ALL THAT MEAT AND SOME POTATOES: A CRISPY GUIDE TO CLASSIC BLUES
When I was asked recently for a list of the 25 best blues songs ever written, I got a headache and went to bed. When I woke up, I couldn't tell if it was day or night *, because it was so cloudy. So, 'day' it is, I guess, because of the clouds. And then my stomach hurt. And then the library called to say that I had SEVEN overdue books! What was on TV? Darryl Hannah in 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.' And then I felt as though there was no way that I could possibly list the 25 best blues songs ever written because: 1) I couldn't think of that many and /or 2) It also seems hard to limit it to just 25–there really are some terrific blues songs out there! and 3) What do I know? My father used to say to me, "Son, I am proud of you. You're intelligent, talented, thoughtful, and considerate. The day that you were born was the happiest day of my life. Your mother and I sometimes say that we wish we had ten just like you! Still, I've gotta be frank with you: when it comes to the blues, you don't know diddly."
Which made me think of Howlin' Wolf. I wonder if he was ever Howling Wolf. They're both interesting names. And "Wang Dang Doodle" is quite beautiful.
And I never knew what the 'Dang' was doing in the middle of 'Wang' and 'Doodle.' I'm not even sure what they are all doing there in the first place. And still, it wants a 'Diddle.'
And when someone asked me why I laugh when I hear Fats Waller say "All that meat and no potatoes" all I can say is "I have no idea" or "I can't tell you right now I will tell you later."
And then there was the problem with Earl Hines. Is it Earl 'Fatha' Hines or Earl 'Fathah' Hines. Also, does that mean 'fatha' like 'father' or like 'farther' as in 'farther away' because he didn't want to be close to something, although I didn't know what that might be.
And did Blind Boy Fuller fall out a window? No. You're thinking of Sonny Boy Williamson and the ice pick thing.
And Blind Boy Fuller could rattle to the left, AND rattle to the right. And then he would come in through the back door.
And Muddy Waters could read stop signs.
And where's Blind Lemon Jefferson? Oh, he's around here somewhere.
In conclusion, here is my list of the 25 best blues songs ever written. Please note that some of them aren't really blues songs, and, if you listen closely, you can hear the voice of Maurice Chevalier in some of the others.
* 'Love Potion #9' is not, by definition, a blues number.
® mr. crispy flotilla, 2007
Which made me think of Howlin' Wolf. I wonder if he was ever Howling Wolf. They're both interesting names. And "Wang Dang Doodle" is quite beautiful.
And I never knew what the 'Dang' was doing in the middle of 'Wang' and 'Doodle.' I'm not even sure what they are all doing there in the first place. And still, it wants a 'Diddle.'
And when someone asked me why I laugh when I hear Fats Waller say "All that meat and no potatoes" all I can say is "I have no idea" or "I can't tell you right now I will tell you later."
And then there was the problem with Earl Hines. Is it Earl 'Fatha' Hines or Earl 'Fathah' Hines. Also, does that mean 'fatha' like 'father' or like 'farther' as in 'farther away' because he didn't want to be close to something, although I didn't know what that might be.
And did Blind Boy Fuller fall out a window? No. You're thinking of Sonny Boy Williamson and the ice pick thing.
And Blind Boy Fuller could rattle to the left, AND rattle to the right. And then he would come in through the back door.
And Muddy Waters could read stop signs.
And where's Blind Lemon Jefferson? Oh, he's around here somewhere.
In conclusion, here is my list of the 25 best blues songs ever written. Please note that some of them aren't really blues songs, and, if you listen closely, you can hear the voice of Maurice Chevalier in some of the others.
* 'Love Potion #9' is not, by definition, a blues number.
® mr. crispy flotilla, 2007
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