Raw, earthy and hip-grindingly lubricous, Mannish Boy epitomises Muddy Waters' own vodoo-infused band of Windy City electric blues. The record--the foundation of modern rock music and inspiration for the '60s British blues boom-- begins with an exultant whoop followed by Waters' gravelled vocal over a monolithic blues riff,"I'm a hoochie coochie man," Waters hollers and no one would doubt him. Flip it over and you've got another classic: Young Fashioned Ways. As potent as the day it was recorded.
Availability: The Anthology Universal CD
57. ROY ORBISON: Oh Pretty Woman/ Yo Te Amo Maria (1964)
It's those silly little details that stick in the head and define the greatest records. That crawling bass-line, that sausy growl, the wide-eyed gasp of "mercy", all contribute to a cinematic vision of loveliness walking down the street. The bid O seals it with his resonant, melancholic voice launching fearlessly into a compelling chorus. It defies you not to sing along and carries a timelessness that will surely make it a hit of TV ads, soundtracks and karaoke nights forever. Orbison wrote it for his wife Claudette, and like the B-side, ( I Love You Maria ), adapted it from and old Mexican tune.
Availability: The Very Best Of Roy Orbison Virgin CD
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