Slim Harpo – Tip On In –Ace CDCHD 606

Sit back, slip this one in your CD player, and revel in 25 of the best swamp blues tracks ever created! 

This 1996 Ace collection may not have many of the songs most closely aligned with Harpo such as “Baby Scratch My Back,” “I’m A King Bee,” “Rainin’ In My Heart,” “Late Last Night,” “Don’t Start Cryin’ Now,” and “Little Queen Bee,” but that’s exactly what makes this compilation so incredibly satisfying! 

All of the selections here were recorded over a very busy 1967-1969 period, and the stunning work here stands up extremely well to Harpo’s earlier halcyon days.  To this reviewer, these tunes, with Harpo’s mesmerizing pulsating vibrato-laced guitar, laidback slurred vocals, and wobbly harmonica flourishes rival any of his “peak” musical compositions.

Harpo’s infectious grooves are unswervingly tasty, making each song unfailingly rich for those who savor the deliciousness of swamp blues and pop.

You are no doubt aware of Harpo’s more commercially available output.  Don’t cheat yourself!  If you’re intoxicated by those creations, you will realize grand joy within these unbeatable songs.

Top shelf, all!

This is an essential document; one your collection would greatly benefit from!