Albert King

As part of the Stax Profiles series, blues guitarist Albert King is spotlighted with material recorded in the late '60s and early '70s for the Memphis-based label. Since this midline compilation only contains 11 cuts, it's easy to dwell on what was left off. For instance, where is "Laundromat Blues," "Cross Cut Saw," "The Hunter," "Blues Power," "Phone Booth," or "Personal Manager"? Gathering the hits wasn't what Fantasy Records executive and Albert King fanatic Bill Belmont had in mind when selecting these tracks. Although previously released, a few of these cuts are slightly different or expanded, such as the full-length "I'll Play the Blues for You, Pts. 1-2" backed by the Bar-Kays; a live version of "Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong" recorded at the Fillmore Auditorium in 1968; and "She Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride," a track popularized by the Blues Brothers, who introduced it to a younger audience. Without a doubt, the main jewel of this set is the previously unreleased version of "Born Under a Bad Sign" recorded on December 6, 1983, and featuring King disciple and then up-and-coming guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. For whatever reason, this version was left off the King/Vaughan collaboration In Session. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide