Spider John Koerner - Star Geezer (1996)

American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as guitarist and vocalist for blues trio Koerner, Ray & Glover. Born August 31, 1938, Rochester, New York; currently lives in Minneapolis.

Folks won't be piling out in droves to buy a disc of a middle class guy singing the blues, even if it's old Spider John, the man who influenced so many back in the '60s. But they should. You want to hear where David Lindley got his ideas? Or Bonnie Raitt? You want to hear American traditional tunes, blues, and folk all mixed up with a New Orleans second-line rhythm section? Then you need this. You won't find many like Koerner, with not just a feel for the music, but with the music pulsing through his brains. What comes out on this record is every bit as natural as breathing, perfect as anything you'll hear this year. It's unassuming, enjoyable, and so American that you could run it up next to the flag on July 4th. So go on, you bastards, check your wallets and head out. You won't regret it. --Chris Nickson