Although ' was primarily a label, the company dabbled in in the 1960s -- and one of the bluesmen who recorded for was . Recorded in 1960, this -produced session came at a time when was signed to . The last thing wanted to do was emulate 's electric-oriented, very amplified output, which fared well among and audiences. had an acoustic vision for the bluesman, and favors a raw, stripped-down, bare-bones approach -- no electric guitar, no distortion, no singles aimed at . Over the years, fans have debated the merits of his albums. Some much prefer him in an electric setting; others applaud the rural vision that had for him. But, truth be told, both approaches are equally valid. While many of his electric recordings are stunning, he is also well served by the rawness that goes for on . From the sobering (which finds warning that he will shoot anyone who fools around with his wife) to the -themed 's performances are often compelling. Most of the time, he is joined by two musicians, acoustic bassist and drummer , both sidemen at the time. However, the giant is unaccompanied on a few selections, including the autobiographical title song and the overtly political (a passionate endorsement of the Democratic Party). While falls short of essential, it is a solid, rewarding product of 's association with . ~ Alex Henderson