No. 38: The Anthology (1947-1972)

Band: Muddy Waters
Album: The Anthology (1947-1972)
Why Rolling Stone gets it right: In the same way the standard blues of Robert Johnson was important, Muddy Waters' "Chicago blues" style of music was the next step in the creation of rock and roll. Just the insertion of phrase "Rolling Stone" into music terminology was Waters' creation.
Why Rolling Stone gets it wrong: I imagine this should be higher. The songs on the compilation just ooze rock and roll. Some of them have truly become rock standards ("I Just Want To Make Love To You," "Mannish Boy" and "Hoochie Coochie Man").
Best song: I like "You Shook Me," "Gypsy Woman" and "Got My Mojo Working."
Worst song: Some of the stuff gets repetitive, but -- like Chuck Berry -- none of the songs are bad, per se.
Is it awesome?: Yes. Ten times over.

Muddy Waters is one of the most important musicians in rock and roll history. Unlike Robert Johnson before him, Waters was around for a while and was able to enjoy some level of success during his lifetime, but, more importantly, more of him was caught on tape.

This anthology puts together 51 of his greatest songs. So many of the records you know have a sound based on the Chicago blues. The Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Animals, most metal, etc. It all comes from Waters.

Hell, just look at the songs that've been covered by other artists. "Trouble No More," "Gypsy Woman," "Got My Mojo Working," "Baby, Please Don't Go," "Mannish Boy," "Walkin' Blues" and "I Just Want To Make Love To You" have been covered by bands such as Van Morrison, Ted Nugent, Lou Rawls, The Righteous Brothers, The Grateful Dead, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Foghat.

Anyway, not to sound like a salesman, but you should buy this record today. It's a landmark collection of songs that changed the face of popular music.