete recordings CD which has an excellent booklet. This is not always an easy listen, but it is always a rewarding one!
The Review Blues - By: McDravid, 13 Jun 2006 If I was Robert Johnson I could write a song about how difficult it is to write a review of this classic. Ordinary tributes like 'amazing' 'awesome' 'brilliant' don't reallly do any justice to him. This man didn't invent the Blues, the Blues invented him, & it made just a one-off. As soon as you soak up the songs & his style, you realise just how much he has influenced almost every branch of modern 'popular' music (as opposed to heavyweight classical) - blues, country, rock, soul, Tamla, even jazz, & a host of others. Even bands & individuals who have not been influenced directly, & there are many, will have been influenced by people who have been influenced, if you see what I mean.
It's great music, so prepare to be influenced.
A philosophical argument might also run: You like Clapton (the blues Clapton not the Phil Collins Clapton), Clapton worships Johnson, so you'll like Johnson.
Whatever your taste in music, just buy this one. - By: Alan Burridge, 05 Jun 2006 When I consider Cream & Led Zeppelin (and others) were playing their updated versions of this man's songs in the 60's, & it takes me 40 years to buy the album to find out why, I am thoroughly ashamed of myself not only for not doing so before, but also for admitting it. Why didn't I have the sense to get this album, on vinyl, years ago? No, I'm not being trendy simply because Eric Clapton has recorded an album titled 'Me And Robert Johnson,' yet if I am, maybe it's due to the Cream Albert Halll reunion DVD from last year more than anything else. More than a few times friends & even family have recommended THE Robert Johnson album, & I was & have been too darned stupid to take heed of their words, so if you're considering buying it, be wise BEFORE the event rather than after it, like me, & BUY IT NOW! Don't wait 40 years like this fool did! Your life will be so much richer for it, believe me! Within these 29 tracks you have everything popular music is today, & whether they care to admit it or not, & even if they have never heard this album, EVERY band who has ever walked onstage anywhere in this world owes Robert Johnson, & his influence is within THEIR songs. And considering the tracks were recorded in the corner of a room with one microphone, damn, they're good. Maybe this is what scared me away? I thought 70 year old recordings would be naff, but far from it. Now, no more pondering, just click the 'Buy Now' button!!!
