AMG Review of Essential Boss Man: The Very Best of the Vee-Jay Years, 1953-1966

All Music Guide

Charley's Essential Boss Man highlights 75 recordings made by Jimmy Reed for Vee Jay Records between 1953 and 1966, including all of his Top Ten R&B chart-topping tracks. Bear in mind that this material has been reissued a zillion times over the years so there is nothing here the collector doesn't already own in spades. Still, you can't argue with such timeless classics as "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby," "You've Got Me Dizzy," "Honest I Do," "Bright Lights, Big City," "I'm Gonna Get My Baby" and "Baby What Do You Want Me to Do." The packaging on this set is highlighted by a 24-page booklet and numerous photos plus informative liner notes by blues scholar Les Fancourt. Even though this is a solid collection, the casual listener should first investigate Rhino's 17-track compilation Blues Masters: The Very Best of Jimmy Reed, Rovi