Controversial Negro

About

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosions always played with punk-like energy and irreverence while channeling the wilder side of the blues. Their snarling, give-no-quarter attack made them a divisive band among fans and purists. But there is no mistaking the conviction behind this relentless live attack, recorded at Tucson’s Hotel Congress in 1996. This 29-cut expansion makes the power of their approach even more pronounced, as there is no moment to relax. Fan favorites such as “Bellbottoms” and “Afro” line up well against “R.L. Got Soul” and “F**k S**t Up.” The band courted controversy at every turn. They were never afraid to exploit whatever sensationalist edge they could manage. Blues purists might sputter at the raucous grooves of “Blues X Man” and some of the audience banter is pretty wild. The sound quality is raw and bootleg-like compared to the slick live albums often prepared for such occasions. Even a track named “The Vacuum of Loneliness” sounds like a deliciously fractured take on a broken heart. Not for the faint of heart.

via Apple Music