Latest articles by Charles Shaar Murray
The Stevie Ray Vaughan albums you should definitely listen to
Stevie Ray Baughan hot-wired the 80s blues revival and launched a new generation of players
Led Zeppelin, Memphis Minnie, and the levee that broke
How Led Zeppelin turned an obscure 1929 recording from Memphis Minnie into an epic rock monolith
The 10 best Jimi Hendrix songs released after his death
Jimi Hendrix released just three studio albums and one live album in his lifetime. These are the 10 best songs from his posthumous albums
Dr John: a guide to his best albums
Gris-gris or gumbo? Voodoo priest or piano-tickling new orleans R&B guru? Where to start with the music of Dr John…
Howlin' Wolf Vs The Doors - who sang Back Door Man best?
A ribald number that Willie Dixon wrote for Howlin’ Wolf, covered by The Doors at their most seamy and sinful. But which version’s better?
Which is better: Son House's Death Letter or The White Stripes version?
A heartbreaking story of love and loss written in 1930 by ex-convict Son House, Death Letter was covered by alternative scenesters The White Stripes. But who did it best?
Etta James: Buyer's Guide
From teenage R&B prodigy to Matriarch Of The Blues, this deep soul diva’s output was passionate, wounded and raunchy.
Muddy Waters: Life After Chess
Cut loose from Chess Records, Muddy Waters teamed up with Johnny Winter for Hard Again, the first in a trio of albums that served as the Hoochie Coochie Man’s brilliant final flourish.
Can there be such a thing as ‘real blues’ in the 21st century?
Half a century on from the British blues boom, can authenticity still exist on the scene?
Albert Collins Buyer's Guide
Master of the Telecaster, The Iceman: Albert Collins was the blues bruiser with the huge frosty tone and a big warm heart to match.
Robert Cray: President Obama's Favourite Bluesman
Robert Cray brought the blues to the MTV generation – including Barack Obama – and redefined the notion of stardom.
Albert King Buyer's Guide
Needlepoint clarity meets bulldozer power: acquaint yourself with the songs of the meanest, nastiest and funkiest of the Three Kings.
Buddy Guy: How I Lived The Blues
Buddy Guy's 17 albums have made him a blues legend, but he came from humble beginnings in rural Louisiana. Here he looks back on a life making up for lost time.
Jimi Hendrix - Jimi: All Is By My Side by John Ridley
Baffling biopic with a solid central performance and... well, not much else.
Cuttin' Heads: Motor City Is Burning
One great song. Two great versions. Which is best?
Michael Chapman: The Things That I Used To Do
Have you looked at your baby pictures lately? Michael Chapman has been going back to his roots, and invites you to do likewise...
David Bowie: The Next Day
With people expecting nothing, Bowie blind-sides with his best album in almost 20 years.
