Even though I seem to be the only one obsessed with this song, I’m going to keep posting versions of Dying Crapshooter Blues until it becomes the “new” Stagolee. This version was recorded by John Lomax in 1940 on one of his trips to Atlanta. Blind Willie McTell is in fine form here – and he lays claim to writing this song, which is a dubious claim at best – however the lyrics and the story in this version differs significantly from the traditional takes on the song. McTell’s delivery on this song might be the best I’ve heard from him, which is saying a lot as I think he had the best delivery in pre-war blues.

Blind Willie McTell – Dying Crapshooter’s Blues (1940)

If you are looking to donate to a charity this holiday season please consider The Music Maker Foundation – a charity located in North Carolina dedicated to helping blues musicians with living and health care expenses as well as giving them the opportunity to record music. There are several different ways to donate from monthly or quarterly reoccurring to one time donations and it goes to a wonderful cause.

more information here.

By request here are two Dock Boggs recordings from his first two recording sessions in the late 1920s. Boggs recorded a handful of songs in the 20s before the economic times forced him back into the coal mines where he worked most of his life. He would recorded again in the mid 60s for Folkways, a few songs from that sessions are on this website. According to Amazon this disc is now out of print and fetching some crazy prices, so I might upload a few more tracks from to save some folks a few bucks.

Dock Boggs – Hard Luck Blues (1927)
Dock Boggs – Will Sweethearts Know Each Other There? (1929)

Oh Non-Blues Fridays where have you gone?

The Blakes are new fantastic garage rock band hailing from all points of North America – and while they have some of the post-Strokes garage rock world hang-ups they manage to sound fresh and most importantly fun as they plow through their new LP. My favorite track is the lead one which sounds a bit like the Dirtbombs, if the Dirtbomb had covered Sam Cooke. This song is a monster – and guaranteed to get you moving in yr cubicle this Friday morning.

Buy It !

The Blakes – Two Times

“Lord, I’m Troubled About My Soul” is my favorite traditional gospel song, though it does not have a deep recorded tradition as many southern gospel songs. This version is by Lillie Knox who was recorded by John Lomax on one of his Library of Congress field recording trips through South Carolina. Lillie Knox has a incredible voice – and this track recorded acapella is one of the most moving recordings I’ve ever heard.

Lille Knox – I’m Troubled About My Soul (1937)