VARIOUS ARTISTS – THE ROOTS OF NICK CAVE
One of a series of The Roots of… albums that includes Gram Parson, The Byrds and The White Stripes, this “mixed tape” collections throws up few surprises, but plenty of old gems that you might have trouble otherwise locating. In Nick’s case you won’t be shocked to hear that six tracks in and we have heard from Elvis, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Gene Vincent and John Lee Hooker. Plenty of gospel, a touch of foot stomping blues and the odd murder ballad – sound familiar? Highlights are Leadbelly’s foot-tapping, blues-swinging Bottle Up and Go, The Alabama Singers gospel of Jesus met the Woman at the Well and the closing John the Revelator; while I can always make time to hear Black Betty once more. The sound of these originals lacks at times, there doesn’t appear to have been much re-mastering going on, but if you can get past the fact these tracks are more His Master’s Voice than Ipod, then there is plenty of joy for your Shuffle.
*** 1/2
