Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
I made you wait a little longer for this week’s Blues Power Rankings so I’ve made this week’s edition an expanded edition, taking a look at what’s hot in the blues world at radio and retail. Early on with the Blues Power Rankings I was including Billboard’s Blues Albums sales charts but that fell by the wayside, until now.
Let’s begin with those sales figures from Billboard, where Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s Live! in Chicago is #1. I know a few KWS songs and I don’t buy music for my collection based on chart position but in an effort to stay up with the blues scene for the writing gig I sometimes roll the dice on albums other blues listeners are digging. I haven’t jumped on this yet but it’s under consideration. I’m glad to see Bettye LaVette’s Interpretations continuing to find its ways into the hands of music listeners along with Jonny Lang’s Ryman live album. As you all know by now, I’m a big fan of Charlie Musselwhite’s The Well and am glad to see it back in the chart this week as well.
Buddy Guy’s Living Proof doesn’t hit the streets until 10/26. I’ve pre-ordered it because the Advance Fairy didn’t get one in my mailbox early. It’s very sad but Tuesday is just around the corner and I’m eager to hear more from BG. Expect to see it charge higher up the Billboard and Roots Music Reports chart. Also be on the lookout for the Blogcritics interview with Buddy Guy from BC Asst. Music Editor Sir Donald of Gibson.
Here’s the Billboard Top 10. Continue on with me below for a look at what’s happening at blues radio.
Billboard Blues Albums – Week of Oct. 30, 2010
- Live! In Chicago – Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
- Icon: Etta James – Etta James
- Memphis Blues – Cyndi Lauper
- Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook – Bettye LaVette
- Roadsongs – The Derek Trucks Band
- Black Rock – Joe Bonamassa
- BINGO! – The Steve Miller Band
- Living Proof – Buddy Guy
- The Well – Charlie Musselwhite
- Live At The Ryman – Jonny Lang
James “Superharp” Cotton has reclaimed the top spot this week, unseating Charlie Musselwhite. Robin Rogers still hasn’t gotten all the way to #1 but she’s continued to be a major force, holding in the Top 5 since her Back In The Fire debuted a few weeks back. Rogers’ labelmate Kenny Neal has also had a strong run since his album was released the same day. Neal is just one of the artists who guests on Joe Louis Walker’s live album, which holds its spot in the Top 10 this week.
So many great records on this chart and I feel I should gush about them all but in many cases I already have. Remember, dear readers, this column does more than report the news. Take a look and you’ll links to reviews I’ve written of many of the albums you see on the charts. I’ve yet to accomplish my goal of having a week where I’ve reviewed them all but the work continues. Peruse the list and get an in-depth look at these albums.
Blues Radio Airplay Rankings / Roots Music Report
- James Cotton – Giant
- Robin Rogers – Back In The Fire
- Kenny Neal – Hooked On Your Love
- Charlie Musselwhite – The Well
- Elvin Bishop – Red Dog Speaks
- Joe Louis Walker – Live On The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
- Albert Castiglia – Keepin On
- The Robert Cray Band – Cookin’ In Mobile
- Davis Coen – Jukebox Classic
- Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters – Spread The Love
- Kirsten Thien – Delicious
- JJ Grey & Mofro – Georgia Warhorse
- Dave Specter – Spectified
- Janiva Magness – The Devil Is An Angel, Too
- Duke Robillard – Passport To The Blues
- Jerome Godboo – Rooting Out My Devils
- Jimmie Vaughan – Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
- Mitch Kashmar & The Pontiax – 100 Miles To Go
- The Derek Trucks Band – Roadsongs
- Lucky Peterson – You Can Always Turn Around
- Eric Clapton – Clapton
- Jay Gaunt – Harmonicopia
- Latvian Blues Band – Unreal
- Steve Miller Band – Bingo!
- Walter Trout – Common Ground
- JW-Jones – Midnight Memphis Sun
- Alabama Mike – Tailor Made Blues
- Shawn Camp – 1994
- Tony Joe White – That On The Road Look – Live
- Otis Taylor – Clovis People, Vol. 3
