From the moment I first heard this song it held me captive.
It is not exactly Hooker’s most celebrated song… and it wouldn’t automatically jump to mind when selecting a best of for the blues great. But this song just has something you don’t always get with the hits.
It touches on the darkest, most brooding, deep, filthy blues sounds that you’d imagine getting from a tin-can amplifier plugged into a wall of some half empty watering hole. It is a sound that features strongly on Serve You Right To Suffer (1966) the album from which this track is taken.
The combination of wandering blues guitar and that inimitable voice is something to be cherished. All backed up by a menacing rhythm guitar that dances in and out of a drizzling, repetitive chord.
I still don’t know why this song, rather than the many other great JL Hooker songs in existence, takes such a strong grip on my brain. I felt it was worth sharing, maybe it will do the same for you.
Have a listen.