House of the Blues

Recorded in Chicago in April 1951 and Detroit in April 1952, these twelve songs are foundational in Hooker’s labyrinthine discography. The recordings are simple to the point of being unfinished, and electrifying to the point where the listener feels implicated in their violent rhythms. Accompanied occasionally by Eddie Kirkland on second guitar and vocals and more rarely by Bob Thurman on piano, Hooker’s one consistent companion is peg-leg stomp of his own boot heel. The tension in these songs is between the low, seductive growl of Hooker’s voice, the whiplash impact of his electric guitar, and the undying thump of that boot heel. Even with such simple ingredients, each piece manifests its own distinct atmosphere. “Ground Hog Blues” is taut and sleek, while “Louise” is queasy and frayed. Duetting with Kirkland on “Walkin’ the Boogie,” Hooker presents an evil Detroit echo of the close harmonies of the Everly Brothers. The songs are at once timeless and very time specific — few recordings can bring to life the Motor City’s postwar ghetto like “Ramblin’ by Myself.” Each recording offers within it a deep tissue massage and a vicious smack across the listener jaw.