POPA CHUBBY

ESSENTIAL

2011-03-07

This 16 song set features cuts from eight of the 10 discs that Popa Chubby has cut for the Blind Pig label. As is to be expected from an “essential” collection, many of Chubby’s signature tunes make an appearance including "Daddy Played the Guitar and Mama Was a Disco Queen", "How’d a White Boy Get the Blues", "Sweet Goddess of Love & Beer", "Slide Devil Man Slide" and his roaring live version of the Hendrix classic, "Hey Joe". While most know of Chubby’s incendiary electric guitar work this set also showcases his ability to craft songs such as "Like the Buddha Do" and "Back in My Baby’s Arms" that in a fair world would find their way onto mainstream radio with their friendly pop hooks. Those that haven’t gotten past Chubby’s tattooed bad boy image and the party-hearty titles of some of his biggest tunes will be surprised to discover that he also has the ability to be downright serious as on his cover of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" and even good heartedly playful as revealed on the Carter family classic "Keep on the Sunnyside of Life" which he wrests from its bluegrass roots and turns into a rock anthem. With so many great songs to his credit it is easy to quibble with what was left off this release but the solid line up that does appear will hopefully send newcomers to the source discs to see what they are missing. Fans will simply enjoy this as a one stop tour of some great musical moments. Smitty