Curated and compiled by
the Rolling Stones
in conjunction with
BMG
and
Universal
, the double-disc collection
Confessin' the Blues
is designed as a benefit for Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, but for most listeners it'll be an excellent primer on the blues. The 42-track collection leans heavily on electric blues, particularly blues that came out of Chicago, but that's not a big surprise coming from
the Stones
. Then again,
isn't meant to surprise, nor is it designed for blues connoisseurs. Instead, it's a way of spreading the gospel of
Muddy Waters
,
Howlin' Wolf
Little Walter
Slim Harpo
Magic Sam
Jimmy Reed
, and
Robert Johnson
, along with several other names of that caliber. For neophytes, this thoughtful collection of blues giants is bound to spark a long love affair with the blues. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine