Various Artists – Blues & the Beast – New LP

This Rough Guide captures a whole menagerie of animals, both large and small, which provided the inspiration for many classic early blues recordings. From the mighty alligator to the lowly bedbug, these songs provide an intriguing insight into this weird, wonderful and often hilarious association.

A1 Victoria Spivey– The Alligator Pond Went Dry 2:43

A2 "Funny Papa" Smith*– Howling Wolf Blues - Part 1 2:52

A3 Josh White– Lazy Black Snake Blues 2:53

A4 Ramblin' Thomas– Ground Hog Blues 2:53 

A5 Ma Rainey– Black Cat Hoot Owl Blues 2:32 

A6 Furry Lewis– Mean Old Bedbug Blues 2:45

A7 Memphis Minnie– Frankie Jean (That Trottin' Fool) 2:52

B1 Curley Weaver, Clarence Moore– Wild Cat Kitten 3:15

B2 Blind Lemon Jefferson– Mosquito Moan 3:08

B3 Helen Humes– Alligator Blues 3:00

B4 Barbecue Bob– Black Skunk Blues 3:02

B5 Charley Patton– Mississippi Boweavil Blues 3:07

B6 Birmingham Jug Band– The Wild Cat Squawl